EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon foz January

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Aehburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH-at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 S p m (express) TIMARU-ab 10.55 a m, 3.50 pm DUNEDIN—«b 12 54 p m (express) SPRINQBORN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— OHRISTOHUROH-at 10.45 a m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARL T-a.t 10.35 a m, 255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.67 p m (express) SPRINGBORN-at 9.46 am

Mail Notices.

Mails ologe for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alteration!: FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 For Northern Ports, Wesijporb, Samoa, Hawaii, Phillipines, Japan, also United States, Canada, etc, United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco (due | London Feb 16) per Tarawera At 630 pm ; late fee letters, guards van, express; money orders, 3 pm; registered articles, etc for United States, 5 pm i The next best despatch to the United Kingdom is via San Frnncieeo, leaving Ghristchurch on Jan 16th, and due London Feb 16. Note—The Australian Commonwealth not yet having adopted penny poaUge,lebters for Australian Colonise must be prepaid ?.d per half ounce If only prepaid one penny they will be surcharged doable the deficient postage Express de'ivery and special messenger services will be established at Ashbtirton as from Ist January 1901* Fxpresß delivery will cover letters and parcels aot exceeding three lbs m weight, for which an extra fee of B'xpence has been paid, The special mes senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made

MINING

United Preaa Association—By Kieotdo Teleg aph DONEDIN, January 12 Today'a gales :—Callagheaas Creek, 4s ;! Central Charlton, 13a 6d; Endeavour, 21a; Eriokson's Reward, 8s 3d ; Galvanic, 32s 6d; 33s ; Grey River, 66a; Grey R ver, Consoli dated, 3s 9d ; Meg and Annie, 683; Merrlmao, 3bi; Metallic, 25s 65, 25b 9!: Nugget, Is 6d ; Reeves Propriety 26) ; Roxburgh Jubilee, 4s 6d ; Upper Magnetic, 34a 9J j Victory, 7s 3d ; Wabteraon'a Con tol». The following are the returnr.—Alexandra Eureka, 45 cz; OharUon Osetk, 340z; Mo!y nenx Hydraulic, 33bz 93wt 6gr; Ngapara No. 111., 17cz 16dwt; Waimama, 21cz 4dwt; W&impmn Central, 2Ooz ldwt; W&lmumu Queen, 17cz lldwt; Olrig, 16oz 12dwt; Nevis, 15:z; Waimumo Extended, 12?z 83wt; Gab riel'e, 9oz 12dwt Bgr; Paul's Beaob, 9oz 4dwt. Dunedin, Jat» 14 T<»Uy'e ealea :—Erickson'a Reward, 8a Golden Run, 50a; Grey River, 65s 6d • Halfway House, 42s 6d; Kobiuoor, 10a ; Moequitn, 2« 6d ; New Alexandra. 9s 6d ; Ross Day Dawn, 1« die; Woodstock, 4j, GBBYMOUTH, January 12 The only dredge return ao far lot the week is that of she Waipuos, 14oz 7£dwr-, The c xporte for the week were:— Brunner Company, 2516 tons Mowt of ooa!, 216 tons lOowt 0! oohe, and 3510«s 12cwt of bnoks. Wspport, January 12 The ooal output from Wesport l*«t week was 95<18 tons 8 owr, of which tha Wesport Ooal Company shipped 8128 tons 9 cwt, and the Wesbport Co-operative Company. 1419 ; tons 19owU i

The secretary of the Reeves's Proprietary Gold Dredging Company, Mr H A Bruce, received it telegram on Friday from the dredgetnaster advising having washed op 14rz of gold for 120houra' dredgiop. The Secretary of the Nelson Creek reports having received a telegram from the dredge master on Frid*y afcernoon as follows :— "Broke down with elevator. Do not expect to starb again this week." The New River dredge will commence steady work this Week, the trial work.. 6 having"profed very eatisfactory. Q?he Grey River dredge is again at work after andergoing some necessary repairs. The dredge is worktog well, and everything point* to good returns for some time to come. The drop ia the share market was not connected with the dredge, but the rnukefc is easier all rouod •ha Beeves's Proprietary dredge has stopped Work owing to *,he clutch breaking. When the aeoident happened the plates were cleaned up and B|oz Wore obtained for fifty boars' work.

Commercial.

! United Preii AiaocUtion—By Eleotrie Teltgraph—■-Oopyiipht London, Jan 13 Frozen Mutton and Beef.—New Zealand 1« unchanged. Heavy River Plate mutton h&« advanced l-16d. (Laisb week's quotations were:—Fros^n mnfitoD.—Crossbred wethers and maiden ewes—Canterbury 4 11-163, Dunedin and Southland 4 1116 d, North island 4£d. New Zealand beef—lßolba to 220'bs per quarter, fair average quality, ox fore-quarters, unchanged ; hindquarters. 4d. River Plato mubton is unohangad) The hemp market is irregular. New Zealand, on spot, £21. Hides—There ia poor competition, and the balk on offer has been withdrawn. leather is quiet »t 9| 1. |

Wellington, Jan 14 The Department o? Agriculture has re ceived the following cable from the Agent- General, under yesterday's date :— '* The average price of choicest butter is Ills, the demand being good. Cheese, 53*, market good; buyers of cheese are holding back, expecting prices to be lower. The cocksfoot market is very dull at 34*. Wheat and oats are firmer."

SALE OF HORSES

Messrs Mating and Shallcrass held a sale of horses at Geraldlne on Friday, when there was a large attendance, and a fair fntry of horns, 44 being submitted to auction. There was keen competition for good draughts, which were m short) supply. There waß not much competition for backs, which were a medium lot. Draughts sold from £9 to £14 for old horsee, and others from £22 to £45 10s ; hacks £10, £14 It* to £18, and unbroken colts tip to £13: A lob of traps and sundries were sold after the horse sale

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Aahburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on January 14, 1901.— Wheat— Prime milling Pearl « 2a Zd „ „ Tuscan.„ 2b 3d ,i t> Hunter's 2s Id Oats—Duns , r Is Sjd Danish Is s|d Canadians Is 7d Sparrowbills Is 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oateheaf ,50a to 52s 6d Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2a to 2s 3d New „ Is 6d to is 9d (The above are prices current paid to farmers oa fcraoki »fc Asbfonrtcn. |

The Ashburton Mail. Established June 12, 1877. TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1901. THE SCARCITY OF LABOUR

The action of Mr Hugo Friedlander m asking the Government to take steps to mitigate as far as possible the effects of the apparent scircityof harvest hands just now, will meet -with ge .eral approval. It is more especially to be commended as ifc was taken io good time, sod ifc is satisfactory to see that Mr Ward is doing; his best to Garry out the suggestions that have been made by the Mayor of Ashburtoh. That there is a scarcity of labour was only to be expected m view of the deporta tion of over 2,000 of the flower of oar young men to South Africa. The greater proportion of these were more or less connected with farming pur suite, and it is pretty safe to say that quite two-thirds of them have hitherto assisted to gather m the grain crops of the colony. Another factor m creating a scarcity of labour is the exceptionally heavy harvest that is promised. Whether the ultimate yield of grain will be greater than usual cannot yet be determined ; bat there is no doubt th»t the work of harvesting opera tion* will be considerably increased by the abnormal growth of the crops. Moreover, although we mi^ht reason ably expect fine weather for some time to come, the season so far has been so changeable that it is possible farmers will prefer to gather m their grain as quickly as they can when once it is ready, and take no more risks than they can help, To assist them as far as possible m this direction, Messrs Friedlander Bros., are, we understand, receiving communications from farmers likely to require assistance, so that they, may give the Government some idea of what is likely to be required m the district, over and above the labour known to be available. There is, bow ever, no intention to ask that any more men should be sent into this district;, co long as a sufficient number of harvest hands can be obtained on the spot.

Since the above was written a number Of men, professing to be unem ployed, have waited upon Mr Fried lander to protest against bis notion m endeavouring to bring more hands into oar labour market. A report of what took place on the occasion will be found m another oolutnn. It is just to Mr Friedlander to emphasise the fact that be bad hot from the first any intention of bringing additional hands into the district bo long as the supply was equal to the demand. But with the in formation that was before him he was certainly justified m assuming that this would cot be the case when harvesting operations fairly began. Farmers and others have already been advertising for men for stocking, etc. —our columns have lately contained several of such notices—but up to yesterday nothing had trans pired to show that labour was easily available htre, Indeed, if we may credit tho reports that have reached us, circumstances pointed to quite the opposite state of things. Knowing this, we confess we were as much surprised as Mr Friedlander must have been to see the number of so-called unemployed who presented themselves before that gentleman yesterday. There is something about this business that seems to rf quire explanation. Some of the men certainly admitted that they had only been a few days m this neighborhood ; but, as for the rest, we are at a loss to uoderstand how it is that they did not come forward m response to the advertisements we have referred to. If we may read between the lines of the remarks made by the spokesmen at the deputation to Mr Frifdlander yesterday, we should say that they bare been " lying low," with the idea of suggesting to farmers that a scarcity of labour for harvest work did exist, and m this way to be able to raise the rate of wages. We do not blame the men for trying to do the best they can for themselves, but, on the other hand, il! the case be as we have supposed, they cannot blame the farmers for doing thesamekind of thing and endeavouring to make provision to meet possible contingencies. The question of farm labour is a large one, and to judge from the eigna of the times, it will bulk largely m the near future. The trend of recent legisla tion is to consider the apparent interests of labour rather than those of capita?; and there is abundant evidence that unless this great question is not delicately and judiciously handled, there is trouble m store for this country* The axiom that the labourer is worthy of bio hire is true, but his hire must be regulated by the demand for his labour. If an employer cannot get labour without paying more for it than its real value to him, it is obvious that he most be a looser. Under such conditions he must find some other outlet for bis capital. And j if a farmer or grower is called upon to pay so much to harvest his crop that ! there is not enough left to pay himself, he must obviously give up the business. On the other hand it has been urged that as the coat of living hes been constantly increasing, particularly during the past twelve months, the labourer is entitled i ito ask for increased wages. Tha adjustment of these respective claims is the problem of the future, and unless it is carefully dealt with the economic relations 6f the community will be seriously interfered with. There are 1 some industries m this colony which the enforced labour conditions "• are gradually but surely killing. It is to ba | hoped that the agricultural industry will not also be amongst them.

NEWS OF THE DAY.

!' Rbsubnbd—Trooper W Gray, of Green street, who was accepted as a member of (he Sixth Contingent, and met with an accident io Wellington, returned to Ashbnrton yes terday, i'he severity of his m juries will prevent hia accompanying the contingent* A roads Sale.—The attendance at Mr $ I Thomas's sale m the Arcade on Saturday was large, and the entries were all cleared at sat | isfactory rates. (The entries were limited, vendors no doabt preferring to wait til} the monthly horse fair en Friday next, New Railway Plant.—A cable message b»B been received by the General Manager for Railways, stating that the twenty-two I engines ordered from the. Baldwin Works at Philadelphia for the Mew Zealand Railways will ba shipped this month at New York, ftcoordiog to contract'

Magisterial —At the Police Court yester day a first offender was fined 5s and costs for drunkenness. Personal—We regrefc to learn that Mr Harry Hardley has beeu somewhat seriously unwell for a week or two, and is at present an^er the doctors. - The friends of Mr Cuu borne,our local stationmaater,will be pleaded to Bee that he ia sufficiently recovered from his long illness to be able to resume his official duties.—'i'he friends of Mr Alfred Harrison will be sorry to learn that he is still indisposed* Ikcbease of Capital.—An extraordinary i meeting of the shareholders of Ihe Canter bury Frozen Meat and DJry Produce Export Company* Limited, wfS held on Friday, Mr W Ghrystall, chairman of directors, m the chair. Tho resolution passed ab the meet ing held on December 20 h, by which the capita! of the company is to be Increased f from £75,C00 to £100,000, by the issue of i 2500 shares of £10 eioh, was duly confirmed, i Two Bnakfs Found m Ikkland—lreland's | total immunity from anything m the shape of a snake has been so remarkable (says Country Life) that the appearance of two lately m County Wicklow has created quite a stir among naturalists. Some time since a snake, measuring 20m, was killed on the estate of Sir Robert Hodsoo ab Hollybrocke, Bray, and just before another was killed on i the property of Dr Thompson, near Delgany 16 is thought that the snakes, which were quits harmless, came aeroea the Channel with a consignment of shrubs. Find o* Diamonds m British Territory "•Another large find of diamonds has been made m the rivers of British Guiana. The last find, which was made by, on an average, ten men, working for a period of six weeks, liumberrd 881 diamonds, valued locally at from £100 to £500. They were found m the Upper Mazsstrani, a great tributary of the Esgeqaibo River, almost ia the centre of the colony, about 190 miles inland direct, or abont 280 miles' journey along the rivers. A Hero of Sfion Kor.—Mr Winston Churchill, giving his lecture on the war m Bradford lately repeated the story of the officer of the Middlesex Regiment who was shot whilst encouraging his men oa Spion Kop despite ths jeering of Tbornpyorofb's men. He said he had only been able that night to fix the identity of that officer, and he was proud to give to the world the name of that brave and heroic man, who hitherto had not received the honor to which he was fairly entitled. It was L'eutenaab HA C Wileon son of ihe Rev Alf Wilson, vicar of Sb Michael's and AH Angels, Cbiswlck. A Sensible Idea—The woman engaged m a profession finds herself m a difficulty as regards her social duties, and is beginning bo ask herself how she can attend her friend's drawing-rooms on their "at home" days, and at the same time perform her work m a satisfactory manner. The matter is a most difficult one to settle. Ib is too much to expect a busy woman to keep up the pleasant little oivilities that lei-ured women enjoy so much and exact from their friends, and it is a question whether they should not make life easier for their less leisured sister by permitting her to send her card through the medium of the penny post. Temperate Legislators.—The demand for temperance drinks at the House of Com* j mons bars is said by a London correspondent to be steadily increasing, despite the exist ance m the cellar* of a vab holding 7GO gal lons of Scottish whisky. In the summer months the demand for lemon squash is so great thai) that bbc Attendants make a prac tice of providing several large bottlea of lime juice before the day's sitting begins; and ginger beer, especially that supplied m stone boltles, ia m constant request. The moao surprising feature, however, of the hob weather consumption is m ooonection with barley water, (several big cans of which are exhausted every evening m the lobby bar alone. Latterly lager beer has been much m evidence m the dining room. Temuka Trotting Club —The Temuka Trotting Club's meeting, which takes -place oa Thursday next, promises to be a very successful one. The cub haa held two interesting meetings without a totalisator, but thin year has been granted a permit. The acceptances are very good, and include a few M dark ones," who are rumoured to be possessed of more than average paoe. Onr Temuka correspondent writea that the track just completed m the lower paddo.sk of the park, is of excellent shape, and likely to prove faster than the average of country tracks. The surroundings are exceptionally pretby; on one Bide of the paddock is a [ willow fringed lagoon, en the other a berrace planted with trees, which form • excellent shelter. Bt. Patrick's Day Sports Association* —The adjourned anuu&l meeting of the fct Patrick's Day Sports Association was held lasb evening, when there w*s a fair attend* anoa of members. Mr M, J. Burgess occupied the chair. The baSanco sheet showed a surplus of £8 17» 81 for the paßt year. The President and Vice-Presidents now m office were reeleotod, and Messrs H, Gullen and, J. Moiton were added to the list of Vice Presidents. The following Committee v?as appointed: —Messrs D Wilson, M J Burgess, H McSherry, James Wilson, W P Daly, S Madden, PCookson, 3 Mullan, J Kennedy, F Cooper, B Moriarty, D McDonnell. Mr L Hanrahan was elected treasurer, and the appointment of a secretary ia the place of Mr D McDonnell, who declined reelection, was held over bill nexb meeting Fob thh Ladies—Vegetables on hate are the. latest fad of fashion. Grapes and cher ries were spring favourites, and labor pretty velvet strawberries were m great demand. Carrots are now seen on very atnarb hats. They are unique and decorative by- reason of their brilliant colouring, although they savour of the utilitarian too much bo be Btrickly decorative. But, as they ar« the very newest thing oub, they have met with favour In feminine eyes. A blaok hab that has jußb arrived from Paris is relieved by a bunch of thesrt brilllant-hued edibles. Beets are also seen m the millinery world for the first time. The crimson root looks aa if they bad been carefully peeled and are bopped by musses of foliage. Quite as rich In colour and hardly so plebeian ■m appearance as carrots are tomatoes. Thay come m all sizes, and range from a greenish pink bo a deep purplish red. Horses foe the Contingent—A good deal of disappointment has been caused to mem* here of the contingent now en route for South Africa by bhe system of selecting troop horses. It was announced that volunteers having horses of their own might have them purchased aba valuation if they could pass a veterinary examination. Bub ag a matter of fact hardly any of the horses so presented ' have passed owing to any technical unsound* ness being considered a bar. to selection* We happen to know of one case of this kind m which the horse offered by a trooper had been m bis hands since ib was broken m; It is just about the Btamp of animal required, being a sturdy cob about 14. 3 good colour, and practically sound, Jo is trained to military revolutions and will follow its owner and come to his oall anywhere. But because it had a recent cub on its leg through being entangled m some barbed wire, the government «vefc.' condemnod it. Naturally the trooper regrets having to parb with his old favourite. One would suppose that if a mm is willing to take the risk, if any, the authorities might have done so too. What Will France Do Next The Paris correspondent) of the Times writes '•— The great lesson to be obtained from this international effort will gradually disappear, and, m spite of certain mistakes, its dispro portionate dimensions, unsystematic organi sation, and nnsucceetfu! private enterprises bhe Exhibition ia a worthy close to the cen* tury. In defaulb of special reasons which cannot be forecast), France is nob likely I think, to hold anobher Exhibition ab least m the first quarter of bhe coming ceubury. The random predictions that France, ab the olose of the Exhibition, would be drawn Into dis turbing bbc peace of the world will, I am convinced, be falsified, Ib is a calumny to France to allege that Bhe will now have her handa free for mischief, and haa been thus far on her good behaviour merely for fear of injuring the Exhibition. France has no need of chains, either of iron or of flowers bo prevent her imperilling the security of herself or obhert. When a nation, with rare exceptions, has remained quite during all these months, ib certainly dtaires tranquillity and the ambitious and discredited fanatics who are about bo ehoub for Mr &toger must nob be mistaken by the world fora demon* •bration by France, who will now calmly tura to the serious problem* demanding her itfcwjbion,— Timts *

To Bathers -The bathing ponds m th 9 Domain are at present empty, and the hole m the bottom are being filled m. It is expected the baths will be fall again hy the end of the tvetk. Horse Fair—The next) horse fair to be held by Mr David Thomas takes place on Friday next, and a large and varied entry has already been received, including 170 horses of all descriptions. Lady Hbnby Somerskt—The Ohristohurch Prohibition League haa resolved to ask the New Zsaland AlH»"ce to invite Lady Henry Somerset to visit New Zealand, aad address meetings m the oaubo of prohibition. Unimprovbd Values—The poll at Waimate on Friday on the question of the adoption of the Rating on Daimproved Val ues -Act, resulted as follows ;—For, 235 ; against 61 ; informal, 14. The proposal was carried, i Presentation,—Prior to his departure for Chrifttchurch by the express last evening the Btationmaßter, on behalf of the railway staff, presented Driver W. Bryden with a silver mounted walking stick »nd cigarette holder. Mr Bryden suitably acknowledged the gifts. Bowling Tournament—Tea member* o* the Ashburfcon Bowling Club left by the early train yesterday for Christohurch to compete ia the inter club matches. The following are the names of the local team :— Messrs D, Thomas, Cotaman, Drummond, Soring Doddi, Hardie, Bonnlngton, Grange, Cralghead, and Dr Hunter. Moose Dckb—Messrs Campbell, King and Paterson, who went through the Whit | combe Pass, says the West Coast limes, saw the moose deer imported by the Govern ment from America. The animals seemed quite at home m their new surroundings. Mysterious Drowning Cash—Early oa the morning of December 27, • cries were heard proceeding from the water at Flood's Wharf, Sydney. The water police dragged the vicinity, and recovered the body of a man. Q?he body was fully dressed. la the pockets was a considerable sum of money, also a bank draft payable ia Ftemantle m the name ol Joseph Plester. The Poultry Industry.—The Tasmanian Government has decided to develop the poultry industry m that colony, and experi mental poultry farms are being established. Already orders for stock have come to Victoria* The Governments m all the oolonies appear to think there is a mine of wealth m poultry raising for the London market. The Salvation Army —There was a large attendance at the Army Barracks Imt even inp on the occasion of a farewell oonoert ani coffee supper given to Captain and Mrs Walker, who were married the day previously and are proceeding to Waipawa. A farewell w»b also tendered to Ensign and Mra Rupright, who are being transferred to Dunedia. An enthusiastic meeting under the control of Ensign Ruprighfe was afterward held A Boy Swallows a Tin Whistle.— A boy of eight years, named Grey Caesin, who lives with his step-father, Mr Bolt, on the Papanul road, Christchurch, swallowed a tin whistle, about) the s'ze of a halfpenny, at about 3 o'clock on Sunday. He was taken to the hospital, where, at a late hour on Sunday night, attempts to recover the whiftle had been unsuccessful. The boy himself felt no ill-effect,ej Gardening Reminder.—Daring January to induce quick growth give copious supply of water. Where early crops are coming off, clear the ground, dig deeply, and plant; Brussels sproutp, kale, Bavoys, cabbage, broccoli, etc. Top runner beans and keep well staked, Sow for last succession runner and French beau*, lettioea.radtah, Baladn,peas and turnips. Sow Spinach. Thin late sown onions. fhb Crops.—The crops on the Wakanui sad Beach roads appear to have suffered lees from the recent heavy rain than was at first anticipated. Id some of the paddocks where the crops have been beaten down, they have now recovered. One or two paddocks have already been cut and the balanoe of the grain ia ripening fast. The yield m this district should be veiy largo this season if we may judge from appearances. Trap Accident—Mra McDonnell, residing opposite the Ashburton racecourse* when being driven to church about nine o'clock on Sunday morning, was thrown from her trap between the Commercial Hotel and the railway engine shed, fthe horse ehled at a pissiDg bioyolist, resulting m Mra McDonnell being pitched out on the metal road, her shoulder being broken. She was also severely shaken by the fait, Dr Bolger promptly attended and Mrs McDonnell was removed to her home, where we learn she is progressing as well as c»a be expected. Stoats and Weasblsas Sheep Dkstroy- KB3.—A farmer m the Pleasant Point district has hhd a unique experience. Discovering some of hb ewes lying down bleeding, si d the rest of the fl->ck feeding, he concluded that dogs had been worrying his sleep, tut on closer expectioo he found that two small holes were made m the neck only one bleed' iog profusely, showing plainly that; it was not caused by dogs. The district is very thickly infected with stoat*, and a neighbour stated that a house cat brings m regularly three or four a day. Farmers have a new and dangerous enemy to oonbend with*

Minister of Lands at Highbank

From our owa Oorreiponttent The Hon T V Duncan, Minister of Lands, aoooirpanied by his Private Secretary and Mr CAO Hardy, M.H.R. for the district, vißited Highbank on Saturday, and met; a number of settlers m the school at 11 a.m. The Minister was welcomed to the district by the chairman of the School Committee. Mr Hardy introduced Mr Duncan to the pettierb, who aaid it was his aim to visit all the distriots he could, although his time was much occupied. He considered this was part of the duty of a Minister, andl he would be ghtl to hear what the meeting had to say» Tho chairman of the Domain Board, and the chairman of the Cemetery Board drew attention to the state of tha fences between these reserves and the adjoining occupiers. The Minister's attention was also drawn to the way m which the flood water had been allowed to go on the lands of several ot the settlers during the last few months, whereby they had suffered much damage. The Minister said he was going to meet tho members of the Mount Hutt Bead Board at Methven, and he would enquire into this matter. The nezfa business waa the question of the settlers' losses by the gale of some years ago compensation, for which the sum of $500 had been voted three sessions since j and after the matter had been fully discussed, the Minister promised to give tt hia attention. After dealing with some minor questions, votes of thanks were passed to the Minister and to Mr Hardy. Mr Dunoao inspected the Domain and the oemetery, and said he was pleased to see the settlement looking so well, and he left for Methven at 1 pm.

AT METHVEN

Own Correspondent The Minister of Lavdß, accompanied by CA.C, Hardy, Esq. M.H.B, after risitiug Hlgbbank, met the members of the Mound Hutt-Road Board at MebhveD, The chair -1 man of the Board pointed out the desirability of the Land Board making some provision i to assist the looal bodies m the recovery ot rates on Government; sections forfeited or transferred. The only course now open to the looal bodies to secure themselves, being to insist on payment of rates on these sec tions as soon aa the rates were doe, a oourse which made an invidious distinction be tween Government settlers and the occupiers of freehold lands, whose rates could be made a oharge on th« land. The Minister agreed that ib was not tight such a distinc tion ehould have to be made, and promised to give his attention to the matter. She members of the Board after thanking the Minister and Mr Hardy then withdrew.

Scarcity of Harvest Hands.

The following correspondence has been handed to us by Mr Hugo Friedlnnder :— (Telegram) 1 The Hon. the Acting Premier, Wellington Aa there ie a very great scarcity of manual labour, and as it ia of the u'most importance not only to our farmers, but also to the State that every possible assistance is given to enable the former to gather their crops as quickly as circumstances will admit 1, may I b% allowed to suggest that the N. Z. Govern ment stop ail such cooperative works as it can conveniently do, and thus supply a want greatly felt by one of the mainstays of this colony.— Hog 3 Feiedlandhr

(Telegram) Hugo Friedlandbb Ashburton In reply to your telegram there are only some seven hundred men employed by the Government m the South Island, and much as the Government ie anxious to assist the farmers m every way, the course suggested i cannot at present be adopted. There is a ■universal demand for the prosecution of many of the public works that are m hand, the great majority 'of which are for the convenience of settlers, and if at r_r page m the direction Indioited were made, the attempted cure would, I am afraid, bs worse than the disease; I may add that the i Government has previously had some expert' «noe m the matter, and the course suggested by you was then tried and did not work as was aaticipated.and caused very general diaiatir faction. 3. G; Wabd.

(Telegram) Hugo Fribdlander Fsq Ashbnrfcon. Minister of Public Works telegraphs me, be thinks that labour department could arrange for a supply of any labour that may be r< quired* I will give instructions for the head of that department to communicate with you, and any assistance that can be afforded will be readiiy given,— J. G, Ward.

In consequence of the publication of the correspondence between Mr H Friedlaoder and the Hon J G Ward with respect to labor for the coming harvest, which appeared m Saturday'B Guakdun, hetween 60 and 70 men, tnosly strangers, assembled at Messrs Hrieilander Bros Office about "'hree o'clock yesterday afternoon. A deputation of four Tas selected and Mr Daoey was appointed spokesmen and stated that the men bad attended m con sequence cf what had appeared m the Guardian. They had come to find if employment could be obtained for tbem. There were they slated 200 idle men m Ashbnrton and these were aa mauy men as would supply the harvest requirements. Mr Friedlander replied that not more than six weeks ago he had advertised for men and could not get a single one. A member, of the '"deputation : < You could get 100 now, and hundreds more were about, three men were m the riverbed now.' Another member of the deputation eaid that from Saturday's local papers men might be discharged from the public works, and the men here thought the place would be swamped Mr Friedlander—' In case the reported scarcity of labor continued it would be a very serious matter for the farmers If there was insufficient labour to gather m the harvest.' A member replied that Mr Friedlander oould not have lived here and looked round. Mr Friedlander eaid he had lived m the place for between twenty and thirty years, whilst the man who made the former remark admitted he only came on Friday last. Another man eaid he had been twelve years m the place. Mr Friedlander: • Well I was bere before you were born, more than 27 years ago.' Mr Friedlander added that during the whole winter there had been a scarcity of labour and employers had been trying to get men. In reply to a question as to what wages they had been getting one of the deputation said £1 per week and found for working four horses and a double furrow plough. Another complained that he had been offered only 15i per week. One of the speakers stated that they wanted this season £2 por week, bub Mr Dacey interrupted and said this w s only one opinion and not perhaps that) of the ; men outside. What he understood w&b asked wan £2 5a to £2 10a per week and found. Personally he had worked for' a number of years and never got under £210a. Mr Friedlauder said this was above the '. average. He then went on to say that the mon need not worry over their idea that) he was goiug to import labor. He was only going to protect- the farmers, and if there proved to be sufficient labor here he would take steps to let Mr Ward know that out side labor was not r< quired. That very morning two farmers had come to him wanting men A member of the deputation said it was quire une!eas to bring a lot of men here. Mr Friedlander said the farmers wanted to be satisfied there was sufficient labor at a critical time and wished to ensure having enough men to get m the crop quickly. Ho further pointed cub that every idle man m this town who wished to work would get full employment: and wagesi Mr Dacey replied that a very bad state of affairs would arise if men were broughb away from Government or other works. The newspaper articles had been the means of filling the town with undesirable people and the speaker and others would have to suffer. Mr Friedlander oombatted this idea During the harvest time there would be an exceptional demand for labour and the farmers must be protected. The men here suggested that Me Fried lander should explain these matters to the crowd outside, which they stated was increasing, but the latter declined. He had been long enough m the district to know all about the matter, and everyone would give him credit as not personally being a selish man. He had nob gone to work with a view of injuring one. This was decidedly cot his intention. If there were no demand for men he would be the very 6rst to telegraph to Mr Ward that the labor market was fully supplied, Oq the other hand if the men were going to combine together and ask for unreasonable wages .he would aexist farmers to have fair treatment. The deputation then withdraw, and on receipt of the spokesman* account) of the interview they Appeared to be (satisfied to a certain extent.

Bowling Tournament.

(J')ited Press Association—By Eleofcrio Telegraph Christohuroh, Jan 14 - The Bowling Tournament of the New Zea* land Association opened today. The weather was beautiful* The following are results :— Ohriatch'iroh, (Wood), 13vOamaru (Martin) 12 ; Chrietchuroh, (Raphael), 23, v Phoenix (Waddell) 17; Christchuroh, (Lambie) 20, v larercargill (Porfceousl 15; Canterbury, (Thompson) 28, v Dunedin (McPheraon) 16 j Kaituna, (Bneddon) 20, v Fielding (Saywell) 13 ; Dunedin, (Sinclair) v Invercargill (Fay lor) 14 j Palmeraton, (Uowlem) 20, v Duds' din (McLaren) 18 ; Canterbury, (Meikleham) 29, v K»ituna (Paterson) 23 ; Canterbury, (Gee) 2, v Invercirgill (Erekine) 16; Cale donia v Taeri, a bye ; Caledonian (Hogg) 24 7 Roslyn (Mathieson) 11; Nowtown (Under wood) 20 v Caledonian (Wedderepoon) 14; Dunedin (Teake) 17 v Aahburton (Coleman) 12. Seoond round of tink tournament---Timaru 24beafc Christohuroh 15, Canterbury 22 beat Green Island 19, Ghristchuroh 20 beat Cain donian 18, Chnstchurch 20 beat) Paimersfcots North 19, Newtown 17 beat Dunedin IS, Boslyn 19 be*b Lawrence 17, Victoria (Wellington) 27 beat Dunedio 12, Canterbury 20 beat Ashburton 19. Third round—Chrietohnrch 34 beat Cale donian 14, Christohurch 30 beat Canterbury 16, Roslyn 26 beat ChrUtohurch 12, Cbrltt. ohuroh 26 beat Caledonian }14, Canterbury 31 beat Chrittohuroh 25, Newtown 26 beat Canterbury 16, Victoria (Wellington) 23 beat Oant@rburv.22, Kaituna 20 beat Canterbury 19.

Police Court.

METBVEN-FBIDAY

(Before W Morgan and J Batty, Esqs, Je.P) Denniston and Moriarcy v J Blair, claim £12 9a 101, for contract work filling shingle, A set off for the Board was admitted as oorrect, and a deduction made for half the estimated cost of breaking the metal to the required ms and loss of time for teams for one day, leaving a balance of £5 9s 7d, for which judgment was given for plaintiffs, eaoh party to pay their own cost.—Dunn v Oromie, a somewhat) similar claim for £7 9i3d j a set off wa« allowed reducing the amount to £1 13<j 7d f for which amount; judgment! was given for the plaintiff, each party to piy their own costs*— Mr Watson appeared for defendant m each case

A Sensational Elopoment

JUDGE MARTIN LEVANTS WCXH ANOTHER MAN'S WIPE.

DIVORCE . PROCEEDINGS THREAT ENED.

THE JUDGS RESIGNS.

la oar Saturday's issue it was stated thai a very unpleasant rumour was car* renb m Chnstoharob, involving ft high judicial office; and a lady well-known Ik society circles there. The rumour, unforta nately, was ascertained to be only too true. The persons involved are Mr Justioe Martin aud Mra Simms, wife of Mr Simtnf, mer chant, of Christchurch, and until recently Consular Agent for Germany m Ciirlttebaroll. The following fa from the Lytteltm Times of yesterday morning ;— TWO CONFESSIONS Id was stated m Christchnroh on Friday that a leading fii m ofeoiicitora had "received & letter frcm Mrs Simms, which the batf sent to her husband, making a confession that she "was living with Mr Justice Martin, m Australia, and that Bbc had no intention of returning to her husband. It was next stated thab another firm of solicitors had received a letter from Mr Martin, much to the same effect, and Btatsng that if divorce proceedings were instituted they would not be opposed: Although the newa quickly I Bpread, very few who knew the erring pair | could bring themselves to believe that there was any truth m it, but later on mere circumstantial statfmeets began to be made, and ali doubt w»s removed last evening, when a telegram was received from Wellington to the effect that Mr Justice Martin had resigned hie judicial position, hia resignation having reached the Justice i Department on January 4. Of course, the { rumours spread like wildfire, and the scandal was discussed at every street corner. THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SCANDAL When Mr Justice Dsnimton left for Eng land, Mr Martin waa appointed to take hie position on the Supreme Court bench during | his absence, and this necessitated Mr Martin being m Christchurch a good deal during the last six months* During bis visit* h« generally stayed with his mother at Feudal* ton, and, as her residence is next door to that of Mr and Mrs, Bimms, he was fa * position to sea the lady constantly. It Is stated that the pair were very friendly some years ago, and while they were neighbour* their friendship appears to have become cloaer, for quite a number of people aver that they have sees them taking long walks on the Port Hills, m the Park, and at the seaside. So constant was the Judge m bis attentions to the lady, that it is stated chat her husband found it necessary to remonstrate with her upon her conduct, more especially bs the relations of the pair were being fre \y canvassed by the gossips m the neighbourhood* So acute did the trouble become that it is stated, on good authority, that there was grave dissension bstween Mr Simms and his wife on the matter. Eventually, ib was agreed that she should visit her mother m Brisbane for a oouple of months, and accordingly she left) for that purpose. Mr Martin finished up the business at the Supreme Court, and when the long vacation camp, just before Christmas, he announced hi? intention of going to Sydney to attend the Commonwealth cele brations* The next that was.heard of tbt errant pair waa that they had met, and were living as man and wife at an hotel m Australia. Them appears to be little doubfa that the whole affair was prearranged between them. When Mrs Simms was upbraided by her husband for her conduct she always denied that there was any impropriety m her relations with the Judge, and when she left there Was no suspicion [ thab she was to meet him m Australia* MB MAETIN Mr Martin, who sb about forty-seven yean of age, was born at Christcnuroh, bis parents being ameng the earliest settlers. His father died last November. He waa edu cated at Christ** College, and about 1869 he entered the employ of Mr T 3 Du&ean, then Crown Prosecutor. He rapidly roie to a responsible'position, and ultimately to a partnership, and on the death of Mr Dun can also admitted as a partner, and the, firm whioh was then known as Duncan and Mat* tin. Later on Mr Henry CotterHl wat also admitted as a partner* and the firm beoama Duncan, Cotterill and Martin. Mr Martin auoceeded Mr Duncan at Grown Prosecutor, and held that pomfcion until hi •yas appointed Resident Magistrate at Wel lington, a post which he left to beeonM Public Trustee. During his oooupatioa of that office he paid a visit to England, and shortly after hit return he was made a temporary Judge of the Supreme Gourd and judge of the Arbitrabion Court, and a few weeks ago his permanent appointments as a Supreme Court Judge was gazetted. During his resldenoe m Canterbury he toe* a very great interest m the volunteer move ment, and was for some years captain of the E Battery of Artillery, and proved to be an excellent officer and a thorough disciplinarian Mrs Martin is a daughter of the late Ma E Saundei-son, of Grata Peaks Station, and was married to Mr Martin about 1378. Their family consists of one daughter, wao is engaged to be married to an officer m tbe Indian Army, who is now m Wellington. THB iADr. Mrs Simms waa a daughter of Mrs Marshall, of Brisbane, and during her resi dence In Fendalton made quite a holt of friends by her engaging manners. She was a leading member of the Fendalton Dramatic Olub, and was a very fair actress. She was a splendid dancer, and m a ballroom her programme was alwayß full at a very [early stage. She leaves behind hoc two children, the eldest about eleven years of ago. DIVOBOB PROCEEDINGS It is understood that Mr Simms has m« Btraoted bis solicitor to take tbe necessary proceedings to obtain a divorce, ansi that the papers will shortly ba served apon Mr Martin. During the las! sittings of the Supttma Courb here, Mr Martin granted no fewer than eight divoroes m one day, which is said to be & record for the colony.

United Freßß Association—By Sleotrio Telegraph Wellington, Jan |3 Mr Martin's resignation as Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand waa received by the Government on January 4th. Some time ago the Government received the resignation of Mr Justice Martin &■* Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. A member ol the Ministry, who was seen on the Bubjeot, did cab think there was anything unusual m i% beoause Mr Justice Martin had been appointed m the oapaoity of an Aiding Judge, and was about to reoeive a permanent appointment. The Minister m question thought thaUhis was simply s formal reiig ! nation, preliminary to the appointment of Mr Martin as a permanent Judge of ths Supreme Cosrt. Jt appears, however, that Mr Martin meant otherwise. It was his final leave taking of the New Zealand Bench. It would he noted, that though he went over m theMokoia wiih the Premier, MrJur tice Edward?, and others, to the Oommoß* wealth Celebrations, Mr Justice Martin's name was never mentionsdin connection with hit attendance at any of the official function* there, a fact which, m itself, oauatd som« surprise, ■~rrr _ . „ January 1# Judge Martm'a resignation was accepted by the Cabinet cv Saturday.' ' ■'

fifß ASHBURTOH MAIL i TttHISDAif, JANUAKt 1§ 3 1001-



'all moon ( ast quarter ipogeo few tnooo "irst quarter 'erigee

5 13 12 21 27 24

11 44 &m 8 8 am 10 30 pm 2 6 am 9 22 pm 11 opm



te

15 ]6

Ri«es 4 42 4 43

Fats 7 57 7 37



You can cUpend oa ridding your chlldr« of worms witfi Wade's Worm Figs, foj wcnderfpl Wortp Wotti«|-fli|



Deathrdealing and destructive; Lyddite Shell Forms part of modern soldier*' arb, Not as of old when noble warriors fell Laid rudely low by spear or dart* Yet war?s degrading to the human rape, And will not make our liyea secure, Though one can now -ill dirty weather free By taking Woods Great PepgerpJoti Opr#



CONSULTING OPTICIAN Mr Ernest M. Sandstelu, DBOA2, FB, MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study m England and Con- i tinent, may be ccßsalted on all cases of defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary, artificial light being used. Doctors' pre floriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con ■nlting rooms, Oashel Btrg«!> W;, over M Sandstein, jeweller, Christcharc\ 950 to , l,BtoM»Hy i



P5 £> O •" s . 525 3 m >m) rH t $ 3 8 < S5 « © on °n ° t. ps^ a jo o «*-• ' hr fe S * m * a » o O s 182 S 3§a 1 P s © Ph £ 3 * m ■'a- *



WANTED KNOWN—That J. Moison has received a large stock of fashion able Summer Boots aod Shoes of the best; material, also aboct to arrive new stock of the lateeb French Goods, and invitee the Public for inspection. J. M. being the only reliable and practical Bootmaker m the town, this gives him .superiority and facility to know the best value and quality* Repairs carried on just the eatne, m the cheapest, neatest, and moitf fashionable style. Best leathers used, and workmanship by the best of tradesmen, at The Hall, East Street, Ashburton.



KERNARD & WHITE, City Pork Shop, Havelock Street, HAVE just opened New Business ia the Pork Lina. Small goods of all descriptions always on hand. Tha public are specially invited to call and inspect Pork Sausages, (fresh* Daily cash buyers of dary fed Pork.



FOR SALE, WELL Cured Prime quality HAMS and BACON. Cheaper than Beef r Mutton. Guaranteed grain fed by farmers of this district. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO. J H Role.



MONEY ON MORTGAGE, I HAVE a sum of £20,000 to lend on first ctaes freehold Security of farm laad at 4£ per cent, m sums to suit borrowers F FERRIMAN



& \ rf ASK FOR &k | i,"j fj, Q jvj &Jk W s I tft * iNEW TAftlFF'- ._/' CHAMPION BLEND •SU OTHER PRICES: '® VeVa tAoi/kz/bi/b m CHINA TEA USED BY US/



PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, T>OYS' Gaard Strifes 8s 6d ; Boys' Blouses 4a Boys' Norfolk Snits 12s 6d; Washing Suits 2a 6d " Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits .18a 6d Beet Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Pac Suits from 21a to 65s Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 12s 6d. A nice variety of Summer Coats m Kbarki Serge, Satteiu, Alpaca, Etc. NZ, CLOTHING FACTOItT- F. H. BBCKINGSALE, Manager.



WANTED Known—That what wado, we try to do well. Bear this m «)'■: f], fr. titlemen, when ordering your .t.m>! Ou fit; ftnr!, f adies, remember it bef' it fiiMng up your Boyafor the holiday — Mit) bell and (Earner



SIIIL ADVANCING CBAI HEAD & BEHBYMAN HAVE just opened out, exs.s, Piparoa from London, the largßSb shipment o! New Goods they h^ve hitherto importe<3, comprising the moat up to date Suitings from the best Manufacturers as now worn at Home- Their immenß» stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customers such a spleodid range of new materials of guaran'eed qua! ty and stylish patterns to choosfi from as should plpase even the most fastidious, and their prioas, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the leading firms m Christchurch or other cities They are also uhowing a grind lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., thi« Eeaß n Customers would do well to place their orrlets curly as C. & B have already » arge number of suits on the books promised before Xmas. 11 140 "~7 ~JAMES~BAK§. f FOENISHIKG WAEBHOOSB, I * {Havelock Street;) I TTE guarantees to sell at Qhriittcburcb prices for Cash or Time Payments, 1 14 FOB SALE S PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS fPO Faimera purchasing Halfbred PIGS We are prepared to buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, J FARMERS' MSAT SUPPLY CO* 2 5 JH Rtrxß. FOB 6ALE. BY PRIVATE TREATY. yjAAA ACRES JAAA 4UUU acres 4UUU OF splendid Grez'ng and Grain growing Land, situated m tho far famed dis trict of South Cantetbury, one mile from Railway Station; 15 roomed House, 4 roomed Cottage, Woolshed and Dip, Stable end Outbuildings, divided into 15 Pad Jocks, &11 well watered, The property is bow carrying.Booo Sheep, also Horses and Cattle. Price £5 per acre. Terms Apply R W HANMER, Ashburton



««BY SPECIAL APPOINfMENT.'* PURVEYORS OP ODSB CELEBRATED HONDAI-LANKA CEYLON PACKED AND SEALBDTEA! TO the Elite and else to the • Plain People '—None too high op too low to appreciate its unblended goodnfisa. BLENDED TEA DRINKERS IEY UNBLENDED HONDAI - LAFK4. MAE A.RAJAH No. 1. FIRST AtVAKD PARIS EXHIBITION.



The Equitable Life Assumnce So&iety, of U*B Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington, DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay olaSms: HT> Bstt/. Epq, Chairman. j Percy S* Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albert Martin. Esq. MD. j E Tskvob Gould, Resident Secretary; STRONGEST UFE ASSuiiANCE SOCIETY IN THE WORLD Financial Position. AeBUMBCe m force ... .„ £219,670,058 j Surplus over liabilities ... £12,711,97 Accumulated fund*.., .- £08,373,185 j Aanwal iooowae ... « £11.286,145 A Mutual Office. All earplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Value Polioy. NICOL-TT BROS, Agents, A»hburtoD, 12,47



MELLOR'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STOKE 13 THE KING OF BOOT SHOP 3. Pronounced by tha Ashburton Publia to b© the Cheapest and Maat Reliable Boot Shop m Abbburton. THE FOLLOWING 18 A FFW vF OUR PBIOES:- Men's Good Blnchers, greab v.ilae ... ... ••• 6a lid Men's Rood Shooter Boots from ... ... ... 9a 81 ' Men's Lijot Sand&y Boot, good valae, »b ... ••• 8s 6J Ladies' Pretty Oxford Shoes from ... ... ... 6a 81 Children's Boots from ... »■» t.. la Od Bcyd' Strong School B( otß, very cheap: only ... ... 4s 6i Laalos' Leather Slippers from ... ... ••• 3a lid Men's Oanvas Shooa ... ... ... 6a 8d Acd a Thoasaiid Other Lines that Defy Oompttftlon at J. MELLOR'S ZEALANDfA BOOT STORE, TANORED * STREET, ASHBURTON.