EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of the Moon for September,

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations. THURSDAY, Sept. 18. For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6 p.m. FRIDAY, Sept. 19. For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (due Sydney Sept. 24), and South Africa, per Monowai, at 10.30 a.m.

Commercial.

FAT STOCK SALES. Wellington, Sept. 16. At the Johnsonville fat stock sale to-day prime bullocks sold up to .£l3 12s 6d, and sheep, all ewes, up to 17s lid. Mr Webb, of Sydney, purchased a number of bullocks.

DEATH.

Smith. — Lost overboard from the s.s. Zealandia, on Saturday, September 13, 3902, William Tayler Smith, late of Birchlands, Staveley, the beloved husband of Hannah Smith, in his 58th year.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17,1902. Local and General.

Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires:—Gale from between south-east and south and west ; glass rise. —

The Inward Mails.—A British nnd Aus tralian mail arrived by the express from the south last night. Mayfield Stock Sale.—The next* sale of stock at the Mayfield Yards will be held on Friday, September 19th. Wounding a Stallton. —At the Chriat church Magistrate's Court yesterday James Greer was committed for trial on a charge of wilfully wounding the trotting stallion Young Wildwood by stabbing it. Shop Improvements.—Mr E. J. Cox announces that the extensive improvements to his Havelock -street shop having been completed, he will re-open business in the old place next Friiay, when he will make a special display of various kinds of meat.

Rakaia Sale.—ln connection with the clearing sale at Rakaia on Monday, by Mr D. Thomas, on account of Mr T. Dowling, the draught horses, ten in number, includ ing two unbroken, averaged ,£49 4s per head, which must be considered very good, although they were an exceptionally fine lot, and just out of hard work. Returning New Zkalanders.—A cable message by the Acting-Minister of Defence yesterday stated that Captains Tuckey and Potter atid Lieutenant Spsncer leave Sydney by the Mokoia on the 2 ith. inst. for Wellington, and that there are forty troopers and three nurses on the Athenic, which lo?fc Hobart on Saturday. Arrests fob Drunkenness.—A return of arrests for drunkenness for the four chief centres for the month of August gives the following figures in comparison with tho same month last year:—Auckland, 130 in 1901, 73 in 1902 ; Wellington, 113 and 184 ; Christchurch 87 and 83 ; Dunediu, 36 and 23.

Sickness in Wellington A telegram from Wellington status that the epidemic of measles and scarlet fever which has pre vailed in th:it city for several weeks is very widespread, and culls for more time and at tention than the limited staff of the Health. Department can afford. The City Coun cil has therefore placed the services of one of its officials at the disposal of the Depart ment for some weeks. A New Tyre.—Mr R. D. Johnston, of the City Cycle Works, has on view at his diop ft sample of the new Dunlop vulcan ised tyre, which has Jately been turned out by the Dunlop Tyiro Company at their new rubber mills, Melbourne. 'It is claimed that the new tyre is more resilient than any on the market; it is lighter, and will stand the test of wet weather. It has only been on the market a week, and the demand already is an exteusive one.

.Personal. —We notice that Miss Ada Wilkinson, sister of Mr Walter Wilkinson, of Higham, Chertsey, has been appointed medical officer to the Isle of Wight Coun ty Ass him. Miss Wilkinson is a graduate of Edinburgh University, and a list of honours gained by her were recently pub lished in our columns. Formerly Miss Wilkinson was a Canterbury College ■student, and went to England a few years ago to complete her medical studies. We heartily congratulate Mr Wilkinson on the success of his sister in obtaining such an important position.

Trinity College Es4Mii?ations. —Mr H, A. Gates, secretary to the local centre reports that the following candidates have passed the June musical knowledge exami nations held in Ashburton :—Junior Pass-^- Cecilia Buckley, Emily Cox, Mary, Dove, Ida Paul, Nina Eeid (Convent), Florence Craighead (Miss E. Gates), Ivy Wilson (Miss Watts), Margaret Ironsides /Mrs Bnrr\ Junior Honours—Mary McKay, Nina Eeid Convent .Florence Craighead, Beatrice Claridge 'Miss E. Gates . Senior Honours—Miss Ethel Gates (Mr Owen .

Stjpbesie Covet. —The criminal sessions of i&ife Supreme Court opened at Timaru yesterday, befpre Mr Jnstice Denniston. The calendar "comprised eight cases of a jajiscellaneous nature, including rape, in decent assault, breaking and entering, theft, p@jwy.- Three tv of the prisoners pleaded guilty afc the Cpurt below, all cases of breaking and entesicg. sfaud Gynes, a young woman, was admitted to probation for six months on medical evi dence that her periodic physical condition explained her conduct; W. Kirk, for the theft of tools, value .£l, was sentenced to eighteen months, and T. Smith, an old offender, to'two years'imprisonment.

Wesleyan Church.—The concert to be given in the Baring Square Wesleyan Church to-morrow evening promises to be of mow than ordinary excellence, and will consist of vocal and instrumental eolos by ladies and gentlemen whose ability is of a high-order of merit.

DrTorret—lt will be a disappointment to many of our renders to learn that a letter has been received from Dr Torry stating his regret that, through having to address other audiences between Christchurch and Dunedin to-morrow, he will be unable to accede to a request to address a midday meeting in Ashburton.

A Much Travelled Post Card.—Mr Gordon Dodds sent away a post card to a gentleman in Montreal with a request that he would re-direct it to persons in Mexico, Somerset, England, Capetown and Caulfield, Victoria. It has now been returned to him, bearing the names and addresses of all the parties who received it, and is pretty well covered with postage stamps and postmarks from the places referred to.

The Late Mr W. T. Smith.—The late Mr W. T. Smith, who was lost overboard from the Zealandia, which sad fact was re corded in our last issue, came to the colony in 1863. He was on the West Coast dig gings for a short time in the early days. Subsequently he came to this district and was an enthusiastic breeder of draught horses, and an acknowledged good judge of that class of stock. He wa3 a well-known figure about Ashburton, and a highly re spected colonist.

News in Brief.

' The Canterbury Roller Flour Mills Com pany announce that they have seed Danish I oats on hand. Lord Kitchener, it is said, will mosb Ilk ely take up. his new duties in India some time in November. Thomas Elliot Walton, Dunedin agent of the Colonial Mutual Insurance Associa tion, has been adjudicated a bankrupt on his creditors' petition, he having absconded from the colony. ' The Education Department is preparing manuals of physical drill, woodwork, and cardboard modelling for use in the schools throughout the colony. Physical drill is now compulsory, but the manual is merely suggestive work. Teacher will be per mitted to use other books of instruction if they serve the purpose. The mannals will be ready at an early date. In the interior of the extinct crater Aos San, about 30 miles from the city of Kuma moto, in Japan, 20,000 people live and prosper. The vertical wall of the cralfcer is 800 ft high. The inhabitants rarely make a journey into the outer world, but form almost a little nation by themselves.

M. P. HoTissay has recently stated to the French Academy of Sciences that he finds that two hens fed on grain laid 194 eggs between them in a given time, while two similar hens, in the same time, when fed on raw flesh, laid 297 eggs. Not only did the number of eggs increase, but likewise their weight. Lord Methuen has had an operation performed on his wounded leg. The oper ation was performed in London, and was very successful. It was found that some pieces of spent bullets were embedded in the wound. All these have been removed, and it ia hoped that his lordship will now make a speedy recovery. It is, however, feared that his leg will be a little con tracted.—"Daily News." It is understood (says the Westport " Times ") that tho Westport Coal Company have a proposal in hand to drive a new tunnel—to serve for haulage and trayel , liug—from Mi Her ton to Mine Greek, which will reduce theipresent long route to half a mile. The work is estimated to cost some # 12,000, but the expenditure would be im mediately reproductive to a considerable extent, and further improve the equipment of the finest colliery ia the Southern Hemi sphero.

Cricket.

Australians v. Players.

Received Sept. 17, 9.30 a.m. London, Sept. 16 The weather was showery and the wicket slow. The first innings of the Players closed for 356. Chief additional scores- Hirst 35, Lilley 16. Saunders took four wiickets for 50 runs, Noble 3 for 85. I Gregory and Trumper opened the Aus tralians' innings. The former, when 22, was run out. One for 43. Hill was next, and a long productive partnership resulted, the position now being one wicket for 115— Trumper not out 57, Hill not out 29. Received Sept. 17, 1.55 p.m. London, September 16. Owing to rain, play was suspended at 2.55 p.m. Received Sept 17. 12.58 p.m. After an hour's delay, play was resumed. Trumper was caught for 96. The score i tvlien stumps were drawn was—two wickets for 208—Hill not out 79.

CRICKET BATS AT A PREMIUM.

Received Sopt 17, 9.25 a.m. London, September 16. Many cricketers have sold their bats through the " Daily Express" Benefit Cricketers' Fund. W. Gr. Grace's fetched £5,0, ,£42, Ean'jitsinjhi's J513, and Jessop's <£§. ,

Seizure of Trout

A PECULIAR POSITION.

INVERCABGILL Sept. 16 This morning Detective Mcllveney and two rangers of the Acclimatisation Society found on board of a lighter, which had just come to the jetty, 59 trout, weighing 3751b. Thes.e w.ere supposed to have tjeen transferred from a fishing boat manned by two sea fishermen. -The Society intend to prosecute the fishermen for having trout in their possession during the close season. The position taken up by the men who make a living by catching sea fi=ih by net? ting is set forth in the following petition prepared for the House of Representatives ? —" That the seizure this day by the Ac climatisation Society of 3751b weight of trout, taken by John Francel! and C. Rask in their flounder nets, immediately inside the river heads, has brought to an issue a difference that has long existed between the Society and fishermen regarding the dis posal of trout so taken. The fishermen are not only willing to confirm any reasonable regulation the Society may make respecting iheJandingahd sale or fish (xyhich if returned fco ithe water would be in a dead or dying state), but wpuld b.ind themselves to of a specified mesh, and to do all in their power to prevent poaching. The petition ers, therefore, ask the Legislature to give effect to their representations in the Bill now before Parliament in such a manner as seems fit." The position is that the fisher men cannot pursue their lawful calling because the trout get into their nets, and they become liable to pains and penalties for fora thing they cannot avoid.

A. & P. Association.

The Committee of the Ashburton Agricul tural and Pastoral Association met yester day afternoon, when there were present — The President (in the chair), and Messrs W. T. Lill, L. de C. Malet, E. Cookson, J, Withell, J. Stringfellow, M. Friedlander. J. S. Bland, Daniel McKendry, Geo. Mcßae, ■']'. E. Upton, J. Stoddart, Jas. Small, G. W. I Body, J. Bishop, Denis McKendry, C. Reid, T. F. Gibson, T. Bullook, W. Harding, J. Tucker, G. W. Leadley, J. Shearer. Apologies were received from Messrs John Small and T. Harrison for non-attend ance. As Mr John Small was in Auckland, and could not attend the horse parade, Mr Jas. Small was elected to act in his stead. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read as under: — From Mr Alex Crr, Methven, returning the £1 forwarded to him, and suggesting that it should be used in such a manner as the Committee saw fit. The President complimented Mr Orr on his action, and considered that the money should go towardaetin entrance gate. From Canterbury A. & P. Association acknowledging the receipt of cheque for &% 23 towards a monthly journal; and stating that if sufficient support were not forthcoming, tho amount would be refun ded.—Received. From Mr W. G. Carr, offering his services as a veterinary surgeon. Received. It was decided to write to Mr Gilruth, Government Veterinarian for information on the matter. From Mr D. Buddo re Frozen Meat Com mittee of the House of Representatives, and stating that the Committee proposes to sit in the forenoon of Tuesday.

„_, NEW MEMBERS. I The; following new members were de- ] clared elected:—Messrs A. J. Adair, S. Cox, Lyndhurst; Jas. Baylis, Newlands; F. W. Page, Chertsey; Richard Readcliffe, Ealing ; Alford Gregory, Seafield; Benjamin Wil liamson, Ashburton; A. W. Lane, Ashbur ton ; George Osborne, Tinwald; Henry Anderson, Greenstreet; M. Lysaght, Tin wald ; B. Hampton, Newlands; J. H. Lloyd, Newlands; Albert Crum, Ashburton; William Manson, Willowby ; James Porter, Allenton; John Moore, Seaview; W. T. Soal, Waterton ; D. Miller, Hinds ; Edwin Hardwick, Kyle ; Albert Ager, Ashburton; George Coleman, Ashburton; John H. Shearman, Ashburton; Joseph Lloyd,! senior, Newlands ; John P. Blee, Waterton; A. A. Fooks, Ashburton ; Win. Green, Ash barton; Thomns Kelly, Newlands; J. F. Hampton, Tinwnld; G. R.Wilson, Seaview; E. F. Nicoll, Ashburton; John Burgess, Mayfield ; David Watson, Christchurch ; F. Wayniouth, Christchurch ; C. H. Hansen, Hinds; E. S. Leversedge, Kakaia. SPECIAL PRIZES. The following is a list of the special prizes offered since last meeting:— Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd., give £7 7s. as fellows':— £l Is to winner of most points in sheep; .£1 Is to winner of most points in cattle ; .£1 Is to champion draught entire*; .£1 Is to champion draught mare ; £1 Is to winner of most points in": pigs; £2 2s to best gig horse 15.3 to 16 hands. Mr J. Small gives ,£1 Is for best yearling draught colt"; and .£1 Is for best yearling draught filly. Mr Max Friedlander gives £2 2s for the best pen of five fat crossbred lambs by Hampshire Down rams. Mr J. O'Shea gives £2 2s for the best draught gelding of any ago, by any sire; also the services of his horse Lord Mount Eagle for the best yearling colt or filly, best two year old filly or gelding, and best three year old mare or gelding by that sire. LTPE MEMBERS. The President said that tho subscription to be paid by a life member was .£lO. A very old member of the Association had asked him if they could elect him a life member for half the subscription.—lt was decided not to alter the rules at present. The meeting then adjourned.

Correspondence

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

THE TORREY-ALEXANDER MISSION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —Allow me to differ from the views of "An Ashburton Visitor " regarding the Torrey- Alexander, mission. It would have been more convincing had he been able to quote Dr Torrey's own words, which he carefully refrained from doing. I was also a visitor to Dr Torroy's meeting, and my impression was that the atmosphere was one of joy and gladness, instead of fpar taking of the "sulphurous character" de scribed by your correspondent. In his answer to the question, what distinguishes the future state of the soul from the life in the body ? Dr a'orrey says: Take the most miserable and most remorseful moment in your life, multiply by a thousand and carry out to all eternity, and you have some idea of what hell will be to the wilfully wicked. Take also, the most ecstatic and joyful moment of your life, multiply by a thou sand and carry out to all eternity, and you have some idea of what heaven will be to those who have accepted salvation through Jesus Christ, and have confessed Him before men. Dr Torrey spoke with great delibera tion and convincing calmness, and there was nothing exciting in the sneaker's manner, while Mr Alexander, in leading the music, was full of life and vivacity.—l am, etc., A. A. C.

South Rakaia Sports and Races.

At a general meeting o£ those interested in the above there was a good attendance, and Mr Liddy was elected chairman. The credit balance iv hand amounted to £70. It j was resolved to hold "sports and rages as (usual on Boxing Day. The following appointments were made; — Patron, Mr D. G. Holmes ; President, Mr C. A. G. Hardy; Vice-presidents, Messrs Blackly, Craighead, H. J. Harrison, J. Irwin, J. Lambie, T. Morland, A. D. Mctlraith, E. Richards, L. White, J. Striugfellow, H. Kennedy, D. O'Reilly, E- Leversedge; starter horse races, Mr E. W. Osborne ; judge, Mr L. Oxley; plerk of course, Mp W. Street;; clerk of scales, Mr C. E. Tubb; starter of athletics, MrGeo, Hardy; judges, Messrs Blaekley, Leversedge, Sherriffs, and Thompson. Stewards, Messrs A, J. Magson, J. Douglas, G. Hardy, J. Shannon, L. Sherriff, W. Cromie, W. A. Stracban, C. E. Tubb, M. J. Liddy, H. Haydock, E. W. Osborne; handicappers, the Stewards ; treasurer, Mr Geo. Hardy; secretary, Mr M. J. Liddy. The following programme was arranged, and the secretary instructed to ask the Canterbury Jockey Club and Trotting Association to approve of the same, District Flat Race, of 8 soys ; second horse 1 soy. from the stake; -J of a mile. JJistrict Maiden Saddle or Harness Trot, of 4lO; second horse 1 aoy. from th« stake. Is miles. Ladies' Bracelet (open) of ll"sovs.; second horse 1 soy. from the stake. Minimum weight 9st 71b. 1} miles. Open Saddle or Harness Trot, of 11 so y y second horse 1 soy. from the stake, j miles. Farmers' Plate (open) of 20 soys. ; second horse 3 soys. from the stake. 1-A miles. Open Saddle or Harness Trot, of 20 soys. ; second horse 3 soys. from the stake. Two* miles. ' Publicans' Purse, of 5 soys. Hurry Scurry, of 5 soys. To be 4 starters or no race. Three-quarters of a milel ' **' A number of athletic events f< j? g o oe| prizes were arranged for, It was decided to have a publican's and other booths on the ground, and to engage the Burnhara Band. At a committee meeting held afterwards Mr A. J. Magson was elected chairman and it was arranged to meet at 8 o'clock on the ?9%, ■

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association-—By IClectrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, Sept. 15. The " Daily Express" states that the Office is preparing a sweeping re-arma ment scheme, which includes unprecedent edly powerful quick-firiug horse artillery, fitted'with n«w ltiechaTiisin, minimising labour and lessening the exposure of the artillerymen. The King and the Prince of Wales went grouse shooting at Invercauld, in a, storm, of hail, sleet, and snow, intermingled with incessant rain. They secured a good bag. The report of the Commissioners of Prisons in Great Britain foreshadows a scheme of detention, under special condi tions, of persons guilty of grave and habi tual crime. New York, Sept. 16 It is understood that Mr.Pierpont Mor gan has purchased Mr J. R. Ellerman's five steamers engaged in the Antwerp-Montreal trade. Mr Ellerman will continue the management, under Mr Morgan. Rome, Sept. 16

The French Minister to the Vatican sup ported the newspaper " Matin's " request to interview the Pope. Cardinal Rampolla, the Pope's Secretary of State, in a letter to the French Minister, stated that the Pope had resolved not to utter a word for or against the French policy or calculated to fan party politics. The interview was i refused. St Petersburg, Sept 15 The Czar warned a deputation of elders from Poltava, Kharkoff, and the neighbour ing district against a repetition of the re cent disturbances there. He assured them 1 that he would not leave the real grievance unheeded. Brisbane Sept. 16 Bush fires swept ten sugar farms at Pim pana Island. The fires are still raging in the Mambour district. Sydney, Sept. 16 Two violent earth tremors were felt at Young. Buildings were shaken and some were slightly damaged. Splendid general rains have fallen in South Australia, and there has been a good fall in Victoria.

A dispute has arisen between the New South Wales and Federal Governments in reference to the property at Dawes Point whereon the Commandant's house is situ ated. In the Assembly the Premier denied that it was included in the property trans ferred to the Commonwealth. Sir W. Lyne stated that it was intended to enforce the Federal claim, and threatened to send the military to carry out the threat. Sir John See replied that the New South Wales Government were equally determined to retain the property, and would send the police to arrest the military. /

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press Association—By Electric | Telegraph—Copyright. London, Sept. 15 Commandant Wolmarans, who is a pris oner at St. Helena is proving very irrecon cilable. He has not signed the oath of allegiance". The authorities discovered that a seditious hymn, sat to the tune of the Transvaal Volkslied, nras published with his sanction and distributed wholesale to the Boers re turning to their homes. Large importations of Australian cattle and dairy stock into the Transvaal are an ticipated. The Boer generals are negotiating with Netherlands bankers for the establishment of a mortgage bank in South Africa, Capetown Sept. 16 When the Indemnity Act becomes opera tive in Cape Colony, a few days hence, Sir J. Q. Sprigg will advise the repeal of martial law and the enforcement of a Peace Preservation Act, giving the colony control of the importation and registration of arms and ammunition. A cattle-slaughtering, cold-storage, and tinning company is being organised in a German South West African seaport. The German Government promises the company army contracts, Brussels, Sept. 16 It is stated here that Mr Chamberlain, at a private conference, showed General Botha the greatest goodwill, and promised to do hi-? utmost to increase the financial aid to ruined Boers. He added, " Britain's generosity is dependent upon proof of the Boers' loyalist feelings." London, Sejjt/16 General Cronje, in a letter to friends in Europe, says, " However painful it was to. surrender, we must recognise therein the inscrutable wisdom of the Almighty, and resign ourselves to surrender, though with the bitterness of death in our souls."

Gales in the North Sea.

SERIOUS SHIPPING CASUALTIES.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. * London, Sept. 16 Gales have been raging on the British coast. Nine Calais cod vessels foundered in the North Sea, and fifty men were drowned. The steamer Bewick, of Hartle pool, was lost off the Firth of Forth, the captain and ten of the crew being drowned.

Moods in India.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

Bombay, September 16 Floods in Southern Bengal destroyed twenty villages and tp bridges. ?he damage is estimated at two lakhs of rupees. Six thousand people were rendered home less, chiefly along the Brahamin River,'

Britain's Iron Industry.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Sept. 16 The " Daily Mail" states that the British Railmakers' Association, comprising eight firms, with a sh,%re capital of twelve mil lions, haa been successfully formed to con trol prjGes and regulate output. British firms latterly supplied forty en gines, each of a hundred tons, and two hundred miles of rails, for the South African, railways.

The Mount Kembla Inquest.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Sept. 16 At the inquest on the bodies of Major McCabe and Wm. Murray, the Mount Kembla rescuers, it was shown that their deaths were caused by carbon monoxide, while nobly endeavouring to save life. The coroner and others eulogised the heroism of the other rescuers.

The Victorian Parliament.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Melbourne, September 16 The writ has been issued dissolving the State Parliament. Polling will take place on October Ist.'" > ■ • ' i The Premier has issued a manifesto ! urging the people to support the policy upon which the Ministry was defeated. He promises to introduce a E6form Bill, which provides for the dissolution of both Houses within six months of the passing of its concomitant measui'e, the Bedistribu tion Bill. The manifesto concludes: "Are you prepared to take part in stopping the financial drift of the State, and establishing sound economic and constitutional condi tions ?"

The Public Works State ment.

The Hon. W. Hall-Jones, Minister for Public Works, presented his statement to the House of Representatives last evening. The document is of considerable length, but the following extracts are the only portions likely to interest our readerfT~" v Mr Speaker,—l have much pleasure in laying before honourable members =aiy seventh annual Public Works Statement. The work of railway construction hrva been carried on with considerable vigour. My colleague, the Acting-Premier, has already drawn attention in his Financial Statement to the fact of last year having been a record one as regards the proportion of the vote ' expended within the year, only .£Bl3 re mained unexpended^ at the close of the year, and I am not aware of any previous instance of the unexpended balance cf the vote having been so small. The railway construction work in hand since my last Statement was delivered has amounted to 200 miles, and during the same period 291 miles have been constructed, and handed over to the Railway; Department for ordi nary traffic. In addition to this, 36£ miles are now being used for conveying settlers' produce and aierchandise and rails are also laid upon a further 26 miles, still leaving a considerable amount of formation in hand. In the early part of the year the mumber of men employed was greater £fran in any previous period since the inaugura tion of the co-operative system of working. The reason for this will be readily under stood when it is borne in mind that for tn© year 1900-1 the total vote for railway con struction exceeded the amount for the previous year by £224,500. To enable full advantage to be taken of this increase of authority from Parliament during the remaining months of 1900-1 and the early part of 1901-2, the number of men was largely increased. The number employed in July, 1901, was 3337 as compared ;with 1742 in July of the previous year. . As the summer of 1901 advanced it became neces sary to make considerable reductions in order to keep within the vote authorised for the year 1901-2. '","'' rj Aftei* dealing with various branch lines the Statement continues:—

North Island Main. Trunk.—Very con siderable work has been done on this line, the expenditure during the year having been the largest since the initiation of the work. As mentioned in my last year's Statement regular traffic ia carried on by the Railway Department at the northern, end of the line as far a3 the Poro-o-tarao tunnel. From that point to Ongarui, a distance of rather more than 14 miles, the line is complete, and all station buildings provided. Goods traffic has been carried on ovor this length for some months, and the section is to be handed over to the Railway Department for regular working on the 13th of next month. The present position of the work at the southern end of the railway is as follows: —Tho line to Mangaweka is practically finished, and willprpbably be handed over to the Railway Department for regular traffic at the end of the present month. It has been in daily use for trafficr-since Sept. 1. Between Mangaweka Station and the site of the viaduct over the Mangaweka stream the formation is complete, and the rails are being laid and will reach the

viaduct site by the end of the present month, when the transporting of the iron and steel work for the structure will be begun and the building up proceeded wfCh. Tne abutments, piers and foundation ane already built. Betwsen Mangaweka and Taihape the formation is nearly complete, except the unfinished tunnels which are actively in progress. Beyond Taihape the formation is well advanced for about five miles, and ground has been, broken: for another eleven miles, or as far "a a 60 miles from Marton Junction. The total expendi ture on the line last year was .£155.979, Or .£184,561, allowing for the value of the permanent way materials issued. This constitutes a record, being the largest amount expended on the line in any on© year since its inception. For the current year a vote of £250,000 is proposed. Midland Railway—Operations in connec tion with the Midland Kailway were in pro gress in four different places last year. At thu Nelson end of the line, between Motu piko and Padmore, earthworks have been in hand, and about seven miles have been nearly completed, and a contract has re cently been let for the bridge over tho Mo tueka River. The bridge is to be completed by Nov 23, 1903, and will be available for road as well as railway traffic. Northwards from Reef ton, a survey has been in progress throughout the year, and is now nearly finished. A very good- line has been ob-

tamed, the gradients and curves bepg well within the limits allowed. It will probably cost about .£SOOO per mile, on an average, to construct. As regards the extension to wards Canterbury from Otira, I mentioned in my last Statement that the Government

was in communication with railway authori ties of the highest standard in America, with a view to obtaining a report from an American or Canadian engineers of eminence and experience in the construction of moun tain railways. Since that Statement was delivered, Mr Virgil Gay Bogue, of New York, has visited the colony, and has made a c.ireful inspection of the ground, and also familiarised himself with the various plans and other information in possession of the Government, and has furnished two reports on the matter, which are printed.as appen dices to this Statement. Briefly summarised Mr Bogue's opinion is averse to the six mile tunnel project. "While admitting that the gradient and curves obtainable, on that line are probably better than "can be got oil any other, and that that line jis also the shortest and most direct available, Mr Bogue, nevertheless, thinks that the' price we should have to pay would be t°o great •for the advantages gained, fie haa not, afc present, definitely advised the adoption of. any particular line, bat the suggestions'he. makes are in the direction of .employing a steeper gradient and materially 1* Waucing the length of the summit tunnel. To enable Mr Bogue to express an authorir tative and final opinion on the subject, fur ther surveys are now being made, which will take some little time, so that it will be

impossible to lay his matured opinipn be fore the House during the present session. At the Canterbury erid of the railway, gpoil progress has been made with the forma tion. The very heavy earthworks - have been practically completed as far as Stair case Gully, or, nine and threesquarter, miles from Springfield, and a good deal of work has been done beyond that point. Four out of the six tunnels on this section are firi i ished, and the others are nearing comple tion. The manufacture of the ironwork for Patterson's Creek viaduct has made con siderable progress, and some of it has been delivered at the 3ite, but no erection work has yet been done. As soon as the viaduct is out of the contractors' hands, rails can be laid right through to Staircase Gully, and the erection of a viaduct at that point can be gone on with. Pians for this viaduct are now nearly ready, and tenders for its construction can be invited shortly. The total expenditure on the Midland Eailway lost year amounted' to .£66,391, and this year a vote of .£IOO,OOO is proposed. The construction of a branch line, leaving the ' Midland Railway at Ngahere, and running thence to Blackball Collieries, was authoris ed last session. The most important work on the line is a large bridge over the Grey Eiver, for which tenders have recently been accepted. This bridge will take at least eighteen months to erect,' and the small amount of formation work required can easily be carried out while the bridge is in couyso of erection, The Blackball Coal Company ha 3 entered into an agreement with the Crown, by which the company un dertakes to send traffic over this railway, for a period of seven years, sufficient to yield a gross freight between Blackball and Ngahere of not less than £ 1500 per annum. A vote of £2000 was taken for this railway last yeai-, but only £117 was expended. This year, a vote of .£4OOO is proposed, which will probably be sufficient to meet the charges'that will came to book before? March :3l ne£t, f~ ' ■ .

' Otago Central—A great deal of work w;as done on this Railway last year, thri total-ex« penditure on the line having reached ths very large sum of £103,273, which is tha largest on record for this line. The Ida "Valley section, 13 miles 24 chains in length!

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN : WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 i 9 oa.



Date !epfc. 16 „ 17 „ 18 „ 19 „ 20 „ 21 » 22

xtises 6.3 6.1 5.59 5.57 5.55 5.53 5.51

Sets 5.47 5.48 5.49 5.50 5.51 5.53 5.54



Few Moon 'irst Quarter pogeß ... i'ull Sloon jast Quarter 'erigee ...

d 2 13 10 18 25 21

h m 4.49 p.m, 9.45 a.m, 10.0 p.m, 5.53 a.ni. 4.2 a.m, 0.30 a.m,



F. FBREIMAN. " FOE SALE. "~ MARKET GARDEN, Alford Forest Road. MR, GEORGE ELLIOTT having dis posed of his husiness iv Town, has instructed me to sell liis property situated on thelAlford Forest Road. The property is wall adapted for a market garden, and will be sold as a going concern. Tmmediate inspection is invit?d, as Mr Elliott is anxious to retire from active business. Full particulars can be obtained on application F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. " FORSALE. A POULTRY FARM, doing a good business. Large stock of good, .healthy, and well bred: Po«lg kRiMAN FOR SALE. THE undersigned is instructed by Mb Moodib to sejl I acre of good land, 1 fronting the Alford Forest Road and corner of Andrew Street. Upon the land is erected a comfortable 4 roomed Cottage. Easy terms. F. FERBIMAN, • Land and Estate Agent i



FOR SALE A GOOD Building Site on the North .Ea3t Town Belt, containing two Roods!. The section is well stocked with fruifc trees, .->. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent, j FOR~SALIL Charles Street near the Woollen Factory A GOOD Building Site, containing two Roods, planted with 70 fruit trees in (till"bearing. Easy terms can be arranged. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE. ALLENTON. A DESIRABLE little property compris ing nearly a acre of land and a Dwelling of three rooms with double brick chimney. I The property is for immediate sale and possession. . I F. FERRIITAN, ' Land and Estate Agent r ~ FOR SALEi i CHAELES STREET, near the WOOLLEN MILLS, ALLENTON. I HAVE for sale a comfortable dwelling house of Six Rooms, situated within three minutes' walk of the Woollen Mills. The land comprises two acres and other Improvements consist of Good Stabling and Poultry Yards. The Property is for immediate sale, and is well worth inspection. Fuli particulars can be obtained from F. FERErMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE. Near the Alford Forest Road. A FOUR-ROOMED HOUSE and Section planted with Fruit Trees. Price J6130 F. FEREIMAN.



' BUSINESS NOTICES. 1[ GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. ; By Kxaniinatioo, October, 1897 ! FIGHT years ericnce with E. (3. and • F. W. <jreshain, Dentists, Duncdia 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 force'ain crowns made ; also sets of teetli.,with Vulcanite and Porcelain guir.e. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Hours of Attendance—9 a.m.—s p.m. Private Residence—Care Mas Grant, Wills Street,



The King is Crowned, But your soles are not all SOLED, and T. YOUNG, Ulster Cash Boot Shop, Tancred street, HAS not sold all lm splendid stock of Boots and Shoes. He can still supply all varieties at all prices. Bespoke work and Repairs made a specialty, T. YOU N G, Cash Boot Depot, Tancred Street.



SALES may come and sales may go then the question is—Whereto get good, sound, honest value the year round" Try H. C. Barbett's Drapery, Clcthing, and Boot Warehouse. Discount at the rate of one shilling in the pound to Cash Buyers of any amount, over nine pence worth.



Paperhangings 2s 6d in the £ discount for Cash FOR ONE MONTH, AT J. 1.. UIGGB, Tancred Street. "PICTURES Framed, Windows Glazed, Houses Painted and Decorated. Artistic Signs Painted. ARTISTS' MATERIALS.



urn Helpless with A Rheumatism ■ You're tried liniments and prescriptions without result. Now . . . CUBE YQUBSELF with THE GREAT ... CANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and Not a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Cure. SOLD BY ALL DEALEBS At 3/6 per Bottie, Sole Agent for Australasia: ' GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. Smoke New Vem?r



BUSINESS NOTICES. ! NEW GOODS , HBHRfB^SIS NEW G00I)S Just Opened. BIS^S^^SS •'UST Opened# I v 2_. "•,.,,, , Si Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers 7s 6d Men s Saddle Tweed Trousers 10s o,d Men's Colonial Tweed Suits 19s 1 id Boys' Norfolk Suits Colonial Tweed us 66. New Ties, Tennis Shirts, Straw Hats, at prices that cannot be beaten anywhere. New Zealand Clothing Factory. J. WILSON'S I _Ls_3l NEW s—, I WALL PAPERS - - - Have Arrived- And will be Opened «p This Day, September 12th. dimply perfect in Design and Colour. The Papers are quite different to anything oi the sort before imported into this town, and vastly superior. The Prices are the same as for Ordinary Paperhangings. Borders and Friezes to Match. Persons desirous ot choosing from the full stock, but not intending to use the Papers for some time, may have them laid aside until required.



! Positively j THE BEST Combination of Choice Novelties for Spring wear, we have ever had the pleasure to bring before our Customers, is now being submitted in our com modious premises. The chic and the correct—a gathering that baffles des cription To do the Stock justice, as well as yourselves, come and see the Goods, even if you do not wish to purchase. Mitchell & Turner. Burnett Street. Ash burton.



W^^^^^M SADIES ! Whyldrink bad Tea ? fi^hw^} $t\ ■%.%li!tT4y CAnna Tea is not necessarily bad, but Umf^zT V*J XlMl>j tlio great chance is that it is. Certainly UW/ W/l y°" uever get the best China Toa, nor // U M'K^ yet the seconder even* the third best. "f^PtS tv\hxy\/<Js\ ?ii'^«» 'i'ho best never leaves China, tho second W§M I]f¥\\ \\ £v*^ best is nearly all sent to Russia, the ffij|J| lifl 1 I// |pw\-J third, fourth, fifth, and other descending St^fi ?-4^ 1 ) jJ?~i> mi/i) RlT(^es conic to Australia. Happily, the BW^ Xr'^^li^^r^ i|r4^ ir "P°rts of China Tea are lessening V-M& ■&ss} stea(lily, and correspondingly those of ifSy '' i-^r<Ji r . ipfi'?-| Ceylon are going up. All Ceylon Tea is WfM\ --'"i'iS:-J'-!-""i"_^ W$M S oocl- The besfc is exquisite. > Try J^W^l ;j^^^-%>"^: !w|Ff;? "NIRVANA," which already occupies WM 'MA &•] '^ ''Pi: position top in the front rank of Teaa %U $ 'ifii Wi *&$ & W' imported into New Zealand and the fTIHE Grandest Assortment of Bike Lamps in Ashburton, X '-~ Just arrived, — 144 Lucas's New Luminator Gas Lamps. The most economical and brightest Gas Lamp in the world. Reiman's Candle Lamps, English Oil Lamps, all at Christehurch prices, I Largest Cycle Makers and Importers in New Zealand. "Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street



EIRE! FIXE! FIRE! WE hereby beg to tender our sincere thanks to our numerous cus tomers for their most liberal support during the last 15 years, and for their kindly sympathy since our disastrous fire. I We also beg to notify that we have.again resumed work in the new Hall (opposite our Warehouse), kindly placed at our disposal by T. Bullock, Esq., (during the building of our new premises), where we hope still to merit your valued support, and where we intend shortly to open out our salvage stock ior immediate sale, where you may expect some tremendous bargains in Household Furnishings. We Remain, Yours Very Truly, rL If, UiViJRILL & CO., • General House Furnishers, TANCEED STEEET.



itv IKJJS-Whitworth Cycles are con structed of tiie yery finest materials by the jaost skillful workmen 'flyxt can be secured, and while the price is a little njoye tjianyou ■will have to pay for some of the cheapen cycles on the market, you will gefe many times the difference in pries in actual duality. The Rudgc-Whitworth stands in a class by itself as the greatest perfection of the cycle manufacturer's art.—R. D. Johnston, Agent, Burnett street.—Advt.



Tailoring.—We have just received our first t'.vo shipments of new summer goods comprising the most up-to-date suitings as now wornat'iio'me. W-e always encourage customers to select from tiifs web, which is far more satisfactory than ordering jtrioi» small patterns. .We have a very large stock to select from. We employ first class tradesmen — every garment made on our pi-enitees, We guarantee all our work, fit and style afc prices thab will compare favourably with, those of any leading New Zealand city firm. We respectfully invite .customers to kindly order early to prevenc disappointment in the " rush " .before the shows. Craighead and Berryraan the leading tailors Asbburton. [. Advt.]



i Wade's Worm Figs—the Wonderful Worm Worrierc—are always effective. 1 s boxes every wkerg



HOUSE-CLEANING TIME.



With the first blush of spring th,e' house wife's thoughts turn to what is now fanijr liarly known as spring-cleaning. .She likes to freshen up the house, to get it sweet and wholesome. The winter months nee@3sifcata the doors and windows being closed, tho house too, gets damp, and there is need for the periodic renovation known as spring cleaning The human system is in very much the same need for a thorough cleans ing Rirb.fc along now you will see men and women <4& children covered with nasty pimples' op disgustjng- b.oils are indications that the cleamag proc&j, has been delayed too leng. You need a tonic, you will be told, but this tonip is really a cleansing method. If you are w lse you will take Impey's May Apple, the ideal family medicine,- It is a peculiar vegetable compound, With a peculiar tonic eflect^it acts aently and pleasantly, and thoroughly cleanses the system. Sold everywhere at £ U^r bottlerorpostfreefrom^the Whole sale Agents, Sbarlandand Co., Wellington.



STANDISH AND BKEEOE Photographers under the Eoyal patronage of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Studio Hiph Street, Christchurch. Every person who has tried TUSSICUKA says the same thing. It is absolutely infallible in all cases. £moke New Venus



Wanted Known—That TUSSICURA is thoroughly reliable in all complaints of Throat;, Lungs, and Bronchial Tubes. Smoke New Venus Yforms undermine Children's Constitut ions. Use Wade's Worm Fig s, Is^osee, "