EPHEMERIS.

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for July.

Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations. SATURDAY, July 5. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6 p.m.

ALTERATION IN THE CLOSING OF MAILS.

On and after the Ist July, the express mails for North will close at 6 p.m., and the piUsr boxes in East and Burnett streets will be cleared at 5.30 p.m., in consequence of alterations in the Bailway time-table.

Commercial.

Property Sale.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, Limited, report having sold Mr James Johnston^ farm at Lauriston, containing 1000 acres, to Mr J. D. Stewart, of Greenstreet, at £912s 6d per acre. Mr D. Thomas offered at the Arcade to day Messes Card and Son's property at Lauriston, consisting of 74S acres. The property was passed in at £5 15s per acre. The farm was then offered in two lots, but was not disposed of.

CLEARING SALE

Mr D. Thomas conducted a clearing sale yesterday on the premises of Mr R. Tar botton, Ealing. There was a good sale, although the attendance was poor. The following are some of the prices realised:— Implements—Chaffcutter, intermediate and horse work, £12; Brantford binders jE4- 17s 6d to £5 10s, stripper £3 10s, ploughs 30s, sheep feeders 25s to 30s, harrows 3Os, dray £1 10s, cultivator £8 10s. Horses, aged, £9 10s. Cattle - Fat cow 3£s 10s. Sheep- Hoggets 8s to 9s 6d, wethers 10s, two and four tooth half bred ewes 13,s 6d to 13s 9d, two, four and six-tooth ewes 12s 6d, merino ewes 7s 6d. Pigs 12s 6d to 30s. A large lot of sundries sold at good prices.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., quotes as follows on July 4th, 1902: Wheat- Tuscan ... 3s 9.} dto 3s lOd Pearl 3s 9d to 3s 9id Hunters 3s 9d to 3s 9id Oats—Duns ... ... 2s4d „ Danish ... 2s 4d „ Sparrowbills ... 2s 4d „ Canadians ... 2s 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s 9d to 3s 3d Inferior ... 2s to 2s 3d Peas—Prussian Blue ... 5s 6d to 6s „ Partridge ... 4s Chaff - Good oatsheaf ... 75s to 80s Grass seed—Farmers' ... 3s to 3s 6d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton.

The following is the grain report of the Ashburton County for week ending July 4th— Business in the grain market during the paat week has been very dull, there being practically no enquiry for wheat or oats. Wheat—Prices are nominally Tuscan 3s 9£d to 3s lOd, Pearl and Hunters 3s 9*d to 3s 9-Jd. Oats—Duns, Danish, and Sparrowbills 2s 4d, Canadians 2s 6d. Barley—Prime malting 2s 9d to 3s 3d, inferior 2s to 2s 3d Chaff —Is rather easier in price, good oatshoaf being quoted at 75s at near country stations. Ryegrass —There is good enquiry for well dressed seed, best farmers being worth 3s 6d and machine dreased up to 4s 6d per bushel. I

TIMARU GRAIN MARKET.

[From our own Correspondent.] j Timaru, July 4. t The markets are still very quiet, but show a slight improvement on last week. A : small line of wheat has been sold at 3s lid at country stations, and all oats on offer , (they are certainly very few) are taken at 12s5dto 2s 6d, according to sample. Mer i chants do not anticipate a change for the ! better till the American shipments shut off. ! News is to hand that this will soon happen, ; and holders of prime lines of grain should ! then have no difficulty in making sales at I even money.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN MARKET

: (From our own correspondent.,) Chbistchukch, July 4 | The local grain markets continue in a | quiet state and little business is passing. If anything wheat shows a slightly firmer | tendency. There are only sufficient oats j offering to supply the small coastwise demands and holders are firm. Quotations are as follows— Wheat—Prime milling Tuscan 3s lOd, Pearl and Hunter's 3s lOd, whole fowl feed 3s 6d at country stations. Bablet—Malting (nominal) feed 2s lOd at stations. ! Oats—Canadians 2s Bd, short feed 2s, 2s 4d, to 2s sd, Duns and Danish 2s 3d at country stations.

SOUTHLAND OAT MAEKET

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Invercargill, July 4

The oat market is lifeless and few are offering. Farmers are holding off for the spring threshing. Quotations are—A grade 2s 3d, B 2s 2sd, C 2s 2d (sacks extra) at wayside stations.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1902.

A case which was recently reported from Auckland, alleging that a young girl had been grossly ill-treated by some young men going home late, is only one of many similar that have come before the public of late years. The story told was that a young woman had made her appearance at a gsfen&B house with no other covering but an aiß^fi^la, It is possible that the young person had a peculiar sense of humour, and only intended to giVeiier friends a " bit of a surprise," which doubtless she succeeded in doing. But as the joke was nojfc ap preciated in the manner she expected, it is conceivable that the idea of making her self out to be the victim of an outrage might ,£^m the best way out of the awkward ppßi sK» jty> h^d placed herself in. For there is .no dapbi; "1*0?/ .that' hir s^pry was utterly Without fqupaa^oii. "fjffl& would therefore appear to ,j?e one of that'"<ig^gsrous class of young women who concoct I^P^' $onal stories, and often"' go '^fte :&§ngth.o,f swearing away men's reputia : scions, ?,^4 iOv.eu stheir jliberties and lives. j Tho anwaiis .</£ crime' a^ipw innumerable cases of this kinci, o£ Ffrioh ,t^he .notorious Suffield case in New Soijth Ww9& '$W ?F instance. Suffield was a most respectable man, who was falsely charged by a girl with having committed an assault upon her, and he was sent to gaol for several years, and if we mistake not he died there. Some of these neurotics hare erea charged their

own relatives with crimes, and have been known to swear to the identity of innocent men, who would have suffered severe dis grace and punishment if they had not been able to bring satisfactory evidence in disposing of the charges. But all have not been so fortunate as the case we have quoted shows, and the evil is one that requires to be dealt with differently from the way it is now treated. Other examples of, perjury entail severe penal ties, but these hysterical creatures get off scot free, while they _ of ten inflict cruel injury upon innocent individuals and their families. Sometimes the attacked parties attempt to escape the disgrace threatened by allowing themselves to be blackmailed, but that only makes matters worse. The necessity that exists for protecting women from insult or outrage de mands that heavy punishment should be provided for offences against them. But for that very reason, especial care should be taken to deter people from trading upon the exigencies of the position. If the law cannot deal with this kind of perjury as it does with the ordinary cases, the matter is of sufficient importance to demand the immediate attention of the legislature.

Local and General.

Cable News will be found on the first page to-day, and yesterday's Parliamentary Sews on the fourth page. Snow.—There were six inches of snow at Shepherd's Bush yesterday. Ashbttkton Woollen Mills.—-We hear on the best authority that negotiations for the purchase of the Ashburton Woollen Mills are in an advanced stage, and that in all probability the property will change hands at an early date. The County Brass Band—The Secretary of the Ashburton County Brass Band has just received a cheque for .£5 5s from the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company as a do nation to the funds of the Band. The band will hold practise on Thursdays in future at 7.30 until further notice. Pkize Houdans.—At the Wellington Poultry show yesterday, Mr T. Breeze, an Ashburton fancier, carried off the cham pionship in the Houdan Class. Proposed New Hall.—The L.O.L. No. . 23, has approved of the plans and specifica tions for a new hall in Wills Street pre pared by Mr A. Ager, architect, and tenders' will be called for same at an early date. Returned Trooper. :— Bugle-Major C. Wood passed through Ashburton by express for Dunedin to-day. Mr Wood was con ductor of the Ashburton Orchestral Society in 1893. High School Board.—His Excellency the Governor has appointed Mr D. Thomas a member of the Ashburton High School Board, vice the Hon. Major Steward, resigned..

Faiefielb Freezing " Woeks. •— After the week ending Saturday, the 12th inst, the Fairfleld Works will only kill on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Satur day of each week. Clients will please note that stock will not be received for killing on Mondays and Tuesdays till further advised.

Coursing.—At a meeting of the Ashbur ton Coursing Club held last evening it was decided to hold a meeting in the open on Thursday, July 31. Members congratulated Messrs Shearman and Lee on their success in securing both events at the Oamaru meeting last week with Barney O'Hea and Navy Blue.

Threshing Difficulties—Threshing un der difficulties is still carried on in the Ger aldine district. One farmer, in order to provide feed for his stock, has (says the Timaru Post) carted his stacks more than a mile to a machine, and on another farm six horses were yoked to the front of the engine, and then, with full steam on, it was with difficulty the stacks were reached. The combine had to be wireroped across the paddocks.

Restriction of Betting.—The report of the Committee of the House of Lords con cludes by stating that betting cannot be surpressed, but it ought to be restricted to the actual scene of racing and athletics, and bookmakers inducing youths to bet ought to be imprisoned.

Clearing Sale—A clearing sale of the whole of their cycling sundries and second hand bicycles is now being held at the City Cycle Works, Burnett Street, every line must be cleared by the end of July, and bargains now present themselves which should be availed of by all in search of any thing good and cheap in the cycling line. The Christchurch Hounds—The Christ church hounds will arrive in Ashburton on Monday and be put up in Mr Claridge's stables. They will meet at Droinore Rail way station on Tuesday morning at 10.30 and on Thursday morning at 12.30 at Mr Peicy Jones, Selina. If the weather should be favourable, no doubt there will be a good muster to follow the hounds.

Come on and Go on.—ln the course of a chat with a returned trooper, he was asked how the New Zealand Officers be haved in the field. " Well" said the trooper some of them, when they get in a tight corner, say—•' Come on men and let them have it," and some say—" go on men." Most of our Officers were " Come ons,"—• but there were a good many "go ons." I knew one of these in the Sixth.

Orangeism.—The regular monthly meet ing of the Star of Ashburton Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 23. was held in the Arcade Chambers on Thursday night, Bro. Jamesi Chambers, W.M., in the chair. The Lodge having been opened in due form the Master read the general qualifications of an Orangeman and the Chaplain a chapter from the book of Joshua. The Committee reported on the celebration of the 12th. July, which is to be celebrated by a dinner and ball in the Oddfellows' Hall on Friday, the 11th inst. The building Committee placed the finished plans and specifications of the proposed new hall on the table, which were approved of, and tenders will be called for the same to be laid before the members next Lodge night, i.e., first Thurs day in August. After dues had been paid and accounts passed the Lodge was closed at 10 o'clock.

Primitive Methodist Church—Rev Q» H Mann continued his mission last nighto and took for his text "Strive to enter in at the straight gate". It was a hearty, healthy and wholesome discourse, calculated to do much good. No attempt was made to make believe that it is an easy thing to enter this gate. A man must " thrust'" and "press to get through the many ob stacles. To-morrow the Rev gontleman. will take for his morning's subject," The Building of the Altar," and in the evening, " Life's second chance." Many will un doubtedly avail themselves of the privilege <jf listening $0 such a sound Gospel preacher, who drives' home his arguments in such a forcible styje- Should th^i weather continue fine, pig crowds are ex pected put every night next weejfc.

County Council

The following completes our report of yesterday's meeting:— DEVIATION OF EACES. Regarding the Ranger's report of divert ing water without authority, as mentioned in the Engineer's report, several members spoke on the subject. Mr Studholme considered that the mat ter was a very serious one. Mr Lambie thought that small holders did not seem to realise the gravity of the offence. Mr Johnston was favourable to the ques tion being considered by the Tampering Committee, but was informed that such a Committee did not now exist. He was not in favour of inflicting a fine straight away. Mr Lambie thought the whole Council was a Tampering Committee, and that a warning should be administered to the offender in question, Mr Pritchard. The Chairman mentioned that it was necessary to be particular in regard to the Rakaia water supply, as it was not abun dant in that district. Mr Studholme moved that a fine of los be imposed, and that he put the race back j to the approval of the Engineer. Seconded by Mr Lambie and carried. RACE CLEANING, COLDSTREAM DISTRICT I Mr Studholme asked the Council to urge on the contractor with the race cleaning in the Coldstream district. DIVERSION OF RACE j Mr Studholme applied for leave to divert a race at section 32923, Coldstream district, I which was agreed to. j PROTECTIVE WORKS, RANGITATA GORGE j Mr Chapman asked if anything had been i done in regard to protective works atßangi tata Gorge. On enquiry from the contrac- I tor he had found that it would be neces sary to protect the top »nd. He would move that such protective work be put up at the top end of the channel as the Engineer thought necessary. Mr Studholme seconded pro forma. Mr Lambie thought there was no necessity for a resolution at all, as the Engineer had done all that was necessary. The Engineer did not consider that a great danger existed. The last excessive flood had overtopped th« bank, to guard against which in future the ban* had been raised higher. The Chairman was not favourable to spending a sum of money, perhaps £200 or .£3OO, which would not be required after the concrete was in. After further remarks, Mr Chapman withdrew his resolution. PLANTATION AT " THE "TANKS." The Council resolved to fence the road line at the plantation at" The Tanks. " The Engineer's report was then adopted. PAYMENTS.

Payments were pasßod as follows: | General account, £430 10s 9d ; Ashburton- Rakaia water supply account, £183 11 s lOd; Rangitata water supply account, £365 11s j 8d; Forks, £1 3 13s 6d ; Plantation account, £52 7s 7d; accounts re the Coronation, .£34 8s 9d.—Total, £1090 15s Id. THE CORONATION SUBSIDY. j Respecting the amount voted to the School Committees of the county, the Chairman read communications that had passed between himself and Sir Joseph Ward. A subsidy had been asked for, and he (the Chairman) could not see why the Council could not be put on the same foot ing as the Municipal Councils. He trusted the Government would pass an Indemnity Bill authorising the Council to expend the amount. Sir J. Ward had stated that 10s would be the subsidy. The matter was allowed to stand in abey ance for the present. digby's race Mr O. Digby wrote acknowledging the courtesy extended to him at his recent interview, and asking that he be allowed certain privileges again, viz : to pay 9d per chain for about half a mile of race, and to keep the race open. The Chairman was not inclined to re-open the matter, as £o per annum was a fair charge, as moved by Mr Wright at last meeting. The Council had strained a point in favor of Mr Digby, and it was not a prudent thing for Mr Digby to broach the subject again. Mr Studholme said that a distinct con cession had been given to Mr Digby. It was moved by Mr Studholme, secon ded by Mr Lambie and carried—" That the Council adheres to the former resolution, and Mr Digby be asked to enter into agreement with the Council to their satisfaction on the lines of the former agree- j ment. REMOVING SHINGLE. The Chairman referred to a small matter occurring in the Mayfield district where a man was taking shingle too near the pro tective works on the South Hinds river, and a letter was read from Mr Frederick Hydes on the Bubject,complaining of shingle being removed too near his property. Resolved that no shingle be allowed to be taken from South Hinds riverbed, ex cept from central portion of the bed, by permission of the Council. Mr Studholme, as chairman of the Cold stream Road Board, asked on what authority the Council had taken a race alongside a road in the Coldstream district without obtaining permission from the Board.

On the motion of Mr Studholme, secon ded by Mr Johnston, a resolution was car ried that the Engineer's reply be sent to the Boad Board with the recommendation that it be accepted. CARETAKER AT THE INTAKE. The Solicitor's opinion on the question of Mr Curd quitting the house at the intake was read. Mr Johnston stated that Mr Curd had endeavoured to see the Chairman, but had failed to do so. The matter was left in the hands of the Chairman to deal with. CLOSING A ROAD. Regarding the closing of a road in the Coldstream Road Board District, it was resolved that the wishes of the ratepayers be complied with to take effect when the direct road along the railway is opened. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read:—• From Wakanui Road Board re clearing drain at Moore and Clucas's, Seaview, and forwarding the resolution of the Board as passed at last meeting.—'Received, From Mr J. S, Tennant, on behalf of the Technical Classes Association, asking for a donation to the Ashburton Technical School.—lt was decided to reply to the effect that the Council had no power to make any grant for the purpose named under the Counties Act. THE PLAGUE The Mayor wrote stating that he had consulted Dr Symes on the matter of ac commodating plague patients, who had in formed him in terms of what had already been reported. He would be glad to know if the Council would hold a conference on the subject.

j The Mayor attended, and said that the matter had arisen out of the plague ques tion. The doctors here wished to know , what to do with patients in case of neces i sity. His Worship explained that the onus of responsibility' would rest on the local bodies to provide accommodation. The cost of maintaining a hospital here would about .£SO a week, l^e also thought that the Borough County Cbuncjl could I act in concert, "the IJospitftl Boq,rd herg ! was composed of members from both the I Borough and County Council, and he would suggest the Hospital Board should deal with this matter. If so done, the expenses could be paid out of ordinary funds. Dr Mason had informed him (the Mayor) that a Bill would be prepared to deal with the subject; as they were all interested, it would be a mistake to be split up on the question. In reply to Mr Studholme, the Mayor gaid that sanatoriums were proposed to be erected' for the treatment.of consumption,! probably at Cambridge aiid qtl the Port Hills. •■■ '•■>■■■ 'I.'-' : The Chairman said that as far as he could make out from the Act,' the County ■ Council was not a '• local authority " within the meaning of the Act; and read that por tion bearing dn the subject; If there was to' p&' any alteration 1 in the law it should 'state who Was the Jbcai b6dy ia authority, tjn'dei? the iv Act 'he 1 'c6hs^fered;the' County Council werV excluded^' Mt: it' 1 would be bjtlt^r to have the'SoliQitor's opinion 011 the njafcier. $h,e Couijtiy Gp'uijcil 'and ' t^e 3orougU CouuqU, ajjtwg as a fc^i qV

Health, could not be improved upon. The' matter might be discussed at the next meeting of the Hospital Board. If a plague patient did turn up, and he hoped nothing of the sort would occur, then the sooner they got rid of him the better. Mr Lambie said that he was quite agree able to join in with the others, but the solicitor's opinion should be obtained The Chairman had sketched out the opinions > held by him (Mr Lambie. The Chairman was of opinion that the Road Boards should be eliminated from the Act where County Councils are in exist ence. ; In further reply to Mr Studholme, the Mayor stated that a Bill was being drafted. | The solicitor's opinion was ordered to be obtained as to the Council's position re garding a Board of Health; and on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr j Lambie, it was resolved that the Hospital Board should be created a Board of Health. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Messrs M. Stitt and E. G. Wright were granted leave of absence from the meeting. SPECIAL MEETING. The Council then resolved itself into a special meeting to adopt the special order I regarding the alteration of boundaries of the Mount Hutt and South Rakaia Road District.—The special order was adopted. The special meeting to approve of the yearly balance sheets was postponed. FINANCIAL. I The Ruapuna No 2 district was stated to j have a credit balance of £36 9s 9d, and the i next rate is due on July 15th, 1902. It was j resolved to strike a rate for this district. j The No 1 district credit balance was I £160 12s Id, and it was resolved to strike the next rate on July 14th, 1902. WATER RACE APPLICATIONS. Mr G. A. M. Buckley's (per Henry Ford applications for water races were granted, also the applications of Messrs Hirst, Jamieson, and Mcllwraith. In respect of the applications of Messrs S. Campbell and Stevens, it was resolved that no fresh races can be granted in the Springfield sub-division, but deviations may in some cases be granted, subject to the Engineer's approval, and at applicant's expense. The Council then adjourned.

High School Board

The usual monthly meeting of the Ash- i burton High School Board was held yester day. Present —Messrs Andrew Orr (ohair man), W. B. Denshire, S. S. Chapman. FINANCE. The Chairman reported thai; the balance at the Bank was dr. .£338 19s lOd. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read from the Rail way Department, regretting that pupils of the school could not be carried in the guard's van of the 9.30 a.m. goods train.— Received. From the Education Department, re questing that all changes in the office staff should be notified to the Department. From the same Department, stating that the Minister had authorised the presenta tion of the New Zealand Ensign to the school.—Received! From the Hon. Major Steward, M.H.R., | resigning his position on the Board as he couid not attend the meetings.—Major Steward's resignation was accepted with regret. The Caretaker of the school grounds reported on the work done during the month. MOTION OF CONDOLENCE. 0a the motion of the Chairman, a motion of condolence was passed to Mr Williamson in his recent bereavement. headmaster's report. The Headmaster reported the roll number to be 40. TECHNICAL EDUCATION. The Secretary of the Technical School wrote asking the Board for a donation. The initial expenses had been heavier than was anticipated, owing to the large number of pupils—eighty. The classes would in future be self-supporting. It was resolved to grant a donation of £5. The Secretary further further stated that j the Education Department had made some j demur at paying the capitation for the | High School pupils. Mr Denshire moved that the High School Board apply for the capitation grant. The motion was seconded by Mr Chap- j man, and carried. VACANCY. It was decided to hold over till next meeting the question of filling the vacancy caused by Major Steward's resignation. VISITING COMMITTEE Messrs Denshire and Chapman were appointed a Visiting Committee for the ensuing month. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £56 14s 3d were passed for payment, and the Board journed.

Dunedin Sticking-Up Cases

Dunedin July 4 The young men, Robert Phimister, James Sparrow, James Geddis, Alex. McDonald, and John Willis, arrested last week in con nection with the cases of assault and robbery in the Flat suburbs, were charged at the Police Court with on the 26th June, in Cargill Road, Caversham, robbing with violence, William Farquhar, of 12s 6d in money. After hearing evidence the ac cused were committed for trial,- Three other charges, in which watches and money were taken, the total in value amounting to .£l3 2s, .£12155, and £6 8s respectively, were adjourned.

The King's Illness.

Continued Improvement.

London, July 4. The King slept better last night thaji at any time since the operation. His wound causes less trouble, and he can move in bed with greater .ease. His appetite is improv ing.

The " Lancet" says the King is progress ing well, gauze plugs being used to replace the drainage tube, which he was unable to tolerate. The wound is granulating satis factorily, the discharge has diminished and is inodorous. He suffers less, although the dressing is necessarily painful. The tem perature is normal since Thursday.

! The " British Medical Journal" adds:— " The wound is dressed twice daily, and the patient has a refreshing sleep every night. It is unnecessary at any time to use seda tives, and he is moved from one bed to another daily. The King takes great in | terest in all going on around him, and the i general news of the day. Sir Frederick Treves did not go to bed for the first seven nights, but the load of anxiety is now lightened, if it has not entirely disappeared. The King has remarkable recuperative powers, and his sufferings were pluckily borne, All sorts of rumours as to his general health, we are glad to state, are altogether unfounded. We appeal to the newspapers and the public to accept simple facts, and not to circulate baseless renQrts," I Beoeived July 5,1,32 p.m. London, July 4 The King had a quiet day. His consti tutions! condition is satisfactory, and the wound shows more active repair.

South Africa.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, July 3 Britain has informed the Netherlands that the Boers swearing allegiance will be released first, then tfte. other- ifo'ers, and finally the foreigners, 1 They will be trans ported to their various destinations at Britain's expense.' Those paying their owii passages may leave immediately. Foreigners will not be allowed to return to South Africa. ' ' : ' ' Botna, t)e Wet, and De la Rey have em barked on' the steamer Kanzl'ea. They land at Naples, and reach Wtreeht on August; $th..

Farmers' Union.

COLONIAL CONFERENCE.

NOTES FROM WELLINGTON.

(By our Special reporter.) Wellington, Thursday. The first National Conference of dele gates from the Provincial Councils 'of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was opened this morning in the Lecture Room of the Colonial Museum. The meeting place of the Conference is directly opposite the main entrance to Government House (the official residence of Lord Eanfurly), and i 3 within a stone's throw of the Houses of Parliament. The Conference was to have opened at 10 a.m., but owing to the misadventure of the s.s. Rotomahana, which delayed the arrival of several of the South Island delegates, an hour's postponement had to be made. The two North Canterbury delegates—who sit side by side at the Conference—missed each other on the voyage up. Mr H. F. Recce, of Rangiora, took his passage on the Elin gamite, and reached the Empire City in good time. Mr Geo. W. Leadley, who is too well known for me to specify his district — was on the Rotomahana. However, although, he had had a lively voyage up, he turned up a little before eleven o'clock, a " little bit off colour " in face, but vigorous as ever in voice and mind. The Conference, which • is attended by twenty-eight delegates, ia remarkable for the number of Presidents of Branches, present. The chair was occupied all day by Mr M. M. Kirkbride, who explained that " he was, and yet he was not," President of the Con ference, but preferred to be treated as the retiring President. He occupied the chair, and in the absence of a President, and by riglrfc of having presided over^jthe recant Conference at Auckland. Mr Kirkbride, I after a loyal and reverent reference to that recovery to health of the King—by the grace of Almighty God—delivered a very able address upon subjects germaih to the Union particularly and the farming classes generally. Your readers will already have read a precis of the speech, and space does not permit me going more fully into it. He observed that the Conference would have to give very great attention to the frozen meat export question, with the view to getting justice for small farmers in a better distribution in outside markets. He pointed out that frozen meat stood second in value on our" export list, and yet it was patent that " full value did not accrue to the pro producers," The speech was heartily and liberally punctuated with applause, arid at its close, Mr Kirkbride received a vote of thanks. Prom the very beginning of things, the North Canterbury delegates took a leading voice in the proceedings before the Con ference. Mr Recce was associated with the Marlborough delegate (Mr J. A. Lambert in nominating Mr J... G. Wilson for the Union's first National President. There was no other nomination, and Mr Wilson, who is one of the best known and most popular of North Island farmers,, waa declared elected with acclamation. Unfor tunately, Mr Wilson could not attend, as he was indisposed, but he is to be present to morrow. Mr Wilson is an ex-member of Parliament, and is now a thrice-honoured man, as he is President of the National Council, President of the Wellington Exe cutive Council and Chairman of the Bulls Branch of the Union. Ashburton was the next district to be specially honoured, for the Acting-President (Mr Kirkbride) said that it gave him peculiar pleasure to nominate Mr Leadley for the office of Vice-President. He had watched for some time through the Press the active interest Mr Leadley had taken in {the affairs of the Union, and he well deserved the honour now offered. Mr T. Cross (Napier), in seconding that nomina tion, said that it was only fair that as the Presidency had gone to a North Islander, the next most important office should go to a southerner, and Mr Leadley was the man for the office. The nomination was unanimously ac cepted, and Mr Leadley, in returning thanks, said that he appreciated the elec tion as a compliment, not only to himself, but to his district and his island. Immediately afterwards, Mr Leadley asked leave to interrupt the regular course of business in order to bring up an im portant question which needed immediate attention. That was the question of deciding upon an improved method of car rying and distributing frozen meat for the Home market. He had, just before the opening of the Conference, discussed this subject with the Chairman (Mr Kirkbride), and the latter agreed that his (Mr Lead-, ley's) proposition was one of urgency. The subject was one which had attracted great attention in Canterbury—[A Voice : And up North too !]—and he was only antici pating what must claim the serious attention of the Conference. It was neces sary, if the greatest value was to be gained by the discussion upon this subject, that representatives of Frozen Meat Companies should be present, and take part in the discussion. He moved—"That the repre sentatives should be invited by telegraph to attend the Conference for the purpose of. taking part in the discussion upon this highly important question." The motion was^carried after an animated discussion. It was decided that the dis* cussion take place next Tuesday, and that Messrs MoLeod, Orbell (of Otago),and Tom. Mackenzie, M.H.R., also be invited to attend, as these three gentlemen were specially well informed upon the subject. On the moti6n of Mr Recce, a committee was then set up to formulate questions to be discussed at Tuesday's meeting. Mr Leadley represented Canterbury on the Committee. Later on in the day's sitting, Mr Leadley gave notice that in due course he would | move the adoption of the following motions: 1—" That in the opinion of this Council ! the present system of party government is productive of much unwise and unnecessary legislation and unsatisfactory administra tion, and therefore that it would be to the j undoubted advantage of the colony if the ! Government were elected by the represen tatives of the people." 2.—"That should a claim for compensa tion be made upon any member of the New Zealand Farmers' Union in respect of any accident or injury sustained by any person or persons in his employ, the Colonial Executive be empowered and requested to to engage the best available legal talent to defend the case on behalf of the member, with a view to finally disposing of the doubt as to whether the Workmen's Compensation for Accidents Act applies to agriculturalists or not."

3.—••' That this Conference protests in the strongest possible manner against the proposal to make the rating on unimproved values of land compulsory, being of opinion that rating on unimproved values of land should only be adopted when a majority of ratepayers have signified their wish for its adoption by voting in favour thereof." The whole of the afternoon's sitting was taken up with the making of national rules,, a free discussion taking place, in committee.',

Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

"^ELLINGTON, July 4 The following Executive Committee for the National Council was elected; —Messrs Blake, Waverly ;D^ Peat, Wanganui; Birch Marton, Russell, and Captain Hewitt, Palmerston North; Eiehards Tehoro; Smith Pahiatua; Eaynor and G-. Sykes, Masterton; Gr. Wheeler, Stanway ; Bruce, Hunterville; Wilson, Leven; and M. Curdy, Upper Hutt j together with the Presidents of all Provin cial Councils. Mr Walter Eutherford, of Palmerston North, was elected auditor.

Eesolutions were passed that Parliament be requested to so amend the Industrial and Conciliation Act, so as to allow of farm ing interests being represented before the Court andC,QnQffiktip,nßoaf4; $hat dovorii-' ment he ftak/ed tq bring in a Bill tiits sessipjcC giving power to the farmer's to form Mutual, Fire' Insurance Societies' on tbejlines of those in Ontario; that the Conference, approves of the provisions of the L&nd Aci being carried out so that seniors may have choice of tenure wh.e& rur,al Crawa lands are thrown opeii 5 that the Conference protests against a,ny amendment of the la\s by which laud lield. under leased in perpjfc tuity can be re-valued for rental purposes; that; in the amended Land Act permission should be given to Land Boards to allow Crown, lan.s holders, to conserve timber,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: SATURDAY, JULY 5, 1902



Date "uly 6 6 7 » 8 9 „ 10 „ 11

Rises 7.36 7.36 7.36 7.35 7.35 7M 7.34

Sets 4.32 4.35 4.34 4.35 4.35 4.36 4.37



few Moon 'irst Quarter 'erigee ... 'ull Moon iasfc Quarter .pogee ...

d h m 6 0.29 am 13 0.17 a.m, 5 1.30 a.m, 21 4.15 a.m, 28 4.45 p.m, 17 1.0 p.m,



F. FERRIMAN. | E. FE MEDIAN 1 LICENSED LAND BROKER, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, HAVELOCK STREET, ASHBURTON, HAS FOR SALE. The undermentioned Properties, full par ticulars of which may be had on' application:— THE UNDERSIGNED HAS FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY. A SNUG HOME, consisting of 60 Acres of Land, Six-roomed House and tbuildings. The land is subdivided into paddocks, and is within easyndistance a school F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent, Ashburton. . ~""" FOR SALK ~~ Zi Acres Land, Belt Road, Allenton. ~% /| RS Randall has instructed me to *i Sell that very desirable residential site, situated in the Belt Road, within a few chains of the north-west corner of the Domain, containing 2£ acres. Part of fhe land is laid out in garden and orchard, and the latter is well-stocked •with choice fruit trees. Other improvements consist of a stable and trap house. The property is for immediate sale and an early inspection is invited. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. Nelson Street, Hampstead. Within a few chains of the School. MR T. G. HIGHT, in consequence of his having removed to Mangasturoa, in the North Island, has instructed me to effect an immediate sale of his property situated as above. It consists of a sub stantial Brick Dwelling containing four rooms, erected on a quarter-acre section. My instructions are to sell, and no reasonable offer will be refused. Immediate inspection is invited. Full particulars can be had on applica tion. F. FERRIMAN, LISMORE. | QK A ACEES: of Land- CapitalJSheep ej£)\J Grazing Farm. F. FERRIMAN, ' Ashburton. NORTH-EAST TOWN BELT, ASHBURTON. TT ALF-ACRE of ground with House of ? ? Six Rooms, good washhouse, copper, and washing trough. The interest on this purchase after paying the deposit would only amount to 4s per week. F. FERRIMAK, Ashburton, SMITHFIELD. A SMALL DWELLING-HOUSE and •'* 5 Acres of Land within a very easy distance of the Factory. P. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. TOWN SECTION 334, MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. /"VT/ARTER-ACRE of ground, with House vJJ of Four Rooms, Stable, and Orchard. F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. The Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, Ltd TQoiiicY Holders are hereby notified that Mr Henry Stbfhknson has been appointed Local Agent at Ash burton, vice Mr William Stonyer. Tfca Society is now issuing Policies con taining new and attractive features guaranteed bonuses, etc., full particulars of which may be obtained on application to Henby Stephenson, Auctioneer, Agent for Ashburton, or T. E. Walton, 6 110 District Manager, Christchurch. h7greslam. SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897. ■fTsIGHT years experience with E. G. and JUJ 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 of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Houks of Attendance—9 a.m.—s p.m. 4 166 SPECIAL NOTICE. "\TT ANTED all about to Plant this SeasO to inspect my Stock of over 250,000 Fruit And Forest Trees and Shrubs, Before Purchasing elsewhere. All well grown and will be sure to give satisfac tion, JAS. PORTER, Clifton Nursery, Allenton, Ashburton 7 2 Insure your life in the Australian Mutual Provident Society. Funds Exceed £17,000 000. Most liberal Policy Conditions, Moßt economical Management, Most Stringent Reserves. Bonuses declared every year. Travelling Agent Ashbuvton District — James Pipe. Address letters—Post Office, Ashburton. 6 23



mT-gIKF-SS NOTICE j GREAT SALE OF BIKES.] ONE MONTH ONLY. Wholesale Reductions in Every Department*, LN Order to mate room for New Goods, we are holding a One Month's Clearing Sale of Bicycles and Accessories at Great Reductions. Some of Our Special Lines and Prices :—• Bells, varkras styles, from 6d upwards to 4s Repair Outfits 6d, 9d, and Is. Oil, Lamp or Lubricating 6d, 9d, and Is Oil Cans (all sorts) at 3d, 6d, 9d and Is Toe Clips—We have about 30 pairs left' and they must go. Various makes to choose from, prices 9d to 3s 6d. Lady's Skirt Clips (English make) 9d per pair. Trouser Clips—We have grosses of these from 2d per pair Lucas' Candle Lamps at 10s 6d, usual price 12s 6d Blumels Celluloid Mudguards 8s per pair (light as a feather) Hall Shone Mudguards, spring roller, 7s 6d per pair, very easily fitted. LOOK HERE : Cheap Bikes at Last Special Line of 12 Atalanta Model 2 Bicycles. 5 Gents' Atalantas, Model 2—1902 parts, 7 Ladies' Atalantas, Model 2—1902 parts, any size frame, handle bar, gear, rubber, or any size frame, handle bar, gear, Ac.; lates* rat-trap pedals, beautifully enamelled, and dress guards. A number of these machine 8 plated and lined in gold and silver, usual are already in this district, and give com* price, £20. plete satisfaction. Usual Price, £20, SALS PSXOE, £15 10s Cash. SALS FRIGS £10 Cask Just the machine for the hard working An ideal machine for Shop Assistants, man, who likes to get home for lunch. Dressmakers, etc., Easy Terms arranged if Easy Terms arranged if desired. desired, from 20s per month. All Machines Now pn View at Zealandia Cycle Works, Burnett Street, Ashburton. W. Schwartz, Branch Manager. SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT j|/| R CHARLES CHAPMAN has been appointed Foreman of our PAINTING DEPARTMENT, And we are prepared to execute SIGN WRITING, GRAINING, HOUSE-DECORATING, and PAINTING in all its Branches. A competent staff of Workmen are always ready to send to any part of the Town and Country. Good Work and Satisfaction, \ therefore, cannot fail to result. SIGNWHITING A SPECIALTY Photo Muranese, Mirror, Kristelle, and Sheet Glass cuf.to|any size required. Orders Promptly Attended §To. W, H. COLLINS & CO.. Painters, Glaziers, Signwriters, House Decorators, and Paperhanger?. P.O. Box 35. Telephone No U MONSTER =cLEARING SALE.== Previous, to Stocktaking. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. Immense Reductions in Every Department. Ladies' Dress Goods Is, formerly Is lid per yard One Lot of Dress Garments half price Ladies' Fur Top Kid Gloves 2s lid, formerly 4a 6d 20 Ladies' Tan and leather Kid Gloves Is 9d, formerly 2s 6d Ladies' Stockings Is per pair Ladies' Corsets from Is lid, all sizes « The Celebrated W. 8., all sizes, reduced Men's Hats Is each Men's Suits 23s 6d, formerly 31s Gd \ Waterproof Coats 25s upwards I Ladies' Shoes from 5s 9d. Men's Boots 9s 6d, 11s 9d, 12s 6d Best Colonial White Blankets 17s fid 1 Best Eider Down Quilts from 18s lid Kapoc Quilts, full size, 10s each _ _ J Dressmaking and Tailoring Prices strictly Moderate | ANDREW QRR. |"~~SIGN~WIIITING. ' I | HAVE secured the services of. MR BRAD WELL as [Sign-writer, Gilder, etc. ! Mr Bradwell has bean in the employ of Mr W. Sey, of Christchureh, as writer for the past twelve yeai*s. This branch of the business entrusted to me will receive prompt attention, as hitherto. j. wTTTs on, ! BURNETT STREET, Painter and Decorator. Direct importer- Wall Papers, Window Glass, JPaints, Oils, ARIOH GOLD MINE DISCOVERED IN ASHBURTON.—A Great Boom for the District. t-\ ,, lff£L&Q£'S Ssalandia Boot Store, takes a Loading Part, The AshbarloQ Pablie have long ago discovered that by Shopping at Mel lor's Zealandia Boot Store the? Saye founds and Pounds a Year. Remember that MSLLOR'S Boots and Shoes are always up-to-date. Do not forget that his Prices are very much Cheaper than any cither Boot Shop in AsbibnrfcOD, CORONATION CORONATION i Daring Corooatjon we intend to give our Customers better value than ever- Wise Fathers and Mothers « It will pay you to take notice of this. The following are a Sew of. our Prices; Men'a gocd nferong Shooters, 10s Ladies' Pretty Shoes, from 6s 3d Ladies' Evening Shoes Great Value at 3a rid [ UitW and Boys' School Boots from 4» 6d I Ladies' Button Shoes, wonderful value, 9s <6i Men's good strong Blnchers, jta lid Ladies' Felt Slippers (torn |a And a thousand other line* that cannot be beaten for price or quality ! R P m P mW«- ttare is not a Shop in' Ashburton that can give you as good value forso l^lemotr^ MELLOB. Remember, that MELLOR'3 Zealand* \££a^£Z!^vg*«*n»9. «°"y°a wiehtoS.ve Money and grow rich, buy your BOOTS and Shoes Irew uo other Shop but J KBLLOS'S. ZEALAMUA BOOT STORE, Tancred Street, Aehburtou



Sogt« Rakaia &oai? Board.—At jbhe usual monthly meeting of th.c SQuth Rakaia Road Board, before commencing business, Mr Lambie moved, Mr Morland seconded, and it was carried :—" That the Board ex presses its deep regret at the serious illness of the King, and trusts that he will make a speedy recovery." It was resolved to ask the Upper Ashburton Road Board to shingle along the Chertsey Domain on ! the South Road and to shingle the Rakaia { Boards' portion. The Clerk was instructed | to hay© »i?Wglin £ done in the township and i outside repaid 1' Ip was resolved to comply with •Mr 'Wilkißfcoif s request with regard to clearing part" of the Three Chain J&oad plantation, the Clerk'to have Che work'done > Ordinary correspondence was dealt with. The 10 per cen.t penalty on all outstanding rates was ordered td be enforced,' and after pai'ei^g Recounts 1 :the meeting closed. Tailoeing.—Thff public are respect fully'reminded 1 that' we $$ n9* 'make | strange'fitting suits 1, nor charge str^ge ■' prices. Advance 'Ashbufton, by supporting ! local industries. Compare bur fit.!' CoMpare bs#r pmoea'.! Observe" th 6 quality and ; ''up-to-date^ 4fU .°f '.9F F?<?^' ' £? d' remember that our motto js aj^ys .'.' satis faction."—Craighbad and BsBBy^AU,- [Advt.J



Smolce New Venus