Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalbit THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1895. JAPANESE ATROCITIES.

While we have been laying the flatter^ ing unction to our souls that Japan has within the last twenty years come out from a state of barbarism and put on the civilisation of the west; while we have been admiring the humane beauty of her hospital arrangements at Hiroshima, with a full force of medical attendants and red cross nurses, whose care was bestowed with equal tender ness upon wounded friend and foe; there came to us news, vaguely at first, but subsequently in. more detail, of atrocities of which the Japs had been guilty after the fall of Port Arthur. It is stated in excuse for the conduct of the Japs that the soldiery were enraged beyond measure at what the Chinese had done to Japanese soldiers who fell into their hands, and how the Chinese had treated the bodies of their fallen enemies, It appears that in Port Arthur placards offering rewards for the heads and limbs of Japanese soldiers were posted up, and that the townspeople had been armed with guns and supplied with ammuni tion, and when the Japanese entered the town they had to engage in street fighting with the inhabitants, who poured a rain of bullets upon them from the houses. 7 hat the Chinese were guilty of horrible atrocities upon the wounded and prisoners, and name less barbarous indignities upon the dead Japs is proved by what the Times correspondent says and what the mili tary attaches of the British and Ame rican embassies repert—viz, that on the line of advance corpses of Japanese soldiers were seen to which the most horrible indignities had been offered. "Other corpses presented indubitable evidence of death having supervened on torture It is said that in Port Arthur and elsewhere Japanese pri soners were burtit alive. Some of these unfortunates met with even a worse fate: they were cut into pieces, and their remains paraded in triumph on sticks* by the Chinese soldiers. Of these and similar atrocities there is superabundant proof. After the cap ture of Port Arthur the Japanese admiral invited Admiral Fremantle to view the scene, and such was thw spec* tacle presented to their eyes that the privileged officers expressed sentiments of profound horror and disgust." Such sights as these would drive to madness; even British soldiers, and it would not be surprising, although far from excus able, were one to read that a British army had taken prompt and terrible vengeance on civilians or, soldiers, who had been guilty of such horrors. But we cannot allow ourselves to believe for one moment that British soldiers would do more than kill, and that as speedily as possible, the men on whom they sought vengeance. The thirst for blood~-*temble as it is when once created—would last but a short time. The Japs sought for revenge, and they ceased not till not % soul was left alive to tell the tale. The Times' corres pondent gives his account of the butchery in these words. He had been with the British and American attaches and some British naval officers on November 21, the first day of the Japanese revenge on the wretched popu lation of Port Arthur, and he goss on: " Robbed of our sleep and utterly ex hausted, we lay long next morning until the sound of shooting roused us. To our surprise and dismay we found that the massacre of Wednesday which might have been explained, though certainly not excused, on the ground ol excitement in the heat of battlf, the flush of victory, and the knowledge of dead comrades mutilated, was being continued in oold blood now. Thurs day, Friday, Saturday, Sunday were spent by the soldiery jn murder and pillage from dawn to dark, in mutila tion, in every conceivable kind of nameless ferocity, until the town be came a ghastly Inferno, to be,re\nem bered with a fearsome shudder until one's dying day. I sa# corpses cif women and children, some in the water. I stopped to pick some of them out to make sure that there could be no possibility of mistake. Bodies of men strewed the streets in hundreds, perhaps thousands, for we could not count; some with not a limb unsevered; some with heads hacked and prosseut and split lengthwise; some ripped open, not by chance, but with careful precision, down and across. . . I saw groups of priso ners tied together in a bunch, with, their hands behind their backs, riddled with bulleta for five minutes and then hewn in pieces. I saw a junk stranded # ( n the beach, filled with ifugitjves of either aejc and of .all ages, struck by volley after yoliey, 'unjjl—l can say no more." After such a recital as thi§ one begins to think that too ready and too fall credence has jbeen given jto the £.sceptance by Japan of the civilisation of th^s jyest, sind that their emergence f rom ( t,h,e ib^tibaris^n of .the past ,to ;tfae higher and nobler plane wjtyeh Christian claini to have reached, must pfri, (be regarded as an altogether ac coivplfctad fas> fts tim |i other

evidence against the Japanese than that of the Times' correspondent and his companions. Reuters corres pondent at Port Arthur also takes up his parable. He had a small house in Port Arthur, with a coolie and a couple of boys for jervants. Kvery shred and particle of his furniture and clothing, except such as he stood up in, were quite destroyed, while his cook and the scullery boys were murdered in his kitchen —shot down as they were performing their ordinary avocations about the stove. And where, it may be asked 1, were the officers of the Japanese army while ! those scenes of carnage and horror were being enacted ? Field. Marshal Oyama and his staff were, says one who recapitulates the story "within easy sight and constant sound of every de tail. They assembled on the great parade ground of Port Arthur to listen to the music of combined military bands, and to await the congratula tions of foreign visitors." This ap pears to us to be extraordinary con duct, and still more so that, notwith standing the presence of European gentlemen, and the horror and disgust the latter could not have failed to show, even in the presence of the high officers of the Japanese army—those high officers gave no sign of being conscious of what the proceedings of the soldiery were inspiring in their visitors, or would be likely to inspire throughout the world, as the tidings reached the four corners of the earth. A dozen white men saw. the proceed ings, and their opinion was that those officers took the whole carnival of horror as a matter of course. The in dictment of Port Arthur is nearly as strong against the Japanese as is that of Armenia against the Turks, and as yet no cable has reached usstatingthattheJapaneseGovernment has uttered one word of disapproba tisn of the terrible proceedings. The Chinese are anything but lambs in their modes of dealing out punish ment, as has already been shown in this article and as their whole history goes to show, but if they are to be re placed ia the rule of the Chinese em pire by a Government who sanctions such horrors as those enacted at Port Arthur, then the sooner the Great Powers step in and prevent the crown ing of what is apparently the Japanese ambition, the better for the future of the East

The Glasgow Herald indulges ip the following "chaff" in regard to the success of "the fccot V*Vthe blub BONSETB abroad":—The oveb the border." ch«racteristiqof the Scot, to love his country and yet be everywhere else, has now indeed become so universally recognised that his presence even at the North Pole occasions no surprise, and but seldom provokes comment. Thus the announcement that Captain M'Clure, a aative of the south of Scotland, and son of the late architect to the Earl of Galloway, has been appointed Vice-Admiral of the Chinese Fleet, will not produce any shock throughout Christendom. If language be used at all over the circumstance it will possibly be only that portentous phrase, "I told you . so.' 1''1 But in conjunction with this miceess of a Scotsman abroad comes a Hn-de-sUcle wail from England, complaining of an invasion of Scotch dominies, who are sweeping the Southrons from the ssholastic field and appropriating whoever w worth the taking. It appears that Or David Forsy th, who h no stranger; to our city, is the leader in this raid, and not only is he fattening on the spoil, but H« is assisting with'no niggard hand, the " brither Scocs " who followed his banner. Dr Forsyth, the lachrymose Englishman informs us, is head of the Leads Higher Grade School; hid second master is a Scot i(and he i* the third to occupy this posi tion) ; the senior assistant is Scotch ; the girls' mistress comes from the north of the Tweed ; the head of the cookery de partment hails from the "land o' cakep," >»nd others in authority are kith and kin. What is »• the most unkindest cut of all." thes« outsiders have the choicest of the woik, and make these subsidiary positions to be stepping-stones to higher things in other higher grade schools throughout the country. The English dominie might have suffered in silence the bitter reflec tion that the political destinies of his country are being guided by a Scotsman, and were previously also directed by one who delighted in dinning into the ears of the constituencies the fact that he was Scotch, mo'jt indubitably and most cer tainly Scotch ; but when it come 9to being swamped in the schoolroom by hordes of the roecies, the much chastened temper of the Southern schoolmaster gives way, in indignant protest. This triumph of the Scotch teacher in English soil, is full of significance, and is. among other things, one. reason why the Galasbiels School Board are at their wits' end to find a single candidate for their schools. In the present impoverished state of Scotland, as regards the number of dominies within her bounds, why does not a determined band of English educationists make i foray across the border and seize on the scholastic strongholds so fatuously left unguarded ? Then one of the articles of the Act of Union of 17f17 would be mutually fulfilled, to the eff-ct ♦« that all the rights of trade, free intercourse, and citizenship should be the same for Scotch and English subjects." < la time it might come to pass cHat the encomium (of the Scotchman of the old school passed on the young Englishman who had taken a shooting-ground in the Highlands and determined to pass himself off as a genuine Scot would ajso be applied to any venturesome English dominie who might settle here~"My lad, ye're nae Scotchman ; but I'll tail ye what ye are— ye're jest an impndved Englishman."

QUARTER-MILE NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIP

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Commercial newa on fourth page. The Misses Urquhart, from Waimate, announce that they have commenced the dressmaking business in Tancred street, Ashburton, next to Mr Hall's, herbalist.

The Wellington Times states that the Government intend taking energetic mnafurea to grapple effectually with the unemployed difficulty before the winter sets in.

On Friday last a small cottage on the proper^ of Mr William McLaiichlari, just below Tinwald, was burned down ; an old man had been camping there, but the origin of the fire is not known.

The flagship Orlando. Admiral Bridge, arrived" at the Bay o{ Islands from Hobart yeaterday morning. At noon, Mr Niccol, chairman of the Auckland Harbor Board, received the folloyin^ telegram from the Admiral—''Expect to arriye at Auckland in the ferenooh, probably about ten o'clock." This intelligence upsets the arrangements made for the reception of the Admiral by an aquatic display, in the expectation that he would not arrive till Saturday, and, it ia not known whether jt;he Admjirat will maka an official landing. Dollar Cigqrettes-'-ffl, per packet,

At the Dunedin City Council meeting last night it was resolved to take a vote of the ratepayers as to the loan of £6000 for the purpose of erecting abattoirs.

Tbe inquesb touching the death of the half-castp youth who was shot on Monday on the Porh hills was openprl at the Chris*churvh hospital yesterday, and was adjourned till Monday next.

The Ofaao cricketers had a big rec< ption J at Dun^dm last; night. Steps were taken J to recognise Ciarkn's batting performance, j an<l £200 was raised by subscription limited to » florin. Clarko was carried ; shoulder high to a drag {

k se'zure of a large (Juantity of liquor was made in an unlicensed house at Fort rose on Tuesday. The police found a full hogshead of beer and another on tap. and a number of bottles of beer, wkisky, cham pagne, &c. The place wae fitted up in all respacts like a bar.

Ib is rumoured that Phillipson, the Eng lish cricketer, ia engaged to be married to a Toorak heiress If true (remarks the Frahan telegraph) Phi^ipson deserves congratulation on two counts—first the engagement, second the heaven-born per spicacity which enabled him nowadays to find an heiress in Toorak.

There ia now in the market a most useful commodity for the housewife—a new compound called " Lunardino," for resilvering worn forks, spoons, cruets, Ac. It can also be used as a cleaner for silver ware which work io performs most efficiently. It is cold as a low price, and may be had of all storekeepers. The Customs authorities in Wellington have seized nine cases of drapery, boots, and fancy goods. Mr G. V. Shannon, Customs expert, when examining goods and invoices, found that not only were the values greatly understated, but more than a third of the goods were not on the Invoices or entered for duty. Pro secution will probably be the result.

Mrs Campbell Praed, the novelist, has gone to Marooa station,; Queensland, where she is the guest of her brother, Mr T. de M. Murray-Prior, and Mrs Prior, after which she proposes spending some time in Brisbane as the guest of her aau*v Mrs Barker, at Kangaroo Point. Mrs Praed leaves Queensland about the end of March, for England, via Batavia, Japan, and America.

Wwes at Is per head and lambs at Is lOd. Such were some of the prices realised at Messers V. R, Jackson and Co 's sale of sheep at Wanaanui lass week, which leads the local Hetald to exclaim that "surely these must be bed-rock prices" The auctioneer stited thaC throughout his long expetience he had never known such diffi culty in quitting lotwf even at the ridicul ously low rates ruling.

At a me*ting of tha Council of the Northern Bowling Association, held ii» Wellington, invitations were received from the New South Wales and Victorian Associations, assuring a cofdial welcome to any New Zealanders who could visit the Easter tournaments. It was resolved to recommend to the various Clubs the acceptance of the invitation, and to ask for replies *s to what members can avail themselves of it by the 15th pzox.

On Sunday nexb the Rev James Cocker, who has for a nnmber>'of years been minister of the Primitive Methodist Church in this district, will cor duct fare? well services at Newlanrfs, Seafield, and Ashburton, Od the following Tuesday a farewell social will be held at Seafield, and on Wednesday, March 6, a farewell meeting is to be held in Ash burton, for which extensive preparations are being made. Doubtless the attendance at all the meetings will be large, as Mr Cocker while in the district has made himself ex ceedingly popular.

Thus the Adcucate : • -Some very funny things have been done by animata at dif ferent limes, hut as good a thins; in. its way as we have y«ti come aero-awns told us yesterday at Turakina. Mr Scannell has a horse that always cornea to the smithy *h^u its shoes are' worn out, and will not leave until it h&i been shod. As soon 33 the shoeing is finished it will go contentedly away to its paddock.—Mo mention is made as to the intelligent animal throwing one of the discarded shoes ov«r its loft shoulder for luck. It would bo just as probable as the fore going.

A case of sleep walking in Ponsonby road, Auckland, occurred this morning;. The victim was a man named Daniel Keane, a farmer in the northern Wairoi. He lifted the lower sash of the bedroom window and squeezed through a space of two feet six inches. He walked on. the shop verandah, abutting on the street, and fell a distance of ten or twelve feet to the hard asphalt pavement. It is supposed Keane most have lain an hour on the asphalt without the inmates of the house being aware of it. He w*» discovered by a young man coming home from a surprise party. The man's ribs were pressed in, but not completely broken. The left eyebrow was lacerated, and he sustained a serious concussion of the left hip and leg, tha whole system being shaken. He is doing as well as can be expected.

The Wellington Eduoation Board h*s decided that it o%nnot undertake the in spection of Catholic schools in Wellington district, as the Board's inspectors already have more work than they can get through, and the finances of the Board prevent any increase in the staff of in spectors. At the meeting yesterday the chairman remarked that the Board's financial position, though not serious, was one which required special attention as regards further expenditure. Unless care was exercised he knew of no Other alternative than the very objectionable one of reducing salaries. Mr Young said that at next meeting of the Board he would probably make a suggestion by which he thought £500 or £600 could be saved annually without any reduction in salarias.

Owing to the vary long spell of dry weather that has prevailed in the Water ton district, everything in the shape of vegetation presents a very parched appear ance. This dryness of everything has been a cause of considerable anxiety to tbe farmery, each one well knowing what the result might be should the very combustible material get on fire. This happened on Thursday last, and the dry ness of the fuel was soon seen by the rapid progress made by the fire. Starting in a fence of Mr A. J. Huston's, ifr soon spread with alarming rapidity. Fortu nately (he breeze was from the south west at the time, and consequently it was more easily fought. The neighbours from all sides were soon at the scene of the fire, i and working with might and main to avert 'what threatened to be a very serious calamity, as the fire was making headway in tbe direction of t everal homesteads that were quite near. As it was, the firs spread over Mr Lidstone's farm, destroy ing a great length of fenoe, and most of his grass, whjph^ will be a serious loss to him. Th.c strenuous exertions of the neighbors, assisted by the presence of a water race, enabled them to confine the fire to the farm with the result as stated. Everyone sympathises with Mr Lidstone in his loss. [This communication was mislaid, and our apologies are due to our correspondent, whose letter reached us the day after the fire. —E©.}

Fqr I^rmgE^foq., the best remedy is un dotybtedly Nqi^tqn's Gamojmile Pjias^ They can confidently be recommended as being mild in operation and absolutely free from injurious drugs. Acting at once as a splen did tonic and a gentle aperient. For nearly 100 ypars they have provfed unequalled foi; Indigestion, Dyppepsia, sick HJeadache and for Liver and Stomach compla ts. Sold in bottles Is l£d, 2ft 94, and 11s, by all Medi cine Vendors throughou,t tjie w«14 ( A W^i **fn «^ ftortelo randy,

Shorland, the Christcnurch cyclist, rode from Napier to Wellington in twenty nanutes undey. twenty-four hours.

The Government have acquired Borton's Maore^henua estate, twenty rive mi.l«R n-irth »f Oi«m*ru, consisiing of 11,000 acres of fertile land, and it will be cut into farms of from 200 to 500 acres.

As so.m by a notification ycs-er day a laij/d number of the business 88iahl.i»hu>enlH in Ashburton h*ve agreed to close a halt d»y on March 6 in con nee tion with the Swimmirg Club's meeting on that day.

Thoso who iii»y desire to secure some prizs poultry are reminded that Mr Thomas* will offer a quantity of all brß°d«j' tomorrow in tiie Arcade. Several con signments are expected from north and south—a fine lot coming from Oamaru.

In consequence of the representations of the tradespeople in Gisb<'rne»s to the loss of trade thn Borough Council have unaniouuly decided to communicate with the Minuter of Labour, to see whether they cannot have the half holiday changed from Saturday to Thursday.

With regard to thtt skeleton found at Lambert's Hnad recently the Marlborouah papers report that t. stono was discovered at the same place bearing the inscription •H. W. S. Achbron, 1860.' The Nelson Mail suggests that the words should be *H.M.S. Acheron/ a surveying ship on the coast at that date.

At the meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Att Society on Tuesday even ing several new members were added to the list. Messrs W. H. Tait, FrizzeU, and Gates were appointed a subcommitte, tc draft; rales for the Bociety, and Mr David Jones was appointed to the general Committee, vice Mies Ethel Jones, whose resignation was accepted with regret.

An Auckland Press Association telegram s^ys :•—' Lady Glasgow and her daughters left Rofcorua today by train for Ngaraa whia, where her ladyship will stay till Friday, when she cornea on to Auckland to meet the Governor. During her stay at Kotorua she cruised round the Lake in the steam launch Alice, camping one night at Lake Roroiti. , The Town Board of Ngaruawahla intend presenting her Lady ship with an address on behalf of the resid9Dts.

At the S.M. Court this morning the question of changing the Court day, on account of the weekly half-holiday, was mentioned. The S.M. said Thursdays and Tuesdays were the only days on which the trains suited, and on enquiry he had found that Tuesday would be very inconvenient tor a large number of business people in the place, and the day would be no more suitable than the presenc arrangement, which could not therefore be altered.

To-morrow evening the Bishop of Melanesia will deliver a lecture in the Oddfellows' Hal), in the coarse of which he will exhibit limelight views of the Islands, and incidents of island life. The admission will be free, but a collection will be made. In the morning at a quarter to eight, in St Stephen's Church, his Lordship will conduct a service in the Mota lanquasre. He will be assisted by Melanesian beys, and both this service and the lecture in the evening should be full of interest to young and old in Ash burton.

The following team has been picked to play the Melanesian Islanders in the Domain tomorrow :—A. Pilbrow, J. Pritchard, J. Jackson, A- Wilkie, 0. Andrews, C. Pilbrow, I. Biigent, G. Gourdie, F. Wilson, W. Hotkens, F. Watt. Emergencies, E. Marsden, W. Powell, A. Childs. Meknetian team :—John Paututun, JohnsonFelegsem, Walter Aru, Basil Tarivaga, Joseph Leo, John Pepoai, Charles Garo, Tigwawah, Ben Napo, Hui?o Toke, John Sara. Tha match will start at haif-oa-'t one sharp. Admission will bo one proceeds to go to Melanesian Mission Fund.

The meeting of the Star of the East Lodjite of Gcod TehVplarn on WVdnesdfty evening was more th«n usually interesting. A brother from the Tauronga Ledge was present, who had visited several lodges on bis w«y, and from these he brought hearty good wishes to the order in Ashburton. As the polity of the Primitive Methodist Church, of which Bro. the Bey. James Cocker is a minister, require* periodical changes in the pastorates of the churches in that body, the rsv. gentleman is about to leave Ashburtoa for Feilding. The ledge expressed regret at the loss the cause of temperance in Ashburton was about to sustain by the departure of Brother Cocker, and gave him a letter to the order in Feilding commending him in the bonda of the order. Brother Andrews was appointed to represent the lodge at Brother Cocker's - public farewell on March 6, and the lodge accepted the Wakanul lodge's invitation to pay it a visit.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

XAIKIH *BOT«I,I,EIftX CABSB

London, February 27 The jury returned a verdict for Tasker for £4000 damages on one count, and for the defendants on another. The Judge pronounces his decision to-morrow.

Killed by a Shark.

Sydney, February 28 A lad named Donald, while bathing in six feet of water near Leichardt, was attacked by a shark. A man named Rowe plunged in and drove the shark off, The boy's leg was horribly torn, and he died from the shock.

A New Line of Steamers

Melbourne, February 28 A line of Russian vessels from Bevel, in the Baltic, to Australia is contera plate|L The acting Bussian Consul has j been appointed agent.

New South Wales Politics

Sydney, February 27 . In the House this afternoon SirJ. Dibbs gave notice to move that the administration of the affairs of the colony by the Government had not met with the approval of. the country, ; This being a direct motion of want of confidence in the Government, the House adjuurned till to-morrow. Though the Opposition party are hopeful of carrying the want of confi dence motion, the weight of opinion among the members is that the motion has no chance of success. It is I believed that the. Labour party, who hold the balance, will vote with the Government.

Wesleyan Conference.

Hojbakt, February 28

The combined Victorian and Taa inanian Weslcyan Conference has elected the Rev W. Fitchett president.

Shocking Child Murder.

Brisbane. February 2S Mrs Madden, a resident of Towns ville, during delirium induced by fever, murdwed: her six week* old infant and attempted suicide by cutting tor throat,

European and Other foreign Items

Lonhok, February 26 The miners imprisoned in the Whit wood colliery have been rescued. One million pounds worth of Briti h Treasury Bills, which were placed on the market, have been subscribed six teen times over. .- The British force on the Kiger numbered three hundred. The capital of the natives was shelled. The operations were completely successful, though the position was vigorously defended by 1600 negroes armed with Enn>Jds, and aided by a concealed battery. Many war canoes were cap tured And two sunk. The operations are now ended, two warships being left on guard.

Rouiller Bey, the Khedive's Secre tary, is believed to be the instigator of the hostile attitude adopted by that youthful potentate. The Times advises him in futute not to listen to irrespon sible counsellors urging him to actions likely to disturb the peace of the world- Mr Asquith described the Disestab lishment Bill as intended for the purpose of devoting the funds to really religious objects, such as relieving the suffering, ministering to the sick, and •the refining influence of home workers. The Home Secretary claimed that the measure will meet a demand pot forward by a vast majority of the | Welsh people. : 8t Pbtersburg, February 27 M. de SUel, the Russian Ambas sador in London, succeeds the late M. de Giers as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Vktwa, February 27 The obsequies of Archduke Albrecht of Austria were of the most impressive character. Washitcton, February 26, The Lower House, by a majority of thirty-one votes, declined to pay the award made to Great Britain by the Behring Sea Commission. Rom«,February26 The whole of Sicily is in a disturbed state, and three bands of, armed con spirators have been arrested. The troops in the Island have been rein forced. . <.

THE COREAN WAR

Shanghai, February 26 Li Hung Chang has returned to Pekin and been graciously received by the Emperor. When retiring after having'had audience with the Emperor Li Hung Chang declared that his life was Always at bis master's disposal.

Armenian Atrocities.

Londo*, February 26 The special correspondent to! the Daily Telegraph confirms in every detail the accounts previously pub lished of the Armenian horrors. He says the Turkish soldiers worked day ' and night in order to remove the traces of the massacre before the arrival of the Commission. Hundreds of mutilated bodies wete thrown into a pit and lighted petroleum was poured on them ; but as this course did not prove successful in wiping out the traces of the outrages limbs were after wards taken out and burned piece* meal. Some 360 witnesses, who : would probably have given evidence | before the Commission, relying on the promise of safety made by the Turkish, commander, were murdered in cold blood. The correspondent describes the whole affair as one long and hideous tale of devilish atrocities on men and women. Constantinople, February 2ft The Kurdish chief, Chefken, ter rorised the Armenians in Cwseres. His followers devastated villages, out raged women and demolished it convent in Nichan.

INFLUENZA.

Lokdon, Febnury 26

| Nearly one-third of the Great I Eastern Railway Company's employees are affected by influenza, i February 27, ! During the past week the death roll from influenza in London numbered HI. Lord Rosebery passed a sleepless night, and his condition is causing hia friends some anxiety. There are 30,000 cases of influenza in Munich. Lord Rosebery is improving.

Imperial Politics.

London, February 26 In the House of OompOaa Mr Bnxton said the resolution yassed at the Canadian Gonfiwnoe, that in the event of the laying of tine Pacific cable it should be extended to Cape Colony, was no* under consideration, but he declined to give any more in* ! formation on the subject at present. Sir W. V. Harcourt refuses to grant i time this session to discuss the Miner** Eight Hours Bill. , : ■''] ""„]''■;■': The House of Commons, without dissent* agreed to a motion urging tb^ Government to cooperate with thW Great Powers in convening an Inter national Monetary Conference, Sir W, Y. Harcourt accepted the notion, as it did not identify the Government with bi-metallisin, which he strongly opposed. . The limes regrets that Sir W. V, Harcourt's fear of defeat compelled his acceptance of the motion. '. ,' ■ The Daily Ifetvs concurs in the atti tude adopted by Sir W. V. Harcourt.

GAS EXPLOSION.

Sydhjsy, February 87 An explosion took place to-day «G the Gas Company's works in Kit street, the testing room and thtt kitchen being wrecked. Portions of the walls and other debris were blown into the street, and several passers by had narrow escapes.

OPIUM.

London, Febnrary 27 It is understood thai the majority* report of the Opium Commission is virtually neutral, and will not recom mend any interference with the present sys&en*

THE CAPE GOVIDNSHIP.

XiOKDok, February 27 Cables from Capetown reiterate tne* belief that Sir Hercules Robiuon wil| •ucceed Sir Henry &OQb,

THIS ABttßOfcfOfr ftttAßtilAU'r MUKBDAS, MBOTARt 28, 189 S.



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JOHN JTIIiSON. ABTIST'S MATERIALS. I have Beceived a in a position to Supply | chers, Foreign Canvas Select 3tock of Wiksob the Artists of Ashbur- Academy Boards, Oils, and Newton's Artist's ton with Oil Tubes, »Easels, Etc., Etc., at a Materials, and am nSw Brushes, Qanvag Btret-1 Very Cheap Rate. House Painting & Paperhanffinff- T HAVE Especially hanging Dwelling* dur-1 Very Best of Oils and X Reduced the Prices ing the summer months. Lead used in the worn. of Painting and Paper- K.B.—None but the | A Large Stock of P»perhanging», Window Glass, and Picture Frame Mouldings on the Premises J. WILSON, CORNER OF ARCADE AND BURNETT STREET, ASHBUftTON.



BE ATH'S Great Summer Sale. fi COD Serviceable Dress Goods now 3|d per yard Strong double width Dress 7fi AH Summer Dresses at half price Fast Color Prints now 3f 1 Strong Heavy GaUtra now 4|d Beautiful Washing Brocades now 6|d Heavy Flanneliettes now 2£d All Linen Tabliof? now Is 6M Hewy Sheeting (two yards wide) now lOjcl GREAT SUMMEK SALE- Men's New Pattern Tweed Suits now 17* lid Youths' New Pattern Tweed Suits now I'M lid Boys' New Pattern Knicker, Svits now 4* lid Men's Strong Working Shirts now Is lid Ken's Blue Jumpers now 3a lid .;,... Men's Strong Mole Trousers now 5s lla M«n's Heavy Knitted Socks now 10H BOOTS AND SHOES IiI^EAT REDUCTIONS. beath'sTlbtlale, TIHOEED STRK ET.



JMU&JJL. NOTICES, The Letter Box will be cleared for the despatch of correspondence from Asbburton to the undermentioned places as ollows :— Burnham and DunaandeV daily 3,15 pm Chertsey and Bakaia, Christ chnrch and north, daily 630 am 315 pm 6 30 pm and Monday, Wednes day, and Friday ... 10 30 am Dromore and Selwyn, daily 630 pm Kiffelton, WMowby, daily ...1030 a m Lfomoie, Tuesday, Thurs day, and Saturday, ... 10 30 am Elffia, Wakanui, and River tide, daily 6 30 am Seaview, Seafield, Kyle, and Newlands, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday ...6 30 am Greenstreet, Winchmore, and Pork*, Tuesday, Thurs day, Saturday ... X 630 am Wheatstone, Watertoo, Ash ton, Lougbeaoh, and Plemington, daily ... 345 pm Mount Somera, Sprin<?burn, ttofehside, Alford Forest, Btareley, daily 4 pm M«thven, daily ... ..3 15 pm ' <Jeraldine, and Orari, daily.. 12 30 pm Oamaru, Dunedio, Waimate, and south, daily ... 12 30 pm Baling, Rangitata, daily ... 10 30 am 12 «oO ptn Tetruka, Titnftru, daily, 10 30 am 12 and Tuesday, Thursday, 90 pm and Saturday ... ..315pm Tinwald, Winsiow, Hinds, 10 30 am 12 daily .. 30 pm And Tuesday, Thursday, *nd Saturday 3 15 pm Rttapuna, Monday and Thurs day - * pn» Mayfield, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday ... 4 ptn Letters containing any tiling at value jrhotild be registered. J-ettors containing coin or bank notes if •K^fftjl unregistered will be coropulsorily regirt«fcd» »U(1 charged double registration fee :



NEW PATTERNS OF TWEEDS. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHIHS_FAGTORY. REDUCTION IN PRICES FOR FIRST CLASS TAILORING. MEN'S SAO SUITS. D.B. OR S.B. TO MEASURE, 55s MEN S TROUSERS TO MEASURE, 15s YOUTHS' SUITS TO MEASURE, 45s JJGYS' SUITS TO MEASURE, :iss ! MEN'S COVERT COATg TO MEASURE, sOs ME^'S WATERPROOF COATS TO MEASURE, 35s YOUTHS' WATERPROOF COATS TO MEASURE, LADIES' WATERPROOF COAT W MEASURE, NEW ZEALAND ! CLOTHING FACTOR*. [ ALEX HENDRY, Manager.



~~~TStf alarms K# B- BESTELL, Mlenton ... ...T one toli COMMISSION AGENT. ARCADE, SWough, north of rat.ww — J wo J ollß . fiwKT for Walter A. Wood Mow«r fe r ««k r thof railw,.y , U.ree o , A^d Reaper M.nuWuring Com- Hawf"** •"- / lUMT P»"f. Colonial Mutual Life A*.uranc«



Wanted. WAN'IKD Known — The Misses Urquhart havo started Dre^s making, and having a thor^u^h knowledge of the business, combined with moderate charges, hope io receive a share of the public pitronaße. Address: TancretV; Srreei, next to Jfi. W. Hall, Herbalist. 2 161 HM. JO YE is i/ffering his Ltrgi' . and Varied Stock of Stationery Account .Bopkd, Prize and School book j, Fancy Goods, Plated Glass and China ware, at lowest prices" for cash. Pianov and Cycles on Easy Terms. 2 158 WANTED Known—All wool Delaines, Pr:nts, and Crepons below whole ea'e rates. —MiTCHKit. and TuBNBa WANTIfiD Known — Mrs Hooper (monthly nurse) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mks Hoopbb, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton. 11*134 C|TAJSTED — Fresh Eggs in any w» quantity. Highest cash price given.—Fletcher Bros , Cash Supply Stores, Ash burton. 2 31 WANTED Known—A tremendous run on our Gloves, 4jd upwards. —MifCHKix asd Turner.



WANTED Known —Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optlca line at 8. SiXUK's, Optician, XT/ ANTED Known—The Corner t« VY showing a magnificent New tJtock j of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. | Collier. I P.RALEE WATCHMAKER & MANUFACTURING JEWELLER. rpHB largest and finest stock in the JL District to select froaa. It is also the newest and cheapest. Watch and Jewellery repairs receive careful and prompt at Mention. Watches cleaned and guaranteed for twelve months ss. Sole Agent for Lazarus' patented system of sight testing and "Specialite" sp ctacles. S SALEK, EAST STREET.



AT THE »OHKAIIf MATHS WANTED Known—That we are sell ing Mason's Patent Jam Jars, Pints 5s 6d per dozen, Quarts 6s, and half Gallon 8a 6d, to clear. Enamel and Brass Preserving Pans from 4s 6d upwards. - John Okb and Co. 2 33 lOK CREAM, Ice Cream. Cool your selves during these hot times at H. A. Flower, Confectioneer, East Street. Ice supplied in large or small lots. riHOICE New Season Fruit. Grapes, v^ Peaches, Pines, Plums, Bananas, Apples, Apricots,,and Tomatoes ; the beat in town.— a basis, Sounders' Buildings. NEW Season's Teas, just to hand. Best value in Ashburton. Prises 1/6, 1/9, 21; and 2/4.—Oakson and Co. 2JJ4 T* AD IKS' and Gentlemen's left-off LJ Clothes and all kinds of goods bought, sold, or exchanged. — Mrs Knight, opposite Templar Hall, near Post Office. ,: 11 170, F. ANDREWEB & CO.—Sale now • on of Surplus Stock of Fancy Goods, Toys, Books, Stationery and Account Books, and all at greatly reduced prices for cash, at L. F. Andrewbs & Co.



BOY'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, Youni? England, and other New Books at Lowest Prices.— L. F. Anorkwes and Co. 11 98 TJEESFiNTS. We are now giving JL Presents to all purchasers of 23 6d and upwards.—H. C. Segeks, Meiford House. WAN TED Known. — Having had such a successful season with Dresses, balance to clear *t nominal prices.— MITCHEtL AND TURNER. BLANKETS bought at Edwards Bennet's Sale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7s 9d. Ex«-ra Urge and heavy 15 h 6d and 16a 6d. —Robert Alcorn, B»ker's Buildinsr 1 OWN Make in Ladies'and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Vluslins, Flannelettes, Tdmmings, ©tc, afc Mrs Aloohjt's new shop, Bakei's Buildings. itrANTED "Known—Special line of W Gents' Ltegatta Shirts, all sizes, with or without collars, 2a 6d.—W, H. Collier. BEAUTIFUL a»d useful Presents to all purchasers of 2a 6dand upwards. —H. C Sjsgers, Meltcra House*



WANTED KNOWN. - F. S. Jeffkibs, leadint; Confectioner and Fruiterer of Ashburton, East Street, next the Corner. Ice Cream?, Fresh Fruits, Confectionery, Summer drinks of every description.' Ice a* reasonable rates. Ladies Room a specialty. 1*153 • I RANTED Known -Holders of YV Present tickets can now get them changed.—H. O. Skgers, Melford House. NOTICE! JSotice Sporfc for all Guns let out on hire or sold on time payments. Having a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of any description. Gun fittings in stock. Prices low.—J, W Hakpiey, Ironmonger, eto' Uf ANTED Known—That owing to the j W succe9B of the .Pale now being held up at Saunders' Buildings, opposite Rail way Station, ib will be continued for another twenty-eighfc> days. I am not advertising a few cheap lines, bat the whole of the stock. Don't lose; the oppor tunity of securing genuine bargains—A Lawbik 166 BANG ! Bang i Sung 1 My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kyuock's and, Cluo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardlby's, Gun Emporium ROBERT ALCORN has opened in Baker's Buildings, next the Court house, with a sfcock of Clothing, etc., bought at Edwards, Bannett's and the Kaiapoi Sales, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashburton. Also an assortment of Boots. ERBAL Beer, Herbal Baer, Six gallons of splendid Herbal Beer for 76. Made with a bottle of Potter's Herbal Beer Extract, price 7d per bottle. Warranted purely heibal. Fietcheb Bros.. Wholesale and Retail Agents, Cash Supply Stores, Aahburton and Chmtchurch.



WANTED - Every Lady to try Madam Baicombe's Patent Ex panding Belt Corset (registered), guaran teed whaleboue throughout. Orders left at Mr E. Hall's, Herbalist, Ashburton, srill receive prompt attention. 10 86 G"' "uns * %ns! Guns! My new Btock of tiuniej" aisfc jto hand direct from the manufacturers. Boiible g,nd Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old stock to select from at J. W. Haedlby's Sporting Repository / TMAS Presentß, Choice Orna \J tfjents, Zithers and Jew's Harpp, Balis aiatf T>f>\l& for everybody from Id each; Jointed P^U« for 6d, Sleeping Beauties Is. Chinese Oon^uerors 6d, 1 Russian l^ibassies Js, WaJJk^ng Men, Talking JDolls, Scotch Qreys, and Ennis tkiHen Dragoqns all wonderfully cheap at > Mm A^oobn'^ Ladies-' Dnderclothing and: Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. WANTED Known —That you are in jyant of a firsfa class article i\) sunv m_r Boots and Shqes, you cannot do hotter than .call at £.-' MOjiso^'s ; you will get tiio very baet at ,red,uced prices. As for his owb maktf, tk&f are well known to the delight of the veuwft (thr^ighout the! lustralaaian colonies. Bep^e w^ljl done »nd at once Premier Boot M»k«r, town H»l' Boot Stow £vt Htr«it t A*tiburteu.