Mail Notices

Mails dose for the following placets as under, subject to the necessary alterations — FRIDAY, March 7 For Northern Ports and Wesfsporfe, per Walhora, at 6.30 p m SATURDAY, March 8 For Australian Btates, India, China, Strait Settlements, South Atrioa, Continent of Europe, and United Kingdom, (due London on April 20th), via Brindisi, per express, to connect with Mokoia, at 12.30 p m For Northern Perts, per Maura, at 10.30 a m

Foe Norbhern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6.30 p m

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1902.

tMrGK W. Leadiyey, the President of the North Canterbury district of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, haß more than once complained that the newspaper reports of the grain quota- I tioas are not to be depended upon. At the Conference of the Canterbury branches of the Union held in Ash burton during last year, he proposed that a central bureau should be es tablished in connection with the Union, which should publish regularly I official quotations of the prices ruling in all districts where there was a 1 branch of the Union. There is no thing to be said against this proposal of Mr Leadley's, since the more numerous the sources of information as to markets &c. available to the far mers, the better it is for them and for the country. But when Mr Leadley charges the newspapers with publishing " totally unreliable information " as to the market prices, and with thus creat ing a state of things which "is a dis grace," it is just as well fco investigate the circumstances that have led him to make such statements. Mr Leadley attempted to prove hia charge against the newspapers by instancing (a case in which ho had sold wheat at 3s on tracks at Ashburton, and in the local papnrs the following day, the market repori gave the highest price as 2a lOd; and later on he referred to this paper. We have made some enquiries con cerning this matter, and have ascer tained that Mr Leadley's sale took place on a Saturday, consequently his statement that " the following day the market report gave the highest price aa 2a lOd " is like one of Dick Swi~ veller's staggerers. We were not aware that the Ashburton newspapers had fallen so far from grace as to publish on Sunday ; but Mr Leadley evidently thinks they would stick at nothing, so we will let that pass. The first quotation of grain prices that ap peared in this paper after Mr Leadley'a sale-—which, as we have stated, wap on the 15th—was on Tuesday 18th, when wheat (Pearl, Tuscan, and Hunters,) was quoted at 2s lid, and this was the top price then obtainable for medium sized parcels. If Mr Leadley's wheat had not been a prime sample, and in a large line, it is probable that he would not have been able to get more fchan 23 llri for it. Bub on 15th Feb ruary the Press quoted wheat at 2s lid fro 3s, f.o.b, which is equal to 2a 8d to 2* 9d at Aghburton, aod on the fame day the LytUlton Times quoted 3s to 3a Id, f.o.b, equal to 2a 9d to 2a lOd at Ashburfion. And, as a matter of fact, we may state that several parcels had changed hands on the previous day at about those figures. We are quite satisfied that the quotations published in the Guardian on 18th February, were as nearly correct as it was pos sible to make them. The newspapers desire to keep their readers posted up in correct information on all questions, and Mr Leadley has a good deal to Iflftrn if he imagines that outside in~ fluencea can in any way interfere with the honest discharge of that duty by tbe press of this colony, Mr Leadley occupies a very responsible position aa President of the Farmers' Union of Can terbury, and it would be well for him to avoid in future committing himself to any statement in his ofiicial capacity t which ia nob altogether justified by facts.

Partial Impact.

A well-known writer in the Otago Daily limes of March Ist ridiouleß Professor Bio kerbon's theory of partial impaob, maintaining that) there can be no aaoh thing as a • partial 1 abriking. This wribor is evidently nob aware that Si*- Robert Ball, the eminent Oambridge Pro. feasor, in his new book on the ' Beginnings of Life ' prao'ically endorses Professor Bioker bnn'e theory, although he makes no mention of the labter's investigations in his book. Nevertheless, it must be gratifying to our looal gcienbist to find a gentleman with snob a world wide reputation coming to the same conclusion ai hobai done, oo the fascinating problem which he has ma<3e a life Bbudy, Professor Bickerton has maintained his opinion omioernmg the origin of new star»» in spite of the jsera of the ignorant, and the criticism of other scientists, and today his nebuh hypothesis is as attractive aaever, and will now, no doubt, be pretty carefully examined by all the leading scientists in the WOll'l. r wijuii mil i ■ mii ■■in Minn

Local and General.

Gardening—The gardening WQfk for the month of March will be found on the fourth page of today's issue, W?i«her Fobeoastl — Gapbaln Edwin wires :wNorbh to east and south e&Bb heavy gale soon $' glafis fall j indications of very heavy ratni Chaff Gutting Plant--Mr F. Ferrl man reports the sale, on account of Messrs Bainey and Davidson, of a complete chaff cutting plant to Mr T Oavill, junior, Wakanul. Mf xfibld Spoets— The Mayfield Sports Committee, who hold their annual meeting on Eaater Monday, have issued the programme for the day. There are six teen events, for which about £30 is offered in prize money. Given fine weather, thsre should be a record attendance at this popular fixture Bkdgb-Wbj'ewortb Cy^LES.—Any lady or geDtleman contemplating buying a maohine should nob fail So examine the lateab RudgaiWhitworbh models, Easy terms can be arranged, and your oicS tnaohine taken as part payment,~R. D. Johnabon, Agent, City Cycle Works, Bur. netb Street. JOHNSON SAID -* 'Jib.c pjieasgre oF living depends upon tide liyar/ |£,c hsd a liver and knew all aboot it. How's your 'Hver'i Feeling a bio '••ffiltable and despondent# Qob &%t> of the' blues ltl Tals Is how the liver lets trouknow there'^. a Oßl9thinß Wfoßg- Don't trifte with your live?. If* dangeroas. fteb the ijLrsic fptp workfag ordesand regam your sauny, amiaisle 4?spos!tlon. Impey a May Apple will put the fipep right. Ib acts as nature acts, gently and painlessly. 1 1 helps the digestive prgans to.aa^in^ilaU food, stimulate! the liver, and fe Uie most valuable and sncce^sfflil remedy for all stomach troubles. A|l <jh.emJ9fcs a»oi etorekeapeys, gs #d, k

Wieth's OmoDS—Wirth's Ciroue shows tonignt on the section ntxb P and D Dunoan'e foundry, opposito the Oddfellows' Hall.

Passing Thr.tjcib—Hia Exoellenoy the Governor, Lord Raniurly, the Rt, Hon. H J Seddon, the Premier, and General Babing too, the Commandant of the Forces, wore passengers by tho express for the South today.

Appointment—Mr Kerrigan, M.R.C.V 8., who has been veterinary surgeon at fche Fairfield Works for nearly twelve months, his been transferred to Oamaro, and Mr V,l Bankes, M R.0.V.5., suc ceeds him at Fail-field, and will commence his duties on Monday.

ThbPkiobofOats—At the meeting of the Farmers 1 Union Executive in Christ church on Wednesday, a farmer present stated thab a few Saturdays ago he sold & Hue of oat) Bat is lOd on trucks at a near country station. Before noon on the fol lowing Monday, and before the oats had been actually delivered, the parcel had ohanpad hands five times, being fia&Hy Bold at 23 2|dt.o.b,

Social—A aoelal was held Id the Primitive Methodise Church laeb evening, on the oooasion of the quarterly Boards meeting, and to hear bbi addresses of the Conference delegat b, namely Messrs Lill, B Evans, QJrrzise, Rev H Raine and others, Mr Leadley read the balance eheet'whioh showed it very satisfactory years work. Anthems wera given by the choir, and duets and solos by Mesdames Palmer, W Maraden, J Marsden, Messrs Jones and Oaborne, and were encored several times. After refresh ments had been handed round, & hearty vote of thanks was passed to all those who h»d contributed ia the way of previsions, and the singers, and all who had helped to make the meeting a success. The meeting closed with the doxolegy.

Wirths' Greyhound— The high jumping greyhound Marshal Ney, belonging to Messrs Wirth Bros, is evidently a oharacteE ia his own way* While the company waa showing ia Ihmaru the dog was running to t»ko hia jump over the elephant, cutnol and horse, ami a gate 12f& high, when he eapied another greyhound looking ab him from among the audience. He immediately made for tho intruder, and overcoming him in 6gbt, chased him out) of the teal, and off the grounds. Returning with bristles upright, he went through his act, and before retiring closely examined the auditorium to Bee if there were any more canines about! The audienoo appreciating the dog'a devotion to duty under disturbing conditions, gave Marshal Key a hearty ovation.

Tinwam) School Combiitsbe--The usual monthly meeting of the Tinwald School Committee waa held on Tuesday evening last. Present —Messrs Clothier (Chairman), Giles, BonnJngton, Fergie, and Tremain. As the Traffic Manager would not granfc a train as proposed, and tho other Committees not co-operating, it was decided to postpone the excursion for the time being. The master's report waa raad as follows j— *' The number on the roll is 138, and the average urten» for the past four weeks has been 116.2. The attendance has been good during the past fortnight." It waa decided that the Visiting Committee see to several repairs. A letter was received from the master, re truant children. It was decided that the teacher should grant exemption in the case of sickness, and the Chairman and one other member of the committee in other cases. A letter was received from the North Canterbury School Committees Association, asking the Committee to send a delegate to the Conference to be held in Christchurch, It was decided that If any member was going to Christohurch at that time he could act. Accounts were passed for payment to the amount of £1 17s lOd, and the meeting than closed.

News in Brief.

Mr Andrew Orr, draper > ie now showing autumn and winter novelties specially selected by his London ageat. He has new goods in ail departments, and directs special attention to a beautiful selection of mantles, jackets, capas, etc.

Messrs Priedlander Bros will sell at Iho West b'creet Mart, tomorrow, on account of E Herring, Esq, and other clients, several draught horses ; also, on account of Mrs R B Jeffs, her homestead at Tinwald,

Mount Somers Road Board.

The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board was held on Monday* Present—Mr Chapman (chairman) and all the members. PBOTECTIVE WORKS, CAMERON'S ROAD A letter waa received from the Aahburton Oounty Council with reference to the con struction of protective works on Taylor's stream, Cameron's road. It was ultimately decided to let the matter of protective works stand over for the present, and instead to have a new cutting and crossing made some distance above the present onej THIRDS AND FOURTHS. The Reoeiver of Land Revenue advised that the accrued thirds and fourths for the period endei February Ist had been placed to the Board's credit with the Union Bank, Ash-burton. ACCIDENT INSURANCE TheOaesn AaoidenbGuarantee Corporation forwarded the policy of insurance on the Board's employees; As however contractors were apparently not included, it was decided to return the same for amendment. PROTECTIVE WOBKS, AYBTON's ROAB It was resolved to invite tenders for pro* Motive works and tree planting on Ayrton's road, Taylor's stream. ACCOUNTS. Aaconnts amounting to £68 7s lid wore passed for payment and the Board adjourned.

Catholic Literary Society.

The weekly meetings of the Catholic Literary fetooietiy havo of late been exeat.* ttonally well attended In regard to number, whloh is the best) proof obtainable of the popularity and prosperity of any Bach Society, and the RtSendanoo of Thuraday must have been very pleasing te tho pro moter of this worthy Club, tho schoolroom being comfortably filled by members. The I^sual formal businesa was tranaaobod, amongst whloh was thearnounoement that a grand concert would be held by the Society at the end of April, and the programme for the coming month was read. A varied programme was then taker; on for the evening, first of which coneittad of reading the pudge's report on the essays submitted tp him, in connection with which an anony mous (fonor had contributed a handsome priae for tho successful gssaylst. Consider* able intercsb was taken in 1 the competition, and the judge's report waa a favorable one, more espeoially on the paper entitled "The arcient history of Ireland," to which he awarded the nrizs, and which oaper waa thd work ol Mr H MoSherry. The writer then read hie paper, which was of a must instructive character throughout, bearing as ijb Sid on the ancient customs etc., of the jriah raoe, and Mr Moßheiry was HBtsned to with keen attention by the members, and #b the conclusion loudly applauded, Mr A J Mij-'lsr then read ja paper d'eaUng with our education system, in which he severely opitloiaed oujr present syllabus, contending that the Germane led the van in the matter nt edogfttlQn* Sihe pappr waa followed by lengthy oritic'sna, Rev Br and Mr H MoSherry taking Mr Miller t# task on the master, but notwithstanding all this Mv Mulier's opinions carried considerable weight with the members, and bis paper reflected great credit on him, and ho re ceived a vote of thanks from the Society. Mr W P Daly then followed with an aocount |f a Veoent ptip pa Nelson and back, and the experiences' gly'eji were both many and pleasant), and the a.^ooHnt 53^ wgll rece'ved. A very pleasant evening waa ihafc passed by the member*, and before departing' the President, Mr W Soal, exhorted all present to continually attend in such numbers as fchey had on Thursday, when ona and aHI <W"*l§ ho the gainers, intellectually and otherwise.

CABLE NEWS.

United Prees Association—By ESeobrio

Telegraph—Copyright

CHINESE CWSTOMS DIFFICULTY, London, March 5

The proposal of the British China Asso-1 elation at Shanghai to increase the Chinese impost duties to 15 per cent is meeting with incrtßclusivesuyporr, owing tothefear of inability to force the abolition of the , Internal duties. INFERIOR VICTORIAN MEAT. i Meat importers are seriously complaining of the emaciated condition of two recent shipments of Victorian lambs, They bear the Government stamp, acid are yet con demned in Smkhfield and the provinces. THE SUGAR BOUNTIES. The action of Germany In Insisting on iurther modifications has delayed the signing of the Sugar Bounties' Convention, THE REBELLION IN CHINA. The rebellion ah Nanning and Kweilin In favour of pubstltuting a Chinese for the Manchu dynasty is rapidly spreading: INFLUENZA IN THE COMMONS. A box has been placed in the centre of the House of Commons for the purpose of spreading euoalyptus vapour, owing to the prevalence of influenza. UNREST IN RUSSIA. St Petersburg, March 5 Serious outbreaks have occurred at Kiev and Odessa. The Universities in both cities are closed. COUNT TOLSTOI. Count Tolstoi is rallying from his serious illness. ARREST OF A TURKISH GENERAL Constantinople, Mar 5 General Ohakir Pasha, brother of the late Grand Vizier Djevad Pasha, h&3 been arrested here.

The British Army.

NEW PROPOSALS ANNOUNCED

SOME IMPORTANT REFORMS

Onitad Preca Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, March 6

In the Houae of Oommons 8 Mr Brodrick said, in future a soldier would clear a shilling a day. If at the end of two years he elected to re main with the colours^ after six years more service, and four years ip the Reserve, he would receive one and sixpence, It was hoped thus to attract 50,000 recruits a year. If half were engaged for eight years, the army would be kept at its full strength, and a reserve ot a hundred and fiffey to a hundred and seventy five thousand coald be established. The extra cost of the British service would be £1,480,000, and in India £786,090,

Guns bought in Germany snowed an immense improvement over the Brit ish guns in rapidity of fire and the distance covered

It was hoped that colonial statesmen wou'd be willing to undertake respon sibilities, closely linking the different parts of the Empire; rendering the whole forces of the Empire available in a war involving the interests of the whole Empire

With regard to the remount question he said it would have been wonderful if there had been no mistakes, con sidering the gigantic remount transac tions. It was hoped to establish some connection with the colonies for apeoi ally breeding army horses

SOUTH AFRICA

United'Preaa Association—By Rleotric

Telegraph—Copyright

London, March 5

In the House of Commons, Mr A C Humphries-Owen, the member for Montgomeryshire, moved a resolution condemning the Government's delay in improving the condition of tbe con centration camps,

Mr Chamberlain, in a brilliant speech in defence, condemued the grave and wicked exaggerations of pro-Boers, He eulogised the ceaseless labour, sacrifices, and the devotion of the ad ministrators of the camps, maintaining that 150,000 persons cost £180,000. The mortality in the camps among children under twelve years had fallen to 78 per 1000.

The motion was negatived by 232 votes to 111.

Oolonel Driscoll captured Qommand ant Jacob's laager at Orange River, taking six prisoners, including Field Oornet Smit,

A farmer at Barkly West waa sen tenced to three year's imprisonment for joining the enemy, Another far mer received a year's imprisonment and was fined £500 for acting as a field I cornet. Private J Freek, of the Sixth New SJealanders, is convalescent, and has resumed duty. Melbourne, March 6 I Mr Seddou, on behalf of the New Zealand people, has cabled to Lord Hopetoan, warmly thanking him for the message of sympathy for the loss, and congratulation on the heroism shown by the New Zealand troops. Sydney, March 6 In reference to the cable stating that many quite unbroken and untrained Australian cavalry and artilley horses reached South Africa in December by the Langton Grange, it appears that the horses were selected by an Imperial Remount ofijcer, who cjsclared that they were a splendid lot. They were shipped in November, 1899. Exper ience afterwards proved this class of horse to be too heavy for the work re quired of them in South Africa.

A NEW ZEALANDER WOUNDED.

Hokitijja Maroh 6 A cable from tho O£pcer Commanding at Capetown to his father, reports that Trooper Lot Ooopar, of this town, has been aeoideub ly wounded in South Afrion. Cooper is with the Seventh.

FARMERS' UNION.

MEETING OP EXECUTIVE*

A meeting of the executive of thn North, Canterbury district of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held at the rooms of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pas o a! Asso ciation on Wednesday; present, Messrs G W Leadley (president}), G Witcy, J Hardiog, J Sbudholme, juur, W Panneit, R Allen, 6 Gardiner, J Reid, H F Keeoe, W M'Millan, and R lUiney, The Chairman brought up a letter from the Marton Union, enclosing a report of the meeting, in whiou a reFolufciori was carried ' asking the North Canterbury district to Bend forward all information in concoction with the grain and produce markets. Tne Chairman said he bad done so, but read at length an ezbraat from the Rangitikei Advocate on the prospects of the markets, in which the farmers in the Marton district were advised not to sell their oats at less than 21 6d per bushel. He said that ho with other members had drafted a circular whioh it wae intended to send to all branches. The farmers wera looking to the Unlcn to give them same lead as to the markets, and ha thought the proposed circular would meet the case. The Chairman said he was satisfied that this year the farmers had it in their power to obtain good prices for their products, and it was only right that all information possible should be placed before growers. A lengthy discussion then took place in committee, and it was eventually resolved to issue a circular of a non committal nature. In reply to a communication, the Agricul" tural Department wrote to the effeab that the qusafsion of improved methods in dealing with the email birda nuisaoco would be gone into before the meeting of Parliament, with a view to introducing amended legislation. Mr vStudholme brought up tho question of the unsatisfactory state of the frozen meat trade, He moved—«Thab this Executive is of opinion—(l)£Th*b *ihe present ayetem of the disposal of New Zealand frozen mutton and lamb in England, by a number of differ ent oon3igneea, competing against) one another, is very prejudicial to the interests of the producers; (2) tha'j some form of en-operative combination of thoseJinbertßbed in the frczan meat trade, whereby the absolute cent ol of the balo of the whole output of New Zealand shall be vested in one company, or board, Is essantial for the roiHsatioo of the full intrinsic value of our product, and (3) that a'l branches of the Union throughout New Z3aland ba invited to o»ll meetings to consider this question as early a« possible, so that the Wellington Conference may be enabled to take up the matter and approach the Government, for enabling legislation if bhey think 1b advis able to do so.' In supporting the motion Mr Sbudholme said that the ohargas at Home and the manner of distribution were most unuatiefaotory. They could scarcely expect any further reduction in freights or freezing as both had beea brought to the lowest pay able point. The disparity in nricss be tween English and New Zealand mutbon and lamb was very satisfactory* Hie ex perience whil9in England went to show that ihe New Zealand article was quite ac good aa the Home grown. The reason for the low prices ruling for our products was that the consignments w ere too much split up and passed through too many hands. What was re quired was that all New Zealand meat should be under one control. Were this so they would be strong enough to withstand oompebitloa by the butchers, and, If neces sary, open shops of their own and exploit new markets. He suggested that eaoh branch should oall meetings and arrange for addresses to ba given by Mr Thomas or other persons who had definite schemes to propose. Some arrangements might be made to baka in some of the larger concerns at Home with their plant, and pay them with Bhares. (The matter was one which be taken up by the Conference whioh was to sit in Wellington shortly, and u?e might ba made of Mr Seddon's vieib to England to have the matter thoroughly looked into. Mr Gardiner suggested that arrangements might be made for both Messrs T Mackeczie and D Thomas to put thsir views before the members of the Association. The Chairman said that Mr Thomas would address the farmers of Ashburton and lay hie scheme before them at an early date- Mr Fe^oe quite agreed with the necessity for more information being gained on tho subjacf. The faimars here were BOaroelj competent to advise on the mat*«r. Same steps mvs 1". ba taken bo help New Z to compete with the enormous supplies tent Home from other markets. Ha did not think, howaver, the Farmers' Union was competent to envolve any soheme. They should geb Mr Thomas to address as maoy Unions aa possible. Tha Chairman nqreed with Mr Race's remarks, and Mr Soudholme having replied, the motion was carried unanimously, I* was decided to hear Mr Tbomais at AsbburtoE, and if bhoughb desirable, ti »p.k Mr T Mackenzie bo speak on the matter lafer on. The Chairman brought up the question of deductions made in the weightß of dead sheep in the looal factories, which some thought were unsatisfactory* Mr Harding said he found that the present) arrangements had been going on for the paot fifteen yearp, and they wers giving ; genera! satisfaction. The allowance for \ shrinkage on a 601b sheep was about 21b. The matter then dropped. j Ib was decided tio write to the Colonial Executive, asking that Canterbury should have nob less than one representative on the Colonial Council for fash thousand or fraction of a thousand members, instead of the two at present allowed. The programme for the Provincial Con< I ferenoe of branohes, to be held in Christ ohuroh, was dismissed. Ib was decided to hold the Conference at the Agricultural and Pastoral rooms on May 21 and 22, commenc ing at 11 a m, the representation to ba one delegate for each one hundred members, or fraction of oue hundred ; sub branches to be represented through the bead branchj all business from branohes to be in the hands of the Provincial Secretary before April 22. The agenda, paper Was adopted. Ib was decided that the Executive should mseb in May

Mr Gardiner brought up tha question of technical education. Hs said that) the Conference which had been held in Christ* ohuroh bad discussed everything that affaoted the down, bub altogether neglected the country, He maintained th*t the farmers should ba considered in the matter, and steps should be taken to give the farmers an opportunity to acquire technical education in their own branch Mr Leadlsy said he introduced the subject at the Conference in Wellington, but so far, nobbing had come of it. It having been arranged that Mr Harding, secretary to tha Executive, should visit the various sub branches i» the interests of the Union and of the Commercial Insurance Company, aa itinerary was arranged. The Chairman moved-- 1 Thais the thanks of the Union be forwarded to Mr Seddoa for the stand the Government had taken in conneotion with tins frossn meat contracts for tha Imperial Army." This was seconded by Me Al'au and carried! After passing accounts and dealing with routine matters the Executive adjourned until May 7i

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Ashburton County Council took place this morning. Present—Mr Harper (chairman), Messrs Chapman, Studholme, Stitt, Johnston, Lambie, Morgan, and Friedlander.

The Chairman read his usual statement of business done by the Chairman, and various reports were laid on the table.

engineer's report.

The Engineer's report was read as follows ;— ,

Ashburton-EakaiaWaterSupply.—The travelling shingle at Pudding Hill dam has been a source of considerable trouble for some time past, but the greater part of it has been got rid of at the bye-wash. When the accumulation of shingle has been sufficiently cleared away, the seven iron plates which have been procured for securing the outlet, will be laid down. A good deal of work has been necessary at Winchmore intake and also at Acton, in order to keep up full supplies. Supply for Messrs Digby and Me- Arthur.—At the request of the Com mittee appointed to deal with this matter, I prepared a scheme of supply from County race in lieu of that from present intake in Mr Oetavius Digby's property, and furnished plan and esti mate for the same, showing the probable liability of each owner for construction and maintenance, and the Committee will report on this subject. Ashburton Eangitata Water Supply.— The supply was kept up with very little intermission during last month. The contractor is now ready to start the enlarging of S4 main between the Hinds and Eangitata rivers. Water will require to be turned off during the day, but will be let on nightly. The enlarging of the Pond T races will follow, but in those the work can be done with the water left in them.

Tenders could be called for the 27 miles or so of new races authorised in Cold stream district, in time for next meeting if the Council should so decide.

Main Kace, Bangitata Gorge,—The contractor for clearing the Head Eace, after being employed a few days in getting ready his plant and taking it to the ground, commenced operations, but after a short time, abandoned the work, as he judged he would be unable to finish it in anything like time to allow the concrete work to be commenced and finished before winter. The letters and report with which I furnished you, show the position, and fresh tenders are now in for the work of clearing, with time extended to 15th June. It is to be regretted that the concrete work will now have to be deferred till spring. The acceptance of tenders received for cement will therefore, I presume, have to be deferred also.

County Bridges. — Surveyor's Road Bridge, Hinds River—Part of the north ern bank having given way, a timber wing has been put in to retain it, and secure the roadway. Timber for decking repairs has been provided for Rangiiata Bridge, and Pudding Hill Bridge, and the work of adjusting the trusses in the latter is now being commenced. Some repairs have been effected on Digby's Bridge. County Plantations.—The grubbing of gorse fence fronting Reserve 1774, has now been completed. The time has now arrived for the laying of poison in such of the Planta tions as are affected by rabbits. The Government Department's Inspector will show the Council's man the method of procedure.

Road Connection between South Eoad and Fairfield Abattoirs and Freezing Works. — The accompanying tracing shows the proposed connection aa mutually arranged by yourself and the Manager of the Freezing Works. The latter undertakes to give the land and fence the road on the Company's pro property, the County Council doing the same m Plantation Reserve 1770, and altering the site of water race and rail way culvert to suit new conditions. The Council will also have to arrange with the Eailway Department to make the crossing over railway, and that and the other works would require to be put in hand without delay, in order to have the whole completed by the end of this month. A connection between Reserve 1774 and the new road should also be arranged with the Freezing Company at the point indicated.

Wakanui Creek—Some of the settlers at lower Wakanui having represented that the' Creek through their properties has been dry for a long period, I made an inspection on 28th February, by your authority, and now beg to report as follows :—At Canterbury Mill intake at river, the flow was approximately 11,500 gallons a minute. Of this nearly 5000 gallons per minute were consumed by the races led out for Borough and, Suburban and Wakanui Flat, and Sea- 5 e} cJ supplies, leaving a surplus at Smith field Gardens of 6500 gallons a minute for the Creek supply. On account of defective clearing, or no clearing at all, the supply kept rapidly diminishing downwards, as follows :— At Milton Eoad it was 6000 gals a minute „ Cochrane's Eoad, 5000 gals a minu.te „ Stanley Eoad, 3800 gals a minute „ North of Wakanui Mill intake 2500 gals a minute The accession from the Wakanui Mill supply is 5000 gallons a minute Leaving available at this junction 7500 gallons a minute Which at Wakanui Township Eoad be came reduced to 5750 gals a minute Which supply teached only 2| miles down the Oree kj whereas the quantity would be sufficient for nearly 100 miles oi Ordinary water race on the Plains. The Creek I found dry from a point about 30 chains from the upper end of Mr Cairns' Wakanui Homestead pro perty, downwards to the sea, and the water was hardly advancing at all, owing to the very adverse conditions, the creek bed in that locality being wide, tortuous, and irregular, with dried up lagoons of great capacity and varying depths, opened up with fissures, and in some places there were dams of large willow trees, and other obstructions right across the channel.

From the Canterbury Mill intake at river to the Council's intake at Mr Bul lock's, covering the portion of creek to wh?ch the various race intakes extend, the creek is in pretty fair order, with. little perceptible loss of water, but from Smithfield Gardens downwards, the creek bed for the most part is a thorough mess, is obliterated in many places, and in several places water is wasting under ground through cavities formed by shrinkage after overflow. The only exception to this state of things, seemed to be on the property of Mr John Coehrane, who has yet a few defective points to clear, but his portion of the creek, on the whole, ia in fair order.

I understand Mr Lemon, Mr Lamb, and other owners, as soon as harvest opera tions are over, are to overhaul their respective portions of the creek. When this is done, and the complainants at the lower end of the creek take similar steps, I see no reason why the surplus supply from even one of the mills should not reach the lower end, but in any ease, the creek bed on this lower section will always swallow up a large volume of water, owing to its very irregular width and depth, and the opening up of the bottom of roots of willow trees which are now of great size, and from other caases- A suggestion has been made that water should be shut off, at least partially, ! from each of the two mill intakes (but not both together), for two weeks each year, to, allow the settlers^ under notifi" cation, to clear the creek, and this, no doubt, would prove a commendable step. It appears the Wakanui Mill Lake this season was shut off for cleaning at a time when the upper intake was insufficiently supplied, which circumstance, no doubt, aggravated the situation towards the extremity of the creek. Allowing for contingencies, losses through absorption, &c, I should say that with reasonable maintenance by the settlers, a practically constant supply would be kept up as far down as the Wakanui Township JRoad, or perhaps to the lower end of Mr Isaac Thompson's property; but lower down, a water race, (with branches), formed some distance

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN : FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 1902



mawmmt ir.i «w—mm ■■■■ »' ■ *" ■' ' " F. FEBRIMAN FOB SALE Corses of Wills Street and East Belt, Aehborton. I HAVE received instructions from Mr '■ John Afusworth, who is leaving for the North Wand, to sell his very desirable residence, situated as above. Ths houae, which contains 5 rooms and BGaltary, has only recently been erected, »md Is const* acted of the best material by »finis class builder. The section is wall situated, and has befin well fenced !>nd cultivated. As the owDer has decided to leave for the North Island at once, my instructions MS to effect a speedy tale. Fell particulars on app'icatinn to F, FERItIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FINAL NOTICE, Tl 1 le requested that all Acctmnlß dv» to D& MAODK bo paid to the undersigned within 14 days F FERRIMAN. Adhbartou, Febroary 11th, 1902 i TO LET ALE'ORD FORE3T KOAD /COTTAGE and Acre of land receatly \J occupied by Mr B Barr. Apply FFBRKIMAN, Land find Estate Agent TO LET, Kermode Street, Ashburfcon, A COMFORTABLE Hoaaa of 5 rooms, together with good garden and orchard Apply PFBRRIMAN TO LET, Peter Street, Aahburtoa, A HOUSE of five rooms; | aore of jaod j good Btabllng Apply V FERRIM^N TO LET. Winter's Boad, Alleaton, A fiaST CLASS Dwelling, containing J\_ six rocBBB ; 1J acres of land, s;ood garden and orchard ; detached bathroom, waslihoaae, stablse and trap house F FERRIMAN BUSINESS NOTICES HAVJS fOU TfilED OUB «3 lOs BUl rJL IS. Only this yeftt'a Tweecia sold, W« fearlessly asseri this ia sterling value. MoDONAI-D &CO, Tailobs Messrs WEBLEY, SONS, & GOFION. 13lAN01?0RTE Bnd Otgw Taruw, Mid OANTBRBORY° ANI) WE3TLAKD. Our Ma GOFXOU wilt make the Periodical Trip to Afthburton tha Second W^ek in Maroh LLEWBLLIN OWSN, M O 8 M. OiKTIFIOATED & REGISTERED TEACHER. STUDENTS prepared for »ny Musical Kxaminatibn held in New Zaalatid. All braooheß of Music taught. Csodidates prppenterii nt J'x-imlnj.tiotiß 137 ; average mar kg ganed, 94 per oont, ~" WANTED. FRESH Oyßterp, Flounders, Trivali, »n:J ail kinrts of Fresh Pißh To-Nighb by Expretiß.-J H JkWiOT, Telephone 96 THE Nation's Pioiuros—Most fsmous pictures in tho Art Galleriea of Eng- Ihai!. Published in parts containing four S>l»«;qa "in actual ooloori of tho or ginaK Mvlßg'bondoo by G R Sime ; serial dealing with »U pboaea of London life, fiom Court Of the Kto(j 6o tattered outcasts ; fortnightly parts, Call and use the abovt—B M Jones. ■J7IOR best value in China, Glass, and V Earthenware try Cabson & Co, Tittsred Street _ CT^m ,, l ,,. „ „ ,- I" N Table and Pockofe Oatlery. Hickel and R P Spoona and Forks, X P Ware, Holloware, Brnshware and Knamelled Goods Carson & Co give best TOtae in town. FOB first; class Ddiry Produce go u> Oaks ON & Co. Tancced Street E* "~KOYCLOP^DIA BRITANNIOA, -- Orders now being received lor the new Edition. Call untl see Proßpectue, and get particulars' Tho low rate of 5s down and 12b a month is now being aocepted. Immediate delivery on payment of firetoa. A 0) H WILLIAMS, E»«t Street), /~IYOLIBTS and Athletes—Good all wool i_,/ L Sweatera 6s lid wnd 7b 6cl ; all wool I Canhmprn Sox, 2 pairs for Is lid—W H Peabce's Drftpery_Bale- _ _______ D* UIUNG thia sale you can gab Reliable Kid Gloves for la lid ; wnal praoes, 2s 6:1. 2b lid, 3h 6d, all la lid—W M Pmboe, Draper and Clothier. ANTBO to Clew— riew Goods arriv ing durinfi *a'e will be sold at Bale ufoes: Palley Beite 1«, U 3-1; Trimmed Af»EOna is, Is 3d, Is 4|d«~PjUKCBS Drapery Sala. _j W~ ANTED Known — (CO LEU—Six Boomed Honeo in GtW fi*"*, newly new, with wash bouse aDd ooopftr. Ako ahop with Dwelling attached, IQ Moore Straefc; rent ofaeap, Apply MIB*BB Page, Bast Street A" fOLOGY~We~beg to »po!oKiae to any customera who were unable to gat serve 1! owing to oroab, and for their Benefit We will continuo the sale for a few days longer.—Peaboes Drapery Sale. HAY FORKS ! Hay Forks ! ! two aand ».hiea prong. Glover Forks With Guard, five prong, al! first quality, at Jbowst Price. L»rge Htoek nt G. Meddins, The Peopte'B Ironmonger. "1, OR the best valao in Indian and JC Ceylon Teaa go do Cakson & Co, Tea Merchants and Blenders T"7* ERR BKO3, Bnrnott Street, wish to £«iaifid all their Frlende that they could nob do better than start, the New Year by giving them a turn. Every article genuine, and at reasonable prices. *"" ttwoke Wew Venue



BUSINESS NOTICES < HARDLEY EROS., PLUMBSBS, IRONMONGERS, AND TINSMITHS. Our Rasuson's Stock of GUNS, CARTRIDGES, AND GUN FITTINGS In to Hand; and Oar GUNSMITHTNG, ENGINEERING, and BRAIZING DEPARTMENT, I» In the Hands of a Qartifioated Engineer, therefore ail work will bs carried out on latent BcientiSo lines, and guaranteed W« hod a large ntook of WINDMILLS, TANKS, BATHS. FORCE and LIFT I'UMPjJ, SINKS, LAVATORY BASINS, HIGH PRESSURE BOILERS, &o, and make HOT »nd COLD WATER and SANITARY WOEK a Specialty SCOUTING. RIDGING, and all classes of Tin and Iron Goods Manufactured. Pips Wella Driven, Pampa, Hydrahtio Rams, Windmills and Water Wheels fixed and suppl fi'l A staff nf Competent Workmen always available for alt oiaaaea of Plumbing work in any part ot the oountiy. Telephone 32] XX AxIJDJLIL V -BliOS* PLUMBERS and SANITARY ENGINEERS, EAST STREET AUTUMN AND I rfflSS. 1"* WINTER NOVELTIES. .Now Goods In all Departments Beautiful Selection of NEW MANTLES, JAOKITS, CAPES, SEAL JACKETS, .SILK BLOUSES, FURS, GLOVES, and DRESS MATERIALS, LAOE COLLARS, SILK SKIBTS, &o, ■nD'UCSQM 4 TTTTVr/"^ H GIVING EVERY saTISFAO JJKJu&iMYLAJEULII \X TION IN FIT, STYLE, and PfUOE HIGH-CLASS TAILORING Perfect Fit, Good Workmanship, Prices Very Moderate. , ANDREW ORR. LADIES WHO LEAD THE FASHION Should visit; ALCORN'S and inspect their Latest Novelties in jackets, Mantles, Furs, and most charming selections ia Dress Goods. Also the very latest models in Parisian Millinery, etc,* FOR SPECIAL DISPLAY SEE WINDOWS ON FRIDAY NIGHT. "" J. WIL SO N ~ DIRECT IMPORTER OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. A Oompefcant Set of Tradesmen kept for Houbo Painting and Decorating in all its Branches, for Town and Country. I Have a Well Aflsoned Stock ot MIKE DPAINTB la Larjje er Small Quantities; also Painb Brushes White Load Linseed Oils (Raw or Boiled) Sarim Window Glass Faooy Glass QDorpentine Beazina Methylated Spirits Artists' Material Beautiful MIRROR GMSS ia largo sheets, oan be cub to any b!zo PUBLIC NOTICE DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP npilE PARTNERSHIP at present existing between H, 0. Shbimpton and AsotHßß, trading under the name of tbe ASHBUETON DRAPERY, COM PANt will be Dissolved on THURSDAY.pAROH 20th, In consequence o! the above, we will holdja FOR TWENTY-ONE DAYS ONLY, COMMENCING THURSDAY, FEBKUAEY 27, And Continuing till WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19tlu NOTE—A Few Specials to Show we mean to Oiear. A Big Lot of Sailor and Other Hats from Id each Heaps of Flowers an<i Wings at Id each Big Lot Jackets and Oipes from 3a lid each—Fashionable Sfaapee JJlousa Silks Is per yard, were 3 s 6d Lot of Ladies' Shoes, sissorted makes, 6i lid per pair, regular prlas g^ lid to Hs6d Men's Suitu from 19s 6d—Oolenial Tweed Yom are Invited to Gall and Inspect the Bargains Offered. ASHBUKTON DRAPERY CO. j GRATES. STOVES. RANGES FEMDEKS, FIRE IRONS, ODTLfiBT* CUTLERY. CUTLERY. WALL PAPERS- WALL PAPERS SHEET GLASS. OILS. PAINTS. WE HAVE just opened up Fresh Shipments of the above linel; ?°* we are prepared to sell at the Lowest prisea INSPECTION INVITED. Every information given to those about to Baild W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGBFS, PAINTERS. TIMBER & COAL MERCHANTS. East and West Streets, Aahburton. Telephone 14 P.O. Box 35



Swoke Igfew "Vpqa



Ol| YEARS OF INDIGESTION. INSTANT BELIEF. Loaeby's Wahoo scores, after everything I else fails. Mem Street. Newton, Wellington, 11th Feb. 1902. My wife suffered for six years from Indigestion. She tried almost every remedy without getting much benefit. Loasby's Wahoo was then tried. Result —Instant relief and a speedy cure. (Signed) S. Stjraus. Koolibah cures all pains. Price 2s, everywhere, or post free from LOASBY'S WAHOO MaNUFAOTUB ) ING COY, Ltd. 1 Danedln.



Bander & Sons Euoalyfsi Extract,-- Under the distiagnisbed patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, acknowledged by Medical GHnles and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public undor the name of Eucalyp Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract we state :—lt iB proved by toaca rj^ade by the Medioal Clinics of the Universities &* Bonn and Gdefawajfi {Piiuaela), that only products thab are saturated with oxygen and freed of acids, resinous and other substances adberen to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by tho plant To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitutes, etc, in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria, dysentery internal inflammation, etc., ins'st *n getthip Sander and Sons' Psbb Voi wine Etkj lyfti Extract, and be safe Tea Compbtition—Fletcher Eros nr-xi., Tea Competition closob on August Slat. Firat Prize, either Handsome Clock and '■ BroEZ9 or Hand Painted Dir»n.er Set ; also 19 other Prizes to be given away, to the largest consumers of their well known brands of te^, ; i 15