Mail Notices

Maili doie for the following plans* as under, subjec to the necessary alterations ~

THURSDAY, May 22

For Northern Ports and Weetporfc, per R(?tom*hitnp, at, 6 30 p m

FRIDAY, M*y 23

For Northern Ports and Weatport, also Australian States and South Africa, per Westralia, at 10 30 a m

SATURDAY, May 24 For United Kingdom, eto, via TaneHfi% npeoialiy addressed per Raugatiri, a* 6.30 a m

For Australian States, India, China, Strait* Settlement*, Utsited Kingdom. OnUnenfc of Europe, eto, (due London, July 7 h), specially addressed via Brindisf, aho for South Africa, at 12 50 p m For Northern Ports and, Weetporfc, pet Botonuham, at 6 30 p m

MINING

DuNßDisr, Why 22 To ay's aalee—Junofi< n Kkc ric 22i 6ii, Otrig 21s 9', 2la 6d j Rise and Hhine £Ua 6', Uoity 15». U^pcr Magnetic 8. 31

COMMERCIAL.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

Chribtchuuch, May 21

The Aldington itook sals w»a held today. CATTLH — About 201 fat oattle weie yarded, including prime heavy weights, Tho trade being well supplied the previous week (especially with heavy sorts) beef eased to 18) 6d to 24« ; prime bullocks £12 12< 61. bast stem £6 10s to £10 10s, others £5 17f Q\ to £8, prime heifers £8 to £9 10', others £5 5i to £7 10?, heavy cows £7 to £8 7a 61, others £<Uss to £6 10a Jshbejp ~ 6000 fab sheep were ya,r<?e;J, mos&ty owes, which wsra ia great demanu lor freizing, aod (showed an adv*nao, whi c wethers qii'e held their own j frc-vslng wethers lb* 61, 18s 63, to 19.61 for txtra prime t freezing eweß 10< 6', 14« 61 to 15i 61 j butcher,' beat ewss 12 , 15a, to 17a for ex'r* prim* ; others 7a 5 i to 11a, Fat limbs— 600 Game forward, including a los of u> finished sortc, good lambs were in detvaod, and about) two thirds of (He enbry wore takon for export: at 10 •to 133 61, tegs to 14s, ndfiaisbed were weaker at 6* to 9j 6 A'. Store sheep—The yarding comprised 4744 head, mostly setoodary wethers and lambs, and there was a ponr demand ; a uioe line of forward wethers made 15*, fair aorta 124 to 13s 6 ', backward 10* 6d to 11s, few aged ewe 4a to 5s 3d, and better sons to 9«, forward lambs 7* 6i to 8a 9.3, backward 5s JO 1 bo 7*.

Pigs—Only 200 were penned, and the shortage oaneed an advance >n price both in boms and fa's ; banonern 34i to 45», or 3£ > m 3^i per lb ; pcrkers 20* to 30i, or 3J ! *i> Zfci; stores 10a 6d bo 20s, suckers and weaners 2i 6i to 8".

GERALDINE FARMERS YARDS.

Thrro was a good cttundanoe ot buyers at the (jhraldlne farm«fß yards yesterdny, and a fairly good sale. Fat ewes brought) 12i 3i nnd Us 4d, and halfbred ewes 5s 9d.

CLEARING SALE AT LOWOCLIFFE.

Mr D Thomas held a aaccess'nt oleariog p&ie sft the homestead of Mr W Wllif, I/owolifiF«s f yesterday. There wss a brisk dttnind for oattlc, especially dairy cows, which sold ats an advance oa Ja*.e rate*. Folio wtr.g are the prices obtained for the various lines •—Hor»pa—Bay mare. Byrs, £41 j bay fitly by Vanquisher, £46; bay geldlDg £22; ohesfnot mare £25; b^y foal byChalleiger £15: trap maie £l6;biy foal by Rawhifcl £5 10a, Cattle—Dairy cow lnoalf£B 12i 6d j cow in profit £6 10; heifera £5 ss. £6 2; ateers (small) £% Shaep—Crossbred ewta 9s • sound mouthed oroeebred ewes Hs. Pigs—Sow and Sitter of seven £2 ; sow £1 12a 6d ; 9 i>\w ah 7a ; pows £2 10 ■, £3, £4 15a boßr ß £2, £1 6 * Inp'ements—4 l-<ftf harrows £3 7a 6' ; D F piousjh £3 10^, £7 JO' ; disc harrow £5 I6< ; £12 10« ; CAmb!-id«o Rntl.er £7 15'; dtill $1 10»; D^eria; binder £12 s Cb^ff cut^Br £3 5-; tip dray £6 j drays, aad frames fi> 10 md £5 10n

ARCADE HORSR FAIR.

! Mr O Thomas hel I his uaual mio>h"y I H>r«e FAc at tha Arcade today» There jwiaa f*ir eatry end a (?ood attendance, ■'T. 19 following are some cf the picss up to f the 'i:ne uf (joirtg to pressj—Uabrok«o— R.ygfilding £28 15jbrowa oolft £28 10. Broken—Uiey B-ldinß £'.4 ; b%y rn*re £13 s bty geidings £35; £37; and £33; eretcn joib£Bls-i

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1902.

There is some speculation as to the reason why many aspirants for Parlia mentary houoars are declaring them selves bo long bifore the General Election. TJader the o'd regime, when electors could be beguiled into miking promises, there might be some inducement to candidates to endeavour to be first in the field. Indeed, we have seen nuraerou* instances of political friendships? of long standing having been broken off, simply on account of a disregard of the priority of claim to a constituency supposed to be secured by an e»rly canvass. Bat the Electoral Act Amendment Act of 1900, changed fcha position altogether, for canvassing, or anything npprosch ing it is now illegal. Olause Bof that Act ia as follows :—"lt shall not be lawful for any p reon to canvass for votes for on behalf of any candidate or oan4idatee, whether for payment or otherwise j and any person committing a breach cf the provisions of this section is gui'ty of an illegal practice within the meaning of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act, 1881." And according to Olauso 9, "It shall not be lawful for any parson to distribute or deliver to any o'her person any paper b ling or purporting to be in imitation of any ballot papers to be need at any election or poll." In the face of tbN ifc ia not easy to see wh>*t advantage a candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives shou',<jl hope to gain by announcing himself six months prior to the election. It may be thifc BOtne gentlemen entertain a belief tii!»t Hipir early appearance in the fi-!d will scar» »way other probable candidates, or at least limit the num ber of their opponente. Ife is also pos sible that an idea may egisfe in the minds cf thoee early birds, that they will be able to prove the troth of the old saying as to catching worms—shall we say fl*!p. For undoubtedly there jug thousands of electors in New Zea land who know as little about recent legislation ia this colony, m th'-y know about the man in the nioon. These people have no idea that s.he Electoral Act has b^en amended, and th&t can vassing for support will now disqualify a candidate for Parlismen'. These are the flits that our enterprising poli ticians are looking after just aow f and it is quite possible that some of them may be caught In the interest* of the electors of this constituency there fore, we draw attention to the new pro visions with reg&id to canvassing for vote?, so that they may be forwarned io the event of any political ans>li"g being attempted in the district. It has beep s*id tjaat any new aspirants

for Parliament who have endeavoured to establish a olaiua to a constituency by a very early declaration of their candidature, hnve seldom been strong man ; and looking at the names of those who-—uofc being silting members of Parliament;—-are already announced as candidates for election in December nest, we should say there would appear to be good grounds for the statement, However, »a the new provision with regard to oanvassing will relieve the electors from the unfair pressure to I which thsy h*ve hitherto been eab i j?cted, »nd enable them to vote accord ing to their convictions, it in to be hoped that thpy will fully avail themselves of the privilege. All honest and inde pendent eleo'ora will certainly resent any »ttpmpt to interfere with their free choice, and to infringe tha secrecy of the ba!!o\ In fact, they wonld be acting in their own interest, and in that of the country at large, by treating any candidate, who might attempt to evade the kw with regard to canvass ing for votes, or even to permit this to be done o i hte behalf, as utterly un worthy of a seat in (he legislature of New Zetland.

Local and General

Wbathbe FOBBOABT— Captain Edwio wires:—-Gale from bebwain west and south west and soufch ; glass rise Thh High School-—The second tsrm of the Aahburton high School begins on Tues day, M*y27vb. Bank Holiday.—The banks In Ashburtcn will be ol"8ed on Saturday, Victoria Day. Pbsrsonal —Mr Ex-Inspector Ponder aid his son went to Timaru by the t xgress today, f-ciiooL 08" Military iN&TRWonoN,—-The officer commanding the Sjuth Oituerbury district notifiss in this iesu ' the offioera and non commi-Fioapd officers selected to attend the School of Military Instruction at- Timaru. Vbtbsinary Surgeon—The Aahburtoo A & P A.BOoifttion Invite all those desirous of ■souring the Bervicee of » Veterinary Surgeon for this couniy, to call a 1: the Association's otfioes, and sign the guarantee. It may bs mentioned that there is very little ohanooof the guarantor! having to contribute anything, as a good income ia astmed to a competent mat 1. A Correction'—Wo desire to oorrnob a misprint in oar leading Article in yesterday's tone, which is misleading. It was fcher* | stated th*t tbo fast ntorttm ex<m'nafclon j tt the iita dea h at the Hoap.ul dv- ( closed l( vga {.' ftf°^ce cngostlon it the base <•[ tho stomach," whereas ohe words j used by l'r Trevor, who oondno'ed the ! examination, were '•»( w p»6ohe«," et-r, : This does not effiot the comparison we made as to the similarity of the two o*Ees, bub it I is due to the doctor lo make the correction; ' | Protection of Analysts.—Mr J. 0. I Anderson has given notice of motion for nex" meeting of the Stirling branch of the Farmers' Union as follows;— " That the Governmentbe reqaested to introduce a bill havins? for its object the protection of Government analysts, who may require to disclose the names of vendorsof manures and seeds that have been or wiJi be analysed by the Agricultural Department. Tempbeanoe: Afe the last meeting of bhe I'looasan StaEditig O.mmlttee, it wis resolved thab a special cab commibee ahoald beset up annually, by the Standiw? Committee, to promote Temperance wo k in the Diocese, to assist in the format! n nf branches of the Church of England Temperance Society, by enpplytrg informs ion, speaker*, andllfera^aro; and also in arranging for an annual service in the Chihedral for temperance worke p; and fora temperances ilumn intheOHUEiGK News Astraot of £10 w*s mads from theGhuroh Mission Fund for i he purchase of temperance literature, pledges, books, &'q.-^Church News The Late Tboopsb Stsphbns— The following extract from a letter to M j k Steward, wltten on the 6 V.H April heh ftMoa B'iuth Africa by O^pUln Vtirnnn Btew<*r.', lOih Now Zaalaod Motu-t»d R flas, will be vf interest! tn many of our Ashburton readers :—' Vary sad aboub Basil Stephens. I have heard on all sides that afbsr a month or two he turned out a tipkndid fighting man, end was pn<j down as the pluckiest fellow in 6th New Zialtcd Mounted B fles, (Stephens io will be remembnrod was & victim to enteric fever, and it) was the no we of hie death which OapUio Steward refers to ) Faibfibld Fbeeziistg Works; -Ie will be of interest to oar readers to learn tha*; the basl'-'cns being done at the Fairfiald Freta;ng Works is still steadily on the increase. The quantity of cook pot fchronjjh for the summer season, 1901, was 177.532 head, whenm for this seasi n the number was 260,288 head or an increase of 82,756. Ihe figures do not include those slaughtered at th* Abattoirs. There is no doubt there would have been s, con aidetable farther increase, bqt for the de lay in getting the enlargements completed, The AA 0 and A, Club s Ball—The annuxl bail 0? thq Amateur Athletic Cnib took place last) evening, and w»s very largely attended, ohitfty owing bo the Giub having speoially invited Captain Tucker to be presen*', so that theOlnb coul! do honour to him as one o! its former captain?, The The Oddfellows' Hal', where the fuootiou took place, wna tastefully decorated, and the excellent muaio supplied by Fox's bind was thotoogbiy appreciated by the d*uo<ire, who kopt up the ball until the email hours of thU monjißfl Daring the evening, His Worship the M»yor and Mr D Thotna°, \a short speeches,' welcomed Oaptaln Tucker baok')bo4Bhburt-on, Tub Late Inquest,—\ffe haye been requested by Mr Patterson, whose board* ; Ing honsfc has been mentioned in connec tion with the late sad death ab the Hospita', (o say th»t although the girl gbeveus had been in his employ, she left six weeks before her death, and she was on'y there five weeka altogether, it is dua to Me Patteraoa to Bi.y that his asm* wasi only aa^n sorjed incidentally in connection with ihig unfortunate case, ard nobody suggentsd that ba knew anything I whatever about It, otherwise ho would probably have been cUled upon to attend the Inquest.

Foresters.—The ordinary meeting of Court Aehb-Kton, No 6729, A.0.F., was held in the Arcade Chambers on Monday night. la tho abaenoe ol the C.Bi, Bro Smith, PO S gro Cox presided. Tho Woodwards re(Q"lied i>ie mernfiir fill on the sick Hat. and the amount due to him w%« pan^d fpr paytnont;. After some correspondecoa was dealt with, PCS Bro K.«rgel initiated three oaodidatep, assisted by PO E Bro O x» The social committee handed in their statement of receipt? and expenditure which was considered highly satufaatory, and a vote of thapka was phased for their services. Two candidates were proposed for membership, fpbs oft thanked tho membsrs for their attendee, nag glg«gt? tba Court in the usual way. Ep CATlos B.oako —The ordicary mcc!? ing of tbe Board of Education b)ok plice yesterday. Toe on'y matters of local in" teresb were the following {—The Lands D-p^r'ment nctfi d the Bo»rd that) the tt^a-\ Bi-.rdhftd r eomrnendod tha Govern" menb to Bet apart B/e acres a 1) the Hekeao Betfciemenfc for tfe« purpose of a school site The Land Baard was thanknd fop its aqtion, and the Clerk of the Works instructed to proceed with tbe foooiog. lb was agreed to namo the school " Anama," The folow lug locil Bchosl districts were re ported as having failed to elect Sohool Gomrni'iie s; — Ashburton Forks, Mount Soniara, and W^storGsld. Its was decided that skoUona be hpld on Monday, June 16th.

FARMERS' UNION.

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE.

The Provincial Conference of the Farmers' Union (North Chnterbury dis'tie) was rpaned in the rooms of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, OhrSatoharoh, on Tu<36' day, The President, Mr G W Loadley, presided, and tha following delegates were presccr :~Akaroa, Mr J Bruce ; Aabbarton, Messrs 6 W Leadley, J L*mb:e, 8 S Chapman, »nd J Siudholmp, j r : O&evlet, MrG Gardner; Daigald, M Robert Reid? Dnniande', Mr J Henry ; Elleimere, Mema W M'Millan end 0 H Wililßj Gretodale, Mr F Holland; Harewood Road, Mr W Keith j Horor*ta, Mr X Wllaon; Lincoln,; 4feßsr« R R»iney *nd Genres Rennie ; Region, Mr H F Refo* } Sh< ffiald, Mr W F Pannett j Bpriug«tan, Mr M Ryao ; Temple ton, Measra Gaorge Witty and W June*; West Milton, Mr G Wabaon j Oxford, Mr J O'H&Horanj Atnberlejr, Mr GA MoLeao; Prebbleton, Mr Robert VVri«ht; Greenparfc, Mr F Hubbard • Kirwep, Me W B«dford ; Wftikwl, Mr A Allan THE PRESIDENT'S ADDBESS. The retiring president, Mr G. W. Leadley, in the course of his retiring address, said the gathering was unique in the history of the city,, for it was the I first time a f Farmers' Parliament had been held in the city. Mr Leadley, referring to the South African war and the part New Zealand had taken therein, said that what the commercial results of the struggle would be they could net at that time guess, but South Africa would afford a large field for the use of British capital and British produce, and it was •for New Zealand to see whether she could not dispose of a large quantity of her produce in that country. Federated Australia had completed a year since the Conference last met, but at the present time, owing to drought and the tanfl, things had reached a very acute stage m the Commonwealth. He hoped the Australians would perceive it to be to their advantage that a reciprocal tanfl should be arranged between the Com monwealth and New Zealand. (Ap plause.) The past year, so far as the Canterbury farmers were concerned, had been fairly satisfactory, and wheat stood at a payable price. Wool and frozen meat were inclining upwards, and the Canterbury farmers were not in such a bad state after all. There was still the complaint as to the way in which the foreign meat was placed on the London market, and this matter would be dealt with at the next Colonial Conference. The general elections were approaching, and it was open to the farmers to look to their needs in the way of legislative representation. Although the farmers contributed 11-13ths of the wealth of the colony, they only had thirteen members in Parliament. With 60,000 votes be hind them it was their own fault if they did not make their voices heard. He did not see why the towns should have triple representation when the country districts did not. Another matter they should'take up was the providing in country schools of technical education bearing on agriculture. This would have an important effect upon the life of the future man, and there would not be the same tendency as at present existed among country lads to drift to the towns. The Farmers' Union should aim at the reorganisation of the Valuation Depart ment. As a matter of fact, the last valuation in Canterbury had cost about £10,000, and then had not given satis faction. The co-operative method of carrying out public works was costly in the extreme, slow, and unsatisfactory. {Hear, hear.) One of the things they wanted more than anything was cheap transport rates fOr their products and something might eventuate from the decision that the present 'Frisco contract should not be renewed, but "that the trade should be by direct line in English vessels owned by English capitalists. If this were done, and the customs duties between England and the colonies were modified, they would have cheaper rates for their produce. He urged farmers to appreciate jthe true condition of affairs, and to throw off that cloak of apathy which had smothered them so long. The-influence of the Farmers' Union would be felt in widening circles. In all their efforts there must be a well defined spirit of fairness. (Hear, hear.) They must not expect to run the country in their own interests only, but in the interests of the country. They must entrust the management of the Union to the most sagacious and clear headed men, and all should endeavour to do what they could to help on the worji of Che Union. He thanked the Union for electing him as their first Provincial President, and he thanked the Executive for the way they had worked with him during the year. (Applause.) REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE The North Canterbury Executive, in the course of their annual report to the Conference, gave a summary of their work during the year. The balance sheet showed that on the North Canter bury district acpount the receipts for the year had been £4912s 6d, and the expen diture £44 10s Id, leaving a credit balance of £5 2s sd. ' On the provincial account £112 5s had been received, through the Ashburton branch, of which £90 4s had been paid to the Colonial Executive, £20 to the Provincial Execu tive, and £3 Is was due from Ashburton. .The repovt aftd balance sheet were adopted, JUNCTION OF PRESIDENT Mr G W Leadley, by a unanimous vote of the Conference, was re-elected presi dent for the coming year. The recommendations from the various branches to the Provincial Conference were then considered. railway weights The Greendale, West Melton, Malvern, Ellesmere, and Harewood Road branches made recommendations for securing a more satisfactory system of weighing grain for railway carriage, and for the convenience of buyer and seller. After some discussion the Chairman that the Conference should adopt the, reoommendations of West Melton and Elles'inere. -phe \#est Melton recomnendatiori was that 'tire attention of the railway authorities be drawn to the more accurate weighing of grain trucks, and that farmers should be able to obtain the weight of their trucks iy'ijihout addj.t|qnal cost, and the. EJlqs n'l'ere recommendation \fas thaf; f,hp j-ajlway weights be finished tq the con signor and consignee, that the trucks be tared quarterly, and that the date of the fast taring be shown on the trucks. A resolution to the effect was qarried unanimously FBOZSN MEAT Recommendations were considered from West Melton, Hororata, and Templeton branches, the two former being approved of. Templeton's was — That the members of the Farmers' Union endorse the suggestion of Mr J. Stud* tt}me,jnr, at thg last meeting of the Worth Canterbury Executive, regarding the unsatisfactory nature of the present system of disposing of New Zealand frozen meat in London, and that the representatives of the New Zealand frozen meat companies should be invited to meet the Colonial Conference in Wellington, and discuss the whole question, and if possible formulate a better scheme. $'e.rflpj e tojfs recommendation, after discussion,'was endorse"^ ioi- 'considera tion by the Colonial Conference. MOftTC T AGE, TAX The following recommendations frqm the Ellesmere and the Akaroa branches were considered :— Ellesmere—' That the graduated tax on mortgages be abolished.' Akaroa—' That, tl^p Farmers' Union protest against the present mortgage ia* (1) Because it is out of all proportion to other forms of taxable property under the land and income tax; (2) That it Is inequitable in its incidence, pressing as it does on the necessitous borrower; (3) That it is unfair in its operations bppause if exempts the largest lender on mortgageift'Ne>FZealand, i.e.., th£ New Zealand Government,. ' The Chairman pointed out how grossly unfair the present system worked when a man investing, say £8000 in consols, was practically exempt from the tax, while another putting his money into Jand or house property had. to pay a.

heavy taxation, whether the seasons were prospprous or not. Mr Bedford pointed that under the Mortgage Tax the mortgagee paid a tax on the money lent, and under the Graduated Land Tax the mortgagor paid a tax upon the money borrowed. Mr Wilson's amendment was objected to on a point of order. The Ellesmere and Akaroa reconv mendations were then adopted.

Mr Wilson moved the amendment as an original motion without notice. The resolution was also carried. BOOK-KEEPING AND MENSURATION. Recommendations from Malvern and Oxford, bearing upon the above subjects were received as follows :—

Malvern—" That the principle or ele ments of book-keeping, also of the measuring of land and timber, be taught to the boys in our primary schools." Oxford—" That the Farmers' Union be asked to issue a model set of books for keeping branch accounts." A resolution, recommending the adop tion of these suggestions was moved by Mr Pannett, and seconded by Mr Allan. The Chairman stated that the Ash burton A. and P. Association offered a Erize for the best method of farm book eeping, and several methods were sub mitted He thought such a prize might be offered by the Union. Mr Gardiner suggested as an amend ment that more prominence should be given to the study of these subjects, but Mr Pannett did not care to accept this in lieu of his motion.

Mr Gardiner then moved the sugges tion as an amendment.

Mr Harding said that land measure ment, etc., should be taught in a practical manner on the land. Mr Pannett's resolution was carried, and it was decided to bring the matter before the Education Department.

CHRISTOHUBCH-LYTTELTON RAILWAY CHAEGES. .

A recommendation was considered from the Malvem branch, that the effort be renewed to secure a readjustment of of the charges on the Ohristchureh- Lyttelton railway line, so that they may correspond with those levied on other port lines in the colony. Mr Pannett, who moved the adoption of the recommendations, gave examples to show how much higher the rates were ! on the Lyttelton-Ohristehurch line than j on any other corresponding line ia the colony. The resolution was unanimously carried. SELLING BY LIVE WEIG.HT The following recommendation from Ellesmere and Akaroa was proposed for adoption:—" That it is advisable that all fat stock be sold by live weight at the j principal saleyardSi and that proper j weighbridges be provided for that j purpose." i After discussion the resolution was carried unanimously. CENTRAL SYSTEM. Ellesmere recommended that the Go vernment be requested to legislate in the direction of introducing the central system in the corn trade. i Mr McMillan moved the adoption of the recommendation, and Mr Gardiner supported it so far as wheat was con cerned. Mr Studholme aßked whether the pro poser would consent to the addition to the resolution: That Mr Seddon be urged to bring before the approaching Colonial Conference in London the many advantages that would follow the adoption throughout the Empire of a decimal system of currency, weights and measures.

Mr McMillan consented to this addi< tion.

' Several others spoke in favour of the resolution, which was carried unani* mously. RATE OF SUBSCRIPTION AND ALTERATION 0? Rpi.ES. Dunsandel recommended that the subscriptions should be :--Farmers ss, labourers Is, women Is annually; and that the subscriptions should be divided as follows:—The branch to retain 2fs, the Provincial Conference Is 6d, and the Colonial Council Is 6d, Also that rule 4, section A, should be amended to provide that each should elect a chair man, treasurer, secretary,- auditor atld committee. . !

Considerable discussion took place on ,the question of subscriptions, but ultimately it was decided to request the Executive to formulate a sliding scale on which members' contributions might be based, the minimum subscription to be 2s. The amendment of Rule 4 } that each branch should elect its officers, was also carried. MORTGAGE TAX The Chairman explained that the resolution adopting the Ellesmere recommendation that the graduated tax on mortgages be abolished, although right in principle, was wrong in form, and he suggested that the resolution should be altered as follows: —' That the value of all mortgages should be deduo 1 ted from the assessed taxation of land bearing the graduated land tax.' This suggestion was agreed to. COMMERCIAL FUND Dunsandel moved that a Commercial Fund be provided, to be used to open up new markets or otherwise, in the interests of members.

The motion was lost on the voices. LAND SETTLEMENT FOR WORKMEN

The Tempi eton branch recommended —' That the Government be requested to purchase blocks of land in congested dis* tricts, if it can be got at a reasonable price, with a view to assist working men; the Land for Settlements Act, 1892, or under a leasehold system, with optional residence,'

A resolution, adopting the reeonv mendation, was carried unanimously.

WEEKLY COMMERCIAL REPORT The Harewood Eoad branch recommen ded— ' That a weekly commercial report be supplied by the Provincial Secretary to leading papers in each centre, a copy to be supplied to the Secretary of each branch, so that any member could obtain information as to prices ruling in any 1 centre in New SSealaiid.' : ' At Sft Studhoime's suggestion, Sfr Bedford agreed to 1 aceiejit the "fdllowing in lieu of- his motion '.-*•* That the papers be requested to publish the results of all sales sent to them through any officer o s f the Farmer^' Umqn> and th4talVn^em, ijei'^ b,e iirg64 tQ assist thfi papers in. obtaining reliable Information?' This motion was seconded and carried unanimously. SI3E OF OQRNSACES Harewood road recommended—' That the Conference be asked to make a recommendation as to the size of corn* sacks.'

It was decided to reaffirm the decision come to at the Ashburton Conference.

SECOND DAY.

The Conference sat again yesterday morning, pie Brqs.i4ent ty |he alwr, l-hepe #a,s q, fqll attendance of delegates, f ItUIT INPUSTBy. A motion by Mr J Studholme was carried that the Farmers' Union would be glad to consider any suggestions sent in by the Fruit Growersr Association, with the view of co-operating with it in the improvement of the fruit industry. FREEDOM OF CONTRACT. Mr Leadley spoke at length on the subject of !a reqommendatiQn, frqnft the Aihburtp.n b,ranph '^hftt the nriHejple of freedom Qf contract should be main' gained by the Union in connection with a.U matters ag between employer and employed. He held that though com* binations of workmen were right and proper, they went too far when they laid down a hard and fast rule as to wlio should ■work at any particttfay employ ment, and'deprived master and max} of freedom of contract.

Mr Lambie supported the adoption of the recommendation, as did Mr Pannett.

Mr Studholme, while deprecating the Union taking any side in industrial disputes, was of opinion that it was quite within the scope of the Union's work to' support such a principle, aj \hf\ fine contended fqr'in' th^ Ashbu.rton, recommendation. Mr Henry failed to see how the termer could get on with the work of his farm if freedom of contract were banished from his arrangements with the men whom he employed,^

Several delegates spoke in favour of the right of every man to sell his labour 1 in what he considered the best market, and the recommendation was adopted. Mr Leadley here left the Conference, having to return to Wakanui, owing to illness in his family, and Mr E. F. Recce was elected to the chair. THE FARMERS' UNION, The Lincoln Branch asked the Con* ferehce to prepare a pamphlet for circulation, setting forth the advantages of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and the reason why farmers should become members. The recommendation was endorsed, and referred to the Colonial Conference} SMALL BIRDS NUISANCE. A lengthened discussion took place on the general question of the small birds nuisance, in the course of which Mr Witty moved the endorsement of the resolutions passed at the recent con* ference of local bodies on the small birds question, and the resolutions of the Selwyn County Council passed that morning, which was seconded, by Mr Lambie and carried in the following con* densed form — "That this Conference requests the Government to introduce an amending Bill into Parliament, conr pelling all local bodies throughout, the colony, including cities and boroughs, to take effectual steps to destroy, or con* tribute to the cost of destroying/ all injurious birds, and, if necessary to levy a rate for such purpose. That a rate be levied on all rateable property in the colony for the purpose of destroying injurious birds, under the Birds Nuisance Act, 1891.' A recommendation from the Rarigiora branch to the effect that the Union should approach the Government, asking it to offer a bonus for the invention of a satisfactory method of destroying small birds, was adopted. RECIPROCAL TARIFF A letter was read from the Tempieton Branch, asking the Conference (I) to take into consideration the question Of a reciprocal tariff, and suggesting that they be asked to support the action which Mr Seddon proposes to take in London. (2) Expressing pleasure that the Eight Hon R J Seddon had given notice io move at the forthcoming Conference of Premiers, in London, for a preferential tariff within the British Empire, and urging that such a discriminating tariff is needed to enable colonial farmers to successfully compete with foreign producers. Mr Witty said that if a reciprocal tariff were instituted, New Zealand wotild feel the benefit when the war in South Africa was over and the ports open to the world. Mr Ryan also advocated the establish' ment of a reciprocal tariff, j Mr Witty's motion was then carried

WAKANUI.

(From our crn Correspondent)

The weather has been very boieteroua of late, and thus prevent! the ploughman completing b!i laborious tasks as e»rly as desired, It ta to be feared that n*xt harvceb wilt bo very late if fiat weather doea nob reign.

I may quote that r«ts h'.ve been very much in evidence In this d'striot, and I think It is time ib was made oomjjUiiory to annihilate such vermin. Baring threshing season one farmer killed 175 rats, and others minor numbers,

A pleasure party took advantage of Friday evening, May 16th, and entertained Mr and Mrs Q Thompson at tfoeir roaSdenca. A pleatsaub boar was pasted with song and dance* After sloping * Auld hi giyno f »nd giving three cheers for the hoet) and hoiteai tha cstnpany adjourned. The Wakacui eleotort read with regreb tha death of the w/fa of our member, J McLiahlan, E>q, aad tender heartfelt ijrmpathyf Daring the past month Mr T Fage nod hl\an 0 Giles j >mcd the nistrimoaiat club. We sre glad to see Mr Meredith Wilion »boab again ; having q-iite recovewd from h>s severe sbukiop, ha huving hid "the misfortune bo hi thrown out of his tr*p » fortrighb sgo when o-jniing Irorti thfl Asbbarton e»le on May 6th.

News in Brief.

A concern aaidanoe will beheld Infche Wldb'o* School on Frirlny evening in ki<i of the children's pr zi fund, Mpß«rß K^rr Broa, of Burnett Street rrj advertt log la this issue some low prices for groorries, e'c.

M< Jitiie« Granger, Timaru, has bnyeri for dairying, agr.cut.iral, and p-\8>or«l firms.

Mr B R Mucro s of Tirniiu, has b*en ftp pointed lighthouse keeper of Farewell Spi%

The tiex'n sale ab hho Mtyfield Raleyarda will taiso place on Friday, M»y 30ch, and bhenoa every fourth Friday j Seveial irquiries have ten matle re thleeUs, and H fair entry Is an icipvsd.

Mr D To, mis, la ooDJanotioa with Metwru Dalgety and Co , wilt sell by »uctioo oa Saturday, June ?i.b, oa account of the trustees of ths RuddeukUu estate & farm at Eding, containing 1201 aore%

The eigh-h visit cf the P.ilyp-\irJo Medical Institute to /shear ton is kddodcc ed for to-morrow ftfbemoon, May 23 d, from 3 pm till 8 p m, and on Skturday, M»y 24th, from 9am until Ipm. The consulting room« are at Mr Moflatl'a Comm»roUl Hotel.

A reward of £5000 i« offered by the Depirtmenb of Agrionitare in Qaeenaland foe the discovery of a means of eradicating the (> prickly pear" pest, which ll • oftotai Imported from America.

SPOUTING.

DDNEDIN RACING CLUB

Dunedis, May 21 Cono!udlng results, first day :— Winter Wet/bur — &rdnaiff 1, Flnb Light 2, L»pid*ry 3; Divilend £2 8i Sbllino Raois—Kotokoto I, Goidriisjg 2, Vandyke |. Dividends £2 Qi and £1 ?, Tradk'mbns HASDJpAy—^Vird,whistle 1, Roc! Gsvuajtst) 2 Dmnaßr)»4 3. ' Dividend £3 6a. .

WANGANUI RACES.

Wakcjanui, May 22

Xhe wea'har in showery and tbe course in fairly good condition, considering the oonsistenb raia of the past week* The attendance is good. Results :—

Flying—O?tiak 1, Lady Ball 2, West Guard 3. Won easily, Scratched—Q.ueani Guard. Divs~£3 4i and £10 3d:

Grand Stakd Ftskples—Soslly Wag 1, Waltio 2, jj'io'nde 8. Woa easily. Dootor Bill, Shy look, iuh'rangi, and VIM man fell, Soratohed—Sabrear, Di?s—£s 2s and «2 4aai.

Maiden Hack—Ghooika 1, Durable 2, The Gueaser 3. Won very easily. B<sratGh> •d—S'Ht Coil!. Recline, Waireka, K^tea, The Gift, KUti-, L'qaid^tio'-, Biebiok, Retrieve. Diva ~£ I 9,6 3, and fil 65.

Centoby Hdbdlis—Walwera 1, Tho Ourd 2, Riaeplob 3, Soratglie..'—Djrriog l ootte. Dividends—£3 16a 61 and £1 Ida

A Nqyekiv—The Khaki btcyo'.e !• now being QtJted with the two-apeed gear hub, which nob only glvea free wheel, hat has tho additional advantage of allowing the rider bo ohanga his gear afc will from a low to a higher gear whilst tiding, and osa be In* speoted at Beat and Town/s, launders 1 BaildiDßi.

fflß ASHBUBTON <3UABDIAJS: THOBSOAT, MAY 22 1902



' F. FEBEIMAN FOR _SALE ■^HBURTQN T HAVE FQft SALE, a SabatantM Brick HOUSE at »e?on room», with every eoaveuienes, togethn with OStK AOBE 20 'Peirches of Larsd, £<ufc«ftta<l within easy of * «oboo!» ?EIOE . ... £225 The Propaityis very Bailable for oooupai* Mob by a man with a family who vni net tnoral nncl physical health a« w*H m eßonorn? j or to the owner of a lit He capital who wishes to invest It with security and profits Other improvement! comprise aa Orehurd »Bd Bi^ble. Comparison between JJ22F invested ila this Property, and at deposit Id any Bank :— 12-Mouths Interest on £225 on Depotft £6 15 0 19 .Mouths"Rent) of above Piopfjrby, ab 10a per #BBk .„ .„ £26 0 0 Lmb-outgoings— Say Gotnmkiion col' lacsicg ranb at 5 per cent ... £1 6s Od B»iei 0 10. 04 «-._- 2 S 6 ___ 23 16 6 Skfcnoe in favour of the amount invgated io Property »~ £17 1 6 per'&anum FfflH particulars of the Property m»y had on &ppllo»fciou»' P FEBRIMAN, Land and Estate Agmti ■■ FOR SALE AT (THE HINDS aia &OREB la Tutsook ; fenced; /C4fcU with a small Dwelling. Easy I*WM' F FEERIMAN FOR SALE, ftAA (ACRES of Good Sheep, Feed, OUil ooneietiogof 60 Aores Turnip". 240 Awe« of Good Gras*, and abattflanoa of Oaten Straw. The above is situated about 14 from Aahbarton. Thtre has not beeo any stock ,on the land for the laafc four moathF "~~~ ■ FOB SALB, AI Tfnvald, a good Home for a Worklag Man, consisting of a 4 Roomed Hoose and[J Acre good Land F.FERBIMAN '• - Liro & ESTATE AGENT BUSIHESS NOTICES HTImESHAM, RTJKGBON & MEOHANIOAL DENTIST. BlO§ to inform the residents of Aah burtosi and Surroacding Districts thtt ho ban coßimeoood practice in "roonwoMt to Ms Watsoo, SoHoltor, Stopptap in Goldi Amalgam, and Cement, flold wd Potoelftin orowna made j alao sets t>f tcetb with Yalosnite and Porcelain gumia. Gaa adiniaißteted. AH work guartirt^eci. Hocbs of Aa'TEKBAKOa~B a.ai,—6 p.ip. 4JJS .HIGH CLASS T.illiOßlNG. WE Have }mt opened, ex c e» • Paparoa, 1 a large s-hipment of MEW WINTER GOODS, ■ ooiaprlsfug a fine ftesortment of *up to! date' Suitings io Worsted?, Vicuuaa, : OhevSote, MeUoKS, Beavers, Rea Irish i Frieze, Kalnprool Uverooatinga, Fancy j Veetings, &o. Jgijgp We undertake to execute all ovders eucrooted to as to the satisfaction of oar clients, and at prices which will compare favourably with those of my of the leading Chrlstcfaurch fir ma for equal quality, or fit, style, and workmanship. Also, Ladies' Tailor-made Costumes, Jackets, Habits, &o t in' the latest styles, obaigheadTbierymak The Leading Tailors and Outfitters. Athbnfton. O ni ___ X 2 j._._ gl " - W3NCEK ■ IU DEI CLOTHE G In Colocia! and English Makes A SPECIAL LINE OF MEN'S COLONIAL BIBBID WOOL PANT-- 1, 3s lid Well Worth 4i 6J '.BEAVY WOOL: f3NGLBTB HEAVY FLANNEL UNDER SHIRTS, 2s,Ud OUR FOOTBALL JEBBHYS, all ooloru from 2n 6d fJHE MEW mkhkED OLGTeiNG FACXOIiY C'^IIHJAP B.L GDNB and OARTRIPOBB, ; Donble Barrel BL. Guns from 555, SB. frcm42e6<s, Cartridges from 9s per 100' Wire Netting from Id per y^r.l, Sheep N*tting from Hi Je- ?»r^. The ealebr&ted A. Martin'aHorte OHppers at ?« 6d, 9s 6d and los 61. Other mikee from 6* 6(3—G. Me.dbin3. The Veeple*a Irot.monger* " {Smoke New Venai



______ BUBINEBB NOTIUEB I MAT. 1902 Bought of MITCHELL & TURNER DRAPERS AND CLOTHIERS A'HBOttTON Sold hi/ 13 Examined by 11 „ . . __—___ . . -^~j~z - ——■ iTTj | 6j-di DW Drm Tweed 1« 64 09 0 Now li 06 0 2 School Capea 0 8) lid 017 10 „3s 8 7 0 1 Ladies' Mw'n'ooh 30s 1 10 0 •• 2la 1 1 g 2 School Him 8 61 0 7 0  it 0 2 0 10 Coloured alu'iHo, for Ap 0 i 1041 08 9 3^ I 02 II 1 Man's Tweed Oo >t 22a 61 12 6 „ 15a 6d 016 6 I IPr Work'ng Trousers 8* 61 08 6 l( 5s lid 05 11 2 Working Shirts ——— 4 09 0 fc 93 05 8 Paid 2 Under FUoneli 3* 91 07 6 2 61 05 0 By Cash, with 2 Pair Under Panlo 2i 0 4 Q „ In 6d 0 3 0 Thanks, I White QolU, Db!e B-A IQI 91 010 9 „8a 9! 08 9 MITCSE LL & TURN EM 1 Coloured Quilt, Bg!e Bad m 4a 6fl 04 6 „3i 61 05 6 4 Coloured IV>w«'.j it% /7, i9o^ U6d 06 0 „It §4 C 1 Coloured Tabla Cover (Large) 18» 6d 018 6 „10 6 010 6 lPairLaoa Oara'nfl 81 6d 0 8 6 „6s 9d 06 S !12 Yftrde Pink Flannellette 0s 5^3 5 6 „3| I OSS 4yds F»n y Flanoeletts 0a 8&d 0 2 10 „ 4-|d 0 1 t 2 Pair CMSuffloro Hcai 1b 3d 0 2 6 „9d 0 I t £9 3 2 Now £5 14 1 We take thlj somewhat wnu»n»l method of showing the PabUo whit fcho Redaotiom we are makag amount to in a Parool of Drapery, every article of wbioh h of every d»j need, md Goois Vamje at Fui-l Paioss. Oar Tannpefcer is nob dead, in faot, there are hundreds of him spread over the County, bat we venture to say th*t nobuitnesß attemp) of a similar nabore, ever tnado in Ashbarton, hut aver approached the luooess attendiDf the Diisolotlon of Partnerihip Sale now going on la oar Premises, Bee " WdOfcads." mfiE WIATBER DURING THE PAST WEEK HAS FOUND OUT THE WEAK SPOTS IN YOUR UNDERSTANDINGS. Oh I For a Pair of Dry, Gomf viable, Good Boots. SIGH NO MORS, OALL AT NICHOLAS <ft PICKFORD'S AND GET THE VEBY THING YOU WANT. THE FINEST STOCK IN TOWN. American Makes in Men's and Women's latest np-fco-data Styles ft* lowest prioes, in Strong Makes, Splendid Values, only Reliablo Brands kppt NICHOLAS AND PICKFORD. BAST STREET; ANDREW ORR. ALIEGE Shipment of Goods rat Puparo*, having arrived Ono Month Later than expected, will Now be 01«ared aft IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. FOB TWENTY-ONE DAYS ONLY Ladies' Jackets and Mantles, I less Fabrics of all kiuds I La'ies' Corsets, Hannelletos, {* heetings Ladies* Underclothing, Eibbons, Gloves, Millinery, Umbrellas, 100 Pairs Coloured Blankets at 16s 9d 75 Pairs Large Size Blankets 22s 6d CLOTHING AND BOOTS IX Reduced Prices ANDREW ORR GUNS. GUNS. GUNS~ | UST LANDED.—SingIe and Doable Barrel Breech Loading* A real ?l Good 8,8. at 45=". RB. from 65* upwards. AMMUNITION TO SUIT ALL. CARTRIDGES, including Bley'a Universal and Blae. JNobol'g Billistite, Smokeless. NEW OLU B. N1 W XIV AL. Fowder. Shot, Gaps, Loading linplementa, Gan Oases, Gleaning Rod*, &c. LAMPS. AND LAMP WARE- Library or Dining Boom from 27a 6d to 551; Table from 2i 6d to 30ai U»H and inspect the " New Miller." — Hand Lampa from Is. L&MP GLASSES AND WICKS OF ALL KINDS. OAKPENTEK'S TOOLS Of all Deacriptions at Reduced Prices. Greatest variety and Cheapest in Aehbnrton. RANGES & REGISTER GRATES TO SUIT THE TIMES. g. meßdins, The People's Ironmonger, Bornefet Street, Opposite Arcade J. fl LBON DIRECT IMPORTER OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. A Competent Btt of Tradesmen kepb for Hoaao Painting and Decorating in all its Brsoohea'fcr Town an<3 Country, I Have a Wall Aborted Stock of MIXED JP A. -I NTS Jo Large or Small Quantittes; also Paiob Brußhts White L^ad Linseed Oils ,<Raw or Woilod Sorim Window G.ais Fancy G!aea Turpeotme Be. z;ne Methylated Spirits Artiat«"*Matcrial Beam ifUl NJIRROR^GL&SS in lasge tbeetf, can bo out to ooy ew



Notice to OvowßT3 —We would remind our readers that the Cheapest and Best Shop in Ashburton for geoond hand Cycles, Cycle Repairs, nnd all r<quirementa in the oyolinß line is R. D. Johnstons Radge-Whitworth Cycle Agency, Burnetit Btreet. Snjoks New Venus



DELICATE OHILDRIK la alrnot every family thereto a delicate child causing untold parental anxiety. The little one is not txictly ill, bat Is so fragile bhat litfc'e hope' Is entertained of ultimata recovery. If yourchlldla delicate do not abandon hope while it is possible for yoa to obain Wslion's Bovo-Ferrana (beef and iron) Wilton's Bovo—-Ferrnnj correct^ maJnatrUloD, Jb replaces the waited. ne'rvo tissues, renews the supply >f tloh red bicod, creates an appafclce sod promotes digestion. It makes the weak strong and builds up tho sys^m. Sn'd by Chemiste and Stores at 2a 6d or po-iti free direct from the proprietor, Qeo. W, Wilton, Oheraisfe, Wellington.