Mail Notices.

Mails dose for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations: THURSDAY, Oct. 16. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6 p.m. FRIDAY, Oct. 17. For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney Oct. 22nd) and South. Africa, p6r Mokoia, at 10.30 a.m.

Mining.

Duneden, Oct. 15 To-day's sales—Dunstan Lead 7s, Enter prise 26s fid, Unity 10s 9d.

DEATH.

Hood.—On October 15th, at Bloomfield, Rakaia, Rachel Ann, the beloved wife of Thomas Hood. A ged. 64 year 3. Deeply regretted.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1902. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

-ft- -*•" Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires:—Gale after 12 hours from now from between north and east and south-east; glass further fall; indications of heavy rain.

The Elections—Mr T. W. Tayler, clerk of the Courb, has been appointed returning officer for the Ashburton electorate.

The Presbytery. -At a meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery yesterday, the Eevs. Kiddle, Paterson and Craighead were appointed a commission to visit Mayfield and Rakaia.

Pigs Versus Lambs—A Timaru farmer* who has just'sold 17 pigs at the rate of 4J-d per Ib, says that at that price it pays him better to fatten pigs than lamb?.

The Shag Point Mink.—The Shag Point Ccal Mine, which has been shut down for some time, will short,y be re opened. A new dip drive is being put down above the level of the water in the old drive.

A.A.C. & A.C.—Members of the A.A.C and A.C. are invited to take part in the opening run to-morrow afternoon, which will take the form of a paper-chase, leaving the Post Office at 2,5, Mr S.G.Gordon, one of the Clubs President's, will officially open the season. The lady members of the Club are especially invited to take part in the run.

Sudden Death. — A Napier telegram states that a woman named Ehoda Wells died suddenly yesterday morning, and, as she had been suffering from an internal complaint for some time past, which neces sitated morphia being prescribed, an inquest was held. The post mortem examination disclosed that death was due to heart disease, and a verdict was returned accord ingly.

An Innovation —In reminding our read ers of the Baring Square Sunday School Anniversary tea meeting and concert, which takes place to-morrow evening, we have bepn requested to intimate that the pro gramme for the coucert will be of an un usually varied character. The only speech will be that of the Chairman, and several capital recitations will be interspersed with the festival melodies. The success of Sun day's services leads the school staff to ex pect au excellent attendance at the tea and concert.

Infectious Diseases.—The Health De partment has issued to the State Schools throughout the colony placards setting forth the indications of scarlet feyer ? diphtheria, smallpox, chickenpox, measles, German measles and enteric, the deration of infection, duration, of quarantine of chilr dren exposed to infection, and the date nfc which school attendance may be resumed. It is believed that by means of this informal tion teachers will be able to do a great deal to detect infectious diseases, aad pre« vent their spread.

Eemoving Chinese Bodies. •— A Press Association telegram from Greymouth st&tes that one hundred and seventy-two dead bodies d Chjnamen were shipped by the steamer Kinm yesterday morning, and a special train brought them in "ftdm ths shed in the cemetery just after midnight, #nd ran them down alongside the stoamer, wher/3 all were loaded in a couple of hours. The Kimu tijee. lefp for the Bluff with her dead cargo, where she \viljl load up a further lot of dead Celestials.

A Eabk Flower. —The Temuka " Lend er " says ; —Noticing a spray of flowers of rare beauty on tjie costume pf a lady de picting " Spring, 1' at the Temuka Caledo nian Society's fancy dress bail ve.&dnply, a reporter made enquiries as to its name and to what particular class of flower it belong ed, He was informed that it was from the garden of Lieut. Hoi well, who vas unable to find out its name. The flower is vhiie and resembles in general appearance the much-priced clematis, but is more way-like and is tempered ia the centre of the petals with a alight tinge of green, and Mv^ Har well has not heard or any other specimens in New Zealand, saveihoge he has given to friends. The flower is a bulb, and was in cluded in an order imported some time ago from the Old Country. New Zealand Products. —Speaking at Seddon .on Friday ,on jbhe subject of new mapkets for New Zealand products, Sjr Joseph "Ward referred to the order for potatoes recently executed in New Zealand. He said the first quotation sent by the New Zealand Government fco South Africa wag too-high, but the Government ha,d deter mined not to let the thing go. Finally by Continual communication on the part of the Government, they were given a figure to go on. If they could provide the potatoes at ,fch§t price they would do so. The order .waa exceptional in every way, and amounted in the end to £11,000, When it was finished the Government was' under tiie limit al lowed by Is 4d a ton ou the'whole business, after taking considerable risk. The order was carried out by the Government, wit"h ---&v& profit or comission, simply with a view £o bringing; ab.oy.t a market for the colony's potatoes, /

The Veterans' Home.—'fie May,<jr Ji&s received the following letter of .acknowledg ment from His ExeeHejiey the Governor ill reference to the balance of the Patriotic Fund, which was forwarded to him for the Veterans' Home: —Government; House, Wellington, NZ. 11th October, 1902. Sir —His Excellency the Governor desires jnp' fco acknowledge the receipt of your iettei' mtif a cheque for .£4O Us 4d, which he has handed .to the Treasurer of the National Memorial Veterans' Home (Major- General Babington). The Governor feels confident the Committee of the Asliburtc.9 Borough and County Patriotic Fund could not have given the balance to a better cause; moreover, it /comes within the scope of: what the fund was collected for, namely, for those New Zealanders who suiierjad in Koiitli Africa, and there can bo po question that the .time will come when many of these will be gJad to £vail themselves of tho Homo, which His Excellency hopes will ho built m the course of the next k;x sjosjtfts, the work beiug started wh.en a suitable Rit,e isobtained,—Your obedient servant, Dudley Alexander, Private Secret.^»—His "Wor theAshburton.

Ashburton A. & P. Associa tion.

A Committee meeting of the Ashburton A and P Assjciation was held yesterday afternoon, at which there were present- The President, Mr T. Stone, (in the chair), and Messrs * Mcßae, J S. Bland, Thos. Harrison J. Bishop, Jas. Small, Denis Mc- Kendrv C.Reid, T. F.. Gibson, G. W. Body, T E Upton, T. Bullock, W. T. Lill, E. Cookson, J.Stoddart, J. GilmourJ. Shearer, J Tucker, Daniel McKecdry, F. McCafferty, G. W. Leadley, S. S. Chapman, and J. Boni ' An apology was read from Mr Malet for non-attendance.

CORBESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read as follows :— From the Timaru " Post" newspaper, re advertising—Received. From Ashburton Technical Classes Asso ciation in regard to exhibition of boys' woodwork at the Show, and asking for space free of charge. , . ,._.,. Mr Bullock was of opinion that in letting the Association have the space free, it would be establishing a precedent, but he was in full accord with the object. The President was of the same opinion. Mr Upton mentioned that while at the Leeston Show in a previous year, he had noticed the excellence of the boys' work in the direction. . ,«■„„, After further discussion, Mr Bullock offered £3 3s towards the encouragement of the classes ; Mr Reid then offered to pay for the space. This, with the Association's prize of £2 2s, makes five guineas altogether. From Asl burton County Council, r<t effi cient trap for catching small birds, and asking that the Association act in accord ance with a resolution passed by the Coun cil. Received.

From Mr G. A. M". Buckley, forwarding cheque for £10 10s to the private prize fund. The donation was received with thanks.

It was decided to allocate the donation in the hunters, troop horses, and pony classes.

From Agricultural Conference re shipping rates. —Eeceived.

MR WITHELL'S I'RTZE.

In regard to the prize offered by Mr J. Withell for the best walking draught horse, the Committee decided that each competi tor is to find his own harness, the Association find dray and load, entrance fee to be ss.

NEW MEMBERS,

The following new members were elected: —Messrs Joseph Ward, Tinwald ; John Morris, Elgin ; J. Lambie, Kyle ; D. Coch rane, Ashbucton; P. and D. Clucas, New lands; W. G. Gallagher, Mayfield; W. Eutherford, Valetta; Jas. Bruce, Seafield ; Peter Gourdie, Ashburton ; K. Bird, Ash burton ; Wm. McLaehlan, Waterton ; Alex Kidd, Winchmore; John Campbell, Mit cham; Thos. Wilson, Tinwald; Henry Stephenson and* C. Muir, Ashburton; T. Eutherford, Alford Forest ; Henry Hunt, Greenstreet; G. Spencer, Mayfield; Wm. Allen Euapuna; W. O. Trevurza, Wakanui; Samuel Scott, Springburn; D. Feehney, juni*., Spreadeagle; H. W. Yi'ncent, Mount Somers; Edwin Church, Greenstreet.

PRIVILEGES,

ft was decided to, call Renders for the privileges at the Show at once.

band. Mr Bullock asked that Che Ashburton County Band be considered when the Com mittee were deciding the matter.

The President said that if the Band put iv their price for playing at the Show, it would be fairly considered.

GRUBBER TRIAL,

It was resolved to hold the trial of the twitch grubber at Mr Geo. McEae's, Green stre^t, bn Friday, Qctober 31st, at 1 p.m., the entrance fee to be ss.

SPECIAL TRICES,

The following additional special prices were offered:—Mr J. Hesoltine, <£1 Is for best draught yearling colt or filly by King of Quality, and £1 Is for the bcjst two-year old draught entire by any sire; Mr W, S. Strange, one fat sheep for guessing com petition ; Ashbut"to,n County Council <£5 5s for the m«st efficient trap for catching small birds; John Orr and Go, jjl Is, and ■\y\ : H. QolUns and Co., Al Is for horse ' shoeing.

PASSER. , It was decided to grant one pass to ex hibitors for each eight feet of frontage,

News in Brief.

Mr W. Burns, ironmonger, has aheep shears, turkey and washita oilstones, etc., on hand at lowest prices.

N«'xt Friday evening a social will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Tlnwald, to welcome back the Eev. Mr and Mrs E. N. Blakiston.

Mr D. Thomas will hold a clearing sale on account of Mr George Murdoch, who has gold hjis farm, at the homestead, Lauriston, to-morrow. The sale will commence at 12 noon.' Conveyances vpill meet' morning trains at Lauriston.

Mr J. li. Higgs, in an advertisement in another column, requests ail those about to paint or <jeco?ate their houses to consult him. He 'makes sjign-writujg a speciality.

Estimates (prepared by the Health De partment for the Infectious Diseases Hos pital foj? th'o Combined districts of Welling ton shoV tnat it will GOjst between, six arid seven thousand pound|.

t,o a contemporary |a Waira rapa .clergyman has offered to supply the liQcaJ. papers with four columns of sermonj? f r§e if they wi\\ vise them in plage pf tj^ei?? ep&rting news,

The crops throughout the Qeraidine dis trict are looking very well. During the past fortnight both crops and grass have pome away wonderfully, On the heavier land many farmers have turned their sheep on to the y/heat cs/.qps to keep down the rapid' growth.

fhrough the apron which she was wear ing catching firg a young woman' named Winchester had a narrow escape of being burned to death at Auckland one (Jay last week. Before the flames were subdued the young woman was severely burned about the hand? and body, and the greater part of her clothing was bursed.

Ashburton Cricket Club.

A committee meeting of the Ashburton Cricket Club was held at Claridge's stables on Tuesday evening. Present:— Messrs C. J. Taylor (chairman), Percy Orr, G. H. .Salmon, W. Powell, and L. F. Andrews. A ie&er waji &sad' lfrb'tn the Sydonham Rivals j Cricket Clul?, asking iqi sj, fixture ait Syden |jam on 14% Soyemb'Qr. 'It 4'Bcid9 ( 4 f0 asce??taisi jy^ther tijey could ajter'the date to Ring's Birthday, Ifegsrs Powell, Urr, aud L, I' 1, Andrew.^ were el.octfjd $ SeleptibjJ CommitteG/j-o tcm. The following donation* were received with fchanks:—Jfr Daviiji Thomas Is, Mr A. W. Whiiakejf 10#, Mr W. H. Oardis and Mr J. MicLachlan, M.H.E., £1 Is. It was resolved that some new material be purchased immediately, ap.d that the Committee meetings of the Club ba held on each nlternate Tuesday. It was decided tlyab a scratch match be played on Thursday next fo6ti?6.en teams to be chosen by Messrs Orr and Powell, An Recount having been passed for payment : the meeting closed the usual vote of thauks to .the'Gfiairffi^n ;

Mr C. J. Taylor has been deputed to rs_ r present the Ashburton Cricket Club at the Uoafei'jence of the South Canterbury Cricket Association, JfcQ be J^eld at Tiniaru on Satur day night. '

FOOTBALL.

Wei^ingto^, Q ; etob.er 14

At a meeting of the N,Z. ftugby Pnion to-night it was decided that the various Unions be written to, stating that the N.Z. Union is negotiating for a visit of an English team in 1904, and asking whether, jn ' jd1.19 exreijt of a match being played in their"centre/ 'would $>ey te prepared to hand over the proceeds' to .the $.&. Uaion. Tt was announced that there had b'een'a deflcjifc of £8 on the North and South Island match ft was decided to make a levy pro rata on the various Unions represented a <t the match, * t

Correspondence.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

MR BROCK IN REPLY.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, —In answer to your correspondent " Elector," I must state that it was my intention to say that a Government which held office for a long time was bound to become autocratic. I then quoted Mr" Balfour's opinion that a change of Govern ment every six years was a good thing, and following on this meant to say that a change of Government in New Zealand even at times might not be a bad thing. I had no intention of referring to the present Ministry, but to Ministers in general. I am sorry that I expressed myself so am biguously as to give the impression that I wanted an immediate change. of Govern ment ; for I am very confident and believe I stated so that with healthy criticism our present administration would continue to work for the good of the colony. Thanking you in anticipation, I tim, etc., Wir. Brock.

THE ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sib, —Dwellers in towns certainly have a great advantage of those in the country, inasmuch as they are right in everything that is going on, and are able to unite and organise for deserv ing or undeserving purposes, as the case may be. Still I sit thirty miles from Ashburton in my hut by its river bank, and after my day's work is over, all I can do is to read the reports of speeches made by candidates instead of being able to hear the speeches at first hand as the Ashbur tonites and voters of the townships are able to.

Until I read his address to the electors in your valuable paper, I am sorajrto say I had never heard of Mr Brock, the first can didate to open the campaign, and no doubt the loss is mine, as the mere fact of his being comparatively unknown is greatly to the credit of any man in these advertising, blatherskiting, and blowhard times, I must say, however, that after carefully perusing the address, and smoking several pipes of peace over it, the predominate feeling in my mind was one of disappoint ment.

The candidate is reported to have said that the fact that Mr D. Thomas refused to stand had led to his coming forward.

Shades of Ctesar's Ghost ! Fancy the genial David entering on a political contest as the saviour of Ashburton, and failing him, the worthy schoolmaster steps bravely into the breach. Oh, that I were near the Somerset to partake of a reviver to restore my shattered nerve. This, however, is merely by the way, and only serves to show the disadvantages of dwelling " far from the busy haunts of men."

My disappointment lies in the fact that there is nothing new, nothing robust, breezy, or fresh in the whole address, it is the same old wheeze we have heard for so many years, merely a thing of excuses for the squandering, thriftless, extravagant, policy that we have been treated to, and are going to continue unless the consti tuents wake up. The candidate says in effect: "It is per fectly true that the present Government had increased the indebtedness ,of the country to an enormous extent; it is per fectly true that they fritter away money on all sorts of little odds and ends of railways which are no use to anyone and lead to nowhere; it is perfectly true we must in future have a revaluation clause in the lease in perpetuity, but nevertheless, I am one of those who cannot admit for one mo ment that they have increased tho burdens o<-" the taxpayers, look at the assets, etc." Now it so happens that the Government issue a volume called the " Year Book," and according to this new showing the taxation per head'has increased from £2 5s to £3 15s per head in nine years. I have not seen the last volume, but I believe the rate per head is shown now as £4 Is, but I speak subject to correction.

Now I am. no hand at figures and never was, b,ut I should Uk,e the schoolmaster to demonstrate (like ov^r o|d master used to) hqw these figures carry out his contention that the burden of the taxpayers is not increased. After reading th,e address as repopted one, is left with, oa uncomfortable feeling that you hardly know whether the candidate is winking the eye commonly known aa the other eye, or whether he is an amiable gentlemen who has not sufficient capacity to really grasp facts as they are, who as Uncle Eastus said of a candidate —" Well John you wishes to be honest, bijfc ha,s'nt de necessary character." Please oail up the nest aatov on the stage Mr Editor and let us see if he can do any better. —I am, etc., The Hatteb.

CABLE NEWS.

United Pre-s • Association—Hy Electric

Telegraph—Copyright,

Faeis, October 13

M. De Bradsky, the inventor of a steer able balloon in Paris, left Vaugirard with a friend, On reaching an altitude of 400 feet the ropes sustaining the car broke, and the car fell at Saint Denis. Both voyagers were kjlled.'

Cairo, Oct. 14. Thirtyrthree thousand peroQns have died from cholera in Egypt B,lnce th.o middle of July, Capetown, Qct. 14 Mr Merriman suggested that instead of the (Jape Parliament voting .520,000 to wards the Queen Victoria Memorial Fund, they would do better to apply it to a scheme for the education of women, to be associ aiad with Queen Victoria's name. CONSTANTINOPLE, Oct. 14 The Porte denies that negotiations are proceeding with regard to tlje opening of ffoe Dardanellesito Russian warships. Ne^v York, Qptober 14 Beuter's San Francisco agency reports that the Pacific Commercial Company state that the Mew Zealand Government's plan for a cable between Honolulu and Fanning Island has practically been accepted. Melbourne, October 14 7Jh©Tnan who murdered Constable John son if/as' Jiqfc §hgw., the murderer of Con stable Guiifoyief "'"lf'' "i-"'t- -

Two of the' ■■■ men who broke into Pent ridge were old offenders, and were sentenced to two years' hard labour. The third man was sentenced to six months.

The Boer Generals.

United Press Associntion—By'Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

|?.p ? i.S Oct. 14 The Boer Generals were frantically ap plauded in the streets of Paris. ' Some hostility was exhibited by the crowds to wards Great Britain.

Responding to the welcome from the Pre sident of the Committee for Boer Indepen dence, Botha, postponing his appeals for charity, delivered a political speech. He referred to £h$ splendid reception the French 'gave the' venerable Presi^gnf) If ruger, and reiterated the ' usual professions of con tingent loyalty. He declared the Boers 4^cesrvea early autonomy, and hoped France would iq.elp £0 prevent the Boers being dragged in the mufi.'

Australasian Finance.

United Press Association— By ft.bcfric

Telegraph—Copy right

Melbourne, October 14 Mr Wm. McGaljooh, art' ex-Minis.ter, who has returned from T^ojidQn, says' large flotations of NBW South 'ty'afep loans Jaadl an effect on the money market, The underwriters wore sounded ag to a future New South Wales loan, and declined to have anything to do withit, nor would they touch pha small New Zealand loan that Jfr Seddon wanted.

POLITICAL.

MB C. A. C. HABDY AT DUNSANDEL,

Last evening, Mr C, A. C. Hardy,'the present member for the Selwyn electorate, addressed a meeting of electors in the Public Hall, Dunsandel. There were about one hundred persons present, including many ladies. Mr G-. Sheafc, chairman of the School Committee, presided. In opening the proceedings, the chair man said that his task whs a pleasant one. Mr Hardy was before them in a dual capacity as it were—that of member for the district and a candidate for Parliament as well. He trusted they would give him a fair and impartial heaviog-. Dunsandel had a reputation for orderly meetings, and he hoped they would not depart from the. ordinary rule. It was the first time Mr Hardy had addressed them since he was returned. He was entitled to some credit for the work he had done, especially in getting them a new station. (Applause.) I PERSONAL. Mr Hardy was received with applause, and in opening, said that in seeking re election it was only fair for him to give a slight account of the work done during the last Parliament. When he fir3t went to Parliament, as they all knew, he was a novice; as a matter of fact he had been brought up to commercial pursuits, and he felt some diffidence when he went to Wellington first. Personally, he had little to say during the time he was at the sit tings of Parliament. But however that might be, he hoped that what he did say and do had met with the approval of hia constituents. There were others who probably did too much talking, and it was a noticeable fact that when these talkative gentlemen got up to air their views, a good many others left the precincts of the House. The bulk of the work done was in Com mittee, of which he served on several. Probably some of them were not aware that a good, deal of the work done was relegated to the committees. In all cases the Govern ment took fine care that they had a majority on these committees. He was on Ihe Labor Bills Committeo. He might say here that he took a great interest in the work of the^ Committee. In respect to the evidence that came before that Committee he could say that he had had his eyes opened. He was astonished to find that such a state of things existed in regard to the conditions of labour as were brought before them in evidence. He found that sweating and slavery was common, and the greatest slave-drivers were to be found among those who had risen from the ranks. It was a pleasure to him to be able to state that the law had stepped in and put a stop to this sort of thing. Tfo one could object to this. He was also on the Defence Committee. A year or two back the question of defence was much in the air. He was pleased to say that from the evidence brought before j that Committee, there was no fear of any j privateers coming down upon us and dis turbing our peace. There was so. much loyalty j manifested in New Zealand that the people ! began to think that there were no other people so loyal as themselves. He was also on a committee to investigate the question of local government. The Premier had brought up a.Bill dealing with local govern ment, and the Committee had cut it up so \ much that the author of the Bill" did not know his otvn child." For himself, he was perfectly sp-tisfied that the Boad Boards were doing good work, and he would be i sorry indeed to see them done away with, j (Hear, hear.) Another Committee he was on was that relating to Waste Lands, and here again a lot of work had been accom plished. In working on these* Committees, he had tried to represent them faithfully, although he had not talked much^ but as he had said beforp, gome talked too much— simply for talking sake, and for his part he did not believe that the constituents of those gentlemen he referred to read one-half of what they were talking I about. During the last three years he had sat in Parliament as their represent tative, he hoped he fyad given satisfaction; if they were not satisfied, then he would say, " Don't send me to Parliament again." Ho wanted the constituency to trust him, and he would trust the electors, and do his duty to them. (Applause). Th,e candidate then proceeded to deal with the subheader which h.id appeared in the columns of the " Lyttelton Time.?," which he quoted. He said it was all ye&y well for the editor of that journal to give his opinions, but was he to dictate to the electors who they should or should not Ha¥@ as th^b repre sentative, or- was the editor coming out in 1 the dual capacity as the lieutenant of the i Premier, Speaking personally, he, had a 1 very guaat respect for the Premier, who, without doubt, wa3 the strongest man in New Zealand. The Premier had represented the people well at Home, But at all events, if the people wanted good government there must be a good Opposition, (Hear, hear, and applause). Let them have a good strong Opposition—composed of men who were not afraid to criticise the wqik of the Government. In further reference to the sub-leader above mentioned, Mr Hardy said that other gentlemen who had been candidates for the Selwyn were men who i were much respeqted, and who got the best support round about their own homes. It was utter nonsense for the editor of the " Lyttelton Times" to try to prove wfyat> he had. Speaking of Liberalism, he could. I say that the Liberals were " liberal with | other people's stuff-," (laughter),—but not |so with their own. He was not a ". hide | bound " Conservative, and he was prepared | to say that the days, of thjs class of politi cians were past. He believed in fair play, and whilst he represented them, he -would advocate fair- play all round. (Hear, hear.) The first question he would, touch upon was " .

BDUQATIOtf,

He thoroughly believed in our present j system of education, but it should be free, secular, and compulsory. Although many people advocated Bible reading in our public schools, he did not believd in it, and was not favourable to seeing religious fer vour brought into our public schools, He would ask them to take the oeme,tpri£s as an object lesson. Why, even in death we were divided on religious matters, and how could it be otherwise in life ? Pie said our schools were ppen twenty-six hours a week now for secular instruction, but we had no religious test for our teachers. They might have a free-thinker, an agnostic or some other person imparting religious knowledge to the children, and how would that suit ? The best plan to do was to keep them all outside. Ttiose who had any doubt about the moral training °f their children, let them ta.ke up a ff Ship '* reader, and have a look through it, They would fled some good moral training contained therein. If returned, he would certainly vote against any Government money being given to denominational schools—no -matter what denomination/it was. He would always oppose' any Goverßmeijfc moijey going m that direction 1. ' &c; though t;i it tfould be better if there was a uniformity in booka; one sse£ of school books 'from tho Bltra to the 'iSorfh Ofpe. '^(Hear.; h'bar,".) As an example 'q? "sije incjqrivkiie^ce," of the present sys.tem, he instanced the case of a family who removed from Methven to Bakafa, wh^ei'fl, even with that short space between, different books were in use. He also believed in School Committees having an extra set of reading books, and these should be procured out of the incidental money. In the North Canter bury JSdijQatiffn district, 7s lid was paid per head as againsfFa lowee wiim in other parts, so that there was nothing to grumble at on the score of capitation, but they were riot getting feo much as iii the past. He Believed that Qur secondary system'should hang on to out" pviinary system; secular 'schools cost ' moVe to keep up than the primary 'schools. High schools were in a measure Government schools, astbey were endowed with'reserves. Many people sent jtheir onildren to private" schools and Kindergartens, whjen they had a perfect right to do, so long as it did riot pome out of the Government purse. In order to, give the psor mon aa" opportunity, he would advocate an increased ijumber of j scholarships, and in this direction he men-1 tioned the Ashburton High School as an example. Then the bright, intelligent boy of the poor man would be placed on an equal footing with the rich man's boy. (Ap jjjaiise.) He did not believe that'fhe Uni yersity should be free, ancf hg did |Wfc think"

people expected it to be so, but he saw no reason why the working man's children should not Lave all the advantages of manual and technical training. Of manual and technical instruction, the speaker knew very little about ; any ho v it was in the air, but he did not know what good it was to a Village schoolmaster. His pupils wanted to know more about grubbing gorse fences or stopping up a gap. (Laugh ter and applause.) If they thought he was talking nonsense they could reject him. The

LICENSING QUESTION

was a tough one. (Loud laughter.} Speak-" ing seriously, he was of opinion that this all important question required their gravest consideration. All should join together in devising some better/means of making our licensing laws better than they are now. As it is," they are unworkable. (Hear, hear.) If an hotelkeeper was an offender under certain conditions, then a still greater often der was the man who tempted the hotel? keeper to break the law. At any rate the Government had placed the power in the hands of the people to say yes or no by striking out the top line.; For himself, he was a total abstainer, and liked his cup of tea, and would fight the man who attempted to take it from him. If another man liked his glass of beer, and it did him no harm, he (Mr Hardy) would not attempt to deprive him of it. If a glass of beer did a man good, let him have it: Ife was a free country. He had no desire whatever to " run with the hair and hunt with tho hounds," and was not a Prohibi tionist. The Clubs were a great trouble, and more drinking was don§ there than in the hotels. He thought thai Cluba should be made to apply for licenses the same as hotels. He was satisfied that a good deal of drinking was done in the Clubs, a.nd the sooner they wore brought under the power of the law the better.

LAND.SETTLEMENT.

He believed in the settlement of the laud goiug on, and was pleased to note that the Government had entered into negotiations for the purchase of the Bakaia Mead Estate, which would make a smiling home stead. It was, however, one thing to put people on the land, but another to make them happy and contented when they were there. He declared that he was a free holder ; people were nob generally conten ted otherwise. (Hear, hear.) It could hardly be expected that they wanted to go on paying rent for ever. On one occasion he remembered being up at Highbank and giving his opinions there, but they would not listen to him, Ireland furnished a good object lesson as to the real value of the freehold, and that was the country where he was born. What wus the curse of Ireland ? (A. voice s Ab sentee landlords.) Yes, it was her absentee landlords right enough. The rents that were paid were spent in England or else-, where. In England 4 matters were quite th© reverse. Ireland had been in open rebel lion, for many years over this very question. Crown tenants had their years of adversity as well as years of prosperity. He would at all times earmark' the titles, and allow the people to repay to the Government, and if necessary, they could be set clown as freeholders. He was against the aggregation of large estates. What was the position itow ? We borrowed large sums of money to{ purchase these estates, and where does the money go. (A voice: To the absentee landlords.) He remem bered when the*nor(-wester wrought much havoc at Highbank, and the Government placed £500 on the estimates for the pur chase of grass seed. If it was fair for the freeholder to look after himself, it was also fair for the Grown tenant tQ do the same. However, the Government deserved credit for what they had done. Eleven or twelve years ago th,e late Ron. J. Ballance came out to Bakaia to see the village settlement there, and during the course of his remarks said:—" Well done, Mr Bolleston, to you belongs our lands for settlement policy." Those words came from a man who had passed away, and he was sorry to say that the other gentleman referred to lay on a bed of sickness fat his home at Bangitata. It was all the more generous of the late Hon. J. Ballance to speak thus, as he was honouring an opponent. He did not like to speak of the dead, but would just say that the family of tho late Sir John McKenzie were not Crown tenants—they were sitting on the freehold. They could not get a better conclusion to arrive at regarding the value of the freehold than that. (Ap plause,)

KAILWATS,

Onr railways cost probably ono third of our national debt-17 or 18 millions of money. The railways should belong to the people, and be run to suit the people. There were curious anomalies in the tariff. Et was a singular thing that goods carried between Christchurch and Timaru cost 18a a ton while to Rakaia from Ghristchurch it was 24s a ton. In regard to some classes of goods the tariff was only 12s 6d between Oamaru and Dunedin. If they did not be lieve him, let them turn up the tariff and, look for themselves. Take lime for instance, Down Gtago way it was carried free, while here in Canterbury ss, 6s, and 7s a ton was paid for carriage.. ' He thought the pr-ofita should be distributed under, certain condi tions.

DKPKNCE.

Defence was a matter that should be dealt-with pn very liberal lines. They had . had, an object lesson with, the Boers. If they wished to aafe guard themselves, the young fallows should be taught. tow to fight. He believed in drill in the State schools. After drill, he would, favour the formation of cadet corps, and from that •these young fellows could join the Mount ed Bifles, which was an excellent organisa tion, (Applause) and should be encouraged in a country like New Zealand. It taught young fellows how to be good shots, and kept them otherwise employed when they might be spending their spars time in hotels He was perfectly satisfied that volunteering at the seaboard was a goodmeans of defence. By all means let Rifle Clubs be established, and then, if necessary, the young fellows would be able to protect their own homes. The Navy was the first line of defence. Iq past times we had got careless, but had now woke up to the fact that defence was really necessary. He did not like to say much about the Premier, who was Minister of Defence, and perhaps not as good a man as some people thought, and not as good an administrator as some pi" his Ministers, At anyrate, it was pretty well known that this pet Department of the Premier's— Defence —was terribly disorganised. j •

the PRasriEasm?.

He (ttie speaker) was particularly struck at the able -way in whScM Sir' Joseph "Ward had managed the, business of the House, and things had gone on much smoother than whan the ■ Premier was in evidence 1. 1 Some were beginning to think that the Premier could not be done without, but hd ventured td say that there was not a man or woman born who: could" not be done without. The Bromley tfsd Mhe diotatorj and lost no" oppbrranrty*' in 'l^t|;i|ig *t|}& House know'tha^; ' Wb&n He ftw^y,,' th*e work: went on just'as ' *

IiEqTSIi^TIIfE ISBFO>RM,

The question of legislative reform would always, have his attention. The people had the power now to say who should or should not represent them, if the representa tives did not do their duty in the Lswer House. He did not think it was fair to do away with the Upper House altogether; it was really necessary. He would favour an elective Upper House instead of a nominated one. As a* matte? of -JaqJ; fche.rp .wgfß n?«4 sitting in "the tfpper House wtio could not have gained seats in'.''tb,e., y .tip.wec"Houae; simply the constituencies woiiic| not have them. He did not believe in that. The last two additions were perfect mar vels (laughter).' 'Qne perhaps had ne^er read a Bill injhis life.', (Renewed laughter). One had been a director 'in' the Kumars^ sludge channel. (Laughter), Tjfae sooner this stati? of fcbfngsi -^as altered the. b,e|ter". The people were tfie best judges as to whq should be' sent there. (Hear/hear);

CJVIL SERVICE,

It was d^gv^iqg thg axtreme to think that men who wanted work should tuie all underhand means to get into.,the tJivil Ser vice. There should be competitive exam inations and candidates should pass the. doctor, and if they were fpundnotfit for tfye. work they should nqt be t'ajse. n os,'

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1902



F. FERRIMAN." FOR SALE A GOOD Sheop Farm of 800 acres, with good bnildioßS, near to School and Church, And within an easy distance of a railwoj, P. FERKIMAN. TOWN SECTIONS. FOB Sale—4 Town Sections, well situa ted for residential sites. F. FEBBIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR S&LE A FARM of 640 acres, in good heart; fences ia first-class condition. P. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent TT\O Let or for Sale, at Tinwald, corner ■with a four-roomed House, -} acre section, near to the School and facing Graham's Road. F. FERBIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE. TXAMPSTEAD — i acre of first-class land, with a well-built house of 6 rooms, bath room, and other conveniences. F. FERRIMAN, ■ Land and Estate Agent. ■|" AM instructed by Mr Haar to Sell his comfortable home on the N.E. Town Belt. This property is cheap and well worth your inspeiMm. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. g —-"i"L?;i". *±aL'. ' 'r-J-gr==9 BUSINESS NOTICEsT SPUING Wanted to Buy, In any quantity, "QECOND-HAND FURNITURE.; Homes visited Rnd estimates given. All business strictly private and confidanfcisl j Apply by letter or otherwise to GEORGE SMITH, FURNITURE DEALER, 0 93 Ai-cade Building. H GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897 ---# EIGHT years experience with E. (>. and E. TV. Greeham, Dentists, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooms 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 gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Hours of Attendance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Residence—Care Mrs Grant, Willd Street. CHAELES BEECH, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON. MY TEA ROOM is centrally situated and Hot Pies can be had at any time. j Birthday and Wedding Cakes made to • order. Small goods a specialty. j Try Montgomerie's Malt Digestive j Bread -Bermaline. ! 8 209 . 1 -VTEW SPRING GOODS now showing. J3l. New Prints, New Blousings, New ' Dress Materials, and a general assvrtinent ] of New Lines in each department. Cash > Discount at the rate of one shilling in the ! pound off all purchases from ninepenco \ worth upwards, at H. C. Barrett's Drapery, Clothing, and Boot Warehouse, ■ East street. j Helpless with ft \ Rheumatism ■ ' Yon'v* tried liniments and ' prescriptions without result. i Now ... CUBE YOTTZIBEZiF with THE QREAT... CANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CUKE. A medicine and Not a linimenfc. A Quick and Permanent Cure. aoiiU s? Aiii* dealers At 3/6 fir Bottle. Sole Agent for Australasia: GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. H. A. FLOWER, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, EAST STREET. ! A CHOICE Assortment of G.8.D., Loewe, and other makes of Pipes in stock. Cigarette Holders, Pouches, Pocket Knives, Hair Brushes and Combs, in endless varieties Slazenger's Tennis Balls and Racquets. Try my Silver Veil Cigarettes, 16 for 6d. Hairdressing, Singing, and Shampooing, j JL A, FLOWER, (late F Clark's; Tobacconist.



BUSINESS NOTICES __ _ ! Wire Netting! Wire Netting! WE have just landed " Ex Authenio," 20,000 yards Wire Netting, all sizes and all guages. Sheep Netting (centre strand). PIG NETTING, FOWL NETTING, CHICK NETTING, BIRD NETTING, v FRUIT TREE NETTING. Prices from One Penny per yard. Hurdles, Gates, Barb Wire, Plain Wire, Iron Standards, Stakes, Posts, Etc., always in Stock. • W. H. COLLINS & CO., Ironmongers, Painters, Timber and Coal Merchants, Sawmillers. SHEE P SHEARING SEASON. THA V E JUST LANDED MY SEiSOJf'S SUPPLY OF SHEEP SHEARS. including T.U.S. and 8.8 V A., N.Z., with plain, and perforated grips Turkey Oil Stones, a splendid sample. Sweet Oil. Branding Oils—Bed, Black, and Blue, in 1 and 5 gallon drums; Raddle, Lamp Black, Etc. LAWN MOWERS in great variety, from 22s 6d to 55s each. GARDENING TOOLS of every description at reduced prices. BOWLS! BOWLS! BOWLS! As the season has just opened, I cordially invite inspection of my stock—Taylor's first quality only kept. SEWING MACHINES lam sole agent for the celebrated " Davey " Machine; 7 years' guarantee ; Hand £3 10s; Treadle from .£6 10s to £$ Us. Call and inspect. They are worth looking at. G. M ED I) I N S, The P.oples 1 Ironmonger Burnett Street, opposite Arcade. ZEALAOIA CYCLES Simply Perfect. t I ADE from B.SA. Parts." specially for New Zealand Roads. Better thin any im ported machine for the every day cyclist. Fifctod with latest.Garrard Free Wheels, with patent Back Pedal Brake, Dunlop Vulcanised Tyres, Brook's Saddles, any stylo Handle Bars, Pedals, Gear, Etc. Our 1903 Models now on view. GATES, LQWRY & CO., Largest Cycle Makers and Importers in New Zealanl. ■ Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street ;SALKS ARK Ai.,!\ THK RAGE. ! Special Reductions :o:- — Special Reductions NICUOJ AS &PJCKFOBD "■■ INVITE COMPARISON OP VALUES. Ladies' Felt Slippers at Is, lsGd, 2s fid, 3s, 3s 6d, 4s, 4s 6d, ss, 5s Gd. Children from 8d per pair. \ School Boots from 53 per pair. Ladies' Walking Shoes from 5s Gd to 18s Od ppr pair Ladies' Evening Shoes from 2s 0d to 18s Od per pair Gent's Balmorals from 10s, strong Shooters from 9s 9d i PLEASE to remember we hold an Extensive Stock of High-Class Boots, Shoes, andl Slippers of every description. Prove our prices. Boys and Girls Boots a specialty. . ur Mttto is—" Small Profits and Quick Returns." NICHOLAS &~PICKFORD,: EAST STREET, ASHBURTON iiimimhii mum iii wniMMJ'fJun'i mw—i™ — i iiwmwrn WOOL SEASON, 1902-3 WE Shall be represented at the Christchurch and Timaru Auction Sales, and have made satisfactory arrangements for Disposing of Clips privately at Ashburtoa, Consignments will be received at our Ashburton Stores, and sent on to either Christchurch or Timaru, free of all charges except railage. Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from their nearest railway station will I please consign as follows — i If intended for sale at"Christchurch -.—Brown and Son's Siding, Addington. ! If intended for Sale at Timaru :—Mill and Company's Siding, Timaru. i If intended tor sale at Ashburton :— Friedlander Bros., Lfcd, f Siding, Ashburton. Woolpaoks, Twine, Branding Oil, and other Sbeariag Requisites, supplied at Lowest Rates. The Season's Sales have been fixed as follows :— Christchurch, Timaru. November 20th, 1902. December 3rd, 1902. December 11th, 1902. January 13th, 1903. January 16th, 1933. I February 25tb, 1903. 1 February 19th, 1903. | FRIEDLANDER BROS., LTD. . mini' iwumm'iinihiii im iin n iniiiiwii i~~- -""" ■"u"""'«»"™m.ww+™»»™>-~~ ihimihk v »' | + i.lt Swf ZJKAJLsAJfP I NEW STRAWS IBKS^S mW STRAWS Just Opened. pß^^^^^Sn _g _ £j 50 Dozen Straw Hats. 5° Dozen. Boys' White and Speckled Straw Hats is. Men s White Straw Hats 3s. Men's White Straw Hats 4s 6d Men's White Straw Hats up to 8s J See Window. Special Display. Ladies' Folding t traw Hats 6s 6d. The latest fashion { Hew Zealand Clothing Factory,



ship Mayor, Tailoring.—We have just received our first two shipments of new summer go,cds comprising the most up-to-date suitings as now worn at Home. We always encourage .customers to select from the web which is far more satisfactory than ordering from small patterns. W& have a very large stock to select from. We employ first class tradesmen—eyery garment made 01^ o\f.v premises. We guarantee all our work, fit and style at prices thj,b will comparo favourably with those of any ijesiding New Zealand city firm. We respectfully invite customers to kindly order early to prevent disappointment in the " rush " before the shows. Craighead and Berryman the leading tailors Ashburton. [Advt.]



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