EPHEMERIS

SUN.'

Phases of Moon for August

Mail Hotices

Mails oloae for the following places at under, subjeot to the necessary alterations: SATURDAY, August 10 For Northern Ports and We.tport, per Tarawers, at 6 30 p m

Commercial.

United Press AB_ooia.lon--By Bleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. London, August 15 The Amerioan visible supply of wheat Js 38,959,000 bushels Messrs Woddel acd Company's annual butter report anticipates thab last season's high prices will be nrnintaineJ, and possibly augmented.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

I The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter' . bury, Ltd, quote as follows on August 16, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl „, 2s 3d to 2. 41 „ „ Tuscan._, 2a 4d to 2a 5(1 Hunter's 2b 3d to 2b 4d Oats— Duns la 5 i to Is 6d „ Daoieh Is 5d to Is 61  Sparrowbillß la 6d to la 7J „ . Canadian la Bi Barley—Malting, primed 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Blue Prussian 2a 9i „ . Partridge 2a 7d to 2. 9d Chad—Good oatsheaf 40j Grass Seed-— Is to 1. 6d The above are prices current paid to arrnera on fcru.ks at Ashburtou

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1901.

The feature of the Budget delivered by Mr Seddon last evening is its length. Never before in any Financial Statement have we seen such a marvellous stream of words— nearly 20,000 —aoctas we saw page after page coming from the Telegraph office, we wondered whether it was going on for ever, The country newspapers will have to make enlarged special editions if this sesquipedalia verba is to be a regular affair. But evea so, the ques tion is how many of our readers would wade through fourteen or fifteen col umns of words and figures, most of which are employed to show what as tonishing progress this oouratry has made during the past ten years. We have therefore left out moat of the comparative figures given in the bud get, and contented ourselves with en deavouring to pick out from these 20,000 words those which seem to convey some idea of the future policy of the government, or of its intentions with regard to some given matier. We miy. say with reference to the mass of figures quoted by the Treasurer to show what great progress has been made during the past ten years, and what public works have been carried out, that it would h;.va been a marvellous thing indeed if the fifty odd millions which the tax payers have contributed to the public revenue during that period bad not left something to show in the way of resultp. They could hardly have been like clouds and left "no vestige whore (hey flew," Fifly millions is a large sum, even Mr Seddon must admit that, and no matter what party collected ib from the taxpayers, some thing very tangible might be expected from its expenditure. We note that the Treasurer's estimates of revenue have again been exceeded, and that notwithstanding a very large amount of extraordinary expenditure during the year there will be a eorplus. We have on former occasions pointed out that this constant recurrence of an excess of actual revenue over the estimate, can only be explained in two way*, Either the Treasurer has not a complete" grasp of the country's finance, or else he purposely underestimates the revenue in order to be able to show a surplus. Bub if the latter, and the most probable explanation be cor rect, the taxpayers have a right to ask why the taxation is kept up so far beyond the require ments of the public service. Instead ot patting tkemselves on the back because Borne concessions have been recently granted to the taxpayers, Ministers should continue tasking reductions in the taxes until tho total revenue balanced the expenditure. That is the practice in most constitutionally governel countries, and there is no reason why it should not be followed here. Itjs neither sound policy nor ab stract justice to employ a large surplus representing over taxation, in construct ing public works lor the benefit ot posterity. Such works should be car ried out by loans, payable by those who will get the benefit of them. We may conclude by congratulating the Treasurer upon the remarkably astute device which brought into tho Treasury at a very opportune time, a sutr seated to amount to about £100,QC0. It is difficult to imagine that the rumour of an intended increaae on the duty on certain commodities emanated from the man on tho street. Mer chants and importers are not in the habit of paying away their money on mere suppositions, But a general hint from somebody behind the scenes would be deemed sufficient to act upon. It now appears that there never was the slightest necessity for an increase of duty on anything: quite the other way. No wonder Mr Seddon smiled serenely when he told the Housa last-evening that " the customs revenue this month is buoyant in the extreme." Any Treasurer would appreciate an advance of £100,000 free of interest, especially at a time like the present.

Local and General.

Social Column will be found on our fourth page to day.

Weather Forecast — Oaptaio Edwin reports:—Strong north to west and south west winds; glass fall ; indications of rain.

Concert and Tableaux —Those interested in the work of the Ministering Children's League are informed that a concert and Tableaux, together with a sale of work, are being arranged for an early date, to be ad vertised. For some time past the promoters having been busy preparing the details.

Butter and itgg ., —Mr G. T, D iwson annually exparts from Tapsmui district 20.000 dozen eggs and 20 OOOlbs of butter. The buttej(aaya the Courier) is of the 'good old sort,' and is mostly powdered. No dairy-kef p.r has yet pub In a separator to supply the town with fresh up to.date butter.

A Handsome Souvenir——Tha medal presented to Trooper I X Thompson, who returned recently form the Front, is a very handsome one. It Is silver shield shaped of elegant pierced work, tha attaching ribbon also having Bilver bare on it. The medal and bars are suitably inscribed, indicating that the gift is from Highbank residents, for his services in South Africm The whole work refleote great credit on Mr Da Beer's j .wellery establishment.

A Big Cheque —Colonel Rowell,,,the officer in charge of the contingents ..who returned to Australia by the Brlttanlc, brought Imperial pay with him to the amount of. £36 000, to be paid to the various Australian troops, £13,000 being for South Australian troop., £3000 for Queenshndi arid £7000 each tot West Australian and Taemanlari.

Sports Association's CoNOERT-^Afc ihe concert to be given on Tuesday evening next in the Qddfelbwf.' Hall by the Ashbur ton Minstrels, several new items will be introduced to the publio, including fanoy clog dancing by John J Ritson, champion step dancer of Sydney.' The objeot of the concert, namely, to raise funds for tha new asphalt track, is one that should receive the support of every Athtetio Club and sports man in the district

Thb Farmers' Frsbs Gang—Owing to the scarcity of labour in Q.age County Kansas, twenty farmers, armed with revolver., marched to Peterson, and there ' held up' a train. After o impelling the train hands to uncouple two immigrant cars, four of the farmers, according to a New York telegram of last month in a London paper, stood over them, while the other sixteen attacked and subdued 2CO Immigrants, who eventuttl'y agreed to remain in O.age County and work in the harvest fields at 103 a day per man.

Gardening Reminder—During August get ready every inch of ground for summer crops. Get in manure ; let ib be properly Incorporated before sowing. Sow peas, broad beans, parsnips, spinach and leeks, and onions in open quarters, and radish, hardy lettuce, and parsley on warm slopes. If any pruning of bash fruits has besn neglected, see to it at once. Towards the end of the month plant early potatoes. So* tn hob bed for transplanting tomatoes, capsicum., melons and cucumbers! Plant rhubarb, asparagus and shallots. Finish planting fruit trees, bushes and hedge plants

A Chimeric vt. Scheme-—A Sydney tele gram in the Melbourne Argus B^y-: --*Wiih reference to ths opinion by Mr Seddon in tho New Zealand House of Reprrgintaiivea that he Baw no reason why the steamers of the P and 0 and Orienb lines shoull nob visit New Zealand, ir.qiiries made of the large shipping companies showed that the inducements to go to New Z aland were not sufficient. The project of the New Zealand Government to build stenmers of 10,000 tons with a speed of ab v. 18 knots an hour, was regarded in shipping circles as quite chimeri cal »

Lilywhite m Poor Health-—The sudden passage from confinement to iiborty has had a painful efF.o', says the London Daily Marl on poor Charles Lilywhite. Until hi. release the tension saems to have kept him up Now that it ia all over he has collapsed; 'He doesn't seem able to realise thab he i. fren,' sud his brother to a Daily Mail representa tive. *If I wished to I < ould pull him aboub just as I liked. If I say • Come here,' he'll ju.b answer, \ Yes, I'm coming, ' and come. You can'b treat an innocent man like a crim inal for close on eight months and expect him to recover from ib all ab once. He seems as if he were in a dream.' Mr Lilywhite is under medical treatment, but it is doubtful whether he will ever bo the same man again. His bother considers thab yeara have been taken off the end of his life.

Old Men's Home—The ma.ter of bhe Old Men's Home acknowledges the following contribu'ion with thanks: —Mr Gordon (Union Bink) English and Australian pap.ra and magp;_'ne_; Mrs Timmln., papers and magaz/nea ; Mr G Sboddart, sandwiches; Mr Watson, fi.h dealer, fish; Mr C J Taylor, Cape papers, English illustratad papers and magaz'nea ; Mrs Andrew Orr, papers, etc; Mr W G Brittaio {Ohristohurch}, magazines.

Hockey—A meeting of delegate, repre senting Timaru, Waimate, Rakaia, aud Ashburton Clubs, waa held at limaru yesterday, bo pick the team to represent South Canterbury in the matoh against North Canterbury bo be played in Timaru on Thursday next. After considerable die cua.ion aa bo the merits of the. various players the following were ohossn :—For* wards, G Wh!t% Ashburton ; A Lane, Timaru ; H Millichamp, Ashburboa ; Bsrry, Waimate; O May, Rakaia. Halves, E Line, Timaru} Hardy, Rakaia ; Healy, Waimate. Threequarbers, W.Smith and'A Mi'lichamp, AshburtonJ Goalkeeper, D Stock, Ashburton. The meeting appointed Mr Stock, captain, and Mr Good, of Christ, ohurob, referee.

Raii.way Races—-From Home files we leer a thab there is keen rivalry between three of tbe Railway Companies as to which can make the run from London to Edinburgh in the shortest tinrj The third days'race was won by the Easb Coast Company's express, which left King's Cross at 10 o'clock p;m, and arrived ab Waverley station ab 6 9 on the following morning, thus doing the journey in 8 hours 9 minutes, or 6 minutes under the schedule time. The West) Coast express did the tun in 8 hours IS minutes, and tke Midland in 8 hours 45 minutes. The distances are as follows s—Easb Coast, 395 mi'e., Midland, 404 miles, West Coast, 400 miles. In 1888, the East Coast journey Was made in 7 hours 45 minutes, which ia an unbeaten record. •■■'■

Impetuous Ladies—Two young Napier ladies are now regretting their impetuosity. Being very anxious to bo the first to welcome one of the returning troopers, who was com* ing home by train, they journeyed bo a country station in order to board the train and thus gain tbeir purpose. On the arrival of the train the young damsels, seeing their • gentleman in Khaki,' as they thought, threw their arms round his neck, and kissed and hugged him till he was nearly suffdfcated. When their paroxysm of jiy had subsided, however, they were disgusted to fiod that the subjeob of their embraces was a stolid Maori, on h's way to attend a parade;

A Farewell Social—A very pleasant gathering took place ab the Tinwald We_ leyan Church for tho purpose of extending a tare well social to MrC Hawkins and family, ab which a few friends from Willowby took par. by contributing songs, solos, apd duets. The programme also included several chorus soDga. Addresses were given by Mr S S Cnapman, Mr H M Jone°, and Rev T Fee, and also b/ Rev J D Jory. Mr Hawkins was presented with a nice travelling Gladstone hug by a few Tinwald friends, as a token of the eßteem in whioh ho waa held; Regrets ab his deparbure were deep, einoefe, and general, and Mi.s Clothier who has Lgaa a.^aoiatod with Mr Hawkins in connection with Sun day Schools for soma time is leaving Tinwald, and the opportunity was taken of presenting her with bwo very nice books in memory of Tinwald and her friends. After the programme had been oonoluded, refreshments were provided to all in abundance by the ladies in connection with the church. Tho meeting was brought to a close at aboub

PjtiVAM Hosmtais "— In the House yesterday the BospitaL Nurses Reglstra - tion Bill was amended in Committee so as to bring private hospitals within Its provisions.

A Nctabl- Visitor—Mr J G Woolley, the famous American orator, who is to epeak in the O Idfellows' Hall on Wednes .day, 28th in.t, will bo the guest of hia Worship tho Mayor.

An Impbotkmbnt Wanted—Now that the new Fob. Officio ia all but finished, it is to be hoped that the authorities will relay the aspha!t footpath in front of it, which at the present time ie in a very broken condition.

The Someksbt Bcildino—Mr J C Mad di.pi., architect, and Mr Lane, the owner of the Somerset freehold, were io Ashburton this week in connection with the erection of die new hotel, at which active work will start on Ootobsr Ist.

Methtsn —Warm spring days, with hard froata, have prevailed in the Methven district during the past fortnight, but on .Wednesday, about noon, a heavy sou'wester came up, and snow fell heavily all the afternoon, covering the ground to a depth ot about four Inches,

Musioai.—Lovers of musio will be pleased to hear that the Ashburton Wesleyan Chclc are assiduously practising the Sacred Cantata • ISsihe. ' which is to be rendered on Sep* tomber sth. Besi ie_ well known vocalists thfjr'e will be some who have not previously appeared before an Ashburton audience.

Statelet;— After a few weeks of fine weather, on Wednesday afternoon a sou'wester sprang up, bringing rain, and then snow, which came down steadily all the afternoon, covering the ground to a depth of about four inches.

News in Brief.

With this issue we distribute a circular for the Polypathia Medical lnatiiute relative to the visit of their specialist on Friday and Saturday nexb.

By our advertising Columns it will be seen that practical exhibitions of glass blowing are still being held at the Glass Works in Ohrislohurchi

The Factories Bill and the Frozen Meat Industry.

United Press Association—By Elootrle Telegraph Wellington, August 15 A deputation representing the meat freezing, wool scouring and tanning Industrie? waited on several country members of the House this afternoon to protest against the provisions of the Factories Bill, so far as they affect these industries, being passed Into law.

Mr Waymouth, of tbe Canterbury Froz.n Meat Company, said if the Bill became law in its present form It eimply meant thab the increased cost of carrying on the meat freezing industry must fall on the farmers, who would receive lean for their raw product.. The BUI would entail an Increased cosb- in the working of freezing companies throughout the colony of quite 25 per cent, which the former would have to pay. He also pointed out that one effect of_.be Bill would be to upset the jadgmenta recently given In Ch__Btchurcl- by the Arbitration Gjurt, which had distinctly laid down thab the labor conditions in regard to slaughtermen and tanner, should remain a. they we_e. If this Bill passed, the ruling of the Arbitration Court could nob be adhered to. He denied a statement attributed to to the Premier thab freezing companies were subsidised by the Government, and said thab so far from receiving any assistance from the Government, these companies were the most heavily taxed in the country. They were, in fact, taxed from every corner.

Mr Slidden, of Wellington, endorsed the opi ions expressed by Mr Waymouth and added thab the slaughtermen when before the Arbitration Cuurb ab Christ* church, had distinctly stated that they did nob desire any alteration in the present condition of things, as they recognised chat under the provisions of the Factories will they would nob be able to make enough in the busy season to recompense them for what they would lose In the slack season.

Mr Clark, of Canterbury, representing the wool scouring Industry, declared that it would be impossible for h>m under the Rill to carry on his wool scouring and fellmongery business* He would have to shut down, and he believed that 75 per cent of the wool scouring establishments In the colony would also have to close down. Mr Booth, of Christchuroh, representing the implement manufacturers, pointed out that the incHased cost Involved in this labour legislation must fall on the con* sumer. The special provisions contained in the Factories Bill were, he urged, utterly unnecessary Mr Hill, of Canterbury, speaking for the wool scouring and tanning industries, endorsed evdrythlng thab had been said by the previous speakers. These Industries could not stand any Increased cost, and any extras they were compelled to face must be taken off the raw material.

Mr Waymouth promised to submit to the members present a complete list of reasons which prompted tho deputation to oppose the Factories Bill. ?

Interprovincial

Welj_.N-.ton, August 16 The Arbitration Court has fined Henry Fielder .25 and costs for employing two men at a Jess rate of wages and employing a greater number of apprentices than is allowed under the award

At the Supreme Oourb Albert Wa|kfos for assault and robbery ab Palmersbon was sentenced to two years. W«dber Rich* mond was convicted cf sheep stealing and was admitted to probation for twelve ratntha. Richmond pleaded guilty to an attempt to interfere with witnesses, and as probation oould not be granted the Judge aeptenced him to six daya impri.on' ment, counting from Monday last

An Important Literary Work

Residents of New Z.ahnd now have an opportunity to secure bhe 'Library of Famoitß Literature,' which has reoently met with such success through the enterprise of The Standard in London. This work, whioh is in 20 volumes, was compiled under the editorial direotion of Dr Richard Garnet. C;B., whose 50 years connection with the British Museum—2o of whioh as Keeper of Printed Book, entitled him bo underbake such a work, by reason of the broad learn ing whicb he is well known to possess, It would be quite possible to**tnake a collection of exquisite literary productions, whioh would, however, but afford an inade quate and quite misleading conception of the distinctive Bpirib of a liberatuie, An excel lent selection might also be confined to the literature of a single Country. Bub the projectors of the 'Library of Famous Litera ture* have broken through these limibatlonsi They have nob been content with merely reproducing pieces whose classic merit has won for them a plaoe in every anthology, Without excluding these, or derogating in anyway from a high standard of merit, they have sought bo illustrate the characte ristic expression of the literary spirit in ail aces and in all countries. In a word, the 'Library of Famous Literature' is one of the mosb remarkable contemporary examples of the cosmopolitan spirit whioh is beginning to pervade the civilised world ; rendering, without prejudice to individuality or nationality, all coantries, in a sense, but provinces of one common country. ! The suocess of this work in England last j year caused bhe publishers bo arrange for the reservation of a certain portion of the edition for distribution in New Zafcland. These are now available for those who apply promptly. Both the low prices and easy terms of payment ahould recommend them seSye. to those who value good books*, j

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

MORE BOER REVERSES.

London, August 16 Oolonel GorriDge has inflicted re verses on Kruitzinger, Erasmus and ] Pypßr Cachet near Staynsburg. Eras | mus and Cachet were mortally I wounded. j

A SWISS NURSING PARTY STOPPED

A Committee in Switzerland ar ranged to send a doctor and six nurses to attend to the womenfolk in the re fugee camps, Tho Party will not be allowed to leave Southampton, the authorisations given by Lord Roberts in March having been rescinded by the War Office on the ground that all measures necessary to preserve health were now being taken The Foreign Office declined the re quest that it should review the War Office's decision

NO WITHDRAWALS

Mr Balfour, in the House of Com mons, said that nob n> man or a horse would be withdrawn unless the military situation iu.tified the step, "The war had been unduly prolonged, even from the standpoint of the Boers

GENERAL LYTTELTON

It ia stated that General Lyttelton's presence in South Africa is merely a precaution in the event of Lord Kit* chener being taxed at all. Otherwise Lord Kitchene. will remain until the resistance is suppressed

Wellington, August 16 The Premier has received a cable from Mr Pilcher, Capetown, dated the 15th inst., stating that Private Hamilton of the Imperial Yeomanry, who was reported missing some time ago is now wibh his regiment and well; also thab No, 1678 Reid, who was wounded, is now ab Worcester, convalescent

PARLIAMENT.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, August 16 The Council met at 230 Mr Rigg continued the debate on the motion to oommit the Shops and Offices Bill* He supported the Bill and deprecated a weak kneed attitude and said thab provision for the compulsory closing of shops ab 6 p.*m on four days in the week was inserted by the Labour Bills Committee after receiving a - number of communications from trading corporations throughout New Zealand, and was a well mean, attempt to meet their wishes. The employers were now better organised than evar before and urged on by a section of the Press were like a boy hold ing for the fireb time a loaded pistol. The aim of organisation on both sides should be to establish a better understanding between employer and employee

Mr Twomey opposed warehouse and bank clauses, except the extra time book provision Mr Scotland, who said be was nob a party man, advised the Government nob to risk minor .hocks by advancing measures not sufficiently considered.

Mr Jennings ia reply to oriticism by Mr Bigg, Bald he was satisfied a_ to how his reoord in respect of labour measures stood id the eyes of the psop'e. Five years ago he advocated mutuality betweeu employer and employee Mr McLean said there were some good clauses in she Bui

Mr Jones was willing to discharge bhe batsk clerk, from the Bil'.

Colonel Pitt said thab the Committee, while including the small shops in the Bill, was nob willing to retain bhe big corporations thab organised petitions. If the banks and warehouses clauses went, the whole Bill could go; In reply, bhe Minister of Education said the only objection with whioh he had any sympathy was that made by Mr Pinkerton, thab the bink clerks should be manly enough to atk for whab they required. Such subservience as they had shown perhaps deserved little consideration, bub in spite of this subservience it was the duty of the State to extend to these people, who were guided by a hand whioh should cherish but did nob, the same protection as should be given to every child of the State The Bill was then committed, and after the passage of bhe short title, progress was reported The Counoil rose at 4,55 p m

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wellington, August 16 The House resumed ab 2,30 p m In Commib.ee on the Hospital Nurses Registration Bill at clause 4, which specifies which nurses may be registered,

Mr Hall Jones moved to alter the first seobion to provide that every parson who, on the passing of this Aot, holds a certificate of training from tha Auckland, Wellington, Christohurch, or Dunedin Hospital, and every person who then holds a certificate of three consecutive years training as nurse in any other Hospital, shall be entitled to registration

This provoked great opposition from members representing constituencies outside the four chief centres, and finally this amendment was withdrawn, and bhe Minister then proposed another amendmenb enabling nuy nurse to register who holds a certificate of three consecutive years' training in a hospital. This was agreed to; The clause was further ameeded to piovide bhab any nurse applying for registration must prove to the satisfaction of the registrar (the Inspector General of Hospitals) that she' has reoeived systematic instruction in theoretical and practical nursing. A proposal by Mr R McKeDKie to strike oub the provision in the clause thab the motion of tha hospital from whom the nurse to be registered had reoeived instruction should be herself certificated was rejected by 32 to 17

Thereupon, Mr Hornsby moved bo report progress, hia complaint being that members were nob baking any active part in forwarding the Bill

After some discussion, the motion was n.gatived on the voices, and the House rose at 5.30 The House resumed at 7.30 In Committee oa the Hospital Nurses Registration Bill an addition was made to clause 4 on, Mr Graham's motion, to enable nurses now absent from bhe colony in the Imperial service to apply for registration three months after their return to bhe colony. Sab-.lau.e 2 of clause 4 was amended by altering bhe necessary period of training from four years to th.cc years, and in sub clause 3 the provision that the matron of the hospital ab which tho nurse received her training should be a certificated nurse was struck out on the Minister's motion, and the clause as amended was agreed to.' At clause 5 progress was reported on the Bill to enable Mr Seddon to deliver his financial statement. The delivery of the statement occupied two hours and twenty minutes. Oipuaiu Russell asked when the Premier proposed thab the House should start the financial debate. Mr Seddon replied that he hoped the debate would be started nexb Friday. He added that he' hoped to bring down the Publio Workß Statement in a fortnight after the close of the debate on the financial statement. ' The IJouse rose ab 10.35

THE Financial Statement.

(By Tblegbap^.)

Wkilington, August 16 In Committee of Supply, 16t>h August, 1901, the Right Hon R J Seddcn, Colonial Treasurer, read his Finanoial Statement, of which the following is a summary :— ■ Mr Guinness,—The people, and especially hon member*, are naturally anxious at any time to have the Financial Statement, and this, my sixth Budget Sb, owing to various oau.es, awaited with more than passing interest. In this, as in other preceding Statements, I will, withou. reservation endeavour to place the finances of the colony before members in such a way that any may understand [the national account. The revenue reoeived last y.ar exceeded my most sanguine expectations. Notwithstand ing the remissions granted in the Customs duties, railway freights, passenger fares, and the redaction in postal rates by giving the penny postage, there waa a pleasant surprise in store, for, after meeting ai current obligations, there was a balance on the credit Side amounting to £532,564. The pessimistic criticism of our finance during the last few weeks has almost verged upon the ludicrous and thereby a feeling has been raisea in the public mind thab additional taxation was imperative. In the financial botch potch created by some of the critics in mixing the ordinary revenue with the loan account proves gross ignorance and tbe necessity for a better education in respect fo publi. finance, whilst the great ingenuity and industry displayed in endeavouring to prove that this yea. the balance must be on the wrong side of the ledger may be appreciated by the few who desired such a coatiogencyi lam glad to say that the few must be disappointed and the many pleased, for it is certain that (h. revenue this year is more than meets the expenditure and that there will be no deficit: It has been stated in several newspapers that it ia proposed to meet the estimated deficiency in part by an additional Und tax and also by tome slight rearrangement of the. custome* Ib waa further alleged that some stringency has occurred in ihe finances through the ola.ms for old age pensions being muoh more numerous than was anticipated, and oar detractors have even gone the length of cabling thiß nonsense to the London j >urnals. The credence given to the imagination of the penny.a.liner, should not be found fault with by me, for, with patriotism that does them infinite credit, and whioh, as Colonial Treasurer, I very muoh appreciate, merchants have risen to the occasion, cleared kerosene, sugar and tea, with the result that the Customs revenue this month is buoyant in the extreme, and contrasts very favourably with the same month of last year. The only possible foundation that could give rise to what appeared io certain papers, was a statement made by me warning a deputation of members and other gentlemen against pressing for an excessive publio works expenditure, thereby entailing tibrrowicg and squandering. Incidentally, I stated that the revenue refcurne, aa furnished by the departments, did not warrant the suggested expenditure, and that this caused me some anxiety.

INCREASED EX_>_§r_.lTUßl_ lb is owing to the inclusion of nearly £120,000 of abnormal and non recurring xpenditure this year, and to tha increase in education and technical education, which is in excess of those of last year by no less than JSV7.OOO ; also to an increase in the vote for the Colonial Secretary's Department, which exceeds the vote for last year by £69 300 caused by ex raordinary services. The vote for Defenoe.inc'uding the capitation payable to our Volunteers is also largely increased, owing to the number of Volunteer corps being more than doubled. Even with this «xoeption,and all demands upon our resources, there will be sufficient to meet every require ment, and, at the risk of disappointing the pessimistic aiarmi.ts, I am able bo announce [ that there will be no deficit, bub a reasonable surplus.

Jl-BUDKNCE NECESSARY. It is well, however, that I should Sn respect to expenditure, urge the absolute necessity for prudence and economy, for al: hough the revenue is buoyant and iuoreas iDg, yeb owing to the reductions in the Customs tariff, the cenoassions of the penny postage, remi-eions in railway chorgea. and other concessions, there is this year, aa compared with last year, a decrease of only £95,000. There should be a j.alously guarded expenditure. There need be no curtailment of expenditure in reapeot to obtaining lands for settlement or for roading back blocks and Crown lands, which bo materially assisted in furthering the settlement of the people on the land, or ia resprct bo advancing monisa to settlers or in pushing oa the North Island Main Trunk and other important railways, or otherwise developing within reasonable limit, the re sources of our colony, for this means in creasing the output of producers, yes, and exports, and tends to proneoteand inorease population.

A tdAN NECESSARY The pub'io fflforks rtquirements of this year are, however, so large bhab I am compelled bo use £500,000 of the surplus, and that amount will be transferred accordingly. I regret- again to have to state that from various causes, known to members, the money markeb in London continues bo be unfavorable to floating a loan, and we have had recourse to raising £500,000 locally oo Bhorb dated debentures bearing four per cent interest, aud full particulars of the floating of this local loan will be given. The war in South Africa still continues, and the large Imperial loans and other demands upon the London money markeb lead to the conclusion thab ib will be some little time ere any loan oould wibh advantage be floated in the MotheJ Country, it becomes necessary therefore that a large proportion of the amount required and authorised should be raised locally, and this being bhe case there should be a careful public works expenditure until a favorable opportunity for raising bhe money in Loudon arrives. FINANCES OF 1900-1901 Revenue—The actual revenue for the past year reached £5,859,705, to which has bo be added £52,800 derived from the proceeds of the sale of debentures, for sinking funds accretions, and a small sum of £1411 recovered in connexion with the expenditure of the previous year. These amounts Reached the largo total of £5,906,916 or not very fir short of six millions- of money, and represent the largest volume of receipts into th\f Colonial Exchequer since its foundation." The reveoue for tha year was £5,905,916, and the ordiaary expeadi ture £5,479,703, leaving a balance of £427,28. Oub of the balance brought forward from the previous year (1899-1900) of £605,351, a transfer of £500,000 was made to the public works, fund leaving at the closo of'the'year a.balan.e amounting to £532,56^, which I indicated in my introduce tory remarks; INCREASE OF LAND VALUATION. A care fa! revision of the land values of the colony is now In progress, bub ib will take some time yet to complete the work. The result, so far, Is a neb Increase of the capital valae of £8 390.000, and o£< the unimproved value £6.375,000. I see no reason, notwithstanding the unfortunately low price of wool, why bhe land tax should not increase year by year in sympathy with other heads of revenue. LAND J?OR SETTLEMENT. The purchase of land for close settlement Is being vigorously pushed forward, and it is pleasing to know that estates which have been hither.*, purchased have been sablsfasfcorlly sebtled. During the last year 177 farms were provided and aboub 170 workmen's homes. THE PUBLIC DEBT. The gross public debt on 31st March, 1900. was £47 874.452,- on the 31st March, 1901, it was £49,591.245,'0r an increase cf £1,716.793 for the year. There has been considerable adverse criticism, and assertions have been made to the effect that there h.s be.n undue increase in expenditure during the last ten years. It Is quite true there has been a largely Increased expenditure, and thab necessarily so, for we have a largely, increased population and also a greatly increased revenue. We have now also in existence Departments of State which were In 1891 unknown, and many of them uathoughb of,

POTOLMSON la my intro.duet.ory remarks I expressed fcha opinion that the colony wag In need of an increased population.and that the latest oensus of the people proved thafc daring the last five years the population had been relatively less, (hat Is from 1891 to 1898 it actually decreased in numbers by 7366 persons*

state coai, mines The time has arrived when the colony should supply itself with coal. The on' - put at present does not ad<quately meeb the requirements of private enterprise, *nd la nob meeting the general and increased demand, and the consumption of coal for the several branches of public services amounts to aboub 115.000 tons. The railways alone require 100,000 tons per year. Of this 6,600 tons are hard or bituminous coal. It is estimated that the bituminous ooal should be obtained ab bi to 7s 6d per ton less than we are paying at the present time. For coal delivered for one of the Government steamers at Greymouth we are asked 18s, aud lb ia well known thab the same coal can be actually, and with profib, pub on board at 103. The Inadequate supply and the Increasing demand have brought about an undesirable situation. There is a cotnbi. nation of tha coal dealers, and the mine owners are working in unfeon with them, the result being thab abnor mally high prices are charged to tho consumers. The effect of opening a State coal mine will ameliorate, if ib does not remove this evil In the course of time, and should the necessity therefore arise we could In addition to supplying our own State demand, extend the output so as to enable coal to be supplied to householders ab reasonable rates. Another valid reason for the State stepping in is the necessity for having a reserve of co»l at least at the four centres, to meet contingencies that might arise. At the present time tho arrival of extra steamers and vessels requiring ooal, interferes with the ordinary demand and a coal famine ensues. We hava had several in the last year or two, and that there should be a coal famine in a country like New Zealand, which s teeming with coal, points to a serious defect, the remedy for which is tho opening of a State coal mine. The House wiil, this session, be a.ked to pass the necessary legislation to grant the authority and provide the means for working a State coal mine.'

REDUCTION OP MORTGAGE! TAX. In my last Budget, I stated that "for some considerable time the interest on mortgages has steadily decreased. During the past ten years interest on mortgagee has fallen about one fourth. This makes.% the penny in the pound on capifc_J value a very heavy tax." I have not altered my opinion, aud still consider that the morb* gage tax is too high, and thab some relief .ho Id be given provided the finances of the colony permit. Whilst desiring to keep f*!'h with Parliament, to do so this session would be imprudent unless the loss occasioned thereby is recouped. FINANCE OF ISOI-1902. Fxpendlture— Ab I have already mentioned, the sug* gestions for departmental expenditure caused me no little anxiety, for I was confronted wiih estimates involving what appeared to be at first tight an extraordi* nary large expenditure. After careful ex.mlnati3ns and pruning, lam able to submit estimates of expenditure, which al, though undoubtedly large In the aggregate have been kept 'o the lowest limit. After taking into considaratiouthe abnormal and non.recurrent expenditure they contain the estimates for 1901.1902, are set down ab £5 763,814 The actual expenditure of last year amounted to £5.479,705 there ia there is therefore a proposed increase over last year's expenditure of £284.111. OLD AGS PMKSIONS Seeing thab the coat of ' the Old Age Pension, is alleged to have been a factor in creating the recent unnecessary alarm aa'to the financial position of the oobny t it is well to set the matter ab rest in order to remove the impression which has been formed. Last year the amonnb paid for O'd Ago pensions was £197,292, aud this y ar it is estimated thab £215,000 will be sufficient to me^t all claims. The increase h tburet.re £17,708, but with a surplus of over half a milfun las. year and so far a buoyant revenue th:B year, that amount is not likely to materially affo. the finances of tbe colony. The hcna.ed expenditure in the Old Age Pensi.LS m^it, however, nob be treated lightly, and a careful supervision is neoeeßary, for there is reason for believing thab Imposition is practiced and that evasion of the law to some egberib prevails.

SOUTH AFEICA TRADE.

Provision will be made this year for the erection of cold stores and, subject to confirmation by our trade expert, the experiment will first be tried In bhe South Africa trade. It will be within the recollection of honorable members that daring the recess Government called for tenders from steamship owners for a service between the colony and South Africa. The results were not very encouraging, the amount of subsidy demanded being too high for the service offered and the scale of freights was also unsatisfactory. This being the case, and seeing tha. Shaw, Saville, New Zealand Shipping and the Tyset Line Companies had established a six weekly service as an experiment, it was decided at the time to take no further action, but to await results, I regret to state there haa been little or no improvement and tho condition of affairs h nob to any extent improved. Small producers and traders have no chance whatever as compared with those from Australia In every light, and there Is no regularity. We have, therefore, come to the conclusion that to be a success It is essential that there should be a line of steamers trading with Seuth African ports, but should return to New Zealand, and tbe authority of the Hogse will be as^ed to provide the necessary subsidy and to authorise a contract being entered into for a period of not lees than three years. GRAIN FOS SOUTH AFRICA. I may state thab offers were invited for a large order for oats from the Imperial authorities, with the result that offVs came In from three large traders only. Owing to bhe c .nditlons, farmers or small traders conld nob tender, and Govern* ment were unable to obtain the oats within the price limited and the order was lost to the colony. Such a condition of affairs is not in the best interests of the farmers- It is impossible for the Goverft" ment itself to take small parcels of grain from the producers, but an opportunity of obtaining suitable freights should be given them to conduct business as they think fib. CONCLUSION I trusb that I have clearly demonstrated that with regard to the current years finances, there was nothing to warrant the alarm and pessimistic views which tome persons havo taken respecting them, and that with oare and economy, notwithstanding the heavy and exceptional expenses already inourred, it is reasonable to expect) that there will bs a fair surplus on the 31sb March I next, presuming, a. we do, that bhe publio ! works expenditure will be fairly up to bhe estimate, I have now detained hou mem* bers a considerable time, and let me say in conclusion bhab I am sensible of their great and continued confiden... I hope that) although there may be differences of opinion reEjnating the budget now submitted, ab all events bhey will do me bt<} credit of believug tha. the conclusions have nob been arrived : ab hastily, tint the position has been accura* - i tely guaged, and thab time will prove the finances of bhie colony bo be sound and secufe. I trust that they, wibh myself, wiiicbn* sclentiously and honestly arrive at the conclusion"thab our fair colony is pros perous ; that there Is a brlghb future before its people j thab progress Is aasu.ed ; and that as at present so ia the future, this colony will hold a foremost position as a British dependency,

T3E ASHBURTOK GUARDIAN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1901.



Date August »» •> o It

18 19 20 21 22

«•

Rines 6 55 6 54 6 52 6 SO 6 49

Set« 6 1C 5 17 5 18 5 19 6 20



Last quarter New moon Peiigee First quarter Full moon Apoge.

D 7 14 6 22 30 21

H M 7 32 pm 7 58 p m 7 30 pni 7 22 pm 7 51am 9 30am



BUSINESS NOTICES j THE SICK ARE CURED AND SCEPTICS LEFT TO WONDER. j The Polypathia Medical Institute (CRRISTCHUROE) SIXTH VISIT TO ASHBURTON. FRIDAY AFTERNOON AUGUST 23ed } 1001, 2 o'clock p m. until 8 p.m. SATURDAY, AUGUST 24th, 9 a.m. uutil 1 o'clock p.u_, MORE CURES MADE BY POLYPATBY THAN ANY OTHER SYSTEM IN THF WORLD IPOLYPATHY, the Now Method of Healing, ia the .nreßb and mtfs. rapid System, a* it cures with almost CTtainty such dhe_ae« as Cancer, Epilepsy and A.thma, it-curallo under the old System, as well as all Chronic and EP.LWnO PITS FOR EIGHT YSA-tS ', ALSO HIIABT DISEASE, Yonr medicines have done me a great deal of good. I feel better in every way, and the p&ics as ihe heart have entirely hit me, I have mo. bad one fie since taking LUKCF BISPASE AND EXTRKMB DKB-LITY I h*ve muoh pleasure in seeding you this letter, thanking you Vary much for the benefit I have derived from your m.dioioe, which I have been using six weeks I was reduced in weight from 12a4 4lb down to Bst 7lb, »nrt I had quite given myself up to my Maker; but thank-God after I had be.n under your treatment nine days my friends oould see a change in to**;, and I oould. feel It myself, and have been improving ev.r since. YeU can use this letter for a testimonial, or refer anybody' to me. Wishing you every prosperity,—Yours respeobfuily, r_s__________a_liiii mili ii i i John Elphick 83 CONSULTATION FREE. GRANGE'S HOTEL. WINTER GOODS WINTER GOODS. NICHOLAS AND PICKFOBD have just received ex 8.8 Wakanui and Paparoa, their Winter Supply of WARM SUPPERS, EVE NHS G SHOES, ■WALKING SHOES. BOOTS, &o. ... ChilaTen'a Winter.Slippe.B _t Bd, lOd, Is, 2a 6d, and 3s per pair Ladies* Winter Slippers at Ib, is 6d, 2a 6d, 3s 6d, 4a 6d, 5s 6d, 7a 6d, and 8S per pti_ Gentlemen Vat all prices .„.. __ „.,.__ Alio,'-*- Children's, Ladies, and Gentl.men'a Goloshes. The Best Golosh ihanufaotnred . INSPECTION INVIT-Sbi NICHOLAS & PICKFORD, V"...j.'.. EAST STREET;



'■■ ''/FOR SALF* '" WINSLOW Concrete House of five rooms and good Store, together with £ acre of land FFEREIMAN, j Land and Estate Agent FOB SALE. ALLENTON, within easy distance of the Publio School House of six rooma, with two acres of excellent land. This is on Ideal home, and ©no in whi.b economy and comfort will sail hand in hand P FERRIMAN, Laud and Estate Agent " ( . ■ FOR~~SAX_B. Alford Foreat Roa-1 Hnu3o of four rcem», with 1 acre 29 perches ef land { prlco £220, cash ot terms FFERRIMAN, L'vnd aod Eetate Agent fokUlb. Near the B>gh Schbor Quarter aero and liouae of four rooms F FERRIMAN, Lnnd and Est -te Asent FO R SAL E. 2 Acres of laud at Paittoa Farm of 335 Acres Farm of 475 Acres Farm of 1800 Acres of tussock land F FERRIMAN, Land and E.ta.e Agenb



PUBLIC NOTICES. _Ei(jr(_Xk>« MINORCAB, Brown Leghorns, Lang shans, Indian Game and Pekin Ducks. SITTING. FBOM 5s TO JSIs. Early Orders Booked and Executed in Rotation. 8 21 H. G. BERRYMAN. .•# gf ASK Fbß*. © t k" '&*£. new tariff CHAMPION BLEND '• OTHER PRICES: NO CHINA TEA USED BY US. WANTED KNOWN. MARY: To her Mother: Wherearo you going for the Groceries To Kbrb Bros, Burnett Street, of course. They are the cheapeeb and best. Their Garden Beeds have arrived and include all the well known varieties



TREVORTON. ' WH V Pay Bent when £100, Oaah or Terms will purchase a Oon.for.able House of fl Rooms and Scullery, and Section. The property is situated near the main road, and only a few chains from the school. Interest ab 5 per cent on the whole pur chate money mean, less than 2s per week F, FERRIMAN. ALLENTON. FOR SiLE—l4 acres of good Land with ' Dwelling House of Six rooma, and Bathroom, hot and cold water bid on, Windmills. Ample stabling including Loose bos and Trap Hous®: One a^ro of the land is laid oub in orchard. The land possesses ample frontage, and should prove a prcfi .• able parchase either for a farmer wishing to retire , and live near the Town, or for an industrious man wishing to make his living from the soil. Public School within an easy dtctanoe. F FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agents DTOLAKKE'S CARBOLISED WHEAT PROTEOTOR (Name and Lab.l Registered under Trade Ma.k. Act. No 13,796 and 158,143) Has been used 66 YEARS WITH UNDEVIATING SUCCESS IMPORTANT TESTIMONIAL. Dear Sir, —Re Clarke's Oarbolized Wheat Protector, I have used the above dressing for the past throe seasons on an average sowing of 1509 acrea of wheat and oats, and have always found thab Ib givea every satisfaction. It la also mixed with less labor and germinates a week iooner than when dressed with biuestono. M Suit I have used your Wheat P.otector, alao Bluestoue both on the same paddock, and am much pleased with your Protector a. a much bstter preventive of tsmut than Blueatone. Jambs MCLEAN, Oiirnbrae. F. FERBIMAN.



CIMPLY Pi-R-'BOT— BED BIRDS, PEKFECTLY SIMPLE. JAMES BAKER. Furnishing Warehouse, (Havelock Streeb; TTE guarantees to sell ab Qhrlstchureh prices for Cash or Time Payments, 1 IHAVB the following PROPERTIES FOR SALE t— | Acre and House, William Street bouUi | Aero and House, Havelock Streeb west J Aore and House, West a:do } good posl tion 1 Acre and Residence, wish good outbuild iogs ; Moore Street east House and Two Sections, Hampstead 5 Acros and Good House, Wakanui Koad 5 Acres, Allenton, grand site for a dwelling Several Good Sections at Fairtoo Town Sections in various positions and prices Bight R .omed House, Peter Street west— To Lab H. W. "bAKRETT, 8 15 AGHNr, ARCADE, A9HBURTON riIHE GOVERNMENT INSUB ANOE DEPARTMENT is prepared to grant EMPLOYERS OF LABOR Covers against Risks connected with their Trade or Business under " The Workers' Compensation Act," "The Employers' Liabilities Acts," as well as under the Common Law, Owners of Property and Mortgagees also protected under Special Tables. PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE EFFECTED IN ALL BRANCHES. For particulars as to Rates, etc. apply to the Local Office of th Department. J H RICHARDSON Commissioner Wellington, 6th Jane, 1901



CONSULTING OPTICIAN Mr Erneßb M Sandstein, DB 0 Al, F R MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study in England and Con tinenb, may be consulted on all caseeof defective eyesight. Daylight nob necessary artificial light betog used. Doctors' pre scriptionß prepared. Fees ptioderate. Con ulting rooms, Cashel Streeb W>, over M Sandstein, jeweller, Chrisbchurc*. Sto U Z to 4 dill?



10.30 pm Wade's Worm Figs are most effective and nob unpleasant; children thrive after taking them price, Is



Wades Teething Powders for Babies are soothing, reduce fever and prevent tlotches ; price, Is Smoke Hew Venue