Mail Notices

Mails clone for the following places an under, subject to the necessary alterations : THUBSDAY, MAY 9 For Northern Ports and West pert, per Tarawera. at 6.30 p xa For Monte Video, Teneriffe, and Uaiisd Kingdom, speciaily ftddies39d eoireepocdencs only, at 6 30 pm FRIDAY, MAY 10 FcirSamoa^Hawaii.FhilippiDeß, Japan, alao United Sbateß, Uanada, etc, United King dom, and UoatiaeDt of Europe, via San Fcanoiaoo (duo London June 9bh), also Australian Colonies {due Sydney May 16th), and South Africa, per Monowai, at 6 30 psn

Commercial.

United! Prosa Association—By Eleotdo Telegraph- Copyrigh*i London, Mny 7 Yesterday's sales wets animated ; merinos ! were hardening, and crosebrods firm. Trie : nnlee included the Titi clip, 6§l. j Wheat—The Gugemhiu'a cargo of Victorian j sold at 30* l|i Sydney, May S Wfcest,ohick,2* 3d to - 444;mitlinp,2ifil | to 2 7^;flo"f£sls9rt£6 s';M'*nitobmu,£l I 5* ti £10 101. Oats, prime Nw Zanlan | feeding, 'B Is 91 to la 10 1, 'C In 4d to Is ! 5d ; milling In 101 to Is 11,1* Rarity, feeding, la lOd tn> Is lid; Heed, 2« 21 Ma; a% pr-m« new, 2i fid, Peai 34dto 3 6d. Bran, 8$ t to 9! ; pollard, 8| l*to 9,1. Potatoes, £3 'o £3 15i». Oaions, Vsotorian prime £9 to £10. New Z<aUnd, prime, £7 Batter- Creamery D|s to 10i ; dairy 7% 1 to 8^; Oheegp, NZ,f 11 to 6'; bacon, 5£ Ito s|i Ham», N Z, B^l to 9d (The above quotations are Uiose ruling between! merohaot and retailer, and do not represent) the slightly lower values obtained by a recognised broker.) Melbourne, May 8 Wheat ia firm at $• 9i to 2s 9£<l; oats, feeding la 6i to Is 7|d } needing Is 8d; Barley, 2> 5d to 3s 3d. Bran and pollard, 11 £d to 11 j I ; potatoes £2 to £3 15j $onionj) £7 to £7 10s /delaidx. May 8 Wheat 2a Si to 2o B|d ; ioar £6 ss; O»t8, Algerian, la 9d to 2- { «tout> 2s 3d to 2s 9d; Br&D and pollard, lO|l

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

On bad Press Anoelftfelen—By Electric Telegraph Chbistchckoh, May 8 At Addington tc-lay there were small anuriea of sheep of all aWses, but cattle aod pigs oame forward Sn large numbers. Oattlb — 221 fab cattle were yarded, lariudUog a fair proportloo of good steers and heifers. The market was a little irregular, bat prime sorbs held their own; others a little easier^ Extra prime beef brought) 22s per 1001 b, good 20a to 21s 6d, other l?n to 19 ; best ateen £3 bo £1017s 6d, lighter £5 1?« 6d ie> £7 10b ; best heifer* £7 10s to £8 12i 6<i, lighter £5 5s to £7 J prlmt oowi £6 15a ■to £8, others £4 15a to £6. The store cattle numbered 200, including lines from Nelson, and prices were easier. Three year old aceara were passed at £6 10s, and sold ab £5 15s, two year old steers were sold at £3 7s, three year old heifers £3 11s to £3 16s, two jnsar old heifers £3 5« to £3 7a, eighteen months old c&tiile £1 ils fco £1 14*. Sheep.—The yarding of fat sheep totalled aader 2000, mostly $?ime ewes, with a few lines of wethers. The fihoyb supply caused a brisk sale and improved prioes for ewes. Good wethers sold at 16s to IBi &d, others 14i Id to 15s 6d; extra prime awes 17a 6d to 19 , good 14a to 17?» inferior lla 65 fco 13» 6d; merino wethers 10d 3d to 10s Hi. Fat Jamb?—66o were yarded, all of poor quality, baft there was a pood sale considering the scarcity o| good staff Freezers 13s to 14s iOd, em*ll lota of j batchers' sorts 10a 9d to 13s 6d. Store aheep—s6oo came forward, and there wat a better sale, especially for lambs. Wethers 14s 9J to 15i £H, 770 were paased at 15s 9d, young eweg 14a 8(3, aged 7s, 570 four and mx toofche were passed at 13s 9d t lambi fya Si to 12a, aged merino awessa Sd. j Pios—About bOO of all olascss were m over supply, and a dragging tale resulted ! with decreased prices. Baooners 35s to 45s and up to 49< 6d for extra prime, equal to 3| ; lperlb; poi kern 24s to 32s 6d, equal to 3£d 10 3|i per 1b ; large storas 15s to 21s 6d, am^Usr 10s bo 14a 6d | suckers and weaners 4a to Bs.

BURNSIDE MARKETS.

Uoited Press Aaaociation—By Eleoteia Telegraph Dunedin, May 8 Fat Oatble—2l4 ware yarded, a fair pro portion being {.rime. These sold well at late ratest Other norts had less attention. Best bullocks £9 to £10 15% good £6 to £8 15s, basL cowb and heifers £6 to £7 IO», an odd pen up to £9 5», good £4 15s to £5 10.

GERALDINE STOCK SALE

Thßm w»i a good at eadftoct at the I.vj Btook Male at; the -^eraldine Fanners Yards yesterday, bub the entry of lw* stock was small. A line of three quarter brad lambs brotaghb 7«s 6d. Steers and heiferi eo\& «p to £b cowa m profits, £6 5s ; cowa m oal^ £4 6* t a two year old colt sold at £12 6i>

BIRTH

BMI7H—On ths Sth lnsti, at Pretoria Villa, Willi Streett, the wife of Fred A Smi&b, of a daughttr

Ashburton Gusrdian MAGNAEST VERTAS ET PRÆVALEBIT THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1901.

We are not surprised to find that some of the speakers at the Mayoral banquet last evening, expressed their disappoint* caent at the result of the census for the county and bo-oagh of Ashburton. There is no doubt that almost every thing seemed to indicate that there had been a considerable increase of the population of late years, especially m the borough Private dwellings and business places hare been erected m the town m every direction during the last five years, and yet we learn that the census enumerators only show a gross increase of 240 m the number of inhabitants. Even this trifling increase is discounted by thefacb that on Sun day night, when the census papers bad to be filled m, a number of the men be longing to the Fairfieid Freezing Works were known to be m Ashburton. Now the figures given b»*re!y represent the natural surplus of births over deaths. We have not the figures be fore us as we write, bat we should say this would just about account for the actual increase during the past five years. Yet if we are not mistaken,be tween sixty and seventy new dwelling houses have been built within the borough since 1396, not to mention new shops &c. Giving these houses an average of four inmates, we should have over 200 to add to the natural increase, for there are certainly no more empty houses now m Ash barton than there were five years ago. Mr Ooilins attempted to account for the small increase shown m the popu lation of the county by supposing that many young persons had left for other parts of the colony, as there was no occupation open to them here, but those connected with agricultural pur suits We may inform Mr Collins that the came condition of things with regard to population his been found to exist io nearly ail the country districts ie the colony, so far as the census returns have been published We believe that by far the greater number of the coun ties show a decrease during the last five years, instead of an increase, Gis borne borough being almost alone m having an increase of abou*; 30 per cent. A good many theories have been advanced by the press throughout New Zealand to account for a state of affairs, which cannot be considered satisfactory. The Napier Telegraph ie of opinion that some serious mistake has been made m the mode of taking the census, either the year or m 1896. In no other way can our contemporary account for the decrease m the popu lation of Napier, The Wangaoui Herald takes up the singular position that a falling population is no more a sign of retrogression than an increas ing one is an evidence of progress. Th« argamfints adduced m support of this doctrine are beyond as, and we prefer to follow the general opinion that except under very speci »1 or spasmodic conditions, an increase m the popu lation of a couutry or of ft town ie an indication-of prosperiiy, For our own part we have an idea that when the whole of the census returns have been made up we sha 1 (md (hat we have been altogether exaggerating our^ate of progress, and deceiving ourselves into a belief that this colony ia going ahead of alt the others m material prosperity by leaps and bounds, whereas nothing of the kind is occurring. Our legislation is certainly ahead of that of the British dominions, m that it is more daring and speculative. But the solid faces that twenty shillings m New (South Wales will go nearly, if mot quite as far as thirty shillings m New and that the population of New South Wales has increased phenomenally since the last census m 1891, caanot Ibe explained away, Wa sum bo be m the tame condition as Victoria is, and it is not improbable that similar > causes are producing similar results m both countries. It is perhaps fortun ate that the population question has come up, while Federation is still under consideration. The evidence supplied by the census may be of more v&lue than a good deal that has been collected by the Commissionera,

Local and General

Cleaeinc* SaljH—Farmers'and othera *re reminded of the clearing saleab Mr William Ashton's farm, Wafcerton, on Monday next, when the Naw Zealand F»rm#rs' Qo operative Assooiabicn will sell hortet, n'ueep, i implement?, produce, and a lot of sundries. f-CGGBSTiVE-Ia commenting upon the passing of the Royal train throngh Aihbar ton, Me McLiohlan MHR, Jasfc night frequently spoke of it as i* 'awtege.' Dif' be mean to imply thfcfc the speed of our trains should bo ezoreraed by a term generally applied to a funeral proosasjon! Presentation —On Tuesday afternoon a | surprise party visited Mr Boyco's homestead < at Dorje, when Misses Bixter, Oarrubhera, | and Mib IfcMjllan, junr, presented Mies Boyea with a pu?se of sovereigns on behalf of the Presbyterian and Church of England congregations of Kyle and Doric, us a small token of recompense for her many years services afl orgtniaS for both Churches. Mrs McSJJiilan m a few well choseu and ; appropriate words made the presentation,; and Mr Boyce feelingly responded on behalf i of Miss Eoyce, | I Fat Sheep ScAEOE—There ia evidently] ! a great dearth of fat sheep ia Canterbury just now, and at Addlngton on the last two Wednesdays there were only about sufficient for requirements of local butchers. Last week there were very few wether* m, and the week before practically none. Very few of. the sheep now offered m the fat pens are at ajl well finished, as there has been so | little good fattening feed m the pastures, and the turnip sheep fcftdP #pt yet oomtnouoed to ooma m. - Truth Fireworks—A meeting of the Fireworks Committee was hel<? Salt evening, Mr A A Fooks presiding. A letter from the Troopers' Reception Conr.mittee was read, accepting the Oaramittee'a offer of the firtworka, with thanks. The treasurer cent m a balance sheet, which showed that the disbursements to date exceeded the receipts, bob ft list of donations promised and not collected, lo a*» amount lhab would cover all liabilities, was also handed m. Ib was resolved that) the chairman, with the secretary (Mr GCampbell) fee pogoioted to wind up the affairs of the ! Committee,, |Ir F Nokes was appointed to | arrange with the o»poere ojf tba Fire Brigade to carry out the display Vn %9 jlwning of the reception to the returned t/oo&erp. The procession will etarb from the Fire Brigade | station at 6.30 p m, and proceed to Casa street, then along Case streeb to Moore «Ar£at^ then along Moore street to East «br««t, tfee?) along Easfc street to Havelock street, and saro^s pha Havelook street railway crossing to Baring Sgafcts West, ?>here the final display will be held!;

Wkashls ik Allbkxon—A good specimen of the weasel tribe was caught m a rat trap on^Mr Pearoes' premistK at> AUentnn las* evening. Thb Fkisco Mail—The FrUco biml arrived by the express from the north today IUBHBCOLOBISI UBHBCOLOBIS AND ITB PhBVINTIOH—We have received from the Government Health Department a pamphlet entitled " Tuber oulosia ft".l Its prevention/ by J Malcolm Mason, M D, Chief Health Officer. Thb Value of Fiibs—The captain of the local Fire Brigade stated last night that the only trouble of his body was that they did not get enough firei. In explanation heiaid they would not have procured the new Post I Offioe, had a fire not practically destroyed the old building! A Lioensb Endorsed—Reoardua John Henry license of the Mitre Ho'el, Lytleltoa, wan yesterday fined 40* for having delayed to admit the police to his lioensod premises on the night of April 27. The license was alao endorse'l. Personal—Mr Ben Barr, one of the members of the Ashburton Rifles, who enlisted m General Brabant's Horee, hat received a telegram to the effect that he was to bold himself m readiness for service m South Africa The Old Men's Home—Mr C J Harper informed the Charitable Aid Board y sterday that Ashburtou waa exceedingly desirous that the Bake of Cornwall and York should lay the foundation stone of the new home for old men m that town, bub he was afraid that could not be | managed, Lokd WbLSELßir'g Dsfknok—An interest ing debate took place m the House of Lords recently on the motion of Lord Wolseley to produce certain papers containing advice he had given as to the eondnot of the war In South Africa* la his speech the ex-oom* masder m oh ief took occasion to defend hims If with regard to certain allegations made against him by the Secretary of State for foreign affairs, A report of the speeches of Lord Wolseley and Lord Landsdowne will be found on our fourth page* A Question of Faumx — A local dealer m South bridge had an oiler from a Dunedin firm for a line of eight; tons of potatoes. He Inquired the freight to Dunedin for the lot, and was informed that it was £9. The potatoes remain at Southbrldge — the railways have lost carrying revenue, tbe dealer has lost hia profit, and the producer baa one market the less" That is how our railways help commerce* Football.-—At a meeting held m the Templar Hall last evening it waa deoided to start a new club to be cnlled the ♦ Mona' football club. The election of offioers re »nltsd as follows : Captain G JBrigh% vioe captain J Hilgrove, Secretary H Addis, Treasurer C Hardlay. After dfcoatsing vari ous details it was agreed that the olubs col our* should be maroon and gold and it was left with the committee to arrange * match for Victoria day with the, Star oiub of Timaru Charitablb Aid Board —At the meeting of the Charitable Aid Board m Ghrfstohuroh yesterday the chairman stated that he understood the Ashburton Home Committee would soon take active sfcecs to commence building operations, In the allocation* of contributions for the year ending March 3lst 1902. Ashbnrton County is put dawn at £796 It, and Ashburton Borough at £67 8i Id Plans for the new home for old men were submitted and approved* A Tebeiblb MoNSTER—Or Clark mast have had an. anxious time while he sab m the last Borough Council, if wa may judge frcm a ata'enaent he made last evening at the Mayoral installation. He was evidently under the impression that tWe were some fearful monaters m the late Council, for he assured his hearers with every appea*ance ci intense relief that he was now of opinion that " there were no ring tailed roarers m the Council.' We wonder who persuaded Cr Clark that such awful monsters as this aame suggests existed any where m Ashbarton at the present date. By tha wsy, what is * ringed tailed roprer .? Society of ?t Geomk. -Ihere is a paf rl tic Society at Home palled the Society of St Gaorea, which endeavours to uphold the [principles that if the English speaking nations those to combine that they could rule the world, and could secure a per> nnnent peace, "because no Power or combination of Powers c >u!d successfully oppose them." 'I he report of the annual meeHnst held on St 00 rg« Day, (\pril 23,190*1) has just reached us, and judg ing from the national spirit pervading tie speeches of al: those who were pvesen% w fchink the Society deseives the ettppoit of all Engllihm«n> Kino Fichakd—lo the course of a highly fluttering and eloquent tribute to the Bight Hon Richard Seddon last even' ing st tho May oral installation, Mr John McLaohlan referred to the progress of the Colony »• This" said the member for Ashbnrton "had been absolutely| phenomenal under the reign of Mr Seddon" Mr McLachlan looked sur* prhedfat! the Unghter that greeted his admission concerning his opinion of his chief's position m New Zealand, but Joined m heartlfy when he took m the situation. The 3rd shipment) of the new washing machine which is selling so freely has now arrived and may be inspected at the DI C's incal branch m Tanored Street, The fol' 'owing la one of many testimonials now coming m from this district. Dear Sirs-— I have given your patent washing machine a thorough trial and am very pleased to say that it has given me entire satisfaction. To give one instance of its rapidity as a washer i might say that I commenced work at five minujbes past eight this morning and by half past n.ne J had n<s fewer than five dopn dothee oq the line. In the (Ordinary way it would take me four to five hours to do the same number, truly Mrs Moriarty, Cox Street Aehburi oa. 3J3 $GJ ' Hmoke New Vena.

An Unsafe Bridge.

(Jolted Preßß Association—By Electric Telegraph Tnuno, May 8 Owing to one yt the approaches at a bridge at Normanhy being scoured by the eea the express going south was delayed an hour and a half, and the north express half an hour while repairs were effected 1: ,[Normat3r^ station la about four miles south of Timaru, and nearly opposite to the tpot where the wrecked steamer Elginshire lie«j! " " ;

The Installation of Mayor.

The installation of Mr V? H Oolliuj an mayor of Athbnrton took {pice latti evening { at a banquet provided by the ex m yor (Mr Hugo Frledlaoder.) Anibngst the guests were Mr J McLaohlan, member for the district, Mr C J Harper, chairmen of the County Council, Messrs I) Thomae, R Fried lander, John Orr, J SutUy, and G Reid, ex* mayor*, ail the Councillors, and ft good tnw>y other oitizws. The lute mayor (Mr Hugo Frledl&nder) gave a very interesting resume of the princi pal events that had oooarred m connection wich the town p( Aahbyrfcoa during his two and a half years of office, which. wJH ]js found is another part of this i«sue. The.retirinjj mayor jMr Hugo Friedlander) proposed the health of the new lt*yor, sad f«id he had much pleaiure m ioferoduoing th» Mayor eleot Mr Collins who was no novice m municipal matter*, having prn riouily held for lomt time a teat iv the Council. He fcben inducted MrColHoi into the mayoral chair. Ms CoHißi thsn took fcha chair, and m acknowledging (he compliment) stated he already felt some of the responsibilities of the position to whSoh he bad been elected, and he could aituro them that he would Ofijtfy'oijt [lip duiieß according to the btsti of his jndgsnent, and "if any errors occurred during bit term he truited they wonSd only be errors of judgment, Referring to the good work dooe by the Ooanoii In the pa«t, modern requirements ef society required that they should pat forth their very highest efforts $of the future welfare of the town, and the Mayor aad .Council were utartiog their present office unddr ft new reigc, a new oentury, and a 1 new Manioip»i Aob s aid tha

latter very mioh increased their responsibi. ties. Under the naw regulations as compared with the past, they would have to waken from *»ii ■• * smmitnbulisin into active lite considering the extra duties to be imposed upon them, each as en'roiling certain food supplies, Hungry c.rHitinns, lin d generally carrying cot eoieatifio principles as impoied under the now Aots. The power to aid agrioul ural and piatoral matters was he thought ao important ar<d proper one, as was also the right to assist In o uneefcion with rifle ranges, seeing that New Zealand did not) require a standing army, and ha was of the opinion those branches should be very liberally dealt with by the Council. Eating on unimproved value* should find favor with them and work out to the benefit of the community generally. He was much disap poi).ted with the result of the recent oemus m the town, but the reason was got far to leek, and until they established industries and manufactories they oou'd not expect their canine return* would muoh increase. The time had arrived for the incorporation of adjoining local bodies, tod Allenton and Hamp»t-«ad abould be joined to' them to form a greater Afhburton, so that they might carry out the necessary works under one governing body. He hoped that when hit time, cams'to retire bis record would be as satisfactory as those who have formerly held the important office of Mayor of such an important town. After proposing the usual loyal toast, he asked the company to drink to the health of the rebir ing Mayor, of whom every townsman had •very reason to be proud. His abilities »s an administrator and a financier were excep tional, and during the whole of his thirty years residence m Ashburton he bad done his belt to farther tbe interests of the town and of the many instances of charity known only to himself, Mr jfriadlander hadever been ready to give a helping hand. He I called for three cheers for the latr Mayor ; which were heartily given. Mr Hugo Fried lander, m replying, saM with respect to the good "things said of him he thought when a person took up certain duties he was en titled to very little credit if he only carried them our. This was his third year of offioe, and he had felt it an honor to oarry out the duties of the cfioe. Considering the largo increase m the number of houses m the Bor' ough and the faot that they were all fully occupied he thought) the census should show larger returns. Perhaps the enumerators had not been supplied with proper records. Trade .bad very largely increased, and if no y increase to the population had taken place ' he would ask what had beoome of the surplus requirement*. Ha had no <.nabt however that when the next returns were made a large increase would be shown In the loo*! population. He would always be glad to continue to help m the progress of the Borough. Mr John McLaohlan, M.H,R., proposed the toast of the ex-Mayors of Ashburton,' prefacing his remarks by asking if all pre sent had held that position, (Laughter). Although his connection with the town had only been of comparatively recent; date, he \ had never heard anything to Us discredit. Having a free railway pass (Laughter) he made himself acquainted with all parts of the colony, and Ashburton ranked second j to none m its progress as a borough. The '< digtrint'a agricultural returns wart the largest m the colony, and m pastoral matters it ranked amongst Use highest; The efficient water race supply was * matter for congratu lation, H» hoped Ashbnrton wonld eon-! tinue to progress under the new Mayor, and as he would keep m touch with the latter he would see that he kept up to the mark. (Laughter) Messrs Rudolph Friedlander, D Thomas. Jno. Orr, J Scaly, and 0 Reid. ex«Mayora replied io the toast, various uubjoet* being touched upon by them, including the substi tution of broken metal m place of ebingiiag for our streets, General disappointment waa expressed at the low ceneuf returns, and the advocacy of Hampstead and other suburbs being included m the municipality of Ashburton was urged Apologies wfrs &\o read for the absence of t-x Mayors TT'jrrison, D Willianvon and Councillors H Davit, and at the request of the Chairman those present stood up m silence as an repression of sympathy with Mr Harrison m Irs serious illness - Mr 0 J Harper m proposing the toast of the B rough Councillor?, statel that m his official duties as Chairman of the local County Count}'!, he was at timcibroughticto close contact with the Borough members and had found them reasonable men except on the question of Hospital Bew*pe (laughter) and tn this they appeared to think the County Council should not have muoh say, but as he (!)u'd assure them the latter having most interest m the Hospital, they must there fore look after this important snbj at. Councillor* Jones, Davisort, Willis, Clark, Andrew*, Timmlns, and Aleorn suitably replied, mentioning m the course of their remarks that as the loan money was nov absorbed, another should be obtained m order that the Borough might eonHnu#to progress, and the adoption of electric Sighting was strongly urged by one of the apeakeri. In replying to the to »st of the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives, Mr J MoLesohlau said three or four weeks would be required by him to prepare a suitable and adequate reply to the flittering remarks of the proposer Mr J Sealyi He •xtolled the services of the Premier which had been of the highest order. (A voioe what about the Comet,) well for a time Mr Seddon had been the Comet of New SEsaland, In 1894 when he the speaker »sb a member of the Sower house they were met with greater ! difficulties than had ever been experienced m the world. Labor and Financial difficul ties appeared' Qntnrmountabje, bat under | the Premier's ajj't management they had passed the Bank of New Zealand guarantee Loan Bill, and although it was predicted by I many people that ruin was ln«vitabi#, the Colony had been saved by this measure. The Hon J McKeusve had called him m after a cabinet meeting to say the Bank of New Zealand had 'Gone Bung, 1 (Laughter) and £800,000 of the peoples savlags were looked up m that Institution, and a Government guarantee was required to enable the Bank to open Us doors, Mr Me^eogsfe asked the speaker to sound the member* an to the possibility of the guarantee Bill being passed, and »s the reeult of his eoqtiirteH the concensus of opinion was against the |Jank being allowed to fall, and by paßßing the Bill the colony ! had thus been saved from financial ruin and ! disaster, and now she Bank was In a position to pay a dividend. Representatives from Germany and Great Britain had visited the oolony to become acquainted with their advanced legislation, and thus he hoped New Zealand would not; forgather; independence, and would decline to join In Federation as proposed Mr Thomas ia proposing the Oeunty Council referred to the work of promoting and main Saining the Domain being thrown upon the Borough Council, and their mem ber seeing how heavily this was bearing on the loysl residents might see that some Government help given Mr Ha'rpar mentioned'that tie had been urg:ng the authorities to arrange to slow dowti the train containing the Royal visitors when passing through Ashburtou. and he j urged Mr McLachko to try to haye this: suggestion carried out. The latter promised to wire to the Premier and endeavour to have th«.suggestion.given effect to Local Bodies, Agricultural and Pastoral interest*, Borough Offiaers, Solicitor, and Banker, the Press, Fire' Brigade and our host, were the other toasts duly proposed and responded to, afler which Mr J Scaly presented the following address to the ' Mayor, which he very feelingly acknow ledged Aehburtoa, M»y 3th, 1901 Hugo Friedlander, &rq., Dear Sir,—We, members of the late Borough Gouneil of Ashburtop, avail our selves of the present) opportunity to oonvey to you our high appreciation of the manner Id which you have discharged tbe duties that have devolved upon you as Mayor of Ashburton, during the past two years Many oaoasions have arisen calling for the exercise of; judgment, tact, patience, and firmness, which qualities huve at all times been exhibi'ed by you m a conspicuous degree. Now that our official connection with you has dosed, let us hope for a time only, m is fitting thai we should acknowledge the courtesy and consideration you have always shown to members of the Council, even when yon have differed from their views, or from their mode of expressing them. Wishing you and Mrs Friedlander every happinese» -We are, Dear Sir, Sours Faithfully, (Signed by all the members of the late ( COKOOU.} ]

AN EVENTFUL PERIOD

A Chapter of Borough History

Ihs following address was delivered by Mr Hui(e Friedlander at the installation of the Mayor last evening :— Mr Mayor elect and Gentlemen,—When I was asked by the burgesses some two and a half years ago to take office once more, littie did I think, that if elected, I should occupy the h norable position of chief magistrate of this town for more than one teim, and even more remote was the idea that my terms of office would be j linked together with so many important events and historic incidents. I will with yonr psrmiß^iou just briefly refer to them, as they also, besides the inors formal matters the late Council had to deal with, ocoupied its time to some considerable extent. Foremost of all was the gloom which was c*st over the English speaking people, a grief so deeply felt, that it oan never be forgotten. Tfc waa the death of Her Moat Gracious M.jesty, who, after a most glorious reign, passed peacefully away on the 22nd of January last. Close following this sad event came tbe instructions from His Excellency the Governor, to read the proclamation, declaring Hlb Royal Highness the Prince of Wales "King Edward VII " This waa done by me from the steps of these Council Chambers, and m the presence of a large number of loyal euVjeots, amid long and hearty cheering, and good wishes for a long, wise, and prosperous reign of His Majesty and Qaeen Alexandra. The first term of my office had not ended when the startling news reaohed as of the outbreak of hostilities m South Africa. As time went on the reverses to our side appeared so serious as to call forth m the colonies aueh a strong out burst of patriotio feeling that it will live for ever In English history. We were not to be denied to help the Mother Country m its struggle, and m sending our own kith and kin we practically showed that we were patt and parcel of the British Empire, and not merely m name, boo m reality. Ashburton senc its quota, both m money and men, and, I am proud to say, that our boys have done ns credit. The rejoicings which took place when the newt reached ua of tbe relief of Ladysmith and Mafeklng must sorely be ringing m everyone's ears still. Mafeklng day can never be forgotten. j If snch a thing waa at all necessary, or could be done, the colonies were brought i still closer together wirh the Mother Country through the visit of the Imperial Tmopa, which included some Indian regiments. Ashburton did all it knew to give them a hearty welcome and make their short stay as pleasant as circumstances and the email materials at its disposal would admit. - Tho jubilee of the Canterbury province was another hieteric event which occurred during my term of office. It was celebrated with very great enthusiasm by the citizens of Ohtistchurch, where also a very success* ful Exhibition was held tn commemoration of this eveatful epoch, and an Agricultural Hail, built and opened, Is a credit to the capital of this province. Coming back to the more ordinary work done by the late Council, and during my two and a half years' term of offica, I will now, with your further kind indulgence, [ give a brief sketch I was elected In November, 1898, a&d m the beginning of the following year the initial steps were taken to raise a loan for necessary works. The first trial was a failure, but as it appeared that the proposals of the Council were not quite clear io the burgesses, the matter wa° farther ventilated, another poll taken, and the proposal to raise £7500 carried. The money was raised m two Instalments, as it was not all required at.ooce. The whole ameunt waa obtained at par, and con sidering the then tightness of the money market, at the reasonably low rate of interest of 4| per cent per annum. The loan is repayable m thirty five (35) years, the sinking fund being 1 3 per oenc on the whole amount borrowed. Dairies,—ln March, 1899, a conference waa held of representatives from tbe Borough Council and other Iccal bodies interested on theqaestion of theinspec ion of dairies and tha establishment of abafoirs. The Fairfieid Freezing Works were suggested as ' the abattoir/ and the C mpany w*s approached on the subject. Owing to the Hampstead Town Board's decision, that nothing should be done pending farther legislation on the subject, the matter had to be dropped for the time being. It has, however, again been revived m consequence of the Slacsghtering Act passed last session, a.nd a c inference with the neighbouring local bodies will shortly be held, and will, no donbfc, resnlt m an abattoir , being erected cr the Freezing Works being declared "an abattoir." Water Snpply.—ln September, 1889, the question of the borough wacer supply from the river, over which a considerable amount of legal correspondence had previously passed, was amicably settled, and an agreement made with the Ashburton County Council nnder which the borough takes the water at Farm i road and pays £40 per annum towards the j cost of maintenance, etc* ' In April, 1900, the Ashburton Post Office being partially destroyed by fire, tbe Council urged the Postnwßter-General to erect a new building suitable to the ' districts icquirements. Backed up by the energetic member for the district, the request was complied with, and on January 21at the Hon. J. G Ward laid the foandatfon stone of the present handsome new building. In May, I^oo, owing to the outbreak of the plague m Australia a sanitary! Committee was appointed to visit the business part of the town ad the inspector of nuisances, together with the.! police, made a house to house inspection, i resulting m a good deal of sanitary improvement being effected Dr Bilger ; acts us local medical officer of health Dr Symes, the acting district health officer, who visited Ashbarton m September last and addressed the Council on sanitary matters, reported very favourably of the sanitary condition of the borough/ In Jane, 19,C0, the Council carried a motion jbhat the lighting of tha' borough should be under municipal control, and a pommittee was set up'and empbwerid to obtain an expert's report on eleotrio lighting and of itie value and efficiency of the Ashburtou Gas Works. The latter was not given effect to on acgount of the hoavy fee asked, the former, however, was obtained, but found beyond the Council's means, and fhelved for the present. 1 need scarcely point out that during my j first term of office m 1678 I stmngly ur^ed the then Council to take ever the Afihburton Gas Worke, and had this been done, a very excellent bargain for the ratepayers would have been the resulb. It is not too late yet, as many, many years must pass by before this borough will be financially ptrong enough to provide itself with the more expensive lighting by electricity. In the meantime, if the Gas Works were purchased at a reasonable price by the Council, a handsome annual profit through continued proper manage | tnent, would be eff cted, or the borough could be lighted more efficiently than it is at present, without any additional cost, tbe expected profit covering the expend!, tare for the extra lighting. In the same month the popular captain of the Ashburton Fire Brigade resigned, and Mr Thomas Barber was elected m his place. Mr Fooks during his eleven years of office was a most painstaking, efficient, and obliging officer, and he received the well deserved thanks for the work done by ! him, and a resolution to that effect w»s 'duly minuted. i I In July, 1900« I attendid the Municipal

Association Conference at Wellington, and reported to the Council at some considerable length on the important work done by the Conference Tn October fo'!ow*ri2 at- the pufgssHon of this Council, a Beautifying Society wae established, and although it was rather late m the season before active opera' I ns could be commenced, fairly good work has been done by the Society m improving the condition of Bating Square East. In December last the much needed new water cart of the latest improved pattern was ordered and wasdeliveredb February. It cost £80, and works satisfactorily. During the same month a tender was I accepted for the erection of the n*w municipal offices at a cost of about £1025. There cannot be any question that the building is urgently needed, and when aompleted the office work of tha Council, which has, with the growth of the town, considerably Increased, will be done by the clerk wi'h greater comfort to himself and the ABhburton pubic generally In the first month of the present century the salary of our curator, the wages of our foreman, and the members of oar labour gang were all increased. Finance.— When I took office In De» cember, 1898, the overdraft at the Bank stoed at £1724 4 at present i \> £1022 The principal works carded cue during the last eighteen months and the moneys expended are as follows, viz •-— About 700 chains new concrete £ « d channelling, and repairing old channels 2800 0 0 Building {ofßoes and foreman's cottage) to date ... M 875 <9 0 Asphalting and tarring 450 chains  625 0 0 Formation, metalling new streets, etc — «. ... 750 0 0 Other worki ... .„- „„. 1275 0 0 Leaving balance of loan on hand ,„, ... _ 1175 0 0 Total loau .„ *„ 7500 13 0 Streets.—l thi.ik the time hat arrived when our prinofpal streets should be gradu ally remetalled with broken atone*. The first coeb would unquestionably be much larger than by continuing to use the river bed shingle. If this suggestion is adopted a ntone breaking machine and a steam road roller ought to be procured. A reliable engineer would have to be appointed to take charge of both. His services would also be (utilised for the steam fire engine, and a saving of the salary paid to the present engineer, effected. The stieam road rolier could be obtained on the deferred payment) system, say £100 per annum which will bo an easy way to finance the purchase. I am also confident! that & very good revenue could be made by the Council from hiring the roller when Dot m use to the adjoining local bodies some of them have already expressed te the Ash bur ton County Council their willingness to pay a reasonable sum for the use of one, I recommend this matter to the f&vnuvable oonsideration 0! my worthy successor and the new Council L*sr, but by no means least, the work I have taken part m, was the starting 0! the Freezing Works about three miles ifrom Ashburtom Although it. was not a work which cams within the sphere of the Council, yet I thought it would bs no dlnad vantage to have this important industry close at our doors, The benefit, which is being directly and indirectly derived by ail classes of the community within this district is, I think a conclusive proof that the step taken was one m the right dtreotionr It will also be found, that now, the * Slaughter ing Act of 1900' has come into force, the worka are most conveniently situated and most suitable to carry out the provisions of the Act aforesaid, without this borough and the adjoining local bodies having to erect costly abattoirs Before £ conclude, I consider it my duty to refer to the Council's officials. Ib was at my suggestion, m 1888, when the then Council amalgamated the offices of engineer and town clerk, A substantial annual saving m the expenditure was thus effected. Bud what) was an advantage to the borough then m this reepect, is to my mind a drawback now. Tha Conn ail's work, both in' and out of doors, has largely increased. Our worthy engineer is not any longer the active man he wai then. In fact he hag arrivad at that time of life when m my humble opinion he ought to enjoy his well earned rest. One cannot reasonably expect a man of that ripe age Mr Foofes hag attained to be able to do the work of a man of forty. A thorough super vision of the work to be done and over the Counoil's men is essential to conserve the interest of the ratepayers, so that they reo ive the fullest benefit from the constantly increasing annnalexpenditure of theborosigh's funds. This also ought to receive the new Council's attention. la connection with this matter I wish especially to recommend to your favourable consideration the services of Mr fi Fooka. He is an able and excellent officer, obliging and strictly honest, and has always done the clerical work expeditiously and well Should the offices again be separated, I trust that the members of the Council will most favourably consider Mr H Fooks' claim, should he be one of the (applicants. And now, gentlemen, m conclusion, I wish to thank the members of the Council and its officers for the great courtesy Ishey have always extended, and the valuable assistance given tome. A general, bowevar good he may be, cannot do very much < unless. b.e is supported by his staff and men. I have had that pleasure and privilege, and the la,rge amount, and let'us hope 'good' work that wae done daring rrsy term of office mast be. credited to them as well ks to the general, There is plenty of work to do yet, for the oooupUrs of the seats at this Council's table Oar town is a rising one, and it will be the duty of the Council to keep pace with its requirements and with the times, and strive to make it <the model j borough of this, our adopted country My hearty and practical support m any under* taking for the advancement and good of Ashburton will at all times bs at your disposal.

Cheap Life Insurance.

A proposal 1b at present before the Canterbnry District U:a.O,D. which, if approved by the members, will baa meana of making An additional provision m caee of death at a very small cost, Onder the ne% rale each lodge will be asked to contribute sixpence per member to the specfal fond on the death of a brother good on the booka at the time of his decease, provided he has been Id full benefit ; if the deceased brother was only m receipt of half benefits, then the levy will only be threepence per member- Shoofd this rule be passed it will mean that a further sam of £40 will be paid to representatives of deceased members provided they baye been m fall benefit, and an additional £2Q If entitled to half benofita only. &S the present fanoral allowance is £30 and £15 respectively,, it wiU be aeett that under the new scheme it Is proposed to increased It to £70 and £45 according to the status of the member. As the piobable cost, com pqted on the death rate of the Provincial District Lodge for the last ten years, will be only five shillings per member per annum, it will easily be seen what a substantial benefit is offered to members m this new proposal.

Mount Somers Road District

The annual meeting of thn Board was held on Monday. Present—All the member*, Mr Chapman presiding. PROPOSED NBW ROAD TO LASOir/kEg. The Commissioner of Grown Lands advised the Board that a road two chains wide was reserved around Lake Hsron, the adjoining rune, however, being leased up to the water's edge. It was further stated that the runs m queition had been let m terms of the I Land Act 1885, Clause 174, whioh gave the Land Board, io the event of the run holder objecting to the construction of a new ro»d oo the- area reserved, the power to take any i roadi through a run whioh they may deem necessary. The chairman reported that the Board had visited the above locality on the 12th of last month and bad decided to recommend to the favourable consideration of the new Board the i»dvi«ability of con' ttruoting a new road to Lasoelles by the Wflitero side of the Lake m preference to

attempting restoration of the old road which had suffered? severely from the resent foods, mokwzijj's bqad The Commissioner of Crown Lands stated he was m receipt of a complaint from Mr Jm Spoor, relvivo to the v; s«.t'»faetory stale of the abovo road giving aoeees to his property, and m tho event of aach complaint being well founded, trusted tbe Board would see its way to bave th« matter reme' died The Board agreed that the road m > question wes continually reqnirinq attention whilst m ooEisequenoe of its peculiar position and the phenomenally heavy rainfall common to this part of tbe district, so effective system of drainage could be devised. It was decided to invite tenders for the removal of tussocks for a length of twenty chains more or leas, also for deepen ing drain on the roadside. MOUNT SOMEBS ISAM WAY. The Clerk to the Ashburtoa County Connoil wrote, advising the Board that tha names of several Mount Somers residents bad been placed on tbe Counoit's roll m respect of email subdivisions of the above tramway. Ab no efficial notice had b*ea ; received it was decided to cemmunicftte with the Valuation Department on the nbjeofe« TENDERS. The tender of Chapman and .Pagan was accepted as follows—Open crossing Village Settlement road, £3 ; rettbingling on same. Is 6d per yard; stripping pit at catting (Alford Forest), £4; shingling on cutting and Main road, Is 6d per yard. ' The tender of W Gilbam was aooeptsd afl uoder—Beshingling on Gorge road, from Stour Fiao to Mount Somers township, Is 6£d per yard; ploughing and leveling roadside where necessary, Is per chain (on* side).  , ACOOPHTB.  ' Accounts amounting to £65 (6s were passed for payment and tbe matting than upon terminated. .

RATEPAYERS' MEETING.

The aonual meeting of the ratepayer* of the Mount Somers Road District wu held on Monday. Present—The members of the Board and a number of ratepayers. Idr Chapman, at Chairman of the Board; presided The Chairman, at Considerable length, gave a resnmi of the principal works torn; pleted, and contemplated. The balance sheet, which woald be submitted for this I meeting's consideration woald show an ! appreciable deoiease m the credit balance M ! compared with the former year. This wm m a great measure to be accounted for by she great damage oauied by foods, and the want of competition amongst contractors; road repairs had also been a good deal delayed m consequence of the flooded state of the gravel pits. The floods had proved mo»b destructive m the Gorge district, although largo annas had been expended m restoring the roads; that diasriof, m consequence of its large balance m hand from the previous year, was still m a stronger financial position than th« other subdivisions. In discussing th« proposed new road along the western side of Lake Heron it was thought advisable to approach the Governments with a view to having a sum of money placed on the Estimates for the purpose of having the same extended to connect with Whitcomb* Pass track, it being pointed out that thiß wouid probably yet beoome a great tourist route. Tho Chairman said he oould not conclude his remarks without moving & hearty vote of thanks to Mr John Hood for hir services as a -member *ithe outgoing Board and to the district as a who!*, Mid !>• felt confident the ratepayers present would very much regret tnat Mr Hood had declined nomination for a seat on the incoming Board. Mr Harvey seconded tfce vote, which wm carried by acclamation, all present expressing regret that he bad refused re* election, Mr Hood suitably responded. The balance sheet was then read, but m consequence of its being unaudited ib was not laid officially before the meeting. The various items of expenditure were as under: —General acocunt—New roads £250 2s $ repairs, £466 9s 6d; bridges, £9 18s 3d j salary, commission, office expenses, etc, £67 4s lOd; material and plant, £28 Se Id; destruction of small birds, £29 8$ 9d; miscellaneous, £2$ 5s 10J ; total, £877 12* 3-i, leaving a credit balance on March 31st, 1901, of £109 9i.—Land fund : aeaouat—. Expenditure on roads and w&fer; supply, £35 18s, leaving a credit balance of £3? 4s 4d. The total sum to the Jcredit of the Board at the end of tbe financial year being £14613s 43, as compared with £364 14e 84 on the previous year. Mr Harrison moved, Mr Harvey seconded, and it wan carded, that the balance sheet as read (subject to audit) be adopted. The ratepayer! present expressed general approval of tha manner m which the various works m the district had been carried on, and the available funds utilised without the services of an overseer, special mention being made of the servioes of the Chairman, Mr Chapman, who devoted a great deal of his time to the inspection of reads, etc, m all parts of the district). The small amount paid for working expenses was also favor ably commented on. General matters of local importance were then discussed, and mention was made of the very satisfactory manner m which the Clerk had discharged his duties, it being offered as a suggestion to the incoming Board that the advisability of further increasing bis salary be considered. Votes of thanks having been accorded the Chairman, outgoing Board, and Ottrk, and alter being acknowledged the meeting adjourned, Farmers and others interested are re minded that the clearing sale at Mr Sam Brown's farm, Wakanui, takes plaa« to* morrow,

THE CRISIS IN CHINA

United Preas Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London May t An Imperial edict bag been iataed directing the punishment of fifty-throe Chinese provincial official! and *en cenciog them to death.

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press Amtnintion—by Eluctrlo Telegraph—Copyright

The Foreigners Captured.

Boer Raiders m Cape Colony.

KiigaKoneiit witU Kruitzinger.

London, May 7 The Boers under De la Bey have abandoned a very strong position* twelve miles %est of Klerkidorp, and dispersed went, south, and north. Pc !a Key Jed a considerable body south. The British sre much disappointed at the dispersal. The Hone W. St. John B,rodricfc, Secretary of State for War, stated m $he House of Commons that altogether 396 foreigners had been captured during tne South African campaign, including 45 Frenchmen, 42 Russians, 36 Americans, and 273 Germane. One hundred and fifty out of this total claimed to be naturalised burghers. Scattered bands of Boer raiders are etill operating m the northern and central parts of Gape Colony. Kruitzinger wrecked and burned » supply train near Stormberg. Shortly afterwards the raiders encountered a British force at Driefontein, and sus tained 109868, The commandos led by Oommandanta Scneepers and Malan, having been bustled m the midland districts, bare retreated eastwards.

HEAVY BRITISH CASUALTIES

BULLET PROOF BLOOK HOUSES

(Received May 8,10 48p.m) Lcndok, May T The British casualties m Soatb Africa during April were—B6 killed m action, 4 4 died of wounds, 389 died of diftue, 86 died as the result of accident, 270 wonnded, and 2818 invalided hoaje, -

THE ASHBUKTON GtfABDIAH * THUKSDaY, MAI 9, 1901.



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