Commercial.

CLEARING SALE AT MITCHAM ROAD

A most successful clearing sale was held by Mr David Thomas, in conjunction with Messrs Friedlander Bros., Limited, yester day, on the farm of Mr J. McDowell, Mitcham Road. The weather militated •somewhat against the attendance, which waa not so large as was expected. After partaking of lunch, which was provided by Mrs McDowell, a start was made with the sundries, which were sold at full market ! values.

I Implements, etc. —3 sheep feeders £1 sa, I £1 7s 6d, £1 10s ; 6-leaf harrows .£5 15s ; grass seed sower, .£5 10s; Cambridge rollers £3 to £8 10s; scoops 10s to £2 ss; stripper £2 to £Z ss; drays and frames, £2 10s, £7 10s and £9 10s, tip dray £6; woolpress, £5 j winnower, £4; chaffcutter complete, £4i; gorse cutter, £32 10s; 3-furrow ploughs, £2 10s and £3 10s; Massey-Harris cultiva tor, £5; Duncan cultivator, £15; discs, .£3; wire netting, 14s to 32s per coil; trap, £5 10s. Harness sold at £3 15s and £4 10s; draught harness (collar,hames and winkers) 20s to 355. Sheep—43 fat merino ewes, 12s 6d: 400 two-tooth ewes 14s; 6 Hampshire Down rains at Ign.; 2 English Leicester rams at Ign; 71 two, four, six and eight-tooth ewes 12s 8d; fat lambs at ISs. Horseß—Draughts, bay mare, aged, 10s; bay filly, 4yra, .£37; black gelding, aged, £41; bay gelding, aged, .£26; black gelding, 6yrs, £41; 'chestnut mare, £50; bay mare, ; do. £15; black mare £40 j bay gelding 3yrs, unbroken, =841; bay filly 3yrs, unbroken, £36. Light horses—Bay mare (hack) £11 j bay mare £2Q j four year-old light horse £8 10s; black pony, £16 10s.

In cattle, one dairy cow sold at £8. Produce —Oats, Danish 2s 6d to 2s 7d per bushel; duns, 2a 6d; seconds 2s lid to 2s 3d.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Asaociatioa of Canterbury, Ltd., quotes as follows on June 13th, 1902: Wheat- Old prime milling ... 4s New ... ... 3s 9£d to 8810$ d Oats—Duns ... ... 2s4d „ Danish ... 2s 4d „ Sparrowbills ... 2s 4d „ Canadians ... 2s 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s 9d to 3s 3d Inferior ... 2s to 2s 3d Peaa—Prussian Blue ... 5s 6d to 6s „ Partridge ... 3s 6d to 4s Chaff Good oatsheaf ... 75s Grass seed-Farmers' ... 3s to 3s 6d The above are prices current pawl to farmers on trucks at Ashburton. \

The following is the market report for the Ashburton County for the week ending June 13th, 1902: Wheat—Very little business has taken place during the laat week. A few lines of prime milling have changed hands, 3s 10$ d being the highest price recorded. A few lines have also been sold for seed, one line of 120 sacks going to a Southland firm at Is 3d on trucks. Millers continue to hold off, and seem afraid of flour rates being reduced. To-day's values are—Tuscan 3s lOd to 3s 10£ d, Hunter's and Pearl 3s Bid to 3s lOd, Oats. —The completion of contracts haa made it difficult to sell large lines at full rates. Small lines, however, continue to meet with ready sale for local and coastal trade, while prime milling oats are sought after and command high rates. Values to-day are: Canadians 2s 6d to 2s 7d, Sparrowbills 2s 4d to 2s sd, Duns and Danish 2s 3d to 2s 4d.

Oatsheaf Chaff.—Sales have taken place as high an M per ton for prime heavy. £3 15s, however, is the general price for fair average quality.

TIMARU GRAIN MARKET.

(From our own correspondent). The week haa, contrary to expectations, been a very dull one, and very little busi ness has been transacted. There is no change in wheat, except that buyers have now fixed their margin at 3s lOd, while growers will not look at a deal except'4s is offered. One small line has gone South at 4s, but the miller had to give this price to keep the rolls running. Oats show no change, 2s 5d to 2s Hd being quoted for good bright Danish, and 2a 6d to 2s 7d for Duns, No malting barley is on the market, but a few lines of feed have sold at 2s 6d to 2s 9d. Potatoes remain at £3, b,ags in, on trucks, Timaru.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN MARKET.

From Our Own Correspondent. j Chkistchurch, June 13 j Wheat—Very little is effering. Millers holding good stocks have ceased buying, Quotations (nominal), Tuscan 3s lOd, Pearl and Hunters 3s 9d, whole fowl 3s 6d, at stations. Holders will not accept these prices. Oats are extremely scarce and no business is being done. Milling 2s Bd, short feed 2s 4d to 2s sd, duns and Danish 2s 3d, at country stations. Several Melbourne firms having cancelled forward contracts for potatoes, and there being no outside demand, Derwenta have gone back to £2 16s.

SOUTHLAND GRAIN MARKET.

United Press Associatioa~By JBleetorjo I Telegraph. INVERCARGILL, June 13, Oats—There is good enquiry, and all lines are being bought at 2s 5d for A grade, and 2s 4d for B; further orders from the War | Office are said to have been received, and i ihe.market remains firm.

LONDON MARKETS

The London Agent of the Hew Zealand Farmers' Co-Operative Associations of sfew Zealand, writing under dafce Blay 10th, reports as under •,— -vfo^WThe third series of public isales of Colonial wodHoi\the current year opeeed on the 6th inst., thd ?«t of available vessels having been closed on the «Bwi ult. Ac cording to the present list of dayS' the sales K/jll terminate on the 2nd prox., but tner"o k an interval for the Whitsuntide vacation from the 16th to the 20th inst. inclusive. There was an unusually large attendance of buyers from all parts on theojjening night, and under spirited buying, especially by the home trade, nearly the whole of the quantity catalogued passed the hammer. Merinos were not well represented, but weoce^agerjy absorbed by Yorkshire and Continental foayars &t 7| advance on March rates. The selection of owssbreds was about the largest and best evap shown on an opening day, and fine »ad mediums improved to the extent of 10 per cent., and coarse 7|- to 10 per cent, oyeil previous prices. The small quantity of elipes offered

also had a brisk sale, and Bhared fully in' the improvement. This advance was not altogether nnlooked for as during the interval between the series the consumption of merino wool was very large, and the impression amongst topmakers was, that in view of the readi ness with which available supplies were being used up, and the prospect of relative scarcity for some months prior to the next clip, the direction of prices would probably eoutinue upwards, and in fine merinos there was some speculation. The latest adviceß from Yorkshire con tinue favourable as to future prospects. The possibility of peace in South Africa seems likely to influence prices. Should peace be declared on the 15th in<st., a small advance maybe looked for, but on the other hand, a continuance of the war would tend to depress present rates. Wheat.—Our wheat market has been fairly steady during the past three weeks,! the diminished stocks here having caused : an increased demand on the part of millers, added to which there has been some un favourable news respecting the condition of the spring sown wheat in America. Values have hardened about 6d to 9d per qr., and the rise would probably have been greater had it not been for the large prospective supplies. English wheat being scarce, farmers are very firm, and the advance is relatively greater on this tlian foreign sorts. The Imperial price is now 29s 9d against 26s 9d a year ago. For the first four months of the year the average price of home-grown wheat, accord ing to the returns from the 190 scheduled corn markets of England and Wales, works out at 27s 4d per imperial qr. of 4801b. Until after the middle of April, when the re-imposition of the registration duty began to show its effect, the weekly average prices since the beginning of the year were remarkably steady, the fluctuation from week to week in no case exceeding 3d per qr. The first weekly average this year was 27s 7d, and the average was the same at at the middle of April. In the interval it had been up to 27s 8d and down to 26s lid, the fluctuation over a period of sixteen weeks thus amounting to no more than 9d per qr. ! If, indeed, we go back to the beginning ot the cereal year, eight months of which have now passed away, we find no weekly fluctua tion exceeding 5d per qr., whilst the highest and lowest weekly average prices 27s 8d to 25s Bd, show a range of only 2s per qr. If now we turn to the weekly •average price published in the fourth week of April, we find a jump from 27s 7d to 28s 9d, the rise of Is 2d per qr. representing about a penny more than the resuoitated duty. The highest weekly average price throughout 1901 was 27s Bd, but in 1900 it was 29s 3d, so that it is not necessary to go far back to find a weekly average superior to the highest in the first four months of 1901. The average price of wheat in the . fourth week of Apiil of the period of seven ' years 1895 to 1901, was 27s 3d, or Is 6d below the average of 28s 9d recently re corded. In New Zealand wheat there is nothing doing on c.i.f. terms, while ex store new stocks are so extremely limited, with a small promise of any important shipments this year, that holders are asking their own terms. Tuscan is now quoted at 31s 6d to 32s 6d, and Hunters' and Pearl 31s to 32s per 4961b5, free of duty. Oats.—There is very little demand for spot or forward delivery, but values are about 9d to Is per quarter dearer, including duty. New Zealands are nominally worth 27s to 28s for Bluff and Sparrowbills, and 29s to 30s for Canadians per 3841b5. ex store. Barley.—ln malting qualities little doing, tha season being practically over. Grinding sorts have been in better demand at 3d \ advance. Frozen Meat.—Our market has continued firm, and both frozen mutton and beef have advanced still further in price, the former about 2d per stone, and the latter 3d to 4d. Scotch mutton has improved Is per stone in price during the three weeks, and as sup plies of the frozen article are by no means plentiful, there is every likehood of present Values being fully maintained in the imme diate future. Canterbury sheep have lately been in better request than for some time past, and are making 2s 8d to 2s lOd per stone at Smithfield for prime carcases, > while secon dary sheep bring 2s 6d to 2s 7d per lb. Tegs are worth 3s 2d per stone. Frozen lamb is in better request, and a larger trade would be done if the weather were not so oold. Values have gone back about 3d per stone, without any apparent reason further than that the wholesale men at Smithfield hare been selling to the retail trade at easier rates. Best new season'B New Zealand lamb is not worth more than 3s 4d to 3s 5d ex market;, and second quality 3s Id to 3s 3d, Australian makes 2s 9d to 3s per stone. A consignment of refrigerated New Zealand spring lamb, in excellent condition, wbich had been shipped via London, was sold in New York at the same price as American lamb, notwithstanding the charges for transportation and storage and the import duty which the consignment was obliged to pay. The consignees say that the consignment was an experiment, which has been successful, and that as a result further shipments will be made in 1903.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 1902.

In a very few days the delegates from the ' provincial centres of the Farmers' Union will meet in Wellington to consider the recommendations that have teen made by the various branches of the Union, to adopt : those which may "be approved of, and to! decide upon the permanent platform of the I organisation, To say that this Conference ! of delegates is a most important one, is a ' very mild way of putting it. Its work -will affect the whole future of the agricultural and pastoral industries of this country, and the manner in which it may deal with the business that may come before it, concerns the entire population o| the colony. In fact, the result of the deliberations of the forthcoming Conference of delegates from I'armers 1' Unions will probably have much more influence on the future of TSew Zealand than the proceedings of the approaching session of Parliament. This being so, it may be assumed that all the delegates aro fully impressed with the weight of the trust that has been reposed in them, and that they will endeavour to act with firm ness, tact, and prudence; that they will sink all purely local considerations; that they will"keep steadily in view the great issues that depend upon their work; that they will endeavour to make their decisions as nearly unanimous as possible, and, ftboy© all, that they will effectually ex clude the introduction o f all considera tions :M 'pblijfteal party from the platform of the Union; 1': Tfc is almost needless to remind the farmers that al though a good many of those who were their most bitter opponents when their Union first came into notice, are now pro fessing cordial approval of the movement, there are still some uncompromising eueimes, to fee reckoned with. A, fe^y of Ih'esQ are to be found |n the ranks of the press of $<?" colony, 'and' th^ir frequent attacks on the movement and misrepresen tations as to. its aim, supply abundant 3?eason for the exercise of calm judgment $,nd fif}ty of PWSQS9 jn formulating the policy, and in carrying qn the affairs of the Union* The task before the delegates is undoubtedly, a difficult one. We have before u» the recommendations of nearly fifty branches, and many of these recom mendations show very plainly that sections of the community have exceedingly hazy notions concerning the political and financial condition of this country, and of those economic truths which regulate the affairs of all mixed communities. Some of the branches have the most extraordinary ideas of the functions of the Union. Here are some of the recommendations: That flannelettes be boycotted; that assisted immigration be asked for- that the franchise be withdrawn from non ratepayers in Boroughs; that Government provide medical men/for the country districts; that commercial travellers be taxed; and 89 <?», We do not suppose. £Pr ogp mom,^

that recommendations like these will be serf- f ously considered by the Conference, but it I is conceivable that some suggestions which . may seem plausible enough may form an ele ment of danger. Doubtless the delegates will recognise the necessity for the careful examination of all the recommendations submitted to them, and will make sure that no part of the platform they will have to construct shall be weak, or likely to affect the stability of the whole structure. The ■• main point the delegates have to keep in view is, that they must so frame their platform that men of all shades of opinion with regard to the political parties in this country, may accept it. The Union may be able to educate the people of New Zea land to understand that there is very little difference now between the professed aims jof any party in politics. The distinction is | rapidly becoming a personal one; it is | merely between one man and his immediate I followers, and another with his. The farmers ' and pastoralists should have nothing to do with anything of this sort as a body, what ever they may think individually. If the general Conference in Wellington should succeed in framing a policy in the interests of those great industries represented by the Farmers' Union, irrespective of the lines of any of the so called political parties in New Zealand, a policy that shall contain nothing that is opposed to the welfare of the people of this country as a whole, and which any honest man and woman may subscribe to, it will have earned the grati- I tude of the whole colony. The result of '. its deliberations will be looked for with the greatest interest and expectation, and we j are sure we express the views of the bulk of the community in wishing it a successful session. j

Local and General.

Weather Forecast. - Captain Edwin wires:—Strong winds from between east and north and northwest; glass fall, indica tions frost tonight. Wshslow Hotel The Winslow Hotel has changed hands, Mr Cusack having sold •ut to Mr Thomas Daily.—Mr Cusaok has taken ovor the Royal Hotel, Christehurch. The Expbess.—The express train from the south was an hour late in reaching Ashburton last evening. The delay was caused through a breakdown at Palmer3ton which necessitated a stoppage being made. A. and P. Association.—The annual meeting of the Ashburton A. and P. Asso ciation will be held on Tuesday next at 2 p.m., when the balance-sheet for the past year will be submitted, and the officers for the ensuring year appointed. School Committee Elections. - House holders in the Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers and Westerfield school districts, having failed to elect school committees at their annual elections on April 28th last, meetings for the purpose of electing com mittees for the year wil be held in the schoolrooms named on Monday evening next. Coronation Medam - Mr A T Williams, stationer, has on Bale an appropriate medal for Coronation purposes. The medal is made of white metal and bears on the one side the King's head in profile and on the other the Royal Arms and the stand ard of Great Britain and the words " God save the King." Personal. —We regret to state that Mr George Hazelton, of the local Telegraph staff, is again unwell. Some days ago he was doing some rather heavy lifting and strained himself insomuch that on Thursday a slight hemorrhage of the lungs occurred. He is at present in the Hospital, and we trust that the excellent attention | which he will receive there will soon restore him to his usual health. —Nursing Sister Littlecott leaves Ashburton by express to-night, en route to South Africa, to resume her duties there. Resignation op Bishop Cowie. —A tole-1 gram from Auckland states that Bishop Cowie, the Primate of New Zealand, has announced his intention of resigning his office of Bishop and Primate. He is acting under the advice of two medical men. Members of the Anglican Church through out tha colony will regret to learn that such a necessity has arisen. Bishop Cowie's resignation is to take effect in September. ! £300 has already been collected privately j for the presentation. ! Coronation Celebrations.—At a meet-1 ing of the Coronation Celebrations Com mittee, held last evening, it was stated that the Timaru and Mount Somecs train would be delaye i fifty minutes, and that excursion tickets would be issued. It was decided to ascertain whether the people of Mount i Somers and Springburn wished a still longer delay to enable the fireworks display to be witnessed. Various details were con sidered, and the Committee adjourned until Friday evening next. A full report will be found in another column. To Cyclists. — The attention of all cyclists is drawn to the splendid workman ship done in electroplating and enamelling which can be seen at Messrs Gates, Lowry and .Qo.'s premises, Burnett street. This old established firm have just landed a large assortment of cycle goods for the present season. Cyclists are reminded that they should take advantage of the wet weather and have their machine thoroughly overhauled and enamelled at Messrs Oates, Lowry and Co., Burnett street, who make a speciality of making an old and dilapidated looking bicycle look quite new again. | The Somerset Hotel. —Messrs Hard ley Bros, intend removing the whole of the front portion of the Somerset Hotel to a section in Tancred Street, near Mr Bon nington's. The contractor for the work is i Mr Swanson, of Christehurch, and yester- j day a gang of men came down from that' city for the purpose of commencing opera tions. Several contractors in Ashburton were approached, but none of them ap peared to be anxious to .take on the job, the result|being that the Messrs Hardley had to send to Christehurch for a contractor. Mr Swanson has had a good deal experience in shifting buildings, and it was he who re moved the Pro-Cathedral in Barbadoes street. 1.0. G.T., TTakanui.—The WakanuiG-ood Templars met on Tuesday evening, when there was a good attendance of members. The presiding officer, Bro. Fred. Butterick, G.T,, opened the meeting, and the Chaplain led the prayer, Bpo, J, W, Butterick gave an interesting report; on the recent Tem perance Convention. The secretary read a communication from the Methven Lodge asking delegates to attend a district meet ing. The business of the evening having been disposed of, a lengthy programme was submitted by the Sisters as follows : — Piano duet, Misses S. and P. Corbett; Songs, by Misses Butterick, M. Wilson, Miss Venie Trevurza, and Miss Butfcerick ; Eecitations by Miss M. Doak and Miss Trevurza; a Piano Solo by Miss Rosewarne. Refreshments were handed round by the Brothers, and an enjoyable, eveiUßg was brought to a" close. '"■ l -■'•■. I Anniversary.—On aßodttnt of the in clemency of the weather, the Fairton ; Primitive Methodist; Sunday School anni- I versary tea was put off from Thursday to I last evening (Friday) wh,w the elements ; Tppe a.gain unfavourable. Onjthis occasion ; it was found necessary to hold it in Mrs HufCam's boarding-house, as the road leading to the Church was in a very bad state. Anthems wers pandered by the Ashburton Primitive Methodist Church choir, qviarte^s by Mesdajnea Marsden (2) Messrs Jones and Osborne; solos by Miss Palmer, Mrs W. Marsden and Mr Osborae ; recitations by Miss I^uke, Messrs T, Car lisle and Kendall (Fairton). A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Huffam on the motion of Mr W, Collison, seconded by Mr George Wright, for the use of the room, also to those who had sent provisions and helped to make the meeting a success. j Refreshments were handed round, and the i meeting closed at eleven p.m.

A Novelty.—The Khaki bicycle is now being fitted with the two-speed gear hub, which not only gives frea wheel, but has the additional advantage of allowing the rider to change his gear at will from a low to a higher gear whilst riding, and can be inspected at Best and Towne's, Saunders* Buildings. ; "

Home Again—Trooper Douglas Revell returned by the express this morning.

Longbeach Road BoAbd—The Long beach Road Board met this morning, but the business was unimportant. The report was held over.

Salvation Army—Special services will be conducted in the Salvation Army Bar racks tomorrow at 7 and 11 a m and 3 and 7 p.m. At the 3 o'clock service an address will be given on Rescue Work. Mr R AlcomJPwill preside.

Speech and Song Mission—We would remind our readers of the Speech and Song Mission to commence in Baring Square Church tomorrow morning and to continue eight days, conducted by Sister Elinor and Miss Jule Layton. Particulars may be seen in another column.

The Returning Tkoopebs—We have as certained that in addition to those troopers by the Zealandiafrom Sydney whose names we have specially mentioned as returning to Ashburton, there is Lance-Corporal Thomas Williamson, son of Mrs A William son, Wakanui Boad, Ashburton, who joined the Seventh Contingent in Auckland.

To School Committees. - The Chairman of the Ashburton County Council notifies School Committees in the county that the £5 grant is to be expended in providing en tertainment for the scholars on the 26th inst, to mark the event of the Coronation of King Edward VII. ,

Thh Obbpuki Shale Wroks.—The In vercargill corresspondenfc of the " Otago Daily Times " teiegraphs that the manage ment of the Orepuki shale works has been taken over by the J. Gh Ward Company as from June 12fch. The new management in tend to retain Mr Dunlop as manager.

Horse Faie.—Messrs Priedlandor Bros., Ltd, announce that on account of the Coronation Celebrations and the Dunedin Winter show, they have altered the date of their horse fair from June 27th to Thurs day, July 3rd.

Dehoening Cattle.—A traveller through one of our large dairying districts the other day (says the Hawera " Star ") was very much struck with the idea of dehorning all dairy cattle. The sight of a large yard full of dehorned cattle, and all standing quiet, is a great contrast to a yard of horned ones, each trying to get out of the way of another. Dehorned cattle milk better and keep in condition better, as can be seen any time by a person going throngh a district where both are side by side.

Message from Mr Seddon. —The Acting- Premier has received the following message from Mr Seddon, dated Funchal, ioth:— " All welL Glad to hear all well in New Zealand. I telegraphed that peace was practically settled defore my departure from Cape Colony. Hope it passed the Censor.— Seddon. Seemingly the message from the Premier did not pass the critical eyes of the military censor at the Cape. The only mes sage that Sir Joseph received from his chief before the latter's departure from Africa was that in which he advised that unless the southern battalion of the tenth hurried up they would be too late.

Bobough Reserves ■ Messrs Friedlander Bros, Limited, offered at their West Street rooms to-day the leases of several reserves by public auction. Only those interested attended the sale. The first lease offered was that of lot 1, part Eeserve 774, now in the occupation of Mr Joseph Scaly. This was taken by Mr W Patching at the upset rental of .£45 ; Lot 2 of the same reserve, was again taken by Mr H C Segers at the upset rental, £45. Lot 3, now occupied by Mr W Patching, was not taken. The reserves occupied by Messrs James Tasker, in East street, and J. W. Tim mins, Short street, were not taken, and the leases will be disposed of privatejy.

Britain's Best. —Any persons thinking of buying a bicycle should go along and have a look at the machines which have now, by their sheer nrerit, won the generic title of " Britain,s Best Bicycle." These bicycles are manufactured by the world's largest cycle builders, Budge-Whitworth Ltd, Coventry, England, R. D Johnston, Burnett Street, is the local agent.

News in Brief.

The N.Z. Loan Company will conduct a Clearing Sale at Highbank, on account of Mr Robert Donald, on Friday, June 20th.

Mr H. Stephenson will sell by auction at the Town Hall, Rakaia, on Tuesday^ Wed nesday, and Thursday next, a large con signment of drapery goods, consisting of carpets, rugs, mats, blankets, quiifcs, etc.

The Timaru G-as Company has offered to sell its works to the Borough Council for .£36,000.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, Ltd, will hold a*clearing sale at the homestead of Mr W. McClymont, Mount Sowers, oa Monday, June 30th,

The Ashburton Industrial Building Society invite applications for the purchase of an appropriation of £300 for a term of years. Mr F W Page announces that he will make his " second to none " water race cleaners to suit any size race, and according to order, from £8 upwards.

We congratulate the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, Ltd., in appointing as local agent Mr Henry Stephenson, auctioneer, who is so well known that com ment regarding his business ability is un necessary. The progress of the Society he has now assumed the local control of is unique in the history of British Life offices, as the total funds invested have during 21 years (1979 to 1900) increased from £62,628 to over ;£2,50Q,0G0, while the new business completed since the commenpej ment of the Society exceeds In the hands of Mr Stephenson this world wide institution should reeeire a large share of the business to be done in this district. We refer our headers to the advertisement appearing in ano&ter column.

The Coronation.

United Press Assaoiatioia—rßy Electric Telegrapii.-^Copy right London June 13 The steamer Bavarian takes 2000 colonial troops to witness the naval review. Christchurch, June 13 Arrangments have been made for a pro > cession through the city and a fireworks display on Coronation night' In the morn ing the Volunteers will parade, and medals will be presented by the Mayor. There will bu religious services, and later on a day light procession of Friendly Societies an 4 other bodies. It is suggested that the chil dren be given a monster entertainment on the Saturday following the Coronation.

Mining.

Bunebin, June 14 To-day's sales—Alexandra Lead, ordi« na.ry, 6s 6d, preference, 20s ; Bendigo, 11s, 10s6d,10s9d; Junction Electric, 18s 3d; Holyneux Kohinoor, 5s 3d, 5s dis; Old Dunstan, 3s; Qlrig, 2ls;Rise and Shine, 22s 9d; Royal Maori, 2s 6d, 2s 9d.

Returns—l^orth Beach, 320z 16dwtj J«,aviafchan, 45s 9d ; Callaghan's Creek, 18s 8d; Mosquito, 31oz 18dwt; Voltaire, 12oz 14dwt; Spec Gully, 18oz 7dwt; Sailors' Bend, 141 oz lOdwt; Lady Charlton, 6oz IS.dwt 18gr-; Great Woodstock, 14oz 14dwt, for two weeks; Rise and Shine, 52oz;' Mokoia^ 220z 12dwt; Halfway House, 13oz 15dwt; Electric, 148oz; Alexandra Lead, 84oz.

Social Column.

The matter included in this column is contributed and paid for.] ■

To the Men and Women of Canterbury.

1899 POLL. The Local Option Poll is drawing near, and men and women are beginning to ask hemselves how they ought to vote. We, therefore, the undersigned Ministers of Religion, desire to make known as widely as possible the conclusions at which we have arrived. We believe that the present i system of licensed houses is a menace to the moral, social, and commercial welfare of the colony. We believe that all attempts hitherto made to regulate the Drink Traffics have failed. We fear, also, that its many evils tend to increase rather than diminish. We are dismayed by the contemplation o£ the crime, degradation, and sorrow of which it is the fruitful source. While w© do not presume to forecast the final solution of the Drink Problem, yet we have no hesitation in affirming that the open-bar system is a disgrace to our civilisation and Christianity. We have therefore come to the serious conclusion that it is our duty to vote against the continuance of the present system. We therefore appeal to you'to give the question your earnest and dispassionate consideration, to join in a united effort to remove this terrible evil, and to vote both No-License and Reduction at the forth coming Local Option Poll, CHURCHILL JULIUS, Bishop of Christchurch, and Chairman of the Movement. A. Ager, Baptist, Ashburton. R. S. Allan, Presbyterian, Sydenham. D. A. Anderson, Presbyterian, Sefton. S. J. Baker, Congregational, Christohureh W. Barnett, Baptist, Le Bon's Bay. W. Baumber, Wesleyan Methodist, Christ church. J. Blight, Wesleyan Methodist, Waimate H. Bull, Wesleyan Methodist, Sydenham Q. Burgebs, Congregational, Timaru, J. W. Burton, Wesleyan Metliodiat, Kimberley. J. N. Buttle, Wesleyan Methodist, Timaru. A. B. Chappell, Wesleyan Methodist, . Papanui. J. Clover, Primitive Methodist, Wad« dington. W. Cruden, Church of England, Ohoka. J. Dickson, M. A. Presbyterian, Temuka. A. Doull, M. A., Presbyterian, Rangiora. J. J. Doke, Baptist, Christchurch. R. Erwin, D. D., Presbyterian, Christ church. j T. Fee, Wesleyan Methodist, Spriagston. W. Fmlayson, Presbyterian, Halkett. C. 11. Garland, Wesleyan Methodist, Christchurch. W. Gillies, Presbyterian, Timaru. B. B. Ginger, Wesleyan Methodist, West Oxford. W. J. Gow, Presbyterian, laiapoi, W. Grart, Presbyterian, Leeston. C. Griffen. Wesleyan Methodist, Lee ston.

T. N. G-riffen, Wealeyan Methodiafc Woodelttd. S. A. Ham's, Baptist, Lincoln. J. Holland, Church of England, Bakaia. J. A. Hosking, Wesleyan Methodlat, Ohristchttrch. G. E. Inglis, Presbyterian, Ashburton, F. W. Tsitt, Wesleyan; Methodist, Christchrach, W. Lamb, Baptist, Rangiora. C. H Laws, B. A., Wesleyan Methodist, Christahureh. W. Lee, Wesleyan Methodist, StAlbans J. X". Lochore, Wesleyan Methodist, Templeton. J. Blackie, Presbyterian, Southbridge. E, Mackie, Presbyterian, St Andrews, ' J. J. Mather, Wesleyan Methodist, WiK lowby. H. H. Mathias, 8.A., Church of Eagland, Kaiapoi. J. Maxwell, Presbyterian, Waddington. D. MoNicoll, Wesleyan Methodist, Lyttel ton. W. Morley, D.D., Wesleyan Methodist, Christchurch. A, S. Morrison, M.A., Presbyterian, Wai mate. R. J. Murray, Wesleyan Methodist, Christchureh.

T, W. Newbold, Wesleyan Methodist, Christchurch.

J. Nixon, Primitive Methodist, Waimate. J. J. North, Baptist, Christchurch. J. Orchard, We&leyan Methodist, Kaiapoi W. J. Oxbrow, Wesleyan Methodist, Little River, A. Peters, Wesleyan Methodist,Rangiora. W. T, Plait, Presbyterian, Christchurch; C, Porter, Wesleyan Methodist, Belfast. H. T. Purchas, M.A. Church of England, Papanui. H. Purchas, Church of England, Mount Somers. R. Raine, Primitive Methodist, Ashbur ton.

A. C. Anderson, Wesleyan Methodist?* Methven. J. Eapley, Wesleyaa Methodist, Amber ley. P. J. Eiddle, Presbyterian, Rakaia. D. D. Rodger, Presbyterian, Waikari. I. Sarginson, Congregational, Christ church. E. A. Scott, Church of England, Syden ham.

J. M. Simpson, B. A. Presbyterian, Papanui. J. SMnner, M.A. Presbyterian, Fleming ton. J. Smith, Wesleyan Methodist, Christ church, H. M, Smyth, Church of England, Sydenham. T. J. Smyth, M.A. Church of England, Akaroa. Gh K. Stoweli, Presbyterian, Waitafci. F. Stutobs, Presbyterian, Coat R, Taylor, Wesleyan Methodist, Ash burton. T, E. Thomaa, M.A. Wesleyan Methodist Christolrarch. W. Tinsley, Wesleyan Methodist, Temuia

A. B. Todd, B.A,,Presbylerian, Geraldin©

A. H.. Treadwell, .B.A, Presbyfcerian,Lyfc telton. T. Turner, Wesleyan Methodist, Christ churoh. <

T. Wagstaff, Baptist, East Oxford. C, Ew Ward, Primitive Methodist, Christ* church.

H. C. M. Watson, Church of England, Christchuroh.

J. White, Presbyterian, Pleasant; Pointi H. Williams, Primitive Methodist, Geral dine.

T. A. Williams, Baptist, Sydenham. E. A. Woodfchorpe, M.A., Church of Eng land, Ashburton.

W. C. Woodward, Primitive Methodist, Timaru.

Rev W* Bacmbbb, Christchurch, Trea surer,

Bey J. J. North, Lincoln Road, Christ* church, Secretary.

The Plague.

United Press Association—By Eleetrie Telegraph—Copyright London, June V 2 Fifty-two deaths from plague occurred at Hong Kong in a week.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Wellington, June 13 The weather is very stormy and wet. A hard southerly gale has been blowing all day, and' the incoming steamers report; having had a rough time in Cook Strait. Reports from the country indicate that fears of floods are entertained. Most of the rivers are in high flood. The Government have decided to acquire Diedrich's Eokatahi Estate, about 1900 acres, near G-ieymouth. The land will bo out up into dairy farms, at a price of about £3 per acre.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 1902.



f. FSBRIMAN. ; F. FERBIMAN LICENSED LAND BBOIfEB, LAND" AND . ■ ESTATE AGENT, HAVELOck'STREET-, ASHBUETON, j HAS ;FOR SALE. , i The raa&eraaentioned Properties, frail par ticulars of which may be had on application i— THE UNDERSIGNED HAS, IOK SALE BY MSIVATE TfIEATY. "A BHTO HOME, consisting of 60 Acres JrV of. Land, Six-roomed House and tutbuildings. The land is subdivided into our paddocks, and is within feasy distance a school f. FBBRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent, A ehbarton. »IWm»=BM'««M»ti. - ' —- A .'HOUSE and }-Acre of Land close to the residence of Mr Geo. Coleman, rice, JSI2S. Why pay rant when you can et a horn© fot this price ? F.:FEBEIMAN, Ashburton. j LISMOEE. QrZ A ACRE£! of Land. Capital Sheep , QU U Grazing Farm. , F. FEKRIHAN, j ;; Ashburton^ \ SMITHFIELD. A SMALL DWELLING-HOUSE and 6 Acres o£ Land within a very easy I dietenca of the Factory. j P. FEEBIMAN, ' ' Asbburton. ; HUTDS, /"IAPITAL Foai'-roomed House and 80 ' \j -Acres of Land. This Property is in ! easy distanoe of the train, is subdivided j aad well watered. F. FEEEIMAN, Ashburton. KOETH-EAST TOWN BELT, ASHBUETON. HALF-ACBB of ground with House o! | Six Booms, good washhouse, copper, \ gnd washing trough. The interest on this ; purchase after paying the deposit would only amount to 4a per week. I F. FEEEIMAN, Aahburton. TowiTsiiciiolr 334 V moore steeet, ASHBUETON. QUAETER-ACBE of ground, with House of Four Eoofiia, Stable, and Orchard. i • F. FEESIMAN,- I Ashburton. TOWN BELT. THE PARK TEEBACE OF ASHBUBfON j FOX SALE, One Acre of Ground, and ■ House of Six Eooma, Bathroom, faatry, Scullery, and Washhouse; an ideal home for a farmer who is retiring, and wishes to lie surrounded with a picturesque outlook, and to be in the proximity of the Doamaini The Land is of the very best quality. The house was not built by contract, and only the very best material aad workmanship was put into tke building F. FERRIMAN. ASHBUEION. BUSINESS NOTICES h". ITresham, SUEGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. BEGS to inform the residents of Ash burton and Surrounding Districts that he has commenced practice in rooms upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Booms, Burnett. Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement, Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also seta of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gaa administered. All work guaranteed. Hocbs off Attendance*—9 a,m. —6 p.m. 4J.88 _ fi) ' . j iCLgTHIKO FA^^gJ L»IL-_———^ Men's English and American BOOTS THE "WATER KING." Guaranteed Periectly Waterproof WE will return you your money it these Boots do not give satisfaction Men's Dancing Shoes, 7s 6d Men's Goloshes, 5s 6d Ladies' Evening Shoes, 3s 6d .Ladies' Goloshes, 4s Men's, Women's and Children's FELT SLIPPERS. Children's School Boots at Lowest Prices NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, To Electors of Ashbiitton,-- Tr HE statement tba* wo will be Candi -1! dates for Ashburton Constituency a< r&A Bleotioii is absolutely without founda t;ion, our time being wholly occupied w nsco&ij; orders required in both the CBbinetiuaking and Upholstery lines, all oi ■which are finished off at sensational cheap prices by MOBIABTT Bkob., Cabinet takers, UPholste^™^ JJ!!i!^!l^~—- Now Voutis



■ : BUSINESS NOTICES ' •B I X X L AMPS —JUST LANDED— TpNOEMOUS Shipment of Bicycle Accessories, including— Solar Gas Lamps : : 18s Phenomenon Gas Lamps : 17s 6d Oil Lamps of every make from 3s to 17s 6d Calcine^Carbide, Vaseline, * cetylene Burners all sizes, Cycling Capes, Automatic Mud Guards, etc. I ! Largest Direct Cycle Importers in New Zealand. OUR REPAIR DEPARTMENT. Now is the time to get your Bicycle thoroughly Overhauled, Re enamelled, and Plated. Our present charge for this work is irom 20s upwards All work done at the I Zealandia Cycle Works : Is carried out under the Personal Supervision of Mr W. Schwartz, who ■ will be pleased to give Estimates, iree of charge, for any repairs, alterations, etc GATES, LOWRY & CO,, ZEALANDIA CYCLE WOBKS, BURNETT STREET, 6 115 And at Christohurch, Wellington, Napier, and Titaaru, 1 1 LAMPS. LAMPS. LAMPS. LAMP WARE. ITTTS have jusfc landed, Jes^.S. "Mara&ivi," the fineatjaelectioa of Millers Lamps j ever imported in thia town. Drawing Room Lamps, , Dining Room Lamps, Hall Lamps, Bedroom Lamps, Kitchen Lamps, Hand Eamps, OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS All the above are to be sold at : : I REDUCED PRICES. I -INSPECTION. INVITED.- W. H. COLLINS & CO.. Sawmillers, Timber Merchants, and Importers, Ironmongs, Painters, Giaaiera, etc., Ashburtoa. t MAY : 2902 Bought of MITCHELL & TURNER DKA.PERS AND CLOTHIERS ASHBDHTON Sold by 15 Examined by It 6yH» Dk Pw Tweed I*6l 09 0 N»» 1< 06 0 2 School Cap Pß 8* 1M 017 10 '.„ 3s 6-J 7 0 1 Lad tea 1 Maohtowh 30s 110 0  21a 11 g 2 School H«ba «• 61 07 0 1* 02 0 JO Coloured Muslin, for Aprons 10£ d 08 9 „ 3£d 02 11 1 M>o'« TwetdOoab 82s 8d 12 6 „ 15* fid 015 6 IPr Woik pr Trousers 3* 83 6 5a lid 0 611 2 Woik; ofs Shirts j4i 6d 09 0 M 2» 95 05 8 Paid 2 Under Flsmuelo 9d 0 7 8 „ 2? 61 0 5 0 By Cash> with 2 Pair TJedor Pantß 2s 0 4 0  U6d 0 3 0 Thanks, 1 White Quilt, DM* Bad 10a 9J 010 9 „8a 91 0 8 9 MITCBE LL & TURN ER 1 Coloured Quilt, Sgle Bod __ 4s 6d 04 6 „33 6d 0 3 8 4 Coloured I'owels May 17, 1902 ls6l 060 1« 040 1 Uolonred fablo Cover (Large) 18a 6d 013 6 „ 10s V 010 6 lPidrLaoo-Oortalna 8a 6d 08 6 „6» 9d 06 9 18 Yard> Pink Flannollabte 0a 5^4 08 6 „ 3|i 03 9 4yds Fancy Flaaoeletfe 0s Bid 02 10 „ tyd 016 2 Pait Oaafatnero Hobs Is 3d _o_2^6 „9d ° l_^ £9 3 2 Now £5 14 1 We take this somewhat) nnuiu*! method of sbowing the Pabllo what bhe Beduotlone we are mak'ne amount to in & ?arcol of Di-apery, every ariicie of which in of every day need, and Good Value at Full Pbioes. Our T.-ompefeir in no!) dead, fn faat. tbers are hundreds of him spread over theOounty, bar, we vsn'uri to say that do buamrsa attempt of a similar nature, ever made in Asbbarson, has ever aoproaohe'lj the mmwb" a'tending the D.Hsolublon of Partnerßhlp Sala now going on ia ourjPremleea, See ••;WaDt«l«. —--.--— wu|MM -— |>Ma i WM l M ,,,l lil i W , M m H llßMßMil——Mill M __^ M-^_—J _ eJ |^._^. MMMa SMOKE ONLY NEW VENUS. A FfSBFEGT TOBACCO, miuuLWW-. i.L_-jnm.iLnaoi_a]u_iiiiir»nm»rn-in ■ mnhiwiimmmmmiiii—iiiiwi nmwiim—iimwi— nimi-wiiwiiwmijw—mi'i |<iiW.!'WHnWi IHinililMMmr J. WIL S O N DIRECT IMPORTER OP ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. A Competent Sefc of Tradesmen kept for House Paiatiog and Deaorabtpg'in all lit BranohGO, for Town and Country, I Have a Well Assorted Stock of MI X£l D ft A. IN T S In Large or Small Quantities; also Paino Brushes White l>ad Linseed OHh (Ktw or Boiled Sertm VVjnrfow Giats Faooy G.'a»» Turpeotino Bei zlne Methylated Spirits Artists' Material Baautlfol MIRROR GL&SS in iarga eheebe, oan be out bo at y size



PUBLIC NOTICES. The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, Ltd "TQolicy Holdebs are hereby notified that Mr Henry Stbphknson has been appointed Local Agent at ABh- I burton, vice Mr William Stonyer. i The Society is now issuing Policies con taining new and attractive' features guaranteed bonuses, etc., full particulars of which may be obtained on application to Mb Stephbnson, or T. E. WALTOif, 6 110 District Manager, Chrisfcchurch.



Spftoke New Venu§



BILL MARTIN SPEAKS. To Ideal Tyre Company, Christchurch,— Dear Sirs, —I have much pleasure in writing you to say how heartily I appreciate the Idea tyres which were fitted to my machine, and upon which I put up my seventeen New Zealand records, and won the several cham pionship prizes. J. an} ystv pleased with tihem—WILLIAM MARTIN. Want d Khowm—Thab for Coughs an 1 Oo,lds, howvver fhere »a nothing to compare withTysiiQUHA.



STANDISH AND PEEECE. Photographers under the Royal patronage of the Prince and Princess of Wales. StudiQ High, Street, Christchurch.