Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places as under, subjeot to the necessary alterations :

FRIDAY, January 31

For Northern Ports and Weatport, per Tarawera, at 6.30 p m

SATURDAY, Feb 1

For Australian States, India, China, J Straits Settlement. South Afric*, eto, also! United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, etc, specially addressed via Brindisi (due Melbourne February Bth, due London March 16th), per express at 12 30 p m; For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at) 6 30pm

COMMERCIAL.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, Jan 29 Woel is firm and there ie good competition, but priceß are unchanged. The Okawa clip realised 5d and the Gsar clip £__.

RAM FAIR.

United Press Association—By Eleortlo Telegraph Napier, Jan 31

There was a good attendance at the annual ram fair at Hastings yesterday, bub bidding was very poor, both for flicks and studs, The entries totalled 2161 flocks, and 108 studs. The highest price obtained for studs was 21 guineas for a Lincoln ram, sent by B and W Raynor, of Taratahi, whilsb cj guineas waa the highest figure obtained for

flocksi

HORSE FAIR.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, Ltd, held their usual monthly horße fair today. The attendance of buyers was good, and the sale was very brisk. The entry was about 90 horses, chiefly made up of draught' The following prices were ruling up to th=* time of our going to press :—• Draughts -£31 103, „36, £1? 10s : bay fiily, broke to chains, £20 10s ; draught, aged, £10. Light horses —hacks, £5, £9 5?, 415 10.', £20; saddle and harness, £21 10s. Harness horses— £20, £19, £18, £20 10a

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1902. Local and General.

Wbather Forecast* — Captain Edwin wires :—Moderate easterly windß ; glass rise.

The Crops—The crop 3in the Forks district are looking well, and reaping is well advanced. The gru.s3 in tho Alford district ia very promising, and tha stock is looking well. Shearing is now nearly through at the station.

Colt) Storage in South Afkioa—The African and United Colonies Company, to supply cold stor»ge. is being formed with a capital of £200,000, to acquire Hienrich Kamp's business at Uapetown, Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg.

Robbery at Sumner—A telegram from Christchuroh states that between noon and 1,60 yesterday afternoon, whilst a gala was being held. £26 was stolen from the pist effioe ab Sum-ier. While the officer and mistress were out of the office the perpetrator of the thefb took the opportunity to snatch the caah box containing the sum mentioned, and made away with ib. S) far tnere is no clue to the thief.

Firs—A rite broke out in a bedroom in tha Aahburbon Hotel between 11 and 12 last night. Two servants were sleeping in tho room. Vj appsars that a candle had been iefb burning, and some curtains caught fire. The contents of the room wure destroyed, and the girls were rescued by Mr Mullan with great difficulty, hia hands being bad'y burned. The insurance is with the Victoria Offioe*

Ministers aiso Their Wfights— Speaking ac Ross, on Wednesday. Sir Joseph Ward said thab when he entered Parliament in 1887 his weight was list 41b, and now ho turned the scale at 15 tslb. Mr Soddon's corpulency had similarly increased from Mat to over 20st. This showed that hard work aod the responsi bilities of office did nob always have the effect attributed to them.

Encouragement of Rifle Shooting— The Dafenoe Department has made a granb of £200 to each volunteer district in the colony, such money to be ejepended in the encouragement of rifla shooting, Ib is stipiii latod by the Departmeub thab all competi tions rousb be open to members of the Permanent Artillery, Militia, Volunteer R fie Clubs and'civilianei

Road Race—The Ariel Bicyole Club held a road race yesterday afternoon, bo Winch more and back. There was a largo number of onlookers ab tbe starting and finishing poßb, also ab different points of the road to be travelled. The raoe resulted as follows : _W Robertson (4mins handicap), 1 ; S Gudsell (4|mine) ( 2 ; T Fountain (smins), 3, Won by about two lengths, the same distance between eecond and third. Fifteen started. Time—-43min9 loseosJ

Ex-President Kruger—An Edinburgh .telegram to a London pap^r reports:—"An ir^uential Transvaal lady, who has just returned from visiting ex-Presidenb Kruger, states that she found him in a condition of senile decay, and employing & great part of his secretary's time in writing oub beitbs of Scripture.

Taylor's Stream Coal and Limb Co.— The directors of the Taylor's Stream Coal and Lime Quarry Company, Ltd, mob ab the mine yesberday, when ib was decided to push on bhe work and pub up a lime kiln, and oomtpenoe to put iime on the market for agricultur&i purposes. The two seams of coal found were a great enao&rager&en.b to the directors to push forward bhe work* They had an expert up with them, who reported very favorably ou the seams of ooal.

Time Flies! and he uses a Rudge- JVhitworth to do his flying on. That's the reason things move so quickly now a-days. 'Time is money,' as the old adage says, so if you are looking out for money just follow Time's example and ride a good bike. The Rudge-Whibworth will take you anywhere or everywhere In leas time and wlch mora comfort than anything on tyres.-RD Johnston, Agent

!J am Making Season—-Any of our readers wanting Jami* Jelly, or Preserving Fans, could nob do better" thaia re&d Messrs Fletcher Bros advertisement, as they have a great many kinds bo choose "from, and their prices are bedrock. Owing bo being such a phenomenal Fruit Season throughout the county, thors is likely to be a shortage in Jam Jars', ao apy 'one requiring any should buy while ptioeu are low, ■

The Ninth Consignment—Messrs (jutes, Lowry & Co. have just unpacked their ninth consignment of this season's cycleaUties, comprising the latest in candle and gas lamps-

"Wadbb Thething Powders for Babies are eco^hvag, rsdnoo fever and prevent Hotchaa ; p*'ic.e, la

Smoke NevVgppi

Troopers Send Off.

The farewell send off to the Ashburbon section of the Eighth Contingent took place in the Oddfellows' Hal! yesterday afternoon, The attendance was exceedingly good. The Mayor presided, with Mrs Uollins on his left, and Lieutenant Harper, of the Eighth Contingent, on his right, with the following troopers in close proximity : — Troopers Kerr, Curtis, Lambol, Mintrem, Roberts, Pearson, Winter, Sargisson, Hawko, Pocock, Wilson, Robertson, Mulford. The hall was prettily decorated with fhga, which seemed very appropriate for the occasion. There was sitting accommodation for 120 people. The tables were also handsomely decorated with flowers and evergreens, and were covered with the ohoictßt of food of every description. Amongst the visitors were Messrs D Thomas, Bullock, J Tucker, John MoL»ohlan, M.Ff.R Captain DoloiaD, V.D, the Hon Maj^r and Mrs Steward, Rev R A Woodthorpe, Mr H Friedlander, and others. Apologies were roceived from Meesrs O. A. C« Hardy, E. A. Nicoll, J. Studholme, jar., and Henry Willis, also Colonel Bailey* After the luncheon had bean done justice to, the Mayor proposed the usual formal toasts, and then proposed tbe members of the Eighth Contingent. Ho spoke in hi«h terms of the members of the former Contin gents, but was sure that the members of the Eighth would be a credit to their country, as well as the town to which they belong. There was not so much outward enthusiasm about the sending away of Conticgenta now as there was when the Third and Fourth went away, but ha could assure the members of the Eighth that tbe thoughts of the New Zaaland people wore with them while they were fighting for the flag in South Africa; Our soldiers here in the past have done us credit. New Zealand had ouly been known in the great metropolis by the wool she sold, and the mutton Bbc sent over to the Mother land. But from this out, she will be known by the brave hearted lads who have gone to fight for the Empire and the flig in this Boer war. (Applause). He was sorry the ! occasion had arrived for another Contingent i going over to the war, but so long as men were wanted,!Nnw Zealand will respond to the call as Bbc had done in the past. These men will nob only uphold the grand old fhg cf England, but he hoped they will oome home to us covered with glory and viotory.

The toast was duly honoured, with ' They are Jolly Good Fellows." Lieutenant H JO Harper responded on behalf of tbe members of the Eighth Con tingent, and thacked the Mayor for the fluttering remarks made about them. He reminded intending speakers that the men did not want to Btay in the hall all the afternoon, and he would b6 glad if they would make their remarks as brief as poa bible. The time when the talk was wanted was when they came home again. (Applause) He intimated to the men under his charge thab the Mayor wished thorn to assemble at the drillshed in the evening.

Mr Humphries then gave a cornet solo, which the audience thoroughly appreciated, jadgiug by the applause when he had conducted.

Mr W H Dardiß acted aa accompanist during the afternoon.

Mr C J Harper would take the advice of ! hia son, and make what ha had to say as brief as possible. When he had addressed the contingent ers nearly two years ago, ho did not think that ho would be here to address the members of the Eighth Contin gent* But he was" sure the boys of the Eighth were in no way inferior to those who went away in the previous Contingents. He thanked tha troopers present for coming forward in the manner that they did in answer to tho country's oall, and he con' gratulated the country on the fine stamp of men that had come forward. The Ashbur ton Mounted Riflea had done a great deal for the Ashburton section of the Eghth Contingent, and they had to thank that large hearted and noble man, Mr GAM Buckley. (Loud applause), He was sorry that Mr Buckley was nob present, but he was sure thab hia spirit anl thoughts were. He (che speakes) was sure that theßa men would do credit to the country, and the town they belong to. He wished the men God's spsed and a quick return to Ashbur ton ( Applause)* Mr W Schwartz sang that grand old song, the ' Deathless Army,' and ha seemed wall up to his old form. Ha waa loudly ap" plauded. At this juncture the Mayor read a telegram from Mr John Studholme, regrobtlDg hia absence, bub hoping the boys would have a good time, and wishing them every sucoess la their fighting career

Mr MoLiohlan regretted that theie waa cauae for sending another contingent to Sou h Africa. But he was quite sura that the Empire only had to ask for men and she would get them. He wished bo remind those preaenb that a large amount of ore lib was due to the Kight Hon R J Seddon for the sending away of moat of the contingents, and that ha was one of the moss loyal fellows of His Majesty the King. He (the speaker) had given hia eonsenb to send the Ninth Contingent, bub he hoped there would not be any necessity for sending any more. The Boor war should have been ended long ago. Ho wished the men God speed, and a Bafe return to their friends

Mr Freeman sang c Home, Boys, Home,' and surprised not a few of the musical portion of the audience The Rev R A Wocdthorpe said he oould remember the day, nearly two years ago, when the Third Contingent went away. It was the day of intercession throughout the world. The war started with battle, then it was guerilla warfare, and now it was merely a lob of bands of rebels scattered about the country. Touching on theslander3 of the German press, he was sure that anyone who had the privilege of passing through Germany and America would agree with him that those reports seen in the small papers were totally opposed to the opinion of the country as a whole, and they should be ignored Rev G B Inglis also spoke, referring briefly bo the duties of soldiers, and giving the men soma very good advice. He wished them God speed, and a safe return Mr Horace A. G*tes sang a capital song, 'He is the man for me,' which was very appropriate for the oocasion, introducing into ib the names of Captain Tucker and Lieutenant Harper

Mr Hugo Friedlander considered that England had been far too humane with the BoerS; He could only endorse the remarks of the previous speakers aboub the con tingents. He assured themon thab if he was here when they all reourned he would be one to give them a good welcome, and what he had bo say he would say then. (Applause). Major Steward spoke ab length on the merlta of New and he thought we had senb away a large proportion of men from New Zealand, and if we Bond up to 5000 we oould nob be expected to do more. We are sure that those boys who are going today will do honor to their town and will return victorious He also spoke on the Boer war

The Mayoress then presented eaah of the fcrooperP with a purse with something in it. 'Visa 'Donald McLean presented the men with some music to entertain the^elves with on their way over Three cheers were given for the Contingent men, and tho company dispersed

CANADIAN SEAWEED CURE.

Ifc is the province of the kidney to filter and extract the poisons which become mixed with the blood by the mere apt of living. Without such action uric acid and other poisons remain in the body and give rise to Goub and Rheumatism. All sufferers of Gout poisoning should try the Great Canadian Seaweed Cure, which possesses a marvellous potency as a remedy Sold by all Chemists.—Advb.

can depend oa ridding your Children of Woi'ms with Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful worm worriers price Is

THE BEST LINIMENT FOR STRAINS

Mr F H Wells, the merchant at Dee Park, Long lalacd, NY, USA, says : ' always recommend Chamberlain's Pain Balm as the best' liniment for Qtjraipi. I used it last winter for a severe lameness in the side, resulting from a strain, and was greatly pleased with the quick relief and cute it affected. For Bale byj>Ashbur« ton Drug Company.

Smoka Kaw "Veaus

CABLE NEWS.

United Proes Association-—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Jan 29

The election for the Dewsbury seat, which was rendered vacant by the re signation of Mr Mark Oldrojd, re sulted in the return of Mr Runciman, a Liberal Imperialist, who polled 5660 votes. Mr Haley, a Conservative, polled 4512, and Mr Queich, a Socialist 1597

Sir Charles Dilke and Mr John Burns have introduced a Bill to estab lish a minimum wage in sweated in dustries.

The Shaw, Savill and Albion Com pany's new steamer, Athenic, which has been built for the New Zealand trade, made a successful trial trip at Belfast; Two similar vessels are being built.

Vice-Admiral Sir Harry Rawson has been appointed Governor of New South Wales

Washington, Jan 30

The Committee of the House of Re presentatives reported favourably on the construction of a Government cable from Hawaii to the Philippines, costing ten million dollars New Yobk, Jan 30

There is much indignation in New York in connection with the recent explosion of djnamite in an under ground railway, by wh:ch eight per sons were killed and 100 iojnred, The law allows 621b of dynamite as the maximum quantity to be stored at any one point, while on the occasion re ferred to the quantity on hand was 9001b.

Adelaide, Jan 30

At the request of the Premier the Governor cabled to Mr Chamberlain conveying the resolutions carried by tbe patriotic meeting upholding the Government's attitude in Sou^h Africa,

Melbourne, Jan 30

A man named Stowera and his wife have been arrested for murder in con nection with one of the infants recently found in the city

Sydney, Jan 30

The Government of Victoria made a charge of 3 per cent on the payments to returned soldiers or their wives. The Queensland Government did the same; Mr Philp, of Queensland, states that at first no commission was charged, but be was advised that the New South Wales authorities were insisting on a commission, and he was recommended to follow suit.

SOUTH AFRICA

United Press Association—By Eleotrio

Telegraph —Copyright

London, January 29

Lord Kitchener's report for the week shows that the enemy lost 31 killed and 21 wounded. Three hundred and twenty-two were captured, and 53 surrendered.

London, Jan 30

The impression prevails ih Berlin that Dr Kayper is acting on behalf of the Boers in the field, aod endewouring to facilitate their negotiations with Lord Kitchener. Kruger's denial of co-oper ation is regarded as significant.

Dr Viaor has been sentenced to two years' hard labour for n-isprision of treason in connection with Broeksma, and for oath breaking.

NEW 28ALANDERS DANGEROUSLY ILL.

Wellington, January 30 Tho Oasuality Offhe ab Capetown cables as fnllowa :—" Dangerously ill, ab Heilbron, 4171 AGGiraud: nb Waksrstroom, 3832 Sergeant J Cabot. 3688 Shoeing-Smith Charles Johnston, 2568 Charles Thomas and Lieut. Shera,"

Auckland, January 30

Lieutenant Sher* is dangerously ill In South Africa. Mr J M Shera this morning received the following cablegram from the Military Seoretary, London •—" I regret thab L'.euti John Shera is dangerously ill of enteric ab Wynberg." Lieut; Shera was specially mentioned recently indespabhoes for gallantry la capturing a Bier laager and a number of prisoners without losing a single man.

The Army Meat Contracts.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Bkisbanjs Jan 3©

Exception is taken to the cable message sent by Mr Barton on January 3rd, to Mr Chamberlain, to the effect that he personally was informed that if proper facilities were available for Australian firms to tender direct, an offer would be made to supply 8000 tons of mutton and beef monthly, at s|i ex store, discharging at three ports ia South Africa. A Victorian firm in London had tendered, including distri bution, at the price Mr Barton wanted ex store.

RESOLUTION BY THE CANTERBURY CHAMBER OP COMMERCE.

A special meeting of the Commltbea of the Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon, to oonsider the question of the Army frozen meat contracts, and, after considerable discussion, it was resolved— "That as tha conditions for tendering and supplying froaan meet for the army in South Africa were unsuitable to New Zealand shippers, this Chamber is nob prepared to comment) upon tha acbion of the War Offioe in placing ' the recent contracts for frozen •neat in Australia with Argentine options, The Chamber rc-qnests the Government to endeavour to arrange that special provision be made in any future contracts for the inoluslon of suitable New Zaaland meat, and that ample notice be given in the colony before tenders close."

Imperial Parliament

United Press Association—By Eleotrio

Telegraph—Copyright

London, Jan 80

In the House of Commons Mr Sin clair's amendment in favour of a gene ral redistribution of seats was nega tived by 302 to 23. Mr Balfour said he hoped that Parliament would not expire before considering the question in a practical spirit

The Address-in-Reply was agreed to

The Chinese Empress

United Press Association—By Eleotrio felegtaph—Copyright '' • LoifpoN, January 29 The Dowager Empress, enthroned above the Emperor, gave an audience to the Foreign Ministers. She re gretted the late troubles, and promised that they should not recur ' Uwjng to the Emperor's obvious in capacity the Banisters $re disposed to recognise the Dowager as the ruler of I Ohio a

The Premier

AN ORDER FOR OATS.

Uuitsd Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph

New Plymouth January 30

The Premier passed through tonight en route to Auckland, whence he proceeds, after seeing the Contingent off, dfreob by the Tutanekai for Nelson, to attend the Diamond Jubilee there On arrival here Mr Seddon received a oable message from the Imperial authorities staling that a large order for general produoe, mostly oats, for Africa, would be placed in New Zealand.

POLITICAL

MR MoLAOHLAN AT THE ODD-

FELLOWS' HALL.

The oMellows' Hall waa cot bo well filled as was anticipated last evening, when Mr John MoLaohlan, MHR for Achburtoo, addressed the electors. No doubt the public were tired after the excitement of tho troopers " send off " in the afternoon. His Worship the Mayor presided. The Hon, Mujor Steward occupied a seat on the platform. The Mayor, in introducing Mr MoLaohlan, said it was hardly necessary for him to ask for a patient hearing for him. Mr McLaohlan said he was somewhat deprossed ab the small attendance, but ho attributed it to the farming operations now goiag on. He should probably have addressed his constituents last year, bub he had observed that most of the addresses then delivered fell fiab, owing to the people bsing fully engaged with volunteering and Imperial mat ers. Sonding away our Contingents had fully occupied the minds of the pubiio from the Morbh Caps to the Bluff, He regretted the war as much as anyone, as he waa a man of peaoe, but he did not believe in the polioy of turning the other cheek when he was struck. He believed in hitting baok. (Laughte )

GERMAN SLANDERS

He regretted the German Press had made scandalous allusions to the Britiah conduct of the war, bub he waa of opinion these slanders had all beta promoted by the pro Boers, (Laugher.) Whether there had been any blundering in our mode of carrying out the war, there wag nothing to be said about our share in the beginning of it. The Kaiser had a long head and he did not be lieve in the statements thab had been made against the British, and be (the speaker) attached no importance to the aoiion of the German pressi

SIB JOHN MCKBNZIE,

During the year the country had lost ooe of its best statesmen-—in the death of the late John McKerz c who had actually died in harness. Mr MoLachlan gave a history of the negotiations promoted by his col leagues to induce Sir John to remain a member of the Ministry, even after he had to give up active work, But Sir John McKeozle had steadfastly refused to bake the salary of the office while he could not do the work.

LOCAL MATTESS.

Coming to locU matters there was their new Post Offlje. He had long ago made strenuous efforts to obtain a new Post Office for Ashburton whan the old oflhe had baen burned down so opportunely. He had interviewed tho Postmaster-General on the matber a good many times, and had offered several suggestions which bsd been adopted in the specifications. He had strongly urged that Mount Somers stone should bs used for the facings of the building buh he was disgusted to find that it had no^i, He compared the appearance of the miserable composition used on the Post Office build ing with the Mount Somers stone facings on the Bank of New South Wales; Duriug the past year a calamity had bsfallen the distriob in the ehvpe of a great fljod in the district along tbe Rangitata, He was present with Mr Wrighr, their late member, when the Ohairman of the County Council opened the protective works fiat at greab i cost had been ereo'ed on the banks of the

river when the water was turned on, and on

that occasion he had said thab ahouli any occasion arisa when he could help the eatttlers in t^at dbtrioo who were so ready to help ibem-elveE—having rated them selves to t l-■ extent of from £5000 to £'OCO for tl c work he would do so,

When the disaster happened later he had thereto-e been ready to osrry out) his promise and had iistroduced Mr Harpsr to the Minister of Linda when the latter asked for <* £1000 grant to assist to repair dam*go?. The reply, however, was that the Minster oould not see his way to maks the gr n\ He (the speaker) had, however, subsquently interviewed the Minister, and pub some pailiamentary preesure on him, the result being that tbe people of Ruapuna had £1000 voted for their benefit. (Applause). He bad induced bhe Government, after a good deal of pressure to ereob a first class goods Bhed at Valetta and make a good road leading up to it. THE FINANCIAL POSITION. He congratulated the people of Ashburton , on the financial position of the dlstriob. Wool was certainly low, and other produce mighb be higher, bub on the whole the ( outlook for the farmers was not ab all unsatisfactory. (Hear, hear.) They had a ( oerbain amount of special expenses that , other people had nob, bub never helesa ib must be admitted that Ashburton was steadily forging ahead. He quoted figures , from the yearbook to show how the deposit, ] in the Government Saving Bank had in- < creased* and thab oould safely be taken as an indication oi prosperity. (Applause) lb : showed bhab the people of Ashfcurbon were ' thrifty, and thab tha place was increasing in \ general prosperity at as great a rate as any ' other portion of the colony, '

THE JfARMBRS 1 UNION.

There had been a certain amount of unrest amongst the farming community, and a short bime ago the farmers had combined and formed a Union; They were quite right in forming this Union if they wished, but they had done bo on wrong grounds. For it was stated thab the action was taken in the belief that the legislation of the Govern ment had been against the farmers and in favour of tha town dwellers. (Hear* hear.) He had addressed the farmers In the Arcade in Ashburton some time ago when he be lieved he had convinced a good many farmers of their mistake. He contended that the Government had done a great deal for the farmers who were the backbone of tha country. He had written to the Pre mier before he lastr addressed the farmers here, and had gob from the Government some figures, which would show the ceacessions they had made to the farmers. Ha had tbab statement in his hand and read it as follows; —

The following is approxima'ely the value of the concessions on the basil of the traffic ab bhe time the reductions were made :— Total Per value to annum. date. .. £25 000 £135.000

Live stock rates

Chaff, lime, etc .. 3,000 15,000 Agricultural produce .. 40,000 80,000 Manures  ,i i.OOO 2,0Q0 Free carriage of lime', butter, cheese, and various dairy pro ducts

4.000 16,000

£73,000 £248.000

la addition to the foregoing concessions on artioles which are directly produced or mainly used by the farming and pastoral communities, material benefits, thevaluaof which cannot be estimated, bub which nevertheless amounb annually to a very oonsiderab.e sum, have been oonferred on the farmers, pastoralists, and dairymen by (a) the reduction in ordinary passenger rates; (b) the abolition of the extra charge of Id per too on goods carried over the branch liqes of the Cfilony j and |{c) the abolition of tbe charge for an additional five miles for goods oonvsyed over the Ritnu baka Incline j and (d) the free conveyance on return journey of stud sbock for breeding purposes! The (b) and (0) applied te all classes of merchandise goods carried over the branah linos and tha Rlmutaka Incline respectively, and tho esbimabed value !of the concessions made ia- £10,000 per annum for

all clashes pf traffic

The approximate value of the freight eohoesßioaß made by the Government since resuming the control of the railways, up to Maroh 31st last, is £420,329, and of this amount approximately £245,000 has, aj

shown übovo, bern in fayeur of farmers and pastorallsts, leaving £172,239 to represent the concessions made in all other classes of passenger, parcels, and goode traffic. T, RONAYNB, * General Manager.'

Mr MoLachlan then prooeeded to qoote statistics bearing on the loss of revenue through the remissions of duty, as fellows :

FWASOIAL TEAR—-1900.1901 Amounb Under Loss of oolleab'd old rates revenue Tea £59,746 £87,763 £28 023 Currants and Raisins ... 28,330 43,003 14,673 Candlea « 9,666 13 960 4 29* Coffee, raw... 730 1 960 eat. 1,180 Drugs, Chemi' cAe, eto ... 12,414 14 476 " 2,068 Kerosene ._ 22.947 70.947 est. 48,000 Matches ,„ 4,440 5.093 est, 650 Patent - medicines ... 5,914 11,703 5,789 Rica .... 5,188 19,188 est. 14,000 Stearine ... 1,084 1,594 510 War Paraffin 6,388 8 542 3144

£131,285 These figures spoke for themselves, aad showed that a large amount of revenue bad been surrendered in the interests of the ; psopie of this country.

PROGRESS

Re also quoted figures from the Year Books and from Hansardised speeches to show that during the past ten years New Zealand had made extraordinary progress in every direction. New Zealand had gone ahead every year, and there had bees no year when there had been no substantial progress.

GENERAL MEASURES

While the Government had done a lot foi the tanners, they had also done a lot for the people; Abhburton may become a Urge manufacturing district* They had pasted an Act to prevent the employment of boys and girls without payment.

At thi« stage the interruption! of an individual in a front seat became io pro* nounoed that Mr MoLachlan said be most ask that man to keep quiet. The Mayor also asked him to do so, and the gentleman apologised * from the bottom of his heart.'

Resuming, Mr Molaohlan taid that it wai now an offence against the law to employ boys and girls without payment. The Shop and Shop Assistants Aob had bees a boon to the country. In 1891 the Government passed an exceedingly bsnefioent measure oallad the Coal Mines Act. Prior to that Act tha coal miners had a hard life. Then there was the Shearers' Accommodation Aob, which bis friend Major Steward had been instrumental in getting passed. f Applausei) Tha Coroners Juries Aob was another useful measure. Formerly much time had been lost by men compelled to go on juries, bub now a man gets 43 for every half day or 8b for every day Bpent as a juryman, The Workman's Wages Act secured fall payment to a worker who could nob now be paid In anything bub cash, and oould nob be paid ia a publio house, which being done formerly often induced a man to spend all his earning* in a* spree.' (Hear, hear ) No workman 1! wages could now be attached for debb if he was receiving less than £2 a week. (App ) wobkhe's compensation k>b acoidjhkts ACT. The welfare of the people was largely Involved in tbe Worker's Compensation for Accidents Act. He mentioned some inci dents In connection with the passage of that measure through the legislature with which most of our readers are already familiar; He explained the clause defining the occupations to whioh the 4ob referred, aod Baid that at first there was some doubt ac to whether ib referred to agriculturists, bub he had always argued that ib did aad he had asked why should ib not do so; and although the farmers had at first objected, they now admitted that they and their employees were better off under its provisions than they were before. (H.ar, hear.) Some farmers had been frightened into Insuring ab high rateß, so the Government ia their wisdom had added the aoci ient insurance to their other business, and now take risks for farmers, at rates f»r belnw those of private insurance ompanieß. Farmers oould now cover all bheir employees, male or female at. a low rate. But they must be two week* disabled before they could claim. The farmers of Ashburton had made n mistake when they found fault with the Government for passing this Act, a fict which Mr Lead ley had admitted.

LABOUR LEGISLATION,

la spite of all that had been said in some quarters against the Labour legislation cf the Government, he contended that ib was tbe most advanced in bhe world. Prominent politicians in Ameria* had favourably criti cised it ; the well known libour repre sentative from England, Tom Mann, was hero now Io study it, and New South Wales and Japan had nob been »bove making investigations into the way our labour laws were worktop. Surely thia was a compli ment to New Zialand.

A GREAT NEW ZEALANDER

A question of future importance to thlt country was the approaching visit of th« Rlqht Ron Richard Saddon to England on the occasion of bhe coronation of King Ed. ward. If they considered the prominence of thai man in the estimation of all the countries of Europe they might rest content that he was to ba their representative on that ocoislon, and might feel assured that fie would worthily represent New Zealand

LICENSING LAWS Wibh reference to the proposed alteration in the lioensing laws, Mr Seddon was very a*reful in dealing with this matter. One bill ha introduced met with a very 000 l reoeption from the House and the country, and he (the Premier)" had promptly dropped ib. The fact waa the licensing laws of New ZiaUnd were as near perfection as they oould be, and both parties musb feel that it was nexb to impossible to pub things on a more equitable basis

STATE COAL MINES

. With regard to the Coal Mines Aot Amendment) Aot, he said that while Govern ment were the largest consumers of ooal in the colony tbey bad hitherto been at the mercy of private mine owners. It was true thab all coal was supplied by contract, yet the circumstances were such as to justify tho State going into the coal business. Why, sometimes lb w«b nexb to impossible to get Westporb coal In the colony. He had had to burn Kaitangata ooal—(laughter)— as ha could nob get any Westporb. He would nob have minded if he could burn Mount Somen coal, (Laughter) LAND SETTLEMENT

As a member of the panberbury JJand Board he had had much to do with the disposal of pastoral lauds by the Crown, and he oould tell them that all the sections cfiarod generally had several applicants, which showed how great the demand was for land for close settlement. (Hear, hear) FEDERATION

There had ab one time been a strong feeling In this country with regard to federating with Australia. He had always been an anti.federalist, and he had lean nothing to alter his opinion. The Commission appointed by bhe Government to investigate tha question had done ao with unbiassed minds, and their report bad supported hie views that New Zealand should not become a small par- of the great Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand can produce a good deal, bub Australia can produce infinitely more. Droughts may in'erf ere with the latter'a producing powers, bub we cannot trueb to droughty We must seek for markets far away. In this connection they would have noticed thab Parliament had granted a sum of £30,000 to enable Government to subsidise a line of steamers .to South Africa in order to develop a trade. Whebher this will bring aboub bhe desired result remained to be seen, but the Government have senb an expert) to- South Africa to try and find an outlet toe am produce, (ipplaueej ''''

SUBS OONIINGENIS,

He did nob wish to repeat all he had said thab afternoon at the Bend-off to the Eighth Oontlngenb, bub he mighb tell them thab all bhe oredib was due bo the remarkably large ideas of the Right Hon. Richard Seddom' It matte ed nob who may have made bhe fir«b suggestion to send oontlngents, for It was characteristic if the man thab if a good suggestion was undo he lasbantly seised it, before bhe lipn who made It underatbod its hinself. (.Laughter,) The fiirsb contingent and, possibly, the second, may have thought they were going on a sorb of pionio ; bub the later ones knew they were going to face danger anil death, (hear, bear), and yet sot half of

_HEi ASHBUBTON I UAKDIAK : FBIDAX. JANUARY 31, 1902



F. FERRIMAN ] By Royal Letters Patent Joseph Ford's SCOUR AND LUNG-WORM MIXTURE FOR SHEEP • Mover Ueed in Vain," ONE Drenching as per instructions WJI! bo found perfectly effectual and instead of injuring the Sheep in «»y way, it will give both stomaoh and bowels a healthy tone and.increase the appetite, so thab the Bhsep recover and thrive Eight away. A large number of Testimonials h&Ve been reoeived from Sheep owners io all part* of the Colony, and the universal v?rdiot ie thit tbe Mixture is a really valuable Medicine, aud that its use has paid handsomely. Motti Tapu, Auckland Messrs Buckland and Sons,- Gentlemen, _We have used 6 tiua of ford's Scour and Lttcg-Worm Mixture oo both oalves and Sheep, and it has g.ven m every satisfaction. We consider it tbe beet and most economical mixture that we have tried.—tours truly, Reid Bros, Eiffel ton Mr Ferrlumn, Aehburton,—Dear Sir —My Oroubnd Lambs were Buffering so badly from 'ho Lang Worm and Scour (both), thab I had 40 deaths in a flock of 350. After one drenohing with Ford's Mixture, the 310. to my astonishment, improved beyond any thing I have seem Only 2 deaths oconrred after drenching, and these two were almost dead whea drenched. The Mixture paid me well and 1 would advise anyone to uae it. Willsow Ckosksli, To Mr F Ferrlman, Aahburton Dear Sir,—lo reply to your enquiries this mornlDg, I hsva to say thab I have been Agent for Ford's Lung Worm Mixture for the last) seven years, and although I have •applied large quantities of it to farmers, I have never yeb had a complaint as to its effloaoy.—l am, Dear Sir, yours faithfully, ' D: Thomas To Mr F ferdmao, ABhburtou Dear Sir,—Although we have acted as Agents for Ford's Scour and Lung Worm Mixture for the last two years and have •applied sheep breeders regularly during thab period, we have net yet bad a complaint. In ffaor, we have heard nothing bub favour able reports from all who have used It.— Yours truly, Weight, Stbshbhson & Co Ashburton, 18th January, 1902 fo'MrP Ferrlman. Ashburton Dear Sir,—Re Joseph Ford's Scour and Lung Worm Mixture. Last season I drenched 450 of my Stud Lambs with the above drench. ' 'They had oo«i»menoed to scour suddenly, and I had already lost ten by deatht I drenched the whole lot once aacl j *hey commenced to improve right away; A i week after drenching they ware totally different sheep , The best proof thab I can give of .the Drench it thab I have this «eaton drenched the whole of my fbok whether they showed signs of scour or nob, as I consider it Improves tie tone and vigour of tha Sheep. I oau confidently recommend anyone ay ing Culls or Sheep that are nob doing well to drench them with the above mixture.—■ Yours faithfully, (Sgned) T E Uptok F. FERRIMAN. Ashburton, N Z. ~ BUSINESS NOTICES THE CHRISTCHUROH MEAT COMPANY, Limited ) ISLINGTON FRBr'ZING WORKS ( PMIffIFIKLI)! f PIOTON OFFICES Hereford Strest, CHFISTCEURCH Stuffed Street, TIMARU PIOTON LONDON OFFICE-64, West Smitbfie'd E.G. FARMERS~FREfcZING THE OHRISTCHURCH MEAT COM PANY hive taken New &nd Enlarged Offices ab SSV3ITBFIELD MARKET, and the Company has decided to offer to Farmers the fall advantages of consigning through Its London Office, where their consignments will he handled with judicious care, under Ibe personal eupevision of tho Company s Staff. The Company's Brands are in special j favour throughout the United Kingdom, Especially is this ao with the Company a celebrated • ECLIPSE' Brand, and it bus been decided to give tho Farmers the full advantages and benefit of having their Meat graded under this well knowa and favourite Brand, wheu cocsigGod through the Company. LOWEST GKOSS CON SOLIOATED RATES. 1 149 THE SECRET OF SUCCESS, AND «___ * _U » \J * OF OUR BUSINESS. ATTENTION to Customers, TTRAOTIVE Styles, DMIRABTjuV Materials. BOTTOM Prices, EST Goods, IGGEST Assortment. COMPARE Our Prices, ONSIDER the saving and OME Right alopg to P. STOCK'S '. • BLUB BOOT STORE Don't forget to bring your Old Boots with you, we make a specialty of Repairs. FOR WATCHES CLOCKS, JEWELLERY, SILVER AND ELECTRO-PLATE SEASONABLE NOVELTIES, Eto, GO TO t>. JESSON, Practical Watofamaker aud Jeweller, Burnett Street, (opposite Somerset .Hotel) Aahburtoa. —Repairs a Specialty.— Presentation Committees liberally dealt with.



J. L. HIGGS HAS La test Dcs ign «■ IN HOUSE : : DECORATIONS' CALL AMD SEE. J. L* HIGGrS. House Decorator, Painter, Glazier, Sign writer, etc., Tanored Street. P_lMOATEetCo'c *% V. W HALL TANORED STREET. WHOLESALE and Retail Depob of the great Herbal Remedy, Vitadatio. J. V. DE BEER WATCHMAKER, JBWELLEB, AND OPTICIAN NEW GOODS XMAS VRBSBNTS in Great Variety at Pricea to suit tbe times, INSPECTION INVITED. AH Gooda Marked in Plain Figures TROPHIES TKOPHIES l A Specialty Made in these Lines, and Very Liberal Terms to^Commifctees, &o. JEWELLERY j Made to Order. A Large Btook of St©ne j to select from. Old Jewellery Re-made '■ OPTICAL GOODS ] Spectacles and Eyeglasses, Frames, Lenaes, \ j «to A Large Stock Just to Hand. SIGHT TESTING J. V.DE BEER> East Street, Ashburtoo j WANTED KNOWN—We consider that satisfied Customers are the best ' possible advertisement, nod we do all in our ' power to "get there." Don't forgot this when making out your household' list of Drapery and .visit. 'MljcgEM* & Tubneb, I The Drapers



BUSINESS NOTICES ' J. W ILSO N ! HAS Just received ANOTHER 10 Bales of Lovely WALL PAPEES. ' T.NOLUDED in the Shipment are some beautiful Designs^in Dining Room, Bedroom, and Hall Papers. Persons desiring to choose their Papers from the fall stock may have tbem laid aside until r-quirrd. HOUSE PAINTING. TUTS part of the business receives our Rpecial attention, none but OKMTJIN& Oils and White Lead being used. Thorough tradesoaea seat to town or country at shortest notice. Sign-writing a speoialty, k_» JL J—i w JL JtjL JL-J KJ JTjLu, JL*« . \~J» NOW ON. GRANT AND MOORE, SAUNDERS' BUILDINGS, ASHBURTON SALE TO-DAY. MEN'S Clobhiop, Boys Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Muslins, Prints, Dress Materials, Millinery, _„. AH the latest and newest must be sold to make room for 1 Winter Shipments. SAVE YOUR MONEY AT AI_OO»UVjS. ——ißliilllllimHiilHillil iiMiillMi ll lii I ■mum— iiiiiww ■■minim ■■M_fflM_»«»-"™"™M«'""~"~"'""»» HARVESTING TOOLS. HAY FORKS—2, 3, and 4 Prong. OLO"V EB FORKS.—S Prong, with Guards Scythe Blades and Handles, Hay Rakes, etc Machine Oils, Oastor, Bradding, and Linseed Oils. Paints in all Colours TOOLS Suitable for rh® Harvest Field, including—Vices, Screw Wrenches, Spanners in Seta of four, Rivet and Bolt Punches, Pincers, Plyers, Copper and Iron Rivets, Reaper Sections, eto; PRESERVING PANS-Enamelled and Brae?, from 5i 61 each, Being overstocked at the latter part of the season, lam falling them off Cheaply 04RPENTERS'T00L^~I have just landed a large shipment direct from the makers, aod have reduced prices all round, Customers om rely upon Prompt and Courteous Attention without being pressed to Buy- —w— G. MKDDINS, The People's Ironmonger, Burnett Street, Opposite Arcade



ASHJBUBTON LADIJfid AGREE THAT IS THE CHOICEST AND MOST DELICIOUS; TEA On the Local Marke', Packed in lead, and encaged in card board Cartons to ensure freshness and flivor right to tbe breakfast table, Solo Agent-— J, T. COOOH, AfthburtoD. 1 ©I GREAT Stocktaking; Reductions AT TUB NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING TT'AOTORY LOTHING Jj ACTORY Boya' Straw Hats reduced to 6d Men's Straw Hats 7s6d reduced to 2s 6d Men's Hard and Soft Felts Is Men's Black SoftFelta, 2* 6i Men's Drab Soft Felte, 5s 6d Boya' Tweed Caps, 3d and 6d Boyß' Tweed Hatp, 6d and la CLOTHING— Boyß' Tweed Suits reduced to 5a 6d Boys' Tweed and Cord Knickers Men's Tweed Trousers 7s 6d Men's Tweed Sac Suits, 21s These odd lines have all been thrown out for ABSOLUTE SALE, co come early. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING PACTOitY F. H. BEOKINGSALB, | Manager LIVERPOOL AND LONDON AND GLOBE INSURANCE COMPANY. Fire Reserve Fund, £2,040,000 [Funds over Ten Million Pounds Sterling MR JOSEPH WARD haviDg resigned the Agency of this Company at Ashburton, Clients and others are informed that Mb J B Ghkistian, Burnett Street, has boea appointed aa his successor: The Company ie rioted for its liberality and promptness of settlement of claims. BIRD AND A&LEY, i 74 Managers Chriatchureh j PHOTOGBAPHY, HALMA'f~SWDIOS t | SAUNDERS' BUILDING?. _.__ WE are doing TWRLVE ENAMELLED CABINET PHOTOS and EN LARGEMENT, s-'ise 12 x 10, mounted on a beautiful tinted plate Bjsnk mount for J sm, SEE SPECIMENS, as thib is only for $ i Limited Time. COME EARLY!! l 14 JAMES BAKER in ibanbing Patrons for past favour*, would Bol.ici£ a .ouafcinu anoe to his successors, | W. & M. BAKER, |l who will carry on the business as usual at "the Furnishing Warehouse, Havelook Street 18 127 ■



f EPREMERIB BUN. Bate Risen Sets January 30 _, 5 2 7 26 „ 31 _, 5 3 • 725 February 1 .. 5 4 724 „ 2 ... 5 6 7 23 „ 3 ... 5 7 721 Pbaß.ee of Moon for February D H M Last quarter _, 1 039 a m New mcon m 9 052 a m Apogee _. 2 110 am First quarter _. 16 227 a m Full moon .« 23 033 a m I Perigee „, 17 530 am



Smoke New Veaua