NEWS OF THE DAY.

During the past year it has cost the South Canterbury Hospital Board £666 to deal with cases of infectious diseaseIt is expected that the Ashburton urooilen mills, under the new proprietorship, will re-commence operations early next week. It, was incidentally stated at last night's meeting of the delegates to the Canal Conference that 1760 acres of the Sumner Estuary could be easily reclaimed and utilised. At a meeting of the Oxford Gun Club en Monday night, it waa decided to hold a pigeon "match on September 2nd, £40 being the prize money. Mr J. W. Cassio was appointed handkapper and referee. Good skating is now being enjoyed on the ice covering the ornamental waters in the Ashburton Domain. Several skaters bare had a few cold and involuntary baths, but as the frosts continue tbe ice is daily getting stronger. In this week's issue of "The Weekly Prw» and Referee" "Pentagraph" presents ihe first instalment of his carefully compiled ttatistics showing the winning sires, winning hones, and winning owners of the past season. Last week's competition of the North Canterbury Morris-tube Association retailed as follows: —Rangiora B (300) beat Oxford (285); Cust (326) beat Carleton (318). Rangiora A scored 309 against fToodend, but the latter retired from the Mjnpetition. The Ashburton We&leyan parsonage suffered damage to the extent of about £30 by a fire, which took place on Monday afternoon. Falling sparks from a chimney ignited the shingled roof, but the members « the Fire Brigade turned out quickly sad prevented any serious damage being done. A daring theft of a cash-box containing 646 was perpetrated at the premises of Hems Levin and Co., Nelson, on Monday evening between 5 and 7_o'clock, while the clerks were away at tea. The box had been ieft in a drawer, as the custodian intended Wturning to the place to do some work. Mr W. Schweigerhausen, who is travelling round the world with his bicycle, and who arrived in Ashburton on Sunday evening* gave one of his interesting lectures to a small audience on Monday evening, in the Templar Hall The Rev. E. Whitehouae occupied the chair. The Ashburton Charitable Aid Board has decided to light the newly-erected Old Men's Home at Ashburton with acetylene gas. The contract has been given to the New Zealand Acetylene Gas Company, of Dunedin. Arrangements are in progress for the opening of the Home, which is ex_>ected to take place during Coronation week. _The respect in which the late Mr Henry Mace was 'held was shown by the large attendance at bia funeral yesterday. Several telegrams of condolence were received by Mw Mace, and the wreaths and other floral tributes sent were very numerous. The in.terment took place at the Linwood Cemetery, the service being conducted by the Rev. f. R. Iniwood. Sor months ago a Workers' Co-operative owe was opened in Timaru, and on Mon<l«y night a meeting of directors was held, when a balance sheet was presented, showing that the Society had started with a capital of £60, and that at the end of the •« months a net profit of £65 had been toade on a turnover of £1100. It was decided to pay a bonus at the rate of 10 per «nt. per annum on purchases made by shareholders, and to give a bonus of 2_ per e*nt. on wages. At the meeting of the Ashburton waongh Council on Monday evening, Uonc_lor Reid moved, according to notice ""T** 4 .P rivat « billiard saloons be brought Woer the control of the Council." The *ohce Conmiissioner, Mr Tunbridge, in m annual report, complained that the «Huc_pal Corporations Act did not assist «c police in regard to these places. He W : Red) thought they should give the ?___ , .n* ?ei7 assistai J°e in their power, ww-wdior Davis seconded the motion. The »»JW «aW Councillor Reid deserved the *»« of the community for bringing this gWt forward. It should have been at- *»*<* to long ago. He would like to see jWWaon boawhng-houses inoluded in the —****■ Councillor Reid consented to this ••Moment, and the motion was carried. lAta recent general meeting of the Ash"Wwo Acclimatisation ■Society, the wh>le £*** rules were revised. One of the al- ]?*&«» made was to tbe effect that 10s should be issued to adults in the county. Strong exception was tfcfe ™"* fe y Bom ® nwoibers of the SoSg' *™ honorary secretary (Mr A. H. "2? has received the following letter !*_£ v? 8 ColoQißl Secretary, by which it 2* **j* n ' t^Bit the new rule is ultra |W— I am directed by the Colonial to inform you that licenses to <__ j_J_? ut in the Southern AcclinKbtisaESL*««sct, which includes the county .f can only be issued on payment !MJ» wans prescribed in tbe regulations Jet «_? v r the W***r*» Conservation mj£2r- & the Governor-in-Counei] - ■ 1892, and published in the 'Gazette,* No. 71, of SepJ?_Lf h^_ 1892 « P 3 *** 1259-60, namely, IgjV 6 years of age 10s.—Signed, H. S. Neil, gas engineer at Christm&m*. *"»*** to +,ne D "Star" as SSS*T. * wish to correct a statement |jg"*om the 'Evening Star" of the 14th to be an experience of gas HBttl^ 1 b ? y° ur wortI »V Mayor recently. His inforv te*foT "mom best known to himself, *lfc(!u^* yor * tissu «of inaxenracies 'W____T Wor^B - The report says that tflpj* D,tt n The secretary has no. *Wfc «k* l n > th * »»«gn-~*-» of the " 4<sft *° tbe manager with iW^J-f^ o™'0™' The »"«««« was enWOldP * tom P a »y , B representatives in and brought here to manJJJ"* Works, which he has done to of his employers for «ght &&* __f*r ayor is abo «***«* with "J™ » no in» engineer at. •* An 7 person having charge of ; Isjyjta^ b an annual output of ■^•<lif_hi_-ir C feet is by ooartesy entitled i^r B * elf aa engineer. In this case ,*W.__.wL U tn tiiat dfJji by title Istiiggnty from Dunedin wishes for inJ? Mir wk». it would be well «y seen Mr Neii ' B ,ett * r > t and m - v **&? is that the I % i **_iok B * lre m with the were received from a ? f &SL Irßroald like to knw what i self-made title, oris it an ex- *?*? *fe_*«_V dal y constituted institu**M*s « rtifi cated gu eng&. '* T? *** Zeftland."

At a meeting of master saddlers last night, it was decided to form a C»nterbury SaddSera* Association. The foKowing were appointed to _raft a report: —Messrs Moore, Denton, Robinson, Travis, and Small. The Takapuno, with tihe San Francisco mail aboard, arrived at Wellington at eleven o'clock last night, aud was expected to leave for Lyttelton with the Southern portion shortly after one o'clock this morning. A Press Assc<„a£«m telegram from Dunedin states that an engine and tender left the rails at the cattle yards inhere yesterday evening, but no serious damage was done beyond delaying the traffic a tittle. The Timaru Borough Council have passed a resolution urging the Government to give effect to the wish of the Municipal Conference to transfer the liability of providing for plague and other infectious diseases from Borough Councils to Hospital Boards. A delegate to the Canal Conference said last evening that he had been told by the captain of a steamer trading regularly to Lyttelton, that in ten years the present tunnel would be quite inadequate to meet the traffio demands that would then be made. The Coronation ball, which was to have been riven by the Mayor and Mrs Wigram, but which was postponed owing to the iUness of the King, will take place on the 15th prox. It is requested that those who received invitations before will intimate to Mrs Wigram whether they will be able to be present on the occasion. Mr E. Eldridge, the cyclist whose bicycle was run over and smashed by the Sydenham fire engine on Friday, wrote to the Council asking compensation. The letter was read on Monday night, and the Town Clerk stated that the reason why the engine had not been able to leave the cyclist more room to pass was that there was a coal cart in the way at the time. Under the circumstances he thought Mr Eldridge might have slackened pace and waited, before trying to pass, but he did not do so, and, matters were made worse by his wheel skidding. The accident was not due to the horses attached to the engine, as had been stated. The letter was referred to the Fire Prevention Committee to deal with. The Farm Committee of the Drainage Board paid a visit to the Sewage Farm yesterday. At a meeting of the Kaiapoi School Committee on Monday, the resignation of M. Drakeley, as a pupil teacher, was accepted. At the Rangiora Court yesterday, on the information of J. A- Blank, truant officer, C. Seed and A. Baker were each fined 2s and costs 7s for neglecting to send children regularly to school. On Monday tihe New Brighton Borough Council passed a resolution expressing regret at the loss of the late Cr. Thomson, and sympathy with his family in their bereavement. A rarmiisoence by Mr Justice Demniston, evoked by foreshore actions in Wellington —In the early days all the racecourses on the West Coa_t were below the high-water mark, and very good racecourses they were, too. The grandstand was a ship wrecked in the sand. On Monday a meeting, convened by the Mayor of Kaiapoi, of the committee appointed some weeks since to take up the question of technical and manual education, resolved that a committee of Messrs R. Moore, E. Feldwiclc, J. H. Blackwell, and J. L. Wilson take the matter in hand, and report at an early date. The carriage of coal on the WestportMokuhinui line for the three four weekly periods ending 21st June was as foUows: —From GranTtv, 62,244 tons 9cwt; from Denniston, 48,069 tons 4cwt; from Mokihinui, 1399 tons. Total, 111,712 tons .13 cwt. Writing on tho dd_Bculty of obtaining teachers for some of the country schools in Otago, the Southland "Daily News" says: — 'tho wontter is that, at the miserable pit tance offered, teaohers have been available so long; €hey certainly could have occupied their time more profitably to themselves with an axe or pick and shovel. Although the mildness of the weather at present'may cause the eharitably-incUned to think that the necessity for the distribution of coal and blankets to the needy in tbe city is not so great, the fact remains that the coal and blanket fund is in debit to the amount of between £16 and £20. In addition to the necessity for this amount to balance expenditure and receipts £30 is stiU required to make provision for necessitous and urgent cases. It is desired that further contributions to the fund should be forwarded as early as possible to the Mayor (Mr Henry F. Wigram), or the Town Clerk (Mr H. R. Smith). The City Council have had prepared, and are issuing a brochure giving information regarding the municipality of Christchurch. It has bSen neatly got up, and is of a convenient si_e for the pocket. In addition to tbe list of members of the council, the members of the various committees and tbe council officers, information is given regarding the indebtedness of the municipality, the rates levied, the representatives of the council on the various local bodies, particulars regarding the council's reserves, the Fire Brigade, and the Destructor, and other matters of interest. The brochure should prove very handy as a guide to municipal affairs. The Dunedin City Council has issued a similar guide for several years. Tbe Committee of the Christchurch Cy--cling Club met on Monday, Mr J. Boyd in tine chair. It was resolved to give £2 2s towards the expenses of the winner of tbe Dunlop Test Race to be held' .on August 3rd, from Timaru to Christchurch, who will represent this colony in the Warrnambool to Melbourne Road Race. It was decided to hold a run on Thursday to ride out and meet Mr Schweigershausen, the cyclist who as riding round the world. A letter was reoedved from the stating that he would arrive in about 4 p.m. The club run to meet Mr Schweigershausen will leave the olub house, Gloucester street, at 2.30 p.m. on Thursday. The date of the annual meeting was fixed for August 29th. The secretary reported that be had placed tbe names of the members whose subscriptions were not paid dn the •bands of the club's solicitor, to be sued for. Six new members were elected. With regard to the phenomenal outbreak of springs in various parts of New South Wales during the drought, Professor David, of the Sydney University, explains that it is due to the" fact that after long spells of drought water-bearing rocks become very much desiccated, so that they contract, and in the process of contraction cracks are formed, which admit of water, which was previous' hermetically sealed, finding an outlet for itself at the surface. The water coming from them, he states, misfht flow for wse-ks or months, but it was not likely they would prove such a lastinc source of supply as do artesian •wells, for if th© water was present in such a large volume, it would in all probability force n much bitrger outlet for itself. When rain comes the earth is soaked, and the cracks close again, so that the springs, he adds, cease to flow. The outbreak cf such spring) after a long drought are by no means rare, and the same phenomena were noticed in New Zealand during tbe very dry season a few years ago. The fifty-second half-yearly meeting of the Friends of Labour Loan and Investment Society was held at its office. 108 a Gtouoester street, on Monday evening. Mr T Gapes presided. The report and balance-sheet showed that the Society now numbered 163 menihers, with a capital of £3454. During tbe half-year £468 had been advanced in small loans to members. The amount of profit now on the books of the Sociefy was £208, and the committee recorttmended that a dividend, at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, should be declared, and added to members* stock. This would absorb £97, leaving £111 to carry forward. The report and balancesheet were adopted, and the following ofiicers were re-elected for the ensuing term: i y_ T x Gapes, chairman; Mr T. Jacobs, ! cashier:' Messrs T. M. Brown, W. Dutson. and R R- Tucker, committeemen; and Mawrs'G. S. Clark and.. B. R. Tucker, j auditors. I

i glass gilding and embossing, door tablets, window tickets, calico signs. Black, 165 Manchester street. Your patronage solicited. Estimates given.—Advt. The smallest things have brought fortunes to lucky inventors, see handbook on patents obtainable free by post from .Baldwin and Rayward, 172 Gloucester street, Christchurch. A. H. Hart, representative. (1) Some big business has been transacted at Dunstable House lately, and it might reasonably be supposed that BaUantyne and Co.'s stocks h»ve been drawn on to such an extent as to rob them of their usual completeness. BaUantyne and Co. desire therefore to state that such is not the case, and when announcing the sale they recognised that preparation and submission of their stocks in volume and quantity at all times was a first necessity to success right through the sale period. BaUantyne and Co.'s final sale circular is issued with this paper, and in a measure it is a repeat of their first sale announcement, at any rate it may be read as introductory to stocks in no sense inferior to those tabulated in BaUantyne and Co.'s first catalogue. The readjustment of stocks was completed last evening, and the sale wiU be resumed at 10 a.m. to-day, when full quantities of fresh, weU bought goods wiU be put forward. 9100 A little money wUI secure a complete outfit for yourself "and family at Beath's great clearance sale. Fur toques 10s 6d for Is lid, jackets 72s for 455, macs (half price) 8s lid, 12s 9d, 21s, corsets 4s 6d for 2s lid, trimmed hats 12s 6d for 3s lid, tunics 7s lid for 2s lid, silk ribbons 3s 6d for Is 9d for 6£d, fur necklets 5s lid for 3s lid, 15s 6d for lis 6d, lined kid gloves 2s 4£d, silk evening gloves 3s lid for Is lid, collarettes 2s lid for Is 9d, umbrellas 3s lid for 2s lid, new Swiss belts 2s lid for is 3d, blouse flannellettes Is 3d for Hid, prints 6id for 4|d, carpet squares 37s 6d for 28s 6d, quilts 3s lid for 2s lid, silks Is lid for Is. Beath's great sale.—(Advt.) The following are extracts ficm the numerous testimonials which have been it» ceived by tbe proprietor of Wilton's Hand Emollient:—"lt beautifies the hands."' " I always use it after washing." "It is the best thing I have ever tried." "It cured a bad case of chapped hands in one night." Try it at once, and don't be put off. Once used, always used. Price, Is 6d. Obtainable from chemists and storekeepers everywhere.—(Advt.) Star road racer—Very fast, easy-running bicycle, built up of all the latest patents. Specially made for fast riding over lough roads, adjustable handle-bars to suit the riders, 84 gear, 7-inch cranks, price £22. Easy terms arranged to suit customers. Call and inspect at Adams Star Cycle Cbmpany, 70 Manchester street and 198 Colombo street, near Cathedral. 7 Lamps— We hold a large stock of reading, hanging, and hand lamps, and we guarantee to sell cheaper than any other firm in Christchurch. Reading lamps from 3s 9d, hand lamps lid, ohimneys from 3d each, wicks from Id. Fletcher Bros., Importers of Lamps, Chimneyß, etc., High street, Christchurch.—(Advt.) Wanted Known—Best value given in town in wedding, keeper, and engagement rings, in watches, and all classes of jewellery. K. Grieshaber, manufacturing jeweller, 155 Colombo street. 7287 Consumption ia now attracting the attention of those outside the medical profession, who recognise the ravages it is making. Townend'* Cinnamon Cure is an old and proved remedy for this malady. Numbers of letters from people attacked rejoicing in their recovery prove this statement. Cinnamon Cure is the best known remedy for chronic coughs, bronchitis, and stubborn colds. 2s 6d everywhere.—(Advt.) Boyd and Son, Gloucester street, are devoting their large appliances and staff almost exclusively to bicycle repairs. Results, very best work at lowest prices.— (Advt.) Always weU ahead. We are now ready to supply the 1903 "Zeatandia" bicycles, fitted with every modern improvement, and can arrange the easiest possible terms to buyers. Oates, Lowry, and Co. Largest makers of cycles in New Zealand.—(Advt.) Repairs Cycles.—We are repairing cycles at 70 Manchester street, and l9eT Colombo Btreet, near Cathedral, Christchurch. Adams Star Cycle Company, Christchurch.—(Advt.) Worms undermine Children's Constitutions. Use Wade's Worm Figs, Is boxes. —(Advt.)