Mail Notices.

I Mails close for the following places, as s under, subject to the necessary alterations: { TUESDAY, Oct. 21. \ I For Northern Ports and Westport, per Eotomahana, at 6 p.m. FRIDAY, Oct. 24. For Northern Ports and "Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney Oot. 29th), i and South Africa, per Monowai, at 10.30 a.m.

Mining.

United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph Dunedin, October 20.

To-day's sales — Alexandta Lead 17s, Grand Junction 14s 6d, Prince Arthur 13s 6d, Unity 12s.

Returns —Sheddan's 540z, Golden Gate 50oz lOdwt, Rise and Shine 350z sdwt, Otago 270z, Golden Treasure 14oz, Nelson Creek 520z, Erickaon's Reward 41oz lOdwt, Perseverance I. 51oz 19dwt, Coal Creek lOoz Bdwfc, Happy Valley 240z 3dwt.

Commercial.

SALE OF SHEEP.

Messrs Maling and Shallcras3 report holding a very successful sale of station sheep, on account of Mr W. P. Studholme, at his homestead yards, Kakahu. The following prices were realised : —4, 6 and 8- | tooth, with few f.m. itlnee-quarter bred j ewes with lamb 3at foot, 7s lid, Bs, 8s 5d j and up to 8s 9d, all counted; throe-quarter j bred hoggets, Us sd, 11s 6d and 11s 8d | cnll hoggets, 8s 10d; fat ewes and wethers; j 16s 3d. I

Property Sales.

Messrs Friedlander Bros., Led, repoxt having sold on account of Mr A. I. Dent file 500 acre farm at Lyndhurst, to Mr James Nee, of Cairnbrae, at £12 10s per acre. Also town sections No. 1013 and 1014, Cox street, at a satisfactory pr'ce.

Messrs Maling and Shallcrnss report hav ing sold Mr William Palmer's farm of 196 acres atOrari Bridge, Geraldine, to Mr H. Payne, of Orari,at a satisfactory figure.

Havelock Street Mart

Mr Henry Stephenson reports as follows on. his Saturday's sale : —There was a medium attendance, and a good demand for all lo*s offered. There was a medium yarding of pigs, weaners fetching 7s to 9s 9d; stores, 9s, 10s 6d, 12s 6d, to 14s ; small porkers, 17s 6d to 25s 6d. Poultry.—'Fair entry, aud good demand at 2s 6d to 9s per head; roosters, 2s 6d to 3s 6d ; ducks, 3s to Ss 6d. Cows One at £6 10s. Produce.— Large supply, but very hard to quit. Eating potatoes 4s to 6s per sack; seed sorts from 3s to 5s ; onions, lid per lb ; wheat, 10s 6d to 11s 6d sack.

There was a large entry of sundries, etc., which brought satisfactory prices, including bicycle £8 and trap £5 15s.

DEATH.

Camkkon.—-At his reaid'.'nco, Droinore, on October 19th, Kenneth Cameron, in his 71st year. IN MEMORIAM. Betant.—la loving memory of Albert, oldest dearly beloved son of "VV. and M. Bryant, who died 20th October, 1901, in his 11th yeir. Had He asked us, well we know ■\Ve should cry, " Oh spare this blow !" Yes, with streaming tears should pray Lord we love him, let him stay. So loved so mourned. —Inserted by his loviag mother, father, and family.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1902.

The Society for the promotion of Bible teaching in schools is agitating vigorously

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS QUES TION,

just now with a view tp make the question one of the issues at the cojm'ng elections. In furtherance of this aim, the executive

committee of Canterbury has forwarded to the Protestant ministers of religion throughout the province a circular stating the objects of the Society, and asking for Bjjsport from the pulpit. These are set out asfoll-V/s-—Objects: (!) To demand such alteration' of iiia Education Act as will prescribes—(«■} That government schools be opened daily with the Lord's Prayer; (h) That fin certain days of the week selected (it is proposed that these portions be selected, and simple n,ot£g furnished by a Committee of representatives of yapip»s Christian denominations) portions of the Bible be given by th.c £e&cfaprs during school hours. Provided— (;) That these lessons shall be of a strictly undenomina tional character ; (?7) That teaciwrs who conscientiously object to give these lessons shall not be compelled to give them, and scholars whose parents have conscientious objections shid} not be compelled to receive them. (2) To urge members of Parliament and candidates for election thereto to press the above alteration upon the Legislature). In the city and suburban churches yester day jbhe subject was pretty generally dealt with, Dean 3arper, tho Chairman of the Executive Committee, going into the matter at great length during the morning service at the Cathedral. In Ashburton, the Eev.. E. Whitehouse (St. Stephen's) was the only minister who made the Bible in school? question the subject of his sermon, advo cating the introduction of Bible reading and teaching into our public schools in a very able manner—from the standpoint of those

■who are promoting this movement. This question has been so much ventilated in the columns of the Press of New Zealand during ihe pas;fc twenty-five years, that it is not yoWble' to bring out any new points, on either side, bupw^'may ha vq a few words to say before polling day, in prdei' to* sum up the arguments on both sides, for there are very important issues involved in the settlement of the question, some of which are in danger of being overlooked.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Weather Forecast. -—C.&pjbain Edwin wires: —Gale from between north and west and south-west; glass fall.

Personal. —We regret to learn that Mr $ Gordou Holmes, of Holmesleu, Eakaia, is in vory bad health at present.

The Electoral KoLt,,---The main rol^ for the Ashburton electorate for 1002 is out of the printer's hands, and is available to the public. It contains 5107 n.-imefl, which is nearly 1000 more than the roll printed in February, 1000, after the last General Election.

Back vrom the Veldt.—A telegram from Wellington states that the following men returned from South Africa by the Maori on Saturday :—Sergeants Campbell, Brace, Cossar, and Smith, Farrier-Sergeant Miles, Saddler-Sergeant Mackay, Lance- Corporal Lewis, Corporal Simpson, Privates Pullen, O'Hagan, Wilson, Hamilton, Doonan, McTavish, Nelson, Moeller, Waite, pixon, Hewitt, Cuttell, and Cowie. The men belong to the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Contingents.

Christchurch Cathedral.—The amount subscribed towards the completion of the Christenurcli Cathedral is now ,£2OOI, and the Coul 1"^69 cx Press themselves as much encouraged by i,u£ £«aerous response to 'their aEPe^- Within the past vi:?? ™e&s 240 persons l;aye »iven to the funds their contributions, ranging- fyom 10s to £100. Less than ,£ISOO is now required, to tafee advantage of the proposals to be submitted by the Chapter to the Synod meeting this week, and it is hoped that the many who have not yet contributed will promptly do SO,

Back Again.—Mr and Mrs Moss Jonas,' who have been in Vancouver (8.C.) for a few years, returnod to Timaru on Saturday, to again take up their residence there, and received a hearty welcome at the station from the leading citizens of the town. Golf.— Owing to the bad weather on Saturday afternoon, the Bogey matches arranged to be played on that day were postponed till next Saturday the 25th inst. These matches will close the G-olf season. Ashbubton Mounted Rifles —The first prize for the Mounted Rifles rescue raoe, which was won by Corporal Blundeu, is a fine enlargement of the Company on the march, and was taken by Mr J. T. Mitchell on the occasion of the [Church parade at Tinwald some months ago. Tho picture is presented by Mr Mitchell. Valedictory.—About 200 people at tended a farewell social tendered to Mr George Murdoch at Lauriston on Friday evening. Mr Peter Drummond occupied the ohair, and in a short speech presented to Mr Murdoch a gold watch and chain, and to Mrs Murdoch a diamond brooch. The recipients suitably responded, and a very pleasant evening was spent. Anniversauy Services. —Yesterday, at the Baptist Church, Sunday School an niversary services were held, Mr Lawrence, of Christchurch, being the preacher f :>r the ! day. The services were not so well attend i ed as on former occasions, owing no doubt !to the wintry weather. The interior of the church was prettily decorated for the occa sion, and the singing by a choir of children, under the leadership of Mr E. Tucker, was a special and very pleasing feature of the services. A tea meeting in connection with the anniversary will be held on Thursday next, when th<j parents and friends will be entertained.

Kotuku Oil Field—A Greymouth Press Association telegram states that there is evidently a good deal of enthusiasm over the Kotuku oil field. The land for miles is being pegged off for syndicates in other parts of the colony, and none is left un pegged within a considerable distance of where the oil exudes. Shares in the Kotuku Oil Association are eagerly taken up. Mr L'ndsay, manager of tho International Deep "Well Boring Company, and Mr Cooper, of Gisborne, are greatly impressed with the prosp9cts. Mr Lindsay's boring plant will be forwarded this month, and he undertakes it shall be working within two months. Mr CoraDer'a boring plant has been at work for some ti'te, and is now down 70 feet. Presbyterian Chubch.— Yesterday was Children's Sunday at the Presbyterian Church, and tho building was tastefully decorated for the occasion. In the morn ing, the Rev. G. B. Inglis delivered a sermon specially adapted for children, and' a large number of the Sunday scholars were present. At the afternoon service, Mrs Inglis gave an address on tho " Value of a Little Child," which was heard attentively i throughout. Prizes were then distributed to those who had been successful in the Assembly's examination, and it may be re marked that all the competitors passed except one. The following is the list of prizetakors:—Senior division. —M. Cun ningham, catonhism, second-class, Bible knowledge, third-class j Lily E. Keroohan, catechism, second-class, Bible, third class; G. Craighead, Bible, second-class. Middle division—R. B. Bell, catechism, second class, Bible, second-class ; D. E. Craighead, catechism, second -class, Bible third class ; Jano Norman, catechism, second-class, Bible, third-alas?; L. Watt, catechism, second-class, Bible, third class: S. Kerno han, catechism, first-class, Bible, third class. Junior Division—Kate Funge, cate chism, first-class; John Mcßae, catechism, first-class, 08 per cent.; E. Mcßae, cate chism, first-class, 100 per cent. The collec tions throughout the day were for the Sunday school funds. The Tailoring Tba.de Dispute —The secretary of the Tailors' Union objected in Court that Craighead and Berryman put I far more work in suits than ordinary | (Christehurch) tailoring. Manufacturer's i agents explain thai Ciaighead and Berry man's linings have to bo made and imported specially, being better quality than usually sold. They have just engaged several extra experienced man to cope with the rush of orders. Craigheai and Berryman pay extra for both labour and material because their motto is " Satisfaction." ' Up-jto-date suits from £3 10s. New summer hats, shirts, ties, boots, etc., just opened. Compare prices •! Observe the quality I

THE WEATHER.

The snow storm cm Saturday afternoon was followed by a heavy frost on Saturday night, and a biting south-west wind blew during Sunday, carrying occasionally a little snow and sleet. There was again a frost last night, ami we learn that great damage lias been done to gardens by the blizzard and the frost, and sheep and lambs must have suffered severely. It will be seen from onr outside reports that this oxtraordinai'y weather has b9en general iblirouglifitjt the colony. Tiie curator of the Ashburton iJoniaiu informs us that there were seven degree's of frost cm Saturday ijight, and six degrees on "Sunday night, vhijte the mf^iinum temperature during the continuance q£ the pliz^ard did not pxceed 38 degrees, frothing'like thjis ftas foepn known $t this time of the year fqr a ycry long timg.

News in Brief.

Messrs Morrow, Bassett and Co., Wills Street, invite inspection of their conveaient easy pad carts.

The Westporfc Coal Company's output last week was 8375 tons 5 cwfc.

Our readers will see from an advertise ment in another column that the Eev. j. Blight, of Teuiuka, will give an address on the life and work of the late i). L. Moody, in the Baring Square church, at 7.30 this evening.

Messrs Halma and Co. announce that they are still executing one dozen Cabinet photos and one enlargement for 15s. The best work is guaranteed, samples of which may bo inspected in the vestibule of the studio.

The Mokoia, which sailed on Saturday night from Wellington for Sydney, took 350 sheep, 20 cattle, and 112 carcases of mutton. ■ • " ■

At a meeting of the Manawatu A. and P. Association on Saturday I,' it was an nounced that dSIOO had been collected in Wellington towards the prize fund.

A mob of 4000 hoggets, which are being driven from Invercargill to Timaru, passed through Milton on Thursday.

The Oamaru " Mail" understands that the premier will perform the ceremony of unveiling the cairn erected to the memory of the late Sir John McKenzie'. ''

Since the opening of the fishing season 397 licenses have been taken out in Christ church, which establishes a record so far as the Cathedral City is concerned. The Central Dairy Company advertise that thoy are prepared to receive offers for the building and plant known as the Tin wald Butter Factory.

The Acting-Minister of Labour (the Hon- Mr Hall-Jones), speaking at Wellington last week, said that the wages bill of the colony had increased by £1,400,000, during the past five years.

An Auckland telegram says that some Maoris have discovered a new cave beyond Waitoto, with a quantity of bones, sup posed to be those of two moas. Some of the smaller bones are missing.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright

London, Oct. 17 The Archbishop of Canterbury will con' secrate the new Bishop of Melbourne in St, Paul's Cathedral.

The Queensland State Agency has opened a branch at Eastcheap, where samples of products will be kept, and enquiries an swered.

Uruguay has adopted n law granting privileges and exemption from duties to meat freezing companies for a period of five years.

Lord Charles Beresford has been made Vice-Admiral.

Lord Kitchener has started for India, via Brindisi. New York, Oct. 17 Volcanic dust from St Vincent fell so thickly in Barbadoes that it stopped busi ness. New York, October 18 A reciprocity convention admitting New , foundland products free into America, has been signed at "Washington. General Firmin, with 200 Haytian rebels, is going to Magna, one of the Bahamas, in ! a steamer. The rebels have surrendered the town of Gonaives, St. Mare. PEKiN.Oct. 18 China has sanctioned a loan of forty million francs, to be floated in Paris, through a Russian bank, for the construc tion of the Ching-ting-fu-Tai-yuan-fu rail way. Sydney, October 18 Dr Moulton, after a two years' sojourn in Tonga, has returned to Sydney with the object of publishing certain books on the Tongan language. He speaks highly of the progress of education, and says the Tongans are well content with their present form of protection. They are British in feeling, and intensely patriotic. Melboubne, Oct. 19 As nart of their scheme of retrenchment, the Government have raised the retiring age of the police from sixty to sixty-five.

The Boer Generals.

United Pre^s Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

Berlin, Oct. 17

De Wet, acknowledging the plaudits of the crowd, said he had never seen such a reception as in Berlin. He was happy that hia mother was German. Many people in the crowd kissed the general's hands.

BEBi.iN,October 18

Addressing a meeting of 3000 in the Phil harmonic Hall last evening, General Botha, acknowledging the enthusiasm, reiterated Mr Kruger's integrity, and said that the ex-President had lent J>40,000 sterling to the Transvaal, which he would never re cover. Ho added that the statesman of the war was Mr Steyn. If the Boer people were praised to-day it wus Mr Steyn who had made them worthy of praise. He con cluded, " Nobody can doubt that we will remiin loyal." German sympathy, he said, united the two peoples.

General De "Wet declared that the worst was past, but the situation was still dark. He eulogised the women for enabling the Boers to prolong the struggle. They were so brave. He had once said there should be laws permitting a man after the war to take two wives. He pleaded for a waggon aud two oxen for each Boar—then the people would not go under, Tickets and postcards bearing the Gene rals' portraits realised twenty-seven thous and marks. The Generals sent telegrams to Kruger and Steyn. The most striking feature of their visit to Berlin is that while continually pro testing loyalty to England, the Generals associate exclusively with Germans who are England's bitterest enemies.

The Boer Generals visited the Keichstag. Amongst those who welcomed them was Count Herbert Bismarck. Speaking Eng lisb, he recommended the Generals to come to an understanding with Mr Chamberlain, who, he declared, was a practical man. He also eulogised Mr Balfour.

The Coal Strikes.

The following cablegram wa<3 delayed in transmission:—

Lonron, Oct. 14

President Kooseyeldt invited the mine owners and Mr John Mitchell, the strikers representative, jbo confer -with, fyim on the coal strike. Addressing the conference President Rooseveldt emphasised the fact that the disputants incurre4 a grave respon sibility by paralysing the coal mining in dustry, in face of the necessity of caring fop the needs of the community. He ap pealed to them for patriotic reasons to de sist from their attitude of obstinacy and make individual sacrifices for the general good. He earnestly invited them to sub mit proposals which might relieve the pre sent distressing situation. Mr Mitchell agreed to the dispute being settled by a committee appointed by Presi dent Eposeveldt.

■ The representatives of the mine owners vehemently declined tq recognise either Mitchell pr the Miners? Uniofj, and sug gested that individual" grievances against fhdividual employers migjit be submitted tq the judges of the Qistript Cpurts. They also warmly criticised phe conduct of %c Ped^ral Administration in refraining j from sending troops to the mines to protect non'unlonist workers. In the ciroum sfcances, the conference proved fruitless. ■"•irfc Commoner, secretary of the Nor thumberlanJm::::: 5 Haion, excesses Mm self as being entirely in sympathy wiuu <,^~ strikers in Pennsylvania. The miners are the poorest, lowpsj} paid labourers in the tJnited States. Some of them have been ( starved into submission, and latterly small batches of famishe.d men have resumed work. New York, Oct. 18 The decisions of a two-thirds majority of President Rooseveldt's Commissioners will be binding.

Defence of the War Office.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, Oct. 18

Mr Brodrick, in a speech at Farnham, in reply to Sir M: Hicks-Beach, declared that the'higher officers in the 'War '• Office were the architects'of their own fortunes. Every military appointment under the new Army Corps scheme was made by the joint authority and advice of Lord Eoberts and Lord Kitchener. Since peace was pro claimed 140,000 troops had been brought away from South Africa, being at the rate of 1000 per day, an achievement which was justly characterised as extraordinary.

The British Navy.

United Pi-ess Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, October 18. The Admiralty ape inviting tenders for a new class of battle ships of £8,000 tons each, the fastest and most heavily armour ed afloat. One will be built at Devonport and one or two at private shipyards. Also four 23-knot good sea-going vessels will be built to act as scouts. They will be of i 3000 tons each. Sydney, Oct. 18. Sir Edmund Barton, explainiug the Ifival agreement, said he did not think the Australians would complain as to the cost unless they said it was time that the colo nies left the Empire. The agreement was entered into with full faith, not only in the loyalty, but in the sense of honour, of the community.

The Cape Parliament.

United Press Association—Hy Electric Telegraph—Copy right Capetown, Oct. 18 The Bill providing for additional com pensation in connection with the war was read a third time.

Sir J. G. Sprigg resisted Mr Do Waal's amendment, whereby the value of horses taken for military purposes, if upwards of £5, should be assessed nccording to their value prior to the war.

The amendment was carried by 38 to 30, the minority including the Government and Progressives.

South African Steam" Ser vice.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, Oct 17 As a result of Mr Seddon's negotiations, the Imperial Cold Storage Company favours Australasian in preference to River Plate meat. The company has secured a propor tion of the freight on each ship controlled by the New Zealand South African Com pany.

The Education Bill.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, October 17. At the City Liberal Club Dinner, Lord Rosebery, dealing 1 with the Education Bill, said the largor Sjhool Boards, instead of being extinguished ought to be affiliated to the country authorities. It would be better for the nation to purchase the volun tary schools than* to be deprived of its birth right to settle national education in its own way. Despite the forest of olive branches held out by Mr Chamberlain at his Birmingham Conference, Lord Rosebery regarded. Mr Balfour's recent speech as a cry of distress. The Liberals must resist to the death the principle embodied in clause 7 of the Bill, dealing with the management of the schools. London, Oct. 18 Mr Balfour announced that he would accept an amendment in the Education Bill, securing for the local education au thorities complete control of education. He added that finance, so far as secular educa tion was concerned, would be in the hands of the body levying rates. The providing of staffs for the schools and the pay ment of teachers wore matters, he said, purely for the local authorities. The an nouncement greatly disconcerted the Op> position. While Mr Healy and a few of the in dependent Nationalists afford the Govern ment some support on the Education Bill, the rest affect to abstain from divisions. The Government are alert to the possi bility oi defeat as the result of a sudden coalition of the Nationalists with the Op position. '

Affairs in China.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Pjjkin, Oct. 19. SirE. Satow, the British Minister, ha 3 declined all social intercourse with the Chineae Court because the ofilcials respon sible for the murder of the Revs. Bruceand Lewis, British missionaries, fixed the blame for the deed on a few ignorant people, who •were beheaded.

London, October 19

Router's Pekin correspondent states that negotiations for the evacuation of Shanghai are suspended, as Great Britain desires a definite arrangement as to her status in the Yangtse Valley, with precise stipulations with regard to the non-alienation of ter ritory in the Yangtse district.

The Dardanelles.

United Press Association By Electric —Copyright Vienna, Octobsr 15

Herr Koerber, in the Eeichsrath, declared that it was proposed to settle the question of warships passing through the Darda nelles by arbitration. He added that there was every reason to receive a settlement of the difficulty with satisfaction.

London, Oct. Eeuter's agency cancels "the' previous cable with refarenee toHerr Koerber, who did not refer to the Dardanelles. Tele graphic miitilation caused the. tnisreport. Tho'" Daily Mail's'•' report that Eusata had proposed to^urkey £he. renewal of the Unkiarskelessi treaty 6aused a newspaper sensation. The treaty was signed at TJn kiarskelessi in June, 1893. Amongst other conditions it transferred the control of the Dardanelles to Tiusgia, and converted the entrance to the Black Sea into a Russian fortified outpost. The Western Powera at the time refused to recognise the Treaty.

The Murder of a Con stable.

A MYSTERY CLEABED.

SvnNEY, Sept. 18 A warder well acquainted with Shaw has been sent to Melbourne to clear up the mystesy in oonneotion with the Guiifoyle murder.

Sydney, October 19

The police are advised that the official sent to Melbourne positively identified the hodv as that of Shaw, the murderer of Constable Guiifoyle.

WEDDING.

HAEDLE¥—W ATKINS.

A very pretty wedding was celebrated in the Primitive Methodist Church on Thurs day last, nicely decorated for the occasion, the contracting parties being Mr W. F. Hardley, of tho firm of Hardley Bros., fifth son of Mr Samuel Hardley, of Hamilton, late of Ashburton, and Miss E. B. Watkins, second daughter of Mr Edward Watkins, of Highbank. The chief bridesmaids were Misses E.'Watkins, A. Robinson, with the little Misses Myrtle Hardley and Gwennie Jones. Mr H. Addis attended as best man, the Eev. R. Eaine performing the marriage ceremony. Afterwards the guests, to the number 1 of one'hundred, partook of a sump tuous breakfast, tastefully; laid otjt in the Oddfellows' Hall, and the usual toasts were duly honored. As a token of the esteem in which the bride and bridegroom were held, they were the recipients of a large number of valuable presents, conspicuous amongst which was a handsome clock, presented in a neat speech, by Mr Jas. Jessop, on behalf of the employees of the firm of Hardley Bros. The happy couple left by the evening train en route for Christehurch. >' .' ' ■

Sporting.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Gopyrjght

Melbourne, October 18 The Spring Meeting of th> V.A.T.C. was brought to a conclusion to-day in fine weather. The following was the pesult pf the

Caulfield Cpp Handicap, of 3000 soys; 1} mile—Lieutenant Bill, 7st 71b, 1; Flag ship, Bst lib, 2; Vanity Fair, 7st 71b, 3. Sir Leonard, Australian, Footbolt, Combat, The Idler, Felicitous, Air Motor, Kilt, Great Scott, Larissa, Cadenas, Omrah, Kinglock, Hazel Lad, Seaport, Homeward Bound, Destroyer, Muriagan, liienzi, also started. Won by three-quarters of a length, the same distance between second and third. Progredior was fourth. Time—2min 36sec. Betting-5 to 1 against Flagship, 100 to 3 Lieutenant Bill.

POLITICAL.

Mr Kenneth Wilson at Rakaia.

The first candidate for the Selwyn eleo torute to speak in Rakaia, Mr Kenneth Wilson, opened his campagain at that town ship on Saturday evening, speaking at the Oddfellows' Hall. Owing, doubtless, to the inclement state of the weather, the atten dance was not no large as is usually the ca.se on Buch occasions, only about fifty people being present. Mr W. Boag was voted to the chair, and briefly introduced the candidate. Mr Wil had come, before them to address them on the political questions of the day. The candidate was well known to them, and he asked, on his behalf, for a fair and impar tial hearing. Mr Wilson, who was received with applause, said he regretted having to address them under such unfavourable con ditions. He saw by the papers that the election would be held fairly early. He had been before them at the last election, three years ago, and was at that time a perfest'stranger to most of those present. He was, however, better known to them now. There had been many changes since that time. They had lost their beloved queen, Victoria, and had in her place her son, King Edward VII. If he followed in the steps of his illustrious mother, he would makenn excellent ruler. They had been through the South African war," a war which England could not keep out of. Coming to the political matters of the colony, Mr Wilson said the last Parliament had not done much. Several very important questions had been raised at the last election, and had not been disposed of. Among these was the Elective Executive. The ruler of a country was practically its Prime Minister. He thought they had advanced past this stage. In democratic countries the people should govern ■ the people. In this colony political parties had been formed—Government and Opposition. The Government tried to keep their seats, and the Opposition endeavoured to'turn them out, and this lost a great deal of time. The intention of the EleetiYa Executive was to do away with this. If they remembered what they had read of the Imperial Parliament, they would find three or four different sorts of Radicals., Some could not follow the late Mr Gladstone's Home Rule scheme, and others did not agree with Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman's views. So it was natural that Liberals should have different ideas. The Absolute Majority Bill had been put forward by Mr McNab, and. it was due to the present Government that it had never been debated. He would fight for this as long as he was in New Zealand. He had approached the Government on the question himself, and was told that it would be considered. The Government had taken a long time to consider it.

TUB BEPEBENDUM.

There was a large number of questions which should be put to the people, and this was the object of the Referendum. Such a Bill had been passed by the Lower House, but when it was sent to the Legislative Council it only received one vote. The Council evidently thought their authority would bo overlooked if they passed the Bill, Then there was the initiative, by which a certain number of peraons sent a proposal to Parliament, and Parliament would be bound to take a Roferendum on the subject, The objection to this was the expense it waiiM entail, but he thought that a number of questions could be dealt with at once.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

A Local Government Bill had been put forward last session. He had a copy of the Hill, and disapproved of it. The Bill pro posed to abolish Road Boards, giving their power to the County Councils. Committees would be appointed in the various districts. The elections |would be considered under what was called plural voting. Man and wife and landlord and tenant would each. have a vote. He thought it was a .good thing that this BUI wa3 not passed. He thought the people should have the power of deciding such questions as these.

EDUCATION,

As he had told them three years ago, he believed in the present system of free, secular, and compulsory education being kept intact, but there wer.e some details which should be amended. It was novjr proposed to centralise the inspectorate, so that inspector^ could be shifted about as the police were. He would like : to, see some change in the system of fleeting members of Education Boards. Formerly ,evety School Committee had one vote., now every committee,man has a vote. He would go further £hen this, and give every house holder a, choice in the selection.

BBOHIBIT|QI|.

Aa they knew, he'was not a prohibitionist, nor yet a publican's man. The people had the power of retaining the traffic or of doing away with it. He wis himself a strong be liever in Government control. He thought, however, that when hotels close on. Sun days and holidays, they should be closed completely to everyone, except for meals. Under the present law any person could get drink on Sundays if he. travelled:three miles. He instanced the case of a hotel near Clmstchurch, which was sold for $ fyigh pricp simply' because it w^s outside, thp three mile radius^ and .could therefore do a large Sunday trade. He thought people should go to their churches on Sun day, and not to public houses. (Applause.)

FEDERATION.

He would give the same advice to them on this matter as "Punch" did to those aboutto get married—" Don't." (Laughter).

TRADE MATTERS,

I Another question of importance was that ]of trade within the Empire. He did not < think for a moment that England would" tax herself for; the colonies. Fr»e trade was her stronghold, and nearly all the colonies were protective. He was neither & fre^'tr^der'aoT'a grdteictiotriafc: '|Jpth *&s£s oxtfeme^, and'he beiievpdfai ffairf Widfc They knew that th.c American nieat trusfe sold their meat cheaper in I*ond.an than in their own country, and it was the same with their manufactures. He thought taxation should be on the basis of the whole sale price of the product in the producing country. There was a great commercial war pending between the nations of the world. New Zealand should trade with the countries which traded with Her. The United States took very little from Uew Zealand, but sent much here in the shape of machinery. He thought they should trade as much as possible with Great Britain..- , ■ ■■ ■.

LANDS FOB SETTLEMENT.

of tixe most important questions of the day wag tl»t 'of lan^iop getjilemßn^ pne !o| the first to advocate this was Mrßollestoa^ but the party with which he was associated kept it from being a success. After him came the late Sir John MqKenzie, and un der him about £2,000,000 had beenspent in obtaining lands for settlement. \He thought thei conditions for taking np^laiid'irere'tod stringent. Tie recentl legiilatioas^ for se* lections were very foolish.- Heth(Ju^htowe man should apply for one section, aad/ oiie sectioii'ohly, and if several ajp^li^ 'for otl^ selection, a ballot should be 'taken &s a| present!'

ADVANCES TO SETTJJE^IS

Tfyis was a yery good measupe^ but tl^erg wepe some irregularities in the manner in which it vyas carried out. Thp Gqvernment brought land frqm the Maoris, and called it Crown land, and charged 4 pep pent fop it; they bought land from Europeans, wfych. was called land for- settlement, and was charged 5 per cent for. Why should theve be this difference of 1 per cent ? Mr WiN son also pointed out other defects in the present system. -

LAND TSSNOBE,

This was another burning question. People in the towns wanted practically to nationalise the land. The 999 years lease did not give them satisfaction, and they wanted the land revalued. He believed in giving the occupier the right of purchasing when he was ready. If they brought in tho question of revaluation, the fanner would say that he was not going toimniw >,;„ i*~j *-■ •• . , . •  *-«"»« ..-.liniu, ior tuey might raise his. rent. Suppose a man took up land at ,4}5 per acre, and so manured and impro-pcl it fchas is.was.' worth £ TO!; par, aerify; hVWbulc^'bfl

THE ASHBURTON GUABDIAN : MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1902



P. FERRIMAN, FOR SALE. HAVELOCK STREET WEST, ASHBUR TON. I HAVE received instructions from Mb Green (who is loaving Ashburton) to Sell his property situated as above, com prising one quartet' acre of land and a oomfortable Dwelling o! 6 rooms and j scullery. ! My instructions are to effect a speedy sale. The price is reasonable and oa«y ; terms of payment cm be arranged. Full particulars on application. P. FERBIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOB SALE. A GOOD Sheop Farm of 800 acres, with good buildings, near to School and Church, and within an easy distance of a railway. P. PEERIMAN". TOWN SECTIONS. TjlOR Sale -<£ Town Sections, well situa ted for residential sites.' P. PERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE A FARM of 640 acres, in good heart; fences in first-class condition. F. FEBRIMAN, ; Land and Estate Agent j nnO Let or for Sale, at Tinwald, corner with a four-roomed House, -}- acre section, near to the School and facing Graham's Road. F. FEREIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE. HAMPSTEAD — i acre of first-class land, with a well-built house of 6 rooms, bath room, and other conveniences. F. PERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. "I" AM instructed by Mb HAARto Sell his comfortable home on the N.E. Town Belt. This property is cheap and well worth your inspection. P. FERRIMAN, JLand and^Estate Agent __. BXjgjHESS NOTICES"^ * 'MUSIC. Singing, Piano, & Harmony MR J. GILLIES - Voice Production and Culture, Italian (Lamperti Method). Piano, Schumann Conservatoire, Frankfort a-Mam, Germany. Pupils prepared for Examinations in the rartous Musical Colleges. Term date 3 from the first lesson. 10152 i n tTm ation! STRANGE and Co.. Ashburtnn, invite Customers to place their Show orders early to avoid disappointment. Our list for Dressmaking and Tailoring is fast filling. Smartly trimmed hats in stock, also sun shades "and pretty Collarettes. For a smart fitting pair of shoes go to Stbange's. For value there is no place like Strange's. ITgresham, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897. TTTfIGHT years experience with E. G. and Jr. P. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dunedin and lavercargill. 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 Porcelaia gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Hours of Attendance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Residence—Care Mrs Grant, YVilld Street. ___ i Helpless with A Rheumatism ■ You've tried liniments and prescriptions without result. °CUBE YOURSELF with THE 6REAT ... CANADIAN . . « SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and Not a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Cure. SOL 33 BY ALX, DEALE&g At 3/6 pzr Bottle. Sole Agent for Australasia: GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. "VfEW SPRING GOODS now showing, 03l 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 »U purchases from ninepence worth upwards, at H. 0. Barrett's Drapery, Ciotlung, and Boot Warehouse, Bast street. WANTED Known — Special Value in j Boots *nd Shoes at Mm&o&'Sj ! Zeaiandia Boot Stone. j JUST fancy Meliasr £s Selling ibis Bqofcs : and Shoes 2b in the pound cheaper than any other firm in Ashburton. T^OR tip top value in Boots try Mellok's JC Zeaiandia Boot Store. !



BUSINESS NOTICES __ __ ! V ' "7" i NEW STEAWS Wjfßff^i STRAWS ' i TtTCT flDrrvtrn a»SS^raßffifi^^raj JUST OPENED. @ . 50 Dozen Straw Hats. 50 Dozen. Boys' White and Speckled Straw Hats is. Men's White Straw Hats 3s. Men s White Straw Hats 4s 6d Men's White Straw Hats up to 8s See Window. Special Display. Ladies' Folding 1^ traw Hats os 6d. The latest fashion. New Zealand Clothing Factory, Special Reductions :o: Special Reductions NICHOLAS &PICRFORD INVITE COMPAEISON OF VALUES. Ladie3' Felt Slippers at Is, Is6d, 2s 6d, 3s, 38 6d, 4s, 4s 6d, ss, 5s Gd. Childrens from 8d per pair. School Boots from 5a per pair. Ladies' Walking Shoes from 5s 6d to 18s 6d per pairj Ladies' Evening Shoes from 2s Gd to 18s Gd per pair Gent's Balmorals from 10s, strong Shooters from 9s 9d PLEASE to remember we hoi i an Extensive Stock of High-Class Boots, Shoes, anc? Slippers of every description. Prove our prices. Boys and Girls Boots a specialty. j '. ur Motto is—-" Small Profits and Quick Returns." NICHOLAS &PICKFORD,! EAST STREET, ASHBUETON | j I - ilp *>n JIOU-K l^iliA-X ioUJLXj I M JjJillllS. T^), TSTHKTHEK inado to measure or one of our FITU | j| |: (Tailor made) Puits, ready to wear, will give you every | m "V% lli' -2~ /1 satisfaction if ordered ;it ALCORN'S. 1 fl /C^-^-i/ f| We have opened new goods of every description3"for | jf m^\ \ iftNifl Gentlemen, including the newest shapes in Straw and Felt | S ■ V/S.^ J% Hats, Ties, Collars, Tennis Shirts, etc. Also some excep- | H -^ Ts.^ ™ ■&' '• tional valuer in up-to-date Boots <•£ reliable quality. | I " fc> * **-»■■ WjTINVITE YOTJR INSPECTION OF THESE GOODS § WOOL SEASON, 1902»3 WE Shall be represented at the C'hristchurch and Timarn Auction Stiles, and have made satisfactory arrangements for Disposing of Clips privately at Ashbtuton. Consignments will bo received at oar Ashburton Stores, and sent on to either Christchurch or Timaru, free of all charges except railage. Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from their nearest railway station will please consign as follows — If intended for salo at Chriatehureli: -Brown and Son's Siding, Addinflton. If intended for Sale at Timaru -.-Mill and Company's Siding, hmaru. If intended for sale at Ashburton -.-Friedlander Bros., Ltd., Siding, Ashburton. Woolpacks, Twine, Branding Oil, a<&4 other Shearing Requisites, supplied at Lowest Rates. The Season's Sales have been fixed as follows t — Christchurch. Timaru. November 20th, 1902. December 3rd 1902. December 11th, 1902. January 13th, 1903, January 16th, 1903. February 25th : 1903. February 19th, 1003. FRXEDLANDER BROS., LTD. I .■■iMjiuni'iMi-jMimiaimi TTWTMIWM SHEEP SHEARING}- SEASON. yIIAVE JUST LANDED MY SEASON'S SUPPLY OF 3s Q& SHEEP SHEARS, 3s 6d including T.U.S. and 8.8.A., N.Z., with plain and perforated grips Turkey O'^Stojieß, a splendid sample. Sweet Oil. Branding Oils-Red, Black, and Blue, in 1 and 5 gallon drums; Saddle, Lamp Black, Etc. LAWN MOWERS in great variety, from 22s 6d to 55s each. G TOOLS of every description at reduced prices. BOWLS! BOWLS! BOWLS! As the season has just opened, I cordially invite inspection of my .stock— Taylor's first duality only kept. SEWING MACHINES I am solo a<rent for the celebrated "Davey" Machine; 7 years' guarantee; Hand £3 10s • Treadle from M 10s to £$ 10s. Call and inapeot. They are worth looking at. G.. MEDD IN 8, j The Peoples' Ironmonger ! Burnett Street, opposite Arcade. ZEALANDIA CYCLES Simply Perfect. j \/[ ADB from B.SA. Parts, specially for New Zealand Roads. Better than any im-1 ported machine for the every day cyclist. Fitted with latestJGarrard Free Wheels, with patent Back Pedal Brake, Dunlop Vulcanised Tyres, Brook's Saddles, any stylo Handle Bars, Pedals, Gear, Etc. Our 1903 Models now on view- OATES, LOWRY & CO., Largest Cycle Makers and Importers in New Zealand Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street TTCTANTED KNOWN -That J. Moisowl -\%7AmEP Jfnown-That Kerr Bros. mon* bang ovec-stooked and to make to t P . . & American,£nd Colonial makes. As usual, Bkos., Burnett street J. ftL.dqes the best repairs, and at ojtiZ2>; :Uses nothing but the very .best sold leather. Q^Ep gp Wers O n hire or purchase ; also Next CoiUrttSoust, Ash,burton. new 'stock of all varieties of Mangel, —_ • — • Carrot, Turnip, and general Garden and Smoke New :¥enus Farm Seeds—CAuscm and Co.



Eecently a peasant woman at Ostergaard in Silesia, had occasion to leave her house to do some work outside. When she re turned her eight weeks old baby, which had been lying on the floor, had disappeared. All the rooms in the house were searched, but to no purpose. Eventually one of the neighbours discovered the child in the ken nel of a huge St Bernard dog, the animal ■"-->Hnnately: licking the infant with its tongue." TheStßep-d. whose litter of puppies bad been taken away,, hau earned tffi child into jte kennel and. was treating the little one with all tkf> ?4? ofct°£ °.f a human being. - : : ■'' » Smoke New Venus



If yon have Pneumatic Tyres you must have a reliable article, otherwise they are a constant source of annoyance. Consider ing that the IDEAL TYRE costs ho more than the average price, it is hardly to be wondered that thU'brand has become so deservedly popular. —Advt. ■ " 'im^Hfe "N<?#- Vsrus



STAND ISH AND PBEECE, Photographers under the Eoyal patronage ?r.^ e£. rinc. c and Prin«ess of Wales. Stuiio Hioh Street, Christchurch, •■■■■■ ' %<*«%?' yejHig ' i