Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places, as under, subject to the necessary alterations.

TUESDAY, July 8,

For Northern Ports and Westport, per Botomahana, at 6 p.m.

ALTERATION IN THE CLOSING OF MAILS.

On and after the Ist July, the express mails for North will close at 6 p.m., and the 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, Dunedin, July 8.

To-day's sales—Alexander Lead 10s, 10s 4£d, 10s 6d, pref. 28s; Golden Eiver 4s ; Eoyal Maori 13 3d, Upper Magnetic 4s 9d.

Commercial.

Ashburton Stock Market.

At the Ashburton yards to-day there was a fair attendance of buyers, but the yarding was small and the sale dragging. Follow ing are some of the prices obtained :—

Fat cattle—Heifers from £3 17s 6d to £6 6s ; steers from .£3 17s to £6; cows £4 10s to £8; cow and calf £6 17s 6d; cows in profit .£3 to .£6 17s 6d; bull £2 2s ; spring ers £7 10s to £8 10s.

Fat sheep—Crossbred ewes from 9s Id to 13s 9d; halfbred ewes 7s 3d to 12s ; merino ewes 4s 3d to 8s 2d; f orwai'd lambs from 10s to lls 7d ; forward wethers 12s 8d to 13s 9d j a .line of small two-tooth wethers 7s sd; merino ewes 4s to 4 s 4d; crossbred ewes os 9d to 8s 6d; lambs 9a 9d to 10s 6d.

LONDON MARKETS

The London agent of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Associations reports as follows under date London, May 31st:— Wool. —The third series of Colonial Wool sales for the year, which commenced on the 6th inst., will terminate this evening. The sale room throughout has been attended by numerous buyers from all parts, and under spirited competition from all sections of the trade the tendency of the market during the first fortnight for the finer grades of produce ruled in sellers' favour. Merino Wools, both greasy and scoured, hardened to the extent of about 2£ per cent on open ing prices, or 10 per cent on the average above March final rates, combining descrip tion showing the most improvement, but short and faulty scoureds showed little ad vance on that level. Crossbreds did not show much change from the commencement the finest grades selling at 10 per cent., medium 12£ per cent., and coarse 7£ per cent advance on last sales closing prices. Scoureds and slipes, however, strengthened until they were 10 per cent dearer. On the 15th inst., the auctions were ad journed for the Whitsuntide holidays, and were resumed on the 21st before a good room. Competition was again animated, and prices for Merino Wools as well as fine Crossbreds were equal to and occasionally in excess of those ruling before the rec?ess. The medium and coarser qualities, however, were scarcely so satisfactory, the values not being up to the highest rates of the first week, the improvement in these sorts not exceeding 1h per cent. About 6,00 J bales have boen bought, in including 2,000 from New Zealand. The July sales aro fixed to commence on the Bth of that month, with a limit of 300,000 bales. The dates of the opening of the September and November series have not yet been arranged

Wheat.—During the past week there has been a welcome change in the temperature and the warm weather which has now se in will be of inestimable value to the growing crops, the prospects of which are fairly satisfactory, but there are complaints both here and on the Continent of backwardness. At Mark Lane the holidays have inter fered with trade, and there has not been much doing, and notwithstanding that pro spective supplies are heavy, the market has remained firm and prices well maintained; Home grown Wheat is dear on account of scarcity. The average price is now 31s 6d per imperial quarter, as compared with 27s 7d a year ago. Of New Zealand Wheat, stocks are exhausted, and values are nomi nally 32s Od to 33s 6d for long berried, and 32s 6d to 33s for short berried. Viewed in conjunction with the May report of the United States Department; of Agriculture, the advance in the weekly average price of English Wheat to the extent of 3s 2d per imperial quarter of 4801b in tho course of three weeks i« perhaps not surprising. Last autumn the area of winter Wheat returned as sown in the United States was 31,971,000. According to the May x'eport this has diminished to 27,103,000 acres, the shrink age of 3,860,000 acres, or fully 15 per cent, representing presumably the extent of winter Wheat which has been ploughed up. More than one-seventh of the winter Wheat acreage has thus been abandoned. The State of Kansas alonw reports the abandon ment of 1,835,000 acres; and come idea of what this huge figure means may be obtained from the statement that the entire area under Wheat in the United Kingdom last year was returned at 2,746,141 acres, or rather less than the portion of their autumn-sown area which the wheat-growers of Kansas have had to abandon. Over the States, as a whole, the acreage abandoned represents nearly three times' the Wheat area of the United Kingdom. Oats have been in request and commoner sorts are slightly dearer. New Zealands are nominally quoted 27s to 28s for ordinary Bluff and Sparrowbills, and 29s to 30s for Canadians per 384 lbs. ex store. Barley.—For grinding sorts the market is firm at 3d advance with good enquiry, but in Malting qualities there is nothing

doing. Frozen Meat.—The market for Mutton has remained steady and prices for both English and Colonial have hardened. Can terbury carcases are still in short supply, and for medium weights values remain firm and are indeed ' d per stone dearer. Not withstanding the high prices ruling for these descriptions, the better class of retail butchers are ready buyers, and with the small stocks on hand there is every prospect of steady values, provided later arrivals do not overstock the market. Present values are now 2s 9d to 3s per stone of 8 lbs. at Smithfield. Other descriptions of New Zea land Mutton are being moved off steadily at firm prices. Mew Zealand Lamb is in heavy supply, and more than equal to present require ments, notwithstanding that warmer weat her has stimulated the demand, Values are 2d per stone lower, the present price for best new season New Zealand being 3s 2d to 3s 3d per stone at Smithfield. Second quality is worth 2s lldto 8s Id. Australian Lamb makes 2s 8d to 2s lid.

London, July G Frozen Mutton—New Zealand of all classes has declined 1 -16d per lb. Lamb is unchanged. Eiver Plate mutton has de clined £d per lb New Zealand beef, 1801b ■ to 2201b per quarter, fair average quality, ox forequarters, 3jd; ox hindquarters, nominal, sd. Sffke.at—An Australian cargo sold at 30s per quar&*r.

Sydney Stock Sales

Sydney July 7

At, the Sydney f^fc stock sales, pr^ce^ for sheep, excepting prime, which maintained ate prices, were a UWle ga>siejr..

The Agent-General's Report

WELLINGTON July 1

The Agent-General's cablegram dated London, sth July, is as fallows : -" Mutton, market weak; Canterbury, 3fd; Banedin, &o#£nlapd, and Wellington Meat Export Co., 3§d s objaar, ¥.Q?s Island 3-£ d; Canter bury ewes 3d, i?h<e W prices of lambs are increasing the output, G»ntepbjjry lamb bringing 4£d, other brands 4 l?8d; market dull and inclination to force sales. Beef, steady, New Zealand hinds sd, fores 3;f d.

American and Canadian Flour.

Dunedin millers express themselves as greatly relieved at the small quantity of American flour on board the Sierra, espe cially as only one more shipment is ex pected. There is no doubt that the pros pect of 1500 to 2000 tons of American flour arriving in the colony every three weeks caused the New Zealand millers considerable alarm. Indeed, with wheat at the present prices, some millers have seriously contem plated closing down. Now, howevei", the load is, for the moment at anyrate, lifted from their minds. But as a consequence of the cessation of American flour importa tions, they will most likely have to face the firming of the wheat market. The 25 tons of San Francisco flour ex Sierra consigned to Dunedin is " Starr's extra baker's brand, in 1001b bags. The bulk of the consignment has been sold to arrive, and the balance is quoted at .£lO 15s to £, 1 per ton. Although not much more San Francisco flour is expected, importations are ap parently coming from Manitoba. New York advices state that the Lake of the Woods Milling Company, of Eat Portage, Manitoba, has received an order for 1250 barrels of flour for shipment to New Zea land. This is said to be the first order of the kind ever filled from Manitoba, though Australian orders have not been uncommon for years. Millers west of Manitoba have been occasional shippers to New Zealand, however.—" Ofcago Daily Times."

To Correspondents

C. Napier Beli*. —The subject dealt with in your letter is entirety personal, and ia «f no iutereafc to our readers.

DEATH.

Wilkinson.—On , July Bth, at Higham, Chertsey, Thomas Walker Wilkinson, in his 78th year. Deeply regretted. Funeral on Thursday, at 2 p.m.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1902. Local and General.

Financial Statement.—The Financial Statement is to be delivered this evening.

Weather Report.—Captain Edwin fore casts : — Gale from between north-esat and north and west; after 12 hours from nowj glass fall: indications of rain.

Personal. —We are pleased to learn that Mr J. T. Cooch is better to-day, and seems to be in a fair way to recovery.

Magisterial.—At the Police Court this morning, before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., Malcolm McLean and Robert Sheehan, charged with being drunk in Burnett street yesterday, were convicted and discharged.

1.0.0. F., M.l.—Members of the Ashbur" ton Lodge are notified by advertisement in our columns that owing to the Oddfellows' Hall being engaged on Friday evening next usual meeting night—the Lodge meeting falling on that evening will be held on Thursday, 10th inst.

The Ashbueton Poultry Society.—Mr Christian, secretary of the Poultry Society, has received a telegram intimating that the Government Grader will attend the show on the 26th inst. to judge the poultry enter ed in the competition for Mr Studholme's special prizes for table poultry adapted for export. We would also remind intending exhibitors that the entries for the show will close on Thursday next, 10th July, when the secretary (Mr Christian) will receive same at his office, Burnett Street, up to 9.30 p.m. on that date.

The Planting Season. — Mr Thomas Scaly, nurseryman, announces that having decided to relinquish bvisiness he is offer ing the whole of his large and choice stock of fruit and forest trees and shrubs at greatly reduced prices. As the nursery must be closed by September 30th Mr Scaly will sell in lots to suit purchasers, and orders for large lots will be sold at specially low rates.

Borough Councillors' Speeches.— Owing to the acoustic properties of the Borough Council Chambers, the reporters often find it difficult to gather what some Councillors say, the result being that their utterances are very briefly reported. If Councillors would bear this in mind when they are speaking, it would be more satis factory to themselves and to the public.

Insanitary Premises.—At the Borough Council meeting last evening the report of Dr Symes, the district Health Officer, cm some of the premises in this town, as the result of his recent visit of inspection, was read and discussed. The Health Officer wrote strongly upon the condition of some yards and buildings, in some cases requir ing that the latter should be condemned. The Council decided to notify owners of the properties referred to that the necessary steps to remedy the existing state of things must be taken without delay.

Street Obstruction. —The subject of I street obstruction, especially on Sunday . evenings, was brought up in the Borough Council last evening. Several Councillors commented upon the manner in which Bast Street has been blocked lately just about church'time, and eventually a resolution was passed instructing the Inspector to take s,teps to enforce the by-laws against street obstruction.

A Rust Preventive—lt is something new to see a local firm taking contraots where Christchurch firms and others are competing. The Eclipse Cycle Works are f rushed with orders for enamelling and I plating, etc. Mr G-. H. Carson informs us i that he is enamelling by the latest English I process, which prevents the enamel lifting through ruat, etc. Our cycling readers would do well to take their enamelling and plat ing to the Ashburton shop^ as prices are right and so is the work

Primitive Methodist Church.—A very respectable congregation gathered in the Primitive Methodist Church last night to listen to the Evangelist, Rev Mann, -who took for his text the words "Is it I," Mat thew 26.25. It was a searching discourse which undoubtedly would lead to a close self examination. He emphasised the om nicience of Chriit and the extreme folly of attempting to cover up sin; it must come out. It was a healthy sign when people suspected their own heart as the innocent disciples evidently did when the Saviour said one of you shall betray me, they all said " Lord is it I," the guilty one was last to ask the question, There was some straight talk to all *go betweens' the hypocrites. Miss A, Palmer sang very sweetly 'fCome believing," To-night, the the Rev. gentleman will take for his' sub ject " Lost and found." A good house is expected.

Clearing Sale—A clearing sale of the whole of their cycling sundries and second hand bicycies is now being held at the City Cycle Works and Rudge-Whitworth Agency, Burnett Street, every line must be cleared by the end of July, and bargains now present themselves which should be availed of by all in search of any thing good and cheap in the cycling line.

Tailoring.—The public are respect fully reminded that we do not make strange fitting suits, nor charge strange prices. Advance Ashburton, by supporting local industries. Compare our fit! Compare our prif.es ! Observe the quality and "up-to-date" s.tyle of our goods, and remember'that our motto is always " satis faccion. ij —Craighead and Berryman.— [Awvt.3 A meeting $£ ratepayers p,f the Long beftcfr' Effad pistricjb will be held at"tfie office of the Board on Saturday next,' ajb 1 n.m.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, Limited, -will sell on Saturday, July 19th, at their West Street Mart, on behalf of Mrs E. McAnulty, her farm of 97 acres at Pendarves.

A notice appears in another column that poison Will be laid for rabbits in county p^ant'atipiis in Cayendisb and Anama, and Eesepye at Headwbrks, South As^burton yiver, from Thursday jjesfc,

Tne Ashburton Woollen Mills.

A NEW PROPRIETARY.

We have much pleasure in reporting that the Ashburton Woollen Mills, which for the last month have been closed down, have been purchased by Mr John Mill, of Port Chalmers, on behalf of a Timaru Company, and will be in full swing again early in August. For some years the mills have been. owned by the Mosgiel Woollen Manufacturing Com pany, and when some months ago it was reported that they were to be shut down the news was received with much regret by the people of Ashburton generally, and especially by those immediately affected— thehands employed. From the time it became known that the works were - to be stopped, several attempts to purchase them were made, but the negotiations fell through. Many of the employees, however, have stayed on in the hope that arrangements for the re-starting of the mills would be made, and we are glad for their sakes, at well as for the general prosperity of the town, that we are able to report that a purchase has been effected. We are not at libertyto disclose the names of the purchasers but the people of Ashburton can rest assured that the property has passed into the hands of men who have already proved their ability to successfully conduct a large woollen'manufacturing business. We wish the new proprietary every success in their venture, and we have no doubt that the whole of the community of the district of Central Canterbury will echo the wish,

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright." 1 French Finance Paris, July 6 M. Eouvier, the Minister of Finance, is converting 3& per cent rentes into 3 per cent, thereby effecting an annual saving of £ 1,400,000. In Liquidation London, July 6 The directors of the Agency, Land and Finance Company of Australia propose to go into liquidation. Australian Swimmers in England Bead, of New South Wales, from scratch, won the Cygnus Club's Half-mile Handi cap ; Lane, of Sydney, with ssec start, finishing fourth. Reception of Colonial Troops London, July 7 Lords Roberts and Kitchener, and General French, and three thousand guests attended the city's reception to the colonial troops arid the ball at the Guildhall. The British Parliament Parliament adjourns about August 9th until the second -week in October. The Countess of Hopetoun The Countess of Hopetoun has arrived in London. The Colonial Contingents It is officially notified that the departure of the Colonial and, Indian Contingents is postponed till further orders. The Triple Alliance Paris, June 7 M. Delcasse's speech, with reference to the Triple Alliance, has aroused consider able irritation in i ustria, owing to the attitude he attributed to Italy. Controlling of Trusts Washington, July 7 President Eoosevelt and the Attorney- General, Mr Knox, conferred, and asked Mr Littlefield, a member of the Maine House of Representatives, a great authority on constitutional law, to prepare a Bill for the regulating and controlling of trusts. Great Fire in Chicago Swift's Meat Market and shipping offices at Chicago were burned. The damage amounts to a million dollars, Portuguese Expedition Capetown, July 7 A Portuguese expedition, comprising 200 whites and 3000 blacks has been sent againt the Barne tribe, 300 miles east of Salisbury, in Bhodesia. The South African Chartered Company pays half the expenses. The Vatican Dinner Eome July 7 At the Pope's Jubilee dinner at the Vatican, 1500 poor were fed, and afterwards the Catholic Societies assembled at Belve dere Court, and jsaid homage to the Pope, who v. ras in improved health and spirits. The ceremony embraced a musical pro gramme and processions, including the schools.

Federal Departments Melbourne, July 7 The Commonwealth postal revenue for the year ended June was .£2,377,000, show ing a loss of over .£61,000. The defence ex penditure during the same period was .£599,000, showing a saving of .£170,000. The Weather in New South Wales. Sydney, July 7 Good rains have fallen over the Riverina and South Coast districts, averaging up to H inches. At Kiandra slight showers fell.

The King's Illness.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright. London July 7 The King had another good night, and continues to do well. He hopes to proceed to Portsmouth at the end of July to take a cruise in his yacht. The bulletin issued at 10 a.m. states that the King had nine hours' natural sleep. His progress continues uninterrupted. The wound is discharging freely, and is less painful to dress. The Queen telegraphed to President Roosevelt that the King was most grateful for his kind sympathy.

At a meeting of the Borough Council last evening His Worship the Mayor said that as this was the first meeting since the Coronation had been postponed, he wished to move—" That this Council place on record its extreme regret at the illness of the King and its desire for his speedy re covery." The King's illness caused a great deal of sorrow, and he was very glad to learn that his Majesty was progressing so well, and hoped he would soon be restored to health.

Cr. Jones seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

The King's Dinner.

Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

London, July 6. The Princess of Wales acoompanied the Prince on his visit on the occasion of the dinners given to the poor. Children at Paddington of all creeds pre sented the Prince of Wales's heir with a gold replica of the cup which was given to each, guest at the Kimg's dinner to the poor.

London, July 7 The King sent another letter to the Lord Mayor expressing his gratification that there was no accident or other drawback in Connection with the dinners to the poor. Their success was largely due to the fore sight and energy'of the 1 organisers, whom he -warmly thanks, also the artistes who gave' their services.'; lie adds that he is deeply touched by the 'loyal and kind feel-, ing universally displayed by the hundreds of telegrams of thanks and good wishes from every district where dinners were given.

Wade's Worm Figs—the Wonderful Worm Worriers—are a safe and sure remedy, in Is,boxes; sold everywhere

Farmers' Union.

COLONIAL CONFERENCE.

NOTES FROM WELLINGTON.

THE SECOND DAY'S PEOCEEDINGS

(From our Special reporter.) ' Wellington, Friday. This morning's session, lite the previous afternoon's, was of a deadly dull nature for pressmen, as the Conference was in com mittee on the making of its national rules. The rules were finally adopted just before noon to-day, after occupying the attention of the delegates for six hours. You will have had the main points already per medium of the Press Association. As a matter of fact, there is very little alteration made upon th 6 rules under which the Provincial Councils have been working. The rules adopted to-day are to be printed and circulated immediately, and will super | cede all others in use throughout the , colony. It was decided to postpone the ( construction of the national platform until I a later stage of the proceedings. The most troublesome portion of the I rules was that under the heading of j " Finance." It seemed at one stage of the ■ proceedings as if no agreement could be come to over the amount of levy which the Executive Committee and the Provincial Councils could fix upon members. There was a tendency to parsimony towards the Executive Committee on the part of some of the delegates, who roused Mr Leadley to give them some admonition. He said that he had spent many sleepless hours thinking upon the financial aspect of the Union, and had come to the conclusion that both the , Executive and the Provincial Councils must be liberally treated by members if they hoped to make the Union the power it was intended to be. He pleaded with delegates to financially strengthen the hands of their Executive. The Union already had done a vast amount of good to the farming com munity as a preventive. It certainly must not be crippled through want of funds. At this stage it was proposed that, a Finance Committee should be set up to go into an estimate of funds needed during the coming term. The committee suggested was an influential one, the names being Messrs Kirkbride. Auckland; Leach, Tara naki; TFilson, Wellington; Leadley, Ash burton ; and McQueen, Southland. But this delay was avoided by the adoption of the rate of levy of 2s per member for the Pro vincial Councils and 6d per member for the Executive Committee.

If the morning session was slow, the afternoon session made up for it. 1 have been to a goodly number of conferences in my time, and none in my memory presented so heavily-loaded an afternoon sitting as that of to-day. Four big subjects were broached, and three of them were fully debated in a very animated way. There was no flagging, the difficulty being • for delegates to catch the chairman's eye. By the way, Mr J. G. Wilson, who had been elected President the previous day, but could not attend owing to indisposition, made his appearance during the morning and took his seat amid applause and con gratulations. And let me drop in here,as ano ther aside.anote upon complimsntary refer ences which were made during the afternoon to the neatly printed and compiled book of subjects for discussion at the Conference which bears the imprint of the Ashbubton Mail office.

When the Conference came out of com mittee, the first subject discussed was some references to the Conciliation and Arbitra tion Act, sent in by the Waikato, Whan garei, and Southland branches. The two northern branches desired the Govern ment to give power to put a representative of the farming classes on the Arbitration Court bench; and the southern branch sought the abolition of the Court alto gether. Only a brief discussion took place, delegates agreeing with the President that the subject should be dropped. Mr McQueen, the Southland delegate, expressed the opinion that the awards of the Court had resulted in the abolition of freedom of contract, and the hampering of farmers in their operations. Other delegates disagreed with this opinion, and at least one said\,the Court was. the very best result of the labour lesislation.

The next subject brought up was that of Fire Insurance. The President and Mr Ifcece (Rangiora) reported that they had conferred with insurance Companies both in Wellington and Christchureh, with the object of getting a concession in rates for members of the Union. But, as delegates knew, no good had come of it. Mr Wilson said that he had been forced to the conclu sion that the only thing for our farmers to do was to adopt the Canadian and American system, of mutual co-operative fire insur ance. But he could not endorse the Go vernment's State Fire Insurance Bill. Mr Eeece said that the underwriters of the colony had formed a ring inside which the Union could not hope to get. He had therefore conferred with the management of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-Operative Association, and had made very good terms under which members of the Union by pur chasing one share at .£1 (payment 5s on application), could insure with the Associa tion. This would result in a saving which could not otherwise be effected. Mr Lead ley took part in the very brisk debate which followed. He said that we in the colony were having a taste of the " Trusts " which were doing so much harm in older lands ; but ours was an insurance trust. He de clared himself to be enthusiastically in favour of the mutual insurance idea. He did not think the N.Z. Farmers' Co-Opera tive Association had met Mr Eeece in a sufficiently liberal spirit. Ultimately, it was resolved—"That this Conference ap proves of the mutual fire insurance princi ple, and that the Government be asked to bring in a Bill this session giving power to farmers to form mutual insurance societies on the lines of the Act in force in Ontario, Canada." Mr Eeece then, moved that the following clause be added to the above resolution: —" That this Conference advises members of the Union to take shares in the N.Z. Farmers' Co-Operative Association, and insure with the Association, as the best available scheme." This was seconded by his colleague, Mr Leadlej, and carried on the voices.

The remainder of the afternoon was taken up with a very instructive debate upon various motions bearing upon the land question. A great portion of the debate centred around these two motions, the second being 1 offered as an. amendment upon the lirst: (1) "That in order to, prevent the formation of a body of Maori landlords in the colony, a sufficient area of land should be allocated for the support of each Maori and made inalienable; any surplus native lands to become part of the Crown lands of the colony." i 2 "That it is a matter oi? the greatest urgency that the native lands of the colony should be settled on some form of tenure that would give settlers ample security for their improve? ments/' and after a lengthy discussion both motions were thrown out, the amendment; being rejected on the casting-vote of the President, Several of the speakers pro* tested against certain politicians advising Maoris to hold on to big estates,

! Then followed an animated debate upon lease-in-perpetuity tenure, the question being raised by the Taranaki delegates with this motion :—"That this Conference protests against any amendment of the law by which land held under lease in perpe tuity can be revalued for rental purposes." Mr Leadley declared that it was a vicious principle to interfere with existing princi ples. If existing arrangements were to be interfered with in a high-handed manner, there was no knowing where it -would stop. He knew of several instances in which men made very high profits upon the goodwill of leases which they held under the perpetuity tenure. Other delegates contended that no hardship would be inflicted upon such lessees if their holdings were subjected to periodical revaluation. Mr Eeece (Ran giora) heartily supported the motion because he believed that " a bargain was a bargain." The Otaki delegate wanted to know where lease in perpetuity came in if there v, ras to be revaluation'? Othgr dele gates claimed thac suoh revaluation was an extra tax upon settlers' own efforts and upon his hard labour. The motion was carried upon the voices. ' '

Mr Recce led the way into another big debate, ■which was interrupted by' thj

adjournment at six o'clock, with!the follow ing motion, which he had tablecf as coming from the Ashburton Conference:—" That all holders of land on lease in perpetuity or perpetual lease have the right to purchase the freehold at any time after the improve ment conditions have been complied with either by immediate cash payment, or pay ments extending over an indefinite time, reduction in rent to be made in' proportion to such payments. No transfer to be regis tered unless such transfer has attached a declaration by the purchaser in terms of the Land Act and Lands for Settlement Act. All moneys recoived to be earmarked for the purpose of extending the land for settlement policy." _ The mover said that upholding and maintaining the freehold tenure was one of the most important questions before the Conference. He did not wish to be understood as desiring to interfere with the present admittedly good system of land settlement. But settlera who are leaseholders should be given the power to acquire the freehold in time. Farmers should recognise that .then? very existence depended upon the maintenance of the freehold tenure. The President of the Conference put his argument in a nut shell by the following quotation from the writings of Arthur Young, a farmer who produced many excellent works on farming during the 17th century :—" Give a man the secura possession of a bleak rock, and he will turn it into a garden ; give him a nine-years' lease of a garden, and he "will convert it into a desert." This much-in little bit of wisdom was greeted with applause, but Mr Leadley raised a shout of laughter in his illustration of his argument. He said that Mark Twain had said that no man had ever been known to shoulder a rifle in defence of the boarding-house system! And that was the case for the lease-in-perpetuity tenure ! The troubla of Crown tenancy was that the lessee never knew where ho was, and he never knew what was going to happen to him under his present tenure. The Conference rose at 6 p.m.

THIRD DAY'S SITTING.

Saturday. The Conference resumed at 9.30 a.m., the President in the chair.

The debate, interrupted at the time of adjournment on the previous evening, was continued. .

Mr D. Peat (Wanganui) moved that the following addition be made to Mr Eeece'a motion:—"Provided that all those who held their land under the lease in perpe tuity' shall be required to pay such a sum as will equalise their payments with those who have held their land under the per petual lease." After several speakers had repeated arguments used on Friday, Mr Eeece made a vigorous reply. He said that he had been very much surprised at the turn the debate had taken. Delegates were under the impression that they were legislators, and not thab their duty was only to make suggestions for the guidance of legislators. The suppoitera of the motion did not wish to alter the law, they only desired to tack on to it the right of leaseholders to acquire the freehold. They wanted to encourage men who had gone on the land to stay on it. (Hear, hear.) Without the option of purchase of the freehold these lessees would always be subjected to the whims and caprices of whatever political party was in power. Soire delegates seemed to fear that the thin edge of the nationalisation wedge had I been introduced. As a matter of fact, the wedge had been driven half way, and would soon be driven right home if farmers did not wake up to their rights, and they , should recognise the power of the Union, which was not a local affair or one confined I to each island, but was wholly national. Sir John McKenzie—that apostle of the leasehold—had taken good care to settle his own sons on the: freehold. The amend ment was thrown out on the voices, and Mr "Recce's motion carried on division by 17 to 7.

Mr Leadley's motion " That in future all rebates under the Rent Eebate Act, 1900, should be abolished or made uniform " was adopted.

]ijr Lsadley also succeeded in carrying- a motion referring to the pnrchase of land by the Government for workers in congested districts

On the motion of Messrs Leadley and Eeece the following resolution, which they said was purely local in its nature, and re ferred to Lincoln College and Midland Railway endowments lands, was adopted:— " That all holders of land on lease in per petuity or perpetual lease have the right to purchase the freehold at any time after the improvement conditions have teen complied with either by immediate cash, payment, or payments extending over an indefinite time, reduction in rent to be made in proportion to such payments. No transfer to be registered unless such trans fer has attached a declaration by the pur chasers in terms of the Land Act and Lands for Settlements Act. All moneys received to be earmarked for the purpose of extending the land for settlement policy." The Minister for Lands visited the Con ference, and was given a hearty welcome. Mr Duncan was asked to speak upon the subject contained in the following motion moved by Mr Eeece:—" That the forfeiture of grants for roads for non-expenditure before the appearance of the Financial Statement be abolished, and that the Government be requested to give authority for grants for roads, bridges, etc., to be ex pended as soon as possible after the esti mates have passed the House of Eepresen tatives." The Minister said the ways and means for roads -and bridges amounted, perhaps, to only half of the rates on the estimates. (Mr Eeece—-Why rate it, sir ?) It was a mistake to expect that the money could be handed over as soon as it was voted. In Canterbury there were many settled districts which could not be con sidered to be in the same category of need as many parts of tha North Island*. Added to that was the consideration that in the early days of Canterbury there was plenty of money to spend upon roads and bridges. Some of the roads metalled in those days had not been used to this day. He agreed that it would be the best plan.only to put on the estimates the rates which could be met, When he took up his portfolio he went into a calculation as to the amount that would be required for roads and bridges, and told the Government that they would need a loan of two millions to be spread over a period of three years, to bring the roading of the country up to a proper condition, and give the back blocks a fair start. It was a question whether tha country would stand it. There was a con tin nous cry out about borrowing, and lie could not prevail upon the Government to go in for this. He would be quite satisfied to face the country on the question.

Mr Kirkbride's motion, already tele graphed, was substituted for that of Mr Eeece, and carried.

Qn Mr Leadley's motion, it vas decided that the Colonial Executive 1)e "instructed to prepare and issue a pamphlet settings forth the advantages to farmers of joining the Union,

Per Presa Association—By Eleetrie Telegraph. WELLINGTON July 7 The following are the seven planks adop ted as the Farmers* Union platform:—l. That grants for roads and bridges should not depend on the will of the Minister, but when voted by the House bhonld be applied to the particular work for which they were passed, and on no account be diverted or allowed to lapse; and they should be spent by the local bodies wherever possible. 2— That when rural Crown lands are thrown open for settlement, the provisions of the Laud Act should be carried out so that selectors may have their choice of tenure as provided for, viz: the purchase for cash of the lease with the option o£ purchase of the lease in perpetuity. 3—That all holders of land on lease in perpetuity or perpetual lease have the right to • purchase the free hold at any time after the improvements and conditions have been complied with, either by an immediate cash payment or? | payments extending Over; a» indefinite time. A reduction, in 'rent ' to' 'be,' mjitlo in proportion to ' su,ch.'. pay mfiit. No transfer to" be registered vfi les's .such transfer has attached a declara tion by the purchaser in. ter-tns of the Lanx^ Act and the La.n.d.9 for Settlement Act. 4 — That native lands which benefit from the; expenditure of apeoial an,d geuora^ jates

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, JULY 8, 1902



F. FERRIMAN. ' F.TEHRIMATS LICENSED LAND BROKER, LAND AND ESTATE AGENT, HAVELOCK STREET, ASHBURTON, HAS FOR SALE. The undermentioned Properties, full par ticulars of •which may be had on application:— THE UNDERSIGNED HAS IOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY. ASNTJG HOME, consisting of 60 Acres of Land, Sis-roomed House and tbuildings. The land is subdivided into paddocks, and is within easy distance ft school V. FEERIMAN, Land and Estate Agent, Ashburton. "~ _____ 2£ Aores Land, Belt Road, Allenton. l\/f RS Randall has instructed me" to ■* I Sell that very desirable residential site, situated in the Belt Road, within a few chains of the north-west corner of the Domain, containing 2£ acres, i Part of the land is laid out in garden and orchard, and the latter is well-stocked j ■with choice fruit trees. Other improvements consist of a stable and trap house. The property is for immediate sale and an early inspection is invited. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. Nelson Street, Hampstead. "Within a few chains of the School. MR T. G. HIGHT, in consequence of his having removed to Mangasturoa, in the North Island, has instructed me to effect an immediate sale of his property Bituated as above. It consists of a sub stantial Brick Dwelling containing four rooms, erected on a quarter-acre section. My instructions are to sell, and no reasonable offer will be refused. Immediate inspection is invited. Full particulars can be had on applica tion. F. FERRIMAN, ~~ FOR SALE A Complete Threshing Plant and Clover Shelter in good order. Full particulars may be had on applica tion to F. FEERIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. NORTH-EAST TOWN BELT, ASHBTJRTON. 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 4b per week. F. FERRIMA2T, Ashburton. SMITHFIELD. A SMALL DWELLING-HOUSE and J\ 5 Acres of Land within a very easy distance of the Factory. F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. TOWN SECTION 334, MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. /QUARTER- ACRE of ground, withHouee \rj of Four Rooms, Stable, and Orchard. F. FERSIMAN, Ashburton. Ii'JBJNKB6 NOTIONS hTgeesham. SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST. I By Examination, October, 1897. ; EIGHT years experience with E. G. and F. W. Gresham, Dentists, Dunedin and Invercargill. Has commenced practice in rooms j upstairs from the entrance to Thomas' Auction Rooms, Burnett Street. Stoppings in Gold, Amalgam, and Cement. Gold and Porcelain crowns made ; also sets, of teeth with Vulcanite and Porcelain gums. Gas administered. All work guaranteed. Hoxn&s of Attendance —9 a.m.—s p.m. 4 166 METHVEN COACH. T?B0M JULY Ist, 1902, till further uotie«. the Methven Coach will leave New man's itables, Ashburton, for Methven on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3.30 p.m., instead of 4 p.m. MRS DUFF, Proprietress. 1" ATEST Acetylene Gas, Oil, and Candle JLj Lamp 3, from 3s 6d to 17s 6d, at City Cycle Works. I Men's English and American BOOTS IHE "WATER KING." 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 at Lowest Prices NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory.



BJSTNFS* WOTTOBS J GREAT SALIToF BIKES. ONE MONTH ONLY. Wholesale Reductions in Every Department: IN Order to make room for New Goods, we are holding a One Month's Clearing Sale of Bicycles and Accessories at Great Reductions. Some of Our Special Lines and Prices :— Belle, various styles, from 6d upwards to 4s Repair Outfits 6d, 9d, and Is. ' Oil. Lamp or Lubricating 6d, 9d, and Is Oil Cans (all sorts) at 3d, 6d, 9d and Is Toe Clips—We have about 30 pairs left'and they must go. Various makes to choose from, prices 9d to 3s 6d. Lady's Skirt Clips (English make) 9d per pair. Trouser Clips--We have grosses of these from 2d per pair 1 Lucas' Candle Lamps at 10s 6d, usual price 123 6d Blumels Celluloid Mudguards 8s per pair (light as a feather) Hall Shone Mudguards, spring roller, 7s 6d per pair, very easily fitted. LOOK HF.RE : Cheap Bikes at Last: Special Line of 12 Atalanta Model 2 Bicycles. 5 Gents' Atalantas, Model 2—1902 parts, 7 Ladies' Atalantas, Model 2—1902 partß,' any size frame, handle bar, gear, rubber, or any size frame, handle bar, gear, &c.; latest rat-trap pedals, beautifully enamelled, and dress guards. A number of these machines plated and lined in gold and silver, usual are already in this district, and give com price £°0 plete satisfaction. Usual Price, £20, SAub' PRICE, £15 10a Gash. S• L. PRICE Osfc Just the machine for the hard working An ideal machine for Shop Assistants, j man, who likes to get home for'lunch. Dressmakers, etc., Easy Terms arranged if Easy Terms arranged if desired. desired, from 20s per month. All Machines Now on View at Zealandia Cycle Works, Burnett Street, Ashburton. W. Schwartz, Branch Manager. i f§ jZSSIJ +. ' HI ■• 1 I v N z ** co 1 I oca +« g ffj I . I >ff=x 3 O M a ft) t fWJ \Jl^^ C\ 1 •v V_ sg ess x r/ «&ji 1 1 *n *-* ■ t^ 1 BPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT \il R CHARLES CHAPMAN has been appointed Foreman of our 1 PAINTING DEPARTMENT, And we are prepared to execute SIGNWRITING, GRAINING, HOUSE-DECORATING, and PAINTING in all its Branches. A competent staff of Workmen are always ready to send'to any part of the Town and Country. Good Work and Satisfaction, cannot fail to result. SIGNWRITING A SPECIALTY Photo Muranese, Mirror, Kristelle, and Sheet Glass cut to any size required. . „ Orders Promptly Attended To. W. H. COLLINS & CO.. Painters, Glaziers, Signwriters, House Decorators, and Paperhangers. P.O. Box 35. Telephone No 14 MONSTER =CLEARING SALE.= Previous to Stocktaking. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY. Immense Reductions in Every Department. Ladies' Dress Goods Is, formerly Is lid per yard One Lot of Dress Garments half price Ladies' Fur Top Kid Gloves 2s lid, formerly 4s 6d 20 Ladies' Tan and leather Kid Gloves Is 9d, formerly 2s 6d Ladies' Stockings Is per pair Ladies' Corsets from Is lid, all sizes The Celebrated W. 8., all sizes, reduced Men's Hats Is each Men's Suits 23s 6d, formerly 31s 6d I Waterproof Coats 25s upwards , Ladies' Shoes from 5a 9d. Men's Boots 9s 6d, 11s 9d, 12s Gd Best Colonial White Blankets 17s 6d Best Eider Down Quilts from 18s lid Kapoo Quilts, full size, 10a each Dressmaking and Tailoring Prices strictly Moderate I ANDREW ORR. ' i,i,.| l , ll i lM |||iiiiiiiii|i| BM | l iiiiiimß^yiMt««j-»"iwrl^"»Ml'*-'iiii»iia«niMH lF M** SIGN WRITING. ■r HAVE secured the services o£« BRAD WELL as Si^n-writer, Gilder, etc. Mr Bradwell has been in the employ of Mr W, Se/, of Christchurch, as writer for the past twelve years. This branch of the business entrusted to me will receive ?ro»pt as hitherto. ■ j. wTTs ON, BORNETT STREET, Painter and Decorator. Direct importer- Wall Papers, Window Glass, Paints, Oils,