EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for July.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations.

TUESDAY, July 22. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, July 25. For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney July 30th', and South Africa, per Warrimoo, at 10.30 a.m.

ALTERATION IN THE CLOSING OF MAILS,

On and after the Ist July, the express mails for North will close at 6 p.m., and the pillar boxes in East and Burnett streets will be cleared at 5.30 p.m., in consequence of alterations in the Railway time-table.

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Dunedin, July 21

Returns—Coal Creek Flat 28ozs, Earns cleugh 11. 69ozs, Eiley's Beach 42ozs, Earns cleugh I. 340z 18dwt, Chicago 17ozs I7dwt 15grs, Halfway House 16oz 12dwt, Mataura 15oz, Notown 520z, Nelson Creek 84oz Monte Christo 240z.

To-day's sales —Alexandra Lead llsGd; Alpine Consols 18s 3d; Bqudigo 9s 9d; First Chance 225, 235; Lady Roxburgh 3s 6d dis ; Manuherika 30s; Meg and Annie 15s 3d; Monte Christo 17s 6d; Eiseand Shine 265; Eoyal Maori Is 3d, Is ; Gibbs ton 2s.

Commercial.

London Markets.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Limited, are in receipt of the following cable from their London office, dated the 18th inst: — To-day's value on Smithfield market of prime Canterbury mutton, 3|d per 1b; market steady. Prime Canterbury lamb, 4j]d per lb; market hardening. Market has an improving tendency.

The Agent-General's Report.

WEMiINGTON July 21 The Agent General's cablegram, dated London, July 19th—" No alteration in the mutton market since last week; average price—Canterbury ewes 2f. Lamb steady; Canterbury 4|d, other brands 4gd. Beef is firm; New Zealand hinds s|d, fores .Sifd. Hemp is firm. Good to fair Wellington £28 10s; July-September shipments .£26105. Cocksfoot is quiet; New Zealand 171b stan dard 495. Wool is firm."

Havelock Street Mart.

Mr Henry Steplienson reports as follows on his Saturday's sale:—There was a big yarding of cattle, which met with fair competition. The following are some of the prices realised:—Cows—J23 7s (3d, £5, £7, £7 15s, up to £8. Pigs—Largo yarding and prices on a par with last week. Weaners os Cd to.7s Gd ; stores 8s to lfis; small porkers 16s 6d, 17s to 25s ; small baconer3 uptoSGsGd. Fowls Is 3d to 2s per pair; roosters 3s ; ducks 2s 9d to 3s 6d; geese 5s 6d ; turkeys 7s 6d. Produce—Potatoes —poor demand, 4s Gd to 5s per bag; chick wheat lls Gd per sack; carrots Is Gd; apples os to 4s 6d per case ; onions -Jd per Ib.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JULY 21, 1902.

There are two Bills now before Parliament, which aro inteuded to remedy certain defects in the present system of electing! members of the House of Representatives. \ One is an Electoral Bill introduced by Sir Joseph Ward, which is chiefly a consolidat-1 ing measure, the onl,y alterations from the existing law being that provision is made for a second ballot where the highest i candidate has not secured a majority of the total votes recorded, and the provision in the Act of 1900, making canvassing other wise than for payment, an illegal practice | has been omitted^ from the new Bill. We may say in passing that every person who desires to see the secrecy of the ballot properly upheld and independent voting maintained, will regret this omission, the cause of which is not far to seek. We sincerely trust that before Sir Joseph's Bill becomes law the clause with regard to canvassing will have been replaced. The provisions in this Bill for taking a second ballot in case the highest candidate fails to secure a majority of the total votes polled are very simple. The second poll is to be taken within seven days of the first poll if the returning officer finds that no candidate has received an absolute majority of votes, or, where more than one candidate is required to be elected, that all the candi dates to be elected have not received such a majority. Fresh rolls and fresh ballot papers are to be prepared, the former containing only the names of the persons who voted in the first poll. This would appear to be the whole of the machinery | for the second poll, the framer of the Bill apparently assuming that the result of the first poll will satisfy the weak candidates that they haye no chance, or in any case will prevent the electors from throwing away their votes upon them. But a very cursory examination of the' matter, and a very slight acquaintance with human nature, especially as it develops itself at election time, will show that in a great many cases the results of the second poll carried out under the proposed conditions would not be a true indication of the will of the ma ! jorityofthe electors, A good many cir cumstances which we need not specify •would militate against that object being Then there is also the addi fcio.nal expense to be incurred by the I secGrul poll. The cost of these elections is great enough now in all conscience, and" it seems to us that if the expendi ture in this direction is to be in creased—and the last general elections ! show how many polls would have to be \ Repeated—the advantage of the second poll ' 'should not be doubtful, but definite and ' W,e are therefore of opinion ,that Six Joseph .Ward's Bill does no.t .contain sa&isJLadix&y provisions for ; pr.even.ting th,e .conf,us;ioa $ .issues .existing ! u&d&z the.present system, .whereby 3, candi date nxit possessing the of aa absolute majority ,of the electors is,some times returned/ The Absolute Majority Bill, which has been introduced foy Mr McNab, the member for Matawa, seems tG us to meet the case much better than the Government Bill's proposal for a second poll; and it has the enormous advantage over the 'l&ifcep of being much less expensive, much 'iiiorl expedyricu^ and far less trouble to me' electors!, "since fcnfc op.s poll is sufficient. Indeed, it is very qu'estl6njsle whefer the bulk of those who would"vote'"'at the'first poll would .take tfie' trouble to goto the second, which, in many districts, would be .found to,be a serious public inconvenience. $&r'j£c|fab's Bill is well'worth studying, *nd w,e shall give $ .digest tijf'' iti in ■' a .future (article,

Local and General.

Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires to-day as follows: Moderate to strong winds from between south-east and south and south-west; glass rise.

Winslow Sports and Racing Club.— The meeting of the Committee of the Winslow Sports and Racing Club convened for Tuesday evening next is postponed till Thursday evening, the 24th instrnt.

Oil Engine Exhibition.—At the Ash burton Saleyards to-morrow, Messrs Booth, Mac Donald, and Co. will exhibit an oil engine of the latest design. Farmers and all interested are requested to inspect the engine at work.

The Dairying Industry.—Aa showing the benefit of the dairying industry to the Mataura district, a correspondent writes that one small farmer, with 160 acres of land, has received £320 from the local dairy factory for the past season ; and com paritiyely speaking, nothing was paid out for wages. Other farmers are said to be doing equally as well.

Pedestrian tsir. —A Grcymouth telegram states that in the pedestrian contest, McMauus v Lord, for a purse of .£2OO, two events, 300 yds and 440 yds, Lord getting ten yards in the first race and fifteen yards in the second, McManus won both events easily. The time for the 300 yds was 34 3-sth sec, and in the latter event 51sec. Mucti interest was taken in the match, many coming from outside districts. Over a thousand people were on the ground.

Returning Troopers.—The Governor is advised that the steamer Salamis left Capetown on July 11th with Lieutenants D. D. Byrne, S. C. Caxilton, J. A. Colledge. D. A. Dettk-key, and ninteen New Zealand troopers. Also that Private David McLaughlan, of the Ninth Contingent, was dangerously ill with lung trouble at Howick on July 14th.

The British Cabinet—The " Times foreshadows the probability of Lord Hals bury, Baron James of Hereford, and Baron Ashbourne retiring in favour of younger men, and the promotion of Mr George Wyndham and Mr Austen Chamberlain to Cabinet rank.

An Anarchist Arrested.—An Anarchist barber, from Paterson, has been arrested at Piedmont, having in his possession docu ments threatening the life of Victor Emma nuel, King of Italy. A photo, of Bresci, the assassin of the late King, was found in his pocket.

Accident.—An accident happened yester day morning near the Ashburton traffic bridge, by which a cyclist named Irwin came into collision with a trap driven by Mr M. Lagan, of the Tinwald Hotel. The bicycle was considerably damaged, and tlie rider received a few bruises, besides having one of his hands cut. However, the injuries were not serious, and tho young man was about again in the afternoon.

Found Drowned.—-A telegram from Christchurch states that a young married woman, wife of J. H. S. Smithson, a butcher, was found drowned in the Avon on Sunday morning. She had a baby three weeks old. At 5 o'clock on Sunday morning she got up, telling her husband that she was going to get hot milk for the baby. As she did not return to bed, search was made for her, and her body was found in the river, a quarter of a mile from home, an hour later.

Potatoes Wanted fob Export.—The Government are advertising for tenders for 500 tons of prime table potatoes, to be packed in strong export cases, each contain ing 100 lbs net weight, for shipment, it is reported, to South Africa. The potatoes are required to be delivered early in August, and tenders, which close with the Secretary for Industries and Commerce, Wellington, on the 28th inst., will be received for the whole quantity in one line, or a portion, but not less than twenty five tons. The Secretary reserves the right to reject potatoes of inferior quality at the port of delivery, and the contractor will be required to replace any that are so rejected.

Strange's Stocktaking Sale.—All our readers will, we think, be interested to know that Strange and Company's (Christchurch) great annual stocktaking sale—the iirm's principal sale of the year—will very shortly begin. The opening day is fixed for Friday, 25th inst. Strange's sales invariably attract attention, far and wide, and this year's big sale is likely to prove the most successful and attractive of a long series. The whole of the firm's existing stocks will be offered at temptingly reduced sale prices, including great quantities of smart millinery, stylish jackets, mantles, capes, and costumes, fashionable dresses and dress fabrics, rich winter furs, corsets by the best makers, children's goods, ladies' underwear, plain and useful household goods, such as cali coes, flannels, flannelettes, etc, (which are not usually reduced in price), and—as a special attraction —a large lot of up-to-date furniture, of Strange's own manufacture, including suites and. single articles, all of which will be submitted at such figures as must result in brisk business, for the reductions in price in many instances are quite startling, and by the way, it is worthy of note that Strange and Co. are making an unusually liberal offer to Ashburtonians. They are prepared to allow all residents of Ashburton or district, who spend .£IOO with them for furniture, their first-class return railway f are —Ashburton to Christchurch and back - free. This offer, coupled with the heavily reduced prices of the furniture during the sale should make it worth the while of any of our readers thinking of furnishing or re furnishing, to avail themselves of the present opportunity of buying at sale prices. If unable to attend this colossal sale, readers should place their sale orders with Mr Sandrey, at Strange and Company's Agency, Ashburton. All such orders will receive tho promptest attention.—Advt.

A Warning.— We would request our readers who are contemplating buying a new bicycle not to waste their money on so called cheap bicycles. Therefore, we re commend the Eudge-Whitworth bicycle, which everybody knows to be the best bicycle built, The latest models are now on view at E, D. Johnston's City Cycle Works, Burnett Street.

Magisterial.

ASHBURTON—MONDAY.

(Before Messrs D. Thomas and T. Scaly,

Justices.)

W. J- Siloock was charged with, on the 16th day cf July, using insulting lauguage to A. H. Shury. Defendant applied for an adjournment for one week, as he had had no time to instruct his solicitor.

Mr Shury objected to the adjournment. Defendant said there was more in the case than appeared on the face of it. He wished to instruct his solicitor ana call witnesses.

The case was adjourned for a week. Mr Shury said he would apply for his expenses. The Chairman said there was no clause in tho Act which wpuld allow of this. This was all the business.

ASSAULT ON A WARDER.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Lyttelton, July 20. On Saturday afternoon James Burns and Joseph Foggan, prisoners in Lyttelton gaol, made a desperate assault on Warder Ching, blackening his fye and breaking a tooth. Burns, who is serving 14 years for attempted robbery under arms at| Wanganui, had jußt been sentenced to three days' confinement for threatening "Warder Ching, and was being taken across the yard to his cell when the assault occurred. Several other prisoners who were in the yard crowded round, hindering the officials. Mr Cleary the gaoler, and other warders went to Warder* Ching's assistance. Mr Cleary collared Burns, and Foggan surrendered to him. A prisoner named Heatley, who obstructed the warders, was also locked up.

Cricket.

Australia v. Somersetshire.

London, July 19

The weather was threatening and the wicket hard for today's play. The atten dance was small. Somerset in theii* second innings made 315 runs. Australia had lost one wicket for 16 runs when the match was drawn. The Australians had to make 242 runs in two and three-quarter hours.

CYCLING ROUND THE WORLD.

Mr Willy Schwiegershausen,, a Sa\on journalist, who is cycling round the world, and whose proposed address to-night was referred to in our issue on Saturday, arrived in Ashburton about five o'clock on Sunday evening, and was met at the Traffic Bridge by a large crowd, who received him with enthusiastic cheering, and escorted him up East street. We have had the pleasure of looking Mr Schwiegershausen's credentials, which include letters of con gratulation from the governors and premiers of the Australian States, and notabilities in other countries as well as pres3 notices etc., all of which will be on exhibition to-night. A number of curios and photographs taken by the traveller in many lands will also be on view. Mr Schwiegershausen has now completed 36,000 miles of his journey, and has been over some of the world's roughest surface. We expect that a large audience will be present to-night to hear the tale of his adventures.

News in Brief.

Mr A. Ager invites tenders for the erec tion of the new Orange Hall. Tenders close on Thursday, August 7th.

The Ashburton Poultry Society have engaged the services of the County Band to play at their forthcoming show on Friday and Saturday next.

Road racing cyclists are reminded that entries for the Dunlop Timaru-to-Christ church Test Eace close on the 26th inst.; also entries for the Warrnambool to Mcl« bourne event. ■

The newest match-making machine makes 6G0,000 matches-an hour, or 5,280,000 in a working day of eight hours.

The consumptive patients now in Paris amount to nearly 10,000, and in France to 300,0,0. The deaths last year came to 130,000. '

The Ashburton County Council invite tenders; for clearing 140 chains of Head Eace at Rnngitata Gorge.

Professor Black of Dunedin has computed that on sheep alone we export no less than 1600 tons of phosphorus, derived from 3,000,000 sheep, each of which contained something like i2lb of bone. He considers it too huge a drain on the colony's phosphorus resources.

Great Britain has offered to take over next year a number of warships in course of construction for the Chilian Government.

The Melbourne "Argus" states that a syndicate of Brisbane gentlemen have cabled to General De Wet offering him J8250 a week and expenses to give lectures throughout Australia.

The widow of the late Mr J. A.Hender son, the colonoy's first poultry expert is petitioning Parliament for some recognition of her husband's services in laying the foundation of the present snecess of the poultry industry.

It is stated that the Pell engines oa the Eimutaka incline are to be superseded by locomotives which will not use the central rail. The Westinghouse brake will, how ever, be utilised.

Included in the entries already received by the Dunlop Company for the N. Z. Tost Eace are Salston, Connell, and Calder, and the great pity is that three such men could not be sent to Australia as a team for the great Eoad Eace.

Sir Thomas Lipton, who has -just received Coronation honours, is one of the latest celebrities to sucoumb to the facination of motoring, The owner of the " Shamrock " has purchased a twenty-two horse power English made " Daimler."

The Victorian Inter-Club Road Premier ship Eoad Contests will start on Saturday, the 26th inst. The first race will be held on the Sydney Eoad over an out and home course twelve and a half miles each way. Most of the prominent Melbourne Clubs will be represented. In years gone by the winter inter-club contests used to be very popular fixtures with cyolists, and the I. C. C. A are to be commended for their efforts to re-establish these contests on their old footing,

Nominations for the big New South Wales " Dunlop Road Eace " from Goul burn to Sydney, to.; be held on Saturday, August 9th, closed at the offices of the Dunlop Tyre Co., 150, Clarence Street, Sydney, on Saturday, July 12th. This event is the most important road one yet held in the Mother State and is causing great interest amongst cyclists. The dis tance is one supplied with suitable food gratis by the Dunlop Tyre Co. at Moss Vale (forty seven miles) and Campbelltown (ninety four miles 1. The rider putting up fastest time in this race will represent New South Wales in the blue riband road event of Australasia, viz., the Warrnambool to Melbourne, to be held on Saturday, August 30th.

Hampstead Town Board.

The usual monthly meeting of the Hainp stead Town Board was held on Friday evening. Present—Messrs G. W. Andrews (chairman) A. C. Hardy,Taylor. E. Thomas, and Silcock.

CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read aud dealt with as under:— From the Ashburton Borough Council, stating that it was decided to complete the work on the N. E. Town Belt;, half cost to be borne by the Board.—This was discussed , later.

From tho New Zealand National Mem orial Committee re Veterans' Home.—Re ceived.

From the District Health Officer re plague.—Received.

N. E. BELT. Mr Taylor proposed that the Borough Council's letter be acknowledged, but the Council be informed that the Board is not prepared to contribute to the cost until the present liability is extinguished.—This was agreed to.

KESERVE 3540. The Chairman said he had seen the County Engineer with reference to Reserve 3540. The Engineer said that Mr Chalmers was the real objector. Mr Thomas moved, and Mr Hardy secon ded, that the County Council be asked to have a Government survey made of the reserve.—The motion was carried.

ACCOUNTS. Accounts, amounting to .£lO 18s lOd were passed for payment, and the meeting ad journed.

Correspondence.

We do not hold ourselves responosible fo opinions expressed by our correspndents

STATE FIRE INSURANCE.

I TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—-I have been wondering why public attention has not been called to the Bill now before the House dealing with the above question. Surely the matter is of sufficient importance to deserve the atten j tion of thoughtful men, and it must be because the various provisions of the Bill have not been made public property that the matter has excited so little public comment. I am indebted to the courtesy of the Hon. Major Steward for a copy of the Bill, and have read it with some surprise. It is really compulsion disguised, for al though the Bill is so carefully worded that the expression " compulsion " .or " compul sory " is never used, yet in truth it is com pulsion all the same, and so drastic that once adopted all other competitors may iust "fold their tents like the Arabs, and silently steal away," leaving the State Fire Insurance Department to " stenl away " in another sense, at its owk sweet will. One of the features of the Bill is the amount of new work which it thrusts on local bodies, apparently without proposing to pay for it. Take for instance Section 21, of Part I, of the Bill: "It shall be the duty of every local authority or local governing body . .

. . at all times to furnish to the Manager (of State office) all snch informa tion and reports as he requests .

concerning any fact or circumstance in any way affecting the risk of insurance." Then in Part II of the Bill, which is its effective part. The Bill is brought into operation either by a " Special Order " made in that behalf by the County Council or the Borough Council, or by a vote of the rate payers, but where a poll of the (ratepayers of a district is taken, the cost of taking the poll has to be defrayed by the Council of the district" out of its general funds " (sub section 8, section 55). Then further, in Part 111 of the Bill, Section 68, is another most arbitrary proposal—" The Council of | any district shall, if the Governor so pre scribes, efficiently equip and maintain to his satisfaction one or more Fire Brigades, with all necessary appliances for service within the district, and. the c ■ penses thereby in curred shall be paid by the Council out of a separate account to be called the Fire Brigado fund.' Imagine a Fire Brigade to serve the Ashburton County, 50 miles by 40. In regard to the treatment of existing insurance companies. It seems to be a refined form of " Harikari," or the " happy dispatch," as practiced in happy Japan." Section 61, " "With respect to every build ing which, on the coming into force of the fire insurance roll, is shown thereon as already insured elsewhere than under this Act, the provisions of the preceding-section shall apply forthwith upon the date of the expiry or cancellation of the then current policy, being in no case .later than twelve months after the first coming into force of the roll. (2). At the expiration of such period of twelve months, every such policy not then expired shall be deemed to be can celled, and the owner shall be entitled to a duly proportionate refund of premium for the unexpired term thereof from the Com pany that issued the policy." On the whole, the Bill as at present drafted is a somewhat clumsy attempt to reach a point < in State socialism, which may be a perfectly legitimate function for the employ of its ■ energies, bnt it is to be hoped that before it finally becomes law the Bill may receive some very necessary amendments.-—I am, &c, G. W. Lbadley.

ANGLING.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—l have just received a letter from the Colonial Secretary, which fjompletely cancels the rule passed at the meeting held on the 17th June last re 10s licenses for adults. The letter says :—

" I am directed by the Colonial Secretary to inform you that licenses to fish for trout in the Southern Acclimatisation district, which includes the County of Ashburton, can only be issued on payment of the sums prescribed in the regulations made under " The Fisheries Conservation Act, 1884, by the Governor in Council on 7th September, 1892, and published in the New Zealand ' Gazette/ No. 71, of September Bth, 1892, pages 1259-60, namely—for adults 20s, for ladies ss, and for boys under 16 years of age 10s.—Signed, H. Allen.

It is a pity that the ill-advised action of a few discontents and new members of the Society should have caused the loss of tSe os license for schoolboys. I am, eto., A, H. Shuhx, Hon, Secretary Ashburton Acclimatisation Society

THE ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—My attention has been drawn to a letter signed < A Member' in your Satur day's issue re the above Society, in which he blames' the Committee for not calling the annual meeting of members. If * Mem ber ' took a real interest in the Society he would know that the Committee called the aunual meeting at the appointed date, but it lapsed for the want of a quorum. Out of a membership of over 60 only 9 took enough interest to attend. A second attempt to hold a meeting was tried a week later, and members were so terribly anxious that the Society should go a head that four were present. Now, sir, I would like to ask 'A : I Member' if he thinks the Committee are in i fault ? or is it the members ? I am sure the Committee will be pleased to call another meeting, provided they receive assurance of sufficient support.—l am, etc., The Chairman of Committee

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press Association—By Electrio ' Telegraph—Copyright.

London, July 19 Lord Kitchener, in a despatch dated Juno Ist, dealing with the final operations of the war, referred in eulogistic terms to the patience, tenacity, and heroism of the Imperial and Colonial forces, and to the manliness and far-sightedness of the Boer leaders in bowing to the inevitable, and accepting the generous terms offered by England.

He mentioned amongst other colonials the good work in February of Lance-Cor poral Gregory, of the Seventh New Zealan ders, whose coolness and. grasp of a situ ation at Harrismith on February 24th, en abled an attack to be repulsed, for which, action Lance-Corporal Gregory was pro moted to the rank of Corporal. Sergeant- Major Keeble, of the Victorian Mounted Contingent is also mentioned for tho gal lant capture of Boers single-handed afc Ehenoster Kop in May, 1901. The King and Queen have signed the handkerchief used as a Sag of truce when Captain W. E. Watson, of Sydney, de manded the surrender of Pretoria. The Prince of Wales, Lord Roberts, Lord Kit chener, and other Generals, also signed the handkerchief.

Dv Wessel and General Grobler, Kruger'3 counsellors, who recently arrived in London, tried to get passports to South Africa. They were told to address all petitions to Lord Milner.

The Bisley Meeting

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, July 18

The best eight of the Australians, under the Kolapore Cup conditions, averaged 94£. The New Zeaianders won the fifth prize in the '' Mappin Brothers' Challenge Cap," at 400 and 500 yards, for teams of four volun teers, putting up a score of 145, the winners scoring 176.

Owing to a misunderstanding with refer ence to the enforcement of the time limit in the Mackinnon Cup Competition for vol ley firing, at 800 yards, the Scotland .and New Zealand teams, after protesting, with drew. The Australian team won. Their score totalled 1328. Canada scored 13$$, Ehodesia 1267, and England 1265.

The Imperial Conference.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, July 19

Mr Chamberlain presided at the Con ference to-day. Lord Onslow, Mr Montagu Ommaney, Mr Gerald Balfour, the Earl of Dudleys, Sir Francis Hopwood, Sir Alfred Batemaa, and Sir Bobert Giffen attended. The commercial trade relations, especially the fiscal question, and the prospects of preferential tariffs between the Motherland and the colonies, and between the colonies themselves were discussed. The debate oc cupied the whole of the sitting.

Me Seddon moved his' preferential trade resolution. '

Sir Edmund Barton submitted a resolu tion in general terms, that it is desirable to establish closer trade relations between the colonies and the Motherland. He in dicated sympathy with preferential rela tions, without pledging Australia to give such a concession in the immediate future, as he implied that such an arrangement must be left to the initiative of each Gov ernment and the legislature, which must work out their own destiny.

The discussion proceeded amicably. Mr Chamberlain modified his previous at titudo. In a non-committal statement he said the Government recognised the difficul ties and desired to proceed cautiously. He also said that it was impossible for one Government to bind its successors in regard to the fiscal policy. His remarks suggested a willingness'to meet the colonial con cessions by liberal subsidies and bounties for objects of common interest. The formation of definite proposals on the question will be reserved.

The Conference has adjourned until Tuesday.

COLONIALS AT HOME.

United Press Association--By Electric

Telegraph—Copyrignt London, July 18

Sir E. Barton is gratified that his atti tude at the Imperial Conference meets with, approval in Australia. / He states that the proceedings are momen tous, and the questions discussed and the re sults achieved will not be opposed to public opinion. There was no reason to fear that the Commonwealth would be bound to adopt courses out of harmony with public opinion without Parliament being consulted. Such, action would be utterly at variance ■with, his views.

London, July 19 Sir Edmund Barton sails for Canada on August 16th. -.-.-...

Whether Mr Seddon returns by way of Canada depends on his wife's health. Mrs Seddon will be removed to Eamsgate on Tuesday.

Received July 21, 8.45 a.m,

London July 20 The Premiers attended a garden fete at Hatfield Hall on Saturday.

The King's Illness.

London, July 18

The King continues to make satisfactory progress, and is benefiting in every way by the change. He sleeps well, and spends the greater part of the day on a couch on the open deck. The next bulletin willbe issued on Mon day morning.

BERLIN BANK SWINDLE.

Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Berlin, July 18 The directors of the Prussian Mortgage Bank hare been sentenced to imprison ment for terms ranging from nine months to six years, and mulcted in fines ranging from one thousand to fifteen thousand < marks, for issuing false dalance sheets.

A Desperate Encounter.

A CONSTABLE KILLED AND AN OTHER INJURED.

Sydney, July 20 Constable Guilfoyle was informed last night that two men were trying to pass counterfeit coins in a shop at Darlington, Accompanied by Constable Maher, he proceeded to the shop, and intercepted the men. Guilfoyle asked one man what hia name was. The answer was two shots from a revolver fired in (quick succession

One bullet entered the constable's left breast, and the other struck him in the

stomach. The second man fired at Maher, who received two bullets, one struck him on the arm and the other grazed his chin. The desperadoes escaped.

Guilfoyle died on reaching the hospital. One of the constable's assailants has been, identified as a notorious, desperado who was recently released after serving a sen tence of fourteen years for coining.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN : MONDAY, JOLY ai, 1902



Date July 22 „ 23 24 „ 25 „ 26  27 » 28

Rises 7.25 7.24 7.23 7.22 7.21 7.20 . 7.19

Sets 4.47 4.48 4.49 4.50 4.51 4.51 '4.52



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

d 6 13 5 21 28 17

h m 0.29 a.m, 0.17 a.m, 1.30 a.m, 4.15 a.m. 4.45 p.m, 1.0 p.m,



F. FERRIMAN. ] F. FKHBIMATSI CENSED LAND BROKER, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, j HAVELOCK STREET, ASHBURTON, HAS FOR SALE The undermentioned Properties, full par ticulars of which may x be bad on application:— FOR SALE. 2£ Acres Land, Bait Road, Allenton. Tfc It RS Randall has instructed me to V 1 Sell that very desirable residential site, situated in the Belt Road, -within a few chains of the north-west corner of the Domain, containing 2£ acres. Part of the land is laid out in garden and orchard, aud the latter is well-stocked with choice fruit trees. Other improvements consist of a stable, and trap house. The property is for immediate sale and an early inspection is invited. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. Nelson Street, Hampstead. Within a few chains of the School. MR T. Q. HIGHT, in consequence of his having removed to Mangasturoa, in the North Island, has instructed me to effect an immediate sale of his property situated as above. It consists of a sub- Btantial Brick Dwelling containing four rooms, erected on a quarter-acre section. My instructions are to sell, and no reasonable offer will be refused. Immediate inspection is invited. Full particulars can be had on applica tion, i F. FERRIMAN, I TO LET. SHOP and Dwelling in Tancred Street, recently occupied by Mr Wright. Apply V. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE 500 ACRE FARM AT SEAFIELD, I HAVE for Sale at Seafield, a Farm of | 500 Acres, well watered by County races. Good Dwelling and Stable. Sixty Acres are in Oats, 60 Acres in Turnips; the latter are at present being eaten off. 380 Acres are sown down in English grasses and clovers. _ j This property is situated within easy j distance of a Bchool. j P. FERRIMAN, Land ami Estate Agent. ' TOR~SALE A Complete Threshing Plant and Clover Sheller in good order. Full particulars may be had on applica tion to F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. NORTH-EAST TOWN BELT, ASHBXTRTON. HALF-ACRE of ground with Souse of Six Rooms, good washhouse, copper, and washing trough. The interest on this purchase after paying the deposit would only amount to 4s per week. F. FERRIMAH, Ashburton. SMITHFIELD. * j A SMALL DWELLING-HOUSE and «f» 6 Acres of Land within a very easy distance of the Factory. j F. FERRtITAN, ! Ashburton. j "" ■ ~- - j TOWN SECTION 334, MOORE .STREET, j ASHBUKTON. /*\UARTER-ACRE of ground, with House j \cJ of Four Rooms, Stable, and Orchard. V F. FEEKIMAN, Ashburton. BUSINESS NOTICES. H GBESHAM. SURGEON AND MECHANICAB DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897 TTTtIGHT year 3 experience with E. G. and J?J F. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooms apstairs 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.—s p.m. 4 166__ S> ' \ "NEW ZEALAHP J • • £1 i *^ I Men's English and American BOOTS ! THE "WATER KING." Guaranteed Perfectly 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 Mea's, Women's and Children's FELT SLIPPERS. I Children's School Boots at Lowest Prices NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. /•} ftr" REWARD to anyone who can ~^j t) prove that our Defiance Factory Butter, which we sell at Is per It., is not the same quality and brand as the Butter that another Ashburtun Firm is selling at Is 3d per pound. Kemember, our price is la per lb, which is equal to a 20-per cent.; bonus or discount off their prices.—Flet- j CHBR Bros., Cash Supply Stores ■



' BUSINESS NOTICES | ■ =IMPOETANT= CUR ANNUAL STOCKTAKING SALE VST ILL commence on Saturday, July 19, and continue till Satur day, August 23rd, during which time every article in Stock will be reduced Call in. Inspect our Displays at Doors, in Windows, and on Counters in Shop. EXT lIA SPECIAL. For the first 14 days, this is from Saturday, July 19, up to and including Saturday, August 2nd All Dress Goods from 2s 6d per yard and upwards will be made FREE OF CHARGE. This means a direct gift of at least 10s 6d on each Costume. Terms Cash ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. v i\ i) n i v. & 0 o 's. GENUINE SALE BEGINS ON SATU RDAY. 19TH. See our Windows and Sale Prices for Fancy Goods and Furniture. Hundreds of Vases at Half Price. Oilcloth, 2 yards wide, usual price 2s 9d, now 2s 3d Linoleum, 2 yards wide, usual priee.ss 6d now 4s 9d And in all widths at reduced prices. HEARTH RUGS. 2s 3d now ]s9d,los6d reduced to 9s 3d, 21s now 18s 3s 6d „ 3s 16s Gd „ 14s 25s  21s 6s 6d „ 5s 9d, 18s 6d „ 15s 6d (We have just bought a big Job Lot of Art Serge for Curtains, etc) Usual Price 3s, sale price is gd per yard. Drawing Room Suites in rich Tapestry and Plush. Usual price £10 do. J2lO 10s do. £13 Sale Price £7 103 do. £9 do. £11 10s Dining Room Suites in Leather. Usual Price £9 do. .£l4 Sale Price .£8 10s do. £11 los Pull sized Iron Bedsteads 45s now 40s, full sized Brass Rail Bedsteads 55s now 47s (sd, Also Bedstead, complete with best Wire Mattress, good top Mattress, Bolster and two Pillows .£3 «9a Gd. * CHAIRS OF ALL KINDS REDUCED TO SALE PRICES. PLEASE NOTE.—We are Manufacturers with 20 years experience, also direct Importers; We buy as cheap as any House in New Zealand and sell as cheap or cheaper, as our expenses are light and we understand the work ourselves. Now remember the 19th For Un drill & Go's Great Sale. ANOTHER PAYMENT ' SHORTLY DUE BY US TO MR' TURN E R. WE ADMIT WE ARE IN THE PAN BUT WE ARE NOT YET IN THE FIRE Hurry along with your Investments and secure the Dividends we are paying in value at cain : I CLEARANCE SALE MITCHELL & TURNER I Bicycles for Everybody I Oates, Lowry & Co.'s Annual Sale MODEL 2 ATALINTAS. ' ONLY 8 LEFT, and they must go by the 31st. nnHESE Beautiful Machines are up-to-date in every detail. Customers can choose M their own Saddle, Gear, Handle Bar, Pedals, etc. GENTS' £16 &0g Cask LADIES' &1Q OiSii. Easy Terms arranged. 20s deposit, balance 5.s per | Several Second-hand Bicycles from .£3. Each machine has been thoroughly oyer. fciauled, enamelled, new tyres, bearings, plated, etc., where required. BZQYCLS &OCSSSQSn3S at Great Reactions. Some of our prices- Celluloid Mudguards, 8s pet pas* j Oil Lamps reduced to 3s Acetylene Gas Lamps, 12s 6d i Hall Shone Mudguards, 7s 6d per pair [j 'fas@s "Lucas" Candle Lamps 10s 6d ! Wa &aye the largest stock of Bells, Toe Clips, Trouaev Pump Clips, Oil Can 3, ' Spanners, etc«'-o£ any house in New Zealand. LARGEST CYCLE DEALERS IN NEW ZEALAND. Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street.



Tailoring.—The public are respect ully reminded that we do not make strange fitting suits, nor charge strange ! prices. Advance Ashburton, by supporting ! local industries. Compare our fit! Compare j our prices ! Observe the quality and " up-to-date" style of our goods, and j remember that our motto is always " satis faction/— CraJSHjjad 4jjp Bbbbyjian.— [Advt,] . An Incomparable Remedy. EVANS 1 WITCH'S Oil, FOE BHEU MATICS, LUMBAGO, and SCIATICA, Among the medicinal preparations which have, from time to time, been placed before the public, it can be stated without fear of contradiction, that there is none too sur pass Evans's WITCH'S OIL. As an embro cation in cases of Rheumatics, Sciatica, or Lumbago it is absolutely unrivalled, but J the scope of its influence extends far beyond j j these complaints. For example, m sudden I ! attacks of Inflammation of the Bowels, I Spasms, Cramp, or Colic the application of \ this mixture will afford immediate relief, ! and avert the serious consequences that are '■ inevitable if the necessary pallative is not at hand. Indeed, there is no ache or pain to which the human frame is susceptible ! that Witch's Oil will not allay, and for ' this reason no household should be with - I:6ut" 'a \retoedy w^i'cjb. ' may truly be de stiJibe^as'niagicail'.' " " ■ '' • X ' ' ■'price—2s Gd t»er bottle. Sale rioiJwetbr ancf Manufacturer: ■° frEv^'putiedin. | Wholesale Agents for hew Zealand— j Kempthorne, Prosser and Co, Obtainable from all chemists and store keepers throughout the Colony. The Cup That Cheers.—What is more invigorating than a nice cup of Coffee these frosty mornings; and you get one if you W came of Fletcher Bros, fine blend of :Java and Mocha, which makes a ■ cup of Coffee: fit for the Gods. We grind the Coffee oh the premises, thereby ensuring its freshness: We have only one quality and one price, namely, Is ' 6d per lb, and there' is nothing better to be h,ad,



Messrs Fletcher Bros, are offering ,£5 Reward to anyone who can prove that their $e§ance Butter which they are selling at Is per lb.,' is' not the same'quality arid brand as what is being sold at Is 3d per lb. by another firm in Ashburton. They do this on account of some unprincipled person spreading a report that their butter is of an inferior quality to that which is being sold 1 at Is 3d per lb, which they can prove is not so ' ■' ■ ■ ; : ' At this season everybody is liable to Coughs and'CoJds. Avoid all 'dangeV by taking TfISSICQEA.. Obtainable from ajl chemists/-' ' ! " : ' ,"' Smoke yepi^s j



Testimonials from all parts of the colony show that Wilton's Hand Emollient is an invaluable preparation for beautifying and softening the hands. It has made a' great reputation in Wellington and. most town* in'the South Island. Chapped bands oured in oiie night. Try it yourself. Price Is fid per jar. S!old by Geo.W. Wilton, 3," Cuba Street Wellington' and all chemists and storekeepers. ' ' ' ' ril Smoke New Venus STANDISH AND PREECE. Photographers under the Royal patronage, of the Prince, and Princess of Wales. Studio Hjgh Street,' Ciaristshiirct}, ;



THERE'S A CURE FOR DYSPEPSIA . Sufferers who have tried noxious nos trums will probably bo sceptical, but scepticism vanishes when impey's May Apple, the ideal family medicine, is triedl Whether the trouble is dyspepsia* of long, standing, or merely a simple case of indi gestion, relief is prompt and prqnouncei. Impey's May' Apple acts painlessly, pieas j antly, and perfectly without causing an y ■nervous 'sheclc. It is a' laxative whici, should be used by fathers and" mothers, as. weR as children,' Impey's M.ay Apple is a compound of herbs, the outcome of yearq of study and research. Sold by chemists, and stores at 2s 6d per bottle, or post free, from the whole-sale amenta, Sbtaslajacl sexfy Co,, Wol^agton,,