Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

Dunepin, Sept, 26

Dredging returns —Cromwell 3260z 9dwt j Electric 1 1. lOOoz 7dwt, Enterprise I. 530z ! lOdwt 2gr, Davis' Bend oloz 12dwt, New Alpine Consols 460z lOdwt llgr, Waimumu 370z Idwt, Enterprise IT. 360z 13dwt 9gr, i Junction Electric 220z lldwt, Waimumu Extended 18oz 14dwt, Inchdale i6oz sdwt, Inch Valley 16oz, Etta-ick 15oz Bdwc, Charlton Valley 1203 sdwt, Spec Gully lloz 12dwt, First Chance lloz lOchvt. Dunedin, Sept 27 To-day's sales—Alexander Lead 15s, 15s 3d ; Mystery Flat 21s 3d; New Roxburgh, Jubilee Paid, 23s 6d. Returns—New Royal Maori 28oz; Pacto lus 11. 240z ; Buller Junction lloz; Great Woodstock lOoz lOdwt; Prince Arthur 40oz; Mokoia 220z 6dwt; Olrig 220z lOdwt; Three Mile3ooz.

Commercial

United Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Greymouth, Sept. 27. At the cattle sales yesterday the prices showed a considerable falling off, bullocks selling at from £10 10s to .£l6, fat sheep from 24s to 265.

Arcade Horse Fair.

There was a small attendance at the Arcade Horse Fair yesterday, doubtless on account of the inclement weather, but several buyers were present. The sale was an excellenc one, as the following prices will show, as high as £60 being obtained for an aged draught gelding, of a good stamp. Prices were as under:—

Unbroken stock—Bay gelding, by Dick Seddon, rising 4yrs, £41 10s ; bay gelding, rising 3yrs, .£44; bay colt, 2yrs, £33. Broken - -Bay gelding, aged, .£6O; bay gelding .£4O, brown gelding £50, brown gelding £34, brown gelding .£32, bay filly, 2yrs, £35; bay gelding, 6yrs, £55; bay mare £')0, black gelding .£42, chestnut gelding .£36, brown gelding £33, bay gelding £33, older horses £18, £12 10s, £26, .£22, £25. Best harness horses <£13, .£l2 10a, ,£IS; old saddle horses, £5, .£6, to £8 10s. The entry comprised 90 head, but several did not come forward on account of the rough weather.

Ashburton Grain Market.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., quotes as follows on Sept. 26th, 1902: Wheat- Tuscan 3s lOd to 3s lid Pearl 33 lid to 4s Hunters 3s lOd Oats—Duns 2s 2d „ Danish ... 2s 2d „ Sparrowbills , 2s2dto2s4d „ Canadians ... 2s 5d to 2s 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Od to 3s 3d Inferior ... 2s to 2s 3d PeaB —Prussian Blue ... 5s „ Partridge ... 3s 6d Chaff Goodoatsheaf ... 65s to 70s Grass seed—Farmers' ... 3s to 3s 6d The above are prices current jpaid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton.

The following is the Grain Report for the week ending Sept. 26th : — Wheat.—There is little business to re port. Enquiry for prime samples continues as brisk as ever, but the quantity available for immediate delivery is gradually dimin ishing, and farmers being fully occupied with their teams do not care to cart grain just at present, showing thereby the great faith they have in the future of the market. Quotations remain on. the same bvsis. Tuscan 3s lid to 4s, Pearl 4s to 4^ ;d, Hunter's 3s lOd to 3s lid, second class milling 3s 6d to 3s9d,fowl wheat 3s to 3s Id. Oats. —Stocks are being rapidly depleted, and no quantity is now held in the district. A few small lines of milling have sold at 2s 61 per bushel, and long feed from 2s Id to 2s 3d, but otherwise there ili*no business'to report. Quotations are—-Canadians 2s 6d, Sparrowbills 2s 2d to 2a 4d, Duns aud Danish 2s 2d to 2s 4d.

Oatkheaf Chaff.—Deliveries during the week have been heavy in fulfilment of salea, and the available quantity cannot now bo very large. Prime bright meets with ready stilts from £3 5s to £3 10s, but discoloured is very hard to sell.

Timaru Grain Market.

(From our own coi respondent J

Timaru, Sept. 2G

There is very little to report in this week's market. Good prime milling lines of wheat are getting very scarce, and higher prices are expected in the near future. Velvet is scarce at 4s 3ad, f.0.b., Tuscan and Eed Chaff, prime .sample, are worth from 4s Id to 4s 2d; second class is not wanted, and fowl wheat, according to sample, is worth from 3s to 3s 3d, f.0.b., sacks 3d.

Oats are very quiet, and few enquiries are being made. Good bright are getting scarce, and it expected that higher prices will be got, as the market is firming in Southland,

Barley remains at 2s 9d, but very little is offering. The potato market is quiet, but owing to reports "that the Government are enquiring for another 1000 tons, prices are firming again to Si to £4 5s on trucks at country stations.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1902.

The report of the New Zealand Transport Commission does not throw much light on the matters that created so much public comment a few weeks ago in connection with certain troopships. The Commission ers Hwi that there was no overcrowding on the Britannic, that the sanitary arrange ments wero fairly satisfactory, the food was well cooked, and that although ihere

was certainly overcrowding in the hospital, thid was due to an extraordinary outbreak of sickness amongst the troopars. The finding amounts to a statement tliab there was iiojthiug wrong with the Britannic or the arvangeruonts made for the troopers by the transport aufchoyiti.es, bub the Com niissionors.atjbributo the outbreak of mea sles ou board the vessel to the presence of details from the Tenth Contingent, who were sent on board at the last moment. If this bo correct, the enquiry as to the Britannic should not end with the New Zealand Commissioners' report, and it is to be hoped that the Imperial authorities will be able to ascertain who is responsible for lecting the men who were suffering from an infectious'disease goon board the troop ship. But to our mind the report on the Orient is even more unpleasant reading than that referring to the Britaunic, _ The Comuiissioners did not think the discipline on board the 1a.2*1 named vessel was to be found faiilb with. It was '■' equal to tho standard approved of by civilian public opiaion " which by the way is a remarkable way of putting the case, for we cannot see, that the opini.on of civilians on such a mat ter has much to do with oases like those under consideration. But even civilian pub lic opinion o£ discipline could not justify the conduct of the troops on board tho Orient, and the Commissioners have spoken pretty 'pin inly. Thoir report reveals a state of things that is absolutely disgraceful [and the reading of it comes as a great shock to us seeing how we have hitherto prided our selves on the soldierly qualities of the New Zealand troops, It is humiliating to read tke details of fch.e insubordination o f tho men and to find that mu^h of it was' due to the incompetency of their officers. In pup opinion this was' the cause-of all the trouble with the men. It is inconceivable that with proper discipline, which one would suppose is almost more necessary on board ship—where so many

are crowded together—than on land, such misconduct couldoceur as the Commission ers' report describes, The only explanation

we can find for such a discreditable state of things as that which has been disclosed m, the report is that the system of appointing the officers of our contingents - especially of the Jatei- ones-was responsible It was common report that some ot the oftcers of | the Eighth! Ninth, and Tenth Contingents owed their positions to personal or political i influence, and were ixtterly incompetent for the positions they were pitchforked into. Moreover, many of the men in those regi-, ments were of an inferior stamp to those who went away in the earlier stages of the war. And it is possible that having to return without experiencing some of the discipline of the trek and the battlefield, told against them. This lamentable episode in the history of our connection with the Boer war should serve as a lesson to our volunteers-officers as well as men-that good discipline is imperatively necessary; cot the disci pline that may meet the require ments of "civilian public opinion" whatever that may mean, but the discipline which will keep our men up to the standard of a good soldier. Our Volunteers should aim at the highest standard attainable. Good discipline is quite compatible with the in dividuality and self reliance which is shown ,to be a distinguishing characteristic of the [ colonial soldier.

Local and General.

On the first page to-day will be found Cable and Interprorincial News; on the fourth page an interesting article headed "Concerning the enrolment of electors."

Weatheb Forecast. —Captain Edwin wires:—Glass furthor rise; frosttc-nighfc.

The Inward Maics. —The San Francisco mail arrived by special train yesterday afternoon about five o'clock.

Longbeach Road Board. —At a special meeting of the. Longbeach Road Board held this morning it was resolved to strike a rate of 6-16ths of a penny in the pound.

The Abattoirs—Return of stock slaugh tered for human consumption during the 'month of August at Fairfield Abattoir:— Cattle 70, quality good; Sheep, 801, con demned 13, percentage 1.62, quality fair; Pigs, 79, quality very good.

New Zealand's Death Roll.—Rjturns show that the total deaths among the ten New Zealand contingents sent to South Africa were 223 officers and men, 59 of whom were killed in action. These figures include those men who died on the way back and since arriving in the colony.

Prolific Lambing.—ln a paddock at Waterton, on the property of Mr James Jamieson, there are fifteen ewes with forty fir.) lambs at foot. This is an unusually large percentage of lambs, and shows what may be done with care and good breeding.

A Big Price. —At Mr D. Thomas' horse fair in the Arcade yesterday an aged gelding, the property of Mr Wm. Irwin, of Highfield, South Rakaia, was sold under the hammer for i860.. We understand that this is the record price for an aged gelding for the county.

Teachers Wanted. —The North Can terbury Board of Education is inviting applications for the positions of master of the Winchmore school and mistress of the Ealing school, both the present teachers having resigned.

London College op Mu3ic—The follow ing candidates passed the last examination held in JLshburton in June last:—Elementary —Miss Doyle, Miss Katie Smith, Miss Wini fred Collins. Senior Honours —Miss Collins, with first class certificate. The London examiners compliment Mr Llewellyn Owen upon the excellence of his pupils' work.

" Graphic " Coronation Number.—The " Graphic " Special Coronation Number, is to hand, and forms a complete Pictorial Record of all the ceremonies attoudiug the Coronation. The main features of the Pro cession, both going and returning from the Abbey, are admirably depicted, while the service and the various forms and cere monies inside the Abbey, are illustrated iv the fullest manner by various Special Ar tists from the time their Majesties enter the Abbey to the act of homage and the crowning of the Queen.

N.Z. University.—Examinations in con nection with the University of New Zealand will commence in the various centres throughout tne Colony early in December next. Candidates are 'reminded that a list of the subjects they desire to be examined in must be lodged with the Registrar, in Wellington, Mr. J. W. Joynt, on or before Thursday, 23rd October; or, up to 30th October on payment of a fine of two guineas in addition to the ordinary fee. Fifteen Junior Scholarships, of such a value that will enable any successful candidate to receive a University training, are also offered at those examinations. Full par ticulars and entry forms are to be obtained from Mr Joynt.

Coronation and Fallen Troopers' Memorial.—A public meeting" was held last evening to consider what steps should be taken in expending the funds in hand for the erection of memorials of the Coronation and the local troopers fallen in the war. The Mayor presided, but the attendance was not numerous, doubtless in consequence of the inclement \yea,ther. A resolution was carried that all the amounts to the credit of the Patriotic, War, Fallen Troopers, and Coronation Funds be amalgamated with a view to erect a suitable permanent memorial of the Coronation and to the memory of soldiers who left Ashburton and lost their live 3in South Africa. Further considera tion of details was adjourned for a future meeting. A full repoifc appears in another column.

Smithfiemj Freezing Works. — The Christohurch Meat Company announce that the SrnithuVld Freezing Works will be closed down from Saturday, October 4th, until further notice. The Company has put in hand extensive additions to the works, which will have the effect of increas ing the. capacity of tho works generally from 4000 psr diy to between 5000 and 0000, The additions will be fully com pleted by the end of the year, before the rush of the nest season, sets in, and this enlargement should meet the requirements of the district for some years to come. The Company contemplates putting up a pig? killing and curing pjaut, similar tp the plant at Islington. This will give pig growers of the district a better market, saving the cost of railing to Islington.

Sixth New Zealanders.—Major Andrews, lately in command of the Sixth New Zealand Rogimenfr, has forwarded to Mr Joshua I ucker some very handsomely designed in metnoriam cards (about 10 inches by 20) on which are inscribed tho names of those members of that regiment who fell in South Africa. The inscription reads "In grateful and loving momoty of £h£ officers, non commissioned officers and men of the VI. Now Zealand Regiment who fell in defence of the Empire in the South African campaign." What adds to the interest of this tribute is that the original was designed and executed by a member of the ' Sixth' and the work was all done by hand. There are eighteen names on tho roll, the last being that of our late fellow citizen—Basil Stephens. The ornamentation of the border of the memorial is exceedingly well done and is chaste and appropriate.

An Examination of the 1902 model Rudge-Whitworth bicycle creates genuine enthusiasm. Jt is far ahead of anything ever shown in a popular-priced machine, and so nearly absolute perfection in a cycle has been obtained that it will be a long time before riva], makers can hope to equal it. Inspect for you< selves afc R. D. John ston's Cycle Depot, Buruett Street, .

Tailoring.—We have just received our first two shipments of new summer goods comprising the most up-to.-date suitings as now worn at Home. We always encourage customers to select from the web which is far more satisfactory than ordering from small patterns. We have a very large stock to select from. We employ first class tradesmen -every garment made on our premises. We guarantee all our work, fit and sfcylff at pric&s that will compare favourably with those of any leading New Zealand city firm. We respectfully invite customers tolfindly order early to prevent disappointment in the '_ ™sh before the shows Craighead and Berryman the leading tailors Askkurton, [Ad.yt,]

Sales of Draught Stallions.—Mr D. Thomas reports the sale of the draught stallion " Geordie," on account of Ivir Alex. Orr, at a satisfactory figure.~Mr John Small sold his six-year-old draught stallion Lord Vanley, by Lord Cranley out of Empress by Vanquisher for 190 guineas at Auckland.

The Weather and the Lambs.—The extremely rough weather of the last day or two has had the effect of causing a great loss in lamb 3in this district, mere espe cially in twin lambs, of which there was an unusual percentage. In the Westeriield, Winchmore, and Dromore districts the rough weather was very disastrous to the lambs just dropped.

Sale op Town Sections.—Mr D. Thomas submitted to public auction at the Arcade to-day, on account of Mr C. J. Hawdon, three town sections. The following is the result of the sale:—T.B. 1173, Mr Thompson Mitchell, .£7O; 1174, Messrs Brown and Mc- Donald, £74; 1182, Mr E. J. Elliot, £71.

A Minister Secedes. — A Masterton telegram states that at the farewell to the Eev-C. H. Young, Presbyterian minister, who had been acting locum tenens for the Rev R. Wood, Mr Young signified his in tention of seceding from the Presbyterian Church, on the ground that ita dogmas trammelled his freedom of religious thought and speech. His remarks caused some sensation.

The Disinterred Chinamen. — The disinterred Chinamen who are to be sent back to the Flowery Land from New Zealand, are to be carried by the steamer Ventura, which is due at Auckland about the 28th inst. Altogether (says the Auckland " Star ") about 600 bodies will be transported. The contractors are paid abont £6 per body for the work. The whole of the expenses will amount to about £10,000. Twelve-ounce, air-tight, zinc-lined, new kauri coffins nre used, the name of the deceased is marked on the outside, and many peculiar religious laws are to be attended to in their shipment. Confucius is a god with prejudices. His dead worshippers must not be carried on a vessel except with their feet to the stern, nor must they be buried anywhere but in China, otherwise he will not recog nise them. In addition, the coffin must have placed on top of it a certain amount of ginger, rice, crackers, and a silk jacket.

News in Brief.

Mr George Meddins has lawn mowers just landed, at prices to suit all.

Mr T. Bullock invites tenders for the purchase of Lots 11 and 12, Fairton. Ten ders close on Monday, October 6th.

Mr J. T. Cooch, Saunders' Buildings, has a price list of groceries in another column.

The New Zealand Clothing Factory is just now making a special display of new season's straw hats. They are also making a speciality of ladies' folding hats in Brazilian and chip straws.

Mr D. Thomas will conduct a clearing sale on account of Messrs Davis Bros., Highbank, on Friday, October 17th.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, next horse fair will be held on October 17th.

Messrs Kerr Bros, advertise that for a short time they will give away a handsome teapot to every purchase of a slb box of Suratura tea.

The tramway service throughout Dune din and the suburbs will be suspended on Sunday, so that the employees may have an opportunity of attending the Torrey- Alexander revival meetings.

A concert and ball will be held in the railway goods shed at Lauriston on Friday, October 3rd, in aid of the school children's prize fund.

II Trill be noticed as per advertisement that. Rev. E. Walker will address meetings at Eiffelton on Monday night, Hinds on Tuesday night, and at Dromore on Thurs day night of next week at the usual hour, 7.30.

The N.Z. Farmers' Co-operative Associa tion will offer at the Ashburton Yards on Tuesday next 1300 fat and forward hoggets, well woolledand just off. the turnips.

It is really a puzzle sometimes when to get a really good boot at a moderate price. A. perusal of Mr D. Stock's announcement in this issue, and a glance at the various styles he is now showiog, should solve this difficulty.

The Mayor of Timaru offers a premium of £10 10s for tho best design for the improvement and beautifying of Caroline Bay, the cost of the completed work not to exceed £300).

Dixs Gaiety Company.

On Monday next Mr P. R. Dixs Gaiety Company's season at the Oddfellows' Hall ■will be inaugurated. The event is looked forward to with a good deal of interest. The merits of the Company have preceded them, and there is every reason to anticipate a highly successful season. The Company will arrive on Monday morning from Christ church. Amongst such a variety of talent it is difficult to refer more particularly to one performer than another. Messrs Pope and Sayles, Harvey and Morris, the Belvins, are all new actors, and are ably supported by Mr Chas. Howard (baritone), Misa Belle Ray (contralto), is woll known in Australia and New Zealand, Mr Arthur Elliott, come dian, and endman, Miss May Lewis, a Lon don serio-comic singer, and Edison's per fected kinetoscope, projecting new animated pictures, complete a strong combination. The opening, as before 'stated, is Monday evening next, when there is bound to be a bumper house,

Aid for the Boers.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, September 25.

The "St James' Gazette" says .the generals' high expectations of compensation were due to the idea that clause .3 of the Vereeniging agreement meant the rebuild ing and restoration of private property. They are now inclined to ask for a loan of twenty millions without interest. American newspapers consider the mani festo a tactical error. The French papers are singularly reti cent. The"Debats" is alone outspoken. It warns tho Continent against aggressive speechifying in the matter of charity. Tho Boers must livo under the British flag, and gratuitous insults to Great Britain will em barrass the Boers and will serve no good cud. Berlin, Sept 25 The newspaper " Premdenblatt" regards the Boer Generals' appeals as an appeal addressed chiefly to Great Britain, which alone can render adequate assistance.

Robbing the Orphans.

Unit,ed Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right. London, Sept. 26 Great Britain assumes the responsibility of minors' trust moneys in the Transvaal. Of ,£280,000 entrusted to the Orphan Mas ter, only .£BOOO was invested in accordance with the law, The officials of the fugitive "Republican Government seized the balance. The natives in the Pietersburg district are cheerfully sixrrendering their arms.

Chinese Labour on the Rand

Melbourne, September 26

In £he Federal House Mr Crouch, Vic toria, called attention to the action of the mine owners in South Africa in proposing to import Chinese coolies t^ work \n the mines to the detriment of white labour.

He demanded that the Commonwealth Government should enter a vigorous pro test.

Mr Deakin, in reply, said it Avas not a matter for the Commonwealth Government. Australians were not inclined to tolerate interference with their own affairs, and if the Government interfered it would be liable to receive a mortifying r,ebuke. At the same time he declared the mine owners were splfish. men, and had no patriotism.

The Coronation and Fallen Troopers' Memorials.

There was a poor attendance last evening at the meeting called to consider the ques tion of erecting a permanent memorial of the Coronatiou, and to the memory of troop ers fallen in the war. The Mayor occupied the chair, Tha Mayor, in opening the proceedings, said he thought that in view of the absence of many who were members of the Com mittee, and of Mr Harper, the Chairman of the Patriotic Fund Committee, the meeting shoiild be adjourned. Dean O'Donnell was of opinion that the attendance compared favourably with that ,on former occasions, imd he thought it improbable they would get a better atten dance if they postponed the meeting. He proposed that the meeting proceed to con sider the matters for which it was called. Mr Cox seconded. Mr Ager thought it better to postpone , the meeting, as no doubt some who were absent would wish to be present when the matter was discussed. The motion was carried. The Mayor said the funds available were as under: — £ s d Patriotic Fund 40 4- 10 War Fund \Third Contingent) 8 7 6 Fallen Troopers 52 1 5 Coronation 120 0 0 220 13 9 Mr Cox asked whether the County Coun cil subsidy amounted to £100. The Mayor said it did. Mr Cox enquired if the Borough Council had not contributed £25 of the sum quoted.

The Mayor said they had to get £100 from the County Council.

After further remarks from Mr Cor, the Mayor re-capitulated the conditions on which the County Council had subsidised the fund. He then detailed what had taken place so far with regard to the arrange ments for commemorating the Coronation of the King, which have already been de soribed iv our columns.

Correspondence was also read from the Eailway Department re the supply of water for a fountain.

The Mayor said that two Committees had been appointed, one to deal with the Coro nation celebrations and the other to con sider the form a permanent memorial should take. He thought it would be bet ter to combine these. The fountain had been decided upon, and all the meeting had to do was to mako any further recom mendations that might be desired to the several Committees. He had written to Christchurch for plans of the general memo rial, which it was propose! to erect to all New Zealand troopers who had fallen in the war, and he submitted these to the meeting.

Dean O'Donnell asked if the form decided upon for the permanent memorial had been approved of by the Council. He under stood that wa3 a condition attached to the subsidy. The Mayor said there would be no dif ficulty about that. The condition was merely a matter of form. After some discussion Mr Cox proposed " that it be a recommendation to the general Committee that the various funds be amala mated in one sum, and the whole amount put into a suitable memorial." Dean O'Donnell seconded the motion. Mr Timmins asked if the Ccmmittees having charge of the various funds have power to deal with them. The Mayor said the Committees had powei". After further conversation, the Mayor i said he wished the matter to be properly j dealt with, and he was sorry that the meeting had not been put off. He wished to state with regard to the Patriotic Fund that it was to assist any troopers going to or coming back from the war, and he thought that to uxpend the sum so collected in the way Mr Cox evi dently contemplated, would be doubly wrong. He would vote dead against it. He favoured giving the balance towards the building of a Veterans' Home, but to place the money in a building in the Domain, would be a disgrace to Ashburton. He was sorry to have to speak so strongly. With regard to the other two funds, he did not think that they should be applied as dosired by Mr Cox. The Patriotic Fund was in the hands of the County Chairman, and he should have a voice in its disposal. Mr Jonos paid the Patriotic Fuud was started to assist the soldiers or their wives and families, and the War Fund was in a somewhat similar positiou. The motion was not very clear, and. he should like to know what the mover meant. Mr fox explained that his idea was that they should put up a permanent memorial, and to his mind the putting up of a memorial to fallen troopers was a very desirable thing 4 He failed to see how they could say such a manner of disposing of the funds in hand could be objected to. Mr Ager wished to know whether the | proposal contained in the motion would affect any decision that had already been come to. The Mayor said he had, since the last meeting, received a requisition signed by various gentlemen, requesting him to call a meeting of the General Committee to discuss the question. He thought, however, it would be better to call a public meeting, i and he had done so. He took it that the object of those who had signed the requisi tion was to upset the decision already come to on the matter. Mr Ager would like to have a direct answer to his question. He thonght it would be better to amalgamate the sums, but if the resolution would bind the meet ing to any particular form of memorial, he should not like to support it. Dean O'Donaell said he would also be glad of a definite answer to his question regarding the County Council's condition as to the form of memorial. He had reason to believe the County Council would not ap prove of the decision already come to as to the form the memorial should take. The Mayor replied that with reference to Mr Ager's question it had already been decided what form the memorial should take. He repeated what ho had said in an sweiyto Dean O'Donnell. All the meeting need do was to make a recommendation as to the plan of the proposed structure. Mr Smith asked what recommendations

the Committees had brought forward,

The Mayor said there was some talk of an obelisk to the fallen troopers, but noth ing had been settled about that, but with regard to the Coronation memorial he had already said that it was decided this should be a fountain m Baring Square, He had got a reply from the Government re the water supply, which had boon read. Mr Cox said if the resolution was passed as to the amalgamation of the funds it must naturally upset what had already been done. The Mayor said he did not think so. The meeting could only make a recommendation to the general Committee. 1 Dean O'Domreil asked if the Committees were riot sep up by a public meeting, ancf why therefore should they not be subject to the decision of that public meeting P The Mayor said it would be unfair to the Committees and unwise to force a hard and fast rule on the Committees. Mr Ager said he thought he now underr stood the position. He quite agreed with Mr Cox with regard to the fallen troopers' memorial. He should like to see a good gum made up to erect a suitable memorial to theirtj and should support the motion. Mr Jones said the question of erecting a fountain in Baring Square had been settled Already, and he. should strongly oppose any pther scheme.

Mr Timmins wished to know whether this motion would affect the decision concerning the fountain. He considered that was a first charge on the funds.

Mr Davison said the matter would have tq go before the County Council before it iyas settled. The motion was then px>t and. carried, The Mayor said the meeting had carpipd a resolution for amalgamation of all the funds, and the Coronation Committee lind decided to erect a fountain in Baring Square as a first charge on them.

Mr Cox said the resolution would ovoiv ride the decision of the Committee.

1 The Mayor said that was not ag. Mr flj-ibsori said it no'v? reiqai^ed to sep what ihe funds {(.mounted to. '

Mr Qox agreed with Mr GHbson.

The Mayor said the total funds available would be £220 13s 9d, and it was high time that action was taken, or they might lose some of the money. Mr Cox said if it was a matter of urgency it might be as well to take action at once, but as the meeting was not large, it might be better, perhaps, to defer further con sideration till another meeting. Dean O'Donnell was not in accord with Mr Cox on this matter. He thought that if the meeting was competent to consider one question, it was competent to settle any | other. He demurred to the opinion of those who condemned appropriating the balance of the war fund to a memorial to fallen troopers. He did not think the money could be devoted to a better pur pose than the proposed memorial. He thought, therefore, that the remarks that had been made were quite uncalled for.

The Mayor pointed out that the Patriotio fund was not raised for Ashburton troopers in particular. The Rev E. Whithouse asked if the pro posed localisation of the fund would ba op posed to the object for which the money, had been subscribed. He thought not. Mr Jone3 said he was sure that there would be general disapproval of the pro posal to employ the Patriotio fund for any other purpose than that for which it was intended. That was not for Ashburton or even New Zealand soldiers in particular, but for all British soldiers for that matter. He moved—" Thatithe further consideration of the matter be adjourned to another meeting."

Mr A. Eoberts seconded. Mr Ager supported the adjournment. Mr Timmins would also support the amendment.

Mr Smith said that if the meeting were postponed they might be fortified with, the views of the County Council. After some further discussion, the amend ment was put and carried. A short discussion followed as to the manner in which the position should be placed before the County Council, in which, the Mayor, Dean O'Donnell, and others took part, and it was eventually agreed that; the Mayor should ascertain the County Council's views on the subject of the memorial. V-

The meeting then adjourned,

Correspondence

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

LAND TENURE.

TO THE EDITOB,

Sib, —Your correspondent "Pax" dis cusses at great length, and with the usual stock arguments, the above subject, but j unfortunately fails to advance one solid or good reason why the man who desires to own the land he cultivates should be debarred from enjoying that privilege. He speaks of the "depletion of the States territorial assets" by the substitution of the freehold for the lease in perpetuity. Does " Pax " realise what is the real posi tion in regard to those aforesaid " territorial assets." Who do they belong to ? Of course he will say, "the State to be sure." Not a bit of it, sir. The State's "territorial assets " belong to the London Jews for the most part, and the State is only acting as a medium for the collection of interest, as a middleman in fact; and year by year our " territorial assots" are being mortgaged more and more to the foreign money lenders, until, as the late Mr Ballance himself said, "the very life blood of the people ia being jobbed and pledged on the London Stock Exchange." What the Farmers' Union advocate, and what any practical man endowed with ordinary common sense will easily see the force and wisdom of, is this : That if the holder of a State leasehold wishes at any time during the currency of his lease to purchase his holding, he shall have the privilege of doing so, and the money received from such, purchase shall be held by the State for the purchase of other land, to be again leased under similar conditions; and as a safe preventative against the reaggregation of large estates, "no transfer shall bo re gistered unless it is accompanied by a declaration in terms of the Land Act and Lands for Settlement Act," which is to the effect that the transferee is the holder of " not more than G4O acres of first class land or 2000 acres of secoud class land." Surely nothing can be clearer or £safer than that, and the fact that such rabid land nntional iserfl as Messrs Ell, Laurenson, andFowlds, iIs.H.E., have been completely disarmed by the self-evident fairness and strict modera tion of this plank in the Farmers' Union platform, is in itself a proof of its wisdom and justice. Your correspondent speaks of the "disastrous results which have followed the freehold system." Where and when ? Certainly not in Canterbury. The freehold system has been in vogue long enough here to have had a fair trial. Have not the results justified it ? Is there any other system that could have produced .better results? Is not Canterbury as prosperous, aye more prosperous, than any other part of New Zealand ? Ia there any other country where the Sfcato tenant; system obtains that can show better, or even as good, results in the amount of wealth annually exported, and in the general prosperity and comfort of the great mass of the people ? What then are the " disastrous lesults" your correspondent | alludes to, and what does he mead by the i following?:—"Trace carefully those who I acquired freeholds, and what were the results—That in four cases out of seven the unfortunate leaseholder disposed of his property to land or financial institutions," etc. Surely there is some mistake in the above, or it is an extremely involved sentence- Then again, " Would any larg« landowner allow a number of tenants to dictate to him what terms and conditions they would take land from him?" The answer to that is that the Government of the day would lay down the condition, etc, of its tenure, and the Government of the day is a reflex of the mind of the "people; and if the people, or a majority of them, ask for the right to acquire the freehold, their wish must be law. four correspon dent makes a very reckless statement when he says that in '<. very few cases do they "" (freeholders) "manage to clear their encum brances before the-mortgagee closes," How many cases of foreclosure can he produce lin the Ashburton county within, say, the last five years ? Then he asks, « Who has the most seoure tenure, the tenant or the one who any day, if he cannot pay Ms interest, can be turned out by the mort gagee ? Well, I ask what would happen to the State tenant if he did not pay his rent ? Would he not forfeit his holding just the same as a nominal freeholder would who failed to meet his obligations P The free hold tenure is the tenure which every man, who really intends to spend his life upon the land, wants. Nothing so fosters the feelings of patriotism and the true love of country as a sense of ownership of the soil. Nothing; weds a m,an to the land so much as thp feeling that " this is mine " to use as I wish ancj to hand down as an heritage to my children. Nothing tends go much tq create a sturdy yeomanry as the freehold tenure. To be a State tenant all your life, to be constantly watched and ordered by some drunken, hectoring, Jack-in-office set over you as an inspector, whose periodical report to his principals wjll depend largely on the brand of whiskey you keep in stock, and not on the methods you adopt in your farming operations. No thank you, sir. I have had one such experience, having beeri a^ State tenant myself, and haying tq placate a jumped-up bounceable noodle^ who had been a dead failure all his life at everything he had tried, but who, through "political pull" had managed to get an. '■' inspectorship." In conclusion, sir, let me remind "Pax" that the author of the vaunted lease in perpetuity system, when he wanted to start his sopa, qa the land, W^at did he do, ? ' Did he m^ke them State tenants? Not much. He knew better. Sir, actions speak louder than words. —I am, etc., , — W4 _- Lsx.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1902



BUSINESS NOTICES. ___^ 1 • '''""' ■ »"l new straws m^^S^m NEW STBAWS Just Opened. j^^^^^^^^j U:>T Op&M 'D 50 Dozen Straw Hat\ 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 Mraw Hats 6s 6d The latest fashion :o: New Zealand Clothing Factory. J.WILSON'S. I so!l NewSsWs I WALL PAPERS Have Arrived- And will be Opened up This Day, September 12th Simply perfect in Design and Colour. The Papers are quite different to anything of the sort before imported into this town, and vastly superior. The Prices are the same as for Ordinary Paperhangings. Borders and Friezes to Match. Persons desirous oJ choosing from the full stock, but not intending to use the Papers for some time, may have them laid aside until required- . Its time for Spring Dresses !tyXITCEKB£«I< & TUSIER Have added new laurels to their prestige by the DISTINGUISHED STYLE AND BEAOTT Of their Importations, for this Season. And confidently Invite Inspection. j ZEALANDIA CYCLES \/T ADE from B.SA. Fart?, specially '.for Now Zealand Roads. Bettor than any im povled machine for the every day cyclist. Fitted with latest Garrm-d Free Wheels, with patent Back Pedal Brake, Dunlop Vulcanise J Tyres, Brook'sjSaddles, any stylo Handle Bars, Pedals, Gear, Etc. GATES, LOWBY & CO., Largesf Cycle Makers and Importers in New Zealand Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street FRIDAY & SATURDAY I! I THIS WEEK I I "\¥rE will make our First Display of Spring and Summer I 1 TT GrOOds, and invite inspection ot all. I m-HH Ah mTwv «i WStik -Warn wsm m$M i g Ladies aro especially invited to Visife tiia | BUILDING MATERIAL. -QERSONS about to BUILD would do well I To thOS3 fS 3 A. to visit bur establishment. I ahout to | We have 100,003 feet of Seasoned Flooring I IUJILD. and Matchlining. in stock ready for use. We are Making Gatss and Hurdles every day, to suit the require ments of our customers. We can supply Timber sawn to any size required. Persons about to Paint or Decor- f T) A T "TVTrFT W"O ---ate their homes, should see our -I JV^OIJI 1^ JL J-11 \J• NEW WALL PAPERS. We use Genuine Leads and Oils only. It will Pay You to Visit Us W. H. COLLINS & CO., Timber Merchants and Sawmillers, Ironmongers and Hardware Merchants, Painters, Decorators, and Signwriters.



1 F. FERRIMAN. FOX SALE. MAUKET GARDEN, Alford Forest Road. MR GEORGE ELLIOTT having dis posed of his business iuTown, has instructed me to sell his property situated on the Aiford Forest Eoad. Ihe property is wall adapted for a market garden, and will be sold as a going concern. Immediate inspection is invited, as Mr Elliott is anxious to retire from active business. Full particulars can be obtained on application F. FEIffiIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE. A POULTRY FAEM, doing a good business. Large stock of good, healthy, and well bred Poultry. F. FEEEIMAN. for" sale. THE undersigned is instructed by Mb Moo die to sell f acre of good land, fronting the Alford Forest Road and comer of Andrew Street. Upon the land is erected a comfortable 4 roomed Cottage. Easy terms. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE A GOOD Building Site on the North- East Town Belt, containing two Roods. The section is well stocked with fruit trees. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE. ALLENTON. 4 DESIRABLE little property compris *i ing nearly i acre of land and a Dwelling of three rooms with double brick chimney. The property is for immediate sale and possession. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE. Near the Alford Forest Road. A FOUR-ROOMED HOUSE and Section /\. planted with Fruit Trees. Price .£l3O F. FEBBIMAN. BUSINESS NOTICES. Where Do You Live? nnHREE-QUARTERS of jour time in JL your Boots of course. At present we are showing the best Guinea's Worth Of Foot Comfort for Men ever seen in, Ashburton. This is a proposition worth considering. Have a look at our show windows. STOCK'S. BLUE BOOT STORE, Burnett Street. Ladies turn next week. , We've something very special for thorn. H- GRESHAM,! SURGEON AND MECHANICAL By Examination, October, 1897 ---fTiIGHT years experience with E. G. and Vj F. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooms upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Rooms, Burnett Street. Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement. Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also sets . oZ teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Houbs of Attendance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Residence—Care Mrs Grant, Wills Street. Public Notice ■Kjrr ANTE D~2,000 noZEN EGGS, by Matthew Gilmour, (Late H. A. Flowee). Having purchased the old-established Confectionery and Pastrycook Business of Mr H. A. Flower, I am now supplying the best of Pastry and Confectionery- Bought of the best makers, and made of the best ingredients. Only " our own make" of Pastry sold and supplied in tho Tea E^-omg. Parties and Weddings catered for. Wedding and Birthday Cakes a specialty. MATTHEW GILMOUR. 9 158 Y~ES,' X TOLD YOU SO, AND l'L'o A FACT, HpHAT I am still selling Tobacconist ! Goods cheaper than you c;ui procure Ihom elsewhere. But you all know that good things cud, so will my Sale on Satur day next. Only three more day.-*, so roll up smokers and get your Cigarettes - 3 packets for is ; o choice Manilla Cigars for Is, Pipfis, Pi niches, Cigarette Holders, ar.d Walking Slicks all going for a mere song. Just to hand a splendid assortment of Peterson's Patent Pipes-, which will give you a good smoke : also 30 dozen Slazenger's new season's Ton ni* Balls?. Now Don't Forget at H. A. FLQWE&'S, (late F Clark's; Tobacconist and Hairdresser, East Street J. SEAJLY&CO.. EXPIRATION OF LEASE. Giving up Business. Stock must be cleared by end of October. early for bargains in Garden Seeds, Flower Seeds, Garden Tools, Clover Seeds, Mangold Seeds, Ryegrass, Cocksfoot, and Field Peas. Complete Seedsman's Fittings for Sale, including nest of 36 drawers, shelving, show cases, desks, counter, etc. Must be cleared by 31st October J. SEALY & CO. , 7 131 Choice Blousings at Stb&ng-e's.



If you have Pneumatic Tyres you nmst have a reliable article, otherwise, they are a constant source of annoyance ''Consider-* ing that the IIiEAT^ TYRE c^sts na more than the average priae/itis hardly to be wondered that this brand has become $q deservedly popular.—Ad.y&