EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for July.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations. THUESDAY, July 24. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Botomahana, at 6 p.m.

FEIDAY, July 25. For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney July 30th •, and South Africa, per Warrimoo, at 10.30 a.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 in the Eailway time-table.

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Duneihn July 23 To-day's sales :—Alexandra Lead 13s, Bendigo 11s, Endeavor 7s 6d, First Chance 275, 28s, 28s 3d, Great Woodstock Is, Eise and Shine 265, Unity 15s 6d, So 14s.

DEATH.

Sandrbt.—At Burford House, Ashburton, on the 23rd inst., Lilian Trixie, the beloved infant daughter of George and Lilian Sandrey; aged 6 months. " Our darling has gone to r«st."

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1902.

The State Fire Insurance Bill which has been introduced by Government for the second time, is quite as crude and un workable a measure as that which was dropped last session, with many similar creations of immature thought on the part of ambitious legislators. When we re-' viewed last year's measure, we confidently predicted that it would not pass into law, for it was easy to see that the country was not yet educated up to the point when such a Socialistic policy as the Bill indicated would be tolerated in New Zealand. But the leaven of Socialism is gradually spread ing in this colony, and we are by no means so confident that the State Fire Insurance Bill of this session will be thrown out alto- j gether. It is quite on the cards—in view i of the big battalions of the Government— ,that Sir Joseph Ward could carry his Bill through with some alterations, should he desire to do so, and in that case the country would be pretty fully committed to a bastard kind of Socialism which, when established, would fix the party happening to bo in power, upon the Treasury benches for ever and ever, and would make all the rest of us Government employees. But to return to the Bill. Et has undergone very careful examination by these who are best able to understand it—the business men of the colony—and it has met with universal i condemnation. Mr J. H. Upton, the Chair man of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, in the course of an exhaustive criticism of the measure, showing the absurdity of some of its provisions,* said that fire insurance business was the most risky business known, and the only companies that succeeded were those which had been con ducted with the utmost care and judg ment, and whose business was not done in New Zealand alone. Mr Upton dealt with the whole subject of fire insurance, -and he showed that, apart from the dangerous principle of State interference with private enterprise, the business was not included in the category of tho3e which it is the legitimate function of the Government to undertake. The supporters of the Bill in and out of the House, take up the remark able position that a State fire insurance business could be run on cheaper aud more satisfactory lines than the business of private Companies could be run. We have only to look round at the attempts | that have so far been made in this country to carry on businesses which elsewhere are conducted by private enter- j prise, to see how much more costly the! State system always is than the other. Yet the various business departments which the Government of New Zealand has so far taken up are comparatively safe and simple, the only principle necessary to be observed being, apparently, to keep the expenditure from exceeding the revenue. But Fire Insurance is one of the most difficult and complicated methods of employing money. Probably Mr Upton knows as much as anybody in New Zealand about this subject, and he said—"Fire insurance investments might look very nice at time 3, but it was the most risky business known. It was a gamble at the best; it depended upon the man who got hard up and had a box of matches ; upon people who were unable to put a fire out when it arose, and upon people who, though able to do it, had not the energy to do it at the time." Is the State justified in speculating with the taxpayers' money in undertaking a business of this kind ? We do not believe that a single person in the colony could conscientiously answer that question in the affirmative. $G|b only js the principle un sound that the State ghould 'take up. ;the fire insurance business, but $&c <jM#Hs of the scheme contained in the Bill am gener rally ill-considered. For instance, the interest to be paid on the capital required is fixed at 3£ per cent., and yet we know that the Government had to give 4 per ,C3sf.tfor the last money borrowed. An attempt p9 gef; over this obvious difficulty is mado 'in a which runs thus: " But sucli securities may, for the purpose of temporary advances pending typ raising of such sums, be hypothecated or mort gaged upon such terms as to interest and otherwise as are deemed expedient." This fcoaks like riding for a fall, and does not say #iuck fop the government's opinion of the prospects $£ its proposed new business. But we need ,no,t pofofc out any more defects jn this Bill; some of them dealt with ; by Mr G. W. Leadley in a letjter lately pub- Jished in our columns. We can only hope (fchafc when Sir Joseph Ward sees how j strongly $w people of thjs country oppose ithis measure, fefo will not attempt to place lit wpon the Sitaiyte' Bosk, but wjrtl drop it as its predecessor was dropped last session. We confess thafc although Sfr Joseph Ward's name 13 at the ijead of the Biii, we have grave (Joubts whether h,e is really responsible for this extraordinary measure.

Local and General.

The Inward Mails.—A Home mail via Brindisi arrived by the express from the south last night. Skating.—Taking advantage of the heavy frost last night, several enthusiasts enjoyed a few hours skating on the Domain lakes t©-day.

Magisterial.—At the Police Court this morning, before Messrs T. Bullock and E. Alcorn, Justices, a prohibition order was granted against a woman for the. usual term, on the application of her husband.

Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires to-day as follows: Strong winds from between north and west and south-west; glass rise after ten hours from now; indications of warmer weather and rain.

The Countt Band. — The Ashburton County Brass Band will practice in the Drillshed this evening, commencing at 8 o'clock, permission having been kindly granted by the Volunteer authorities.

Suicide. —At Oamaru yesterday an old man named James Richardson committed suicide in one of the side streets by cutting his throat. He had been in failing health for some time.

Generous Givers —For the new hall which Trinity Church congregation,Timaru, puroose building .£SOO has already been subscribed. Messrs Lane and Walker, the tw*o new proprietors of the Ashburton Woollen Mills, each gave £50. The esti mated cost of the hall is .£BOO.

Baefobd Sale.—The Canterbury Farm ers' Co-operative Association will conduct a clearing sale to-morrow on account of Mr George Mcßae, TJarford, of the whole of his live and dead stock. Mr Mcßae's sheep are well known, and should meet with spirited competition. A drag will leave at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning, to take intending pur chasers to Barford.

The Guards' Ball.—-The Committee have made special arrangements for the entertaining of non-dancers at the ball to night. Besides supplying ping pong and other indoor games, the whole of the stage has been reserved for onlookers, to which the small sum of 2s will be charged. The Grand March will commence at 8.30. sharp.

A New Wragge.—Mr Clement Wragge, of Brisbane, has announced his intention of publishing a weekly newspaper, under the title of " Wragge," which will be the official organ of his central weather bureau.

Banqttet to Colonial Premiers—The Manufacturers' Association of Toronto will give a banquet to Sir E. Barton, Sir John Forest, and Mr Seddon on the occasion of their visit to Canada.

Smothered. —A telegram from Auckland states that a man named James Watts was smothered yesterday under some coal at the gas works. He seems to have got into a sort of excavation and the coal fell on him. When discovered, life was extinct.

A Daring Theft. —A daring theft of a cash-box containing £15 was perpetrated at the premises of Messrs Levin and Co., Nelson, on Monday evening between 5 and 7 o'clock, while the clerks were away at tea. The box had been left in a drawer, and the custodian intended returning to the place to do some work.

Workers' Co-operative Store.—-Six months ago a Workers' Co-operative Store was opened in Timaru, and on Monday night a meeting of directors was held, when a balance sheet was presented, showing that the Society had started with a capital of £60, and that at the end of the six months a net profit of <£65 had been made on a turnover of £1100. It was decided to pay a bonus at the rate of 10 percent, per annum on purchases made by shareholders, and to give a bonus of 2£ per cent, on wages.

The "White" Oil Engine.—Messrs Booth, Mac Donald, and Co., agents, exhi bited a " White oil engine " in full working order at the Ashburton saleyards yesterday, The engine was worked with benzine oil, of four-horse power capacity, suitable for supplying motive power for chaff-cutting, wood sawingr, separators, etc. An expert from Christchurch was in attendance, and gave all the necessary information regard ing the working of the engine. Farmers present expressed satisfaction at its sim plicity and easy running, and several orders were booked on the ground.

False Pretences. — A man named Fredrick John Ferris, alias Francis William Ferris, pleaded " Guilty" at the Gisborne Police Court yesterday to charges of vag rancy and false pretences. Sergeant Sid dells stated that the prisoner had represent ed that he had property valued at J22000 left in England, and on the strength ot that statement obtained .£3O from a land agent here. He had obtained various other sums on similar pretences from lawyers and others in other parts of the colony. Ferris was sentenced to eight months' imprison ment.

• A Street Sensation.—Yesterday after noon shortly before five o'clock some sensation was created in West street by a loud rumbling sound which might have be«n caused by a subterranean disturbance or a distant cannonade. It quickly got louder and more menacing, when, just as the people within hearing were preparing to seek safety in flight or concealment, a teirified horse partially attached to an empty dray burst into view. Notwith standing his sensational approach, the animal finished up his escapade as most hoises do that are only frightened; he fell, and was shortly after caught. Very little danage was done. The unusual noise was catsed by the horse breaking away in a coiered in passage at Messrs Friedlander Bros.' stores.

BTuttjal Improvement Union. — There was a capital attendance at the Baring Square weekly meeting of the above society, held on Tuesday night. In the unavoid able absence of Ebv Thos. Fee, the chair was occupied by Mr Chas. Dixon. There were several visitors present, in addition to a good sprinkling of members of the Pres byterian society, to whom a cordial invita tion had been sent. The Eev G. B. Inglis delivered his lecture on "Neglected writers on devotional subjects," his selection of old time authors being — Thomas-a'-Kempis, Marshall, Law, Wm. Guthrie, Bunyan, Bis hop Andrews, and Eutherford. A conser sation on the subject of devotional liter ature followed, and, in responding to a vote f)f thanks proposed by Mr F. H. Steel, and Seconded by Miss Burr, Mr Inglis so carried away his 'ajjdi.e'noe^V^is'spirited references to phases o£ Scottish' history, punctuated with some personal experiences, that' the Mutual Union of Baring Square are already looking forward with interest to his next visit.

Troopers' Pat.—The Special correspon dent of the " Lyttelton Times " says :—A large number of troopers, before going to tSouth Africa, left orders for their parent? and others to" draw on their pay, In some .cases, this was very necessary, as phe "son was the support of his family.' If appears that the Government has stopped paymenjb the last few days. Mr Arnold has Received a number of letters on the subject, arid this afternoon gave notice to ask the Minister of Defence what is _ meant by the following memorandum which has been sent by the Undersecretary for Defence to all tliose'who h'aye orders' on tlie pay of paembers of the Ninth and Tenth Contin gents :— •" I beg to inform you that tjons have been received from the Imperial authorities that all payments under orders fin-pay lefj; by members of any Ifew Zea land Contingent wil^ cease from June 30.. Wo further payment wijl be made to you under the order left in your favour." Is it intended, asks Mr Arnold, that troopers shall not receive pay for their services after the above-mentioned date^ or, if that be not the meaning, is the Minister aware that considerable hardship is caused by stopping these payments under order, and will he see that the matter is rectified ?

News in Brief.

The Upper Ashburton Eoad Board notify ratepayers that all rates outstanding after July 31st will be sued for without further notice.

Ice Skates, "Caledonian," latest and best, all sizes in stock, 12s 6d per pair, at John Orr & Cos.

The Telegraph Department advises that censorship has been removed from tele grams passing to or from South Africa.

The sale at Mr Alcorn's Drapery, Cloth ing and Boat House still continues, and a list of some of the bargains to be obtained will be found in our advertising columns.

During the past year it has cost the South Canterbury Hospital Board .£666 to deal with cases of infectious disease.

A Press Association telegram from Dun edin states that an engine and tender left the rails at the cattle yards there yesterday evening, but no serious damage was done beyond delaying the trnffic a little.

Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd, under instructions from Mr Chas. Kippingale will sell at Ashburton Forks on Wednesday, July 30th, the whole of his live and dead stock.

In a letter to the Patea Harbour Board Mr E. M. Smith stated that it is a certainty blast furnaces will be erected at Patea for utilisation of the ironsand.

The Ottoman Bank has agreed to advance £110,000 to enable the Turkish Govern ment to pay a month's arrears of official salaries.

The Mount Somers Eoad Board invite tenders for the construction of a new road on the west side of Lake Heron by the Government grant of £350, and for repairs to the Village Settlement Eoad, Alford Forest. The advertisement appears in another column.

The Eight Hon. A. J. Balfour, the new Prime Minister of England, is (says an exchange) the owner of a large estate near Pahiatua, whichhe took up many years ago, and which has been very much improved.

As will be seen from our advertising columns, Mr J. Gillies intends holding a music class for instruction in sight reading, ear training, and theory. This branch of music is sadly in need of development, and considering, Mr Gillies' very low fee, his offer will no doubt be largely taken advan tage of.

The "Napier "Telegraph" suggests that Parliament might legislate in the direction of imitating the American system of convey ing children from a distance to a central school, instead of establishing a number of small schools. The South Canterbury Education Board for years ran a conveyance in the Temuka district to collect and dis tribute scholars for a school there.

A boy of 16 died, in May last, at West minster, and as he had suffered for years from headache, the cause of which was not known, an autopsy was performed, when there was discovered a piece of slate pencil, three-quarters of an inch long embedded in the brain.

Uneasiness is beginning to be felt in in surance circles at the non-arrival in Lon don of the ship InvercargilL now 130 days out from Oamaru. The ship, which carried a valuable cargo of wool, is (says the Oam aru Mai!) now being insured at 15 guineas.

The Dunedin sharebroker who recently left the colony in order to look about him, and, if the prospects were of a favourable character, to settle at Johannesburg, com municated last week by cable with his friends in this city recommending an in vestment in a certain South African stock. The advice was promptly acted upon, and steps have been taken to secure what may possibly be regarded as the first investment of Dunedin capital in Eand mines..

Correspondence.

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

LARRIKINS AT WILLOWBY.

50 THE EDITOR, Sib, —A week ago I noticed a paragraph in your paper headed "Lamldnism in Willowby," which, if allowed to go un challenged, will lead the public to believe that we live in a very undesirable part of the district. As a parent, and one who is intimately acquainted with all the young men in the district, I wish to say it would be difficult to find a finer lot of young people anywhere than we have in Willowby. LarrikinUm, as the term is generally under stood, does not exist in our midst, and I have no hesitation in saying that on the whole their conduct at all the public meetings and church services is exemplary. The trustees and church officials are quite capable of coping with any difficulty that may arise in this connection without the police assistance hinted at by your corres pondent. Tour correspondent's charge is a libel on the district, and a slander on the young men, and reflects very little credit on himself. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, etc., A Eesident,

WHERE ARE THE WATER CARTS?

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, Could you inform me, through your valuable paper, what has become of the Borough Council's water-carts. We shopkeepers, etc., are having rather a bad time just now, with the very fine dust that is floating about by the cart loads. Should a nor'-wester spring up, as the streets are far worse now, with the very fine weather we are getting than they are in the summer, we shsll suffer badly. Trusting the Council will see their way clear to let the water carts go over the streets say twice a day, • which I think would be quite sufficient.-—I am, etc.,

Shopkeeper. [The water carts were put on this after noon.—Ed.]

A Veterans' Home.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Christchurch, July 23 The large Canterbury Hall was crowded in all parts last evening with an audience of about 50.0 persons, when the Governor presented medals to the South African troopers and 1 also gave an "address on his scheme for establishing a Veterans' Home. His Excellency's remarks were loudly ap plauded by those present, who showed a hearty appreciation of the scheme and the proposed manner of carrying it out. The Sfayor of Christchureh presided and among those on the platfornj were Bishops Julius and Grimes. A local coulmitt^e, including many influential men, was set up to deal with the Governor's proposals. °

Cricket.

Australia v. Surrey-

Ijondon July 21 §ix thousand spectators were present after lunch. Abel gave ijToble an easy catch at third slip, close in, off a ticking ball. He had batted for three hours and forty raiDutes, and played admirable and ohanceless pricket. His spore included nine fours and seven threes. 210 — 4—104. Brookwell played one of Howell's hard on to his wicket, after a good innings. 241— g —39. Leveson-Gower was joined by Jeph son, but the latter was clean bowled by Ho well for a duck. 245—6—0. Lees came next, and after scoring half a dozen gave, an easy catch to Trumper at cover-point. 254—7 —6. Gower plodded along steadily! Clode was dismissed by Saunders. 279—8 —9. Stedman and Gower played out time, Surrey having lost eight wickets for 294^' when stumps were drawn. deceived July 23. 9.26 a.m. i',- London, July 22 Owing to the rain, pj^ytin i&c? Surrey match was noti,resume4#U;afWr;>4 o'clock. $b@ first iuurog^pf .Surrey ol©sas for 296, i

The King's Illness.

Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. London, July 22 The King was so well that the Queen and the Prince of Wales and other Royalties visited Osborne, and spent upwards of an h©ur with the Royal patient.

Returning Troops.

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, July 22 Ten thousand troops sailed from South Africa for Great Britain last week. Lieutenants R. Dumaresq and J. Haraer, of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles, have sailed for England.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Wellington July 22

The Acting-Premier received the follow ing cable message from Colonel Davies, dated Albany, Monday :—•'Britannic ar rived here yesterday, with forty-two officers of the Eighth Contingent, two officers and eighty-threa other ranks of Tenth Con tingent. I regret to report that No. 54-98, Corporal T. U, Delabrosse, died on the 17th of pneumonia. No. 6815, Private Mehawy, is seriously ill. Four others are progressing favourably."

The Coronation.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—.Copyright.

London, July 21

The original vote of .£IOO,OOO proving insufficient for the Coronation, the supple mentary Estimates provide an additional £25.000.

A Fatal Collision.

United Press Association —By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright. Bkelin July 21

The tug Hausa cut down the pleasure steamer Primus, near Hamburg. One hun dred and eighty-five people were aboard, of whom fifty were drowned.'

Protecting New Zealand Mutton

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, July 22

At Mr Eeeves's instance, a Sheffield butcher, was fined .£5 and costs for selling River Plate for New Zealand nmtton.

NORFOLK ISLAND LOYALTY

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Coypright,

London, July 22

A deputation of Norfolk Islanders, be longing to the Commonwealth Contingent, presented Lord Onslow with an address to the King, congratulating him on his re covery. They stated they were proud of being selected to attend the Coronation, Lord Onslow replied that the King would be glad to know that so small an island had borne a share in the war, one Norfolk Islander having attained a captaincy, and being decorated for distinguished conduct

EFFECTS OF DROUGHT.

Per United Press Association—By Elec tric Telegraph Copyright. Sydney, July 22

Owing to the scarcity of prime cattle, best beef has sold at 45s per 100'lb, which is easily a record. The Railway Commissioners have carried fodder to starving stock at the rate of one farthing per truck per mile. The conces sions already made have amounted to ■£51,000, and the other losses to revenue through the drought amount to a similar sum.

Japan and Australia.

United Press Association—'By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Melbourne, July 22 A representative of the Melboure " Age," just returned from a visit to Japan, states that the prospects of extending the export trade between Australia and Japan is by no means promising. The Japanese are thoroughly determined to protect thern selvos, and as far as possible produce every thing they want." Sic Malcolm McEacharn, who has also returned from a visit to Japan, speaks' similarly. In reference to trade, he says the Japanese Ministry is greatly dissatisfied with the Federal Immigration Eestriction Bill, and considers it to be directly aimed at Japan, and a direct insult to a friendly people. It will probably result in the with drawal of the subsidy to the Japanese line of steamers trading to Australia.

Liquor Legislation in Tasmania.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Hobart, July 22

Parliament was opened to-day. The Governor's speech announced that the session would be chiefly financial. Direct taxation would Have to be imposed to counteract the heavy shortage from the remission of Customs under the Federal tariff. Constitution Amending and Licens ing Amending Acts were the most important bills. The Premier's proposals with regard to the latter, especially as to permitting the licensing of drinking saloons, and the vend ing of liquors in boarding-houses, has roused the indignation of the temperance bodies.

Proposed Cycling Carnival

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph - Copyright. Sydney, July 22

The Cycling League are making a big effort to revive interest in the sport. They are trying to arrange a visit by Major Tay lor, the famous American rider. They pro pose three monster carnivals, one each in November and January, the prizes being Valued at J2500 in each case, and one in March, the prizes amounting to ,£IOOO..

THE SIR GEORGE GREY STATUE

Auckland, July 22.

Mr Speight, Chairman of the Grey Statue Commijfcte'e Auckland, ha^ received from Mr E.J. Williamson, the sculptor who has been entrusted with the work, a letter stat ing'that he has been in communication wijh Mr Seymour Tho'rne George, and his suggestions for maTring the likeness as per fect as possible wilj. be cordially welcomed. The sculptor also hopes' Mr Seddon may find time to visit the studio. Mr William son concludes :—" The large model is in progress, and you may rely on me to do my jbest to make jt a P. erfepfc work of art."

MR SEDDON IN ENGLAND.

PRESENTATIONS PEOM ANGLO-NEW ZEALANDERS. London, July 22 Mr Montagu Nelsgn, on behalf of a num ber of Anglo-New Zealanders presented Mr Seddon with a massive silver centre piece, and Mrs Seddon with a diamond ornament, the presentation together beint; worth £500, in recognition of Mr Seddon's I patriotism in promoting the solidarity of the Empire. The subscribers included op ponents of Mr Seddon's domestic policy, though all were admirers of his Imperial services. Mrs Seddon was present.

Mr Seddon, in his reply, said that the war had proved the virility, energy and determination of New Zealanders. He claimed that New Zealanders recognised the dangerous character of the South, Africaa difficulty before the Motherland. He re ferred to the overwhelming character of British hospitality. He was confident that the future would show that the ties of Empire would become closer and closer. He believed that the good results of the Imperial Conference would become apparent much quicker than many suspected. New Zealand desired to see Great Britain a self contained nation, less dependent on foreig ners, who must allow the British the same liberty of action they claimed and exercised. He considered the gigantic American trusts a greater danger to Great Britain than a great war. If Britain should be at; once aroused, she would be able te avert evil con sequences. New Zealand was willing to concede preferential relations to the Mother land without exacting a reward though the Motherland was able by means of subsidies to steamers and bounties, and in other ways to help the colonies.

PARLIAMENT.

House of Representatives.

Wellington, July 22 The House met at 2;30 p.m. Cf.AIMS FOB COMPENSATION

Mr Field moved the second reading of the Wellington Harbour Board and Corpor ation Empowering Act, 1898, Amendment Bill, which provides for the rehearsing of claims for compensation made by the for mer owners of the Grainger Street block taken by the Harbour Board under the Public Works Act.

A long debate ensued on the Bill, occu pying the whole afternoon, until the 5.30 p. m. adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. SHIPPING AND SEAMEN

On the motion of the Hon W. Hull Jones the Shipping and Seamens Bill was read a second time pro forma and referred to a select committee. =

THE ESTIMATES , ' The House then went into Committee of Supply for consideration of the Estimates. Several items were criticised by members, and amongst those who took part in the discussion were the following—Hon. W. Hall-Jones, Messrs G. W. Russell, Tanner W. Fraser, Herries, and Witheford.

On the first item, Legislative Council ,£1879, Mr Massey asked whether anything had been done during the recess in the direction of arranging a reciprocal treaty between New Zealand and Australia.

Sir Joseph Ward said that the matter had not been overlooked by the Govern ment, which was awaiting the right time to act. When the right time came the Government would act to the best of ita ability. The Federal tariff had not passed, both branches of the Legislature, and he had been informed by one of the Ministers on the other side that nothing could be done until they knew what the revenue would be from their tariff. People, how ever, must recognise that subject as Aus tralia was to drought, a reciprocal tariff upon lines favourable to them as well as to us could with mutual advantage be framed.

Mr James Allen called attention to the fact that there was no vote on the Esti mates this year for a steam servico to South Africa. He asked whether it was intended to make provision for it on the-Supplemen tary Estimates.

■ Sir Joseph Ward said that there was no wish on the part of the Government to drop the negotiations for a South African service. At present the Government did not know exactly where it was in,the matter; but if the negotiations came to a head, the nncea sary vote would appear on the Supplemen tary Estimates. Up to the present, how ever, the contract with the Blue fcStar line had not been signed, and he was very doubtful whether it ever would be signed. Mr Buddo referred to the tendency of the Education Department to carry out work previously undertaken by Education Boards, arid said that this was being done at a great increase in the cost of the Department. He also urged that the Minister of Education should be a member of the Lower House.

Mr Monk complained that the youth of the colony were unfairly treated under our shipping laws, and debarred from accjuir ing the maritime profession. ' - "

Mr Collins said that during the last five years the defence vote had increased from £68,000 to £189,000, and he believed that our defences were not in a-better condition than they were five years ago. Encourage ment should be given to every man to be come proficient in thd use of the rifle, but he strongly objected to the formation of a standing army.

Mr Meredith complained of the centralis ing movement of the Education Depart ment.

Mr Massey agreed with the criticisms that had been levelled at the Defence De partment expenditure. He contended that last year's c penditure under the heading was not less than .£400,000. (Mr Hall-Jones: "It was less.") Mr Massey: Well the vote was -£400,C00, and he considered it oufe of all proportion to our population. A certain amount of outlay on defence was necessary j bub a large part of the sum now being ex pended could be better spent in other direc tions. He complained of appointments being made to the Legislative Council irre spective of political qualifications.

Mr Ell maintained that there was a dis position to abolish Education Boards • and centralise our system of education, to all of which he objected.

Mr Fisher said that he held strongly the belief that Education Boards ought to be abolished. He would like to^ know when they were likely to hear the 1 end of the Eoyal visit expenses, for which an addi tional vote of .£2900 appeared on this year's Estimates. (Sir Joseph Ward: This vote is the last.) " " ,

Mr Pirani defended the Education Boards, and said that if the Education Department had control of the: system for a year, affairs would be in a hopeless mtiddle.- / ' '

'Mr Hornsby contended that'if Education Boards did their duty, the school commit^ tees would not so frequently be" in a bad position, as at present.' Although fcbe House! could not get an increase of the' education vote, there was no difficulty m getting tens of thousands of founds for keeping up 's£ ridiculous' system ojf a standing army, li was time the House said "stop" in regard^ to this matter. .

Mr Lang entered a protest against .the, manner in" which appointments were made to the Upper Bfouse." It' was xnonstrpjig that men who had had no experience what ever in politics should receive, seats in the Legislative Council. . Mr T T Mackenzie said that ija hoped thafc when £he Education Department came up for consideration, the House would with no uncertain sound express, its disapproval of central control.

•Mr Fisher said that he -would offer no defence of the administration of the Educa cation Department, but that wa3 no proof that the system of centralisation was bad. Mr Pirani said that the Education. Boards might not be perfection, but how much worse would it be to put the admini stration of education h. the hands of the effete Department we had at present. Mr Napier, in condemning the admini stration of the Defence Department, said it lacked business methods, and he urged that the services of men of commercial experience were required to eifect an improvement. After further discussion the first item was agreed to on the voices. Progress was then reported. The House rose at 2. a,nj,

THE : ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 1902



Date ruly 22 » 23 24 „ 25 „ 26 » 27 „ 28

JX.IS6B 7.25 7.24 7.23 7.22 7.21 7.20 7.19

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Sets 4.47 4.48 4.49 4.50 4.51. 4.51 4.52



few Moon 'irst Quarter 'erigee ... 'ull Moon iast Quarter .pogea ...

d 6 13 5 21 28 17

h m 0.29 a.m, 0.17 a.m, 1.30 a.m, 4.15 a.m. 4.45 p.m. 1.0 p.in,



P. FERRIMAN. I F. FEREIMA^j LICENSED LAND BROKER, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, HA.VELOCK STREET, ASHBURTON, . HAS FOR SALE The undermentioned Properties, full par ticulars of •which may be had on ] application:— I FOR SALE. 2$ Acres Land, Belt Road, Allenton. MRS Randall has instructed me to Sell that very desirable residential ] gite, situated in the Belt Road, within a few chains of the north-west corner of the Domain, containing 2$ acros. 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 find 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- Btantial 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, TO LET. SHOP and Dwelling in Tancred Street, recently occupied by Mr Wright. Apply F. FERRIMAN. for" sale 500 ACRE FARM AT SEAFIELD. I HAVE f^r Sale at Seafield, a Farm of 500 Acres, well watered by County races. Good Dwelling and Stable. Sixty Acres are in Oats, 60 Acres in Turnips; the latter aTe at present being eaten off. 380 Acres are sown down in English grasses and clovers. This property is situated within easy distance of a school. P. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. foF~sale ' A Complete Threshing Plant and Clover Sheller in good order. Full particulars may be had on applica tion to F. FERRIMAN, ' L&nd and Estate Agent. NORTH-EAST TOWN BELT, ASHBURTON. HALF-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 p6r week. F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. """ SMITHFIELD. A ' SMALL DWELLING-HOUSE and /t 5 Acres of Land within a very easy iistance of the Factory. F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. ■ TOWN SECTION 334, MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. QUARTER- ACRE of ground, Avith House cf Four Rooms, Stable, and Orchard. F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. BUSINESS NOTICES. H- GBESHAM. SURGEON AND MECHANIOAB DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897 EIGHT years experience with E. G. and 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 ol teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Hou*s of Attendance —9 a.m.—s p.m. * 166I 66 c k ■•_ ®l Men's English and American BOOTS THE "WATEB KING." ■UK Guaranteed Perfectly Waterproof WE will return you your money it these Boots do not give satisfaction Men's Dancing Shoes, 7s 6d Men's Goloshes, 5s 6d Ladies' Evening Shoes, 3s 6d Ladies' Goloshes, 4s Men's, Women's and Children's FELT SLIPPERS. Children's School Boots af Lowest Prices NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. f) pf REWARD to anyone who can $Z> *J prove that our Defiance Factory Butter, -which we sell at Is per it., is not *the same quality and brand as the Butter *that another Ashbnrton Firm is selling at Is 3d per pound. Remember, our prico is Is per lb, which is equal to a 20 per cent. Twnus or discount off their prices.—Flet- <9sirß 8R05,,-Ca3h Supply Stores



BUPTNEPB NOTICES _________ ' ( ' in i *y * - i i iii OTJ E. ANNUAL STOCKTAKING SALE !■ V$~J ILL commence on Saturday, July 19 ? and continue till Satur ! day, August 23rd, during which time every article in Stock will be ireduced Call in. Inspect our Displays at Doors, in Windows, and on Counters in Shop. LXTRA SPECIAL. For the first 14 days, this is from Saturday, July Ig, up to and including Saturday, August 2nd All Dress Goods from 2s 6d per yard and upwards will be made FREE OP CHARGE. This means a direct gift of at least 10s 6d on each Costume. Terms Cash. ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. BURNETT STEEET, ASHBURTON. UN D HI LL &COS. GENUINE SALE BEGINS ON SATURDAY, 19TH. See our Windows and Sale Prices for Fancy Goods and Furniture. Hundreds of Vases at Half Price. Oilcloth, 2 yards wide, usual price 2s 9d, now 2s 3d Linoleum, 2 yards wide, usual price 5s 6d now 4s 9d And in all widths at reduced prices. HEARTH RUGS. 2s 3d now Is 9d, 10s 6d reduced to 9s 3d, 21s now 18a 3s 6d „ 3s 16s 6d „ 14s 25s  21s 6s 6d „ os 9d, 18s 6d „ 15s 6d (We have just bought a big Job Lot of Art Serge for Curtains, etc; Usual Price 3s, sale price is gd per yard. Drawing Room Suites in rich Tapestry and Plush. Usual price £10 do. .£lO 10s do. £13 Sale Price ,£7 10a do. £9 do. £11 10s Dining Room Suites in Leather. Usual Price .£9 do. .£l4 Sale Price £8 10s do. £11 15s Full sized Iron Bedsteads 45s now 40s, full sized Brass Rail Bedsteads 55s now 47s Gd, Also Bedstead, complete with best Wire Mattress, good top Mattrass, Bolster and two Pillows .£3 19s 6d. CHAIRS OP ALL KINDS REDUCED TO SALE PRICES. PLEASE NOTE.—We are Manufacturers with 20 years experience, also direct Importers. We buy as cheap as any House in New Zealand and sell as cheap or cheaper, as our expenses are light and we understand the work ourselves. Now remember the 19th For Uridrill & Go's Great " Sale. Bicycles for Everybody * AT Oates, Lowry & Co.'s Annual Sale. MODEL 2 ATALANTAS. . ONLY 8 LEFT, and they must go by the 31st. nnHESE Beautiful Machines are up-to-date in every detail. Customers can choose JL their own Saddle, Gear, Handle Bar, Pedals, etc. GENTS' "£ls 2,0 a Cash- LADIES' £13 CisH EasyiJTerms arranged, 20s deposit, balance 5s per week. Several Second-hand Bicycles from £ll Each machine has been thoroughly over hauled, enamelled, new tyres, bearings, plated, etc., where required. BICYCLE! ACCESSORIES .at Great Keduotioas. Some of our prices- Celluloid Mudguards, 8s per pair Oil Lamps reduced to 3s Acetylene Gas Lamps, 12s 6d Hall Shone Mudguards, 7s 6d per pair Latest " Lucas" Candle Lamps 10s 6d We have the largest stock of Bells, Toe Clips, Trouser Clips, Pump Clips, Oil Can?, Spanners, etc, of any house in New Zealand. LARGEST CYCLE DEALERS IN NEW ZEALAND, Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street. I HAVE CHEAP OR EXPENSIVE WALL PAPERS : : TO SUIT EVERYONE. : : ■ House Painting, _ • , hign-writing, Glazing, etc, etc, l ; MIXED_ PAINTS. . W 1 L.S ON, GREAT STOCKTAKING SALE AT Mellors Zealandia Boot St Everything Reduced in Pr.ic^ for One Month. W-vvs and Mofeers rsmember this ,is pur Annual S^ac^ifcajiipg Sale, when the ISE Fathu a Qite gfcjejj: , o f BQQts and Shoes in Ashburton will ,be cle^d regardless most up-to-u. -, Iwliwg this S,ale sfo.rffln^ we are in down of cost. Remember we art -nd ®m-g q$ Eoots W fine .month. We are going to Sell two thousu,. BOOTS. BOOTS, ■mtoTbtW. (€q-<^ seeipr They are almost given away at Mellor's. Now is your tiiUv *• *5«: <S^se .#qn^P-. yourself. Come early, for our Sale is now on, and it will only las* 'tbe jfflWP f W Thisis without doubt the largest Boot Sale ever held in Ashburton. *• Wig^iTO^* Mellor's the man for good, cheap, genuine Sales, so come one, come all. Do no* Mellor's ■ Zealandia Jboot Store IS JN TANCBED STREET, ASHBURTON



THERE'S A CURE FOE DYSPEPSIA Sufferers who have tried noxious nos trums will probably be sceptical, but scepticism v2™*es when Impey's May We, the ideal fami^ medicine, is tried. 3%-titer the trouble is dysp??sia of long gtanding.'oi'^Oiraly a simple case Ol !^l 'gesfton; telief 'is prompt and pronounced. !linpey.'s May Apple abts p'ftieJ6»»sy, pleas antly, and perfectly' without' causing' any neryous sh«ck. It is' 'a; laocatf ve^whicn • should be used,by fathers and' mothers,"as Vett'as children,' Impey.V May Apple is-a QP^Mpound '$Series, the outcomei of years l^fatffld'y find 'resWoft. Jiqld by chemists * ««t^<as &fc -2s :6d' per pottle; or poet ■ free from thb Co., Wellington.



t A WARNING- — We would request our readers who are contemplating buying a. ' tewLie^ole not to waste their money on so 'c&iWd'm&M fecycles. Therefore, we re . eoinmeiid .Wif^B^feo^ bicycle, , whidir.eTervbodsst.knoiwl.t&.vWfY*^,-,*}^ | bicycle built. The latestMnQdel^areinWi ! ;on 'view . at. B, D- Johnston s.: <?ity... .Cycle j Works, Burnett Street. • ■ . w -, 'Srii.oke New Venus



Testimonials frotn all parts of the colony .show that Wilton's Hand Emollient is an jnyaluable preparation for beautifying and §oitening fche hands. It has made a great reputation in Wellington and most towns in the South Island- Chapped hands cured in one night. Try it yourself. Price Is 6d j per jar. SoldbyGeo.W. Wilton, 3, Cuba Street Wellington and all chemists and j storekeepers. Tailoring.—The public are respect ully reminded that we do not make strange fitting suits, nor charge strange prices. Advance Ashburton, by supporting local industries. Compare our fit! Compare our prices ! Observe the quality and " up-to-date" style of our goods, and remember that our motto is always." satis faction,"— Craighead and Bebbyman,— [Advt.J -.■■ ,