THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains cave Aahburton daily for— OHRIBTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 *m 5.15 p m, 7.5 p m (expreßu) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 5.50 pm DUNEDIN—ab 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daUy at Aehburton from— OHKISTOHUBOH—ab 10.45 am, 12.48

p m (express), 8 pm TMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 poa DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-afc 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

SUN,

Phases of Moon for August

Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places at ander, subject to the necessary alterations:

SATURDAY, Augußfc 3

For Northern Porta and Weetport, per Tarawera, at 6 30 pm

MONDAY, Augusts For Tasmania and Australia (due Mcl bourne Aug 11th), also Ceyloo, India, China Sfcralts Settlement, South Africa, eto, o'so Continent of Europe and United Kingdom (due London Sept 36), via Brindiei, also Hono In'u, Canada (due Vancouver Sepfe sth), United Statef, and United Kingdom (due London Sept 18 .h), specially addressed via Vancouver, per expreae, to cannecb with Monowaj, at 12 30 pm

Commercial.

THE LONDON MARKETS

Writing under d*te June 29th, the Lrn- don agent of the associated Now Zealand Furmere' Association reports;— Wool—There has been very little private enquiry for any description of woo! during tha past three weeks, and only a amai! quantity haa changed hands. A despondent tone continues to characterise the wool trade at home and abroad, and the indica- tione for the July auctions are not hopefu'. The only favourable news we have to men- tion is that the etock of direcb imported merino in B afford, is said to be used up,

but expectation of (aster va'ues causes manutacturers to defer replenishing stock?, though these are admittedly small. Dealers effected by this abstention of their clients in view of the large quantity available, may require a slight conversion in prio(a to induce them to purchase The position of fine wools In Yorkthire »nd on the Continent is hardly so favourable as at the close of the May eales, and although topmskers are holding their stocks with confidence, pending the result of the auctions which opened on the 2nd prox, values role in favour of the actual consumer. As regards the coorfer growths of cross! red», consumption, which is fully maintained, nppearu, nevertheless insufficient to absorb the large supplies available from all Bides ; consequently prices for top?, &c, macJe from this class of staple continue weak and irregular The Antwerp Bales, which opened on Ihe 25th itist, with eorr-e 7 500 bales of River P ate wool, showed a decline from the clos ing rates of that market (April 25th) of par to 5 centimes on rnerinop, and fu'ly 10 cen times on cro?9brecs, of which withdrawals were large Wueat—The wheat market) has been depressed, and values lower all round, red descriptions having declined Is to Is 6d per qr, and white wheat 6d to 9d. Tnis depres sion haß chiefly been caused by reports of an abundant crop in the United States, where sellers are eager to do business at low prices, and the outlook for the near future is certainly nob promising, for in addition to the liberal supplies of wbeafc, car market is heavily overstocked with flour English wheat continues firm owing to the small supply, the quantity sold last week being only 29,695 qn? s aa compared with 54,324 qraa year aso. The average price is now 27a 8d per 4801bp, bb com pared with 25s 6d in the corresponding week last year The total quantity of wheat and fbnr afloat to the United Kingdom is now esti mated ab 3,450,000 qnj, aa compared with 2,660,000 qrs last year, and the quantity on passage to the Continent brings up the tota! to 5,055,000 qre, against 4,030,000 qre, in 1900 , , (There has been a conticmnco of the Continental demand for cargoes, and the probability la that this may bo increased later aa European crop reports are very unsatisfactory Oats—Have been in iargo supply, and with ft smaller demand have dcclimd in price. New Zaaland are 2i 6d to Is lower ordinary Binff and Sparrow Bills making 24s and 255, and Canadians 253 6d per 384 lba ex store. Barley—Nothing is doing in malting, aa the trade is over. Grinding [sorts are neg~ lecbed and slightly easier. Frozen MEAT-~The meat market has been much more aobive lately, and although Engliah and Scotch mutton haa gone back 3d to 4d per stone, there has been an improve ment all round in frozsn caroaea. Bast Canterburys, especially small shoep, are worth 3d per stono more money, the present value being 2% 4d to 2b 10d or 2s lid for anything very prime ex market, while second quality has improved 2d per stone v>- 19 9d to 2% 4d. ' Large carcases are still du'l of sale, bub if, anything, are rather less diffioulb to mov3 at Is lid to 2a Id per atone. Canterbury lambs are still much in favour here, and go rapidly into consumption, but small carcases are paeferred and bring most money, present values are 3s 3d to 3a IQJ, being an advanoe of 2d per stone. Frtzmßeefis still somewhat difficult of sale, and although New Zaaland Hinda are Id per stone better, fores have declined 31, the former selling at 2s 41 to 2s 6d, and the latter Is 5d to Is 6d.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Aehburton Agency of the Now Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter • bury, Ltd, quote as follows on August 2, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl _ 2s 2i to 2? 31 „ „ Tuscan... 2a 3d to 2s 41 Hunter's 2s 2d to 2b 3:1 Oata— Duns Is 5d „ Danleh Is 51  Sparrowbilla Is 6d „ Canadian 1b 7d to la 8d Barley—Malting, prime" 2& Inferior Is 6d Peas—Blue Prussian 2s 9J „ Partridge 2a 7d to 2s 9d ClfaaB —Good oatsheaf 40s Grass Seed— Is to la 6d The above are prices curreab paid to farmers oo trucku at Ashteurtoa

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 1901. Local and General.

"Notea and Comments' 1 will be found on our fourth p»ge tc-Jay. A New Stone Quabby — A quarry has lately been opened at Wuihao Downs, a few miles from Waimata The stone taken from it is said to compare favourably with Oamaru •tone

Oats fob Fouth Avrioa—Mr John Mill, of Port Chalmers, has iv his sheds 2300 tons of oats to bw shipped to the Cape by a steamer specially chartered for the purpose* A CAtL. — The Rev R, Mackie, of St Andrews, has been unanimously nominated for the position of pastor of the South Dunedin Presbyterian Church* The ' Lyttklton Times.'—Wo learn that Mr B Nordoa, the Sooth Island represen tative of the Lyttelton Times, whoße bead 1 quarters in future will be in Christohuroh, will Btill look after the Aehburton portion of the Company's business, and the office in Burnett Stree'V will be kepii open, where 8 clerk will be in attendance. Large Wheat Transaction — Another large wheat transaction is reported fttOfttnaiu, Messrs Bruce, Christie and Co, merchants of O*maru, having sold £40,000 bußhela of milling Velvet, Tuecan and Ked Chaff wheat at equal to2aßdfob Oimaru (sacks s^o One buyer has purchased 18,000 sacks at equal to this price.

Ihs Minister 6v BAiLWAYS.~Sir Joseph Ward has been confined to his bed for the last two days, suffering from a mild attack of measles, the prevailing epidemic here. He will probably be able to resnme hia place In the House on Tuesday The Victoria Memorial—The delegates "of the New York Chamber of Commerce who recently visited England have given £5 000 to the Victoria Memorial Fund in token c£ appreciation of the King and Queeo'a oordial welcome and the hoapit* altty of the English people. Effect of Besteictive Legislation.— At theLyttleton Harbour Board meeting on Thursday Mr Kaye read the following extract fron a London letter, referring to the New Zealand Immigration Restriction Ac' :--"We may mention that a aamewhati serious agitation is on foot on this side regarding this law; ship-owners particular" !y foreigners, are being warned not to: charter their vessels from New Zaaland. We think it qnite possible that if the agitation h pereds'ed in, it will result In less ballast tonnage offeiing to load in your colony." RtrAPUSTA—A well attended meeting of ratepayers, convened by Mr E. T-tylor, was held at Kuapuna on Thursday even \w% to consider the question of the ! Ringitata Headworks, and Mr . Napier Bell's report fchereon. Aftor considerable discussion, two resolutions were unanl mously agreed to, and Mr E Taylor was deputed to wait upon (he County Council and present them. The resolutions appear in our report of the meeting of tho County Council yesterday, which will bs found in

another column. Closing Down—The employers of three large fellmongering establishments in Mcl bourne have signified their intention of closing down their woika on August 2nd. The reason given for closing down is that with a rise cf £0 per oent io working cxponspp, due to the determination of the Wages Board, under the Shopa and Faotoria Act, they can do longer hope to compete with foreign buyers of hdea and ekins, who hip largely to Europe? No leßs than 270 men will be thrown out of employment

I ALL jSbstainet s—A bottle, containing a sample of fho < fflieut from a septic tank, forwarded fitm Durccdin, was placed before mcmbcts of the County Council for inspection yrsterday. The Chairman Btatci that; the appearance of the watpr epoko in hi^h terms of the success of tho Bystem. The bottle had, however, not yet been oponed, as he thought) the Councillor with tho oleanesb palate should be deputed to taste the liquid, and the total abstainer otiou'd bo selected for this test, as the others might cot) be trusted. Tho hint vras, however, not taken, and in this instance tho whole of thn memberß were abstaimra,' and were *Not taking any ' High School Board.—The usual monthly meeting of the Aehburton High School Board was held yesterday—present Messrs A, Orr(cha?rman), Denshire, and Sfcitt. A reaolution was parsed authoring the chairman to affix tho seal of the Board to consent to the transfer of lease from Mr B. B-la to Messrs Molntyro Bros. Mr Silcock'e application for a hiidgo over the Creek on reserve leased hy him waß left in the handa of the, chsirmsn. Ac 1 counts amounting to £55 17s 3d wero passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned. A Drqcthy Individual's Thick. — Man is » curious creature, and has curious ways. Just before the express started for the north on Thursday night a stalwart; individual entered the refreshment rooms at the station Bod asked for three tlrickr, which were in due course supplied, After satisfying his thirst the barman naturally looked for the * tiller.' Bub our haro had a better thing on than that. Quickly evading the barman's en treaties he jumped on the train just as i% was moving off, leaving the barman to dolefully watch his departure; The latter returned to the saloon with mournful coun tenance, while our friend went on his way rejoicing- Bub the matter did nob end there. The jovial johnny had popped out on the other aide, and carefully alighbug ufter ft cheap ride of a hundred yard?, the scene was brought) to a close with a careful wiping of the moustache, and a hurried departure from tha precincts of the-station. No License Council—A meeting of this botly wbh held in the Templar Hall on Friday night, tho prino pal business being to arrange details for the vinlb of Mr Wooliey who is to lecture in the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday 2lat insb. Ib may not be generally known to our readers that Mr VVoolley ia an American, and world re nowned as an orator. In his own country ha is considered one of the greatest and most elrquenb speakers of the age. Mr Wooliey,' by profesainn, is a lawyer, and is touring New Zealand for the benf fib of his health. Ha was a candidate for the Presidency of America at) the !asb election, scoring half a million of votes against McKirlay and O'Brien. He is popularly knowa as tha silver tongued orator of America, and his admirers claim that) ho equals tho late Mr Gladstone in his gift of language, fluency of expression and musio of voice On the arrival of the last shipment of Washing Machines, the local Branch of the D I 0 narrowly missed being brought bofore the B.M for blocking the footpath. Thta was averted by a speeiy clearance inside* Tne following is ju?b to hand : —Tho Washing Machine which you supplied me, is, I am glad to say, a great succeea. Ib washes ihe finest of material without damage, and also cleanses perfectly the dirtiest of olnthse, and with ib I can do my washing in half the the time it used to take me—Yours truly, Mbs Box, Waterton

You can depend on ridding your Children of Worms with Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful worm worriers price la

The sale of pianos, organs, and musical instruments still proceeds as merrily as ever at the D.T.O. In Tanored Street, tho latest aale being a beautiful instrument by Rich, Lipp and Sohn, which has been shipped to tt client on the Weat Coast, and a, very fine Wilcox and White organ to a ous-tomer in town, Contemplating purchasers would do well to inspect thia up to date and well stocked establishment*

A CUKE FOB LUMBAGO

W 0 Williamson, of Amherst, Va, USA, says—'For more than a year I suffered from lumbago ; I finally cried Chamberlain's Pain Balm, and St gave me entire relief, which al other remedies had failed to do Bold by Asbbartos Drug Company

Personal— The Ellesmere Guardian says that Mr Harold Curtis, who lias been, for the past two years tellei in the Bark of New Jjaals nd, Ineeton, is under orders to (ranefer to Lyttelton.

The Weathbh—Unsettled oold weatbar atill prevai'a ia Aehburton, and this morning the nipping southeast wind and showers included a slight sprinkling ci snow. The few newly born tombs in I he distriob muafc be experiencing a snmewhaft rough time.— Captain Edwin wires wtab to southwest and (""•fch heavy gale ; glass rise; weather'^very cold,

Baimvays—Mr O'Loughlan, who has been relieving the local station* master (Mr Bass), having proceeded to Wellington as a delegate on the Conference, Mr K'rton, the permanent relieving tffijer, is at present in charge of the railway station, and remains until the return of Mr Bass

The Wesleyan Church Baring Fquabe.--We understand that thefinan' cial result of the Anniversary Services at the Baring Square Church was very satisfactory, and that the debt which stood at abo ut £90 has been reduced tn a little over £50. an amount] not very difficult] to extinguish,

Euchre Match—The annual euchre match between the Fire Brigade and the Railway staff, was held at the Pire Brigade rooms laato evening, and resulted in a win for the Firo Brigade, the scores being Fire Brigade 35. Railway 27. At the conclusion of the match, a few light refreshments were disposed of by the players, and the um»l toasts were duly honoured. Songs were rendered during the evening by Messrs Madyan, Johmfeone, Dorm, Baker, Cohen, I Leitoh, Hughes, and Sergeant Baker; The return match will be played in two weeks' i time

News in Brief.

With this iasue we distribute a circular for Messrs J Ballantyne and Company, drapers Ghrlsthurcb. Their second Bale for 1901 has been ' crowned with suooes*,' aid they announce th&b it) will be concluded on Saturday, August 10th

A dance, under the auspices of the Tinwald baohelora, will be held in the Templar Hall, Tinwald, on Friday mxt, August 9hi Terrib's band will supply the music, and refreshments will ba provided

wade's Wokm Figs are most effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking them price, Is

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following completes our report o yesterday's meeting :—

CHAIRBIAN'S VISIT TO WELLINGTON

The Chairman reported as the result of his recent visit to Wellington on behalf of tho Council that in the proposed Counties Bill he thought, in the question of Eoad Board?, they would be Allowed to remain as at present. There was a great difference of opinion betwoea the North and South Island members on the Conference*, but when the Bill was passed through the House, where Road Boards could show they wera working properly they would ba retained. The members wenb carefully through the Bill, clause by clause, and they paid Aahburtoo the compliment of placing their delegate on the executive, Messrs MoHeffie and Talbob had worked with him, and watched the interests of their counties aa closely as possible, and he thought the result of the Conference wou'd lead to consolidating and improving matters, With retp'aob to the Ruapuna headworks, Messrs Friedlander, Han'y, McLaohlan, »nd the speaker had a speoial interview with the Premier, to whom ihe whole position had been explained. The Premier first thraw out a suggestion that borrowing powers mif hb be ex'ended, but he (Mr BUrpsi) had rsplierl that this could not |bs done He (he chairmar) bad adyo cated this as the most important work of tho district, and its completion would entare a peimment water supply. He had further jointed out that there was a precedenb for the special grant app'ied for, and he instanced tha large amount expended on the West Coasb works. Ihe Hon Mr Walker had also promised to give every help, and Sir J G Ward had agreed to give the application a favorable recep ion* He (the Chairman) had further interviewed the Minister of Lands, who would do what he could, and promised to visit the headworks, and altogether he hoped the result would be satisfactory RUAPUNA HEADWOBKS A letter upen the Ruapu&a headworks ( matter wsb ratoivad as follows from Mr G Gould :~ Christchurch, 16th July, 1901 The CUrk, Ashburton County CouuoU Sir,—l have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of date as per margin (July 15th), and In reply then to beg to say that I am unable to see that my letter of the 11th met contains anything which joails for withdrawal. I would like to po<nb cub that my letter contains no direct allusion to the Council's engineer, nor doei it express) any opinion of my own of the efficiency or otherwise of his works She paragraph to which the Council takes exception merely expresses my opinion of the sense of Mi Bell's report, which may or may nob be correct* Apart from this, however, i contend that the matter under consideration ia a j public matter, and largely affects me as a J ratepayer ; that the Council and its Engineer are public servants, who, while entitled to all respect, cannot) be held to be above ( reasonable criticism.—Yours faithfully, George Gould The Chairman, referring to the copy of Mr Gould's firab letter of 11th July, which the Council had declined to receive, thought that although no direct reference had been made to their Engineer, still the writer had gone aa close that way as possible. As Mr Gould said it contained no reflections on the Engineer, it) Wfta decided to receive the original letter, in conjunction with thab of the 16th July, as abova The following is Mr Gould's letter of 11th July t—• The uhairmar, Ashburtoa Countsy ContuilS Dear Sir,— BANGITATA. GORGH WATER BACH I have to thank you for copy of Mr Napier Bell's report hereon, which I have read with intereßt» Though it isnobsupposed to be a criticism, no adverse critic would have written a mori damaging report, for ie shows in effect thab the whole scheme is ill-conceived and faulty iv construction from beginning bo end* If Mr 801 l can be relied on, ib appears that of the £6000 already spent ab ieasb half might just as well have been thrown into the Kangitata direct. This loss might have been avoided by the simple precaution of taking outside expert advice before, instead of after spending the money. However, the question now before tho ratepayers is in what way to make the most of the work already done and of monies still to be expended. Mr Bell makes one recommendation and two alternative suggestions. He spares no pains to make ib clear that his reoommenda tion involving ft new outtiog ab an expends ture of, say, £4000, is the only one which offers any security for the ratepayers' money; The first alternative, though he does not affect to consider ib cafe, would oosb £3711, or only abaub £300 less, a trifling saving in view of the insecurity involved

The Becond alternative, or 'curtailed estimate,' to coßt £1964. cfifera absolutely no security whatever* Thia Mr Bell himself makes no effort to conceal, for, as he remarks, to adopt thia expedient would bo * to incur again the risks which havo been already experienced.' When speaking of the first alternative, he aays that • from the lOch to the 45th peg the i-iver slope of tho race, which ia all too chin and loose to be depended on to keep high floods from breaking into the race, musb be pro* fcected by some means, the best of which would be to protect that entire slope by hand laid pitching of heavy boulders. ' The ' curtailed estimate' makes no provision whatever for the protection of this slope, and nothing more need be said to prove that to adopt) this coarse in the face of Mr Ball's remarks would be highly improvident and I beg therefore to enter my urgent pro* tesb against such a course Ir appears to me that there are only two courses open, either (X) to abandon the whole scheme &a<j face the loss of £6000, or

(2) to follow Mr Bell's advice, involving the expenditure of probably £5000 We should then have for, say, £11,000, a valuable and satisfactory water race probably worth its cost, even though greater than at first anticipated. This, however, would bo much better than to find ourselves with £8000 ppent and a daily risk of losing the whole of it.—l remuin yours faithfully, George Gould

SPECIAL COMMITTEE'S REPORT RE ABATTOIB9, The following report, received from the Borough Oouncil,on the abattoir question, was read: —

Your Committee beg to report that they have visited the various sites and premises offered for a central abattoir, all of which they find might be suitable as regards situation. Mr SHoock'a site wonld be convenient, bat the residents of Hampstead, we are informed, have presented a Petition protesticg against this site being utilised for the central abattoir, and the price submitted is pro hibitive. Mr .Barnard's site Is also suit able, bob the price ie prohibitive. The bite offered by Mr Rule is the cheapest}, and the situation Is not inconvenient;. Theß>rough paddocks in the river bed the Committee have inspected bob find could nob ba utilised for the purpose of erecting an Abattoir thereon. The question of cost has been gone carefully into and as'atement (attached) has been drawn up showing the annual i coBC the controlling authority would incur if ib conducted an Abattoir on its own account aa compared with the annual coet of slaughtering at Fairfield, and also a calculation made of the relative cost per head per animal in the two cases. A comparison of the figures shows that slaughtering afc Fairfieid would be very much the cheapest system, being only 2-stha of the cost of the alternative system. Your Committee are therefore of opiolon that the Fairfield Freezing Works ehould be appointed the abattoir for the district, and that the controlling authority ehould enter into a contracb for a term, to be agreed upon, with the Canterbury Frcz^n Meat Company, delegating the powers vested in it under the Slaughtering Act, 1900, to the Company for snoh a term. (Signed) W H Coiaiks, Chairman RELATIVE COST OF ABATTOIBSi Cost at Fairfieid— £ I d 11.386 sheep per annum, at 3H each .. ... :. 154 3 8 780 cattle per annum, at 3s 3d each .. .. .. 126 15 0 416 pigß and calves per annum, lsSdeach .. .. 29 9 4 Government slaughtering fee, ab 3£d pr di Z3n for sheep and 4i per head for cattle, per annum ... ... #« 33 13 0 Total per annum ..£344 1 0 Cost if conducted by local authority— Interest and linking fund on initial cost of say £2500, six per cent per annum .. 150 0 0 Govercmenb Inspector's salary, per annum — -- 200 0 0 Manager's salary, per annum ... 150 0 0 Gosb of slaughtering, per annum 204 0 0 Men's wages, attending to fab and eff*!, per annum ... 200 0 0 Repairs, per annum . ... 30 0 0 LiceDse fee, per annum .. 50 0 Total per annum .. £939 0 0 Comparative table at per head per animal— Fciirfield Own Abattoir Sheep ... Hi — Pgl Oatttla .. 3s 7d «- 9a 9£d Pigs and calves la 9d — 4a 4d 1 he Chairman said that no doubt F^lrfield was the proper place, with its good drainage, good water, and the addition of a cool chamber, and when the butchers became reconciled to the distarc, and appreciated the opportunity to place their surplus Saturday's meat in the ocol chamber they wou'd agree. Having such works in the vicinity, it would be a foolish step to erect special abattoir?, as apart from the great xaving, the work would be done property at Fairfield. Mr Lambie supported the decision aa the most reasonable and common sense one, and he urged its adoption Mr Chapman, aB one of the Conference delegates, was at first ia favour of works nearer ABhbarton, os there appeared to be a strong feeling in this direction, bub ofier visiiing the other aitea offered, the delegates ; had decided, iv terms of the leitei, aa the wiser course, for the preeenb at anyrate< RUAPUNA DEPUTATION After the luncheon adjournment, a depr } tation of Ruapuca Bottlers was received, , comprising Messrs J Doyle, 3 Taylor, and . W Soott

Mr Taylor Bttttcd he had written the to the Council at last mooting asking tbat before more money was spent, an oppor tuni'y should be given the ratepayers of meeting together, and on Thursday evening last at the Ruapuna echoolxoom, a represen tative meeting had been largely attended, and the following resolution had been carried unanimously :— M Tnab the County Council be requested to guarantee that no maintenance of races or hendworks be charged to the ratepayers in this special water district," Mr Taylor pointed oub that) on the maintenance question the present intake would ultimately provide surplus water Over their own requirements, and immediately there wes sufficient water available there would be a great demand for additional races, which would be supplied from th's source. Hs had been asked to place the resolution before the Council, bearing in view the heavy rate they (the ratepayers) were under for the scheme

Mr Lambie was not quite clear aa to what portion of the headworks, exemption was applied fon Mr Taylor replied ib was where the injury had been sustained

Mr Harper would like to know whether the ratepayers were prepared to go on with the work

Mr Taylor said they would be, bafc before dt finitely expressing their views they desired an answer to their application first Mr Harper considered the Council might at onoe tell them is wae quite beyond their province to ask that they should nob be charged with maintenance! Interest would have jto be provided on the loan to give water, and a certain annual expenditure would be necessary, bat the Council had no funds for this purpose, As to the extra water that might be available, the Council would be prepared to remunerate them out of the proceeds when received. He was present ftts the original meeting with Mr Wright, bub had no recollection that they had agreed to pay maintenance, Su fact, he had then pointed out that the installation and maintenance would oosb about 6d per acre. Their engineer had reckoned that the total of £8003 required and cost of mainten ftace would mean ss's.6ths of & penny p<r acre of a rate, and this Btatement had been borne out since. In the Geraldine Coun'y the rate was 7d, and thus just across the river they had to pay more, In his opinion, as they had ao source from which to maintain, and if the ratepayers would nob voluntarily pay maintenance charges, the Council would have to _ strike a rate. However careful they might be in the reconstruction, from the qature of tha country there would always be maintenance to provide, and he thought the Engineer's estimate of £200 annually for this charge was a low one, The Council was nob goiog to decide upon Mr Napier Bell's report until they had a fuller meeting. He referred to ( his efforts on their behalf when in Wellington, and he hoped ultimately that the Council would obtain the grant applied for» In view or this probability, and the fact; that the Council had already dealt liberally with this question by a handsome donation of £800, ha would like to know from the deputation if they considered it advisable to proceed with the work. The ratepayers could not possibly be exempted from paying for maintenance, as if funds for this purpose were taken from the Council's general funds there would ba an outcry all over the County In reply to a question by Mr Doyle as bo whether a rate equal to 6d per acre would cover the whole cost, the chairman stated that sinking fund and maintenance, based on the2o,l^B acres would be oovwjd by that rate,

The chairman said they had done their j very best at Wellington, and the Council' had not yet gone very carefully into Mr Napier Bell's report bat at present they wanted an expression of opinion from the ratepayers, who possibly estimated the amount wa* beyond them: To make the work absolutely secure £5000 would b<s the cost, added to the £6000 a'ready expended, and to meet the former, £1200 had already bseo borrowed, and £800 supp'ied by the Council- °Ho had applied for £3000 of a grant from the Government, and the ratepayers must guide (he Council en the sufcjnet, and decide whether to put up with the first loss, <r borrow the money to go on with the work

Mr Taylor said it was now his tfaty to duty to read the second resolution which the rneefclcg had paesed, viz :-*-''That the County Council be requested to acb on ,Mr Bai.'rf advice, and nod go in for any curtailed scheme*" Practically every one. was at this meeting with the exception^ of Mr Doyle, and the alternative resolution h»d been carried unanimously

Mr Harper was very glad to receive the second resolution, as it bore a direct iutima tlon to" the Council whati ooarma to adopt, and it> was thus now only a question of ftaanoe:

In reply to a question as to which of Mr Bell's two schemes was intended, MrTayloe understood the more expensive one, bat he would not take the responsibility of altering the wot ding of the resolution himself. The deputation, a'ter thanking the Council, withdrew

Mr Latnbie considered that the taking over and maintaining the head works, at asked in the first resolution, was rather a • Sarge order' for tha Council, There had been other heavy * xpene«s which their body had already incurred, inttanoing the chairman's expenses and time in Wellington, the Engineer's works and other costs, and oa

tht Whole, the Council had done a very great deal, and were prepared to do more, font So take the whole maintenance was decidedly too much

The Chairman added that the matter now rested between the ratepayers and the Government

Mr Chapman's remark that the firsb reao lutlon was a myetery to him, closed the discussion ANAMA AND BAN GIT AT A. BOAD BOARDS

Oa the motion of the Chairman, & com mittee of Messrs Johnston, Morgan, and Stitt, was appointed to adjust accoacts between the Rangitata and Anama Boad Boards MISCELLANEOUS The report upon Mr Dowliog's letter ; respecting the condition of bis water race ! was ordered to be sent to Mr Bowling's solicitors Mr W Rose applied for a refund of cost of bridging main race on Wakanui road, but tho Council decided to reply that it does not undertake the maintenance of culverts over races to give access to private holdings. Mr W Oakley's application for timber for bridges was granted, to apply when the timber was available Work as applied for by Mr Stookdill was agreed to. The water race applications of Messrs Bntterick and Bysh wers granted It was decided to collect special rates in the Ruapuna No 1 and No 2 districts which had beea previously struck Tenders were opened for th« protection works at Rawle's crossing, but ns they were considered excessive it w»b resolved that the work be carried out under the Engineer's supervision, the cost not to exceed £79 The Council then adjourned.

Anama Road Board.

A meeting of the Anama Road Board was held at Anama on Tuesday last. Present—Messrs D Morrow, W Noh v worthy, and W Mcßae, Mr Nosworthy was voted to the chair.

"WOBKS. Mr D Fraeer wrote reque&tirg ihafc the road near R S 30167 be repaired.

Mr Morrow was authorised to have necessary wotk done Mr W Oakley applied for leave to ploogh gorse and to have stones removed from the road aide -this was also placed in Mr Morrow's hands to deal with. The matter of shingling part of South Hinds road waa left; in alxyance fora month, as the only tender received was coneidered too high. POUND. Mr W Dellow wrote complaining of the management of (he pound, and the clerk was instructed 'o acknowledge the letter, and inform Mr Dellow that the Board will see that the law Is complied win, xmtakcial. The Eangltata Koad Board wrote, making a proposal for settlement of accounts between it and Anama Road Board, and enclosing a " statement; of balances.

Ib was resolved that the matter be left In tba hands of the chairman (Mr Wright), with fall power to arrange. The Treasury advised payment to credit of the Board of £53 19a 9d. on account of work done on Majfield-Valefcta road

Accounts amounting to £42 Vtn were passed, and the Board adjourned till

AtJgHSfc

The Weather.

The following weather report! have been received :—

AtHBURXoN Gorge,

During July, the weather in the hill country has been thoroughly seasonable, The exceedingly fioe weather of the early dayß of June g*vo way before heavy rain, and a temperature lowered from %° to 32° on the 21st, followed by a light fall of snow on the 22nd* The month closed with hard frosts. The average temperature for the iaab week being 21° »t Sam, and 5E° at noon. Go the 6rd July, enow commenced to fall at 10 am, and ceased early in the n'ghfc of the same day, covering the facings of the hills and leaving aix inches os the flits. This was followed by severe fronts until the 12ih, when the snow fell continually until the 14tb, Hard frosts ensued until the 23rd, when there was another heavy fall of enow, lasting uniil the morning of the 25tb, leaving fourteen inches on the Eats ; from that time to the 30th freezing very hard. On the 30th a north west wind, with light rain, caused a thaw to sat in. From Hakafcere towards Rangitnta and some dark patches were noticeable. Needless to say, the sheep have suffered, and owners have been busily engaged with all hands in snow raking and getting as many as possible of the frczea down sheep on to the sunny facings. The following were readings of the barometer and thermometer at Mount Possession ;— Barometer.

Barometer Noon of 51st, 23.81 Thebmomeieb 8 am, 2ideg; Noon, 46deg, The lowest tomperatare has been at 8a m lOdeg, noon 32deg.

MOCNT SOMERS The total rainfall for July at Mount Somers was 4,50. Bain and snow fell on twelve days; mosb in one day of twenty four hours, on the 246b, when 1.95 fell in the form ofssnotw t elect, and rain* When fine, we had very hard frosts at night, and . on the whole ib has been the worat July we • have had for many years. The average j rainfall for July, during the last eight years | has been 3.6? A Edward Peaoiih Aleobd Station Rainfall at Alford Station during the mouth of July ;—3.285 inches I expect to be able to forward the Forest rainfall on Saturday E HBRBINCf lßt August, 1901 Kylk Rainfall at Kyle since 19.h July to end of month :-2.50 inches. Rain fell on the 19th, 20th, 23rd, 84th, 25th and 31st)

SONG RECITAL.

Madame Belle Cole's first appearance in Ashbuiton was cot favoured by the crowded audience that was to be expected, and which the merit of the performance deserved, bat those who were present enjoyed one of tie greatest musical treat* ever afforded to the people of Ashburton. Madame Bile Oola appears to hays quite recovered from her recant severe cold, and wan in excellent voice, as was Mr Prouee, and the manner in which all the items were rendered afforded convincing proof that) the high encomiumß bestowed by the PreßS of the Colony upon M-.dame Belle Cole's recitals are thoroughly deserved. The opening solo of Madame Belle Co'e, Cowan's • Promise of Life,' gay* evi dence of the richness of her renowned con* tralto voice, and thia item wag rendered in a. Smithed stylet Madame Belle Cole hat a commanding stage presence, and her style generally is bright, and she fairly won the hearts ot her audience, especially as she good naturedly responded to ai! the encores. He* clear enunciation and perfect phrasing were a revelation, while her marvellous control over her voice, and its phenomenal range, enabled the audience in nil parts of the hall to hear the softest note and every syllable. * SweetGeaevieve,' her&ret encore, was beautifully rendered* Beethoven's ' Cre ation Hymn' gave Madame Belle Cole an opportunity of showing her vocal powers in a different okas of music, and from the grand introduction to the Inal forte passage, she gave a telling interpretation of this flue composition» She was vociferously recalled, and bowed in response, bat the audience was nol> satisfied, and ' Nobody Else/ a long of quite a different character was given, which was rendered with euch archness andsxprea* Bion that the audience were delighted. Hawley'c ' Sweetest Flower that Blows 8 was bracketed with' Love's Old Sweet Song,' the latter popular melody being given ia excellent form with attention to light and ■hade, never met with except amongst highly trained vocalist^ Beethoven's •In quest* tomba,'gave fin its solemn measure, a further opportunity to show thuriohneesof Madame'a good honest voice and her marvellous control of faoe, flguif?, and vocal organs in this number, quite brought down the bouse, although ' Harbour Bar' appeared to orsate the highest popular fancy, «nd was given with great effect, and with such descriptive style that one could almost picture the details, and the house was roused to great enthuaiastnt A light Scotch air followed, 'Wi'oot a, Wifie', humorously embracing a warning to bache* tors, which proved a great treat afid revealed a correct Scotch pronunciation, with one exception. 4Doag!»s Gordon," and the encore 'The Fisher song,' completed Madame's section of the programme, all her items being loudly encored, and in nearly every instance she responded, showing that her pleasant good natured manner is not ikin deep only. The wonderful evenness of her voice was specially noteworthy, as many contraltos experience a difficulty in the middle register, bub each one cf MadamV* notes was equally clear and rich. We think that altogether a great improvement h to b« noted since the first appearance in New Zealand cf Madame Belle Cole seven years ago. Mr John Prou'e the rich and popular baritone, was heard with great appreciation in Tosti'a ever popular 'Forever and for ever,' and the pathos displayed in this item made it difficult to conceive that it was tuppoeed to be «ddreseed to the composers pipey Sullivan's 'Thou art Passing Hei.ee' varied Mr Pronae's portioD, Bed this was given in his best method, and proved a fine rendition of plain* tive and forte music, and his encore the ever popular 'To Anthea, 1 was f qa&lly successful, the intonation, considering the great speed of the song, being perfect.- 'Don Juau'a Ser enade' followed, but MrProuee's exceptional rendition of 'Tomorrow will be Friday, 1 was a grand exhibition of hia vocal training, and was an exquiei'e item. In response t> an encoro, Mr Prouae -sang 'Twacky Dillow.' Miss Florecce Hardtag made an excellent acoompatiist, materially contributing to the success of each item, by her careful sym pathetic and artistic treatment of this portion of the entertainment. The arrange ments for the concert «vere in the capable hands cf Mr H A Gates, the local represen tative.

INQUEST.

An inquest upon the body of James Harris was held at the Hospital Shis morning, before R Alcoro, Erg, acting Coroner, and a jury coir prising Messrs H A Gates, Wm Miller, J W Robinson, I W Baxter, D MaoAuley, and H Mackay (foreman).

The body was viewed in the morgue, where it lay, with a key c'utched in the left hand,

Hmry John, a boy employed at the Woollen Factory, stated, that on leaving his house at five minutes to seven en Friday morning, ho saw something in the water race thirty yards in front of his houae; He thought at first it was a ooafc, bub when he saw the face of deceased he called his brother, The face waa covered with water, and the feet were up on [the footpatbi Heard no noise during the night. The man was polled out by his brother and Mr Cambridge, (The water was {■boat 8 inches deep and About 2| feet wide, acd ran very swiftly. This boy gave hia evidence very intelligently. Gomer John, blacksmith residing at Allen ton, a brother of the lasb witness, gava evidence in corroboration, and further stated that be lifted the body cut of the race with Edward Cambridge jtrar, and placed it inside the gateway, The body was lying face down fully dreosed, and the head being up stream, the bat being off. One band wai folded aorona the breast and the other held ft key To the Jury—Heard no noiae daring thi night, and l;he footpath showed no traces of a straggle. Had lived at the same home for 18 months, bub had never beard of an accident at the race

To the Foreman—Had formed the opinion the man was intoxicated at the time he had fallen in, from the fact that he smelt of liquor, and h's clothing was disarranged George Willers, farmer, Allenton, de* scribed deceased aa an Old Age Pensioner who lived In his cottage on Winter's road. Had known him for 16 cr 17 years by light and more Intimately for the laeb 6 months. Saw deceased alive on Thursday between two and three o'clock, after hia return from obtaining hia pension money, when he paid hia rent). By bis appearance should say he had been drinking, and he smelt very tnuoh of liquor. Had on other occasions seen similar sign!). He (deceased) waa capable of taking oare of himself in the afternoon! and witness had! previously teen him in a worae abate

To the Jury—Had lived ia A Hen ton for about 20 years',, during which time the only accident he had heard of wai ft small boy being carried down the water, bat he had not fallen in at this spot. The race was not j dangerous where deceased fell in. An over* flow race at this point prevaaUfl tha water befng blocked at the gr&tiog by a foreign body Constable Edward Kade gave evidence relating to the tißeference of the body to the morgue, and the finding of Is and a pipe and tobacco. As the result; of a search of the records found, deceased was bora 8t Oxford Bridge, West Meatb, Ireland, aged 75 years, and was a labourer. Made every possible enquiry, but could sot; find anyone who had seen deceased later in the day than Mr Willers. There were no external marks of violence or anything to show deceased had been pushed ia. The Coroner said the man was apparently incapable, and under the ciroaroataooes he had nob considered ib necessary to order a post mortm, bub he left) the decision in that respect to the jury; After retiring, the jury returned an open. verdict of ' Fonnd Drowned,*

THE ASHBURIOK OTABDIAH t SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 1901



Dabe August ■»» it ii ii

1 2 3 4 5

*•

Rl«es 7 15 7 14 7 13 7 12 7 11

gets 4 57 4 58 4 59 5 1 5 2



Last quarter New moon Perigee First quarter Full moon Apogeo

D 7 14 6 22 30 21

H M 7 32 pm 7 58 pm 7 30 pm 7 22 pm 7 51am 9 30 a tn



Bam

Noon

spm

Lverage for week ending 6th M Veek ending 13th,., Veok ending 20th — 'o end of Monbh ...

29 57 29.59 2992 29 55

29.36 29.60 29.96 29.45

29 27 29 61 29.83 29.63



T. H. ■UNDRILL & CO., CABINETMAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS. FURNITURE AND BEDDING . . OF ALL KINDS .'MADK ON THE MEMOES. WE ARE STILL MAXT VO our Famous Drawing Room Suites in Plaeh and Tapestry, which Veat Chris'c! urch for price and quality. Q&ll and tee them. JUST 'LANDED— A. Urpß assorfment cf Austrian, /mericfin, and Canadian Ch»irs Thfftp G'.-otU wrre brcght before tho recent rise in prices, which enables us to sell at lowest prices. Bedateads and Toilet Ware—Largrst stock i^ town ; at all prices; I^INOLEUMS, HUGS, ■ UILOLUTHS, In New and Chaste Designs; at all prices. BOOR MATS—AH sorts, all sizes. "We manufacture all oor own Goods on the premises, of the best material and workmanship, bo buy from us and encourage Local Industry ; besides?, you to ay go further and fare worae than at T. H. UNDRILL & CO.'S. O&BIHETM4KKRS. UPHOLSTERERS, PICTURE FRAMERS, A&l> UNDERTAKERS, TANORED STREET, Next to the Building Society's Office, and oppoßite' t Aroftde.l



mHB GO VEEN MEN! INSUR ANCE DEPARTMENT is prepared to grant EMPLOYERS OF LABOR Covers agninst Risks connected with their Trade'or BasioeEß under "The Workers' Oonopeaß&tion Act," "The Employers' Liabilities Acts," as well sb under the Common Law, Owoera of Property and Mortgagees also protected under Special Tab!ea. PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSORANOK EFFECTED IN ALL BRANCHES*. For particulars aa to Rates, etc. apply to the Local Office of th Department. JH RIOEARDSON, Commissioner Wellington, 6th ifuM, 1901 ~€f~"j|""" >'ASK FOR ©7~"lT f ] v 0 ATE& Cos lV f J f yr new TARirr CHAMPION BLEND OTHER f?RiCES; •? 1% Mo ifi 2A »/& ! !!0 CHINA TEA USED BY US.



P. FERRIMAN FOR BALB\~~~ WINSLOW Concrete Bcuse of five rooms and good Store, together with & acre of land F FERBIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOB ~SALE. ALLENTON, within easy distance of the Public School House of six rooms, with two aores of excellent land. This 1b an ideal home, and one in which economy and comfort will sail hand in hand V FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOfTsALB. Alford Forest Roa4 House of four roomc, with 1 acre 29 perches ef land ; price £220, cash or terms F FERRIM&N, Land aod Eefc&te Agent FOR^ALE. Near the High School Quarter acre and House of four rooma F FERRIMAM, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE, 2 Acres of land at Fahton Farm of 335 Acrea Farm of 475 Aores I Farm of 1800 Acres of lusrock land F FERBIKAN, Land and Fstatc Agenb_ TREVQRTON. WB V Pay Rent when £100, Oaah or Terms will purchase a Cornfertable House of 1 R^oms and Soullerr, and Section. '1 he property ie eitnated near the main road, and only a few chains from the school. Interest at 5 per cent on the whole pur' chase money means less than 2a per week F. FEBBIMAN. ALLEN TON, FOR SALE—I 4 acrei of pood Land with DwsHirg Htmae of Sfx rooms, and Bithroum, hot and cold wuter Isid od, Windmills. Ample stabling including Loose box and Trap House: One BTe of the land is laid out In orchard. The land possesses ample frontage, and should prove a prtfiv able purchaEe either for a farmer wishing to retire and live near the Town, or for an IndaatrioKs man wishing to make his living from the sot). Public Schoel within an easy distance. F FERRIMAN, Laud and Estate Agenfa



MX S .BROWN, LADIES NURBE, j Burnett Street Wes*, opposite Dr. Maude, ! PREPAIiED !0 take in Palionts and give pvery attention and fi < Bt-o!aE8 aCO'Mr mnda'i^n. Pa! e-tt* artended at tbair own homee:!! 6 ' LADIES ! (*\ FNUINETaiIor-madeGoßlumei, Habits \Jf Jacketf, Rainproof Mantles &o, made to mmsHM In the lateßb Styles and newes 1 Materials. Fit and workmanship gu&ran { v93cL GENTLEMEN S We have jaet opened out ex a.s 'Ranga fcira' a large Shipment of New Winter Goods We respectfully Invite inapeocior of our new Worsted and Vicuna Sailings, Ser&es, Scotch, Irish, and West of England and New Zealand Twneds, Meltonp, Beavera, Vene tians, New Rainproof Covert Coattnge, real • Donnjbrook' Irish Friezss, &c. Suiti to measure from £3. Trousers from 15®. Oui motto ia always * Satisfaction I' ORAIGHBAD'4 BIERYMAN The Leading Tailors and Outfittere, ABHBURTON O  [cLOTHIMG FaS^P| ■%~ . f NEW 2bSAL&NO CLOTHING PAOTOBT PARENTS INSPUOT— Otir Boys' Strong Tweed Suits, 6s 6d Oar Bojb* Sailor Suite, 5* 6i Our B>yß' Norfolk Suite, 14a Oar Boys' Transvaal Suits, 10a Wear Guaranteed. Boys' School Boots from os 6d Best Value Boys' Tweed Caps, 3d and 6:1 Bojs' Tweed Overcoats from 68 6d BOYS' WATERPROOF 00AT4 NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING TJACTORY LOTHIN6 X AGTORY WANTED KNOWN—That during this the last seven da^s of the Month we are i ff*ring Special Bargains io Rem nents of all kindt, and in odd makes of Boots and Shoes; Don't forget ? The Sale rotitively olosea July SIat.—MIXCHELL &



JOSEPH FORDS SCOUR & LUNG WORM MIXTURE. FAOTB WORTH KNOWING. Mount Joy. Pukeraa, Southland. Mr Ferriman —DeaE Sir,—l have used the above mixture for two or three years past when my sheep showed signs of Scout or Lrng Worm". I may say that I found it a care, and the reanlb was beyond ray expectation. lem strongly recom. meed the drench.—Yours truly, Saunel White Riccarton, Canterbury M F Ferriman, Aehbnrton.—Dear Sir, —In reply to your enquiry re Ford's Bcoar and Lang Worm Mixture, I may say that my manager at Methven used it on some of the smallest and weakest lambs we had, and thkt It stopped the sconr ia them, and they eeeraed benefited by the dose they had.—-Yoara faithfully, John Deans - HE IS WEIL I'AID WHO IS WEIL SATISFIED One Gallon Tina, 19a per Gallon Two Gallon Tins, 17s par Gallon. i DO NOT BE DECEIVE!). Lowest) Coat per head of any Drench, and its work CANNOT BK EXCELLED. D THOMAS Or F. FERRIMAN, Aehbarton GEORGE DUNCAN AND CO. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT MEN'S and BOYS' Olothing cheaper than ever—Men's Navy Serge Suite, ?ormerly 27a 6.1, now £2s 6d ; Colonial Tweed Suits were 37s 6d, now 29s lid, splendid value ; Tweed Trousers 5a 9i ; Colonial mate do were 9s 6d, now 7a lid ; note— our working Men's Colonial Saddle Twaed Trousers, worth 15a 6d, now Us 9dl ; best. j Mole Troußers 53 lid; Colonial Knitted i Socka lOd: Colonial Knitted Drawerß, job price, 3a 6d, worth fo 9d ; Shetland Knitted Drawers 2a lid, aolfl elsewhere at 5a 6d j Boys' Melville Suits, for strong school wear, 8a 6d upwards ; email Boys' Navy Serge Kniokera 1» lid and 2a 3d, Al falne; Turkey Red Handkerchiefs 2J*, 4d_, and s|* ; Men's Elastic Braces ll£ri, Boya do4£d upwards; working Men' 6 Leather Shirts, special value, 2i 4|d upwards, Fancy Cotton Shirts 2s 6d, Union make do 33 3d, Wool do 5* 6d, warm and good; Colonial Flannel Unders 2s 9d upwards. In conclusion— Working Men if you want your money to go as far aa possible, try Duncan & Co, and you will not be disappointed DUNCAN & 00, Tancred Street OEMEMBKR for one month only— 1% Melloe's Stock Taking Boot We will last. Come early for bargaian



BICYCLES RE-PLATED AND RE-ENAMELLED IN all the COLOURS of the RAINBOW, including BLAQK and WHITE. SILVER AND GOLD DECORATIONS if required* FROM 23s- Gates, Lowry and Co., ZEaLANDIA CYOLE WORKS, BUENKTT STBKET



BBMABKABLE CtTBHI OF CROUP—A LIITLE BOY'S LIFE BAVBD I have a few words to say regarding Chamberlains Cough Remedy, Ib saved my little boy'a life, and I feel that I aahnob praise it enough. I bought & bottle of ib from A E Steere, of Goodwio, SD.USA and when I gob home with It the poor baby aonld baldly breathe* I gave the medicine KB directed every ten minutes until he threw up,' end then I thought ture he was going to choke to death We had to pull the phlegm out of his mouth in great long strings, lam positive that HI bad not got that bobtle of cough medicine, my boy would nob be on earth today—Jokl Demons iawood» lowa For sale by Ashburtoa Drug Company . Smoke Nsw Veuci