Mining.

Dunedin, June 18 During the week ended to-day, returns have been reported from sixty-five dredges, the total yield being 21990z 3dwt 21gr, or an average of 330z per dredge. Returns-Perseverance I, 36ozs 13dwt; Upper Waiporo, 270z; Coal Creek Flat, 240z; River Molyneux 20oz lOdwfc; Evans' Flat, Boz 3dwt. _

Commercial.

LONDON MARKETS

Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. London June 15 North Island mutton is l-16d lower ; the rest are unchanged. Canterbury lamb has declined l-16d, and fair New Zealand lambs are Id lower. New Zealand beef, 1801b to 2201b per quarter, fair average quality, ox I forequarters are 3-16 d lower. (Last week's quotations were: - Frozen mutton — Crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, Canterbury 4d, Dunodin and South- j land 3 15-16 d, North Island 3 13-16 d. Limb I Prime Canterbury 4 11-16 d, fair average (including Dunedin, Southland, Wellington and secondary Canterbury) 4 9-16 d. River Plate mutton, crossbred or merino wethers, heavy 3 11-16 d, and light 3 13-16 d each, j New Zealand beef, 1801b to 2201b per quarter, fair average quality, ox fore quarters 4d, hindquarters 4-Jd.) The Antwerp wool sales closed animated | and firm. There was keen competition for fine qualities, which were fifteen centimes above the April rates. Ten thousand four j hundred and thirty-five bales of La Plata wool were offered, and five thousand five j hundred and fifty-nine bales sold. Six j hundred and eighty bales of Australian < wool were offered, and two hundred and ninety bales sold.

THE AGENT-GENERAL'S CABLE.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Wellington, June 16 The Agent-General's weekly cable, dated June 14th, is as follows: '• The mutton is dull and prices are unchanged. The stocks of lamb are heavy, and widely dis tributed amongst the agents, who are pushing sales. The average price of Can terbury lamb is 4|d, and of other brands 4 3-Bd. There is no alteration in the price of beef. The supplies of River Plate are increasing.

ASHBURTON LIVE STOCK MARKET.

AttheTinwald yards today there was not a very large attendance, and the sale was a dragging one. The entries were fair. Following are some of the prices realised :— Fat cattle—Cows £5 7s 6d to £6 10s; steers .£4 5s to £5 10s; heifers £4 5s to £6 18s 6d. Stores-Dairy cows J3 8s; calves 20s; springers £6 10s to £7 ss; 2 year olds £3 17s 6d; 18 months old M 12s 6d; year lings £2 Is. Fat sheep :Crossbred ewes 8s to 13s, maiden ewes 14s 9d to 15s 6d; fat lambs 11s to 12s 4d; dry ewes for export 8s 3d; freezing ewes and wethers 14s 6d to 15s 6d. Store sheep 7s lOd to 8s 6d ; crossbred ewes in lamb 6s (3d to 10s; crossbred wethers 9s 8d to 13s d 4.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Sceptical Your letter is so lengthy that we cannot find space for it—at least for some time. Could you not boil it down or make three letters of it. Joker. —Not suited to our columns.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 1902.

The war just concluded has directed public attention to many matters which are of the greatest moment, not only to the British nation, but to all civilised peoples. There are of course, the lessons which have been learned with regard to the altered con, ditions of warfare, brought about by the extraordinary developments that have taken place in the manufacture of destructive weapons, and the increased facilities pro* vided thereby, to enable human beings to kill one another. We are told by the lead ing exponents of public opinion throughout the Empire, that these lessons must not be neglected, but that the British army must be re-modelled, the navy strengthened, and the whole Empire pub into a condition to enable it to stand against a world in arms. Viewed from the standpoint of the warriors of antiquity, such a policy would appear to be the only one proper to a prudent and progressive people, a people ruling a vast Extent of territory, largely acquired by conquest. *This is the view which would have commended itself to the Cassars of Eome, or to the great; military leaders of a later age. But at this period of the world's history, when law and order are recognised as the*first essentials of civilization, when individuals' rights may not be enforced by individual might; and when the protection of life and property is the chief duty of .every State, it is worth considering whether the late wair does not suggest a far higher and more important lesson than that which the increase of armaments, and further preparations for slaughter. Wap is undoubtedly a relic of the barbaric age. We have given up living in caves and dressing in skins; we have mac© enor mous strides in general and scientific knowledge; we have lifted the curtain which hid from pur forefathers the wonders of nature, and we have beep, permitted to obtain glimpses of the infinite,* which have revealed the insignificance of man—in his original condition, and the possibilities for him in the future when he shall have sv6B.ch.ed the highest stands, d attainable by humanity, But while nations continue to settle their differences by mutual slaughter, we fear that our claims to be in a high state of civilisation are not altogether warranted. For no valid argument ©an fee found to justify war. One would suppose £hat in an age when the whole of this pi^st has been parcelled out amongst a yariety of psopj,e.s whose policy is to prevent any transfer of territory likely to disturb the present; balance of po.w»y>", all of the nations would be only too glad to qxfisaa jbo ,Borne agreement providing for disputes feeing settled by arbitration. It is possible , that had the prcposaj of the .Czar of Russia for disarmament foaen ma.c|a laijgr, and with the hearty co-operation hi p*e German Emperor, some terms ;;might have been arranged that would have made war be tween white races no longer possible. The difficulty at the time was that the Czar was not so well understood then as he is now, and %JT9 was a strong suspicion that his desire for a general disarmament covered some ulterior design.. B«fc the Russian

Emperior's character is better understood 1 to-day, and no one will begrudge him the : honour of being the first great potentate to j make a sincere effort to deal with the tre- I mendous problem involving the abolition of war. One great difficulty in the way of this noble scheme is the effect of ages of racial animosity; another is the distrust , with which each government regards the 1 others; and yet another is the national ' sentiment prevalent in every country under the sun with regard to the matter. War is a kind of religion, and with the Western nations especially the terms honour/glory, and military renown, are the synomyns for chivalry, courage, and patriotism, and the emblems of all that is noble and sublime in mankind. When we can dissociate these magnificent attributes of humanity from the system of wholesale legalised mur der, we can claim that we have shaken off the last links of the chain which binds us to the barbaric past. Then, when the war drum is heard no more, and the warrior's sword is sheathed, the progress of the race should be ever onward towards the highest standard of morality and knowledge within the reach of man.

Local and General.

Coronation Day.—The day's programme as arranged by the Coronation Celebrations Committee is published in another column.

Sib Joseph Ward.—Sir Joseph and Lady Ward passed through Ashburton in the express last evening, from Temuka, where Sir Joseph Ward, opened the. new Post Office.

Proposed Railway to Mayfield.—A meeting of those interested in the proposed railway to Mayfield will be held in the Mayfield Schoolroom on Friday evening next, at 7.30., when Mr John McLachlan, M.H.R., will deliver an address. Coronation Decorations.-Mr M. J. Burgess, of 'The Dust Pan/ announces that he has a large assortment of Chinese lanterns suitable for coronation decoration on hand, which he is selling at rock bottom prices. Large assortment to choose from. LowcLiFFE.—The Lowcliffe bachelors will hold their annual ball in the Hinds School room on July 18th. Terris' Band will be in attendance, and refreshments will be j provided. A drag will leave the Somerset ; corner for the ball on 6.45 on that evening. i To Sheepowners. -Messrs Matson and Co., Christchurch, inform sheepowners looking for a market that they will be glad to receive consignments at Addington. Full particulars will bo found in our advertising ! columns.

A Touching Scene.—One _of the most touching scenes witnessed in Westport during the Peace Thanksgiving (says the Buller " Miner ")was the spectacle of a boy of fourteen being wheeled home drunk at midday by his youthful comrades, with a little Union Jack floating afe the f'orepeak of the barrow.

Express from the South Delayed.—A telegram from Dunedin this morning states that a goods train arriving at Dunedin from Oamaru at 3.15. a.m., ran into a cow at Sawyer's Bay, derailing the engine, which was placed broadside on the line imme diately in front of the railway platform. The line is blocked at present, but it is hoped to get the express train through after a delay of about an hour. Accident. —Some excitement was caused at the junction of East and Burnett Streets this afternoon by a collision between a bicycle ridden by Mr R. D. Johnston and a horse and trap driven by Mr Geo. -Robertson of Winchmore. Mr Johnston had a mirac ulous escape from serious injury, the back wheel of his bicycle being completely doubled up.

Obituary.™ Mrs Adams, who died on Saturday, came to the colony twenty-six years ago, from Limerick, Ireland, and settled at Akaroa, where she resided for two years, coming to Ashburton in 1878. She took a keen interest in matters relating to the Roman Catholic Church. She leaves two sons and five daughters. The funeral took place this morning. Lyndhukst.—The Lyndhurat Bachelors held their annual ball on Friday, 3rd, in I Mr Drumtnond's grain shed, kindly lent for the occasion. In spite of the rough weather there was a large number of people present, some coming a long distance. Mr Drum | mond, in his usual courteous way, had his house open to receive the visitors. A very enjoyable evening was spent, and S dancing was kept up to an early hour to the splendid music supplied by Terris' Band. Mrs Lilley presided at the luncheon table, and Mr P. Reddington acted as M.C. ' - Following a Good Example. —Mr ' Rhodes's liberal bequests to education have apparently fired the Mayor of Durban, Mr Ernest Acutt, for he has juat announced his intention of giving the Natal Education Department the sum of £3000, to bear in terest at 5 per cent., for the foundation of an annual scholarship of the value of .£l5O to enable a girl from her native town--Dur ban —to pursue her studies in England. Mr Acutt was one of the first scholars of the present Superintendant of Education for Natal when the latter was head master of the Durban High School, Evangelistic Services - There was an ; excellent attendance at Baring Square Church on Monday night, representatives j from nearly all the denominations being i present. The address, which had reference to the compassion of Jesus, was delivered by Sister Elinor, who has evidently had an i extensive experience in mission work, from which she frequently culls incidents to illustrate and enforce her teaching. The ! missioner's methods are coininendably origi-; nal, and vary considerably from those of ! the general run of " revivalists." She has ! a keen appreciation of humor, and the audience is occasionally unable to suppress an " audible smile/ but a very different facial expression is produced when making | h.6r most serious appeals, Miss Jule Lay- j ton sung two solos appropriate to the sub- j jeet of the evening's discourse. Best Lambs fob-Export.—Mr R. H. A. j Jeffs, of Highbank, sent some lambs Home through Messrs W. "Wood and Co., of Christchurch, and account sales have just been received which show that lambs of j light weights as these were are commanding most favour in the London market. There were 72 carcases, four being of second quality, and the prices ranged from s|d to 63 d per lb for the best, and 4Jd for the latter, and after deducting all charges Mr j Jeffs gets 4 l-l*2d per lb for the lot, leaving him the fat, pelts, and wool. This should ' serve as an object lesson to farmers and sheep breeders not to hang on to their lambs, but to sell as soon as they are fit for market, irrespective of weight. The lambs in question averaged very little over 331bs, but their quality, with the exceptions mentioned, was? first-class, ' ; KiOkabds* Vaudeville Company.— A wire''received from Christchurch says that Bickards? Vaudeville Company, with Ginquevallj, the world famed juggler, as principal star, opened in the Theatre Royal lust night. The house was packed from nopr to peiling. The company opens at! Ashburton qjx the 35th inst. — % T%. ■ Marcus, one of Mr Ifarry Rickards' i Australian managers, arrived to-day from ! Christchurch, to make arrangements for the appearance, in Ashburton of Mr Rickards No 1 Company of Vaudeville stars, which will take place on Wednesday even ing next, at the Oddfellows' Hall, The company is the best Vaudeville combina tion tjiat has ever appeared in New Zealand, >■ asd "oossiats of the famous Juggler, Paul CmquevallifMacfamo Lydia, Yeamans-Titus, Mr Charles Colby, Miss' Alice"Way 5 F«epJ. Charles Wrigley, the Diamond Duo, Miss Nita Leete ; Mr James ,Qpie, Mr Charles Walker, Miss Ida May. These artists are now appearing at Christchurch with j crowded houses, which is only a repetition j of the busineas clone in Auckland, Welling ton and other Northern towns. Britain's Best. —Any persons thinking of'buying a Bicycle should go along and have a look at the machines which, have now, by their sheer merit, won the genetic | title of '• Britain's Best Bicycle." These j bicycles are manufactured by the world's largest cycle builders, Rudge-Whitworth Ltd, Coventry, England. R. D Johnston, I Burnett Street, is the local agent, .

Illumination of Premises. — The Mayor invites the citizens to illuminate their places of business on Coronation Day. Acclimatisation Society—A meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Acclimati sation Society will be held this evening at Devane's Hotel, at 8 o'clock, for the revision of rules and other important business. Weather Forecast. - Captain Edwin wires : —Moderate easterly winds, glass fall slowly; frost to-night. Trades Procession.—All tradesmen interested in the Coronation procession are requested to meet in the Templar Hall to morrow evening at 7.30. * Returned Troopers.—Several returned troopers passed through Ashburton on the \ express for the South today.—Since his \ return home, Trooper Revell has not been j so well, and his doctor has recommended i ; his removal to the Hospital, which was i I done today, and the latest report of him is j ■ favorable. I Adjoubned.—The annual meeting of ! members of the Ashburton A. and P. Asso ciation, which was to have been held this afternoon, has been postponed for a fort night, on account of the death of Mrs Donald Williamson, sister of the President. Curious Legal Point:—The following question was (says a Taranaki paper) sub j mitted to some local lawyers the other day for settlement: —" If your peacock lays an egg on my land, to whom does the egg be long? " A great deal of intellect was brought i to bear on the knotty point, and many opin ions were hazarded as to the rightful owner jof the egg. Discussion ran high, till it i suddenly struck someone the peacock had not yet taken up the egg laying business. Debating Class at Allenton—A meet ing was held in the Allenton school last | evening for the purpose of forming a de bating class. There was a good attendance. Mr A. Hewson was voted to the chair, and after he had stated the purpose of the meeting and the benefits to be derived from a class of this kintl, Mr Garner moved, and Mr Steele seconded, that a debating class to be called the Allenton Debating Class be formed. This was carried. Members were then enrolled, the class starting with a membership of 33. The ballot for a com mittee resulted in Misses Hewson, Dent, J. Harris, Messrs Hewson, C. Chapman, J. W. Malcolmson, and F. Rose being elected. Mr Hewson was elected President, Mr C. Chapman Vice President, Mr J. Smith Sec retary 'and Treasurer. Wednesday night was selected as the meeting night. It was decided to open with a social evening on the 16th of June, Mr Garner promising them some phonograph items. It is hoped that all intending members will attend on this night and show encouragement to a class which will be of great benefit to the district.' The meetings will commence at 7.30.

Correspondence.

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

THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib—,On my return from Dunedin I found a long letter awaiting me from a well-known and clever resident of Ashbur ton. The letter questioned the accuracy of my statements in a former letter published by you on this subject, and further stated that the monies received from education reserves were devoted just as much, if not more to the education of the children of the masses, as to the education of the children of richer parents; and much more in a similar strain. I fail to see and to under stand why this letter, for the writer of which I have every personal esteem; did not send his views of this subject to be pub lished in your colums, instead of stating them in a private letter. Be this as it may, however, I think I can show him that his special pleading for the interests of the " respectable" political party to which he belongs is altogether at sea, and attempts to justify the continued plundering of the masses to further the interests of a few. The latest figures I can lay my hands oa just now are those for 1899. Prom these it appears the High schools of the colony in that year received as two of their items of income as follow :-r~ Bents and Sales of Reserves .£24,831 13s lid Fees ... ... £30,202 16s 3d There were 2544 pupils at the High schools, and this gives roughly £9 15s for each pupil, pretty nearly half the cost of the education of each. Now turn to the Public primary schools, in which the chil* dren of the masses are educated, or sup posed to be educated. The attendance at theae averaged 107,008 for the same period, and the amount received from education reserves was J340,803 odd, or less than 8s for each pupil. Again, the High school pupils, at the expense of the masses of the people, have one regular teacher provided for each seventeen pupils, while the children of the masses have one teacher for about thirty pupils. And yet a special pleader, who for some reason avoids publicity, asserts that <■ no injustice is being perpetrated against the interests of the children of the masses. Shame ! At present the veriest claptrap is ' being preached broadcast, and it is of the highest importance that every mind should be so educated that it may readily grasp the true bearings of public questions, Nature has providecl the materials in plenty for the liberal support of the people, but the masses hitherto have been —shall I say swindled—deprived of their heritage by sharks of various brands, and if the people do not take these matters effectually in hand, they will be still further deprived of their heritage, and their children will inherit those social conditions that else where, and to a considerable extent even in Ne\y Zealand, have produced the de graded classes that are the leading dis grace and scourge of the age. A reference to the public statistics show how far we have progressed on this road already. The gaols of the colony during two years were occupied as follows :—^ 1898. 1899, Summarily convicted ... 147 148 Convicted on indictment .. 89 70 Theft and deceit ... 554 555 Mischief ... ... 39 41 Vagrancy ... ... 310 273 Drunkenness ... ... 520 610 Other offences ... ... 373 428 1982 2125 There were in addition 726 inmates q| indvistrial schools and orphanages. Think of this army, some of whom may have gone ■wrong without much excuse, but the bulk I of whom, strange to say, belong to the very poorest class, and a.re the product of our monopolistic age, and saddest of all, 257 of those in gaol were youths' of both riexes under the age of twjsn.ty. The special pleader would say thai these have gone wrong because of theu^ own wilful ways, and that no conditions would have ma^de them good citizens. If this bcutrue, is it not strange that men from these classes taken into the Eoyal Navy, and made to live under proper social conditions, nearly in every case become good citizens. Can there be amy doubt that if each chilcl of phv State were born, reared, and educated, under proper conditions, and inherit its rightful heritage, that these conditions would pro duce good citizens. But until the State shall cease from promoting tlxo interests of s-speoial elassea, and shall so educate each child of the State that the clap-trap of the interested special pleader for the classes may be readily understood and an effective remedy applied, these abuses will continue to some extent, and increasing numbers of children and youths will be prepared for our orphanages and gaols.—l am, etc., John McKeague.

SOUTH AFRICA.

SCARCITY OF FOOD. . United Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright London, June 16 The, Times Pretoria correspondent says the Burghers acquiesce loyally in the neVv conditions, but it would be unwise to be too sanguine. The friendliness is partly due to the revulsion of feeling after their extreme sufferings. The war would soon have been ended without negotiations, as the Boers had reached the last stages of exhaustion. Many commandoes were indescribably ragged, scrambling for sugar distributed by the authorities, and eating it like bread. This is suggestive of recent privations, Generals Badenhorst, Duplessis, Besters Thereon, and Jacob, with 890 men, belong ing to Bloemfontein, Beshof, and Brandfort surrendered to General Elliott at Brandfort. They were well off for food and clothing, jand the majority were provided with rifles, I which the officers were allowed to retain. Good feeling was manifested, the King being heartily cheered. Food has latterly been scarce in many parts of the Orange Colony, the drives having stopped the supplies. The Boers lived principally on meat and mealies, there being no bread, salt, or sugar, but plenty of honey, qoffee, and Kaffir corn. —Austrian and German syndicates and export associa tions are sending many commercial travel lers to the Cape. De Wet visit; Europe in. July. \ There have been 16,500 surrenderors tip to Saturday last, including De la Eey's 800 at Lichtenburg and 590 others in the Western Transvaal, 382 at Wakkerstroom, 570 at Utrecht, 242 at Nylstroom, 399 on the Delagoa railway, 3 (?) Cape rebels, 25 i burgher officers, 807 rebels, and 57 burghers' comprising the followers of Fouche, Malan, Smith, the two Pypers, Odendaal, Conroy, and Beziudenhout. Half the electorate of Capetown has petitioned for the suspension of the consti tution, signatures arriving from all parts.

The King Unwell

CONFINED TO HIS ROOM. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph - Copyright. London, June 16 The King and Queen arranged a review of 40,000 troops from the "Royal pavilion at Aldershot to-day, but late last night a Court circular announced the following : " The King is unable to leave his rooms to-day, owing to an attack of lumbago caused by a chill." Other advices state that after witnessing a torchlight tattoo on Saturday night, during the momentary waiting in the rain for the carriage to return to the pavilion, Edward became unwell. Sir F. Laking, one of the Physicians-in- Ordinary, was telegraphed for, and pro ceeded after midnight to Aldershot, and prescribed a prescription, which was pre pared at the Third Brigade Hospital. The physician recommended the day to be spent in perfect quietness. King Edward, though confined to his couch, was considerably better towards the evening, when he rose. It is expected he will be able to attend the review. The " Standard " states that there is no cause for anxiety in the condition of the King, who has been somewhat run down latterly through his constant attention to State duties. The Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the camp hospital during the afternoon. Eeceived June 17, 9.23 a.m. London, June 16 The King passed a good night and is better. He did not attend the review owing to the rain.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Auckland, June 16 The farewells were interchanged this morning between the officers and crews of the two Japanese) warships and the citizens. The Town Clerk went off to the,warships to bid goodbyes. Amongst the telegrams received by the Captain of the Hiyei, was the following from the Acting-Premier: " Wish you good voyage and a safe return home." Captain Iwasaki has written to the Government, thanking the Ministers for making their stay in port so enjoyable. Captain Iwasaki has stated that when he returned to Japan- ho would interview the Emperor with a view to having one or more of their warships visit the colony regularly. Both the Hiyei and the Kongo left the harbour early this afternoon, and sailed to Suva and Fiji. Palmerston North June 16 The Hon W. Hall-Jones was a visitor to Palmerston North to-day. At the invita , tion of the Mayor the "Minister visited the Fitzherbert bridge, the approach to which was damaged by the recent flood. Later in I the day the Minister proceeded north by ! train. The flood water in the district is rapidly subsiding. So far no extensive damage has been reported by settlers. t Wanganui June 16 At an inquest to-night into the circum stances connected with the death of George Towe, who died at the Criterion Hotel, on Thursday morning last, a veTdict of death from heart failure, caused by chronic alcoholism, was returned. The. evidence showed that deceased lived at the Criterion Hotel, where he kept the books for the licen see. He received no salary, but was given a home, and was allowed to have whatever liquor he wished. The licensee said that Towe was a sober man, and would not drink

to excess. The Coroner, summing up, said the man had been drinking himself to death Ii the licensee didn't know it, he must be very ignorant. If he did know it, he was deserving of grave censure. Wellington., June 16 A decree nisi for divorce was granted by the Chief Justice to-day in each of the fol lowing cases : William H. Ballam v. Maud Ballam, respondent, and Leonard Hancocks, co-respondent; Theresa M. Ross v. Gfocarge [T. Eoss; Annie C. Duinble v. Albert Dura ble, habitual drunk,e:nn6£i.s a,nd neglect ; i Caroline Holjn.es v," Frederick Holmes, crueltiy cpd desertion. Christchurch, June 16 Mr T E Taylor, who is on a visit to. Eng | land, has written to the Major of Christ j church stating that l*e has seen Colonel J Tarrittim, an eminent engineer of Geneva, who has offered to come out and report o& j a sohetne for obtaining power fijcao the Waimakariri river, for £2500 l; The City Council decided not to close with the offer. It was stated that. &!*• Seddon was likely to be approached by Mr Taylor and the Agent General, with a view of bringing out CoL. one! Tarrittim to report on the C\atha and other rivers on behalf of the aplony. ; The Cricket Association have guarantees from Associations in the colony for £1900 towards the cost of Lord Hawke's team's visit during irhe coming season, and will cable to his lordship the aryanginents which have been made, The City Council has decided to obtain a veport from an expert in regard to a water supply scheme for the whole city. Timtaru, June 16. Sir J, G. Ward, Postmaster-General, to day opened the new Post Office at Temuka. The building is handsome and convenient, in brick, with the postmaster's accommoda tion upstairs. A large number of people were present from the town and district. and Temuka kept a holiday for- the obcasion. 4 deputation awaited on; Sir Joseph Ward, 1 as Minister for Railways, to ask for a new railway station, and were promised that if possible provision will be made for it nexjj session. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward \s£fc by the i ' north express, D-unedin, June 16 Two women and sixteen men attended a meeting of German residents to protest against the slanders of the British in a section of the German Press. The move ment had been largely discredited and opposed by letters in the Press, as being too late, and in view of the small attendance, the convener, Mr Benno Newman, decided not to proceed,

The Prospects in South Africa.

The following letter has been received from our former fellow townsman, Mr H. H. Stephens, who is at present holding the important position of Director of Supplies in connection with the War Department ia the Southern Transvaal. Mr Stephens has had exceptional opportunities to form nn opinion on the prospects in South Africa in the future, and his remarks on this point will no doubt be read with much interest.

TO THiS EDITOR. Sib, —As I have had inquiries from New Zealand producers asking for information respecting the best ports for the different colonies, transit rates, duties, etc. After consideration, I think the best way I can satisfactorily reply to those inquiries is through your popular and widely circulated papers, consequently I will endeavour as briefly as possible to give you the little X | know about those matters.

First, I should like to mention that Natal, Orange Eiver Colony and Cape Colony entered into a Customs Union previous to hostilities, which is still recognised. There fore, with but a few exceptions, the duties charged by each State are similar. [Mr Stephens gives the duties charged in the various divisions of South Africa. .But as these are sure to be altered almost directly, to publish them might be to some extent misleading.]

The best and most direct routes for shippers and passengers are, —

Port Natal (Durban) for Natal and alio for the Transvaal, although Delagoa Bay is nearer to parts of the Transvaal and even to Johannesburg than the former port, yet I should recommend Port Natal.

I Algoa Bay (Port Elizabeth) or Buffalo i Harbour (East London) for the Orange Eiver Colony and Matabeleland. Port Beira for Mashonaland. Table Bay (Capetown) for Cape Colony, unless the Eastern Provinces, then the best ports are Algoa Bay, Buffalo Harbour, Mussel Bay, or Port Alfred. (Table Bay) Beehuanaland. Before concluding, I should like to men tion that there are an enormous amount o£ emigrants rushing to South Africa at present, principally men of the artisan class, attracted no doubt by the high rate of pay to be obtained in some of the larger towns. I would, however, advise intending emigrants not to come here without a little money, as living is in many cases corres pondingly high, and no doubt, too, before long the labour market will become con gested ; in fact, I am told such is the case in some of the coast towns at present so it will be as well to come prepared. Begard ing unskilled labour, it is not required in, this country. All work of that class is done by Kaffirs at a very low rate of pay.—l am, etc.,

H. H. Stephens, Director of Supplies, N.L.C. Supply Depot, Volksrust, Transvaal.

To Re-stock the Cape.

A Movement in the Argentine.

A big movement has been set on foot in Buenos Ayres to transport life stock to the Cape. Freights have been lixed at £5 per head for bullocks and 10s for sheep, the steamers paying for their own fittings. The Argentine Government, moreover, intends having special transports. ' It behoves New Zealand and Australia to hurry/ are the words of a Buenos Ayres correspondent to a London newspaper, *as Argentina is desirous of monopolising the trade to the Cape. Foot-and-mouth dis ease has practically disappeared from here, but carbuncle is prevalent.' The destruction of hundreds of thousands of head of live stock during the war will make the restocking and meat-provisioning of South Africa one of the most gigantic and most profitable undertakings imagin able. The Hon W. P. Beeves, Agent-General* said to a " Daily Mail" representative re cently that he recognised the lowness of the freights, but he had no fear that the threatened competition would kill the Cape trade in New Zealand frozen meat. ' Before expressing a definite opinion on the matter I must wait for further details, but speaking genei ially I do not think there is any great cause for alarm. ' In the first place, we are given only the cos| of freight. What are the bullocks and sheep to cost before shipment^ and what about their food on board and the accessory attendance ? What kind of condition will they be in when they get, to the Oape, and what are they going" to. be sold for there ? If frozen meat here can stand the competi tion of the importation of live animals I do not see why the trade should have any great cause for alarm at the Cape. ' Then it must be remembered, too, that the restriction on exportation from Argen ina to England may be removed any day, and the supply for exportation to the Cape will necessarily be lessened. No, at present I can't see any serious cause for alarm.*

News in Brief.

Mr D. Thomas will offer at tk& Methven yards on Thursday 400 two, four, and six tooth forward wethers. The New Zealand Loan Company willsell on account of Mi; Robert Donald, at High bank, on Friday next, the 20th inst, the whole of his live and dead stock. The at tention of intending purchasers at the sale is directed to the alteration in the date from Thursday, the 19th, to Friday, the 20th inst. Instead of an extra ration, the outdo r recipients of relief from the Wellington Benevolent Trustees will be given 1 cwtof coal each on Coronation Day. Individual communion cups were used on Sunday for the first time at the com munion service at St. Stephen's Presbyter ian Church, Nortfe Dunedin. At a recent stock sale at Hastings twenty fpiur oo ws were offered by auction. They averaged £8 Is, the top price being £16. Sis-weeks-old calves sold for i Bs, A charge oi twopence per head is now made at night to all persons, who are not passengers, for admission to the Feilding railway platform. Five offenders (two ptiblicans and three Chinamen) were eaoh fined 5s at Duuedin yesterday for keeping dirty yards. There is another treat in store for the Ashburton public this evening. Our readers will notice that Miss Julia Layton, of the speech and song Mipion now being conducted in the Baring Square Church, is to sing the solos—" The dream of Para djse," and " Behold me. standing at the door."' It is expected that the Echo Lake crater, alongside fehe Great Waimangu Geyser, at Rotomahana, will break into eruption. It i 9 very deep, and boiling hot, and its level is about 100 ft higher than Waimangu. : The London police have instituted pro ceedings against the keeper of a sweefcstuff shop for using automatic machines, which, it alleged to be an infringement of the Lotteries A ct. It is said that similar mach ines are in use in publiobouses and shops throughout the country, and their legality is. now to be tested. On Sa.ttt.rday next Mr D. Thomas, on account of Mr T. Bullock, will offer by auction at the Arcade, at 11.30 a.m., Mr John Robertson's improved farm of 179 acres with buildings thereon, situated near the Lowelift'e school. The road races promoted this year by the Ofc,ristoburch Cycling Club have been pro ductive in bringing quite a number of prac tically unknown men to the front, and Con greve's latest performance on Dunlops i& worthy of mention and places him in the flrst Night, as his ride in the Massey Cup Competition of twenty seven miles in otic » hour fifteen minutes thirty two- seconds was j really meritorious, as his average is equal to« « twenty one and a half miles an hour, and j it was more especially meritorious as he j was without any pace for nearly the whole I journey.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 1902



F. J*ISKKIMAN. 1 F FER"RT^AN JL 4 A J. i& l .£.» JL ■• ■' *' xIL i. *. LICENSED LAND BROKEE,, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, HAVBLOCK STREET, ASHBUBTO2T, HAS FOR SALE. The undermentioned Properties, full par tioulars of whioh may be had on application :— THE UNDEESIGNBD HAS *OE SALE BY PRIVATE TBBATY. A SNUG HOME, consisting of 60 Acres j' of Land, Six-roomed House and otrftraildings. The land ia subdivided into fow paddocks, and is within |easy distance of a achool F. FEBBIMAN, Land and Estate Agent, Ashburton. LISMOEE. f%S£\ ACEES of Land. Capital Sheep OO\J Grazing Farm. F. FEBEIMA2T, Ashbnrton. _ SMITHFIELD. | A SMALL DWELLING-HOUSE and 6 Acres of Land within a very easy i distance of the Factory. F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. HINDS. /CAPITAL Four-roomed House and 80 \_,< Acres of Land. This Property is in tasy distance of the train, is subdivided Ktt'd well watered. F. FEERIMAN, Ashburton. NOBTH-EiST TOWN BELT, ABHBUBTON. HALF-ACBE of ground with House of Six Booms, good washhouse, copper, and washing trough. The interest on this purchase after paying the deposit would only amount to 4s per week. .P. FEEEIMAK, Ashburton. TOWN SECTION 884, MOOEE STBEET, ASHBUBTON. /AXFABTEE-ACEE of ground, with House IcJ of Four Booms, Stable, and Orchard. F. FEBEIMAN, Ashburton. TOWN BELT. ■THB PAKE TEEEACE OF ASHBUBTON T7OE SALE, One Acre of Ground, and House of Six Boome, Bathroom, Pantry, Scullery, and Washhottse; an ideal home for a farmer who ia retiring, and j wishes to be surrounded with a picturesque outlook, and to be in the proximity of the Domain. The Land is of the very best quality. The house was not built by oontraot, and only the very best material and workmanship was put into the building F. FERRIMAN. ASHBUBrON. RUSINBSS NOTIOB3 ■jhTTjresham, SUEGEON AND MECHANICAL - DkNTTST BEGS to inform the residents of Ash burton and Surrounding Districts that he has commenced practice in rooms upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Booms, Burnett. 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. Houbs of Attendance—9 a.m.—s p.m. To Electors of Ashburton, — _ ! np HE statement that we will be Candi-J I dates for Ashburton Constituency at next Election is absolutely without founda tion, pur time being wholly occupied in executing orders required in both the Cabinetmaking and Upholstery lines, all of •whick are finished off at sensational cheap prices by MOBIABTT Bros., Cabinet- j .makers, Upholsterers, etc, Wakanui Boad. ! ~PRIZE FOULTRiTfOR SALS. | PURJf.-BEBD Indian Game, Mm -roas. l.*og"li»n9, ar:d Brown Leg'iorns. /Mho Pskhi Backs- Bre:I fiom Impor-eci and iJitat P«ze Stcck. Co.kere's and Fall ti> fffora @a 4 190 H. 0- BERRTEM4N. % 11 fe Men's English and American BOOTS THE "WATER KING." Guaranteed Perfectly Waterproof WE will return you your money it these Boots do not give satisfaction Men's Dancing Shoes, 7s 6d Men's Goloshes, 5s 6d Ladies' Evening Shoes, 3s 6d Ladies' Goloshes, 4s Men's, Women's and Children's FELT SLIPPERS. Children's School Boots at Lowest Prices HEW ZEALAND' Clothing Factory.



BUSINESS NOTIOMS < BICYCLE LAMPS. — JUST LANDED IJtNORMOUS Shipment of Bicycle Accessories, including— ■J Solar Gas Lamps : : 18s Phenomenon Gas Lamps : 17s 6d Oil Lamps of. every make from 3s to 17s 6d Calcium, Carbide, Vaseline, Acetylene Burners all sizes, Cycling Capes, Automatic Mud Guards, etc. Largest Direct Cycle Importers in New Zealand. OUE EKPAIR DEPARTMENT, Now is the time to get your Bicycle thoroughly Overhauled, Re enamelled, and Plated. Our present charge for this work is irom 20s upwards All work done at the Zealandia Cycle Works Is carried out under the Personal Supervision of Mr W. Schwartz, who will be pleased to give Estimates, tree of charge, for any repairs, alterations, etc. OATEB. LOWRY & CO,, Zealandia Cycle Works, Burnett Street, 6 115 And at Christohureh, Wellington, Napier, and Timaru. J. WILSON BURNETT STREET, HAS A BEAUTIFUL STOCK OF WALL 'PAP E ES. Sign Writing a Specialty. Good Tradesmen sent to any part of Town or Country to execute Painting or Paperhanging in all its branches. Telephone 65. TJICKED & PACKED IN CEYLON. Pat in Soldered Lead Packets. Straight from Tea Garden to Tea Pot. if Jvli DON'T Guaranteed the Purest Tea. The leading Brand of Ceylon. Used in the Government Houses and by the best people m Australia. Agent—J. T. 0000H, Ashburton. GUNS- GUNS. ' GUNS. JUST L/VNO!sr>.-^Hc!fl and Double B<-nvl Breech Loading. A reai Good s J*. Vt 45*. B itrm 65 * upward?. aMMUKITION TO HUM ALL. CARTRIDGES including Kle/« Unswr« B l »nd Bloc. Nobel s Billwtitr, ' ' S'mokV.ess.- N'KW CLUB. NKWHIVAL. *"* -• - r -- < ? -- Ip °wl rT Z Libmrf or DiT4 "oin. (.■»■•• "' 6d to 55- i Table f«Kn 2 8 6d to 30s; O.U ~a !„,„.,» H... <« Vc-w Miller," — Hand Lamps from Is. CABPB'HTBIi'S TOOLS Of all Descriptions at Reduced Prices. Greatest variety and Cheapest in Ashbarton. RANGES & REGISTER GRATES TO SUIT THE TIMES; (jr. jyxJDiXiJL/xiN o% Tbe PeopWe Ironmonger, Bamefct Street, Opposite Arcade CORONATION SALE OF FLAGS. FLAGS. 108 Dozen Flags just Opened for the Coronation, Procession, at 2s 6d per dozen, or 3d each, full size, consisting of New Zealand, Union Jack, St George's Cross, Stars and Stripes, Imperial Flag of England, Harp of Old Ireland, Bonnie Scotland, Royal Standard, etc I TAILOB- AND M.ERCEH, ■4 NY p?r6onorper*onaftaT:idTrejp--B6iog 127 Monoiseoter Street, Christcharoh, : on'the RivemMo Estate in pat suit of g»jne TTAS •Oholo. A«ort«*» of galling* J^ h»who ftiU P'VsItRANOB. . o iuW.f O r the.c«on. Ch«terfio»d. .»* -_—--—^--~^^— n T-iVflrb Cn&ts ft ?peoir4ty. Sa^plwi esofc t« 1,..^ now or- Apr »•> for every 28 Coupons I *'' ''' '"" ' '' ar.d upwards 1 - v Addc^. ('cntiemr.a'ii Mcjccry »f every _—,— -—~.. \ ""'y " TN L;qoi«la<-.ioD--Mv tp«dar SuitfiDg hcen i *""<■'-• "j i!- £ b "'S d &%%»£ r-ft. is w | * ,v Z a ].9 to 31. Le»flHes' Sir. R |«jt£ 9^d bo 6» lid 1 LATE ;iT FASHIONS IN STOCK. j_w a p KA uOK, Ouh Draper



I PUBLIC NOTICES. j The Colonial Mutual Life i Assurance Society, Ltd j TQo'lioy Holders are hereby notified that Mb Henry Stephenson | . . ■ ■ i has been appointed Local Agent at Ash burton, vice Mr William Stonyer. The Society is now issuing Policies con taining new and attractive features guaranteed bonuses, etc., full particulars of which may be obtained on application to Henry Stephenson, Auctioneer, Agent for Ashburton, or T. E. Walton, 6 110 District Manager, Christchurch.



The Cup That Cheers.— What is more invigorating than a nice cup of Coffee these frosty mornings; and you get one if you buy come of Fletcher Bros, fine blend of Java and Mocha, which makes a cup of Coffee fit for the Gods. We grind the Coffee on the premises, thereby enqurfeg its''freshness. We'have only pne. gualiiy and one'price, iiamely, Is' 6dper Ib, and fcliere is nothing better to be had. For ail comulitinrr. of I he Throat, Lurm-a ni Bronchial' Tabes, TUSMCUR.\ is the .sovereign remedy, Afc all chemtets Smofee Hew Vanw



Smoke New Yea«&