Commercial.

GbRALDINB STOCK SALE. *»»■' ' ~" Messrs Mallng atd Shal'orsss held a very succsssfal horse sale at Geraldine on lhur*. day, when there was a good attendance of buyers. The roads were so bad that quite a Chapter of aocidents happened to horses on their way In to the sale. A horse owned by Mr 3 Cain, of Kakahu, slipped on the Pleas ant Talley road and broke its neck. The animrl was valued at about £7, Another horse fell and broke a leg and had to be shot while another fell and broke its knees. Deir pits the dangers of the road there was an carry of 56 horses of all sorts whioh sold »t th* following pries -.-Draught*, £25, £27, £30, £52, £34 £3510s ; aged draughts £11, £12 10s, £18, 019, £14 Ms j 'Wing cart horses. £20 10a, £23. £20. to £26 ; hacks, £11, £13, £14, £1410-, m, tp £20; aged weeds, hacks, £5 to £5 10s.

BIRTH.

FniiDtAHBM-Ab «• ToleoW Wills Street. Athburtoo, on July B^n, 1901, *he wife cf Moriiz BVtodhnfflag of a ■ Hi

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, JULY 8, 1901.

Wjt have given fall reports of the Borawgh School Bobby Show because, apart fro** our desire that the generous efforts of its promoters should be crowned with success) are recognised that this exhibition was fit * highly educative character. It may ft* assumed that tbe primary object ot those who arrange! this display m entertainment was to raise fundi for the benefit of the pupila of the school, and as it is proposed that amongst fitfeor things a school library shall be eatablishedWthj* primary object well deserved pnblifis sopparjt- But no person who visited the school wfcile thp Show

iwas open could have failed to' aae what an admirable effect the " Hobby ghow" mult havo upon tht yoiog

people of this town and district; Pais* ing over the excellent exhibition of art, many of the specimen? being the work of r cognised rattens and o!h rs of local artiste, being promising examples of what is possible with application and intelligence, what a mass of information conld be gathered from the collection of objects exhibited in the »Art Gallery/ The wonders of the land and sea, mementos of great historic events, specimens of the latest inven tions, and a hundred other things which were object lessons in themselves. Viewed from an educative standpoint therefore, we think the recent exhibi tion in the Borough Schcol was one whioh cannot fail to have a value far greater to the rising generation than the mere financial success which attended it. In this connection we are prompted to suggest that, seeing what an unexpected wealth of historic relics and workf of art tbi* Show has brought to light, it might be worth while trying to establish a small museum in our town. There are hundreds of children—in the country districts especially—who have never had an opportunity of visiting the Christchurch or any other museum, and possibly may never have the chance of doing so. That it would be quite possible for the people of this county to collect a sufficient number of exhibits to make a vary creditable exhibition in Ashburton, tha lata Hobby Show proves, We believe that there will be a spare room in the Municipal buildings suitable for the purpose, and if the Borough Council j could see its way to combine in supporting something of the kind we have suggested, we have no donbt that the step would meet with public approval, and would probably receive substantial financial support from outside. We have reason to believe that there are many ladies and gentlemen amongst us who would willingly contribute historic relics, curios, and specimens of art and of industrial progress to inaugurate the step we have suggested. If we mistake ncft more than one town in New Zealand have already taken action in establishing local museums, and there is no reason why Ashburton should be behind. We shall always advocate looking forward to the time which mist come, when our town will possess a population far 1 in excess of its present one. We should not then be always depending upon ottr neighbours.

We have occasionally bad to differ from tbe public utterances of Mr G. W, Leadley, tbe late President cf the Ashburton A, and P. Association, but only on minor matters. We find our selves generally in accord with bim on questions of importance to the bulk of the inhabitants of this county; For instance, we thoroughly agree with his remarks on the industrial outiopk made afc the annual meeting of the Association last week. The whole of Mr Jfaadlcy's address is well worth the Icarefai attention of every man and wfowan in this county, or in all the agricultural districts of New Zealand— flor that mattfr. Wp strongly recommer/d every farmpr in the c -tinty to read it care fully. It will be found published in fall in our issue of the 4th inst. We have no hesitation in Baying tljtat if the electors of the rural district^ of New Zealand had given political/ and eco nomic matters as much attention ai Mr Li>adley seems to have don«,\ it would be a good deal better for the future of this country. And yet fhn lata President of the A; and P. Atloelatlon has not gone into any elaborate fiscal calculations or speculated s;ion nay remote possibilities. He has' simply brushed away from the picture of the colony's position tbe dust which tbe men who are responsible for it have cast over everything, and into the eyes of the people. He shewed by the stern logic of facts, that, nothwith standing the high rate of wages which recant legislation has brought about, the workers ars not nearly so well off as they were years ago when wages were less, and our vaunted "labour legislation" had not been forced apon the country. What can more clearly demonstrate this than the figures quoted by Mr Leadley. He showed that everything we have to purchase haa been raised in price,, while on the other hand every, thing we have to sell (with the single exception perhaps of fat lambs) has been largely reduced in value. . ; . And he goes on to say. fin my own district, land tax values have been in creased last year to the extent of nearly thirty thousand pounds, and I ask has the productive value of the land been increased to anything like an equal amount! Has it not rather been I largely decreased? Ab a matter of fact recent sales of good agricultural farms •how a reduction of over four pounds per acre in market value as compared With prises obtained for similar land two years ago." Referring to the effect of Labour legislation, and the influence of Trade Union ism on the agricultural and pa&~ fcoral industries, Mr Leadley said s—

•'We as farmers have no voice in fixing the values of our own products, We must enter with our products the markets of the world ; whs re we must compete with the whole world No Arbitration Court can help w, or raise the remuneration for our labor one fraction, On the other hand, all these combinations which hamper trade must necessarily have a most prejudicial effect by forcing up the prits of manufactured goods, and increasing tbe cost of production of natural commo dities. Take an illustration, the blacksmiths found if; necessary last ysar to raise the prioe of horsfljboeing. Jfc now takes neatly »ix bushels of oats to shoe * horse, whereas it mad to only take about three. gvery farmer U this room is carrying about oyer a ton of fheat in the shape of a suit of clothe* ; formerly half a ton woold have been suffi cient, Formerly, two apd »half acres of Wheat would have provided in the past the price of a new double furrow plough > it cow takes six acres to do it $ and this is tbe due all through the piece.'*

No wond'r MrLeadley asks •' wher» in it all going to end ?" The situation is sufficiently serious to demand the earnest consideration of the electors in the rural districts of this country, aud we think they would io well to combine to bring all their representatives into line to resist the growth of those influences, which are so disaatwoaly affecting thsir interests The Agrfeujtnrjil an,d Pastoral Associa tions might reasonably takjpthe initia tive in organising a coab£naJk|cn to work in the direction we have sug gested, and as an introductory step a copy of Mr Lead ley's admirable speech might be forwarded to each Associa tion in the colony with a request, that the petition of. tbe industries connected with the rural diftrietifchouljj be mp?

fully and promptly considered. The operations of Trade Unionism alone are so seriously threatening the agrioaltrj nil hit] pastoral interests, that delay! would be dungeronj to the welfare of I the country These Trade Unions seem so utterly to ignore tbe interests of all the people in this country, who are not (Connected with thfir organisations that no legislation may be expected to emanate from them, but what would be Ito their advantage. All the rest of us may go hang.

Local and General.

Mao BTBHUL—At the Police Courb this morcing, a first offender was convicted and disoharged for drunkenness.

Rotal Commissions-—The report of the Midland Railway Commission has just corns to hand the cost of printing it alone aomoi t0£395.

Thk Byre Elections—The date of the polling for tbe Christchurch and Pate* bye elections, caused- by the renignation« of Mr Charles Lewis and Mr George Hutchison respectively, has been fixed lor Thursday, July 13tb. ■ Nominations olose on Thursday next "

A Cosbkotion—Our report of tbe remarks of Mr X 6 Wright, at the meeting ef tbe County Oounoii oa Friday, in connection with a letter from the Tinwald Town Board, regarding the maintenance of Archibald Street, Tinwald, was not quite correct. He did neb say that road " was in a disgraceful state," bat that the road between Winslow and Windermere was in that ocndltion.

Poß*s*MtJMUw Bai£obs Raw.—Mr A B Falconer, who has Identified himself for many fears with the Port Chalmers Bailor* Rest, has issued a small book entitled "on the Fo'c's'le Head," whioh contains many testimonies by seamen to tho work so ab y o»rrl*d on in connection with that institu tion. We have to thank the author for a oopy of the publication.

Sudden Drum—Mr Qeorge Jadson, a farmer at Rangiora, died suddenly on Sunday morning. He waa a married man, aged 36 years, with four children, and apparently strong and powerful. He went out to water his horses in the morning, and returned to the house, saying that he felt as if he were going to die; and he was dead within a few mhmtee*

Snowballing—We should like everybody who indulges in snowballing (and the writer confesses to being amongst the number) to remember that it is mean and cowardly to snowball people who are not in a position i«v hemifJtolt, An honourable smmf bilbr will Bit take any unfair advantage and women, children, and persons on horse* baok or in vehicles are safe from attack.

3BAKD ENTSRTAifffIfIKT—A notice in ottr advertising columns announces a greab ice oarnival to be held on tbe domain waters tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Plain and fanoy skating, races, dances, and ether sports will make up a capital programme, ttnd refreshments will be available on the ground, A collection will ho taken ap, to provide underelothiog and slippers for destitute patients whilst in the local hospital, and it is hoped that all who attend the carnival will assist to this desirable object, by contri buting: Hospital Concert—A sacred concert was held at tbe local Hospital yesterday, pro moted by tbe Wesley&n choir and friends. The following interesting programme was presented and the various items were greatly aopreciated: -Three Anth^ma by tbe choir. Vocal Br.loa by Misses Alcorn, Collins, Chop man, Piano Soin Miss Or, Clarionet and Cornet Messrs Humphries and Undrtll, Songs by Messrs Grace, Carson, and Purobase. The ■accompaniments were well rendered by Misses Bonnington, Roberts, Fee, and Mr L Owen,

Jce Carnival—A meeting ef bhe Commit tee of the County »k»ting Cub was held on Saturday, and on the motion of MrTennant, ibwasdecidid to hold the ice carnival on Tuesday evening 9th iosb at 3 o'clock, and various sub committees were appointed to look after thn csonsary detail*, including music, refreshments, raoee, darcee, fanoy skating, lighting bonfires, e<c, and a number of collectors were also appointed to canvass for funds at tbe carnival, the pro weds of same io be given to the local Hosp W), From the interest shown, a most suooMuful and -novel functionts promised, pgfcridad 'weather be suitable. KovAty Visit Socvbhib —We have received from the publishers Mesßrs McK.ee and C^mp^ny, Wellington, a copy of an tlhift'rated pamphlet entitled 'The Dake in Boathsrn Isles.' The letterpress and illus trationsare by Mr Malcolm Ross, and some of the photos wer« taken ab the request of the Duchess of Cornwall and York. The pamphlet gives an account of the Bojal visit, from tho landing at Auckland and the *jour throughout tbe . colony, ""til the hstorio le»ve taking off the Kaikourss when the Ophir signalled baok to the Hinemoa, 'We thank you for all your kindness, Kla Ora.' The illustrations snow the decorations and principal functions in the four great centres, and included many happy snapshots of groups in which one or other of tbe Royal couple figure. The pamphleb is on salo at all booksellers at the price of one shi' ling.

Wakanui Band of Hope.

(From Oar Own Correspondent)

A Band of Hope was held in the Wakanul Main School on Tuesday Jaly 2nd, tb being the second meeting of the kind this season. Mr R J Corbett, presi" dent of the Society very appropriately fulfilled the dn'ies of a Chairman After the usual opening ceremonies, the follow ing programe Was submitted, and listened to by an attentive, and appreciative audience i— Recitations were given by Misses Eva Doak, Hpzol Taylor (Ruapuna) Agnes McDowell, Messrs James Painter, Frederick Buterlck, and Master Sydney Smith (Elgin). The Rev Inglis in his kindly and "at home" manner gave a very lengthy address on the " enemy of cleanliness and purity." encouraging the young to take the pledge of abstinence, and thus cultivate the path of righteous' ness. A v*uy welcome item on the programme was a vocal duet by the Misses a and P Corbett. Aftor the u^ual vote of thanks was accorded, a Hymu was then sang out cf the Band of Hope songster. The meeting was then ck'sed by the Rev Inglis pronouncing the Benediction

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press As*oQintinji-«~By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, Jaly 5 Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, in the House of Commons debate on the Sixty Million Loan Bill, said it would be pre mature to fix the Transvaal's contribu tion towards the coit of the war. He approved of Sir David Miller Barbonr's proposal to tax the mining profits, though he had dealt too tenderly with the mines in connection wfth the abor lition of the dynamite monopoly Hundreds at Barkly East have been disfranchised for treason

Ack^rman's commando is in tha neighbourhood of Reddersburg, ragged and t oodles«. The Boers flee whenever they see a cloud of dust, believing it to be the British approaching

Boers wrecked a train at Naboorn sproit, killing an officer and nine Gor don Highlanders

Botha is encamped on the high veldt, east of the springs

Major General Greenfield captured at Hopewell 93 Boers and 56 waggons belonging to Commandant Beyers

Tjoe j^sgalties of the war to the end of June; amounted to 116,719 deaths, 018 missing, and 2083 discharged as unfit for duty

The Plague.

United Press Association—by Eleotrio Telegraph ~ Brisbane, July 6 Lowrie, a wardsman at tbe hospital, has been attacked by plague.

The Royal Title.

United Press Association—B> Electric Telegraph- Copyright London, July 6 The newspapers express satisfaction at Mr Chamberlain's statement with regard to the King's title.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—Ry Rlsotrle Telegraph—Copyright.

EXCESSES OF FRENCH SOL. DIERY Paris, July 6 Le Matin condemns the horrible excesses of the French soldiery in China, and demands an enquiry, and the punishment of the cuipritß. HORRIBLE FATALITY London, July 6 A converter containing several tons ef steel, exploded at Bilston, in Staf fordshire, tbe molten metal flying in all directions. Three men were killed. EAKL RUSSELL'S TRIAL The trial of Earl Russell on a charge of bigamy hits been expedited, and is now fixed fprifjaly 18th: A BOUGH VOYAGE v Vi Sydney, July 6 The barque Ohittoor, on her long passage fiom W* stport, met gale after gale, and took twenty days to get clear of the Straits. She was within a hundred milps of Sydney twelve days ago, but was blown off again. AUSTRALIAN SOVEREIGNS FOR SOUTH AFRICA. Melbourne July 6 An additional 150,000 sovereigns were shipped to South Africa, making the total sent there from Australia since the beginiog of the year 2,200,000. _________

THE ROYAL VISIT

[United Press Association—By Klectric Telegraph - Copyright

Hobart, July 6 The fine weather continues. The Duke reviewed 2000 troops, and leaves to-day for Adelaide. Hobart, July 7 Yesterday the Duke laid tbe foun datum-stone of the new post office. Later in tbe day tbe Ophir and her escorts sailed for Adelaide. Immense crowds gave <*n enthusiastic farewell to thefßoyal party.

BOWLING.

United Press Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, July 6 Th■*, Oresshiil Bowling Club, Glas gow, beat the Australians by 83 points to 62 Received July 8, 9 2 am LoNDosr, Jaly ? Thn New Zealand bowlers defeated the Nurth Kdinhnrgh by 40 to 39 and Elinhurgb defeated the New Z alandnrs by 41 to 39

The British Navy.

DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.

STATEMENT BY THE ADMIEALTY

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph -Copyright London, Jaly 6 Debates on the navy have occurred in both Houses of Parliament. The Earl of Belborne, First Lord of tbe Admiralty, in the House of Lords, and Mr A 0 Arnold-Forster, Secretary to the Admiralty, in tho House of Qota mons, explained that the ' two Powers' standard of strength (the British i»¥y ito equal tbe navies of any other two Powers) would he maintained. It was intended to keep the navy so strong that it would have reasonable certainty of success anywhere. Construction was proceeding rapidly, and by the end of the year three vessela of the Oressy typa, four of the Formidable, and two of the Oanopns, would be completed, while eight more would be finished by the end of next year. The Mediterra nean fleet when on a war footing would be absolutely adequate for aoy task Mr Arthur Forster expressed a hope that some of the great colonies would voluntarily contribute in proportion to ! the benefit they received, bat it was impossible to drive them The general opinion i» that the explanations in regard to the navy are satisfactory, srd ought to allay tbe panic

Lord Selborno and Mr Arnold For ster explained that the new naval programme included three battleships of 16,500 tons, with a speed of eighteen and a half knots, costing £1,500,000 being improved vessels of the Loadon type, armed with four 12in guns, and a secondary armament of 5 2in guns, and ten gin guns. The vessels would be named King Edward, Commonwealth, and Dominion, in recognition of the great military help rendered by the colonies. It was also proposed to build six armoured cruisers of the Monmouth class, of 8900 tons, with a speed of 23 knots, armed with 7 Sin gang, and costing £700,000; besides ten shirty knot destroyers, A scientific equip meat for the supply of shells and the best ammunition was rapidly proceeding. Every flagship, first and second class cruiser, would ha«e Marconi's wireless telegraphic system installed.- Mr Gilbert Parser, M P for Graves end, said the colonies ought to contri bute to the Navy, their share of the world's commerce, though they would expect some form of representation for such payment. Sir Charles Diike hoped a ship would be named New Zealand, The French Press, vriting apropos of the feat of the submarine boat, Gustave Zede,in firing, unperaeived, a dummy torpedo at a battleship, declare that their submarine boats inakethe French Navy the strongest in the world.

News in Brief.

The sale of pianos, organs, *od musical instrument* stilt proceeds as m@.'fily •• over ab the D.I.C. In Tancred Street, the number disposed of to date being 27 Some new models have just; been opened up, including a very fine organ by Wilcox sad White,

Sporting.

V.R.O. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Mmjbotjrnb, July 6 The following is the result of the Grand National Htrj&DLi Pace, 3 miles— Shoddy 1, The Pirate King 2. Caiblneer 3, Record Reign 4. Twenty ones tar ted.

W« regret to learn that Mr Harry Parson's well known mare Gloaming, winner of *cv era! races died on the 29th nib., from infiV mat ion oi the lungs, consequent on an attack of strangles The racing pony Stepaway, by Stepniak —K«ite Greenawny, was shipped to Auckland today.

The Hon Hall-Jones.

On Saturday, Mr Anthony Mills, chairman of Mr Hall Jones's Bleetion Committee, received tbe following telegram from Mr Hall Jones, from Auck'and :—" Your two letters now to hand. I havo "'ready seen the telegraphed report) of >•<-«• interview with a reporter of the Miming Fost, As I have not tendered my resignation, you will recognise there is a misunderstanding some' where. Probably it has occurred through my recent Indisposition, whioh necessitated my leaving Wellington shortly before the opening of Parliament. 1 am glad to say that I am now feeling very much better, and hopo to be back in Wellington on Monday evening. Accept my besb thanks for the kindly interest you have taken in the matter. — With beet wishes—Wm Hall Jonks

Rftferring .to the Preis AsssooUtion telegram of Saturday morning, in wbioh Mr Hall /ones is stated to have referred to an «* alleged interview at Timaru," Mr Anthony Mills writes to the Timaru papers saying that there was no •' alleged interview " with tbe Premier, bub an interview in fact.

Mysterious Disappearance.

Some sensation has been caused by the mynterious disappearance of Charles Parkin son,, coachman to Mr R Heaton Rhodes, member of Parliament for Ellesmere. Aobmg under instructions. Parkinson, on Thursday morning, left Mr Rhodes's resi dec oa at Tai Tapu to bring his pair of carriage horses to town, and ha was then to proceed with them to Wellington by the Tarawera. He got to town all right, and after putting the horses op ab Elmwood he made arrangements for sending the horses both by brain and steamer, and then returned t« Elmwood, apparently to take the horses through to Lyttelton, About 12.30 he was <seen leaving Elmwood without the horses, and from that time all traces of him have been loßt. Parkinson was a single man, about forty five years of age, and had been in the employ of the Rhodes family for many years. He was an exceedingly steady man, and thoroughly trustworthy* He is about sft Bin in height, of rather thin build, rather dark hair, clean sbavod, with the exception of very small side whiskers. He stooped slightly when walking, was dressed in a dark tweed suit and a soft black fele hat. The police have been making (xqulrles since Thersday night, bub so far have heard nothing of the missing man.

The Coronation Oath.

A SYDNEY CLERGYMAN'S VIEW.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-Copyright Sydney, July 8 At the annual Orange celebrations the keynote of the speeches was strong opposition to the alteration of the Cor onation Oath. The Rev E T Dunstan said:—"As soon as you do away with the Oath yon will be called upon to g«t rid of the Protestant succession, and there will be what there is now in Australia — Roman Catholic domin ation. ~ " _

Boer Prisoners at St Helena.

DARIN & ATTEMPT TO FSC&PE

Renters eorreepondent at St Helena writing under a recent date says : " Affairs are very lively at Broadbottom Camp, as in addition to the 300 man of the Gloucestershire Regiment who are already quartered there the Beikshire Regiment and the Yorkshire Light Infantry have also been located at the camp, as well as about 2 000 Boer prisoners, whom they have to guard. Owing to an outbreak pf mumps, the prisoners were kept in quarantine for some time, but all sickness ban now disappeared and large numbers of them have been put on parole since yesterday.

" Considerable stir has been created at Dead wood Camp in consequence of the shooting of a prisoner by one of the sentries. A military inquiry was made into the matter The evidence showed r'aabsome of the prisoners had for several weeks past been in the habit of annoying sentries on duties by throwing ali sorts of missiles at them at night and that they had bsen duly warned against doing so One night, however, a sentry was struck in the face and injured by a rough piece of wood, whereapon the sentry fired and the bullet killed one of tbe Boers

"Great excitement was caused recently by an attempt which was made recently by five of the prisoners to escape from the island Ths facts are as follows : The fisherman ai Sandy Bay which Is situated on the south and windward side of the island, have a very old fishing boat, in which they are afraid to trnsc themselves at a distance of more than one or two miles from the land The prisoners who had obtained a supply of provisions. Mi'zed the boat The fishermen, however, refused bo give op the oars and a struggle batween tbejtwo patties ensued, in which the fisherman gob the upper hand and locked up the oars. The Boers then tore op the bottom boards of tbe boat with the iuteatkm of making oars out of them bat this plan was not successful. Finally they tried to bribe the fishermen, but, failing in this also, they were forced to abandon their projected escape altogether Meanwhile the authorities had been in formed and early on the following morn Ing the men were taken into custody HantEloff, a grandson of Mr Kruger, was the ringleader"

Rangitata Gorge Water Race.

Repairs ro Ifeadtrorks

Mr 0. Napier-Beli's Report to (he A-shburton Council, dated July sth, 1901 :~-

Sib,—ln accordance with your, instructions I arrived here from Hobart on Jane 18tB, and after inspecting the plans and docu ments in your ofSce I proceeded to the Rangitata florge, and made a careful examination of the water race at the head works, and along those parts of it where slipping of *he terrace into the race la giving trouble. I found tbe concrete wall and sluice of tha intake In good order, although all the boulders which had been piled round it had been swept away down the river, and the intake channel from river to sluice was full of sand and gravel. In making the race the boulders and gravel ercavated had been piled on the riverside, these helping to form a barrier to keep the river out of the raoe. This material for five or six chains down from the headwords has been washed away entirely in parts ; in other parts partly car ried away, and an the food was just about the height of the lip of the original excava. tions, there is now nothing to prevent it pouring into the race; again further down the;! race at find about 40 chains below the sluice the food watsr had here poured oub of the race baok into the river (because here the race is highar than the flood level) bursting the original side of the cutting sad washing away the excavated material piled against it. Also from the sluice to 60 chains down, the excavated material piled against the original bank haa been exten sively scoured away, and there were places which looked as if the river bank Itself had been scoured into and disturbed by the late exceptionally high flood. I also inspected those parts of the raoe where the slopes of the terrace are slipping, tha troublesome part being a length of about 60 chains. Here the race Is excavated in the slope of the terrace which lies naturally at inclination of 1£ to 1, which is jaet th slipping angle of loose matetial, and all these slipping slopes ate composed of loose gravel mixed with sand and earth, whioh naturally slip on being disturbed, and will continue to do so until the ground disturbed resumes its slope of H to 1, and herein the difficulty lies of preventing the ground slipping into the raoe Coming baok to the head works, ft is evident that for the first 5 or 10 chains down, the race ici now fully exposed to such another flood pouring into it with destruc tive effects; is also appear* to me that for nearly 40 chains down, the raoe is not safe against ibe attacks <>f many such floods, as I am of opinion that the loose material piled agalnßt the river bank will soon be all swept away, and that the original natural bank will at all times -be ' encroached by the sconr of floods, and be gradually oat out and co endanger the race ; besides whioh for at least 30 chains down there is always the risk of either the flood i breaking through the thin loose partition of tbe lip of the excavation into the raoe, or of the race breaking out through the same into the river ; the fact being that the raoe in this position i;s too near the river for the loose gravelly bunk to afford suflioient pro* tection to it, and unless means are taken to secure this portion of the river bask the race will never be safe. I have very carefully considered how the race may be reinstated and the river baok be secured against the eroding action of floods, and seeing that the race is wanted to be in effectual me for many years to come, it is absolutely necessary that what money it speuti on it in repairs should be quite effectual to ensure its permanent use. The present position of the race close beside tbe river for 50 chains was chosen as a matter of fioonomy, and possibly the danger from ilooda and their slow bat destructive action on the banks was ever looked. Doubtless the number of heavy boulders excavated out of the race and thrown loosely on the river bank was thought to he sufficient protection, bnb boulders of nearly a ton weight were shown to me which the flood had washed away from the bank into nearly the middle of the river. The river back all along this part is sharply curved, co that the floods strike against it with their full force, while the opposite bank, which is convex, is quite undisturbed. Nkw Raoe.—The plats whioh I have prepared show two ways of repairing the race ; one of which i* to out a new raoe further in from the river, whioh leaving the existing race s.t the 9th chain peg would curve round through the swamp at the foot of the terrace, undTre'enter the present raoe at the 45th chain peg, beyond whioh the present raoe is quite safe as fa? at the river is concerned. From the sluice to the 10th chain the [ banks of the existing race on the river side are so broken down and washed away, sod the flood at thin part is so high, and runs so hard that the existing race musb be very strongly protected, and for this purpose I have shown on the plan and estimate for a concrete culvert to be constructed In the race from the sluice to the 10th chain; the race to be filled up over the culvert, and the river side slope of the filling material to be hand pitched with heavy boulders to stop the Baourhig action of floods, and at the 10th chain, a concrete cross wall te be built as shown over the end or mouth of the culvert. From this down to the 45th chain nothing further is required bat to excavate the ditch for the new race, the average depth of which is about 18ft, and I have shown the slopes as $ to I at which this material wili stand well, the new diversion is also plaoed sufficiently far from tbe high slope of the terrace »o avoid all danger of pressure from the terrace slope afleobing the new cutting. The safety and permanence of this diver sion of the raoe is evident at a glance look of the plans, atid if I were left to choose I should prefer this diversion to any ether method of reinstating the damaged head work; but tho cost ef ft has also to be taken into account, and as I am required to show the ohoupest way of repairs, I have made plans and estimate for that alternative purpose. Repairs io Banks or Raob.—The plana show the cheaper way of affecting the neoes sary repairs, which however involves con siderable expense to protect the river bank fram the scouring action of floods, which In my opinion olsrs a standing danger to the existing raoe. For the aamti reasons, as above mentioned, it is also necessary in this case to build a culvert in the race up to about the 9th peg, to build a orosii wall at the 9th peg, and to fill up the race and pitoh the slopes ; so in this respsob tho two projects are the same. From the 10th to the 45th peg the river slope of the race, whioh as may be seen from the cross section on plan herewith, is all too thin and loose to be entirely de pended on to keep high floods from breaking into the raoe, mast be thickened and strengthened iby more filling Said on tbe bank, and as the floods would rapidly wash this new filling away, lb must be protected by some meann, the best ef which would be to protect the entire slopes by hand laid pitching of heavy boulders. This, however, is a costly work, and the same protection may be obtained by building out from the shore into tbe river a succession ef groins, whioh, by checking the onrrenb of floods, would leave the shore with its new filling In comparatively quiet water, and would only cost about half of the cost of pitching the whole length of the slope. These groins musb be very strong to withstand the Hoods, and as boulders large enough to resist the ounrent are scarce, the groins musb be made of bags of boulders enclosed In strong galvanised wire netting, such at ire extensively used In the Otira river and ib Masterton, and other places, and by ipplying to these places, the way of making ;ip such bags of boulders will be supplied? Che plan shows the groins as I propose ihey should be built, and beyond 56 chains tdo nob think any are necessary. Thai the ihore will be protected from the scouring of ioods, and the raoe will be secure from the iver breaking into it, and ff the river never treaks into the raoe, the race will never ireak out into the river, and all will be eeure for bhe futura. Wall at Inimke-I think that a sncess ion of heavy floods will scour out the oundations of the concrete wall at the iuice. At'prenenb nothing has happened nd all is wfe there, but it Should be watohed lid henvy bags cl t>ou!dera or bass of onoreta shoaWl be thrown ia % t the firs* ign of weakness. CrJLVHBf-Aii ihowh on drawing th«

THB ASHBUBfOH GtJABDIAKj: MON^A?, JI7LY g y^



• .NEW ZEALAND I CLOTHING FACTORY. QPEOIAL ATTENTION 18 DIRKOTBD TO OUR TAILORING DEPARTMENT. Fit and Style Guaranteed. Fqual to the Best Ohnstchurch Work, Large Selection of Tw-eHs and Suitings — <n.\. — INSPECTION INVITM). N. 2, CLOTITrNG"FAO'rORy. MlMwramwlw m>M WM i- nwl> glMiagMMi,l,li,llßi^ >Ml i|- I i IMM , W i, MI i mmi,! i tiimi—lll—nf i" r■■ Mini—i-wn* '*• 10TO1N&R [JWTJMMINS TRADING A 8 MITCHELL AND TURNER «—— Fxpimtion [of ?#rm of 1 aitntrsMp—— AND Realisation of the Whole Stock. THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME A J18 s OOO STOOK OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC AT FROM 20 PE«i CENT TO 75 PER OENT REDUCTION. ZZzSale Pr oce6d_ing*zzz: WINTER GOODS, WINTER GOODS. NICHOLAS AND PIOKFOBD have jost received «x s.s Wakafcui aod Paparos, j their Winter Soppiy of WARM SLIPPERS. EVENING SHOES, WALKING SHOES. 80l »TS t Ac j OhtldrM-a Winter Slippers at Bd, lOd, It, 2s 6d, and Ss per pair Ladles' Winter Slippers at Is, la 6d, 2a fed, U 6d, 4s 6d, 5s 6d, 7s 6d, end 8s per pah Gentlemen's at all prices Ala©,—Children's, Ladies, and Gentlemen's Goloshes, Th« B^t Golosh manufactored INSPECTION INVITED; ] NICHOLAS & PJCKFORD, EAST STREET, j mmm _ mtmmiimmmwmmmm^^ BELFAST AND FAIRFIELD FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST ■f7K)B TUBNfP RAPE WDKAT, AND ANY OTHEB CBOP. SPECIAL MANURE can be madu for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. MANURE OAN BE SUPPLIED IN 1 Owt, or 2 Cwt, SACKS Orders received fcjf jriU[B2I>KiAMX>S2B BBO«., XAtttttetiU' DAVIt) THOMAS, OR TMIK £*.». FABMEK» 00-OFKBATIVE OFCANTERBDBY, limited., CANTERBURY FROZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE EXPORT COMPANY. LIMITED. F. WAYMOTJIH Sewtary, iamf—W—WLjmwmm—mmmtm^mmnmum-wii— ' ' __________mi__—_ mm _ m m—i■—«—■ tm—m Q PMNTBSEOORAtOR. J. VV IJjjl/i V and SIGNWRITER ARTISTIC PAPERH^OINGS WAREHOUSE I HAVE to bund—A large quantity of MIRROR GLASS, *hich can to cut to sis® to trait Doors, Looking Glasses, Hhop Windows, etc. I hold a larga Stock of the undermenfoned Goods s~ Wall Paperi Gold Bronzo Enamel Paints Window Glass Gold Paint Terpentine Ornamental Glass Picture Mouldings Mefby. Spirit* Oik and Paint. Scrim Artms 8 Materials Varaisbes Distemper Brashes SOLK AGENH far the Beautiful POMPEII dBOGBATION, saitable for Glass Doom Side Lights, eto. Sample shown on application. Aobnt for HALL'S SANITARY WATER PAINT. lhe Bedrooms of the Old Men's Home have been renovated with the Water Paint, and it bae given entire satisfaction BURNETT STBEBT, Aihbnrton P 0 Box 16, Telephone 65. gg}» JUST IN TIME GUNS. G__m. GUNS. Single and Double Barrel, from 80s to £7 10b CARTRIDGES- "^"IjARTRJDGES. JBlrVi Bine, gmoketegp, and Omrersal j NEW OLUB, NEW RIVAL HORSITCLIPPERS CHEAP AND GOOD. ■W a A TVT f*i YH O (',Orion7'"*Zealandi< and » Scott «w) Regime* jfcLAIl VJ-EiC) Grates, Mantel Piecea, Garden and Carpenters Tools, Lampe, Builders' and Farmshinj- Ironmongery, etc. Kindly Pay Me & Visit, and Save Money. Go meSdins, The People s Ironmonger, Burnett Street, Opposite Arcade



NEW ZKALAND INSURANCE COMPANY { BSTABUBMBD 1859 CAPITAL—ONE MILLION THE Premier and Wealthiest Colonl Company. I Koted for Promptness and Liberality I Paid-up Capital and Reserves," £400,000 Fire and Marine Risks, AUo,— Risks on Growing Crops, Threshing Machines, etc f accepted at lowest current ratr* NICOFL~BE{>. s Agentf JAMES BAKER. FCBNISHIKO WaKEBOESIS, (Havelook Street: TIE guarantees to sell at Ohrlstchmoh prices for Cash or Time Payments. "TUBfin^lAl~ MUTUAL" PBOTIDENT SOCIETY.



NEW ZEALAND BRANCH: Head Office, Custom-home Quay Wellington. LOOAI BoAKI) OF DIBBOTOBS .* Tha Hon, Morgan S. Grace, M.D CM.G., M L.O. (Chairman) The Hon. Charles J. Johnston, M,L»C (Deputy Chairman) Alfred de Bathe Brandon, Eeq. The Hon. Edward Richardson, C.M,G. M.L.C. f ohn Duncan, Esq. MBDIOAI. OIFIOBR Dr. G J« Anßon, M.D., M.R.O. England rpHE Oldest, Wealthiest, and most A Prosperous AtfSIRALAN LIFE OFFICE AND THE LARGEST MUTUAL «>FFICE IN THE BRITISH EMPIRE. The only Mutual Life Office which de- A BONUS EVERY YEAR The Method of Valuation adopted by this Society ia of the most stringent Character, and Ensures a larger Reserve to meet Liabilities than that held by aud other Office in the Australasian Colonies. ACCUMULATED FUND EXCEEDS £16,500,000 (SIXTEEN AND A HALF MILLIONS) STERLING, ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS £2,000,000 (TWO MILLIONS) STERLING. Policies in force 1M.74 SnmAeßured £45,528,09 Cash Bonuses Divided ... £8,815,73 BONUSES. OR«h Bonus for one year, 1899, £508,138 yielding Reversionary Bonuses amount ing to £942,600, after making speols rer*r?ps. Cash BnnusoH declared or last five years over Two Millions, yielding Reversion ary Bonuses exceeding Four Millions. ASSURE YOUR LIFE IW THE M.P, SOCIETY, And Sacnre a BONUS EVERY YE4F. pjcjh'i-bpk of Mm »gi trent—9 Jer Oen On the Total Income. Edwakd W. Lowe, Resident Secretary Branch office— CaHtom House Qu»y, Wellington. Jambs Haih, District Secretary. District Office dral St nan Ghrlatcbureh PRIZE FOWLS FOR~SALE, PUREBRED Indian Game, Minorca , Brown Leghorns, Lnneehans * Pekin Docks; Cockerels fi.i.. a* H G BEKBYMAN THE ASHBUKTOM TRAIN SERVICES Train* e»ve Aahharton dally for— OHRIBTUHUROH—at 7.20 a in, 11am 3.16 p m, 7.5 p m (express) TIM ARU—at 10 55 »m,380 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— CHRISTOHUROH-at 10.45 am, 12.48 p m {express), 8 pm~ TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.67 p m (express) I SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m



WONDERFUL value for little money | at Mkuor's Zealandia Boot Store (



Boab out of »n Increase of His Pension A Mexican war veteran and prominent editor writes : * Seeing the advertisement of of Chamberlains Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Ramedy, I am reminded that m a soldier in Mcx 90 in 47 and 48, I contracted Mexican diarrhoea and this remedy has kept me from getting an increase in my pension for on every renewal a dose of 16 restore! me. II) is unequalled as & quick care for diarrhoea and is pleasant and safe to t»ke, For Bale by Ashbarton Drag Company The Mother's Favorite Ohamberlaina Cough Remedy it the mot' hire favourite, It is pleasant and safe for children to take and always cure*, Ib is intended especially for oohghe. colds, croup and whooping oough, and is the best mcdi* cine made by for these diseases.- There it nob the least danger in giving it to children for ib contains no opium or other injurious drug and may be given as confidently to a babe aa to an adult, For sale by Aihbarton Drug Company Ob ! wh»t would Tommy Atkins do If we had not pulled him through 1 I The colonies have done their best, And ihowed great courage iv the tests. We »H require a little aid. And danger makes us oft afraid ; A cough wont make your health secure, 80 buy some Wood's Grkat Pektebmi CITBR