Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations. TUESDAY, July 1. For Northern Ports and Westporfc, per - Rotomahana, at 6.30 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 pillar boxes in East and Burnett streets will be cleared at 5.30 p.m., in consequence of alterations ia the Railway time-table.

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dunedin, June 30 During the week ending to-day, returns have been reported from 63 dredges, the total yield being 2334 ounces Udwt lgr, or an average of 37 ozs per dredge. Additional returns—Perseverance 11. 78oz lOdwt, Coal Creek Flat 3 lozSdwt, i. pper Waipori 270z Idwt, Waitahuna 24ozlldwt, Reliance 21ozs lldwt 18gr; Alpine Consols 13oz lOdwt, Globe 13oz lOdwt, Gentle Annie lloz 4dwt, Inch Valley 9oz, Charlton Valley Boz 6dwt, Evans Flat 6oz i7dwt. Dttnedin, July 1. To-day's sales.—Meg and Annie 15s 6d ; Monte Christo 19s 6d, 20s; OldDunstan 3* 3d i Waimuinu Central 6s.

Commercial.

SYDNEY FAT STOCK SALE

HIGH PRICES OBTAINED.

Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

Sydney, June 30 Twenty thousand sheep were offered at the Fat Stock Market to-day. There was splendid competition, and extremely high rates prevailed, best wethers selling up to 41 s; ewes to 18s fid. A small number of orossbred wethers, on account, of Mr G. H. Scales, Wellington, were sold, forty-three realising 29s 9d, and four fetched 26s 3d. Lambs were lower than last woek's rates, best up to 14s, good 9s to 10s. Cattle were brisk, and prime fetched £\ 5, good from £9. Butter—Choice Is 5d to Is 6d, prime factory a halfpenny less.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., quotes as follows on June 30th, 1902: Wheats i Tuscan ... 3s 9&d to 3s lOd Pearl ... ... 3s9dto3s9-Jd Hunters ... ... 3s 9d to 3s 9£d 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 Pea3 —Prussian Blue ... 5s 6d to 6s „ Partridge. ... 4s Chaff Goodoatsheaf ... 75s to 80s ■ Grass seed -Farmers' ... 3s to 3s 6d The above are; prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton.

ASHBURTON PRODUCE RE PORT.

Meat Market.—Lamb is now quoted at 4d up to 421bs, and buyers are indifferent. Mutton, 3£d from 4Slbs to 641bs, 3Jd 641bs to 721bs, and 3d for overs, and second quality is difficult to obtain. Ewes.—There is a medium demand at 2£d, provided weights are light. Owing to the inclemeucy of the weather during the greater part of last week, little stock has been offering, and the London prices quoted have such a downward tendency that c.i.f. offers cannot be obtained. It is anticipated that prices will recede. All quotations are fat and skin to the buyer. Grain is dormant. Christchurch buyers, can operate in their own district at Id to 2d cheaper than Ashburton, more especially in wheat.

Canadian oats are about 2s 6d, but few offering. Duns and Danish, none on offer. Chaff. —Oaten sheaf, twenty-six to twenty seven bags to the ton, is worth .£3 15s, on trucks near station, but owing to report that £'i has been offered, farmers are in clined to hold, which seqnis ridiculous, as merchants in Christchurch are selling at 90s to 92s 6d f.0.b., sacks included. On an 80s basis it is equal to £3 15s, on trucks, Aehburton.

Potatoes are nominal, but prices are likely to improve later. Large stocks are held'in Christchurch at M, although only now worth £2 10s at country stations.

Property Sale.

We understand that Mr John Stewart has sold his property—the old Greenatreet Estate homestead block—to Mr George Mcßae, of Barford.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 1, 1902.

Since our article on the terms of service of the New Zealand troop 3in South Africa, we have obtained a good deal of informa tion from members of returned Contingents, which goes to show that they have stronger grounds for complaint than is generally supposed. We have the names of several New Zealanders, who, just prior to their return, were offered lucrative positions in South Africa, but could not accept them as they were compelled to come back to New Zealand for their discharges. The members of several of the Contingents say their agreement provided that they could get their discharges in South Africa from the officer in command of them, but jthat sub sequently a stringent order was received from the New Zealand Government that 5.0 discharges ware to be given except in this colony. It is difficult to believe that this action was taken in the supposed interests of the men themselves, because they can only be brought back to this country to swell the ranks of the unemployed. At th© present time there are hundreds of returned troopers in New Zealand looking for some thing to turn up; and a fair proportion of these are only waiting for a chance to get back to South Africa. What will be the position when the last three Contingents come home? There will be then nearly 3000 more young men in the colony in want of some means ,of earning their living; and we know-wofewitfeßifcaiM&g the Premier's optimistic yiew of fthe rft&tper — that there are already more person? Seeking employment in New Zealand than %er.e js any demand for. Months ago we poiuted out that this would be a very difficult pro blem to deal with, and although some may say that these men must gradually be ab sorbed amoogst the rest of the workers, they will in fee pigantime have been forced into a very false and unfair position. How ever desirable it may be £oj? New Zealand to get back her sons, they haw & $ght to be considered, and it is surely due t<? tfc. em to consult their inclinations and interests now fchat their work in the service of the Empire fe done.. Notwithstanding the flourish of trumpets which signalised the departure of our sa>m for the war, and the kudos they have .earned for N ( ew Zealand, it would seem that they are no;F to be cast aside lik« au cM glove foe which %er# is no further »ac, Wa hope the <?oy.erument will deal with this ques%n on ,q;ther t<han political grounds, and will £# break faith •with those who went away uadeif ths belief that they had good prospects of improving their positions. It is too late now to con sider how the loss of so many of our young men will affecfc jbhis country. The time for tSaafc was before ithey were sent away. Our duty now is ,to take qare fchat they shall not suffer needlessly,, or be compc^d to make greater saerzsces than they ibay;© $one already.

The information we have collected aud placed before our readers on the subject of the Dairying Industry ha 9 caused some' attention to be given to the question whether this industry could not be taken up with profit in some parts of this, county. We recognise that those farmers who hold good sized areas of land suitable for grain growing and sheep farming are not likely to take up the dairying business, which is certainly harder work than that involved ..in the other two sources of revenue, available to the farmers. But we should think it has been made quite clear that those whose land and capital are limited could do better if a butter factory, or even a creamery, were within easy reach, than they can do now with grain and sheep. Just now we have not so many small holdings in this county as can be found within a simi lar area in the North Island, and in some parts of Otago and Southland. But if the Government can be induced to buy some of the large estates between the Rakaia and the Rangitata for close settlement, the position will be altogether different. In this connection we may point out that the proposal to purchase the Mayfield Estate comes at an opportune time, because the settlement of a number of small farmers in that district would not only result in the dairying industry being taken up in that locality by the small farmers round about Mayfield and Hakeao, b,ut would compel the extension of the railway to Mayfield. Indeed it would seem that if the Govern ment can come to terms with the pro prietors of the estate in question, a great future will be assured f«r Mayfield. Its progress has been phenomenal during the past ten years, but ghould a butter factory be successfully established tfcere, and the dairying industry be once set fairly going, that part of the county should progress at a still more rapid rate. The people there seem to have a very good idea of how to keep things moving, and we doubt not that they will have recognised the advantages which the purchase of the Mayfield estate, in conjunction with the in auguration of the dairying industry, open out for their township. It is to be ; hoped that the Government will be able to I come to terms with Mr Gould, and that the prospects we have pointed out may be soon ! realised.

The opening of a session of Parliament has seldom created so little interest in New Zealand as on the present occasion. One reasonis, of course, that the illness of the King is a matter of so much greater im portance. Another is that nobody expects to see any important legislation attempted by a moribund Parliament in New Zealand. This is noticeable in a markad degree with regard to all questions which x may be con sidered burning ones. For example, we may rest assured that the liquor question, the Bible in schobls question, electoral re form, and some others upon which strong opinions prevail, will most certainly ibe left severely alone. In fact the Governor's speech is even more colourless than usual, which, after Sir Joseph Ward's utterances at Winton, is only what was anticipated. With regard to the coming session, we fear that it will be taken up, as is usual during the last session, chiefly by members' addresses to their con stituents through the columns of Hansard. Indeed, it*is probable that owing to the clause in the Electoral Act Amendment of 1900, prohibiting canvassing, the method of appealing to constituencies through Utan x-ird will be more than ever in evidence, as the time, between the dose of the session and,the general election will be so short. There does not appear to be any very satisfactory reason for holding the elec tions so soon after the dissolution of Parliament, and it is certainly a very inconvenient arrangement. The pub lic interest would be better served if the elections were to take place in April, and it would save the country several thousand pounds, the salaries of members who are now-a-days elected six months before the House meets. Probably that i 3 the very reason why the elections are hurried on, for members' pay begins as soon as they are elected. Taxpayers do not see eye to eye with politicians on this point.

Local and General.

'Frisco Mail.—The 'Frisco mail steamer Sierra arrived at Auckland last night, and will arrive in Wellington to-morrow morning, and the southern portion-will be sent on by the Rotomahana in the evening The Agricultural Conference. — A special report of the New Zealand Agricul- ■ tural Conference held in Dunedin last week 1 will be 'ound in this issue. The "Farmers' Union Colonial Con ference. — Messrs G. W. Leadley and William Harding left Ashburton by this morning's train for Wellington, to attend the Colonial Conference of the Farmers' Unions, which meets there on Thursday. A Hotel Robbery. — Early yesterday morning burglars entered the Star Hotel, Otahuhu, and removed the safe, which they broke open. Friday's and Saturday's takings were stolen, but the exact amount is not known. r The Price of Floue.—A correspondent of the " Otago Daily Times " wants to know how the Sydney millers can supply flour at from £$ 10s to £9 10s per ton, with wheat at 4s 3d per bushel, while in Dunedin, with wheat at the same price, flour cannot be bought under £1110s.

Tbbe Planting.—Mr James Porter, Clif ton Nursery, Allenton, Ashburton, has a special notice in this issue to all who intend planting trees this season. He has in his nursery a quarter of a million of fruit and forest trees and shrubs, all well grown,which he guarantees will gives satisfaction. He invites inspection by intending purchasers.

A Last Tribute.—Trumpeter B. Simp son, writing to his parents, under date Klerksdorp, April sth, referring to the Machavie railway accident to the Eighth Contingent, states that a number of Ash burton boys had narrow escapes. After explaining the nature of the injuries to the late Trooper Alf. Pearson, he states that thirteen Ashburton boys acted as bearers, sextons, etc., at his burial, a fitting tribute to their comrade.

New Zealand Butter.—The following is an extract from a private letter which was received by the last mail by a resident of Timaru from a friend who is a store keeper at peel, Isle of Man:—" I am selling New Zealand butter in my placp at present, and it give 3 the best of satisfaction. You must have very good dairies in your coun r try; your farmers are yery good hands at making up butter.. It costs we 112 a per cwt. in London 5 bo you must haye it pretty cheap at home." It is very satisfactory tg hear such news as this.

The Rakaia Mead Estate.—The Govern ment has acquired under the Lands for Settlement . Act the Mead estate, near Rakaia, belonging to Mr R. N. Bealey. The property comprises about 6000 acres, and is situated on the Rakaia river, 3£ miles from the township of Rakaia. Possession will no,t tie obtained until the beginning of Jann&ry, In the meantime the estate will be surveyed pto suitable sections for disposal on lease in perpetuity. There are some good buildings on tl^e estate. Although a great deal of the land is of the general shingly nature of the Canterbury Plains, a considerable extent is good alluvial soil. Being situated close to Rakaia and to the railway station, the property will un doubtedly be valuable for occupation in fair si£,es farms.

Weather Report.—Captain Edwin fore casts :—Strong winds to gale from between north and west and south-west; glass fur ther fall ; indications of rain.

The Express Service. —The express from Christchurch for Dunedtn arrived and left up to the new time table times to-day.

Methven Coach—The coach for Methven ■will leave Ashburton on Tuesday's and Sat urday's at 3.30 p.m until further notice, instead of 4 p m.

Unclaimed Letters.—Letters from be yond the colony, addressed as under, were received at the Ashburton Post Office dur ing the month of March, and are still unclaimed:—From Victoria—G. Abrahams; F. J. Cooke; A. Crowe; D. Johnstone; New South Wales -Walter Hutton ; Eng land—R. Kerslake Carrell.

U.A.O.D.—At the usual fortnightly meeting of theU.A.O. Druids last night, a resolution was passed expressing regret at the illness of the King, and trusting that he wouldmake a speedy recovery. The reso lution was passed by the members standing, after which a verse of the National Anthem was sung.

Mail Alterations I —The alteration in the railwajl- time table comes into force to day, and in consequence the mails for the north express will close at 6 p.m, and the pillar boxes in East and Burnett Street* at 5.30. There will be no alteration in the time of closing the mails for the south ex press.

Flour Mill Burnbd. —An Invercargill telegram states that Mr W. Saunders' Boiler Flour Mill at Otautau was destroyed by fire early this morning, with all the contents, machinery, and stock. The origin of the fire is unknown. Insurances—on the build ing and plant, i! 800, in the Imperial office, .£3OO being re-insured in the Commercial Union; stock, .£SOO in the Manchester office.

A. Monster Cabbage—There is on view at the Co-op, a monster cabbage, grown by E. Herring, Esq., Alford Estate. The plant is quitß a foot in diamenter, and weighed 221bs. It is a splendid advertisement for the quality of the soil on the Alford Estate, when a plant can attain such extraordinary dimensions as the one above mentioned.

Haiipbtead School. —At the Hampstead School yesterday, the Rev G. B. Inglis, Chairman of the Committee, expressed re gret at the illness of the King, and trusted he would soon be restored to health and strength. The medals for the Coronation would be distributed at a later date, when the time would be more appropriate.

A Trooper's Opinion of the Trans vaal. -A Dunedin youth; who has return ed after spending seven years in Coolgardie Klondyke, and South Africa, where he took part in the war, says that the Trans-y vaal is the finest country in the world. It has great possibilities, both from mining and agricultural points of view. He was badly wounded while serving with the Scot tish Horse. Of all the generals sent out, he says " Tommy " thinks most of General Buller, who always clears the country be fore him.

Singular Occurrence. — A singular occurrence is reported from Shelharbour, New South Wales. Over a week ago a paddock fired beneath the surface, and it has beeD burning ever since. It appears that while a stump was being burned the ground caught fire below, and occasionally shows on the surface. Every effort to ex tinguish the fire has been baffled. In seve ral places the earth has been burned for several feet down, and as the bulk of these places is covered by only a thin crust, a series of dangerous pitfalls awaits anyone unwarily entering the paddock.

The Maoris and the Coronation. —Te "VVhiti prophesied some time ago that King Edward would never be crowned and has repeated the prophecy at every quarterly meeting of his followers. The latest of these quarterly reunions came off last week and there was a larger attendance than usual as Te Whiti had been rallying his followers up in anticipation of the fulfilment olbAj prophecy. He kept the majority of natives in Parihaka until the, news caijH through as to the postponement of tHI ceremony in London. This result haS naturally increased the mana of the prophet* whose influence had for some time been on the wane. ,

Farewell to Rev W. Lamb—The Bap tists are holding a tea meeting this evening and a public meeting after. We have not had to notify a tea meeting in connection with this church for, nearly three years, although they frequently hold there social gatherings. Meetings of this kind appear to be held among them only on rare oc casions, and as the bidding farewell to their resigning pastor is one of them, they wish all friends of the Rev Mr Lamb to be present. We understand that ample pro vision is made to secure a very enjoyable evening, and various ministers of other churches, are expected, so that with the tea meeting, music, and various addresses, we hope the Rev Mr Lamb will have a good send-off.

A Gatling Plough.— There are to be many curiosities at this coming World's Fair at St Louis, and one of them will be something akin to a machine for turning, i if not swords at least guns, into plough i shares. Dr. Gatling, of famous gun repute, } has been turning his attention to plough ! shares. He has just invented a plough operated by a gasoline motor. The plough can be worked at the cost of eight shil lings and fourpence per day, and the mi i ventor holds that it will do the work of j thirty men and eighty horses. If this is ! so, the farmers have an invaluable help mate.

I Coal Lease.—The Wellington correspon -1 dent of " The Press " telegraphs that the j Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch ) has been informed that there is no objection ito the area applied for by Mr Andrew j McFarlane as a coal lease in the Alford i Survey District, Block IV. being increased ! from 60 to 90 acres. A request has been 1 received from Mr C. J. Peter, Ashburton, for an expert to advise as to ths best means of opening up a coal seam. He has been i informed that the Government cannot send ' an expert, and that he should secure the i services of a certificated mine manager, j whose methods of working will be reported ' on from time to time by an Inspeotor of 1 Mines.

Somerset Meat Mart. —Mr If. J. Sil cock, of the Somerset Meat Mart, had on view yesterday a saddje of mutton, artisti cally dressed, £he words '■' God save the King" neatly workpjj in the centre,, and raised in relief frbni the saddle, tinted in red on a pure white ground. On the top was placed a faithful representation of the orb and Maltese cross, she whole being quite a work of apt, and reflected muefi credit on Mr Silcock and hi§ assistant, Mr Thos. Barber. There were also on view two carcases of mutton—Shropshire and En glish Leicester—which were fine samples of locally grown sheep. They were estimated to turn the scale at about 1301bs each.

The Cycling Road Race—A Victorian Press writer on the New Zealand te3t race. A big road test is to be held in New Zea land on Saturday, August 2nd, over one hundred and twelve miles course from Timaru to Christchurch. The race is being held to select the New Zealand representa tive for this year's '5 Dunlop Road Race," from Warrnabool to Melbourne. Our readers will no doubt remember, that Rals ton came across to Melbourne last year, and put up one of the finest road performances associated with road racing in Australasia. Should Ralston succeed in winning the Timaru-Christchurch event, his admjrers — and he has many in Victoria—will watch with "interest his sepond appearance on the QQJJfSe.' A good'ijfew Zea land judge of racing pyciists spates that there are four or five road ridera in New Zealand who are on a par with Ralston, but in the writer's opinion, Ralston, in the same form as last year, will, with ordinary luck, win the ITew Zealand test race. The Maorilaijders jrjay have a finer road rider :tjhan Kals£on. If ifch.ey have,,' then the | rasitibst £%§> jj.rjs.e, ;Qf tp' Warrnambodj race | will again go to New Zealand/ together j with the Australasian road championship Blue Riba.nd for 1902, which the Dunlop Tyre Co. intend presenting to the winner of the fastest time prige, j

N.Z. Agricultural Con ference at Dunedin.

(By Our Special Reporter.)

For a considerable time the farmers of the colony have been looking forward to the conference of delegates from the Agri cultural and Pastoral Associations of the colony, to be held in Dunedin during Coro nation week. From all over the colony the delegates flocked to Dunedin, and on the Tuesday of Coronation week, Otago put forth a special effort to extend a Scotch welcome to the visitors, and succeeded in providing a " quid " Scotch mist, or in other words a heavy downpour and very slushy streets, through which the delegates wended their way to the opening meeting, under the presidency of the retiring Presi dent, Mr Buchanan, who reviewed the work of the last Conference, and its results, the resolution then carried, with reference to the necessity of additional railway rolling stock had been followed by very consider able additions to the rolling stock, but further additions were required to cope with the increasing produce of the colony. The resolution with regard to opening fresh markets had been followed by the appoint ment of a Trade Commissioner; and ar rangements were in progress, or had been completed, for the establishment of a direct line of steamers between New Zealand and South Africa. Their recommendation with reference to noxious weeds had been made the basis of a Noxious Weeds Act, while their expressed wishes with regard to the rabbit pest had also borne fruit. He re ferred to the drought in Australia; to the low prices for wool which ruled recently ; to the importance of the dairying industry; and to the Argentine and Siberia as fresh and vigorous rivals in the dairying and sheep industries. Mr Jno. Roberts, C.M.G., of Dunedin, the newly elected President referred to the fluctuating prices for wheat and for wool, and to their possible causes; to the recent disastrous harvest in Canterbury and in Otago, while Southland had had a good season for growth of the crops, and this had been followed by a favourable harvest. He also referred to the market for oats in South Africa, which he did not think would be so extensive in the future as it had been for the past two years or so. The quality of the frozen beef sent to London had been good and had earned an excellent reputa tion. Dairying was a very important industry, especially for the smaller farmers. He quoted figures to show the monetary increases and decreases of the values of the chief products of the colony.

During the four days of the Conference, Mr Roberts proved liis ability to very effi ciently preside over such a conference. No delegate was unduly cut short in the ex pressing of his views, yet the Conference was kept weMn hand. The delegates, with not a single exception, were men of ability, who expressed their views to the point without undue*repetition, while in not a few cases, marked ability was displayed. Every thing which would not conduce to the welfare of the farmers of the colony was deleted from the submitted proposals, but in no single instance was such despatch given until the matter had been discussed i thoroughly. On all hands one heard of the ability of the delegates, and of the Presi dent, and a general feeling exists that the deliberations and decisions of the Conference extended from the two and a-half days' discussion at the previous meeting of delegates, to the four days' discussion by the present meeting, will result in much, good. There were twenty-eight subjects for discussion on the Order Paper, and a good many fresh notices of motion were handed in after the Conference had assembled, and ; the despatch with which the Conference thoroughly discussed the contents of an Order Paper so extensive, attests sufficiently that the various Agricultural and Pastoral Associations in selecting their men, chose Mgrt^Kie riglfglfcallt discussion of— the to carry 1 rapid of

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On the subject of unsound bulls, Conference decided to ask the Governm^^^^B to prevent the sale at auction or other^^^^^H of unsound bulls. A most interesting *^^B^| cussion took place on th,is subject, Truby King and Me Gtflruth contribut^^^^B much information. Briefly, it may be 3^^^^| that contagious diseases, notably tuber^^^^H losis, are far more common than is gen^^^^H ally supposed, and in the end the Con^^^^H ence decided to ask to have the Stock .^^^^B so amended that any bull sold by a^^^^fl method, if on examination by an msp,eci^^^^H under the Stock Act, within fourteen da^^^H after such sale, shall ftrave to' be sufteri^^^^B from any contagious disease, the sale sh^^^^l be mill and void. ' The. Government is be asked to abolish the sheep, tax, and establish a stock tas « its place, Buni^^^H also received hit) due share of attentiom^^B After a good deal of discussion on the su{yfl^^| ject, in which the relative merits of trap-^^^B ping, poisoning, and destruction generally^^^B of the natural enemy wore, dealt with, thc^^H Conference decided that more.. G|ria,g«n M^^B methods should be eWoyftd to. deal with^^^H £hep.est, Thfl piftaJOir^a 1- nuisance was fully diabussed, and the seriousness of this j^^H pest is so great that the opinion was f re-d^H I quently expressed that the farmers had .got to exterminate the small birds, and.fl^H that if they did not do so t'Uea, tha^^H

[small birds would exterminate the | farmers from the land at anyrate. IA draft Birds Nuisance Bill had been cir i culated, and as approved by the Conference its leading provisions are—The Colony of , New Zealand to be divided into districts, | and in such manner, that as far as possible no one local authoritys' district shall be

partly in one district and partly in another. Within such districts each local body shall elect a delegate, and these shall meet at a

Conference at a given time and place to be appointed by the Governor, and this Conference shall recommend to the Governor the most suitable day on which, to commence the work of destroying the injurious birds of the district, and also the method to be employed, but should suoh methods not suffice., are bound to employ such additional methods as shall effectually exterminate the pest. The local authority may levy a rate not exceeding one sixteenth of a penny in the pound on the rateable property within its district, and the cost of administration of the Act shall be paid out of the general fund of the local body. Inspectors may be appointed by the Minister to carry out the Act if the local authority fail to do so, and in that event; the cost shall be deducted out of any Government subsidies falling due to the local authority. The Governor has power to make regulations for the administrations of the Act, and ' The Birds Nuisance Act, 1891/ is to be repealed. The discussion on noxious weeds re vealed the facfc that in many parts of the* colony these weeds form a serious menace to farmers and farming pursuits; and readers of this article are strongly advised and seriously cautioned, should they be farmers, to keep a sharp look out for the first appearance of the Ualifornian thistle ,on their properties. It seems to be com j paratively easy to deal with the thistle on its first appearance, but if it be allowed to spread, and get well established, the difficulty of effectively dealing with it ia very great. The various methods adopted to eradicate were fully discussed, and the facts appear to be these. Continuous ploughing up the roots tends to the spread of the thistle, poisoning either by salt or by chemicals kills the leaves and surface growth, but fails to follow the roots into the soil, and hence is only a temporary. and partial remedy. The only effective remedy seems to be the cutting of the weed on its roots about a couple of inches below the surface of the soil with any implement that wiil so cut the plant or its roots. The cutting must not be deeper, for then the detached part of the root would grow again. The great point is to keep the leaves or lungs of the weed from acting, and if the cutting process just mentioned be fre quently repeated, the weed dies. The sub ject of Technical in so far as it relates to the teaching of agricultural sub jects in the public schools, received a good deal of attention. In France, the United States of America, Canada, and other countries, such subjects were so taught, and a love of country life instilled into the pupils. The cramming system in force in New Zealand, and the inefficiency of the present administration of the Education Department, was fully dealt with. Mr Studholme, moved the motion on the subject in a lengthy and thoughtful speech, and the discussion was continued with much ability by Dr. Truby King, and Messrs Reid, Dick, Gilruth, Wilson, Murphy, and Kirk. The Conference finally decided to urge the Government to arrange for the simple practical teaching of the elements of natural science, particularly as bearing on agriculture and horticulture." The subject of a Veterinary College for students in New Zealand, and it was agreed that the partial training of such students should be carried on for the present by the officers of the Department of Agriculture. Trade with South Africa, .Stud Books,, Milk ! Testing, and many similar subjects, per haps not of so great moment to farmers as those shortly reviewed herein, were dealt with by the Conference. The discussion on all the the subjects was thorough, and evidently the opinions of experienced men. On the last day of the Conference a very good paper on Diseases of Stock, was read by Mr Gilruth, of the Agricultural Depart ment. The paper was evidently the produofe of a man thoroughly at home with Ms subject. The paper revealed the fact that diseases of stock are both more widespread and far more serious that most farmers are aware of. Finally, a Dunedin committee was set up to attend to the practical work of seeing that the recommendations of the Conference were given effect to as far as possible. The Committee are to act until the next Conference meets at Auckland i two years hence. ■, I The Ofcago Metropolitan Agricultural kind Pastoral Association entertained the Relegates and the members of the Press, mrho attended the Conference at luncheon, ftt the Otago Club, Dunedin ; and on Satur ■ay morning most of the delegates left Ifor Heir homes.,

Rating on Unimproved Values.

HkIED in CHRISTCHURCH

t Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Ohbistchxjbch, June 30 on rating on unimproved valaei |fco-day. A good deal of interest fc in the question, and the poll was V a majority of eighty-four votes* as were—For, 596; against, 512.

UNKNOWN

■but their present stock of cycling ■ Messrs Oates, Lowry and Co., Bone month's sale, commencing on ■Phe firm will offer their entire Bluced prices, in order to make new goods (which are now and America) for the Cyclists will, no doubt, of this opportunity, and before they are too late. branoh manager, informs to be a genuine, sale, and sold out, no more will bo ■■■^ifter July, when the new ■■■bened for the 1902-03 season.

UNKNOWN

Association — By Electric Auckland, June 30 and James Johnston Hi for trial on a charge of the till of an hotel. been ordered to come when called on some few off on condition. Wellinston, June 30 the barque Kenfauns, from Liverpool, re- Sth of May an ordinary Trahair, aged 17 He fore royal yard into the off from the ship, but and tho March Union referred the Company and the Company, con- to the Concilia- Stratford, June 30 Leydon was driving' yesterday, whan and went and got among some bumped off the trap was thrown His right leg: one girl tod heir June- 30 of the Coro- resolfed to weak, and to made for x the committee fpr the reeeptioii social

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, JULY i, 1902



F. FERRIMAN. . F. FERBDfA'N 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 iOE SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY. A SNUG HOME, consisting of 60Acros of Land, Six-roomed House and outbuildings. The land is subdivided into paddocks, and is within easy distance a school V. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent, ' .Ashburton. fOR SALK 2J Acres Land, Belt Road, Allenton. ~% A RS Randall has instructed me to * * Sell that very desirable residential sitfi, situated in the Belt Road, -within a few chains of the north-west corner of the Domain, containing 2$ acres. Part of the 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. Pall particulars oan be had on applica tion. P. FERRIMAN,



LISMOEE. ijO\) Grazing Farm. P. FEBEIMAN, Ashburton. " tfOETH-EAST TOWN BELT, ASHBUETON. XTALP-ACEE of ground with House of fc^ S~l Six Rooms, good washhouse, copper, Bfeand washing trough. The interest on this Bwurchase after paying the deposit would HBd^amount to 4s per week. BY F. FEERIMAN. fßf Ashburfcon. Bf SMITHFIELD. 8,4 SMALL DWELLING-HOUSE and BB^ 6 Acres of Land within a very easy HHistanOe of the Factory. H F. FEERIMAN, Ashburton. ■ TOWN SECTION 334, MOOEE STEEET, W ASHBUKTON. F //^TJAETEE-ACEE of ground, with House \^J of Four Eooms, Stable, and Orchard. F. FEEBIMAN, Ashburton. BUSINESS NOTICES. The Colonial .Mutual Life Assurance Society, Ltd Policy Holders are hereby notified that A Mb Henrt Stephenson has been appointed Local Agent at Ash. burton, vice Mr William Sfconyer. The Society is now issuing Policies con taining new and attractive ' features guaranteed bonuses, etc., full particulars of which may be obtained on application to Henry Stephenson, Auctioneer, Agent for Ashburton, or T. E. Walton, 6 110 District Manager, Chris fcchurch. h"gkesham.



DENTIST. "T>EGS to inform the residents of Ash- Jk3 burton and Surrounding Districts that ho has commenced practice in rooms ■npstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction. Eooms, Burnett. Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement. Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also sets of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Houbs of Attendance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. 4 166 TJ OR SALE—The Masonic Hotel at Tau t^ ranga, largo turnover; new Hotel at Ngapara; both free houses. l! 540 acres, comfortable Homestead, shearing shed, etc., 6 miles from Tauranga Post Office ; price, ■£2 per acre, with, terms. 200 acres first class Dairy Farm within 1 mile of Butter Factory, School, and Post Office; new 7 roomed House; price <£ 144)0 cash. Also an old established Auctioneering Business in the North Island. For further particulars apply D.MAHONEY, 6 220 Cains-Terrace, Timaru. Insure your life in the Australian Mutual Provident Society. Funds Exceed £17,000 000. Most liberal Policy Conditions, Most economical Management, Most Stringent Reserves. j Bonuses declared every year. Travelling Agent Ashburton District — James Pipe; Address letters—Post Office, Ashburton. 6 23 WANTED, AGENTS. Wanted—Agents. fi *\ TO take down orders on a New 3& Q Article, suitable, agreeable, and use ful to all (work permanently or in spare time) Agents wanted in every district and colony, Enclose envelope for particu- Address; 'Wanted, Box976,Sydney,N.S.W.



npi EY! Try! Try! the ready money Shop* JL Tancrad Street, opposite Arcade, for sterling up-to-date value in flannels, tick ings, sheetings, towels, tablings, flannelet tes, calicos, shirtings, cretonnes, silesias, ladies' corsets, gloves, hosiery, dress tweeds, serges, laces, ribbons, etc. Rock bottom prices throughout, Seeing is believing. Come and see for yourselves. ___ BUTTER, Butter. —Finest Factory But ter for this Month only, Is per lb. Having made a contract with the makers of the celebrated Defiance Brand Factory Butter, we are enabled to sell at the above low price, although at the present time it is worth more money wholesale than what we aro selling it for; but we intend to give our customers the benefit of our purchase. Please remember that the above price is good for this month only.—Fletcher '&WS; Cash Supply Stores. TD %m get~one of H. C. Barrett's ■ Cirott&rs announcing a Special Coronation Conuwsmoration Discount of Tsvo Shillings in the Pound off every Cash Purchase, from the ssaall sum of Five Pence worth, from June 2ls.t jbo August 9th, at his Drapery, Clothing, and Boot Ware house, _ g 182 rSAY Friend : Where is the best shop . to buy a pair of Boots ? Why, Mel ior's Zealandia Boot Store! I always get good value at Mellor's. EW Dates, 6d per lb ; New Figs, 6d ; New Currants, sd; New Eaisins, s id; Fresh Ground Coffee, Is 6d; Rasp berry Jam, Is per jar,—Carson and Co.



f !W-?rWT'-K55 NO7TOFS _ ! j STOCKTAKING SALE, I I ; : End of the Cycling Season* : : FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. — S ale Commences' July ist. — Bargains for Every Cyclist. The Entire Stock to be Cleared r Bells, all sorts, from 6d upwards to 4s Oil Lamps at 3s each ■j „-.,-.,;- n<c , Gas Lamps at 8s 6d each SUSiA Ui Candle Lamps at 7s 6d and 10s 6d eaoh ' Outfits at 3d, 6d, 9d, Is j Oils at 6d, 9d, Is / \ *TT> 1"> IT> J /"117 O Oii Cans at 3d, 6d, 9d and Is I If X I-* i~% II J t^r** Toe Clips all prices from 9d upwards V/ \J A.%) _&. itA V/JLJKJ Trouser Clips in endless variety from 2d per pair Lady's Skirt Clips 9d per pair. (You want a pair.) Blumels Celluloid Mudguards 8s per pair Silvertown Covers, all sizes, 19s Hall, Shone, rubber adjustable Guards Oceanic Dunlop Covers, 17s 6d 7s 6d each Inner Tubes 7s 6d each ALL FOR ONE MONTH. In fact anything necessary for a Cyclist you can obtain at greatly reduced Prices at Zealandia Cycle Works, Burnett Street, Ashburton. W. Schwatitz, Branch .Manager. ,%»i»aKMaKmiHMWni mMiuwwuw muni ■MWMtwiM^nhn»*t»ini »■»———————— , CORONATION SALE OF FLAGS. FLAGS. 108 Dozen Flags Just Opened for the Coronation, Procession, at 2s 6d per dozen, or 3d each, full size, consisting of New Zealand, Union Jack, St George's Cross, Stars and Stripes, Imperial Flag of England, Harp of Old Ireland, Bonnie Scotland, Royal Standard, etc ANDREW ORR. SIGN WRITING. tHAVE secured the services of MR BRADWELL as Sign-writer, Gilder, etc. Mr Bradwell has been in the employ of Mr W. Sey, of Christchurch, os writer for the past twelve years. This branoh of the business entrusted to me will receive prompt attention, as hitharto, j. wTxTs 0 N, BURNETT STREET, Painter and Decorator. Direct importer—. Wall Papers,' Window Glass, ; .Oils,-. ABIOH GOLD MINE DISCOVERED IN ASHBURTON.—A. Great Boom for the District. MSLLOE'S Zoalaa&ia Boot Store, takes a Leading 2?art. The Ashborton Public have long ago discovered that by Shopping at Mel lor'a Zealandia Boot Store they Save Pounds and Pounds a Year. Remember that MELLOR'S Boots and Shoes are always np. to-date. Do not forget that hia Prices are very much Cheaper than any other Boot Shop in ABhburfcon» CORONATION CORONATION Daring Coronation we intend to give our Onßfeomers better valaa them Brett Wise Fathers and Mothers I It will pay you to take notice of thif, The following are a few 0! our Prices ; Men's good strong Shooters, 10s Ladies' Pretty Shoes, from 6s 3d Ladies' Evening Shoes Great Value at 3a lid j Girls 1 and Boys' School Boots from 4a 6d Ladies' Button Shoes, wonderful value, 9s 6d Men's good strong Bluchers, 5a lid Ladies' Felt Slippers from Is And a thousand other lines that cannot be beaten for price or quality Remember, there is not a Shop in Ashburton that can give you as good valne or bo little money as MELLOR. Remember, that MELLOR'S Zeftlandia Boot Store is the leading Boot Shop, so if you wish to Save Money and grow rich, buy your BOOTS and Shoes from no other Shop but J. HBL L 0 B 'S, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, Tancred Street, Ashharton



The Mineral Wealth of Ash burton County^ Mount Somers Coal, ORDERS EXTRAORDINARY: TITHE reduction in the price of Mount Somers Coal has caused such a rush of orders that it has been proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that, if the electors of the county insist on the mine being con nected with the railway, the -price could be kept at the low figure ruling for Coronation Week, and thus prove A Boon to Householders, In ot only in Ashburton, but throughout Canterbury. JOSHUA TUCKER npOILET Soap (per box of 4 cakes) 6d? JL Moss Rose Soap, Is per dozen; Candles sid; Cocoa, Is per lb. Try our Shilling Confectionery Mixture. Best in town.— ■ Carson and Co, ,



Tailoring— Qn Saturday, July sth, Mr Kerr, representing Messrs strange and Company's famous CJiristchurck Tailoring Department, will pay another visit to Ash burton to fit on orders already entrusted to his firm, and ,tb l?ook fresh ones. Mr Kerr, wii^se ability as a.cutter is WeP- known, will be in ats6jjsanqe at §tranga and Company's Ashburton JLgen><jy (Mr gantry's) pn jthe aboye da^e jfjrdm 1 p.m jbo '6^o p.m. Messrs Strange #ud Co are' celebrated for their "cut/ and their pafrpns' ar/=> delighted. Better tailoring is not to hg had in Australia, and yet the firm's charges are strictly reasonable.—(Advt.) 6 306 Wanted Kaowa—Tint for Coughs and Golds, however severe, there la nothing to compare with TUSSICUJU