THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains cave Aahburton daily for— OHRIST(JHUROH—at 7.20 am, II am 3.15 p m, 7 6 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.65 a m, 8 60 pm DUNEDIN—sfc 12 64 nm (ezpreae) SPRINGBURN—»t 4.25 ptn Trains arrive daily At Ashburtoo from— CHKISTOHUROH-ftb 10.45 i m, 13.48 p in (express), 8 pm TIMARO—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.67 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.46 a m

EPHEMEEIS

Phase* of Moon for February

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places &t under, subject to tfa« nooeseary alterations : TUESDAY, February 6 For Northern Forts and West Coast, per Rotomahaaa, at 630 p m WKDNRBDAY, FEBRUARY 6 For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, speoialiy addressed oorreipoodonoe only (vi» Las PilnmsJ, per Fifsshire, At b3O p m ; late fee letters, guard's van, ezprut train For Northern Ports and Wsatport), per I Tarawera, at 6 30 p m FRIDAY, BEBRUARY 8 For Northern Porte, and Australian Ooloniti, (duo Sydney February 13), also United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via Brinditi, alto India, China, Stralti Settletntati South Africa etc, doe London Maroh 24cb, per Monno, at 10 SO a m

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London,, February 2 At the wool sales there was spirited competition for good aorta. AH prices tended m the sellers' favour. Up to date 202,171 bales have been catalogued and 185 039 sold. Mutton—Crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, Canterbury, 4J<3 j Dunedio, 4§lj North Island lamb, River Plate, aad beef unchanged

INTERCARGILL WOOL SALES

Invbrcabgiu., Feb 4 At the second sfttieeof wool sales tc-day abcufc 8003 bales were offered and the whole, with the exception of one line, wan practically sold at auction. The nsnai buyers attended and were keen up to the limits. The prices on the whole were about equal to the last Rale and m many instances lots then passed now brought more money, but a few did not retch the prices offering m Januaryt Taken all round there waa no change In the values either way. ______

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Aebburton Agenoy of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on February 4, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl .- 2s 2d to 2s 3d „  Tuscan.„ 2a 3d „ „ Hunter's 2a Id to 2i M Old Oats—Dims .- Is 4d  Danish Is 4d „ Canadians In 6:1  Sparrowbille la 51 New Omb-Duns 1b 21 and laM „ Danish Is 2d and Is 3d  Sparrowbills la 3d  Canadian Is 4d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oatshe&f 45s to 47? 6d Grass Seed—New I* to 1b 3d The above are prices current paid to farmers ora trucks at Aehburton.

Ashburtion Guardian Magna Est Veritas Et Prævalebit TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 5, 1901. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT, 1900.

There are 436 clauses in the "v *clpa! Corporations Act, 1900, about two tbirda of which refer to matters affecting all the municipal bodies in the colony, while the rest chiefly concern the large cities and seaports. A considerable number of theae clauses were included in one or other of the Acts previously in forcp, relating to municipal government The new pro visions were introduced after a con ference of representatives of bodies interested, in order fco remedy certain defects that bad become apparent in the law as it stood, Bat notwith standing the amount o! consideration which appears to have been given to the new measure, it seems to us to have been very carelessly drawn up. There aie several examples to illustrate this. For instance, clause 314 authorises a fire inspector to " break into, take possession of, or pull down any premises for preventing the spread of fire. . . And no penalty, damages, or claim for compensation shall be recoverable by or against any person in consequence of any act done und< r the authority of this section." Yet clause 818, park 2, provides that "if th» property so damaged shall be uninsured or in sufficiently insured, the Council shall pay to the persons interested therein such compensation for such damage, or for so much thereof as shall not be covered by inaurance, and shall, in case of difference, be ascertained by arbitra tion under the Arbitration Act of 1890." It is quite evident that these two clauses are in direct opposition to each other ; the last being so absurd and unreason able that one ia inclined to wonder whether it was not inserted in committee of the House, by somebody in order to cancel the authority given in the previous clause to Fire Inspectors to prevent the spread of fire by pulling down houses alongside a, burniog build ing, in • thickly built block. For of course, while the Council is liable to make good the damage under the circumstanceg, and in the manner described, no Fire Inspector will take the risk. The result must be, that the dagger of * fire spreading is very much increased, and liability of owners and insurance companies is also much greater than it was before the provision in clause OH which was also in the old Act was made inoperative.

Local and General.

FsBSONAL—We understand ista*J> Mr John Grlgg, hM to far recovered from hi* illoeai kb to bt ftbte to be driven oafc yeiterd»y. Tsb FooTFATHS.~Th« borough workmen are »t prsisnt engaged tarring the foetp&tb cd the toutb tide of Ttocirod jptiett E»si, j

Back AeUlN.— Mr Renner tho chief poet* | master hus resumed duty today »fter a months holiday. i Wiathbb Rkfoet—Captain Edwin lorn eßS'B:—rortheast to north and west gale, I after 12 hours from now, glass foil, indiea- > tioas of rain, j A Bio Yibld. — A farmer in North Canterbury is expecting this season to reap 40GO bushels of oats off forty acres of his land Bot Flt.—The hot fly has ag>»?n mad© Its appearance on the wing in Ashburt-n, and is causing considerable trouble amorget the homes. i Thb Ashbubton Phbmanent Building ' SoctßfY—Monthiy and other payments will be received to-day (Tuesday) at the office, Tanored Street. Working expenses on alt shares are now due and payable. jsGßiocLTcrßAr.Cor.LKG>.—The prospectus of the Canterbury ARricultaral College is to hand, and contain* full information about the admission of students, ontjßb course of Instruction etc, PHOTOOBAPHr.—Mr J T Mitchell has shown as two photographs of th* assembly ! of people at the Borough Council Chamber* on th« oocasion of the proolaination|o«ren>«ny, and oonsidering the inolwnenoy of Ihe weather the viewi come oab •reeedingly well! The fvmir C«o?~Ae evidence of the satisfactory seasan and the growth turnip oropu are making this year, we hare--been shown two turnips of the Early Whit* Stone j variety, eaoh weighing lOlbs, and the balb is so far only half grown. The turnipi are on view at Messrs J. Scaly and Co.'* premises, East Street, TsMJcuurmo CosvsiHiaiNOK fob Tiw wald.—A telegraph messenger has been appoiatsd ab TiDWsld, and a regular delivery of telegrams is now being mads from that office. This will be a great convenience for the , residents of this thriving suburb, and it is to be hoped fchat a letter delivery, which is very much needed, wilt iooq follow. Unuspai. Growth.—lit » email paddock behind th« residence of Mrs Carter, Tlmrald, there hat reoeotly been cab a orop of oats measuring, from the surface of the ground to the top of the ear, "(even feet four inches. Unfortunately this abnormal growth of crop has suffered by the weather, otherwise the returns would have proved exceptionally heavy, as tha ear* were well filled. Thk Coal Output—The otttput of coal from Weitporb last week was 7612 torn 18cwt, of which amount tho Weotport Coal Company exported 7459 tons 7owt and the i Westpoiefc Oo>operative Company 153 toon ! llowt. From Greytnoufch tbe Brunaer Coal Company exported 1447 tons 7cwt ooal, 61 cons 12cwt ook«, a&d 1 ton I2cwb bricks. The Blackball coal mine is again at work Desiruotivi Hailutobm—The hailstorm whioh pasited over Walmate ob (Tuesday la«t appears to have been unusually severe around Waihaorunga, being acoompanied by a strong gale. Mr W. Buchanan, Elephant Bill, had some of his crop in stook, and after the gal« passed not one was left) standing. His binder was caught by the wind and hurled some distance away, the pole being broken and other damage done. The crops around Waihao Downa have suffered severely and are nearly all down. Thb Chops—The balk of the oat orop on the Ash barton Plains has now been cut, and the yield is expected to bo very heavy. The recent rains have discolored portions of the etooke, which have had to be kept standing on account of the unseasonable weather, but the damage is only Blight. In the Wakanui, Wateiton, and Willowby districts several crops of wheat have 'been cut, and with fine weather, and an absence of nor'westers, the present week will see a large area of the wheat crop cut down. Mr J. Hampton, of Tinwald, has had good crops, but his oate have suffered severely from the weather and the email birds. A Discovert.—lt will not be Sir Evelyn Wood* fault If there is any red tape at the War Offioe while he is in charge. When Sir Evelyn was a captain in the 17 h Lancers | he devised an improved cavalry saddle, and sent it to the War Oißce. The letter and parcel were politely acknowledged at the ' time, and the rmt^er rested—for nearly 20 yeara. Then, when Sir Evelyn was Quarter master General of the Forces, he came by chance arcross a parcel addressed In his own handwriting to tha War Offioe It was unopened, and on cutting the string he found his saddle! Thb West Coast Jou.bnky. - A correspon dent of Truth who recently travelled overland to Greymouth forwards the follow Ing Information s—Metars Cassidy and Co., coach proprietors, are now erecting a twelve stall stable, with feed and couch room*, near the Otira Railway station Id should be finished by the end of February. The Government are about to erect a suspension bridge for foot passengers acres* the Otira between the Otira Railway station and the hotel. Some of the workmen rtre already on the ground. The erection of the bridge will be under the supervision of Mr Mclatosh, of Kurnara. The bridge will cost about £600 or £700, and be about lour chains Song. It is expected to be finished by the end of March next BadTimbs Ahead fob Germany—Afc a recent sitting of the Reichstag during the debate on tho Estimates, Baron yon .Thiel mann, Secretary for the Imperial Treasury, stated that since iisb summer tbe economic situation of tho country had been undergoing a radical change, and they must be prepared for a number of years to see the previous upward swing gradually declining They might, however be glad to think that the fall would not) take place as it had in 1873 in the form of a genera! financial orash* Such a period of dicninishod trade could not pats without: affecting the Imperial Budget. It was, therefore, necessary to strengthen the reserves of £he|Treaenry. A fgeoerai survey of the Estimates on the present occasion, added the Secretary of &tate, afforded a consider* ably less pleasing picture than last year,-— Rei'tter. Ambiguous. —At fcha special meeting last sight bo farther consider arrangements son neated with the reception «nd entertainment) of the Imperial troop?, a suggestion was favourably received that the Ashburton Mounted Rifles ehonld ride in front of the troops from ths station to tho domain oval, but a tirtrd councillor hinted that in the crowd these men on chargers might prove a dangerous element. On this suggestion being put to tho Major presiding he promptly appealed to Captain Buckley who was prer ■> enr., asking if there would be any danger in the course suggested. In reply Captain Buckley humourously enquired if they feared for his detachment, beiDg in danger from the crowd or vine versa. If the latter there need then be no fear. Bander & Sons' Evo&uirsi Extract— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded DipLma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by \;edioal Clinics and Uni versities all over the g!obi\ lhat tbe crude, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon thij publio under the name of Eucalypi Eittracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tescs made by the Medical Ciinica of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only products that are saturated with oxygen and freed o acids, resinous and other subatanceß adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by the plant* To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitutes, etc., in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria,dyßentery, internal inflammation, etc., insist In gettiag Sahdeb and Sons' Pwbb Yoia\ Euoa LTITJ I?XTBi*CT. »yd be safe

Escape From Death

" ■♦ '■ —■— A MAN BURIED A marveSloiiß escape from & fatal aoeideab I occurred at the North Bridg*, Wftitßate, yesterday. William Hollamby, a sob of the contractor was excavating a trenchi and pub in a mud till When down to a d«ptb of aiz feet), a fall oaourr«d. He jumped aside bat a piece of earth from another fall Immediately burir ed him to the neck. Two other men eaoaped ab the end*. It; took five men 15 mlnetea to extricate h(m ( moat of the tools being buried. ?b wu an aoxlouitime. Mr HolJamby eaoaped with •evere brnliest Jf he had been itoopiog he ! would have been killed outrighb.

Hospital Board

A meeting of the Ho«pital Board was held ' at the County Council office Aehburtcn this forenoon, to farther consider the Hcspittil drainage, the report of Dr Bym«s, Mr Put-' neli'i opinion and any other basinets re' \ fairing attention. Preieat—M«ssrs S Qha p mas. H M Jonei, G Andrews, G Ltmbie, J W Timmins, J Daviion, Hugo Friedlauder, and GAM Buckley. Mr Buckle j was elected chairman, »nd r«»d »pologiet from Hmn Stifet nod WHHt for their ftbienoe The ob*lrm»n, before the minnttei of the IMb meeting were read »nd confirmed, Mked for »n ezpreuioß of opinion from thoie preient m to whether under the oironm* ■tknoei of the oh»irm»n 6 who iru inditpoted, being ab«»nfc, together witb Mr Harper, they should adjourn. Mr Andrews agreed, and as a largt amount ! of expenditure was involved he supported | the adjournment, and moved to that effect. | The motion was oarrled, and before separating, the chairman stated that in addition to other reports they bad now reoeivtd from the Oonnty Engineer a further opinion, which put ft new feature of the matter before them. The meeting then ad j turned till Monday next, at & p m.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Borough Council was held last evening. Present —His Worship the Mayor (Mr Hogo Friedlander), Ors H. Davit, H. M. Jones, J. Beaiy, H. Willis, J. DavUon, J. W, Timmins, R. Clark, G. Andrews, E, J. i Paul, i • FINAN«E. The credit balance at the Bank was stated to be £12517 a 4d, and the receipt of £2416s received from various sources since last meeting was reported. mayor's bkfokx. . The Mayor stated that the meeting had been, called half an hoar earlier at his Instigation, In order that a speoial meeting be held at 9 p.m. He also stated that since last meeting he had 3»ncelied arrangements in connection with laying the foundation stone of the Council's new buildings, on account of the death of the Queen. CORKBSFOKDENCE. Correspondence w»s received from Lticas Bros,, Indicating that the new water cart was forwarded ; and from Mr 0. Archer, engineer, stating he had passed the work of manufacturing as satiefscfcoiy. The Mayor asked If members were in favor of granting the latter a remunera tion for his services as lie had now left the employ of the Chriatchnrch City Council. After some discussion it was ultimately decided to grant Mr Archer a remuneration of £2 2s; Cr Scaly pointing oufc that a special Inspection from Ashbnrton would cost much more than the snm granted. From Mr WT Kingston asking for a btldge at the reserve vented by him, and farther an extension of his lease to ten years on account of portion of the reserve having been taken away. Cr. Willia nuggested the letter be referred to the Reserves Committee The Mayor thought a small matter like this shr nld be decided by the Council, and his motion that the application coold not be granted aa the reserve would have to be submitted by bublic auction was carried From R B Ren foil agreeing to lease the two section* applied for by him From H J L'oyd ordering £3jper annum for sections 84374, adjoining JR B Restell's and agreeing to pay half cost of dividing fence Cr. Scaly objected to the erection of these fences, pointing out that the cost of erection would be more than the rents received. It was decided by the Council to grant the latter application An invitation was received from the Fire Brigade invling tha Blayur and Councillors and ladies to the brigade'^ annual dinner on Thursday, 7th February, It was resolved that the Invitation be accepted and the Council attend. An application was received from several residents in Kermoda Streefcasking that the proposed channelling be formed on north side of street and also that a footpath be formed. — This was referred to the Works Committee From Mr W H Benner complaining ot wooden sewer instead of concrete at his property. The Gas Company wrote stating they were prepared to renew the former light ing arrangements for one or two years on the same termi as lasb contract. For any additional light required they would charge pro rata. Members expressed a disappointment that the Company had made no reference to incandescent burners. The Mayor, as a director of the local Gas Company replied, and it was ultimately resolved to accept the Company's offer for one year engineek's and work's committee REPORT. The Engineer's and Work's Committee report was as follows : — I—Mr De Beer's Letter re Clock.—The Work's Committee ask that thh matter stand over till next meeting.—Agreed to. 2—Horses for Water Carfc, Etc —The i water cart ordered from Messrs Lucas Bros* has come to hand, and In order to provide suitable horses for this work, and also for driving In the steam fire engine at night, the Works Committee recommend the Council (a) to sell the big horse and to purchase a lighter horse of a similar class to the list home procured,, and asefc of harness suitable for the water cart and fire engine ; (b) that Richardson be employed aa before to drive the new water cart, his horae and the new one procured to be nsed for the water cart. •—Agreed to. the sarvlcea of Riehardsoa meeting with the approval ot various Councillors. 3—Foreman's Cottage—The Works Committee have Instructed the Engineer to expend a sum nob exceeding £5 In I painting and repairing the old foreman's cottage for the Turncocks and Fire Brigade.—Adopted. 4 Channelling—As the amount raised by loan for channelling has now been virtually expended, and seeing the Council has still 180 casks of cement in hand, the Works Committee recommend the Council to authorise E>3 more chains of channelling and 29 chains of kerbing to be done, as follows i— Ease side— Aitkin Street, 10 chains; South JJaat Belt, 6 chains, (kerbing). West side— Walker Street, 5 chains ; Cameron Street, 3 chains ; Park Street, 10 chains, Ker* mode Street, 10 chains; and Wills Street 10 chains, (total 38 chains. ) If this work is ctrrled out, id will enable all those streets that most require it to be channel led, and satisfy those ratepayers who have applied for the work. Tonr Committee strongly recommend that these streets be channelled at once, and and that the necessary funds required (£150) be paid out of the Council's general account. s—Asphalt Channelling—Your Com mittee also recommend that the old asphalt channelling at the South East end of Tancred Street be repaired. Agreed jto. 6-Mr T. Bollock's Application.-The Works Committee cannot ise its way to

recommend channelling as aked for by Mr Bollock, but will open a channel 'along Ait ken Street and South East Beit' to enable drainage to be obtained«— Approved. ■ 7-~LaboorGang —T> c men h*ve been L engaged during the past two weeks In asphalting and tarring footpaths, cartlrg material to, and surplus coil from the channelling contractors, making and fixing bridges and culverts, cleaning onfc channels, carting shingle for footpaths, grubbing gra<=B off footpaths, attending to water supply and general maintenance works. The report with the exception of clause 4 was adopted. In this connection the Mayor moved fchrt clause 4 be referred to next meeting of the Council. Ihe sum of £160 was too large to face without; having some farther consideration, especially as no provision had yes been made for this expenditure. Or. Willis seconded Or Tlmmlns would like to know how much channelling had been done which had not yet tsen scheduled Or Scaly pointed oufe that If the motion ware given ef ect to, the work weald be brought to a standstill. Or. Darit objected to the habit of the Mayor condemning in this fashion, as in others, the decisions arrived at by mem* bera of the Works Committee after they had given careful attention to the various subjects considered by them. Or. Scaly, the chairman of the Works Committee, aisoeomplained of the manner In which the Works Committee's deliberations were received and treated by the Council. The Mayor eaid he had already given distinct Instruction! that na work should be gone on with after the special loan money for this purpose had been exhausted. The Engineer here pointed am- that the value of the cement still on hand would leave the Council in credit on this account. The Mayor was of the opinion that there was no hurry in rushing this clause through, without even a notice of motion. Or Davis here complained thafe the cement coat was incurring interest for some time, and now a further delay was suggested by putting aside * completion of this work. The Mayor's motion was then carried. It was decided to increase the wages of water ranger Smith by 6d per day Or Jones drew attention to the criticism which had appeared as to the Mayor'a method of reading the proclama tion respecting King Edward VII., and the Council agreed with him in Mb opinion that this function had been carried out by the Mayor in a highly satisfactory manner. IHS*EOIOR'B REPOftT The Inspector's report on sanitary matters, which was of a satisfactory character, was read and received. NOTICES OF MOTION The Mayor suggested that movers of above be asked to defer their motions until next meeting, and this was agreed upon by the Council, in order to allow time for special meetings to follow. It was however, decided to consider Or. Andrews' motion dealing with the carry ing out of the srection of the portion of dividing fence ad joining Mr Q F Dodd's property .The Mayor complained of the proposed expenditure of £20 upon the suggested corrugated iron fence which would he argued, only ihus enclose two thirds of the Council's own property. Cr Scaly advocated the completion of thn CoaneTs fencing of their section by an iron fence all round. It was ultimately decided io carry oct the erection of an iron fence as previously recommended by the Works Committee, The Council then e&t as a DOMAIN BOARD. Cr, Jones sp( ke in favor of increasing the curator, Mr W. W. Smith's, salary from £100 to £125 per annum. The Mayor pointed oot that he could not approve of the piecemeal manner in which the recent increases to the staff of the Council had becnnuide, andconsidera* tion of thla matter was deferred until next meeting, it being agreed that the increase, it made, should be r« troepeotive. The Curator's report; was rpf<d\ a^kirg for various repairs to the building in the Domain, and was referred to tho Domain Committee.

The thinks of the Board were conveyed to Dr. and Me Her?inj? f>r their present of a radiometer for th« Dome m.

The McAdoo Jubilee Singers.

There was only a very moderate attend* ance at the concert given by the McAdoo Jubilee gingers m the Oddfellows' Hall last evening, but those present were enthusiastic m their reception of this talented company. In the various choruses forming the first part of the programme the voices blended perfectly, each one being distinctly heard, although ab times the passages were sung almost m a whisper, the light and shade being very accurately produced. Mr Eugene MeAdoos solo, m the well known plantation song " Massa'n m de cold, cold ground," was a highly pleasing rendition, given m his rich and powerful bass voice, and he was ably sustained m the chorus by the rest of th« oompany, " The Vaoant Chair," by Mr Collins, m his sweet yet strong baritone, was a distinct success. The second portion of the programme was made up of glees and nolos, which all met with the approval of the audience, "The Old Folka at Home," "The Dear Home Land," and other familiar Items being loudly applauded and encored. The mttrveltouß changes by Mr G vuze, m prodco. inp the voices of either sex, bewildered the audience, and led lo repeated demands, and Misses Underwood and Gibbons obarmed all with their productions.

The Borough Lighting.

The question of lighting the streets of Ashburton came up at the ordinary Council nailing last nigh*-, when a, letter was read from the Gas Coy in reply to an enquiry I from the Council as to terms for future lighting. The Company's Board of directions wrote tbab they were prepared to undertake the lighting for ousor two years on-tho same I betms as formerly charged, whileb for any additional lights required, the charge would be pro rata. Oa councillors expressing disappointment that the company had made no reference to tupplying incandescent burners, the Mayor replied that an exper iment already made in supplying mantlet had ooafc the Company £30, and further ai it had been stated that the Coy was making large profits, he would poinb oat that during the last two years their dividend had been 1 percent tnd before then 6 percent and this had ot>ly been realised by the greatest economy. Ab a director of the Gas Coy he could cay thab they had done all they could to meet the requirements of the Council. The dividends paid by the company bad absorbed all their profits, as yeb so reserve for the accessary depreciation of their works, and of late nothing had been expended in permanent improvements, except whab had been deduobed from capital account. With respect to incandescent lights with these faotg before them he did not tee how they (the Council) could expect a supply of inoandescent burners, when it was knowc the Company would make a loss by supplying them. The Mayor's own feelings were thab the Council should arrange for a reasonable term in order to allow the Company a chance to make satisfactory arrangements for the future, which oould nob be done while the contracts lasted from year to year. For the next few years there was evidently no chance oi their obtaining other fighting, and every year the s*me question of terms and ecmbj arose between them, and the Council had to accept the company'! offer each time, He was in favor of the Council adopting improved lamps, and referred to the globe Umpi supplied in Ohristoharob, which gave out a really beaubif al light* la making these statements be merely threw out suggestions, and it was for the Ligbtisg Committee to adopt them if

they thonght a considerable saving would ', thus ensue. - Cr Scaly asked if the Gas Company would make an offer to the Council for a term of "ay Jive or ten jearp. The Mayor replied chat a special meeting of the Ga? Company direc tors would beheld shortly and he was in favor of their being approached tit this meeting by a committee of the council. Cr. Timmlns ira referring to the low of £50 mentioned by the Mayor, pointed ont that this amount; had been the original cost perhaps of the total experiment and oould not be put down as an annual charge. Cr. Daviion was of the opinion, that if * five years contract) were dfecuised he would much prefer to tee the Gonnoil consider the matter of purchasing outrjghb the G*s works. Or Jones epoke in favor of the renewal for one year as a temporary measure, as he was convinced that with the strides electricity waa making that electric liehtiog would be their best system evonsually. A rt*olution to accept the offer of the Gas Gom jauy for on« year on the same termi as last was eventually pub and carried.

Attempted Murder and Suicide.

A resident of the Borongh of Linweod last aight mtiempW to murder h»« wife, an* then gMbed and hacked *t his •,^ throat '.The story ii * painful one, Abont 16 | months afro » widower named William John Wilding, 46 years of age, married * widew nsmed Sarah Jane MoNioho!. The ceremony took plaoe at the Registrars oflSoe, Christ ebsroh* Wilding had several children, bub ithey were mostly grown up and married, and living apart from h!m. The aeoond M» Wilding «tto had several children, all youoe. whooametolive with their stepfather, at Linwood. Wilding did not prove a model jhusband. For the past 9 monthi he h*i | been oat of employment, and hai brought no cash into the establishment, although ho managed to come home pretty regularly -»eh night m * B fafe of intoxioation. Quarrels were rife, and the noise of the domeitio disturbances could be heard fre quently by the neighbours at all boars of thu night * Three weeks ago Mrs Wilding obtained a maintenance order against h« husband, compelling him to contribute £1 a week towards the support of herself and her children. Wilding continued m his old habits. He left home about nine o'clock yesterday morning, and returned about half I past seven m the evening, the worse for liquor. He demanded his tee, and his wife replied that there was barely sufficient food for the children. He became violent and abusive, and Mrs Wilding threatened him with further Court proceedings, After shooting bub gome angry words, Wilding made a rush at his wife, gob hold of her, and knocked her down on to a mattress [ lying on the Soot, and held her down with I his knee. He then got a razor cut of his pocket, opened It, and prooeeded to use it upon the woman ttruggling underneath him, | She managed to wrench herself away, bub her left hand came into contact with the opened razir, and was severely gashed,, Screaming herself, and accompanied by her screaming children, she niched from the house, and summoned the police. Wilding meanwhile had locked himself m. Detective Livingstone, Fahey, and Casselto, together w!t>h;Oonst&ble* Koster and McCrory, arrived at the house shortly after. After the back door had been burst open Wilding was found lying on a bed, ft razor m his Mb hand, and a gash across his throat, stretching from ear to ear. *)r Orchard arrived shortly after wards, and found that the man had not oat the jagular vein, although several arteries were severed, and some pints of blood had •beeo lost-. The man was taken to the Hospital m an express, and his wounds were stitched up. He Jp, however, m a vety precarious condition. — Ptess,

THE NEXT CENSUS.

The census of New Zealand will ba taktn for tho night of Simday.the 31et March, 1901 The colony has been divided into forty-two enumerators' districts, each c.neititing of a group of contiguous counties with their interior boroughs. The enumerators have divided their districts into subdißtdct3, for each of which a cub enumerator has been or is to be selected to distribute and collect the household schedule:?. There wi'l be about eighb hundred and fifty sub enumerators altogether. Eaoh sab enumerator will be provided wit ha map of his district, coloured to ."show all existing territorial divisions, such as electoral districts, counties, ridings, road and town districts, besides boroughs ; •nrl the population* of all theee will be ascertained. The areas of the sab enumera tors' district will also be maiked off on the maps into email block", and the population of these given by tho sub enumerators, for the purpose of defiaing new electoral districts for the apportionment o! the European representation of the people m Parliament. The particulars required by the Act respecting the people mo'ude—name, aex, Rgp, married or single, birthpUce, length of residence 3n colony, religion, occupation, education, whether British subjeot or alien, if suffering from Biokness, accident, or infirmity. The dwellings are also to be described m respect of rooms and material. Besides the information as to the popula tion, special returns will be collected relating to all industries, manufactories, or works m the colony, giving particulars as tc hands and power employed, raise of materials operated on, produce or manufacture, value of land wad buildings, machinery, and plant. Further, returns of places of worship, land and building societies, literary and ecientiSc institutions, &a., will also be collected by enumerators from information supplied by sub-enninerators.

Stabbing Affray.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dukbdin, F«b4 The inquest on James Gibbs, greaser oa the Otarama, who died from a wound received in a free fight, was opened today. The evidence, so far given, does not tend to •how conclusively who struck the blow. There was no light in the place at the time, only the reflection of a lamp in the firemen's quarters. Two of the witnesses spoke of seeing a figure approaching Gibbs, who sang out ' I'm stabbed,' Kana*, who is in custody, was at this time engaged in a straggle with three firemen. No one appears to have seen Thompson, the other accused, who, accord ing to another witness, had retired to hie bed before the row. The inquest) will be resumed tomorrow <

SUICIDE AT DUNEDIN

United Press Aeaooiatioa—By Eluctrio Telegraph Donkdin, February 4 An inquest was held tcday oa the body of an unknown man found on Oargilla GJiffe. The medical evidence was that the body was that of a man from 30 to 35 years of age, sft Sin to s"fe 10in m height. Hie Sngere iniioated that he was not: much acoustomed to minnal labor. There waß a wound right through the skull from leffc to right) as if from a bullet wound. There was nothing to indicate how the man died. The police on removing the body found a five chambered revolver, four of the chambers of which were loaded. A watch and chafe md a discolored shilling were found on the body. The jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from a self inflicted wound caused by a bullet discharged from a revolver. No clue has yefc been found as to the identity of the body.

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES v. VICTORIA,

United Pre»a Association—By Eicoirio Telegraph—Copyright I (Received Feb 4, 1045 pm) Stdnby, Fefa 4 Victoria, m their firab inning*, made 279 —MoLeod 25, Layer 56, Stmckey not) oafc 130. New Sooth Wales, m their aeoond innings* have loib seven wickets for 15O—*regory, 149, Trompor not out 67.

FUNERAL OF QUEEN VICTORIA

Further Retails United Press Asaociaiioc—By Elect*io Telegrapl "•Oopyrighb London, February 3 Many of the scholars of Fton helped to guard the route from Windsor to 8t George's Chapel. The/regal splendour and dazzling brilliency of the fin»l scene in the Royal Chapel was indescribable. The town of Windsor was eUborately draped, and everyone wore the deepest raouruing. Countless wreaths arrived at the Castle Deanery from foreign Sovereigns, Presidents ef Kepublies, from every quarter of the United Ring* dom, India, 600 th Africa, and Canada, all bearing inscriptions demonstrating the deepest honour and love in which her late Majesty was held. They in cluded one from the Commonwealth, and one each from the separate States of Australia, another from the peepl* of New Zealand, and one from the women of Auckland, Innumerable societies and corporations throughout the Empire also sent wreathe, A hundred Australian soldiers and colonists viewed the procession from Mr HE Hoare's mansion in Piccadilly. The firing of minute guns at Ports mouth on Friday was heard at the Crystal Palace. London, Feb 4 Queen Olga, at Athens. And the Khedival Princes at Cairo, representa tives of the head of the State, Minis* ters and Ambassadors, attended Eng lish services afc other capitals, and there was a similar attendance of local authorities and princely visitors. la every consular districts, and at all health resorts, all creeds joined in the services. Similar services took place in Canada and other colonies, and India. A parade of the British and foreign troops was held at Pekin, where an English service was condncted, afc which there was a representative attendance, Tb.3 Bishop of Oxford preached in St George's Chapel before, the King and] the Royal family yesterday morning, taking his text from Proverbs, xvi, \2. He said— 1 Thank God the last three years have brought to our conscious* ness a great element in the active, prompt, and sympathetic realisation of Empire, namely, its unparalleled growth and extension, qaiekensd, vivified, and energised by the consciousness of com* toon life. India, Canada, Australia have been new born to trae vitality.* An idea had become a fact. AH were pleased that King Edward was called after bis greatest ancestor, the first Edward. Let them pray for a seven fold blessing on the seventh Edward. Memorial services were held on Sunday in all the 'cathedrals and churches. At six o'clock on Sunday evening the Bishop of Winchester conducted a short service in the presence of the Roytai family. Madame Albani sang two solos* Saturday was observed aa a solemn, fast holiday thronghout Cape Colony and Natal. The Queen's statues in Capetown, Durban, and Pietermaritc burg were wreathed. Five thousand Indiana gathered at the foot of the statne in Durban, and delivered eulo giuros upon her late Majesty in«ix«f their dialects. Thora was a total suspension of busi ness in Canada during the funeral, and several American cities closed the Exchanges Ibe King decided that the public bhall be admitted to the Park to set the remains transferred from the gun carriage for removal to Frogmore at three o'clotk today New Yobs February 4 President MeKinley, members 0! the American Ministry, judge?, diploma* tiets, Senators, and others were present at a funeral service held at Washing ton Trinity Church, New York, was crowded with Consuls, representatives of American and Canadian societies, including Mr Andrew Carnegie, Twenty-three clergy officiated, indu ing Archbishop Lewis, of Ontario At San Francisco twelve thousand attended a memorial service A German warship at New Orleans fired eighty one guns. A serviet was held aboard, Admiral Sampson being amongst those present A salute of twenty one guns was fired alt the Navy Yard, Boston, yes terday . .V ' The Kaiser has conferred on the Queen Consort the late Queen's honor* ary colonelcy of the Prussian Dragoons. The Kaiser returns home to-morrow. The crowd on Saturday was the largest ever seen in London. The pro* cession was a triumph of organisation. Even the contretemps at Windsor, when the horses refused to start, strvtd to show the readiness, utility and übiquity of the bluejackets. The Times says;—Kemarkable as * pageant, and as evidence of the depth of the national sorrow, the funeral was perhaps even more remarkable as a demonstration of international sym pathy and respect. Nothing quite like such a tribute of personal reverence from.the chiefs of government of almost every State in the world has ever been seen." The Queen anticipated the possibility of her death at Oeborae, and left a will directing the naval pageant, which was strickly followed on Friday. St Petersbueq, Feb i The Cz*r and Czarina attended funeral services at the English and American Churches in St Petersburg.

Received Wakapuaka Fob 4, 8 47 a m This office 980 ft m London, February 4 En route from the Alberts Memorial Ohapei to Frogmore, the coffin will be preceded by the-Queen's company of Grenadier Gaards, the Bake of Argyle, as Governor of Windsor Otitle, the Highland Pipers, the servant* of Windsor O»8t!e, »nd the Band of the Grenadier Guard*. Then follow, afto preceding the coffin, the Bithop of Wincheiter.asO lerk of the O!o»e*,tbe Dean of Windsor, the Lord Ohambtr lain, and the Lord Steward. The pipers will play to the gatei of ton mansoleam and follow the clergy and chorister* to the building.

United Prew Aiaoolatton—By Eiectrio Telegraph

tt -i. j Wamsanot, Ftbraaty « * united memorial i«rrlct» wert to hsrt

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Mr Henry Btephenson notifies that the honr of commencement of the sale of Mr B J Henry's household furniture, has been altered to 12 o'clock noon on Thursday,



GOOD MBDIOINB rOR OMILDBIN ' * Through the months of June a&d July our baby was teething and took a running of! of the bowels aud sickness of the stomach,' says OPM Holliday, of Iteming, Ind* 'His bowels would move from five to eight times a day. I had a bottle of Chamberlain's Ooiio, Choiera and Diarrhoea Remedy m the house and gave him four drops In a teaspoooful of water, and he got better at oncie,' Sold by AihbUf ton Drag Company Smoke New Venna Wade's vVorm Figs are most effetive and not unpleasant; shildren thrive, after takin them. Price, Is



Ssjuoke New Yenas



TH?il Vi.fcDlCf Of A?J, PRACTICAL BIDBSBS 18 IN 1 FA YOUw OF ► RIDING BUILT with Butted Tubiog, Short Heads, Narrow Tread, Arch or Box Orown, m Iks pitch roller Chains, overhanging ch»in wheel*', Any style Saddle, Handle*, Chain, etc? i tar, »by height fronce ; also dust proof throesghout,, ' ONE PIWCB TO-ALL—s2l GATES, LOWRY ANi CO., Zealandia Oycln Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBTTRTON COOPER'S_SHEEP DIP. Facts for Sheepmen and Figures. i, Britain is the grea-i manufacturing centre of the Sheep Dips which are being pushed m this colony. % It m also the Country which subjects them to the hardest possible tea's m nse, l<~>7 nothing taxes the abiding properties o! Sheep Dips so severely »s the WEATHER, and. few dips there are that can withstand it. 3. Tha "BOYAL" is the Greatest Annual Sheep Show of the World and ihe Repreaunfcative Stock Gathering of the British Isles. These three disconnected facts combine, however, m addirg to th© weighty gores of the last Royal Show :— Total Pr?a«B Won by Sheep ... .. ... 162 Oooper»J>'pped Sheep Carried off ... ••• ••• HO Balance, for division amongst all oilier Dips ... ... 22 ANALYSIS. |[V[ j Champion. \ First. f Second. Third. | Total, OOOPBR ... j 5 |61 55 10 JHO _ ,Q>l her Pipa _"• S * i 7 U 3 i n COOPER'S DIP than ppcnred 90 per cenfc of the Fiest Prizes or FINIS TIMRS AS MANY AS ALL OTHHRDIPS POT TOGKTHKR? 12S Leading Sheepmen exhibited, lOt practically voted for "OOOPJER." It Is nearly the same with the Sheep owners the world over, who hat yew ( 1899) used sufficient of *' COOPER" to dip abottts 200 Million Sheep An increase o£ nearly 25 Millions over the sales of the pro?ions ye»r. FRIBDLANDER.BROS,, LTD., AGENTS. COAL. COAL. COAL. TIMBER, TIMBER, TIMBER. ■ 1111 l lIMIII if —Jin IW"— TF YOU WISH to cave money, yoa should buy SHAG POINT GOAL— The Cheapest and Cleanest Coal m the market, and cff eta saving of 30 per cent. BEFORE yoa commecce to build, we advise you to call and inspect our splendid Stocks o£ RIG ESTER GRATES, ENAMEL MANTLEPIEOES, and OvJOKIFG RANGES. We can give you better value than any other hoaso m the trade. JFYOU HEQUIRB your Besidence PAINTED »nd UEOORATED, we have the Largest and Choicest Stcck of WALL PAPERS m the Oomnty to seleot frrm, and can give you every satisfaction. IF YOU WANT Table Knives, BUTCHERS' KNIVES, Pocket Knivei, and Razors, We have )nst opened up £200 worth of Cutlery direct from the makers, the qualify of which is unapproachable, W. H. COLLINS & CO., - IBOHMONGEBS, PAINTEBS, TIMBER & GOAL MERCHANTS. 4t>ENTS, BOYAL INBURANOI COMPANY 1801 MODFXB JUST LANDED. MAB T IM PRO VBMBNTS. - " COME - AND SEE . THEM. P0 Up GOOD JSECOMD - HAND CYCLES TO BE SOLD CHEAP. NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED JOHNORR&CO. N.Z- CLOTHING FACTORY. WE have last concluded our HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING »nd have thrown out a number of odd lines, which we have marked at prices that will effect a speedy clearance. =SEE THEM AT DOOR.= MEN'S HABD AFD SOFT HATS AT Xs EACH. MEN'S SOFT SHIRTS. A lABGE VARIETY OF TIES, ALL REDUCED TO 6d& Is Men'e Leather Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Kid Shoes 10i 6d Woiopn'B Oanvaa Shoes 3b 6d, Children's 2<s 6d Men's 1 Tan Shots 6s 6d, Mea'B Tan Boots 15s. N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY-