EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for September.

Mail Notices.

j Mails close for bhe following places, as { under, subject to the necessary alterations. TUESDAY, Sept. 23. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Kotomahana, at 6 p.m. FEIDAY, Sept. 26. For Northern Ports a,nd Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney Oct. Ist), and South Africa, • per Waihora, at 10.30 a.m.

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Dunedin, Sept. 22 During tlie week ended to-day, returns have been reported from 73 dredges, the total yield being 28230zs 3dwt ogrs, or an average of 38ozs per dredge. Additional returns—Empire 42ozs 4dwt, Upper Waipori 39ozs 2dwfr, Waimumu Queen 32ozs, Eoyal Waimumu 29ozs 19dwt, Waikaka23ozs Bdwt, Waikaka Queen 230z, Majestic 22ozs 6dwt, Alexandra Eureka 21ozs, Waitahuna 20ozs I6dwt, Reliance 18ozs 3dwt, Tuapeka 17ozs ldwt, Enfield I4ozs6dwt 12grs, Coal Creek Flat lOozs 2dwt 12grs, Golden Elbow 3ozs sdwt 18grs. Dunedin, Sept 23 To-day's sales —First Chance 15s, New Halfway House 3s, Prince Arthur los, Eise and Shine 25s 6d.

Commercial

SYDNEY STOCK MARKETS.

Sydney, Sept. 22

At the Homebush sales the supply of sheep was in advance of requirements. A small New Zealand consignment ranged from 20s to 27s 9d. Local bullocks ranged from <£19 to £24. The Taviuni's ship ment arrived too late for to-day's sales.

Property Sale.

Mr George Murdoch has sold his pro perty at Lauriston, consisting of 2,800 acres, to Mr W. J. Dickie, of Somerton, at a satisfactory price.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1902.

It is perhaps to be regretted that the action which is now being taken, by the Borough Council was not taken long ago. or at any nito before the end of the Borough's last iiuancial year, which was on 31st March 1002. In that case the Council would have been in a much better position to deal with the difficulty which now confronts it of how to make both ends meet. We believe the ratepayers generally are perfectly well aware that the Borough is not by any mwins in a desperate case. It is quite able to t, pet out of the temporary difficulty it has been got into with regard to finance. But we doubt whether many will be found to agree with the Mayor's dictum that "the nuances are in very satisfactory condition. The matter lies in a nutshell. The esti mated revenue for the current year, accord ing- to the statement put before the Oo"iucii prior to the striking of the last rate was =£2SGi 10s from all sources, and the expenditure was based on that. Six months have not elapsed, aud yet the actual expenditure has been .£2231 17s 6d, while even if the Council were to stop all works, reduce the stall', and sell some of its property as suggested by one or two Coun cillors, thero would still remain nearly .£ISOO, which the Council can neither evade nor put off till a more convenient time, but v/ill have to pay before 31st March next. To meet .this there are to come in unpaid rates, rents licences, Government subsidy refunds, etc., amounting to .£1657 7s 3d. Over .£4OO of this sum will not be due for three or four months, and he must be a very sanguine individual who would expect muck more than half of the amount due for rates and rentg to be available for some months yet. The limit of the bank over draft is about reached now, and yet the wages etc, will have to be paid regularly as usual. Of course they will be paid and iso will the Council's liabilities, but we should think any businessman will admit that the state Of things that has been disclosed is not quite so satisfactory as the Mayor would have us believe. The fact is -as one of the Councillors pointed out—the trouble began with the loan. In the first place it was not large enough, and no provision was made for the payment of interest and sink iug fund, which comes to £437 10s a yeai. Then the building was estimated to cost J51053, which sum was earmarked in the loan i but it actually cost altogether osrer .fioOO more than that, which came out of the general revenue. This accounts for nearly .£I4OO of the present b&uk overdraft, and it would therefore seem that fcho Borough ordinary expenditure lias been by no meaua extravagant. But that does not show that the management of the finances has been satisfactory, since the conditions we have referred to existed quite two years ago, and the present position should surely have been foreseen and provided against. It now remains for the Council to deal with the circumstances that have arisen iv a prompt and effective manner, There have been two courses suggested, one is the cutting down of expenditure and the stopping of all new works; and the other is to strike an extra rate of aisc ponco in the pound. Thore are objections to both, and the question will havG to be yory carefully considered by the Council. Works that may be required can of course be deferred, but that will of course be put inc off what must be doao sooner or later; and it seems to us that the present revenue of the Borough is not sufficient to meet ordinary requirements and the regular demands upon it. It is therefore evident .that W coming year could take on the work 'of ionney years Moreover no re duction would be possible that would enable the Council to meet all its engagements, not only now but hereafter. This being i^o it appears to us that sooner or later the rate will have to bo increased, and we think that when the burgesses come to consider all the circumstances they ?4U cheerfully accept this as the proper course. No other Borough in the colony has so low a rate, and the time sterns to have come when the borough requirements! can no longer bo met by a shilling rate. There is no provision iv the Municipal Corporations Act, 1900, for taking the vote of the ratepayers on such a question as this, or no doubt the 'ibo.ußcil yould avail itself of it. The law o-lves the Couaeii power to levy a rate '■' as it things' fit/ not fcxs-eeding hglf a crown in any one year.

Local and General.

Interprovincial and Parliament News wil* be found on the fourth page to-day. Weather Forecast. - Captain Edwin wires:-Strong to moderate southerly winds; glass rise; frost to-night. Personal —Captain Vernon Steward re- ! turned to Ashburton last evening. Dear Mutton.— Ab showing the price of mutton at Klondyke (Eangitata Gorge) a sheep delivered there last week cost the men £1 10s Did. Small wonder the navies are to be seen at night digging out rabbit burrows to keep down the tucker bill. Complementary Sociau -It is announced by advertisement in another column that a complimentary tea and social will be tendered to Mr E. Mulligan and family afc Kyle on Friday evening next. During the evening a suitable presentation will be made to Mr Mulligan. Tea will be laid on the tables at six o'clock. Westerfield.—The flax mill at Wester field has changed hands, Messrs^ Chinnery and Simpson having purchased it from Mr Sutherland. We understand that some new machinery is beiny put in, and that the new firm intend carrying on the industry in a vigorous manner. After the Boom.—The aftermath of the dredging boom : The master tailors of the city have evidently been pretty hard hit of late, for they are compiling a list of all doubtful and bad marks, for the guid ance of each other in giving credit. —"Otago Daily Times. A Peculiar Case. —An unusual case has just come before the Supreme Court at Wanganui, particulars of which are given elsewhere, the Grand Jury finding a true bill against a man, and the Judge promptly quashing it.

Lecture.—A lecture is announced in our advertising columns to be delivered by the Venerable Archdeacon Harper in St Stephen's Schoolroom on Thursday next. The lecture will be illustrated by mag nificent lime light views. The Archdeacon is well known as a fluent and entertaining speaker, and as the views are from slides produced by the best firm in the world, a great treat may be safely expected. Borough Council.—A special meeting 0* the Borough Council was held last evening for the purpose of considering the question .of ways and means. After considerable discussion it was decided to ask the Works' Committee to report on what works can be left till the end of the year. The new by-laws relating to billiard saloons and common lodging houses were read and adopted after slight amendment. Horse Sales.—Mr John Shearer sold on Saturday the three-year-old Clydesdale colt Gleneffer for 200 guineas, to Messrs Moore Bros., of Kai Iwi, in the Wanganui district, and the three-year-old colt Bal-1 craig for £300, to Mr Leonard White, of ■ Rakaia. Balcraig has never been beaten in the show ring. The latter is by ©raigel lachie out of Lass o' Gowrie, and Gleneffer is by the same sire from Highland Mary. Chbistchurch Cathedral Fund. —His Lordship Bishop Grimes is at present in Timaru, collecting subscriptions in aid of the Christchurch Cathedral Fund. On Sun day the Bishop preached in the Churcn of the Sacred Heart before very large congre gations, and as the result of au appeal, a sub stantial amount was sudscribed by those pre sent, towards the Cathedral Fund. The Bishop mentioned that eighteen months ago, with less than £10,000 in hand, the foun dation stone of the Cathedral was laid, and since then, contributions, in cash and promises had bean received, amounting to .£26,000, <£ 17,000 being in cash. It was rare, he said, that in a country such as this an undertaking of the kind was begun under such favourable auspices. This week his Lordship will conduct a " retreat " in Timaru, and on Saturday naxt he will visit Fairlie. I Canadian Fr.ouu. — The Wellington " Trade Eeview " states that "it is under stood that Canadian flour can be imported ab a cost of £9 15s per ton, landed in New Zealand (501b bags), and this fact prevents any upward movement in flour." The Foreric, from Vancouver, is due at A uck land at the end of the month with a ship ment of Miinitoban flour, a portion of which has been sold to arrive in the Dunedin market at £ 12 per ton, net cash. Potatoes for Export.—The Govern ment are again making inquiries for potatoes for South Africa, and quotations have been furnished by Dunedin firms, and presumably by Christchurch firms also. Should the Government take another 500 to 1000 tons for shipment by the Kent at the end of the month, it will mean a great scarcity of good potatoes throughout the South Island and record prices before the end of the season. Already holders are asking <£5, in store, Dunedin, for prime Dervvents. A Wi ivy Dog.—This is said to be a true dog story; the owner vouches for it:—"l have a large dog, a cross between a setter and a retriever, named ' Kitchener.' He is quite the stupidest dog in London, but has one ruling passion—to wit, rats. I have known him to sit over a rat hole for an hour and a half waiting for his prey to appear. The other day ho chased a rat into its hole, and after futilo efforts to dig it out, sat down to, think. After deep cogitation he went to. his kennel, picked up a bit of dog biscuit, and carefully deposited it by the side of the hole and waibed. In due course, the hungry rodent, scenting food, emerged, and waa promptly dispatched," Kyle.—On Saturday evening a party of ping pong players, representing Doric, journeyed to Kyle to play a match against the local players. The evening being all that could be desired, quite a large number of spectators assembled to witness the contest. About 8 p.m. the players having mustered in force, the match pioceeded, and after a very even and keenly contested game, resulted in a victory for the visiting team by 26 points—Kyle 400, D, orie f 26, The j following players competed: — Doric—Misses F. Qsborne, A. Baxter, Carruthers (2), Messrs J, Baxter ' (3). Kyle — Misses Wallace, E. I^mbje, Mulligan (2), Messrs W. L.ambie, G. 'Vf aJ;sQri { and A, Wallace. After light refreshments (which wevp supplied in abundance by the vlady plfcyers) had been handed round, and threa hearty cheers given for the respective teams f all wended their way homeward thoroughly satisfied with the evening's amusement. The Land Purchase Board.—The '-'New Zealand Times ■' says that during his tour of the South Island Mr A. Barron, chairman of the Land Purchase Board, inspected the following estates : — Canterbury—Lindon (Arnuri) j Hjslst'ton, property adjacent to the recently acquire 1 Sfead estate, % small property near Hornby, and another gear Templeton; Strathallan, Strathconan, and Opawa (all near Albury). Otago—Green field (near Lawrence), Eoxburgh (near Milton), Conical Hills (near Tapanui), properties at Caversham and Musselburgh, in the neighbourhood of Dunedin, sugges ted as suitable for workmen's homes 1 a 600 acre property near Green Island, suitable for small farms. Southland—Woodslee, near Mataura. Further negotiations were carried out about the Heddon l?ush property, and also as to the purchase of a strip of laud near Ijowther, on the Lakes Strength and Rigidity make the Eudge- Whltworth ,the ideal of that great Glass of accomplished cyclists who know what con stitutes a" genuine high grade bicycle, and are willing to pay the difference iri fcfce cost of manufacture between a cycle of this kind and a medium grade or cheap trashy machine. Inspect for yourselves at R, D r Johnston's Cycle Depot, Burnett Street. 9 208 . . . ,

The Weather.—Our Springburn corres pondent writes:—The strong nor'wester of Sunday suddenly changed through the night, and was followed by a boisterous sou'wester accompanied with rain and snow. The snow lasted for three hours, and dur ing that time from five to six inches fell n and around Springburn.

Catholic Literary Society. Members of the Catholic Literary Society are re minded by advertisement elsewhere that their annual meeting for the election of officers takes place to-morrow evening, at 8 o'clock.

Ashburton Lawn Tennis Club. —The managing director of Nelson, Moate and Co., Ltd, has informed the Committee of the Ashburton Lawn Tennis Club that his Company will have pleasure in presenting a challenge cup to the Club, to be competed for by the members annually, and that he has sent to England for the cup, which will be forwarded to Ashburton on its arrival.

A Tribute qf Eespect.—Yesterday afternoon as a tribute to the memory of of the late Mr W. T. Smith, of Staveley, whose untimely death was reported a few days ago, the business places of Staveley and the school at Springburn were closed. A memorial service was held in the Stave ley Hall by the Eev B. J. Westbrooke, when the Hall was packed to the door with visi tors from all parts of the country. It was also resolved 'to forward a letter expressive of the deep sympathy of the inhabitants of the surrounding districts, to Mrs Smith and family.

Torrey-Alexander Mission.—Eeferring to the results of the Torrey-Alexander mission, the "Outlook" says-. We are told, for instance, of employers making such arrangement for the comfort of their factory hands, which the most stringent of Factory Acts could not effect; of heads of business houses ordering new carpet for their offices, in order to be able to invite their unconverted visitors to kneel down and pray; of large business establishments voluntarily closing for half a day in ad dition to the statutory holiday, to enable employees to benefit by the services; of wealthy country residents subscribing for special trains so that the inhabitants of their township might have opportunity of attending the Mission services of the city ; of ministers of all denominations uniting to form a permanent evangelical alliance, for the reclamation of the lapsed masses; and of funds spontaneously subscribed for opening branches of the V.M.C.A. and other kindred institutions.

News in Brief.

Mr David Thomas will offer for sale, on account of Mr A. H. Field, at the Arcade on Saturday next, his town section No. 1186, Cameron Street.

Masterton has decided to raise a loan of £5000 for improvements at the local gas works.

Mr D. Thomas will offer for sale by auction at the Methven Saleyards on Thursday next, Messrs Davis Bros.' lease in perpetuity containing 323 a3r 25p at High bank.

It is stated that the Australian pastoral ists had made arrangements before the cessation of hostilities to shear 18,000,000 sheep under the Pastoralists' Union terms.

Mr D. Thomas has been instructed by Mr George Murdoch, who has sold his property at Lauriston, to hold a clearing sale of sheep, horses, cattle, implements, and sundries on Thursday, October 16th.

Messrs J. Scaly and Co. notify that owing to the expiration of their lease they are giving up business, and everything must be cleared by the end of next month. Great bargains are offered in farm and garden seeds.

Dixs Gaiety Company.

Mr P. E. Dix, the popular New Zealand Vaudeville Manager, who has been running continuous shows for the past three years in the four large centres of the colony, has decided to pay Ashburton a visit for two nights, opening next Monday, September 29th. It is Mr Dixs intention to send out a travelling company every three months, playing through to Dunedin, and taking Ash'urton, Timaru, and Oamaru on its way down. The company will be one of the strongest yefc brought together by Mr P. E. Dix to fill the one bill, and will be headed by Charles Pope and Irving Hayles, America's greatest end men and comedians. These two artists have played under Mr { Harry Richards for over seven years with out missing a night's perPormance, and for the past twelve months have been amusing Gaiety audiences in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Other mem bers of the Company are Harvey and Morris, James and Madge (singers, eccen tric dancers, plate spinners and hoop rollers), Belvin and Cooke (wire walkers and sharp shooters , Miss Belle Kay (brilliant contralto), Miss May Lewis (serio and dancer), Charles Howard (Australia's premier baritone 1, Arthur Elliott (comedi&n and end man), Edison's latest picture machine, the Kinetoscope, projecting animated pictures; Miss Ivy Akerstein, musical directress. The scenery and effects will be on the same lavish scale as presented in the large centres, the opening production being "In Moorish Halls." The i box plan is now open aj; Mr H. M. Jones.

SUPREME COURT.

A Peculiar Case.

Wanganui, Sept. 22

The Supreme Court commenced this morning before Judge Edwards, who com plimented the Grand Jury on the lightness of the calender, which only included five charges, and remarked on the gratifying absence of offences against women and children. One peculiar feature was the case against Weightman for disobeying an order of the Court for payment of £1 per week to his wife. The Judge told the "jury that We'ightman's wife's mind became ideranged, p,nd they separated, the former going tp New South Wales for two years. Two ye. irs after that an order was made directing him to make the payment. His Honor held fchat accused had committed no crime, seeing that the order of maintenance was made while he was a bona fide resident in another colony, and the legislature never intended a man should be made a criminal by something done behind his, back after he had left the polony. Pie jury, however, returned a true bill whiph His Honor quaslied and discharged accused.. William Watsqn, an old offender, was sentenced to three years for- breaking and entering, P^NEpiisjr, Sept. 22

In the Supreme Court an action has been commenced claiming .£2lO damages for alleged slander. Edmond Power, licensee of the European Hotel, and former licensee of the Douglas Hotel, is the plaintiff. M, Laffey, defendant, is the liGenaee of Court's Hotel. Defendant is alleged to have accused Power of theft. The case is un finished,

Auckland, Sept 22 Frank Pulman came before the Supreme Court to-day' for sentence. His Honor said this was' a most serious case, as there were four charges of forgery and thirteen of theft, the total amount involved being £780. His Honor asked if the prisoner had made any statements as to what had bo cbmo of thp moiiev. Petectivo Mcllroy deposed that prisoner |;pl4 hlni he had spent the whole of the money in lirjuoring and shouting for friends. The Crovyn Prosecu tor, Mr Tole, said that of the total sum, .£l4B was taken in J9Ol aud the remainder in 1902. Detective Mellorey stated that prisoner received .£l5O a year and had a free house. He had a wife and several children. Prisoner was sentenced to five years' imprisonment on each caso, the sentences to run concurrently.

Borough Council.

SPECIAL MEETING,!

A special meeting of the Borough Coun-' cil was held last evening to consider the question of ways and means. His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. 11. Collins) occupied the chair, and there were present—Cra Andrews, Davison, Alcorn, Clark, Jones, Timmins,. Davis, Willis^ and Eeid. The Mayor said they were all aware that' the object of the meeting was to consider the question of w.iys and means, and also to draft by-laws, which had been before the Council for some time. The question of ways and means was an important one, and he thought the Council should go into Com mittee and report the result in open Council. Crs Davis and Willis objected to this. Or Davison seconded the motion. Cr Eeid said the public was as much interested as they were in the question, and should know what went on. The Mayor said there was nothing which the public should not know, but it wa3 usual to go into Committee on questions of finance. The Council would have to restrict its operations till the end of the year. It was well known at the beginning of the year that they would not have sufficient funds to carry on with. Cr Jones thought it would be a mistake to go into Committee. The Mayor then put the resolution, which was lost, only three Councillors voting in favor of it. The Mayor said the position of the finances was as sound as it could possibly be under the circumstances. mayor's statement of expenditure from MARCH 31, TO SEPTEMBER 22, 1902. £ s d Total estimated, including sala ries, charges, works, main tenance, etc., 2864 10 0 Amount expended in period 2231 17 6 Total of amounts over expended on various items, of which .£324 2s 9d was for contin gencies, ... .. 477 9 3 Balance to expend 1098 1 9 (Of this .£l4B 9s for channelling, and .£56 18s 6d for metalling, could be stopped.) Estimated revenue, year 1902-3, 2864 10 0 Eeceived— 1327 2 9 1537 7 3 Eefunds, etc, due 120 O 0 1657 7 3 (Note —The details of the above two statements are omitted owing to their length.) STATEMENT OF OVERDRAFT. Overdraft—lst April, 1902 ... 1693 18 8 Expenditure to date 2231 17 6 3925 16 2 Less receipts to date 1327 2 9 Present Overdraft 2598 13 5 Expenditure for balance of year (necessary) 1633 0 0 4231 13 5 Eeceipts to come to 31st March, . 1903 1657 7 8 | Overdraft end of year ending 31st March, 1903 ... 2574 6 2 The Mayor said the question to bo con- j sidered was whether the Council was pre- i pared to raise sufficient money to carry on for" the next six months, or reduce the estimates. He would be very sorry himself to see a large overdraft at the end of the year. He thought it would be better to strike a special general rate of sixpence in the pound. Mo&t of the ratepayers were prepared to pay a sixpenny rate without grumbling, as a shilling rate was not suffi cient for this town. When the loan was ! raised, it was thought it would be sufficient, to carry on the channelling and mainten ance for a number of years. But it was found that this work cost as much as before the loan was raised. The only fault with the loan was that it was not large enough. They could not carry on with a shilling rate. It only meant that work would have to cease, and the men be discharged.

Cr Davis said the Council had a Finance Committee. When the estimates were brought up, he said the Finance Com mittee should meet and not let the matter go.

The Mayor said this was anticipated by calling the present meeting.

Cr Davis asked if the Committee had drawn up a report.

The Mayor said there was no necessity for a report from the Committee.

Cr Timmins said they would like to sco how the money had bnen expended. The Mayor said the monej had been properly expended. He had prepared a statement of the expenditure.

Cr Reid totally disagreed with this statement, as if it was correct this meeting was not necessary. If the Finance Com mittee had met they could have guided the Council.

Cr Davison said that as far as the Finance Committee was concerned, every Councillor at the table knew that when the Estimates were brought down, they could not adhere to them. No money had been wasted. If they had not sufficient money, the question was, how could it be raised ?

The Mayor then read the clause of the Act relating tq the striking of a general rate.

Cr Davis maintained that they could not strike a r&te without a petition from the ratepayers. Cr Willis said the Mayor had told them that the finances were in. a sound state, and had read a number ef figures to snow that at the end of the year the over draft would remain the same as at present. Well, he had seen the figures, and had come to a different conclusion. The estimated revenue for the year had been .£2BOO, odd, and now after six months they had already spent .£2200. That was to say, they had -£600 left to expend' be tweon now and March next. If. the position was absolutely s.pund, there Was nothing to say at all, and no necessity for this meeting. He said the finances were not in a sound condition. They had been going to the bad for the last two years at the rate of £800 a year. They had a number of engagements they could not meet, and had to see how they could get clear, lie thought the trouble began some years ago when the loan was raised. He and many other ratepayers thought the ex penditure on the Municipal Buildings was uucalled for. .£IOO.O of the loan had been earmarked for this purpose, and .£I4OO was spent; SQ they had to pay the £400 out of the general rate. This was when they commenced tq get behind, and they had met the position by piling on the overdraft. The main thing was to get out of the hole they were in. He thought that some of the expenditure on the Coronation wag a piece of needless extravagance, and several works had been carried out, which, considering they were drifting behind, had better been left alone. He was not oasting any re flection on the members of the Works Committee, who, with the chairman (Cr Davison; deserved great praise for the manner in which they had carried out their arduous and thankless work. : There were only two ways out of the difficulty;' namely —to cut down expenditure or increase the rates. He did not favour reducing the staff. There were also'6bjeetions to an in creased rate. It was unpleasant.to go to the ratepayers to help them out of: the position they had got infa. Tl^e be^t thin« they could do under t]ie circumstances was to refer the whole question to a committee to investigate the Borough finances, and re port at the next meeting of tliy Council. He moved to this effect.

Cr Reid seconded the motion pro forma I in order that it might be discussed. He ! was not entirely with it, they were there for a special purpose, and he did not like shirking it. A special committee would j^o • more thoroughly into the matter than the j full Council, There were only two thim|s j that could be done, and he would almost. ' like to refer the matter ;to the ratepayers. | He quoted clause 95 on the subject 'of striking rates. He was not very clear on the subject, but thought they were estab lishing a precedent. They had a perfect right to curtail expenses. He had seconded

the resolution as he wished to have a dis cussion. They had exceeded the estimates in some cases, but in decreasing the expendi ture they could still look after the main tenance work. It was always the custom at this time of year to reduce the labour gang. They might also dispense with the services of the engineer, and he did not think they need#l so many horses. Cr Jones said they had got into the diffi culty through the foolish way in which they had drawn up the estimates. They had spent .£147 practically in contingencies. He outlined several ways in which they could reduce the expenditure, to which end they should devote their efforts. , Cr Alcorn thought they should curtail their expenses and let the next Council strike a special rate. Cr Davis said it was not the right time to strike a general rate. He would support a reduction of the labour gang. They were into, it, and had to make the best of it. He would vote against every shilling spent. Cr And.ews said every one of them knew how the money was being spent. He did not think anything had been done which, ought not to have been done. Cr Willis i had spoken of the building, but he had said nothing when it was being put up. He "was not in favour of special rates, and would like to carry on till next year. The Borough could not carry on with a shilling rate. He detailed several works which must be done.

Cr Willis denied Cr Andrews* statement that he had not spoken at the time the buildings were erected. He had protested strongly against the expenditure before the tender was accepted. Cr Timmins thought they were no further forward for all tkis talking. The only Councillor who had come to the point, in his opinion, was Cr Eeid. The Mayor said reference had been made to tho Municipal buildings, but the contract was let before he came., into office. He thought it was very proper and necessary expenditure. With regard to finances, they were not in a fix as had been stated. He_ maintained there was no other municipality in New Zealand which was carried on in so economical a manner as Ashburton. It would be a waste of time to refer the ques tion to a committee.

Cr Clark asked who would be in a better position to say what reduction could be made in the labour gang or works than the Works Committee.

Cr. Davisoff (Chairman of the Works Committee) did not think the Committee could help them. Cr. Willis, in reply, said one Councillor had twitted the Finance Committee with not looking into the matter, but that Com mittee's duties had never been dearly de fined. The question was' whether the Council should settle the matter at once or refer it to a Committee to report. Cr. Eeid talked of all sorts of reductions, such as getting rid of their men and horses, but he understood they were now cutting things as fine as possible. The Mayor had sung a pean of triumph over the economy of the Council. He admitted that few Councils} were working on such a small rate as a shilling, but that did not say their finances were sound. If a shilling rate was not sufficient, they should have found it out before, and struck a higher one. He added to his resolution the following : the Com mittee to consist of:—The Mayor and Crs Alcorn, Davison and Eeid.

The resolution was then put and lost, the voting being as follows: For—The Mayor and Crs. Alcorn, Andrews and the mover: against— Crs. Davis, Reid, Timmins, Jones, Clark and Davison, Cr. Jones then moved as follows:—"That the Council resolve to curtail its expendi ture as far as possible till the end of. the financial year, and asks the Works Com mittee to report what works can be put off till next year. This was seconded by Cr Davis. After some further discussion, tho Mayor moved as an amendment—" That a general rate of 6d in the £ be struck to carry out the works of the Borough." The amendment was seconded by Cr Davison and lost, the resolution being carried. BY-LAWS. The new bylaws were then read and discussed. The bylaws relating to billiard saloons were read. Mr E. Shoard, saloon proprietor, attended, and expliined that the clause providing that doors must open outwards was not necessary. The bylaws as a whole were adopted. The bylaws relating to common lodging houses were read, amended, and adopted. The Council rose at 10.45 p.m.

Correspondence

[We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by cur correspondents.]

DR TORREY'S "HELL."

TO THE EDITOR.

Sik,—Might I direct the attention of those of yotfr readers who are interested in, the above subject to the introductory chapter in Stopford Brooke's little volume in "Tennyson's Art and its relation to modern life," a copy of which is, I believe, in the Public Library. As the author points out, "the liars who holft eternal punishment" are denounced by Tennyaon himself in his poem "Despair"' in no measured terms. ■'." . . . were there a. Gp,d as you say, His love would have power over Hell till it utterly vanished away," And further on. " But th,e God of Love and of Hell together—they cannot be thought,"

I)r Torrey may speak from conviction; if so, Tarn sorry for him. But I pity those whoso faith, in a God of infinite love may have been shaken by his sensational teachings.—l am, etc.,

Crossing the Bab.

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Tress Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

- London, September 22. A Blue. Book has been issued at the (Jape, showing th,afc 3437 rebel surrenderors under the June proclamation have been digfran* chised for life. 3554 other rebels were con vioted before the special tribunal, and 2434 atill await trial.

Reuter says 35,000 persons have been repatriated in the Transvaal, and 30,664 in the Orange Colony. The peaceful set tlement of the latter is assured, but some bitterness is still nursed in the Transvaal.

The Johannesburg correspondent of " The Times " asserts that the civil and military authorities are anxious that military com missions should be abolished, and that the work of compensation should be transferred to the Civil Government, with a view of expediting it.

The Queen of the Belgians.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Bbussels, September 22 Princess Stephanie, on arriving at the Spa, went to the mortuary chamber. King Leopold arrived shortly afterwards, and insisted on the ground of old family differences that Princess Stephanie should leave the chamber Before he 'entefecj; Princess|Clementine brought her, sympathis ing with her, and accompanying her" adr'6'ss the park to the carriage, which was waitings Princess Stephanie sobbing.: A large crowd at the station, 1 hearing of the' indigent dried - "Vive' Sjteplianie," '" Vive P#ijo'eS| Lonyay Stephanie;l^ ' Standing at the door of the saloon carriage, she replied—"Thank you, dear citizens," and immediately started ! for Brussels. King Leopold announces that I after the funeral at Laekin he will return to Lucknow. Eeceived Sept 23, 9.3 a.m. | London, Sept. 22 The King has intimated that it is his intention to send the Duke of Connaught to the funeral. King Leopold thanked him,' but explained that only Belgian royalties would be present. ': ' • ■ ■ -

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, igo 2



Date lept. 23 „ 24 „ 25 » 26 » 27 „ 28 „ 29 „ 30

xiisea 5.49 5.48 5.46 5.44. 5.42 5.40 5.38 5.36

Sets 5.55 5.56 5.57 5.59 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.4



New Moon First Quarter Apogee ... Full Moon Last Quarter Perigee ...

d 2 13 10 18 25 24

h m 4.49 p.m. 9.45 a.m. 10.0 p.m. 5.53 a.m, 4.2 a.m, 0.30 a.m,



F. FERRIMAN. ] ~ FOR SALE. MARKET GARDEN, Alford Forest Eoad. ME GEORGE ELLIOTT having dis- ] posed of his business in Town, has ; instructed me to sell his property situated j on the Alford Forest Eoad. | The property is well adapted for a aarket garden, and will be sold as a going concern. - i Immediate inspection is invited, as Mr ; Elliott" is anxious to retire from active' business. _ | Full particulars can be obtained on j application 1 F. FEBEIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. 1 ~for"s ale-. APOULTEY FAEM, doing a good ' business. Large stock of good, healthy, and well bred Poultry. i *' F. FEREIMAN. i FOR SALE. THE undersigned is instructed by Me Moodie to sell % acre of good land, fronting the Alford Forest Koad and corner of Andrew Street. Upon the land is erected a comfortable 4 roomed Cottage. Easy terms. F. FERBIMAN, ; Land and Estate A gent | " FOR SALE~~ A GOOD Building Site on the North-! East Town Belt, containing two . Hoods. The seotion is well stocked with fruit trees. F. FEREIMAN, j Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE — ALLENTON. A DESIRABLE little property compris- ; ing nearly £ acre of land and a | Dwelling of three rooms with double brick . chimney. i The property is for immediate sale and , possession. F. FEREIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE, CHARLES STREET, near the WOOLLEN ■ MILLS, ALLENTON. , IHAYE for sale a comfortable dwelling houße of Six Eooms, situated within three minutes' walk of the Woollen Mills. • The land comprises two acres and other j improvements consist of Good Stabling j and Poultry Yards. j The Property is for immediate sale, and ! is well worth inspection. I Full particulars can be obtained from j F. FERRIMAN, j Land and Estate Agent, i FOR SALE Charles Street near the Woollen Factory \GOOD Building Site, containing two Roods, planted with 70 fruit trees in full bearing. Easy terms can be arranged. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent ' FOR SALE Near the Alford Forest Road. A FOUR-ROOMED HOUSE and Section planted with Fro it Trdes. Price £130 F. FEKRIMAN. BUSINESS NOTICES. H GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897. Iri IGHT years experience with E. G. and li F. W. Gresham, Dentsbs, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooni3 upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Rooms, Burnett Street. Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement. Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also sets of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain quins. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Hours of Attendance —0 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Residence —Care M2ts Ghant, Wills Sfcreefc. I SALES' may come and sales may go then the question is —Where to get good, sound, honest valuo the year round* , '. nry H. C. Bareett's Drapery, Clothing, ! and Boot Warehouse. Discount; at the ' rate of one shilling in the pound to Cash Buyers of any amount over nine pence ' worfcb. | Public Notice I -ST|T ANTE D-2,000 ™OZEN LGGS, by ' Matthew Gilmour, j (Late H. A. Floweb), Having jmrchased the old-established Confectionery and Pastrycook Business of ! Mr H. A. Flower, I am now supplying the ' best of I Pastry and Confectionery j Bought of the best makers, and made of tl.e I best ingredients. ■ Only " our own make" of Pastry sold I and supplied in the Tea E^oms. Parties j and Weddings catered for. Wedding and I Birthday Cakes a specialty. MATTHEW GILMOUR. 9 158 OUR FIRST CONSIGNMENTS 1 OF SPRING : : i GOODS Are Now Being Opened —;O: — SOMETHING new in every department, our Prints being especially attractive. 2000 Yards at 4|d per yard, and warranted fast colors One Shilling in the Pound Discount allowed on all Cash Purchases ASHBURTON U JcLiLi: JcjjK/ jl i^O, \\J ANTED to Sell-Good farm of 200 VV acres, really good buildings. Land in capital ord«r. I can sell this cheap and on very easy terms. For particulars apply W. Stonyer. .



r ______ BUSINESS NOTICES. _____ '■ i JUST OPENED, SEVERAL CASES OF LONDON AND PARIS TRIMMED BONN R'rS • © AND i • « ®. m A I r3^ I BEAUTIFUL BE LECTION, i I ALSO CHOICE ASSORTMENT OF '■ SILK MANTLES, - BOLEROS, j ELIZABETHIAN RUFFLES, SIKK BLOUSES, AND UNDERSKIRTS. Lawn Voils, and Silk Costumes, in great variety. 1 ..... i A x \) !> E W 011 R. 1% FADE from B.SA. Parts, specially for New Zealand Roads. Better than any im ported machine for the every day cyclist. Fitted with latest Garrard Free Wheels, with patent Back Pedal Brake, Dunlop Vulcanised Tyres, Brook's Saddles, any style Handle Bars, Pedals, Gear, Etc. 1 GATES, LOWRY & CO., . ' ! Largest Cycle Makers and Importers in New Zealand j Ashburton Branch -Burnett Street 1 _________________________ I ._i_ll!lullU»Lt_ m ___ r __ HI —111 ■! i ! Positively I _~, W ,,J THE BEST I, Combination of Choice Novelties for ! • Spring wear, we have ever had the j pleasure to bring before our Customers, I ! is now being submitted in our com- I ! modious premises. The cine and the l correct—a gathering that baffles des j- cription To do the Stock justice, as I well as yourselves, come and see the 1 Goods, even if you do not wish to ■ purchase. I Mitchell & Turner. 1 Burnett Street, i i Ashburton. • , «' NEW GOODS .: HSHRBSS^B NEW G°OI)S Just Opened. gg^^^g Just Opened. Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers 7s 6d Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers 10s 9d Men's Colonial Tweed Suits 19s 1 id Boys' Norfolk Suits Colonial Tweed 1 is 6d [ New Ties, Tennis Shirts, Straw Hats, at prices that I cannot be beaten anywhere. I New Zealand Clothing Factory, j J. WILSON'S | NEW SEASOM'S_ New SBWs | WALL PAPERS I - ' . - Have Arrived | And will be Opened up This Day, September 12th. | Simply perfect in Design and Colour. The Papers are quite different to anything of the sort before imported into this town, and vastly superior. I The Prices are the same as for Ordinary Paperhangings, Borders and Friezes to Match. Persons desirous ot choosing from the full stock, but not intending to use ( the Papers for some time, may have them laid aside until required. G. M EDDINB BESPECTFULjjTT requests ins.p>ec,fcion of the following seasonable articles, just landed, at prices which should tempi all to buy. GARDENING TOO^S. ! Including Spades, Forks, Bakes, Hoes, Trowels, Hedge SUe^vs, Ladies' and Boys' ['*■*■»*'■*••* FARMERS' REQUISITES. i Leading Rough and Back Chains, Gorse Knives, (Martin's, etc.), Gorso Gr,ubb.erS, Picks Axes Hatchets, Saws, handles of all kinds, Milestone, Oils, Paints, etc. Best Kerosene ... ••• 4s 3d per tin. 1 WIEE NETTING —Having a large stock on hand lam selling—Sheep (wjth centre Btrand) at 3d per yard; Fowl, ISm, Id; 24in lid; 36in, 2d per yard, smaller mesh £i» to ! MACHINES.- lam Sole Agent for the celebrated " DAVEY" Machine, the cbttest and betfc in the market. Hand-^3 m, -Treadle fromi 48 10s to J» 10s,with .7 | years guarantee. Needles for < Singer/ ' Davey/ < Werttieim/ 'Davis, New Home, etc., all at 6d per dozen. , ,   • , p j. 41 „ I makea specialty of CARPENTER'S TOOLS, and keep the gr,ea*«est yariety fe at the lowest prices in Ashburton. The Peoples' Ironmonge ', Burnett Street, opposite Arcade,



Tailoring.—We have just received our first two shipments of new summer goods comprising the most up-to-date suitings as ftow worn at Home. We always encourage cusfcomera f to *elftct from the web > which is fiv more satisfactory thaa otdefing from small patterns. We have a very large stock toselect from. We employ first C la«s tradesmen -every 'garment made on our ™-ptHp6S We'guarantee all our work, I S %s af priW m will compare favourably with those of any leading New ffi % B**' We respectfully invite customers to kindly order early to prevent dSppoTntment in the "rush" before the ' howT Craighead and Berryman the leading tailors Afburton. [Advt.]



Sherlock Holmes was what we term A spagiajist in crime ; His methods surely mjjst confirm Him greatest of all ti'mfe. And though our object's not the samts, Our method's just as sure, To kill bad coughs is our great aim, With Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. Wade's Worm Pigs—the Wonderful Worm Worriers—are a saft. and sure remedy, in Is boxes • sold everywhere § TjUtfGE's Sample Booms, Burnett street



For Asthmatical troubles of any kind j;he only certain specific is Evans' .'Mountain King Asthma Powder. { Smoke New Venv Worms undermine Children's Constitut ong. Use Wade's Worm Fig s, Is bdxes. " | Lovely Ties and Sunshades at Strange^ '■



Never despair! The worst Cough or Cold, will succumb 'to the influence of TUSSI CURA.. Try it : - . { Smoke New Yei*us