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.

Mining.

United Press Association—By Electric ; Telegraph.

Dunkdin, Sept. 18 To-day's sales—Alexandra Lead, 16s; First Chance, 15s 3d, 15s 6d; Leaning Rock, 4s, premium ; Rise and Shine 2""si

Auckland, Sept 17. During the past three weeks the returns from the Auckland goldnelds have not been as complete as usual. The total only amounts to £15,413. Among the returns not yet to hand is that of the Waihi Company. The output for the current year to date is ,£-1.73,272.

Commercial.

The London Wool Sales.

[By Telegraph.] CKEisTciiuacH, Sept. 17 Messrs Dalgety and Co. Ltd., report as follows under date London, Sept. 16th— The wool sales opened with a fair selec tion. There was a large attendance of buyers, competition being animated for merino and fine crossbred, and medium for crossbred wools: Prices are higher by sto 7| per cent, as compared with the closing rates of the last series. For coarse cross breds, prices are unchanged. The dates of our own sales are Saptember 16th and 26th and October 2nd.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

London, Sept. 17 At the wool aales Messrs Baline and Co., Buxton and Ronald, and Ducroz, Doxet and Co, offered 11,552 bales of an inferior seleotion, chiefly crossbred. There was a very full attendance, and strong competi tion. Coarse crossbreds are unchanged, but medium and fine classes are fully 5 per cent, above the closing sales of the July series. Merinos generally are five per cent above July rates.

Addington Live Stock Market.

Christchubcii, Sept. 17

Cattle. —At Addington to-<iay the entry in fat cattle totalled 209, mostly secondary lots. Better classes all sold well, prime beef ruling 28s to 30s and up to 32s 6d per 1001b for extra good, others 24s to 27s per 1001b, prime bullocks £12 to £14 15, good steers £9 to £1110s, lighter £6 17s Gd to £8 10s, extra prime heifers £10 to £12 15s, good £8 to £9 10s, others £5 10s to £7 10s, prime cows £8 to £9 10s, extra good £10 to £12 15s, lighter £5 17s 6d to £7 10s. Store cattle were slack of sale, yearlings £1 8s to £1 17s, 15 to 18 months £2 12s 6d to £3 12s, two year old steers £5 12 6d, three year old steers £7 ss, and heifers £5 17s 6d, dry cows £2 to £4 for extra good dairies £9 10s to £10 12s 6d, good £7 to £9, others £i to £6 10s.

Sheep.—Store sheep 3howed an entry of 4230, mostly wethers and hoggets. The demand was not quite so keen, only two lots, ewes in lamb, tVching 8s 6d to 8s lid, good lines of forward wethers fetched 13s to 14s Id, backward 10s to 12s 3d, forward hoggets 9s 5-1 to 10s 9d, backward 4s Gd to 7s 6d. The faU sheep yarding comprised about 3000 head, mostly secondary wethers and ewes. Good sheap were very scarce, and this class showed an improvement of a shilling per head, but secondary sorts wore easier. Prime heavy wethers 20s 6d to 22s 4d, freezers 17s to 19s dd, lighter 14s Id to I'Js, prime heavy ewes ll>s Gd to 2ls Gd, good 25s to 28s 6d, inferior 11 s 6d to 14s Gd, prime merino wethers 15s to 17s 9d, others 10s to 14s sd.

Pros. —'Ihere was an entry of 542 in pigs, and a strong demand for all sorts owing to buyers from the south, and high prices ruled, especially for fats. Baconers 3Qs to 555, lighter GOs to 803 for extra prime, equal to 5d and Gd per 1b; porkers 25s to 85s, equal to 5d and 6d per lb ; large stores 17s to 265, smaller 11s b'd to 15s, suckers and weaners 8a to 11s.

Australian Markets.

Sydney, Sept. 17 Wheat—Nnominal at from 4s lO^d to ss, Flour—£9 15s to ,£lO per ton; Manito bau £12 10s to £12 15s.

Oats — Feeding, prime New Zealand and Tasmanian 3s 6d to 3s Bd. Algerian, 3s 7d. Barley, Cape, 4s to 4s 3d Maize—Prime 5s 6d. New Zealand 5s 4d. Bran —Is 5d Pollard—ls 5d

Peas—Prussian Blues, 8s to 8s 6d.

Potatoes—Tasmanian, £7 to £7 10s per ton; New Zealand Derwents ,£6 6s to £6 10s per ton.

Onions, £7 5s £7 10s per ton, Butter—Prime, Is 3d to Is 4d. Cheese, N.Z. pr^me loaf 9Jd. Bacon—9id fco lid.

Melbourne, Sept. 17 Wheat—4s 6d to 4s 6id. ' Flour - £9 10s to<£lo per ton, Oats—3s 2d to 3s 4d, Maize—4s lOd Bran—ls 2d' Pollard—ls 5d Potatoes—to £10 per ton. Onions - £5 to £6 per ton Adelaide, Sept. 17 Wheat—nominal at 4s 3d to 4s 5d Flour— £9 5s to .£lO per ton Bpao—ls 3d Pollard—ls 3d

Oats, Algerian jSs 5d to 3s 8d ; stout, 3s lOd to 4s.

GERALDINE SKIN SALE.

Messrs Haling and Shallcrass held a very successful skin sale at Geraldine on Tues day, when there was a good attendance of buyers and competition was keen. PpiGes woro as follows : —Crossbreds 2s od, 2s 6d, 2s Sd, 2s 9cl, 2s lid, 3s, 3s 6d, 3s 7d, and up to 4s 4d; hoggots, 2s sd, 2s 6d, 2s 7d, 2s 9d ; halfbreds, S^d per lb; merinos, 5d and 6d per lb. Wool, crufcohings 3-J-d, bag wool 3|d to s|d.

Geraldine Stock Market.

There was a good attendance at the (Jeraldine livestock sale yesterday when, .owing doubtless to spring rains, the market was exceptionally brisk. There was an entry of about 5000 sheep, 65 head of cattle and 40 pigs. The tone of the market for all young sheep was very good and this was specially noticeable in regard fco forward hoggets and good ewes close to lambing. Tho°cattle market was also very lively and prices increased for store cattle from 2s Gd to 5s a head. There was also a good advance in the prices for fat cattle. Butchers' wethers brought 16s to 16s 6d, two-tooth jsw.es jn lamb 11s 9d, young ewes 17s to 18s 3d, six s;nd eight-tooth ewes in wool with 100 per cent, of lambs a,t foot, all counted, brought 8s 9d ; three-quarter^ red hoggets 10s, 10s Gd, 1 s 6d to )2s ; fat wetfcej-'s'l'p to 17s! Fat cows £8 ss, cows in profit £L lOsj £o, to £6 2s 6d, two-year-old steers and heifers £!• to £4 ss, yearlings £2 Is, £2 5s to £2 10s dry cows £1 17s 6d, springers £% 15s, £5 14s, £6, £6 3s to £8. Pigs-Slips sold at 6s sd, 8s to 10s; stores 11s, 12s, 12s 6d to '13s • a^oif, with litter of eight, £3 ss.

Dunedin Grain Market.

j The local wheat markets show a firm i tendency, particularly for prime willing ' velvet. Extra prime lines have been sold ( tub Tinianrat 4s 3d, and 4s 2d is readily 1 obtainable (qv all bright samples. The I Australian demand fop fpwl feed has ; slackened somewhat, but prices kseg up. f The oat market is quiet but firm; &ud ' any considerable demand would disturb prices, as the quantity available is not farge. Discolourod lines find ready sale' at &-oi» gs 2d $p 2s 3d, and B jgrade samples

find buyers at 2s 6d to 2s 6|d. The market is likely to keep firm, with a brightening tendency towards the end of the season.— " Otago Daily Times."

Burnside Stock Market.

Donedin, Sept. 17

At the Burhside market 142 head of fat cattle were yarded, the greater proportion beino- medium quality. Prices for best bullocks were well maintained, while medium were slightly easier. Best bul locks made from £11 to £13, good £L oto £11, medium £S to £9, best cows £8 10s to £10 10s, good £6 10s to £7 10s, medium £5 10s to £6, inferior £1 10s to £5. Fat sheep-2098 were penned. Prices opened on about a par with last week, but firmed towards the close of the sale. Best wethers revised 18s 6d to 20s'9oY good 16s 6d to 17s Gd, medium 14s 6d to 15s, best ewes 16s to 17s 6d, others 11s 6d to 13s, best hoggets 10s 6d to 12s 6d, others 8s to 9s 3d.

Lambs—Only twelve of this season's were penned, the best selling up to 15s 3d. Pigs—l7s were penned, all sorts meeting with a brisk sale at prices equal to last week. Suckers made from 7s 6d to 14s, slips 15s to 30s, stores 22s to 265, porkers 30s to 38s, baconer3 45s to 565, big pigs a 65s to 795.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1902.

Wk doubt whether the majority of the people of this country have given really serious consideration to the subject of laud tenure. Many have been led away

by the cry against big estates to go to the other extreme and join in the outcry against the freehold raised by the spurious social ists, who are so much in evidence amongst our politicians. It is one thing, however, to permit a. few wealthy individuals to monopolise nearly all the land in the country, or to accumulate large areas of land, and another to provide that every man who may so desire shall be able to have a home of his own. Notwithstanding the emphatic declaration recently given by the Minister of Lands of his predeliction for the lease- in-perpetuity, and the fact that this is one of cardinal points in the policy of the party now in power, we confidently assert that if a plebiscite were taken in every electorate in New Zealand to morrow, there would be an overwhelming vote in favour of the freehold, being retained in our land system. The way |in which this great principle is con fused with other issues connected with the Government policy is the real reason why there had been no vigorous protest against tho movement which has been initiated against freehold tenure until the Farmers' Union took the matter up. But j the amending Land Bill that was intro duced by the Minister of Lands, and the attitude of some of the Government fol lowers in the House, show that the freehold tenure is seriously threatened in New Zealand. It might be gathered from the utterances of the opponents of the freehold that they were aiming at the re-establish ment of the old Feudal system 5 for if their schemes should succeed, the position of occupiers of land would be much the same as that of the land holders in Europe a thousand years ago. The electors will have to shake off their apathy on this and on other political questions. The landowners seem to fancy that the insidious attacks that are constantly being made on the freehold system in the disposal of the Crown lands will not affect them. That, however, is by no means assured. It is deplorable that so little interest is taken by the bulk of the people of New Zealand in the manner ju which its affairs are managed. Everything j is left in the hands of a few, who are thus j enabled to bulk much more largely in quid- | ing its policy, social and political, than they ought to do "in a country claiming to ba a shining example of democratic Government. It is high time that every elector through out these islands should awake to his or her responsibilities. It is v ■ fortunately true—as has been frequently pointed out that under ordinary conditions we cannot exercise much check on legislation. In fact our helplessness would be more clearly apparent were it not that once every three years an opportunity is given to us to express our approval or disapproval of the doings of our representatives in Parliament. But in view of the astonishing apathy of the electors, this amounts to very little. Not one in a hundred of them bothers his head about the doings in Parliament, and even when some of the more resourceful of the candidates for re-election venture to draw largely on their imaginations in describing their work in the House, very few of the electors who hoar them are any the wiser. They are quite willing to give the credit claimed simply because they know nothing about legislative matters. It is high time tliey should bestir themselves, and look carefully into every measure introduced into Parliament, so that they can, at least, offer a protest against any likely to have an injurious effect upon the interests of the country at large.

Local and General.

On the first page to-day will be found a statement made by the 'Acting-Premier in the House yesterday in reference to the telegram that Mr Seddoji had attempted to float a million loan; on the fourth page Cable News.

Mine Inspection.—The Government In spector of Mines went by train yesterday to Mount Somers on a visit of inspection.

Acclimatisation. —Yesterday Mr Shury liberated 10,000 rainbow trout fry in the Eakaia and to-morrow he will distribute a similar number in the Rangitata.

Horse Parade.—The following entries have so far been received for the Horse Parade on Saturday next.—draughts, 22; thoroughbreds, 5; roadsters and carriage horses, 5.

Faibfield Fbbezino Works—The Pair field Freezing Works will be closed from Saturday, the 27th inst., until further notice.

TiNWATiD Town District.—The follpw : ing is the result of the biennial election oj the Tinwald Town Board, held yesterday : Messrs C. Doherty 04, J. A. Clothier 52, T. Scaly 51, T. Williams 49, "M. Lagan 41, J. Gudsell 37, and W. S. Helem 13. The first five were declared duly elected.

The British Cabinet, —A correspondent asks how much longer the present British Parliament has to run. The members of the House of Commons were elected in October 1900, and the House met early in 1901. It will last for seven years unless there should be a dissolution, and con sequently the next general elections may not take place till 1907.

Imtkbbsting to Farmers.—Farmers and others will be interested in an announce- I ment made in this issue by Messrs Fried lander Bros., Limited. In harmony with an intimation given some months ago, the 1 the above Company is now refunding 20 : per cent, of commission earned during the 1 period from Ist April to 31st August. This bonus will no doubt be heartily appreciated b,y the many clients of the Company.

i Tai^o.ijjng.—We have just received our first two shipments of new summer goods comprising the most up-to-date suitings'as now worn at Home. We always encourage customers to select from the web which is far more satisfactory than ordering from : small patterns. We have a very large ! stock to select from. We employ first class ; tradesmen -every garment made on our premises. We guarantee all our work, fit and style at prices that will compare favourably with those of any loading New Zealand city "firm: W.Q respectfully invite customers to kindly order fearly to prevent disappointment in the " rush ' before ftie shows. Craighead and Berryman tho leading tailors Ashburton. [Advt.]

gTANDISH AND PEEECE Photographers under cue Boyal patronage of the Prince and Princess ot Walo3. Studio High Street, Christohurch, ;

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

Torrey-Alexander Mission.— Dr Tor rey, Mr Alexander, and party passed through by the express for Dunedin to-day. There was a large number of people on the station who evidently expected an address to be delivered, but in this they were disap pointed.^ Someone, however, struck up the " glory " song, and a couple of verses were sung. Mr Alexander intimated that he would have conducted a short musical ser vice had an instrument been provided.

Personal.—Mr Rteve Boreham, secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Union of Workers, was in Ashburton to-day, and left late in the after noon for Rakaia.—Mr Bert Thompson, an energetic worker in religious and temper ance circles, and who is well known in this country, passed through Ashburton by to-day's express. Mr Thompson accom panies Dr Torry and party, and is on his way to Chicago, where he will undergo two years training in the Moody Institute.

The Weekly Half-Holiday—lt is per haps not sufficiently understood by persons engaged in the licensing trade, that the practice of selling tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes in hotels on the afternoon of the weekly half-holiday in shops is a distinct breach of the Shops and Shop Assistants Act. It is understood that the Inspectors of Factorie-5 have been instructed to see' that the law is strictly carried out.

Manitoba Flour.—The New Zealand Flourmillers' Association state that they do not view the importation of Manitoba flour with any degree of apprehension. They admit that the flour is of first class quality—although the colour is not as good as the local flour, —and that it returns a better average of loaves to the sack. They claim that, as a result of thoir operations, the quality of the local flour has attained such a high average that no mixing is necessary, and the bakers are well satisfied with present results. Should, however, any quantity of the Manitoba flour be forced upon this market they may consider the expediency of lowering the price of the local flour in Dunedin in order to check importations.—" Otago Daily Times."

Strength and Rigidity make the Rudge- Whitworth the ideal of-that great class of accomplished cyclists who know what con stitutes a genuine high grade bicycle, and are williug to pay the difference in the cost of manufacture between a cycle of this kind and a medium grade or cheap trashy machine. luspect for yourselves at R. D. Johnston's Cycle Depot, Burnett Street. 9 208

Kyle.—The Kyle Mutual Improvement Association held the closing meeting of the session on Saturday evening last, when there was a large attendance of members and visitors. Mr J. Lambie, the president, congratulated members on tho excellent work done during the session and expressed the hope that they would meet next year and continue the work with renewed enthusiasm. The secretary, Miss Mcllraith, to whom much of the success of the Associa tion was due, had lately received the promised literary contribution from their late brother member, Mr James McAnulty, giving an excellent and interesting account of his visit to the Old Country, and the several places touched at en route. Mr McAnulty's paper, which was of great literary merit, Would be read at the close of the programme, and would form an artistic and fitting conclusion to the session's work. A large and varied programme was then gone through, consisting of readings, recitations, song 3, duets, and instrumental selections, after which the Secretary, Miss Mcllraith, read the splendid paper forwar ded by Mr McAnulty, and which received well merited applause. On the motion of Mr Watson it was decided that the paper should be printed. Votes of thanks to' the Chairman and Secretary closed the meeting.

News in Brief,

Mr Andrew Orr has just opened several cases of London and Paris trimmed bon nets and hats, also a beautiful selection of ladies* goods.

The Wakanui Lodge, 1.0. G.T., will Gelebrate its 13th anniversary by holding a tea and concert in the schoolroom to-morrow evening,

Messrs Strange and Co., Burnott Street, announce that their spring goods are now to hand. They are also suppliers of glass waro and crockery ware, boots and shoes, and furniture of every description.

The annual horse parade of the Canter bury A. and P. Association is announced to take place on the Show Grounds, Adding ton, on Wednesday next, 24th inst. Entries close on Saturday, the 20th inst. Tho Committee offer a prize of £20 for the best draught stallion (any age) on the ground.

The Massey-Harris bicycle depot, East Street, has recently undergone extensive alterations, andhas been renovated through out. The machines are now shown on a raised daig along one side of the shop, and a counter has been placed at the end, giving the establishment a very up-to-date ap pearance.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Christchurch, September 17,

The first conference of delegates from the city of Christchurch, and boroughs of St. Albans, Sydenha'm, a'ud Linwood, in regard to amalgamating 1 and forming a greater Christcfrurch, was held this evening. Sev eral points dealing with liability for loans and so forth were discussed, and the "con ference adjourned till figures are supplied by an actuary in regard to ths financial position of each body.

Mr Gibbs, secretary of the Colonial Mu tual Life Society, who is now in Christchurch states that the funds of the society are not in any way affected by the disappearance of T.E. Walton, who was adjudicated bankrupt in Dunedin yesterday.

The Torrey-Alexander mission, which closed to-night, has been attended by enor mous crowds.' There has been a consider able amount of correspondence in the local papers as to the mission and criticism by the Eev. J Sargison' Congregational Misis ter, of Dr Torrey's teaching. Mr W. Rollitt, Mayor of Sumner, is de finitely announced as a candidate for Ly£- Eeltqn.

Dunedin, September 1^ As a result of the advance in the price of stock, owing to demand for the Sydney mar ket, the butchers to-day decided Jbo advance the retail price of meat -£d to Id all round.

At a meeting held to-night, it was resol ved to form a Dunedin coursing club, with the object of resuming coursing at Forbury Park, which it is believed can be got on favourable terms. Mr S. S. Myers was elected president and Mr W. Henderson secretary.

Football.

iNVERCAEaiLL Sept. 17

Tho return match, Otago v. Southland, was played to-day, and was Avon by the local team by 6 points to 3,

Willowby Wesleyan Church.

ANNUAL TEA AND PUBLIC MEETING.

(By our Special Reporter.)

The weather was very unpropitious on Tuesday evening for the annual tea meeting to commemcr&to the anniversary of the Willowby Wesleyau Church. Considering this, the attendance was in every way a satisfactory one. The custom of holding tea meetings is now quite an ancient one in this country. In all denominations there are different methods of celebrating anni versaries, but the tea meeting, although modest in appearance, has been the means for years of doing an immense amount of good among church adherents. Many an old sore has been healed at these gatherings, and many a man and woman has been brought from the rough groove of life into the smooth path of righteousness by attend ing these meetings. There is always some thing to be learned at the tea meetings, which makes it all the more attractive. The abundance of good things may have been one attraction; perhaps more so to the übiquitous reporter, who is naturally a hungry mortal. But it is always at the after meeting where Speech and song Mingle,together, amid the throng, that, aomothitis noiv "SGflKes' upon the ear. It is there a minister can expound his thoughts of things in general to the public advantage, and which he never neglects to do.

Tea was laid at 5.30 in the schoolroom, the tables being presided over by Mes dames Chapman (2), Jory, Lill, Grayburn, Stoddart, Griffith?, and Kennington, as sisted by the Misses Chapman, Williams, Hardy, and Horsey. About 150 persons, adults and juveniles, sat down to the sump tuous repast, which was {provided by the ladies of the district. Tea over, an ad journment was made to the church, where the public meeting commenced at eight o'clock. The proceedings were opened with prayer, and an anthem by the choir, " Ble3sed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord/ after which the Key J. I>» Jory said that the present one was the first anniversary since the alteration of the church, and expressed pleasure at seeing so large an attendance when the state of the weather was con sidered. He apologised for the absence of the Eev Mr Walker. Mr Jory called upon Mr Stephen Chapman to take the chair for the evening. Mr Chapman, in acceding to the request, said that he always held peculiar ideas as to who should take the chair on such occasions, and his opinion was that the minister should do so. However, he would gladly do his best to carry out that important duty. Although the evening was a wet one, still the rain was doing good, and if any loss were made on that score it would be made up in other ways. He was pleased to see so many present. The ladies had' carried out their work splendidly. He then referred to the finan cial position of the church. The report stated that the debit balance from last year was ,£11) 16s !d, the income received from the last annual tea meeting .£l4 Is Id ; the amount received on account of the harvest thanksgiving was .£3B Us. Besides this, there was a little " windfall" of £4> 19s the result of a clearing up of the Century Fund; also a sum of £1 received from the Insurance Company on the occa sion of the fire at the parsonage; total— £64 lls Id. Out of that amount no less a sum of .£.52 Us Id was due to collections, which spoke volumes for the self Sacrifice of the people. Against the expenditure was .£7B 15s Id, expended in various ways, leaving a debit balance of £12 43 Id. He considered the report a very satisfactory one indeed. The year had not been a barren one.jind he was glad that so many had supported the cause from a financial standpoint. But there was another way of looking at■ it; it should not be forgotten that the church I should be supported for spiritual . purposes. What they needed was the soul-saving power of the church. Mr Chapman heartily com plimented Mr Wheeler, who had put in good workiu training the choir ; also Mr Gvayburn for his energy in training the young people. Mr Harding had also dono excellent work among the people by holding class meetings, Speaking of Dr Torrey, he (the chairman) was quite confident that he wa^ preaching the true gospel. Dr Torrey had certainly stirred up the people. He hoped that the present year would be one of prosperity for the Willowby Church. The elder folk were one by one dropping out, and their places would have to be filled by the younger people, whose work would be nothing compared to what had to be en countered by those who had gone before, when they remembered the hard times of by-gone days.

The choir then sang an anthem "The Lord is my Shepherd." Mr S. Hayman was the chief soloist, and his even tenor voice was heard to advantage in the solo portion.

j Special mention must here be made of ! the anthem " On the Wings of Faith," com posed by the Eer W. JB. Martin, of the Hufet. It has .i gentle opening, leading up to forte by a, cre?endo movement. The leading sopranos (Mrs Hayman and Miss Prattley) wero, as usual, indispen sable, and acquitted themselves admir ably. The full voices, especially in the unison portions, kept well together. The refrains were taken with marked ex pression, and emphasising the fact that the conductor is a gentleman who knows his business.' The basses and tenors rendered their parts in a faultless manner. EevMr Irigl;s then addressed' the meet ing. He wiahocl his hearers to think of the time in which'they lived, and the advan tages they enjoyed, and to contrast tW present with former times. He would then ask if they were better than those who had lived before them, and if progress in good ness had kept pace with the progress in knowledge. It was a very commonplace remark to say that we lived in a wonderful period of the world's history. The applications of knowledge to the service of man were absolutely bewildering. Immense strides had been made of late years in marine architecture.

At one timo steam communication was unknown between this colony andthe Old

Country. Immense vessels crossed the Atlantic, and hburlj communication could be made with the land left behind .and land ahead by means of wireless telegraphy.' Such things coming to pass, surpassed the dreams of imagi nation, and yet it was sober reality. The train, electric tramway, motor car, and by-and-by the air-ship can carry passengers in comfort and safety at a speed of fifty miles an hour. Knowledge.had vastly in creased, and the treasure-house of nature is open to minister to their desires. Then again, wonderful advances. had been made in medical science, chemis try, manufactures, and the arts of sciences, making of books, education, and politics, the sources of knowledge and means of personal improvement. The mind is bewildered in looking around to day and contrasting the present condition of things with—say the times of the Eeformation in the sixteenth century ; the awakening of modern Europe; the times of Luther and IJn'ox, and the start of modern advancement, They should 1 not? lose tjie ! capacity for wonder and the spirit of admi ration, and especially the spirit of rever ence, but recognise plainly the hand of God in tho quickening of the human intellect. To what end was all this progress, and why was knowledge so vastly increased ? It was self-evident to the thoughtful mind that God manifests His presence in human history. The world was built on a pre arranged plan, and is governed byunerririo wisdom. Everything that men propose and plan to do should serve the great purpose that God had in view when Ho made (he world. Were they better off than their forefathers, and was the general moral excellence of the community better or worse than it was generations ago ? A wi- c man has said that to its contemporaries - " Christianity always seems to be in a state of decay," Those who lived in the midst of a great movement had a difficulty •in per ceiving its progress. The soldiers in South Africa knew very little of theprbgress of tho war. Only a section of the great battlefield could be seen where truth and

error were striving for the mastery, and sometimes we were tempted to think that truth was being vanquished. The speaker firmly believed that there has been a great advance in general goodness, but did not think it had kept pace with the advance of secular knowledge. However, Christian activity was very great, resulting in nearly every section of the community being catered for and attended to. It was purely a matter of opinion whether we were better than our forefathers. All would agree that we should be better, and as a help to realise such an ideal Mr Inglis offered three suggestions—l. Be prayerful. 2. Bead the Bible. 3. Be kindly affectioned one to another. Adopt the golden rule. " Little children," said old John the Apostle," Love one another."

Mrs T. Wheeler sang a solo taken from Mr Alexander's collection entitled "Count your blessings/ 1 The number was very nicely rendered.

The Eev. J. Mather, formerly minister at Willowby, then addressed the meeting and after defining the essentials of effective speaking, proceeded to give some humorous reminiscences of .his former ministry in the Willowby circuit and finished by relating some interesting details of missionary work among the Maoris in the early days of the colony.

The choir sang an anthem entitled " Jesna of Nazareth passeth by." Mr J. Wheeler acted as organist for the evening, and was ably assisted by a couple of stringed instrumentalists.

Several visitors were present, among whom was Mr Jas. Croy, of Overdale, an old late resident of the district, who received a cordial welcome from his old friends

The Eev. Mr Jory proposed, and Mr Gray burn seconded, a vote of thanks to the ladies, the choir, the speaker, the water boiler, and the chairman. After the choir had sung the anthem " As the hart panteth " Mr Mather closed the meeting with' the Benediction.

Magisterial.

ASHBURTON—THURSDAY.

(Before Messrs E. Alcorn and T. Bullock. Js.P.) APPLICATION FOS OEBER.

Smith v Cunningham and another. This was an application under the Destitute Persons Act for an order to compel Cun ningham and his wife to support a child. The application was adjourned for a week* CIVIL CASES. A. Ager v Sutherland, claim .£lO 8s 6d» for professional services as an architect.

Mr Wilding appeared for plaintiff. The case was adjourned for a fortnight. R7J. Guy vT. Hudson, claim £9 18s 8d for goods supplied.—Judgment for plaintiff by default.

MAYFIELD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

On Saturday night a meeting was held of those desirous of forming a Brass Band in Mayfield. The meeting was well atten ded, and thirteen gavo in their names as intending members, and several sums o£ money were promised towards the purchase of the necessary instruments. Things have been very quiet here lately, but that wilt soon be over when the Mayfield Brass Band is an accomplished fact.

The unseasonable frosts have bad a serious effect on the lambing, and have to some extent stopped the growth of the young grass, and budding trees/which the mild weather of last month coaxed into early prominence, have received a severe check.

Influenza and severe colds have been very prevalent lately.

Mr and Mr»-Doyle, after living fora great many year 3at Eden Terrace, Rua puna, have taken up their residence on the farm they have lately purchasod from Mr Hugh Corbett, which is nearer to Mayfield and within much easier distance of Ashbur* ton than their former home.

A NEW ENGINE.

Mea3rs Dunstan and O'Connor, of Chert sey, are procuring florn England, through the agents, Messrs Eeid and Gray, one of the latest improved traction engines. The engine is manufactured by Messrs Chas. Burrell and Son, and is on their well-known single crank compound system (Burrell's Patent) being a compound engine, and having only one crank ; thereby doin<» f away with a lot of the wearing parts so objectionable in traction engines of, the compound type. The engine will be mounted on springs, front and hind wheels; and will be capable of doing very fast work on the road. Messrs Dunstan and O'Connor hold the record for New Zealand, this being the third engine of Burrell's make they have had. They cannot jspeak too highly of their effectiveness and durability. The compound single-crank engines are excep tionally economical on fuel, thereby saving considerable expense in that direction." Messrs Dunstan and O'Connor are to be congratulated on going in for the very latest up-to-date engine. The same firm are at present making arrangements for starting a wood and coal yard at Chertsey. Thia should prove a boon to the inhabitants of that district. Altogether, Messrs Dunstan and O'Connor are to be congratulated on their enterprise, and we wish them every success. ■

South Africa.

GARRISONING MAEITZBFBG.

London Sept. 46 A permanent garrison is to be located at Pietermaritzburg, numbering 5000 wen, and including two regiments of cavalry, three battalions of infantry, and three batteries of artillery. AID FOE THE BOEES. The Boer Auxiliniy Society in Berlin brands the Boer Generals £10,0QQ. The total subscriptions for the relief of thsj Boers amounts to £8500, including Jzloo'O subscribed in England. ! - London, Sept. 17 The Board appointed to enquire n*tq the state of the labour market in South Africa I reports that only railway workers: are* | needed in Nata}. Emigrants ought to h^ye I ample means, as the' njarkets" are fisl. There are no vacancies in the Trgnsyaaj and Orange States for teachers. There i^ a fair demand for skilled mechanics. The Board advises that permits to land are re quisite everywhere. ;■--..-.. THE INDEMNITY BILL. ; . Capetown Sept. 17 Mr Merriman, discussing the Indemnity Bill in Parliament, said that the Imperial Government was alone liable for losses resulting from the second rebellion. Mr De Wool declared that although the people rebelled, they might be compensated for their loss of stock.

{ In the Cape Parliament Sir J. G. Sprigg, mentioning that the military authorities had expended half a million to cover com pensation requisitions, announced that & Bill would be brought down authorising a loan of a,' million Hnd a quarter "to, meetl cqtupensations'. He added that the Go vernment gazette would 'announce the re peal of martial law. The statement was cheered by the Afrikander members. The Governor's proclamation states that he is assured that the necessity for martial law has ended.

The Shearing Strike.

i Sydney, Sept It Thf owner of Widgiewa Station is ' com mencing an action against the Australian Worker's Union for £5000 damages/ for causing delay in the shearing and other losses consequent thereon. ■ *"*• Tho Shearers' Union delegate who took part in the recent attack on a waggon con taining non-unionists/at Widgiewa Station, has been sentenced to six'moiitns' harfl laboar. ' ''

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, lgo2t



F. ffEBBIMAN^ j fotTlsale. ~i MARKET GARDEN, ' Alford Forest Eoad. MR GEORGE ELLIOTT having dis posed of his business in Town, has instructed me to sell his property situated on the Alford Forest Road. The property is well adapted for a market garden, and will bo sold as a going concern. Immediate inspection is invited, n.3 Mr Elliott is anxious to retire from active business. - Full particulars can bo obtained on application F. FEKBIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. ~ for'sale. A POULTRY FARM, doing a good business. Large stock of good, healthy, and well bred " FOE~SALB. THE undersigned is instructed by Mr Moodie to sell % acre of good land, fronting the Alford Forest Road and corner , of Andrew Street. Upon the land is erected a comfortable 4 roomed Cottage. Easy terms. F. FEBBIMAN, Land and Estate Agenfc ~FOR SALE A GOOD Building Site on the North- East Town Belt, containing two Roods. The-section is well stocked with fruit trees. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. Charles Street near the Woollen Factory A GOOD Building Site, containing two Roods, planted with 70 fruit trees in full bearing. Easy terms can be arranged. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. FOR SALE ALLBNTON. A DESIRABLE little property compris ing nearly -J acre of land and a Dwelling of three rooms with double brick. chimney. The property is for immediate sale and possession. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent ________ CHARLES 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 sntt Poultry Yards. The Property is for immediate sale, and is well worth inspection. Full particulars can be obtained from F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent.



FOR SALE. Near the Alford Forest Road. A FOUR-ROOMED HOUSE and Section planted with Fruit Trees. Price £130 F. FEREIMAN. BUSINESS NOTICES. _ _____ H GRESHAM, SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. By Examination, October, 1897 | ."-10 ftT years erience with E. (3. and !•; I«\ W. Greshatn, Dent ss, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooms upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Eooms, Burnett Street. Stoppiugsin Gold, Amalgam,and Cement. Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also sets or teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed, Houes of Attendance —9 a.m. —5 p.m. Private Residence—Care Mbs Grant, Wills Street. ____M_ L. The King 1 is Crowned, But your soles are not all SOLED, and T. YOU NG, Ulster Cash. Boot Shop, Tancred street, HAS not sold all hi 3 splendid stock o£ ' Boots and Shoes. He can still supply all varieties at all prices. Bespoke work and Repairs made a specialty. T. YOU X Q t Cash Boot Depot, Tancred Street. SALES may come and sales may go then the question is—Where to got good, sound, honest value the year round 1 f"?y H. C. Babsett's Drapery, Clothing, 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 FOE ONE MONTH, AT JL L. HIGGS, Tancred Street. J> ICTURES Framed, Windows Glazed, Houses Painted and Decorated. Artistic Signs Painted. ARTISTS' MATERIALS. Helpless with f% Rheumatism ■ You've tried "liniments and prescriptions without result. Now . . . CUBE YOURSELF with THE GREAT... GANADIAN . . . SEAWEED CURE. A medicine and If ot a liniment. A Quick and Permanent Cure. SOLD BY ALL DEALERS At 3/6 per Bottle. Sole Agent for Australasia: GEO. W. WILTON, Wellington. JH M: j jjffll <3-lasaware and Crockery, go to Stbange's



_____ BUSINESS. NOTICES. f.IiJKVg ZJEfLLtAJtjP J NEW GOODS B3R)lßrsfl!iH NEW GOODS Just upened. i77iriiTii^^SiTHMsyi JV v/rbwc-ij. 2 ' " , • Men's Colonial Tweed Trousers 7s 6d Men s Saddle Tweed Trousers 10s gd Mens Colonial Tweed Suits 19s 1 id Boys' Norfolk Suits Colonial Tweed us 6d New Ties, Tennis Shirts, Straw Hats, at prices that cannot be beaten anywhere. - :o: New Zealand Clothing Factory. J. WILSON'S I ____?_! «„ ssw, I WALL PAPERS Have Arrived. And will be Opened up This Day, September 12th. Simply perfect in Design and Colour. The Papers are quite different to anything of the sort before imported into this town, and vastly superior. ®" The Prices are the same as for Ordinary Paperhangings. Borders and Friezes to Match. Persons desirous ot choosing from the full stock, but not intending to use the Papers for some time, may have them laid aside until required-



I Positively THE BEST _____ Combination of Choice Novelties for Spring wear, wo have ever had the pleasure to bsing before crur Customers, is now being submitted in our com modious premises. The cbic and the correct —a gathering that baffles des cription To do the Stock justice, as well as yourselves, como and see the Goods, even if you do not wish to purchase. Mitchell h Turner. Burnett Street- Ash burton.



G. M E D I) INS ■"O'ESPECTFUL^Y requests inspection of the following, seasonable articles, just 1 JbJL) landed, afc prices which should tempt all to buy. GARDENING TOOLS. Including Spades, Forks, liakes, Hoes, Trowels, Hedge Shears, Ladies' and Boys' Spades and Porks, etc. FARMERS' REQUISITES. Leading, Plough and Back Cliains, Gorse Knives, (Martin's, eta.), Gorse Grubbers, Picks, Axes, Hatchets, Saws, liandles of all kinds, Bluestone, Oils, Paints, etc. Best Kerosene ... ... 4s 3d per tin. WIRE NETTING.—Having a large stock on hand I am selling—Sheop (with centre strand) at 3d per yard; Fowl, 18in, Id; 24in l|d ; 36in, 2d per yard, smaller mesh i'm to lin in proportion. SEWING MACHINES.- lam Sole Agent for the celebrated " DAVEY" Machine, the cheapest and best in the market. Hand—,£3 103, Treadle from .£6 10s to .£8 10s, with 7 years guarantee. Needles for ' Singer,' 'Davoy/ ' Werfcheim/ 'Davis/ ' New Home,' etc., all at 6d per dozen. i I make a specialty of CAUrESTTER'S TOOLS, and keep the greatest variety .at the lowest prices in Ashburton. The Peoples' Ironmonger, Burnett Street, opposite Arcade. T~NEW GAS_LAMPS. ; THE Grandest Assortment of Bike Lamps in Ashburton 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 Christchurch prices. - Largest Cycle Makers and Importers in New Zealand. -Ashburton Branch—Burnett Street



EIRE! EIRE! EIRE! TT7E 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 lire. 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 tor immediate sale, where you may expect some ! tremendous bargains in Household Furnishings. . , We Remain, Yours Very Truly, j I 1, ii. Ui\JL)KlLi_« *k Cu., : I General House Furnishers, TANCRED STREET.



HOUSE-CLEANrNG TIME. With the first blush of spring the house wife's thoughts turn to what is now fami liarly known as spring-cleaning. She likes to freshen up the house, to get it sweet and wholesome. The winter months necessitate the doors and windows being closed, the house, too, gets damp, and there is need for the periodic renovation known as spring cleaning. The. human systepi is in very much the same need for a thorough cleans ing. Eight along now you will see men and women and * children covered with nasty pimples or disgusting boils, which are indications that the cleaning process has been delayed too long. You need a tonic, you will be told, but this tonic is really a cleansing method. If you are wise you '.rill take Impey's May Apple, the ideal family medicine. It is a peculiar vegetable compound, with a peculiar tonic effect; it acts gently and pleasantly, and thoroughly cleanses the system. Sold everywhere at 2s 6d per bottle, or post free from the Whole- Sale Agents, Sharknd and Co., Wellington.



Every person who hasltried TUSSIC.UEA says the same'thing. It is absolutely infallible in all oases. • •■'■■- .-