Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1895. LONGEVITY.

There are not wanting people who tell us that the older the world grows, the fewer become the instances of longevity among its inhabitants. The reason as signed for this is that the business of the world is driven at a far faster speed than of yore, and consequently more is taken out of a man in mental and physical wear and tear than was the case, say in the beginning of this century, in fact, less than thirty years ago. It is an old saying that it is the pace that kills, and another saying has it that work does not kill a man—it is i worry. Yet in modern times we have had remarkable instances of longevity in spite of both work and worry. Mr Gladstone is a splendid sample of this. Few men preserve their physical and mental powers as his have been pre served to the period of life he has reached, and the fact inspires the Westminister Gazette to recall other iustance* in modern times in which re markable vitality has preserved life far beyond the ordinary span. Thus Titian, who spent all his life about a Court, painted a fine pieties at the age of 96. At 99 he still retained his energy for work, and undertook a large' picture tor the Franciscans. Unfortunately, he diedof the plague in his hundredth year, or there ia no knowing what he might not ssill have achieved. Michael Angelo, too, the most distinguished scuptor of the modern world, was work ing away most energetically in his 88th year, Orebillon, the French darmatist, wrote hi» " LeTriumvirat" at the age of 81, and did not die till seven years after that. At the age of $3 Foltajre superintended ( the arrange ments for the performance pf his last tragedy, •" Irene." Frances Burney, tyadanje d'Arblay, <vaa writing aw&y briskly at the memoirs of her father jn nt*r SQth year, and she survived for eight year* »£ter that. Benjamin Franklin, the great American patriot, was in oiftce as President pf the State tf. Pennsylvania at tfoe age of §2. Ife was #n #14 man when the declaration of Independence wag signed, and he H»»de ft capital joke on fchat occasion. Someone having said to ,him, ''You know, Franklin, we must all bang to gether in this matter/ he instantane ously replied, •' ¥es, or we shall assuredly »U !»ng ««p»»tdyT' gutl

it is not necessary to go beyond Eng land for examples of longevity, com bined with the continuous exercise of the intellectual faculties. Her rick lived to be 83; old Tzaak Walton wrote his beautiful " Lives of Donne," "Wotton," etc., at a green old age, and died himself in 1683 at the aged of 90; and John, Evelyn, of "Dairy" fame, lived to bsß6. Sir Isaac Newton rendered active service to the Royal Society us its president when he was 83. Charles Macklin, the, dramatist and actor, author of " The Man of the World," lived to the patriarchal age of 107. Oolley Gibber, another well known dramatist and sometime Poet Laureate, lived to be 86 ; and two of the late poets laureate, Wordsworth and Tennyson were octogenarians, Joanna Bail lie, still another dramatist, was writing vigorously in her old age, and lived to her 89th year But if we wish to see what the intellectual facul tibs are capable of in the supposed " sere and yellow leaf," we need only turn to the works of that master of fine, nervoua English, Walter Savage Landor. Five scenes, or dialogues, being the last " Imaginary Conversa tions " written by the poet, were pro duced between his 88th and 89th year; and one or two, at least, are worthy of their predecessors. Exceptional, in deed, and very wonderful was the lot of Landor, who carried the weight of 90 years with little loss of in tellectual power, and that after much self-achieved greatness and self-inflicted misery. The patriarchal poet so weakened himself by abstaining from food that death probably came at last earlier than it need have done. The celebrated Lord Lyndhurst, who was thrice Lord Chancellor of England, was threatened with blindness after he became an octogenarian, Like Mr Gladstone, he successfully underwent an operation for cataract, only in this case the courageous old man was ninety years of age, and he spoke in the House of Lords afterwards. M. Jules S'mon, the eminent French statesman, is another octogenarian who underwent an operation for cataract. The great and versatile Lord Brougham entered into debate long after he was eighty, and wrote more than one work after he was eighty-three. Victor Hugo, the illustrious, was in literary harness to the last; John Barnett, the com poser, was vigorous at eighty-seven; and George Bancroft, the historian, took horse exercise at ninety. The world but lately has some living examples of marvellous vitality. General Neal Dow has just celebrated his ninety-first birthday. Another eminent American, Dr Oliver Wendell Holmes, was born in the same year as Mr Gladstone, and was proud of the fact. In England we have the truly surprising case of George Miiller, the founder of the Orphan Homes at Bristol. He is now in his 90th year, hale and hearty, and since ho was eighty he has twice gone as far as the Antipodes. Earl Grey is still a sleepless political critic at the pro* arising age of ninety-one, while Mr 0. P. ViHiers, the gi-eat freetrader, and the "father of the House of Commons," is still t»ble to attend in Parliament at the age of 93. Arch deacon Denison, Mr Gladstone's old antagonist, is still hale and vigorous in his 90th year; and we may recall an interesting fact connected with the late Sir Harry V"erney, that at 90 years of age he ran a race with a num ber of men all upwards of 70 years of age, and came off the victor. These are not all the memorable examples of longevity, but they include the best known names, and gathered, as they are, from different classes, they testify comprehensively to the frequent union of old age with great mental activity. The moral to be deduced from these illustrations of longevity appears to be that the number of a man's years does not signify his real age. Some men are older at 40 than others at 80. The secret of the happy octogenarian was divulged by Lord Palmerston, himself an octogenarian, when he said that there was no care, no anxiety, and no business of State which he could not lay down at will when he took off his coat at night in order to prepare for rest. Worry frequently kills; work, very seldom.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ten gas companies had in 1865 a mono poly of the lighting of Paris.

One English firm made, in one year, 150,000 corckscrews from a curious auto matic machine, which discharged afinished corkscrew in about 30 seconds.

The King of Italy will never be at a loss for a good cigar. Every year he receives a present of 10,000 picked Virginias from the Emper >r of Austria.

One reason for the beauty of Japanese sewing, fancy work, and embroidery is that it is all done by professionals, Women have little use for needles, and spend their leisure time in gardening.

That a steel ahavlng 450 ft in length could be cut and preserved intact seem incredible. But such a one is now said to be hanging in the Torpedo Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, <tnd has been viewed by thousands of people.

It has been estimated that 40 new words are addel annually to the 4 merican slang vocabulary, five or six of which survive several years, and one or two become incorporated into the dictionaries. It is a singular fact that most of theso words never entee Canada,

The Committee of the Chamber of Com merce at Danedin has forwarded a letter to the Premier respectfully protesting against the new income tax form, on the following grounds :— 1. The amount of labour re quited and the consequent expense in com piling returns. 2, The inquisitorial nature of much of the information required, and the danger of confidential information leak ing out through the returns passing through numerous hands. The Committee suggest that the incoma tax should be assessed, on a three years' basis, as in England**

Early last year the Kaiapoi School Com mittee expended £25 from the Incidental Fund towards the purchase of a piano for teaching music. J?bjr some years prior to thfs'the instrument used was lent by the headmaster, and had necessarily become the worse for wear. At the last two audits theßoardof Education auditor has objected to th'S expenditure, and the Board ha * called on fhe Committee to explain or »#fund, or tp expect a reduction in the future grants. The existing Committee has decided tp reply that on a repent ruling it is not responsible for the work of a previous Committee; also, that if the Committee which caused the instrument; to foe bought had done an illegal act, fche Board could not set off another illegal act in shortening the incidental grants, There will MO doubfe t»0 |u,f|her develop.

Cigarette-makerd' era nap, so well known in the tobacco manufactories of Spain, has recently made its appearance in the French State factories. It is preceded by a dull pain, which is now and then acute. The Spanish women employed in making cigarettes uae their hands merely, the French women use machines.

'Just to show you how those Chinamen fight.,' cays Mr Frederick Vil'iers, the war correspondent, 'at Por* Arthur 'hey had six different styles <>f rifles, and of course, six different kinds of ammunition When the Japanese,came upon them they got those arms and ammunition so badly jumbled up that their guns were as harm less as walking sticks.'

The Wellington Branch of the Medical Association has passed a vota of thinks to the Government for its forethought in introducing a supply of anti-toxin, which came just in time to meet an outbreak of diphtheria at the Hutt and Petone, The doctors say it has already been the means, of saving several lives, which otherwise would almost certainly have been lost.

At a well attended committee meeting of the Ariel Bicycle Club—Mr D. Ztnder in the chair—it was decided that the road race for Mr E. Gates' prise, shall be held on May 24 (Queen's Birthday) at 11 a,m. ; the course to be from Tinwald Hotel to Lagmhor gate and back, The ci mraittee expect a large number of entries, the roads being in excellent order for racing, and the day a public holiday. Entries close with the secretary, Mr John Wilson, on Tuesday 22nd insfa.

The adjourned meeting of members of the Ruapuna Public Library was held in the schoolroom last Friday evening. There was a good attendance, Mr F S Cordeaux occupying the chair. A letter was read from Mr J. Marsden, Ashbnrton. offering to supply books at greatly reduced prices. It was resolved to write to Messrs Simpson and Williams, Fountain Barber, and J. Marsden, seeking catalogues of books; also to Mr G, Hcgben, Tiraaru, enquiring what was the list, of bocks pre scribed by the Australasian Home Read ing Society for reading this year ; and to Mr F.H. Steel, of Ashburtoa, who kindly promised to present the Kingsley Club with a book oa Africa, if they should form a library. After electing MrE. J. Hall Treasurer and Mr H. Rayner Librarian the meeting adjourned. ,

The death, at the ripe age of 91, of Lady Gobs, the relict of Sir John Goss, the celebrated composer, is announced in England. Lady Goss was a girl of 15 at the time of the battle of Waterloo, and she remembered witnessing from a balcony in a street in London the return of the guards with the Duke of Wellington, the Emperor of Russia and Blucher. She was always delighted to add, *• As I waved my handkerchief, Blucher kissed his hand to me." She was present at the opening of the first Parliament of Qaeen Victoria, and, she used to say that she * was the first to handle the pen with which the young Queen on another occasion had signed herself " Victoria R." Her lasb request was that her love letters, which she had carefully tied in a bundle, should be placed in her coffin. The first was written when Sir John Goss was a boy of sixteen, and was thus seventy-nine years old.

The weekly meeting of the Ruapuna Kingsley Club was held in the schoolroom last Friday evening. Mr James Cree oc cupied the cbair. There was » large attendance. Officers of the Club were elected as follows :— President, Mr F. S.

Cordeaux ; Ylca-Presidents, Messrs E. J

Hall and E Taylor ; Secretary, Mr G. Whitelaw ; Treasnrer. Mr R. Bennett;

Committee, Messrs John Allan, .lames

Cree and W. G. Doyle. Two new rules were passed, allowing visitors to speak, ■but limiting voting to members only. The subject of debite w*s "la Prohibi tion desirable V Messrs John Allan, W. G-. Doyle and Mr Allan, (sen.) speaking on the afti mifcive side, and Messrs G. White law, .tames Doyle, J. G. Whitelaw, contra. The voting resulted in seven votes for and savea against. The Chairman gave his casting vote against Prohibition. It was resolved chat a draught tournament should be held among the members next Friday evening. The nsual social honr followed, and the National Anthem brought an enjoyable evening to a close. A new way of preparing whe"»t for human food has been discovered by in ingenious Colorado man. He buys the best selected whe*t. washes it by means of a rocker, similar to thit in washing out gold from sand, which pernuts the p^rfact and heavy grain* to sink to the bottom, while ihe chaff floats off. The grain is

then thoroughly steamed, salt being added

during this process. The grain comes from this process shed of its outer hu k, but containing all the nutriment of the gelatinous covering. The kernels are now fed through' a hopper int^ a machine, by which they are longitudinally cut into long shreds or threads, the finished products reminding one somewhat of excelsior, used in stu fling cushions. The shreied wheat is now cut into small sections, slightly baked In a quick oven, and with or without milk or, butter forms the moat delicious diet. It contains every particle of the food elements that are in the wheat grain, but in such a fo»m as to be both platable and digestible. The other cereals can be treated by the same process. Theproprietor has built up a largebusin^ss at Pueblo and Denver, selling this stuff to families and also in his restaurant. It is now proposed to push the sales of these machines and their products throughout the cities of the country.

The Winton Murder Case.

Invercargtll, May 14

The inquest waa formally opened this afternoon on the bodies found at Dean's, and adjourned till the 27th inst. on the application of the police.

ROAD BOARDS.

MOUMT MUTT.

The firsb meeting of the new Board was held on May 9. Present—Messrs Morg*Pf Browne, Cameron, and Drummond. Mr Morgan was elected chaiiman for the ensuing year. It was decided to place £500 on deposit for three months, the Chainnin to make enquiries as to rate of interest obtainable. A^viqe was received of payment of thirds by the Land Board, and of rent of office as a Magistrate's Court by the Treasury. Quotations of poisoned grain were received from Mr Brooke and the Ashbur'on Prug Com pany. The .Asbburton County Council advised that £50 had been allotted to the Board for poisoned grain. It wan resolved to ask if a portion of the sum might be devoted to the purchase of birds during the winter. Th« Clerk was instructed to find out what titles were required by the Board, and to take steps to obtain them. Mr C^uinn's tender of £15 for making fords was accepted. Accounts to the amount of £17 Sa Sd wort pwied for

Human SKeletons.

There is a chemist (writes a London | Evening News contributor) in a back street in the dense East End of London ; who earns a very ample living by mounting and disposing of human skeletons, in the preparation • of which he is reckoned something of an artist. Upon a hint I, along with a medical introducer, interviewed the old gentle man, for a man well stricken in years is he. I needed an introduction of a special kind, for the trade is kept as secret as possible. There is nothing whatever in the aspect of the exterior of his place of business to lead anyone to guess at the gruesome occupation of the inmate, and it is much to be doubted whether even the humble neighbors packed about in the vicinity know n hat is the specialty of the quiet old chemtnt. Mayhap they do marvel somewhat when they see a great succession of oblong boxes of about the flams size passing to and fro when there is a brisk demand in the skeleton market, .lilt their curiosity is evidan ly not obtrusive.

It is not often that a man's outward appearance is in keeping with the article which he Bells, but in this case I am bound to say that M——, the human bone merchant, does rather suggest the commodity in which he deals. A little, lean, pale, bald man is he, with intensely black, beady eyes, shaggy, penthouse brows, and high cheek bones. Yet, though surrounded by hii life-size—or rather death-size— wares, he seems cheerful, and not, on the whole, uncommunicative. FIVC THOUSAND SKELETONS. ! "Between 5000 and 6000 skeletons altogether have passed through my' hands," he says, " and a very great deal of difference there is between them as to shape, appearance, and quality, though most people, when they see one, do not linger over it sufficiently long to discriminate. Step into this back room here. It is said that every man has a skeleton in his cupboard, but I have an extra lot in mine."

On each of three sides of the dingy back parlor was huge glass cases, such as one sees at museums, and in these were many full-sized skeletons, the dismal collection looking horribly grotesque from the difference of atti tude, each specimen had been made to assume, and hung and arranged about them were many portions of the frame work of poor humanity, The whole place was a veritable charnel-house, old bones lying about on the large table in the centre of the room, and occasional skulls in a high state of polish grinning with dreadful fixedness from shell and mantelpiece.

" I have not as many as usual in stook just now," said the presiding ghoul, as I could not help christening him, for a sort of shudder of re pulsion went through me as I looked

around. "I sold two to a museum last week. But I have one or two in my private snuggery upstairs that are favorites of mine, and that it would take much to persuade me out of. My workroom is upstairs, but that I have

never allowed anyone to inspect during the forty years I have been in the business, save, of course, my son, who helps me in the shop here.

" The skeleton I am operating on just, now I imported from France.

The French send about the best skeltons 1 can get. They macerate the bones with muriatic acid and get a high degree of po^h on them, and thus jthey are far more valuable than

I the German and English articles, the bone 3of which are hastily boiled, and come up rough and discoloured. ARTICULATING A SKELETON.

" Your medical friend is good enough to pay me a compliment. Well, lam reckoned good at articulating a skele ton, and I daresay there are few men who can tarn out one so well as I can. 1 Can I tell the race to which the skeleton belongs?' you ask. Well, scarcely that always, though I can infallibly tell a negro by the aperture in the skull once covered by the nose. "As to my customers, they cover a wide range, though you will think it strange to hear that. Doctors, medical students, museum committees, and showmen are my chief customers, and I do splendid business with medi cal botanists and quacks of all kinds who want, in connection with their • consulting rooms,'to create a strong impression on their customers. I have had scores of prirate customers, though, who were either eccentric

people who bought a skeleton for a

1 fad, 1 or who were of % grimly facetious turn of mind, Artists, too, have often bought them off me, no doubt for the purpose ofs(udy.

** I remember one individual, who hailed from not many miles from Bir mingham, who bought a perfect little collection from me, and Jie never, even when natural curiosity tempted me to ' pump' him, gave me the slightest idea as to his object—a rather unusual thing in my business. He seemed to me to be the aane9t of the sane in his general speech and bearing; but I subsequently heard from his relations who had found my invoice of the goods —that he had surrounded his bedroom in orderly fashion, with skulls and cross-bones, and skeletons id grotesque attitudes. Each post of his bed was surmounted by a grinning skull, and close to one aide of the bed was a huge skeleton wi'h arms outstretched. From the roof hung a lamp formed of a skull.

"Life of cultured ease! Shortly after fitting up this extraordinary sleeping chamber he was placed in con finement by his relations, but he soon recovered, and now lives a life of cultured ease. I have had several lady customers almost as strange as he was.

111 supply the lodges of a certain secret society—non political in its aims —with skeletons, but these are usually artificial ones (which I have also, for many years, been making), made of papier-mache and covered w|th a white polish of ray own invention. The skeletons are used in the ceremonials of the society, and yery ghastly-looking things they are. The price of these artificial articles is from £3 10a to £5, whereas the genuine articles cost from £6 to £10, according to the hardness and whiteness of the bone, and the method in which they are: manipu lated, i

" Ab to our sources of supply, I do aot fal etlUd upon to wf muob, J

get a good many of the skeletons from abroad—from Hamburg and from France, and—well, I might as well say it at once—l have had a good many that have never been out of England, i Mfdical men and officers abroad hive often sent me abnormal skeletons of men of various races, and the carriers of most of these consignments by no means know what they are conveying." With a feeling akin to intense relief did the writer leave the gloomy sur roundings and suggestions of that lugubrious Bast End shop, the last communication relating to the business carried on there being made by my medical companion, who informed me that the old deafer in" skeletons was reputed to have amassed a fortune.

The Attorney-General.

Auckland, May 14 Th Hon Sir P. Buckley, the Attorney- General, arrived from Botorua by train, after having spent a couple of week* at the Sanatorium, taking a course of baths. Sir Patrick was suffsrlng from rheu* matiem, of which, however, he has been completely cured. On his way down bf train he received a telegram, ab Mercer, from the Premier requesting him to ace his Excellency the Governor on certain matter?. Sir Patrick has also some de partmental matters to rttend to« , An influential deputation waited on Sl* P. Buckley this morning with nfenooe to the Wednesday half-holiday. The deputation was introduced by Mr Barton, M.H.R. Messrs Wood and O«r having represented to the Attorney-General the great hardship suffered by tradesmen under the Act, Sir P. Buekley was asked to use his influence with the Government in the direction of staying proceeding* against those who open on Saturday after* noons. Several members of the deputa tion having spoken, Sir Patrick, in hie reply, stated that it was not the desire of the Government to injure any man or body of tradesmen, but it was his duty to see the law carried our. He would at one* communicate with the Premier and the V Minister for Labour the facts as broueht

before his notice by the deputation. The deputation expressed thanks to Sir Patrick for the way he had received them and withdrew.

The Gourlay-Stokes Comedy Company.

"BRTIU."

There was a good house at the Odd fellows' Hall last night to welcome the Gourlay-Stokes Company on their first uppearance in Ashburton. The company aim at providing laughter provoking enter tainment, and in " Revels " they succeed amazingly. Of plot there ia bat the merest hint, if any, in the piece, but of fun and comic situation it is full. Mr William Oourlay and his sister Amy bear the brunt of the battle, and have all the hard work to do, while a most amusing yet difficult part falls to the lot of Mr Leonard Preston, " Theodore Fatmahn," the and* with a weak chest and pedigree dating; back to William the Conqueror. Mr Walter Bayly is the old uncle of the piece, and his daughter "Daisy." who greatly helps on the fan, is played by Miss Minnie Gfoldle. The unole baa a great objection to "Tommy Shakespeare" (Mr William Gourlay) as a suitor for the hand of either his daughter or his neioe (Miss Amy Gourlay i and out of this many ridiculously funny situations arise. Miss Gourlay appears in *' rational" ccsfcume— knickers as ample in circumference as a deerstalker's, a smart little coat with no skirt to speak of, a broad belt with dauble serpent buckle doing doty as vast, tie, collar, and shirt front galore, with a dainty potai about the size of a wren's nest, poised on her shapely head and covering but scantily a wealth of golden hair, while her nimble feet were encased in natty boots above which an embroidered silk stockinged calf was shyly shown. The whole woman could have been Msilw lucked under an average man's arm,' and might be aptly described as a pocket edi •ion, with variations, of the genus dude, without the inanity and stupidity of the lamer volume. Miss Gourlay is the life and soul of the piece, sings well, aad when she has got rid of the cold from whleh she in suffering, will sing doubtless very much better, dances divinely, is ah excellent mimic, asd altogether a most nntertaining actress. Her brother is a born comedian. He has the best voice of the company, and Is the best) dancer, while his comic Binging nukes him a hist in himself. He sang three coster songs ia succession, the laso two in response to vociferous encores, and few in the audi ence, we are sure, had heard "'E donno were 'c are," "The little nipper," or "Never iuterdooce yer donah to a pal," as Willie Gourky Bang them on Tuesday night. As a dancer he seems to be v elastic as a bouncing ball and M) nimble as a whipping top, while as a burlesque* character he is Immense, The burlecqu* on the duel scene in the "Conioaa brothers " which he took pars in with Mr Leonard Preston was a most laughable item, to which, however, In Us own" way, Mr Preston quite as largely contributed. The dude character of the latter gentle man requires the maintenance of a falsetto tone of voice all through the performance, and he was the source of prodigious laughter throughout. To-sjghfe a triple bill will be presented—three short lively pieces, equally full of fan with " Revels," and we trust to see a bumper house to enjoy the laughter which this talented company never fall to provoke.

John T. Maston.

(Extract from "The Spectator" April so, iSgsl*

John T. Matson is dead, and Canterbury has lost one of its warmest friends. First a New Zealander, perhaps may be said of him ; but certainly next in his heart oame the province with which hew the very early days the name of Matwn hat beeft associated. There was nothing email about John T. Matson, nothing mean, nothing selfish. Had he been even principally in* tent on his own welfare, leu determined to advance the province, and lets willing to help others, he probably had lived longer, and certainly had'died richer. In the Wess Coast Railway straggle, his voice, his parse, his offices, his clerks—everything that ooul4 help Canterbury—were freely given. In

politics, so far as they affected the commer* cial prosperity of the colony, he took an. active part, as Sir Julius Vogel—whom hft

made a warm friend—the Hon. Mr Seddon, and the Hob* Mr Beeves can testify. In* deed, to him far more than to family in* fluence, natural talent, or even the influence of two papers at his back, the Hon. W. P. Reeves owes his entry into public life* The colony and the province have now to regret this large-hearted active man; so also, have many individuals who, by the help—ample and prompt—which he has given them * time of need, have been saved from ruin, and enabled to work on to prosperity. A good citizen, a good father, the best wish we oaa express for Canterbury is that the owned many more like him.

TBBASHBDRTON aUAEDIAN: WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1896.



r*v sinews NoticfjS ST^ ; " ' ' —'— :o:— — ISO MONET. NO MONEY. ■■" «v« . "! . ■ TT is almost impossible to give things aw*y, but never mind, coma and try G. J. NEILL FOR DRiPERY, CIiOTfiHSTG, & BOOTS. Make no error ; he is cheaper than any other in Canterbury. o ■ Dress Goods 4U Double Width Dress Goods Is 6d now Is White Calico, Is lid drzen Double Bed white Twill Sheeting, 9|d FlaonellettM 2s lid dozen Haids, BJd and 6£d Towels. 2M each Cretonne 3»d Blankets Blankets. Double Bed Colonial All Wool flannel, white, grey, and pink, Blankets 25s 6d, reduced to 18s 6d BJd Ladies' and Children's Ulsters and Jackets Corsets, Corsets Millnery at your own price Ladies Stockings 6d Men's Tweed Suit, 18s 6d Colonial Heavy Jweed Suite, 32s 6d, re- Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers, (all wool) duoed to 21s 6d. 135 8(1 Men's Tweed Trousers, 6s lid Men's Tweed Overes»tawith Capes, 18a 6d Boys' Suits, 3s lid • . Boys Caps, 6d each B«*s, Shirts, and Hats, at your own pnce BOOTS! BOOTS. The maker of onr Boots guarantees satisfaction, or he will replace them. Men's Bluchers, 4a lid Men's Balmorals, 7b 6d Children's Strong Leather Boots from Women s Strong Leather Boots, 58 lid 3s lid, this la no rubbish Women's Strap Shoes from 4a lid Women's Carpet Slippers, Is 3d. ____^ \_, G iTiiEILL PBIED LAN BE B'S COR N. ER, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON. Aeenfc for Yarmouth OH Skins.



FLETCHER BROS. A RE JUST LANDING THE FOLLOWING GOODS FOR COMING SEASON, 100 CASES WHITE ROSE KERO- 50 CASES « LIGHT OF THE AGE » SENB, 150 per cent Test. KEROSENE, 150 per cent Test. These two brands of Kerosene are the Safest and Best Light-giving Oils Procurable. 5 Tons Moir's New Oatmeal 5 Owt Oatina or Rolled Oats in Packets 5 Cwt Germina and Bags | Ton Golden Syrup in 561b tins £ Ton Black Treacle in 561b tins g Cases,, „ „ 281b „ 1 Oases „ „ „ 281b „ 8 „ „ „ „ Ulb » 2 „ „ „ „ Hlb „ .5 „. „ » » m•• 5 „ „ » » 71b „ 5 „ ; , -t >. 4lb » 5 » » » » ilh " 5 „ „  „ 21b „ 5 „ „ .„ „ 21b „ 2 Ton Wheattueal SUGAR. SUGAR. SUGAR. VV«liaveiust made a contract with the Auckland Sugar Befining Com pany to be supplied with their finest No 1 Sufsjar at a greatly Reduced Rate. Enquire our price before going elsewhere. Dairy Salt. Dairy Salt. We have just received a Consignment of the Finest Refined Dairy Salt. - f I Tons Fine Salt in lowt bags^ 2 Tons Fine S^lt in, 561b bags 1 ■„■■ „ n 14"> » 2» ' » » ?lb " JUST ARRIVED—A Splendid Line of Hudson's Water Biscuits in 41b tins to be cleared at Is 7d per tin. lins Free. FLETCHER BROS., (USH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON AND CHBISTOHL BOH.



— IMP OUT ANT.— TH X OORNBB-Has the pleasure to intimate that ifc is to-d*y prepared in all departments with everything New for Autumn and Winter wear. Great show of New Winter Dress Materials.^ No lady visiting ou tirresu *nd Millinery Department can posaibly be disappointed. M KLTON OIX)T H , especially suitable fw children's dresscjs, 11 3d per yd HT3A.VY DIAGONAL SERGES, Very Strong Is 6d per yd ALL VVOOL DIAGONAL SERGES, in All Colors Is Hd per yd ALL WOOL FANCY SERGES, guaranteed fast colors 2s 9d per yd TBIMMINGS IN BEVEBS, JEI^GIMPd, BRAIDS, IN ALL COLORS, —MILLINERY DEPARTMENT- W«*t««x)W shoWhiß the Newest Styles in Jackets, Waterproofs, Tunics, Hate, trimmed and wafcrimraed, Corsets, Underetothing, etc. BLANKETS. BLANICETS. Best Value in tl*e County, Colonial Flannels in all Colors, B|d, Linoleums, Oilcloths, a New Stock Just Arrived, . —CLOTHING DE?AETMENT— Men's Youths' and Boys* Colonial Tweed Suits at Astonishingly Low Prices ' ' Boys' Serge Varsity Caps Os 6d j Boys' Plush Varsity Caps Is Od i Boys' Serge Sailor Caps Is Od Youths' Tweed 3vercoats with Capes 8s JW. I mvm< COVERT COATS, AND OVERCOATS, MADE fO OKDER ! I —BOOT DEPARTMENT— Boota, Show *«d Blippewi for Men, Women, and Children, mt pri«e* tihat mill astonish you. - W, E GOLLIIK, THE *'CORNER" j



Wanted Dr. de Blinlco—May SS4. 1 11 H E second heat for Mr W. G. 1 Murray's Trophy will be sailed on Thursday, the ltkh, start two p.m. 5 130 /LARSON AND GO'S Stocktaking Sale Now on. Groceries, Ironmongery, Brushware, Glass and China, at very low prices for cash. 5 129 "V7"OUNG Ladies' Journals for May, _L Weldon's Ladies' Journal for April. Children's Bazaar. New Books and Magazines now in.—H. M Jones. TDOTAToES, Potatoes. Finest Blue _L Derwent Potatoes 3s 6d per big or two bags for6<6'd. Delivered anywhere within the Belt, Finest Separator Batter lid per lb,—Fletcher Bros , Ashburton BACON, BACON. Grain and Pea fed at Factory prices. Finest Smoked Pale Hams 7£d per lb, Finest Smoked Pale Sides and Rolls 6sd per lb. Finest Factory Cheese 6d per lb. Note address —Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply i Stores, Ashburton. BOOKS.— My Shop will be Closed op on Saturday night, Jane 1. Be In time for extraordinary cheap bargains*— John Marsden, Tancred Street. ALL Accounts Owing to Joseph Taylor, East street, Ashburton, mast be paid on or before Monday, May 20, or will be sued for without farther notice. All goods will be sold for Cash Only from this date. 5 99 WANTED Known, that the crockery and earthenware business of the late W. J, Hampton, East street, will be carried on by Mrs Hampton in Burnett street, opposite the Club. 5 24 ,—■ , " ' I. ■ — ALL persons owing Accounts to the late W. J. Hampton, furniture dealer of East street, are requested to pay same at once to Mrs Hampton, Burnett street. 5 25 BICYCLES.— Orders now being booked for our next shipment Cushions, £10; 95 Dunlop Tyres, £16.—Carson and Co. 5 4 {CHOICE New Season Frait. Grapes, V^ Peaches, Pines, Plums, Bananas, Apples, Apricots, and Tomatoes ; the bast in town.— Adams, Sounders' Buildings. /CHOICE FKUlTd.—Peaches, bananasj V«s granges, lemons and tomatoes, at H. A. Flower, Fruiter and Confectioner, East street. TOTANTErHKNOWN.— Warm carpec ** slippers for Winter wear, girls 9d, Is, women's Is 9i.—W. H. Collier, 4 The Corner." WA NTKLJ- Everyone to visit our Large Show Room now replete with new styles for the season.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED KNOWN. —The celebrated Yarmouth Oilskins can be ob tained at W. H Collier, " The Corner." OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, tfuslins, Flannelettes, Trimming1 ', etc., at Mrs Alcorn's new shop, Baker's Buildings. C£.SH, CASH. Drapery, Boots, Cloth ing, etc. New Goods just opened. Everything reduced for Cash.~H. C. Segers, Melford House. I F. ANDREWKS & CO.—Sale now *~^t on of Surplus Stock of Fancy Goods, Toys, Books, Stationery and Account Books, and all a*; greatly reduced prices for cash, at L. F. Andkbwrs & Co. WANTED Known — Great Bargains are now being given for Cash in all departments, Bnfcre laying oat your money for Drapery, Boots, etc , give us a call.—H. C. Segers, Melford House* WANTED Known.-r-Lowest possible prices for Men's Knit Under clothing, Shirts, and Heavy Boots.— Mitchell and Turner. NOTICE! Notice Sport for all Guns let out on hire or sold on time payments. Hiving a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns ot any description. Gun fittings in Btock. Prices low.—J. W Hardley, Ironmoneer, etc OY*S and Girls Own Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Infant's Magazine, The Prize, Child's Companion, Children's Friend, Little Dot, Family Friend, Band of Hope, Young England, and other New Books at Lowest Prices.—■ L. F. Andrbwes and Co. 11 98 BANG! Bang i Bang ! My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Glut) Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardlby's, Gan Emporium /"IHRISTMAS Presents, Choice Onla ys/ ments, Zithers and Jew's Harps, Balls and Dolls for everybody from Id each j Jointed Dolls for 6d, Sleeping Beauties Is, Chinese Conquerors 6d, Russian Embassies Is, Walking Men, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Ennia killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mrs Alcorn's Ladies-' Underclothing and Fancy Basaar, Havelock tf.reet. f^\ UNS ! Guns i Guns J My new stock vJT of Gunsj nst to hand direct from , the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old stock to select ' from at J. W. Hardley's Sporting Repository WANTED Known — Mrs Hooper (monthly nurse) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hooper, Alford Foreet Road, Ashbarton, ■ 11*134 . WANTED Known—That if you_ are in want of a first) class article in sum mer Boots and Shoes, you cannot do fefljtfcer than call at J. Moison s; you will get iko Fery best at reduced prices. As for hia own J»ske, they are well known to the delight of the yearers, throughout the Australasian colonies. Eepsjrs well done and at once Premier Boot Make*, Town Ha 1 Boot Store E-*Bfc street, Ashburton WANTED Known—We are reducing {fee whole of our Drapery, Boots, Clothing, etc, Fop Cash. New Dresses, New Jackets, New Hats.^tc., will all be reduced.—H. 0. Segeks, Melford House. W~ ANTED KNOWN. —¥. S JeiFFRJES, leading Confectioner and Fruiterer of Ashburton, East Street, next the Cornel?, fee Creams, Fresh Fruits, Confectionery, SawwpF drinks of every description. Ice at reasonable rates. Ladies Room a specialty. l^l^J ROBERT ALCOEN has opened in Baker's Buildings, »e*t tfte Court house, with a «tock of Giotfawg, *t#., bought at Bdw&rdfl, Bennetts a»d tfre Kaiapoi Sales, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashborton, Algo an assortment of Boots. , \T7 ANTED.—IOOO Men to look at the { W <okeap Drapery from Australia. | At Udboaavd pti&s. M The Blue House " is tfit> place to get it, »t tjie Corner of Arcide, and doa't yoo 'orget it, 4 24fr



Wanted. WANTED Known—Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical Hoe at S. SiLEK's, Optician. '



SPECIAL NOTICE,—Suits au«i ssiugle Garments made to measure. Fit and style with prices to suit the times. Large purchase Heavy Kiiapoi Trousers and Knit Underclothing,—Mitchell and Turmbh,



WANTED Known — The Misses Urquhabt have started Dress making, and having a thorough knowledge of the business, combined with moderate charges, hope to receive a share of the public patronage. Address: Tancred Street, next to F- W. Hall. Herbalist.



Business NotlQ«s. WINTER. 152 Men's, Boys' and Youths' Tweed Overcoats, with Cape, to be cleared | this season at 20 "per cent under ordinary prices I 69 Boys' and Youths Maofarlane Over coats, new shape, to be Sold at 12£ per cent lower than last season 28 Beys' Double-breasted Reefers from 10s9d WATERPROOF OOATS. Our Coats are to be seen all over the :; Country. SPECIAL. Ladies' Waterproof Cloaka made to measure ; all Sewn Seams.



A SHBURTON "DLANKETS, -L3L ±J Large Double Bed Size, 1 1, , '." WINTER BOOTS. It>ill pay you to Buy yourgBOOTS rom thej • NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOR/. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager.



NEW WEDDING PRESENTS CHOICE BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, |and PRES E NT ATION^G OODS, AT S. SALEX'S. WATCHMAKER, AND MANUFACTURINGIJEWELLER | -EAST STREET., AT THIS JEWELLERY ESTAB **- LISHMENT IS TO UK*{SEEN thejlargest;and;choicest ■STOCK of * JfcWELLERY & SILVER WARE In the District, 5 84



Hollo way's Ointment and Pills.—As winter advances and the weather becomes more inclement and trying the earliest evi dences of ill-health must be immodiately checked and removed, pr a slight illness will result in a serious malady. Relaxed and sore throat, quinsey, influenza, chronic cough, bronchitis, and most other pulmonary affections will be relieved by rubbing this cooling ointment into the skin as nearly as practicable to the seat of mischief. The treatment, simple yet effective is admirably adapted for the romoval of those diseases during infancy and youtK Old asthmatic invalids will derive marvellous relief from the use of Holloway's remedies, which have wonderfully relieved many such sufferers, and re-estrblrsh health after every other means had signally failed*



As a Safe, and Permanent Wakraiwed Cure for Pimples, Scrofula, Scurvy, Bad Legs, Skin and Blood Diseases, Pimples and Sores of all kinds, we can with confidence recommend Clark's World-famed Blood Mix* ture. It is certainly the finest Blood Purifies that science and medical skill have brought! to light. Thousands of testimanials. Sold ; everywhere, at 2s 9d per bottle B«ware of woctbteMimititioaitodratititatiif (*J