EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for October.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations: SATURDAY, Oct. IS. For Australian States due Melbourne Oct. 22nd), India, China, Ceylop, Straits Settlement, Japan, South Africa, etc, also Continent of Europe and United Kingdom (due London November 3)th), via Brindisi, at 12.30 p.m.

For Northern Ports and Westport, per Eotomahana, at 6 p.m.

Mining.

United Press Association — Uy Electric

Telegraph Dunedtn Ost. 17. To-day's sales —Alexandra Lead, 16s; Q rand Junction 15s 9d.

Commercial.

New Zealand Stock in Sydney-

Sydney, October 16

At the Homebush sales 21,000 sheep were yarded. Thoy included a fair number of New Zealand. Buyers were in unusually strong force, many coming from country centres. Competition was keen and prices ruled very high. New Zealand crossbred wethers sold at from 26s 6d to 34s 6d, ewes 22s 6d to 30s 6d. Of 727 cattle yarded a good proportion were from New Zealand. Prices were easier than at last sale.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Napter, Oct. 17

The Colonial Consignment and D.stribut ing Company cable as follows:—Canterbury mutton, 4i|d; Napier, Wellington, and North Island, 4|d. First quality lamb ojd, second quality sgd.

Clearing 1 Sale.

Mr D. Thomas held a very successful clearing sale yesterday on the farm of Mr Geo. Murdoch, Lauriston. There was a good attendance, and an excellent luncheon was provided, which was ail the more welcome on account of the inclement weather. Following is the result of the sale:— implements.—Anvil <£2, water race plough £10, strippers £2 10s and J24 ss, sheep feeders 17s 6d to £1 15s, scoop £1 2s 6d, hay rake £4 10s, disc harrows =£3 15s, .£9, Cole man grubber £3 ss, Duncan grubber £5 10s, and one at £Ci, double-furrow ploughs £4. £6 10s, and £7, harrows 15s, £'5, £3 los and £5 ss, Duncan rollers £11 and £14 10s, seed box <£9 10s, combine drill £26, Massey- Harris binder £14, McCormick binder .£3, and one at £8 15s, 4 Piano binders at ,£8 15s each, tip dray £o 10s, drays and frames £9, .£3 ss, £8 10b, £8 15s, £1 ss, .£8 ss, and £\.O 10b, cait harness, saddles, and breech ing £1 12s 6d, £2 sb, £3 as, and 2 at £3 lCs, Fencing wire sold at £11 per ton. Sundries, etc.—lOGO stakes at .£1 per 100, sheepskins 3s, 500 sacks at 3£d, 090 bushels of oats at 2s per bushel, set Avery scales £S 15s, wool press £9, winnower £:iO, horse power chaffcutter £3, corncrusher £o. Sheep.—lo6B ewes and lambs, 9s sd, all counted; 490 do at 9s lid, all counted ; 410 do at 9s GJ, all counted, 50 wethors 13s fid, 23 Shropshire rams Ht?ns, 250 ewes and lambs 9s 6d, 270 do 10s, 200 wathors 16a 2d. Cittle.-l calf 10s, 1 at £1 13s, bull 43 10?, 2 heifers at £5, cow in calf .£7 10s. Horses.-Draughts (aged) : Bay gelding £50, brown gelding £33, black gelding .£53, bay geldings at J223, £31, £52, £38, Mi, £39, £35, and £16, gray gelding, aged. £15, chestnut gelding, aged, £36 ; bay gelding, £iO ; chestnut mare, .£37 ; black gelding, aged, £27 Buggy, .£l7; set harness, .£3 10s; saddle, £2.

MAGNA. EST VeBITAS XT PIi^V4t,EBIT. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 19027 """^

§ome information regarding the condition &f the contract for the South African steam service recently entered

the south into by the Government African service, with the New Zealand and South African" Steam ghip Company, has just been given to the " Lyttelton Times" by Mr Kinsey (of Kinsey, Barns, and Co., the agent's of the Compauy. The conditions are said to be remarkably stringent, and Sir Joseph Ward asked the most searching questions before accepting the tender The officers of the Department of Industries and Commerce and Agriculture had to be (satisfied that the arrangements would suit $h,em, and even the details in regard to the fittings of thjs vessels had to be submitted to those officers. I=b had been stated that the weak point of the contract, go far as New Zealand was concerned, was the clause enabling the contractors to throw up jbhe contract if it suited them, , , , But if the company threw up the business it would lose .£30,000. It was hardly likely that the contractors would risk a heavy loss of that nature. . . . Steamers must call at Fremantle, but they were restricted in jrewarrd to the quantity of cargo they could take'to "that port Ib was the contractors who inserted in the ten^ep 8- clause enab ling them to call at one Au&trali^ port en route; but the Government stipulated thai cirgo should be taken in at that port only on the condition that it was found impos sible to fill the vessel at the Now Zealand ports. It was insisted that precedence should be given to cargo from this colony to South Africa.. From tiino to time the con iracti&ps must submit to tha Government the names of the steamers leaving monthly for its approval, and th,& Groyernmont might place its veto on any of them, Pf <ja auy arrangement, fitting, or other detail, if it was considered that they were not up to the required standard, as set forth in the contract. If the contractors gave notice that they desired to determine the contract lit the end of a year, they would not get a f arjjhiuft ,of the subsidy for that year. It is evident tjber^fore, that the Acting- Premier has been eaoful to safeguard the interests of this country, and he is to be congratulated on the manner in which be />as brought these negotiations for a direct aeryico to nn Usue that promises to be satisfactory. Further information supplied from authoritative sources, makes it clear that the company which has und^rtnisjii fckis contract is a very strong one, being well represented S>t Home and ia the color nies.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin w j res G a ie from between south-east and south and south-west; glass rise; weather colder.

Magisterial.—At the Magistrate's Court this morning, before Mr E. Alcorn, J.P., Ambrose Fox w*.s charged with disobeying an order of the S.M. Court, Ashburton, and was remanded till Thursday next.

Ashburton Electorate.— Mr John Stud* holme iunr., will address the electors in the Oddfellows' Hal!, on Friday, October 24th, at 8 p.m., when the Mayor will preside. Seats will be reserved for ladies.

The Weather and the Crops. — The heavy rain which fell yesterday has had a most beneficial effect. Farmers are rejoic ing at the prospects of the feed supply.

A Good Percentage.—Mr J. Jamieson, of Waterton, has had an average of 150 per cent on his lambing this year. On other farms round about the Waterton district the lambing average is also very good.

Eolipse op the Moon—There will be a total eclipse of ihe moon to-night, which will be visible in New Zealand for about an hour af tor the moon rises. The moon rises at 7.35 p.m., and the eclipse ends at 8.50.

An Interesting Memento.—Mr Joshua Tucker has received from his son, Captain F. Q-. Tucker, an interesting memento of the voyage from Sydney to Durban, in the shape of a booklet issued by an " Amuse ments Committee" which was formed among the passengers. Captain Tucker figures as the winner of Beveral ping-pong and quoits tournaments.

The Christckurch Cathedral. —There is a lik lib ood of tho. contract for the chancel of Christchurch Cathedral being signed soon, bringing the completion of the building within measurable distance. The sum of £3500 is required, and over £1800 has been promised conditionally on the lar ger amount being raised.

Madame Melba's Concerts. —The dates for Madame Melba's concerts in New Zea land have been fixed as follows, one concert being given in each of the four chief towns : —Dunedin, January 14th ; Christchurch, January 16th; Wellington, January 19th ; Auckland, January 23rd.

Mr Seddon's Intentions.—With regard to the reports current to the effect that Mr Seddon contemplates severing his official connection with New Zealand for the pur pose of occupying a position in South Africa one of the Auckland members states (says the " New Zealand Herald ") that when in Wellington he heard from a source which he has always found reliable that Mr Sed don would probably not remain in the colony after the close of the fir3t session of the new Parliament

Ashburton Debating Society. —In spite of the bad weather there was a good attendance last night at the usual fort nightly meeting of the Ashburton Debating Society. Mr W. Brock, junr., was voted to the chair. Mr W. H. Woods was duly elected a member of the Socie! y. It was decided to ask Mr Tennant to give a paper dealing with the study of Botany at the next meeting, which will be held on Thurs day, October 30. A keen discussiou then followed on the advantages and disadvan tages of classical and commercial education, so'v.e very convincing arguments being advanced on both sides. On the vote being taken, it was found that a smaty majority favoured a commercial education.

A Young New Zealander.—A young Ne\y Zealander has just been appointed to H.M.S. Wallaroo. Lieutenant Charles Acton, the officer referred to, is the son of an old Timaru settler. He was educated on the Worcester, passing through the New Zoalaud Shipping Company's ser vice, then through the Royal "Naval Re serve, and was finally appointed to the U.M.S. Barhani, now on the Mediterra nean Station, Lieutenant Acton's trans fer to the Wallaroo is said to be due to the new-born desire to plaGe colonists on mem? of-war serving in colonial water?,

The Education Department.—For some time past the Otago Education Board has never* failed, when occasion arose, to ex press in sufficiently emphatic terms its opinion of the njetf)od.s of the Education Department, but (says the " Otago Times*') the wrath of members apparently knew no bounds on Wednesday when^a brand-new scheme of classification and examination of teachers was received from the department, with a modest request for " suggestions." The Board did not hesitate to make " suggestions," but they were hardly as relevant as the XJnder-secretary to the Department might desire. One member thought that the department must have the " fidgets," another thought the malady must be " St Vitus's dance," while a thivd ascribed the constant seeking after changes as due to some form of earthquake. After the member for. Waihemo had prophesied a speedy change in the administration, the es-chairman took the floor, and made the remarkable statement that the department was reducing the. whole Caching profession to something Httle bettep thaft a herd of mediocrities*! He prayed that in the interests of the colony the Education Department might be pulled to pieces and scattered to the four winds of the earth.

TiNWAiii* 3o±f ooj, Cosj>riTTEE.—The usual monthly meeting of the Tinwald S^hoo} Committee was held on Tuesday evening last. Present—Messrs Clothier (chairman), J. Hampton, Bonnington, Tremain, S, Giles, J. Fergin. The master's report was read, showing that the number of children en the' roll to be 130, and the average nfctend&nce for the four weeks 107*2. He would require half a ream oj! foolscap and some drawing paper for fche examination, It was left in the Chairman's hands to arrange about the holidays after the examination^ Owing to a complaint being laid by the master, it was decided that all outsiders should be excluded from the school gcoup.<is,' and if. they still persisted in Coming, legal proce.eriiijgs woi^id bo taken to ajsats ttye nuisance. Ttye sum" of* £1 13s 4d was passed fop payment. Tfc wasjdecided that the Secretary w^ite. to th@ School Committees and try and get up an excursion to Ttmaru about the end pf November. The Visiting Commifctea were to see to some small repairs before the examination. The meeting then closed.

'(Kg " Weekly Press " Christmas ifuiißEß. —We ape jn receipt of a copy of Christmas number of t&e Chriatchurcli " Weekly Press," and havp no hesitationls saying it is one of the mpst excellent works, of illustratsd journalism we have ever sees, The previous year's iseueg of the " Weekly Press " Christinas number have been highly artistic both from a letterpress and illus trated point of view, but the production f,Gif 1003 even excels all former efforts of i\\Q .'.' press." Company. T,here are two lirge supplements; " Spring" in ten colors, and "Our Boy" in inphochroinei in addi tion to tv/o other supplements, indu'dod iii the body of the papep, one of these being " A red-letter day for the Mew Zealand aged : Paying the pensions," and tho other a view of " Lake Laetitia and Mount Biuser." Then there is a further addition of one hundred and twenty beautifully executed' pictures specially taken, and representing yarious' phases of life in different parts of the eclony, enclosed in a most artistically executed cover in highfe colors and gold, representing the "hon gi," the Maoris salutation. The letterpress is another feature of great merit, and the various authors havo de^lt with their respective subjects in a graphic njun^ev, Mr E. J. Paul, the local representative, iutoiuia ijs that the demand for the papor has been unusually }fpge t and that any late comers will have a difiaculty jn securing a copy. ______

The "Pious Fund,"

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph - Copyright

The Hague, Ooteber 15 The International Arbitration Court has awarded America 1,421,000 dollars, besides 43 000 dollars annually, in connection with the American Californian Missions dispute, the question at issue being the payment of the pensions of certain Catholic clergy. _.-.

Baring Square Sunday School Anniversary.

Though the inclement weather prevented ' many from being present, the attendance at the anniversary tea meeting of the Baring Square Sunday School, held on Thursday night, was far better than could ( have been expected under the circum-' stances. The new infant schoolroom was. utilised for purveying to the needs of the scholars, the well- stocked tables being under the supervision of Mrs W. T. Kingston, Miss Dixon, aud Miss Ethel Andrews, aided by a number of willing assistants. Tables were laid in the adjoining school for the adults, this department being attended to by Mesdames Jno. Thomas, Holbrook, F. H. Steel, J. Hayman, Humphreys, Priest, and Dixon. The inevitable bachelors' table was presided over by the young women's class. It is some years since the children's concert was so well patronised as on Thursday night, and it would appear that, as an Hibernian lady humorously remarked, hav ing in view the moist atmospheric, con ditions, " Nothing can damp the enthusiasm of the Sunday School." In the absence of the Rev. Thns. ¥<i<\ who was indisposed, with an attack of influenza, Mr M. Priest, superintendent of the school, occupied the chair. After one of the festival hymns had been sung, and prayer offered, the Secre tary, Mr W. D. Beaumont, read the annual report and balance sheet, the report being as follows: —

It is with a deep sense of our shortcom ings that we present this reporb. We are thankful that some measure of success has attended our efforts during the year, but we want, nay we need, a higher average attendance, more interest in the home work, and in the Sunday School Union examina tions. Twelve months ago, within a few days, one of our scholars, Albert Bryant, passed quietly away to the Better Land; and ere the close of 1901, Mrs Burr, who for some years had successfully conducted the Young Women's Bible Class, resigned on account of failing health. The vacancy was filled by the appointment of Mrs Kingston, and the merging of her class of senior girls into the Young Women's Class. It may not be out of place to remark here that the young ladies have defrayed the cost of having the floor and walls of their classroom made comfortable and attractive. A few weeks ago Mr Hayman, the leader of i our Young Men's Class, left us for a time. His place in the class is being filled by Mr Greenfield. During the month of May, a Mission was conducted by Sister Elinor and Miss Jule Layton, during which a number of our young people definitely declared themselves to be on the Lord's side. Infant room.—This has been erected, and has already justified its existence by the increased convenience, not only as a class room for the infants, but for meetings on various occasiotis since its completion. The Library.— la chargo of Mr Burr and Mr C. Walker, contains 467 volumes in good con dition, and has a readers list numbering 84. Certificates and S.S.U. Exams.—^Here we have to record a falling off, only 61 certifi cates being awarded this year, compared with 79 last year. And for the S.S.U. examinations only 4 sat this time as against 6 for the previous year. Numbers and Attendance.—Our numbers on the roll lust year were 175. This year we return 172, a decrease of 3. The average attendance last year was 129, this year it is 132, an increase or 3. The officers and teachers number 27, with an average attendance of 21. It may not be out of place to remark here that the attendance in the young men's and young women's Bible class is very good, and more noticeable .since Sister Elinor's Mission. The Band of Hope has held monthly meet ings during the yeai:. These have been fairly well attended during, the winter and the attendance increasing as the spring came on, we have held the meetings in the church. Literature.—rAt each mooting, copies of the Band of H»pe Review, and Band of Hope Treasury, are distributed io the members, the cost of which is in part defrayed by the collection taken up at each meeting. In conclusion, the teachers desire to express their thanks to the parents and friends for the financial and moral sup port they have given during the past year, and hope for a larger measure of both during the present year, especially in en couraging the scholars to be more regular in attendance, and careful preparation of the Tablet T?ork.

At the close of DecemVier, 1901, the school finances showed a credit balance of d§3 fls lOd, and an approximate statement £0 30th September, 1902,. including a pay ment of J?2S to the building fund, would leave a small deficiency. The Chairman, in commenting on the balance sheet, stated the school had already paid .£7B towards the new infant room, and had made itself responsible to the L/oan Fund for an annual payment of £7 10a for six years to cover the balanpg oi cost. Including value of free labour givgn, the total contributions would amount to about .£9O.

A capital programme was then proceeded with. Mis 3 Elsie Thomas' recitation—"A City Tale," was sympathetically given, and si •:-year old Doris Williams fairly captivated the audience with her vigorous rendering of " I'd be a Sunbeam," and was apparently npt gmbarassed by the encore demanded, when she sang, with perjiaps better effect, " Poor little Bassie," Master John §irnpson has natural ability, and the manner of his reciting " A Starless Crown," reflected credit on those who train him in elocution. Mr F, Rands recited " The Bridgeman's Story " •qrith considerable gxprpssip.n, and was fol lowed by a sp.ng ftfbm Miss Qonnie Jessop— "I think when I read." This item was really well rendered, and the careful mani pulation of the organ by Miss Ethel And rews, who played the aocompaniinent, con tributed in no small measure to the success of the piece.' Miss Holbrook then recited 'f The Road to Heaven," in a manner which would have done credit to s,qma elocutionists of greater pretensions, In fact, the efforts of all those who took part in the programme were worthy o£ great praise, the only weak ness being the neglect to gauge the voice to the size' of the building. Master Stanley Jones gave a cornet solo, and was accom panied at the piano by Mr Llewellyn Owen. Thig wag a fi.n§ finish tq the. unusually goed entertainment provided, with one or two exceptions, by young people attending the Sunday school. The supcess of Thursday night's concert will no doubt encourage the staff to conduct their anniversary celebration next year on similar lines. A number of festival hymns were sung during the evening.

News in Brief.

The nominations for the Ashburfcm Trot ting meeting close on Tuesday, the 21st inst.

Mr David Thomas will sell at the Tinwald yards on Tuesday next fi^c un claimed sheep from the Lagmhor estate.

The biennial meeting of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows will b9 held in Auck land' in I^o4. ■

The new post and telegraph offices at Wanganui were opened yesterday by Sir Joseph Ward, The ceremony was wit nessed by a very large number of people. Prior to the opening of the building Sir Joseph was entertained by the local Borough Council.

Miss Balgarnie's second visit to Ashbur ton will be on Tuesday, October 21st, when she. will deliver an hi3torj<?al lecture entitled "Joan of Arc," in tffb-Oddfellows' Hall. This lecture has met with nrach appiGGia tion wherever it has been delivered. Tickets can be had at Mr H. M.' Jones, Sfcaiionej;, '

Church of St. Philip and St. James, Waterton.

ANNUAL PABISH GATHERING,

Just now when the air is thick with poli tics and people's thoughts are directed to the great tri-ennial event which decides who are to be legislators for the next three years, a little divergence from the woll-, beaten track for the nonce does one good both in body and in mind. But while vve can arrange matters of detail of this kind, we cannot keep a check over the clerk of the wenther who " throws his misty mantle o'er the earth. 11-at divers times and in divers places. That was the experience last evening on the occasion of the annual parish gathering of the members of the Church of St. Philip and St. James, Wator ton. It is a curious coincidence that on the occasion of the last annual gatheriug the weather was unpropitiou?, but according to the testimony of one of the oldest .inhabi tants, it had not been unfavourable for twenty years prior to last year's gathering. Built in 1878, the church is now a quarter of a century old, and many of its members are still hale and hearty, among whom is Mr J. M. Smith, who takes a lively interest in the work of the church, has been church warden for many years, and looks as though he could "stand as much as any of'em" for many years longer, and we hope he will long be spared to do so. It has always been customary for visitors to be present from Ashburton, but the evening being wet, only four ladies and three gentlemen essayed the journey in Newman's drag, which included the Misses A. and E. Gates, Barratt, Bauchope, and Messrs 11. A. Gates, E. Manchester, and W. Schwartz. The gathering took place in the Waterton Library, an excellent tea being provided, and tho following presided over the tables:—Mesdames J. C. N. Grigg, March, W. Soal, and White, assisted by the Misses White and Thompson; thebachelois' table wasvpresided over by the Misses Bell and Oowan. About one hundred persons sat down to tea.

After tea a good programme of vocal and instrumental music was gone through, prior to which, in the absence of the Rev. E. N. Blakiston, Mr J M. Smith took the chair, and apologised for the absence of the vicar, at the same time regretting that the weather was ao bad, otherwise there would have been a much larger attendance. He thanked the ladies for providing the tables, and also Mr Cowan for supplying the bachelors' table with all the necessaries.

The following ladies and gentlemen con tributed to the musical programme: — Piano solo, Miss E. Gates; song, Mr E. Manches ter ; song, Miss Barratt, (encored); song, Mr W. Schwartz, (enoored); song, Miss Bauchope; song, Miss A. Gates : song, ,Mr Schwartz, (encored); song, Mr Jamieson, (encored); song, Miss Barratt, (encored). The vocalists rendered their songs admir ably, although in some cases they were under much disadvantage. The accompani ments were tastefully played by Misses E. Gates and Thompson. At the conclusion of the concert, Mr Smith returned thanks to the performers, especially thanking Mr Gates and his sisters for the many valuable services they had rendered at all times they were called upon. The proceedings closed with the National Anthem.

Afterwards the young people hired the room on their own account, and indulged in dancing, the music for which was supplied by Miss Stewart and Mr Edge.

Yorkshire v. New Zealand Farming,

Me E. Herring, who with Mrs Herring, came to this country in the s.s. Athenic, writes to the London i-orrespondent of the " Press" from Yorkshire an interesting letter about his experiences and his im pre&siona of the Mother Country as com pared with New Zealand. He says: — " Having farmed twenty years in Yorkshire prior to my twenty years' farming experi ence in New Zealand, I am in a position to compare the two, and as nearly all my old -neighbours hsre are st 11 struggling with bad times, I have had many opportunities of taking notes. The offer to pay half cost with my laudlndy in erecting necessary shedding not being accepted, did not pre vent that individual —whose net income was £100,000 a year—doing all I asked for, and much more, for my successor, at no cost to the latter. Bents, too, have been reduced. Yet, with all these props, ihe f.irmera are, as a body, on their last leg*. I see no improvements in the methods adopted; the fences, iind the dirty state of the land, are uumistakable evidence of the present situation. Many towns, on the contrary, have improved in nvery re speot. The sanitation wood-paved streets, noble buildings, cheap (penny) fa>es on electric trama, and pleasure parks of great extent and beauty, have lowered the death rate, and brightened the life of the work ers. The County Councils and their branches, the urban and parish councils, have done good work in the country. 1 We in New; Zealand appeal to mo • to be far behind the Mother' Country in. local go vernment, and should " wake up.' " It is rather a novelty to find a New Zealander taking this last line of view, and deeming New Zealand in need of "waking up "to citoh the Old fjountry j Mr and Mrs Her ring have just returned to England from a visit to France,

Attempt to Break out of Gaol

AN EXCITING T|ME WITH

PBISONEES.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph

Ch iustchurch, October 16,

Another determined bnt unsuccessful at tempt to break out of Lyttelton Gaol was in^adg last nighty the pr.jso.ners. concerned being Michael Power, Charles' Watson, Rode^ rick McKenzie, and James Burns.

Shortly before midnight Watson, -who occupied a cell in the north wing, called out that he wanted a warder. Wardtr Parker, who was on-duty in the yard, went towards his cell, but on entering the north wing heard a noise, apparently in the yard. He at once ran back and saw a man run across in front of the lower range of cells in the south wing, and break a padlock on the door of the Tcell'occupied^ by" Burns. The warder promptly' cohered 'the roan with his revolver and rang the alarm bell. Mr Cleavy, governor of the gaol, and half a dozen officers were quickly on the spot, and the man, who proved to be Power, was seized. A search was made for skeleton keys, which he must have used in getting out of his cell, and one for opening the cell door and another for opening the gate were discovered in Mc- Kenzie's dell. The piece of iron ' with which Power broke the padlock oil tKe door of Burns' cell, and the skeleton key with which he had unfastened that of his own cell, were afterwards picked up in a recess near Burns' cell, where he must have thrown them on being detected.

Great cunning and careful preparation were jnanifested in the manner in which Power contrived. to liberate himself. In the door, of the cell is a 'small trap-door fastened' on the outside, by an iron bar placed across it, and held in position by a staple and iron pin at each ejqd. One of these pins was found to have been removed and replaced by a " dummy '•' of wax, shaped and coloured so as. to exactly resemble the genuine- article. A blow or push qn the inside of the trap broke the sham pin, and caused the b,ac to swing and the trap-door to fali. A piece of thread coloured like the iron was attached to the b,ar, pei-hap? with. t^e fibject of rendering? its fall noseless, ' Power was sentenced to eighteen months for theft and three months for perjury at Wellington in April last; McKengie is serving seven years for indecent assault at Master-ton ; Watson, an es-Burnham boy, is serving two years for breaking and en tering at Dunedin, and Burns is under going a sentence of 1-4 years for attempted robbery under arms at Wanganui.

The Boer Generals.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright. London, Oct. 16 The Kaiser's announcement, conferring high decorations upon Mr Brodrick, and Generals French, lan Hamilton, and Kelly- Kenny, who recently visited the German manoeuvres, upon the day the Boer Gene rals reached Cologne, is considered signi ficant. ■ Before leaving Paris for Berlin the Gene rals issued a manifesto, appealing to the charity of the French on account of their non-success in inducing the British Govern* ment to assist the Boors.

Unrest in the Balkans.

United Press Association—By Electric' Telegraph-Copyright.

Sofia, Oct. 16

Six hundred Macedonian women and chil» dren crossed the Bulgarian frontier. They report that Turkish troops destroyed several Christian -villages, massacring the inhabitants and desecrating and burning the church at Serbinov.

The Macedonian Committee, convened at Sofia on Sunday a mass meeting of all the provincial Macedonian societies and ap pealed to European statesmen to protect the Christians. It summoned, all; Mace donian refugees to defend the national cause.

Germany and England.

United Press Association - By Electric Telegraph—Copyright /~-~ Bkrlin, Oct. 16

Herr Bassermann, leader of the German National Liberals speaking at the anntml Congress, held at Eisenach, declared that the French desire for "La Bevancho " was periodically aflame. He urged caution in Germany's relations with England until Germany was possessed of a strong fleet. It would be a mistake to be driven into a policy hostile to England.

British Politics.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright,

London Oct 16

Mr Wyndham, speaking at Bolton, an nounced that the Irish Land Bill would be the principle measure of next session.

An impassioned meeting of the National Liberal Federation, held in London adopt ed a resolution demanding that the Go vernment should either withdraw the Edu cation Bill or dissolve. Dr John Clifford, minister for Praed street Church, and Presi dent of the Metropolitan Free Churches' Council, declared that the demands of the Free Churches would not be compromised. If the Bill passed both Houses of Parlia ment he would do all he could to prevent the King signing it. Mr Augustine Birrell, Lord Crewe, and Professor Bryce were among the speakers. Speaking at a banquet at the Mansion House, Mr Bajfour made a touching re ference to the debt of gratitude he owed to Lord Salsbury's words of encouragement when he was young. He declared he wa» confident of the ability of the Government to carry the Education Bill, despite the de liberate, mendacious, and dilatory character of the debate.

Mr Chamberlain eulogised Mr Balfour, He said no one had ever earned the confi dence and regard of the House of Com mons to a greater degree. Mr Balfonr never broke a promise and had never lost a friend. :

The South African Service.

United Press Association— fty Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.

London, October 16

The New Zealand and South African Company, with a capital of a quarter of a million, has been registered. Ihe London directors include Mr K. S. Anderson and Mr J. W. llughes, of the Orient-Pacific Company, Mr Milburn, of the Anglo-Aus tralasian Steam Navigation Company, Mr Bethell* of Bethell, Groyne and Company, Mr Houlder, of Uoulder Brothers, and Mr T. L. Devitt, of Devitt and Moore.

Election News.

United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph

Christchurch, Oct. 16

Mr F. J. Board has decided to contest the Avon seat. Mr H. Pearce has retired from the contest.

Mr A. D. Hassell, who is contesting the Kaiapoi seat against Mr Buddo, addressed the electors at Kaiapoi last night. He an- s nounced himself as an Independent Liberal and Prohibitionist. He received] a Vote s"' of thanks, Wellington, October 16 The Liberal and Labour Federatipii of- New Zealand has decided to support' tho following candidates at' the general ele&r tion:—Lyttelton, Mr G. Laurenson; Eljes mere, Mr Overfcon; Hurunui, Mr Butheii-' ford; Westland, Mr Seddon j Mount Ida, Mr Ewing; Duuedin, Messrs Arnold, Bar clay, And Millar ; Bay of Plenty, Mr D. Lun don ; Waikato, Mr A. H. Greenslade ; Kai para, Mr Gerald Peacock; Hawera, Mr C. E. Major. ' Beturning fjfficers have heen appointed as follows:—Kaiapoi, Mr C. H. Wright; Eiccarton, no appointment; Avon Mr G. H Hulme j City of Christchurch, Mr W. Mar tin ; Lyttelton Mr Claude Eerrier j Elles, mere, Mr It. W. Coolie; Courtenay, Mr P. W.East; §e.lwyn, Mr E. Colthart; Ashbur ton, Mr T. W. Taylor; Geraldine, Mr G. W. Stubbs; Timaru, Mr T. Howley; Waitaki, Mr G. V. Cochrane. Wellinst^n, October 17. Th« organising secretary of the Liberal a.nd Labour Federation denies $hat any qandidate.3 ace ye^; se.le.cted by the Federal tion. No selection will bo m^de until after. th« return of the Premier. WoodviiiLE, October IT Mr Samuel Bolton opened the campaign for the Pahiatuaseat last night. He de olared himself opposed to Mr Seddon and Seddonism in all ways, and raceived a vbfcs of thanks. j Mabton, October 17 Mr Hornblow, a candidate for Eangitikei, addressed the electors at Hunteiville last ntgh|;. He is Supported by tn^locolLibera^ Associations, and read letters ftom Mf Culver, the organising secretary, giving in his retirement in favour of Mr Eemington, the accredited Ministerial candidate. In the course of a letter, Mr Culver says that in the event of Mr Hornblow retiring, " I [ shall represent matters in the trtt© light tp the proper quarters." Mr Hornblow alao alleges that an offer was made to pay all his expenses to date and £IQQ. He deoUnes all, and }\e will go to th,e.pQli. .;' Lr DuNEDHst, October 16.

Mr H. D. Bedford, a candidate for Dunedin city addressed the electors at the Garrison Hall to-night. He announced himself m an Independent, but would vqteagajnst the. Gqvernment on finance and administration, both of which he adyersely criticised. He favoured free education from the primary schools tq University honours. He receiv- ed a vqte, qf thanks and confidence. Dukedin, October 1?

IFt Gilkison, speaking to the largest meeting yet held, declare! himself an opponent of the Miuisfcr-y, He was pro pared to vote against Party Government, and he denounced the Government's lavish c penditure, particularly in regard to the Coronation Contingent, Ho characterised as despicable the Ministerial treatment of the funds of the Savings Bank and Govern ment Insurance Department, and con demned the cooperative system. He supports freehold and favoured moderate borrowing, while not objecting to the referendum on the Bible in schools, but he thought it unnecessary to interfere with the existing order of things. The^ bare majority should not rule in. religious matters. He received a vpto of confidence.

Mr Quin is definitely out for Clutha iq the Ministerial interest.

TH£ ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: FRIDAY, OCTOBER i/, 1902



Dat •ofc. » » »

te 37 18 19 20 21 22 23 21

Kises 5.6 5.5 5.3 5.2 5.0 4.-9 4.57 4.55

Seta 6.24 6.25 6.27 6.28 6.29 6.30 6.31 6.32



Sew Moon First Quarter Full Moon Last Quarter N"ew Moon ipogee ... Perigee ...

d hin 2 4.39 a.m, 10 4.51 a.m. 17 5.31 p.m. 24 10.28 a.m, 31 7.44 p.m. 8 6.0 p.m. 20 1.30 p.m.



F. FBRRIMIN. FOB SALE. & GOOD Sheop Farm of 800 acres, with j good buildings, near to School and Church, and within an easy distance of a railwnj. P. FEES I MAN. TOWN SECTIONS. "Ij'lOß Sale -4 Town Sections, well situa ted for residential sites. P. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE A FARM of 640 acres, in good heart; fences in first-class condition. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent nnO Let or for Sale, at Tinwald, corner ■with a four-roomed House, i acre section, near to the School and facing Graham's Road. F. FEEEIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE. TTTAMPSTEAD "~ * acre of ,firsfc- claßs land, with a well-built house of 6 rooms, bath room, and other conveniences. F. FEERIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. T~ AM instructed by Me Haab to Sell his comfortable home on the N.E. Town Belt. This property is cheap and well worth your inspection. F. FEKRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. BUSINESS NOTICES. MUSIC. Singing, Piano, & Harmony MEJ, GILLIES Voice Production and Culture, Italiau (Lamperti Method). 3?ian«>, S -humann Conservatoire, Franlsfort d-Main, Germany. Pupils prepared for Examinations in the j various Musical Colleges. j Term d;itr»a from the first lesson. 10 152 I N T I M ATION. STRANGE and Co.. Ashbnrt«n, invite Customers to pl»ce thpir Show orders early to avoid disappointment. Our list for Dressmaking and Tiiiloring is fast filling. , Smartly trimmod hats in stock, also sun- j shades ami pretty Collarettes. For a smart ' fitting pair of shoes j,'o to Strangs's. For ] value there is no place like Strange's. znNOTICE.= ALL PERSONSABOUT TO : Paint or Decorate ; THEIE HOUSES Should consult a Legitimate j Tradesman To ensure the best results enquire of— J. L. HIGGS, Tancred Street. Signwriting a Specialty. ITgresham, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Fxamination, October, 1897. EIGHT years experience with E. G. and F.W. Gresham, 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.—s p.m. Private Residence—Care Mas Grant, Willcs Street. Helpless with n Rheumatism ■-■ Tou'v® tried liniments and prescriptions without result. Now . . . CUBS YOURSELF with THE GREAT . .. CANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and ' Not a liniment. j A Quick and Permanent Cure. j SOLD BY ALL DEALERS At 3/6 pie Bottle. j Sole Agent for Australasia: GEO. "W. WILTON, Wellington. : g | TfcTEW SPRING GOODS now showing. J3l New Prints, New Blousings, New Dress Materials, and a general assortment of New Lines in each department. Cash Discount at the rate of one shilling in the pound off all purchases from ninepence worth upwards, at H. C. Barrett's Drapery, Clothing, and Boot Warehouse, East street.



BUSINESS NOTICES j WOOL SEASON, 1902-3 "OfTE Shall be represented at the Christchurch and Timaru Auction Sales, and have made satisfactory arrangements for Disposing of Clips privately at Ashburton. Consignments will be received at oui- Ashburton Stores, and sent on to either Christchurch or Timaru, freo of all charges except railage. Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from their nearest {railway station will please consign as follows — If intended for salo at Christchurch :—Brown and Son's Siding, Addington. If intended for Sale at Timaru :— Mill and Company's Siding, Timaru. If intended for sale at Ashburton i— Friedlander 8r03., Ltd., Siding, Ashburton. Woolpacks, Twine, Branding 0.1, and other Shearing Requisites, supplied at Lowest Rates. |The Season's Sales have been|n£ed as follows t—• Christchuroh. Timaru. November 20th, 1902. December 3rd, 1902.J December 11th, 1902. January 13th, 1903. I January 16th, 1903. j February 25th, 1903. I ~ February 19th, 1903. | i FRIEDLANDEK, BROS., LTD. ! . _ Wire Netting ! Wire Netting! 1 ' "" X" 1 -"*■ WE have just landed "Ex Authenic," 20,000 yards Wire Netting, allj.sizes and all guages. Sheep Netting (centre stian 1). PIG NETTING, FOWL NETTING, CHICK NETTING, . BIRD^NETTING, 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, Sawmiller3. SHEEP SHEARING SEASON. THA V E JUST LANDED MY SEASON'S SUPPLY OF 33 6d. SHEEP SHEARS. 3s 6d including T U.S. and 8.8.A., N.Z., with plain and perforated grips Turkey Oil Stones, | a splendid sample. Sweet Uil. Branding Oils-Red, Black, and Blue, in 1 and 5 gallon drums; Raddle, Lamp Black, Etc. LAWN MOWERS in great variety, from 22s Get to 55s each. G \RDE>TING TOOLS of every description at reduced prices. BOWLS! BOWLS! BOWLS! As the season ha 3 just opened, I cordially invite inspection of my stock-Taylor's firbt quality only kept. ■ SEWING MACHINES I am solh agont for the celebrnted " Da, rey" Machine; 7 years' guarantee; Hand £3 10s; Treadle from M 10a to £q 1"s. Call and inspect. They are worth looking at. G. M E D D I N S, The Peoples' Ironmonge*, Burnett Street, opuosits Arcade. ZEALAUDIa CYCLES Simply Perfect. \| ADEfromB.SA. Parts, specially for New Zealand Roads. Better than any im ported machine for the every day cyclist. Pitted with latestJGarrard Free Wheels, with patent Back Pedal Brake, Dunlop Vulcanised Tyres, Brook's Saddles, any style Handle Bars, Pedals, Gear, Etc. i Our 1903 Models now on view. OATES, LOWRY & CO., Largest Cycle Makers and Importers in New Zealand, Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street SALF.S ARE ALL THE RAGE. ! Special Reductions —:o: Special Reductions NICHOLAS &PICRFORD INVITE COMPARISON OF VALUES. { Ladies' Felt Slippers at Is, Is6d, 2s 6d, 3s, 3s 6d, 4s, 4s 6d, ss, 5s 6d. Childrens • from 8d per pair. School Boots from 5a per pair, I Ladies* Walking Shoes from 5s Gd to 18s 6d per pairj I Ladies' Evening Shoes from 2s Gd to 18s 6d per pair j Gent's Balmorals from 10s, strong Shooters from 9s Od PLEASE to remember we hold an Extensive Stock of High-Class Boots, Shoes, an<3 Slippers of every description. Prove our prices. Boys and Girls Boots a specialty. ( ur Motto is—" Small Profits and Quick Returns." NICHOLAS &~PICKFORD, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON NEW STRAWS l^K^^^l NW STRAWS I Just Opened. D" e» I | Ba^HMVMU Mni« in win wn mmmmmmmmmmmtmJ 50 Dozen Straw Hats. 5° Dozen. Boys' White and Speckled Straw Hats is. Mens White Straw Hats 3s. Men's White Straw Hats 4s 6d Men's White Straw Hats up to 8s See Window. Special Display. , Ladies 1 Folding I traw Hats 6s 6d. The latest fashion New Zealand Clothing Factory.



Tailoring.—We have just received oui? first two shipments of new summer gocds 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. We have a very lapge stock to select from. We employ first class tradesmen — every garment made on our premises. We guarantee all our work, iii £nd style at prices that will compare ta.vov.pa.hly J7i t th ,those of any leading New Zealand city firm, W# respectfully invite customers to kindly ordes? s&xly to prevent disappointment in the " rush" before the shows. Craighead and Berryman the leading tailors Ashburton. [Advt.] Smoke New Venus



\ If you have Pneumatic Tyres you upst have a reliable article, otherwise they are a constant source of annoyance. Consider ing that the IDEAL TYRE costs no more than the average price, it is hardly tq be wondered that this brand has become so <?e agryedjy pppular.—Advt. The Peerless Incubators are the Greatest moneymakers fpr the poor man, rich man i farmer, housewife, or anyone else, Ducks, chicks, geese ov turkeys, find, a ready sale, and each cne means a profit with hardly any work. Send for our qatalogue . We sell on cash or time payments, and can give yon real assistance when you need it. The advice and help of our expert always at your service. We keep the best of every thing for the poultry yard,—Advt.