

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY,APRIL 7.1896. CURRENT TOPICS.

♦ .. ■ That the armed peace which now pre vails m Europe, the jealousy of the Powers m relation Australian to Great Britain, the defence. situation m Egypt and m Africa, bristle with possibilities of war no onlooker cm fail to perceive ; and such proposals as that of "Splendid Isolation" to which we referred m our last issue, and the movement which has resulted m the formation of a Navy League throughout the Empire, are all indica tions that the nation is awake to the dangers ahead, and to the necessity of preparedness for the straggle which looms up plainly m the not distant future. . That the Australasian colonies will be called upon to share m the defence of their own coasts sooner or later there can be no doubt whatever, and it will be well if this be promptly recognised, and every effort made while there is yet time m order to preparedness when the crisis is upon us. Speaking on this subject at a recent social gathering at Sydney Major General Hutton said " The crisis must come sooner or later, and they could be well assured that it was impossible to improvise at short notice an efficient military machine m all details of organisation, as all the training of the leaders and staff must be the work of a time of peace. When the moment of action arrives then *it will be too late. Every man who understands the situation must see tbat a day may at any moment break, when England must keep by the sword what she has gained by the sword. Having regard to the changes even now taking place under our very eye?, it wai well to recollect' that history repeats itself — that the British Empire must be prepared to find, ere long, her commercial and Imperial mono poly or supremacy challenged. It may be fairly inferred from the precedents of last century that Eng land shall have to fight, m order to guard, as she had to fight m order to acquire, facilities for communication by steam and electricity, which had brought Australia upon the arena of old world strife. While the sudden rise into vigorous manhood of Japan with most of the impulses which)' at thecommence ment of the present century, made England great, bids fair to make her the dominant Power m Eastern seaß, and Australia can therefore no longer remain unconcerned and inactive at the movements of the world beyond her seas." General Hutton pointed out that " the fair land of Australia lies as a land of promise to, the teeming millions m China and Japan " and re marked that it was peculiarly the duty of a soldier to point out a condition of things which might constitute a menace to the lives and liberty of his country men. ' ;

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

— • [ A column of local reading matter will j be found on the fourth page* ', The silver wedding of the Princess 1 Louise and the Marquis of Lome will bs ' celebrated this year. The Japanese consul at Brisbane expects to inaugurate a large wool trade between Japan and the oolonies. The aoMon of the Union Bank m with drawing from the Associated Banks hi ings to a conclusion an arrangement which existed nearly twenty-four years. Times are pretty hard m Dunedin, seemingly. A local paper says many men are cutting off their moustnches so that they can smoke their cigars shorter. The Canterbury Froz.m Meat Company have reduced their rates for freezing, bagging, and shipping, including freight m f nndon, to mutton l£i per lb, lamb 13-10dperlb. We are requested to draw attention to M* D. Thomas' announcement that the sale of Mr Keays' property, postponed from Saturday last, will take plaoe on Saturday next, 11th inst., at 2 pm. A l '- Press Association telegram from Wellington states that a number of men are to be added to the police force, which ac present is undermanned. The recruits will not bp confined to the. Defence force. Already the Melbourne University has turned out 13 women doctors, and this year's entries show that there are 10 more girls ) studying niedlolne, or one woman medical student to every 20 men ditto. ■ Mr Thomas Glarkaon, late of the Ashburton Gwardiaw and Mail staff, ha* been appointed to a reportership on the Southland Times, Invercareill, and pro ceeded south by the express on Satur- I day to enter^on his duties. In the ooHrne of a speech at a publlo meeting at 2 TaplerDr Newman said that "he intended to propose that thp National Ass delation get a phonograph so rhat Ministers' speeches might be taken, and they won Id not then ba able to deny what they had said." Professor Davls's * Fantastiques ' on Saturday were fairly well attended m spite of the weather, and the entertain ment, which -Was a repetition of that given on Thursday evening, was highly ap preciated, and loudly applauded. A wonderful specimen of stone weigh ing 15f lb was obtained from Legg's reef m Hauraki, and bought from the trlbutors for £150. Melted »t the Bank it returned 66 ounces b£ melted gold estimated at £207« The $tone was on exhibition at Auckland; • They have! a wonderful calculating boy exhibiting lit Dunedin. It is said that after looking* over 100 figures marked on the blackboard for a minute or two he oan turn his back to the board and repeat the numbers' m their order. He is only eight years old* At Vienna, on January 29, Dr Neusaer, a Professrvr of Medicine at; the Vienna University;, demonstrated by photographs taken on Professor Bb'ntgen's system the presence and position of calcareous deposit m ffehe bladder, liver, and kidneys, of a subject. A Wairwrapa storekeeper has just got his returns for batter shipped per ».s. Buapehu ( on November 29, says an exchange.; It sold in* the London market for 1003 j>er cwt, or nearly 10£ d per lb. The beauty of it is the Government grader marked tnis lot third grade, and reported on it as ' Very inferior.' Owing 'to the wet state of the track at the Donyvin, and the comfortless con dition of 'the ground for the public, conie quent on the long stretch of rainy weather, but more especially the rain of Sunday, the Cycling Club's sports, intended to have been held yesterday, had to be postponed indefinitely. Ther6 was on view at .Messrs Undrill and Co. 's ! furniture warehouse on Satur day eyenfing some beautiful articles of f urniturej m the shape of occasional chairs, banner screen, etc, upholstered m richly painted- jcrewel worked covers, made to order by ' th« above firm tor the Catholic Baztar held today. The Southland Neics states that seven men whq were engaged at chaffoutting m a country district went out on strike. the other day as a protest against the quality of the food supplied to them by their employers. They state that hunks of meat were brought to them m iron buckets, and that the food was not fid for pigs. The Lyttelton Times says the American brook trout, which have so long been a distinguishing feature of the Opawa fish breeding establishment, bid fair to be exterminated m that locality im conse quence of the thievish propensities of night anglers. It is said that the numer ous races and ponds which used to be swarming with trout of all sizes and sorts are now nearly empty. A reward is offered for the detection of the thieves. A Mrs Thrasher is the proprietor of a cat farm m Covington, Kentucky. The farm produces only Angora cats, these being the most valuable sort of marketable felines. The fluffy white fur of this breed with the long graceful tail, make the Angora cat, and particularly the Angora kitten, a most attractive pet. Five pounds is not an unusual price to pay for one of these animals, and an additional £5 or £4 is asked for a speslally fine speci men. The general election m Adelaide will be availed of to arrive ab some definite decision en the vexed question of Bible roading m schools. The Returning Officers wi'l be required to take a poll on the following questions : — " Do you favor the continuance of the present system of education m State schools?" "Do you favor the introduction of Scriptural instruction during school hours?" "Do you favor the payment of a capitation grant to denominational schools for secular results ? " Professor Kennedy, the mesmerist), saems to be having a particularly lively time up north. At Napter he was hunted out of the place, and at New Plymouth he was denounoed as a charlatan, etc, | At an exhibition the audience were first sceptical, then rowdy, and eventually the meeting broke up m disorder. Is is stated that Kennedy struck a nan who challenged him to satisfy the audience by mesmerising anyoDo who was known, and that he also threatened to draw a revolver. The usual monthly meeting of the Tinwald School Committee was held m the school on March 31. Present — Messrs J A Olothier (chairman), S Giles, J Stephens, J. Hampton, and the Rev J Blackburn. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Master's report showed that the average attendance for the past four weeks had been—boys 627, girls 52 1, total IH'B- A circular was received from the Board, asking that the books be forwarded to be audited. Accounts amounting to £5 9s lid were passed for payment. Messrs Hampton and Stephens were appointed a Visiting Committee for the ensuing month, and the meeting adjourned. The tender of Mr Gallichan has been accepted for the patent rights, stock-in trade, etc, of the celebrated Bee Ointment by Mr Scott, D.O.A , Palmerston N, and arrangements concluded, Mr J. P* Inuis acting for both parties. We are informed that it is the intention of Messrs Gallichan and Clarke to sell the Bee ■Ointment m addition to their A.C. Oint ment, etc, — Advt.

Mr William Klder, chemist, of Dunedin, ( i died suddenly at the White Hark Hotel, 1 Christchurch, early this morning. On retiring to bed he appeared to be m the best of health, but stated that he had been Buffering from sunstroke. Dr J eff ccate, of Danedin, who is on a visit, knew of Mr Elder* condition, and gave a certificate of death, so that an inquest is unnecessary. How is this for hie;l> 1 \ Natal fruit grower, who was much troubled with birds, writes that he pub scarecrows up till he was tired, so he invested m a gun and some powder and shon Ona morning; his hoy rushed indoors and yelled, * Dad, hundreds of birds are among the oherrien.' He took down his gun, put m the powder, but could not find the shot, so thrust m a handful of tacks. Getting to the orchard, he hollered pretty loud, and up flew the birds into a tree. 'Being excited,' he says, 'I fired, and behold every bird was nailed to the tree, with their wings flapping as If flying. Struck with the sight I stood watching them, when the blessed things pulled up the tree and flew away with it, leaving me m disgust.'

Colonial Revenues.

Beisbanb, April 3 The revenue for the quarter just expired shows an increase of £44,000 as compared with the corresponding quarter m 1895. For the nine months of the financial year the increase is £10,000. Hobart, Apiil 3. The revenue for the quarter de creased by £10,000 as compared with that collected m the first quarter last year. Perth, April 3 The revenue for March quarter was £160,000 m excess of the correspond ing quarter last year.

THE Egyptian

-» I EXCITEMENT TN FRANCE. ! PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Cairo, April 5 The commander of Xassala, at the head of a strong force, surprised and defeated 5000 Dervishes. After some sharp fighting they broke m a head long retreat. The attacking party lost 100 killed and wounded- The loss of the Dervishes was much larger. The Dervishes have advanced to Mogrades, twenty mileß from Akaaheh. Friendly natives hold the position on the Nile opposite. Paris, April 4 The Senate demanded that the Pre mier should fully explain, the attitude the Government took up .on the Egyp tian question. M. Bourgeois replied that a fuller statement was impossible. The President asked the Senate to follow the lead of the Chamber and authorise Government to open up nego tiations with the British Government, while awaiting fresh facts, but M. Millard reproached the Premier with allowing events to take him by sur prise, saying Government was unaware of the preparations for the Dongola expedition. He moved a vote of cen sure, which was adopted by a majority of seventy. M. Berthelote, explaining the reason for resigning his position as Minister for Foreign Affairs, said he announced m the Cabinet the policy he intended to take upon the Egyptian question. It defined France's precise attitude towards England without consulting Russia. A strong letter from Prince Lobanoff, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, condemning the policy, was read at the Cabinet meeting, and M. Berthelot thereupon resigned. London, April 3 The British press discredit the rumor that negotiations to hold, a Conference had been opened. London, April 4 Tha Times 7 Paris corrrespondent says that with a majority m the Cham* ber of 96, M. Bourgeois achieves his object of postponing discussion until May, and remains master of the situa tion. The European press ridicules the suggested International Conference to settle the future control of Egypt. The Times considers there is very little chance of inducing the Triple Alliance to co-operate with Franco- Prussian strategy.

The Matabele Rising.

SPREAD Off THE DISSAFFEO TION. Capetown, April 2 Mr Rhodes attributes the rising to premature arming ot the native police. Sir H. Robinson thanked President Kruger for his offer of assistance, but stated that the Imperial forces would be Sufficient to cope with the insur gents. Mr Gifford had formed a force numbering 2000. Kharaa has offered his assistance againßt the Matabele. London, April 4 Mr Chamberlain expects that the forces from Mafeking and Buluwayo will be snfficient to crush the Matabele rising. Sir Hercules Robertson has been authorised to raise an additional 500. Mr Chamberlain further stated that the report that 5000 troops were to be despatched to the Cape was pre mature. Capetown, April 4 The safety of Buluwayo is assured. It is defended by nine hundred men. Gambol, one of the leading chiefs, remains loyal. All the district threatened by the natives is now relieved, except Belengive Gwanda, Spreckley commands the Buluwayo field force. April 5. The rinderpest is paralysing trans port operations m Rhodesia. April 6. The settlers m Bechunaland are flocking to Mafeking, and appeal to the authorities here for help, as they fear a rising. Four hundred and fifty British residents m the Rand have volunteered for service m Rhodesia. It is estimated that the number of whites killed is 200.

CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

MURDEES BY BURGLARS. London, April 6 Burglars murdered a wealthy Jewish i resident m Whitechapel, also a < domestic of the establishment. An alarm being raised, a most exciting chase after the murderers took place. One jumped from the roof of the building into the street and was injured and removed m custody. His com panion escaped. POPULATION OF GERMANY Berlin, April 5 Statistics show that the population of Germany has increased three mil lions during the past five years, while that of France has only increased 120,000. THE CHINESE LOAN. Germany receives 2 per cent of the Chinese Loan. DISTRESS IN INDIA. Calcutta, April 5. A hundred and thirty thousand per sons are employed at relief works m the distressed provinces of North- Weßt India. THE KAFRIBTAN FRONTIER April 6. The Ameer of Afghanistan is arrang ing for the transport of 12,000 Kafirs to the Kafristan-Russian frontier, where he proposes to erect strong forts, THE BLACK PLAGUE. Torio, Aprils.* The black plague is raging at Yokohama. A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. Singapore, April 6. Four thousand houses were burned m Manilla, and 30,000 people rendered homeless.

AUSTRALIAN.

SUPPOSED BUIOIDE. Melbourne, April 5 . The body of the man. who at- 1 tempted to murder Cunningham was found m a water hole ; . apparently the man committed suicide. THE TAX ON COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS. Melbourne, April 6 Xn consequence of continuous com plaints from commercial travellers ,that they are compelled to pay a tax of £50 upon landing m New Zealand, the Premier has written to the New Zealand Gdvernment asking them to reduce the tax to a nominal sum, or remove it altogether, as it is most objectionable and seriously affectß the trade of Victorian merchants. THE RABBIT PEST. Sydney, .April 5 The Land Board has reappraised the pastoral holdings m the Broken Hill district, and m the majority of cases, chiefly owing to the depredations of rabbits, has reduced rentals from 50 to 85 per cent, THE MINERS DIFFICULTY. At a meeting of the Sea Pit miners it was decided not to give notice of strike. The decision will probably have an important bearing on the general strike by deciding the action of several other wavering Lodges. SHOCKING FATALITY. Sydney, April 6. A girl named Turner was killed on an excursion Bteamer at Hawkesbury. The unfortunate girl's head was smashed to pulp through a boat davit breaking and striking her. THE TELEGRAPH INTERRUP TION. The interruption on the overland telegraph line to Port Darwin was not, as was at first supposed, caused by floods m the Northern Territory, but because the wires were cut by a man named Fitzgerald, who had on two previous occasions cut the wires m order to bring him succour when almost dying of thirst. REEFS AT COOLGARDIE. ; Pbeih, April 5 The recent rains on the goldfields have assured a twelve months' supply of water. Scriver and party dis covered extensive reefs at North Oool gardie. The stone shows good gold throughout. HEAVY RAINS. - Adelaide, April 5. There are evidences that the heavy rain experienced m West Australia has extended to the Northern Territory, and the overland telegraph line to Port Darwin is interrupted by it. It is supposed that there are heavy floods. SEPARATION OF CENTRAL QUEENSLAND. Adelaide, April 6 The Government have received a despatch from Mr Chamberlain m reference to the movement m favor of the separation of Central Queensland. Be states that be is at present unable to accede, to the request, the difficulties and risks attending such an attempt being very great. He suggests that the movement would be best left to federation to deal with. The present ' difficulties would disappear should federation — the feeling m favour of which he was gratified to see steadily advancing — become an accomplished fact. *

THE TRANSVAAL TROUBLE.

■ + Pretoria, April 4 The Volkstein states it was expected that the first act of the Spriggs Govern ment would be to arrest Rhodes. Capetown, April 5 Rinderpest is paralysing the trans port operations m Rhodesia.

A Visit to Brunnerton.

■ ■'■■ -■ ♦> THE HOMES OF THE BEREAVED. A tady special correspondent of the Lyttelton Times supplies that journal with 'he following graphic account, under date Brunnerton, April 4 : — The cottages of the miners are propped up against the hillside. The hill face has m most cases been exoavated to make the back-yard, and as a support for the back parb of the house, while the front and main part is supported on wooden posts. Fach house consists generally of four small rooms. There are few gardens, un less a small patch of cabbages can be called a garden . There are no flow en anywhere, and the ■ . UKPAIHTBD, WEATHER-STAINED COTTA<JB S look very dreary. The Grey River, about 700 ft wide, is a dirty-looking stream that separates the town into two parts. Brunner, Wallsend, and Dobponville are the three suburbs on one side, while Taylorville lies on the obherside. The river has a shingle bed, and m places there are dry sandpits against which the water ceaselessly washes with a dreary sound. A traffic bridge connects the Brunner Mine with the railway station, and an iron suspension foot-bridge con* necta the suburbs of Wallsend and Taylor ville. The hills are at the back of the town, on both sides of the river, are wocded to the top, and make the back ground of the to wn • I was struck by the air of glootft pervading the township. A few men stood m groups talking earnestly, bub these were the only signs of life. I interviewed Mrs Joha Hunter first. She is a bright little Lancashire woman, and has seen mine accidents m England. Thongh a widow of three months only, she was a tower of strength to the POOR FRANTIC WOMEN at the mouth of the mine. She remained there from Thursday till Saturday night, and until the bodies were brought out she busied herself In helping to resuscitate the rescue parries. Mrs M'Keown, Mrg Kaye, and Mrs Cherry helped her greatly. The rescuers were brought out on lorries. These four women are the only ones who kept quite calm. They took off the boots of the insensible men, chafed their .feet and hands, and fed them with beef tea or brandy until they were able to re-enter the mine to aearoh for the bodies. This they did for TWBNTT-SIX HOURS WITHOUT RESPITE. Then when the bodies were brought and and laid m the shed at the mouth of the mine, they did all they could before they were sent home. The bodies were per fectly blask. when found, and m many cases were so charred as to be unrecognis able. One of the women. Mm Kaye, had a husband and three sons working among the rescuers. These women are splendid types. Mrs Eaye said, "If 1b had been for myself I could not have done it. but it was for those poor women I did it*" She is about forty. Mrs Hunter is a comely woman of forty-two, with a handsome, sensitive face. £ went to see the family of Mr Hunter. His home was the worst one- A bed m a tiny back room, a table and a few chairs comprised the furniture. The cottage of four rooms held twelve children, and was reached after a steep climb up a muddy path over rocks and rubbish. A boy and girl, twins, aged nine, and a cluster of SMALL CHILDREN WITH SAD FACES were crowded Into the front room* The two eldest girls seemed powerless to exerb themselves. The neighbours have been exceedingly kind to this family. The mother died In childbirth a year ago* The 1 house is damp and utterly cheerless. In the bare back kitchen the aunt, who had t just come from Ofcago, was washing. She looked desolate and worn. The co?d wind whistled through the broken window, and the empty fireplace was fastened up with sheets of zinc We cheered her. She has determined to take the ten younger children back with her. The two elder girls return with Mrs Ounnington. Mrs Boyd's is a sad cue. She seemed m a. I very neglected state. She sat )n a dingy little room over the fire. A candle m a battered tin candlestick, standing on the mantel, showed a STRANGE XOOKING CREATURE WITH A WHITE FACE, overshadowed by a shock of brown hair. Her right side is paralysed to the waist, and her mind unhinged. Her husband looked after her, bub since he is dead ! she refuses to allow anyone to attend her, and the neighbours who bring her meals are treated by her with suspicion and distrust. She spoke when spoken to, but quickly rambled off, and described her visions. The house was dirty, with bare _ floors, and musty smelling. Two dilapidated chairs and a cheat) of drawers were all the furniture m the place. The little room opening out of the kitchen held coats, the only thing that seemed plentiful. Mrs Boyd should be placed m an asylum, or m the Jubilee Home m Chriatchurch. Mrs Rowe, a widow with eight children, a Salvotion Army woman, has a baby six months m a dying state. It has been delicate for four months, and the POOR MOTHER IS QUITE WORK OUT with watching, although the neighbours are very sympathetic and kind. She smiled a welcome and seemed touched thafcw9 had come so far to see her. Her eldest boy, sixteen years old, is a fine fellow and very affectionate She has scarcely been able tothlak of her husband for anxiety about the child, and on the night I was there, although it was near midnight the two little white-faced girls sat together m the corner of the sofa rea^y to hand their mother anything she might need. A VERY DESOLATE HOME is that of Mrs Boberfes, who lost her hus* band and three fine sons. She is resigned, but heart-broken. She has three little boys left. One of her sous leaves a widow and one infant. She said, " It is so strange nob to hear the heavy footsteps of my four men coming up the passage." Her home was beautifully dainty and neat. Mrs Allan, young widow with four children, seemed inconsolable. She sat weeping quietly, and scarcely spoke a word. Mrs McLusky, Ben., who mourns a husband and married son, showed me THE LITTLE CLOCK TARNISH3D WTTH SMOKE that had been found m the mine. It was her husband's habit to cary It with him m the mine. It had stopped at 9 30, and as it was not run down when found on Saturday It must have been stopped by the explosion, I saw Mr Bishop yesterday. He looks very ill and worn, nub is at the mine daily. Otto Bishop, aged seventeen, is a brave lad, whose photo will doubtless appear later m the Canterbury Times' He stood at the mine mouth helping till the bodies were broughb out, and he saw every one. He Is Idolised here. Mrs Mules arrived to. day, and is busy visiting the widows. The experts and inspectors went through the Brunner mine to-day for the first time. Scott's leg was, found yesterday. Patter son's Bible was found to-day. He was a Salvation Army man. Everybody here is very depressed,

fHE ASfifetJßtdN 6t)ARt>tAN \ TUBSfiAtv At ML 7 18&6.



You trvtkt Nm Votut Tehee



"I would rather trust that medicine than any doctor I know of," says Mrs . Hattie Mason of Chilton, Carter Co., Mo., m speak- ing of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diar- rhoea Remedy. For sale by the Ashburton Drug Company. Every mother should know that croup can be prevented. The first symptom of true croup is hoarseness. This is followed by a peculiar rough cough. If Chamberlain's Cough Remedy is given freely as soon as the child becomes hoarse or even after the cough has been developed it will prevent the attack. For sale by the Ashburton Drug Company.



There is no medicine so often needed m every home and so admirably adapted to the purposesfor which it is m tended, as Chamber- lain's Pain Balm. Hardly a week passes but some member of the family has need of it. A toothache or headache may be cured by it. A touch of rheumatism or neuralgia quieted. The severe pain of a burn or Bcald promptly relieved and the sore healed m much less time than when medicine has to be sent for. A sprain may be promptly treated betore inflammation sets m, which insures a cure m about one-third of the time otherwise required. Cuts and bruises should receive immediate treatment before the parts become swollen, which can only be done when Pain Balm is kept at hand. A sore throat may be cured before it becomes serious. A troublesome corn may be re- moved by applying it twice a day for a, week or two. A lame back may be oured and several days of valuable time saved or a pain m the side or chest relieved without paying a doctor's bill* Procure a bottle at once and you will never regret it. For sale by the Ashburton Drug Company.



Holloway's Pills and Ointment. — It is impossible entirely to prevent the noxious vapours which are given off m mines and tunnels, and those who, like miners and railway operatives, have to work day after day m such vitiated atmospheres, suffer m health and strength m consequence. The chest and liver often bacomo clogged with the products of coal combustion, necessitating great attention to th« health. No remedy ia more valuable for miners and the like than Holloway's Pills, as they carry off «U effete matter from the blood, and healthily stimulate the liver. They are also invaluable for costive bowels and for all bilious disorders. The ointment is a priceless remedy for piles, sprains, ulcora and all manner of core»«



All the Ragti—ltfw Veuut Toiaccod !



' Frafrant and Com'orting—tftw Vtntu '



Public notices. wahoo ! THE CURE FOR INDIG ESTION. Ashburton Drug Company, Agents 11 108 apening ttp t\ aily Vpening Up Jl/aily AT THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, NEW GOODS FOB, THTS WINIKR SEASON. THE BEST ASSORTMENT OF SUPERIOR BJSADY-MADE CLOTHING INfTHE DISTRICT* New Hats, New Ties, j New Shirts. ' NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ARCADE HOOSE. NEW AUTUMN HAT" NEW AUTUMN MILLINERY ~VTEW DRESSES IN COLONIAL AND {SCOTCH TWEEDS, SERGES, Etc. NOW SHOWING AT LOWEST CASH PRICES. SEE WINDOWS . . SPECIAL DISPLAY Ashburton Drapery Company 9 BURNETT STREET.



| Wanted. ' WANittD, to let 4-tuomed square House, large scullery and stables. For particulars apply Mail office. 3 237 WANTED to Purchase about Two Tons Prime Hay ; immediate delivery Apply Mail Offic . 4 7 OtfSTKRSand fresh fish To-night at Jbwitt's, opposite Mail Office. 438 BEAUTIFUL Piums for sale, 2d per lb. Apply Mail Office. 4 39 IjpOß S 4LE or To Lot.— Seven-roomed ? House, with pantry, wash house, atable, etc., on 2£ acres of land, good RArden and orchard, lately occupied by Mr K. Saundsra. Apply office of this oaper. 4 15 v i ANTED Known— Ladies Shoes, VV tan or black, 6b 6i. — Mkllor's Cheap Boot Sale. . « ANTED Known— Go to The Corner ' ' fur Newest Styles m Drapery and Millinery— W. H. Oollier. V* WANTED Known — 6000 pairs of v Boots and shoes to pick from. Mellor s Great Boot Sale. WANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Proteotore, Goggles, Folders, and everything m the optica line at S. SiLEK s. Optician CKTABTED Known— Just opening a " fresh lot of useful Presents, to be given to all Purchasers of Drapery.— H. O. Segers, Melford House WANTED Known— You save 5s m every pound if you patronise Mellor's Cheap Boot Store. fir ANTED Known— Great Reduotion at W Mbllor's Cheap Boot Pale. TUST Arrived.— A large variety of use el f ul and Ornamental Goods, Dolls, ' Toys, and Novelties ; also, a job lot over one hundred assorted Baskets and Morocco and Russian Leather Handbags, to be sold at and under ordinary oost price at Mrs Alcorn's. a HOOTING SEASON, 1896— Buy your Guns, Ammunition, Etc, at J. W. HABDLBT'g. 3 79 /lUNS ON HIRE; also Guns thoroughly repaired. Please forward early to avoid the rush.^J. W. Hakdlby. 380 WANTED Known.— The popular Tea and Coffee Rooms, 131 Lichfield street, Christchurch, late Rundle's. Tea And Coffee Id per cup. Bread and Butter 2d per plats. Ham, Hot Pies, and Pastry, tjcones, Buns, etc.— M. Cooke, Proprie- tress. - 3 243 ANTED TO LET, at Westerfield— 400 Acres Good Tußsock Feed, with or without Turnips, fenoed and watered. For further particulars apply Mail Office. 3 208 WANTED— Egj?s In any quantity ; must b« quite fresh. We are also buyers of good Beeswax m small or large quantities.— Fletcher Bkos , East Street. Ashburton. \XTANTED Known— Lwge deli very of *■ tho 'Rconcmt'c' Kid Glovei, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth much more — VV. H. Collier. WANTED— A few Tons of Prime Oat Sheaf Chaff. Apply, with samples and price, to Flrtcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores, Ash burton. /COMFORTABLE Board and Lodging vy with every home oomfote, 16s per wei k ; mesls at all hours, is ; beds, lfl. Tea and Coffee always ready, 2d per cup. Truckle's Coffee Palaoe (late Lyttelton Boardinghocme} Cameron etreet, At-hbur ton. 3 23 TTOUNG Ladies' Journal for March, JL Woldon's Ladies' Journal for February, and Review of Reviews for Keb'u^ry. Agent for Pnnon»a Electric Belt, Petal Dusfc, etc — H. M Jones. WANTED Known — Bargains from floor to ceiling.— Mellor's Stock taking Boot Sale. i |OLIDAY Suits— A Nice Kaiapoi *I Suit for 27s 6d, Boys' Knlcker and Cambridee Suits from 7s 6d, Men's Snitß to Measure from 455, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed at R. Alcorn's ' 11/ ANTED Known— so pairs Ladle ?V and Girls' Leather Top and Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half usual price, for two weeks only. — A ndkb w Orr. 10 136 WANTKD Known— We are still giving Presents to all Purchasers of Drapery, etc — B. O. Segers, Melford House 4ITANTED Known— Our Season's W Dresses m all the New Colonial Tweeds and Choice Home Materials now opened. An inspection invited. — Mitchell and Turner. CXTHEN you are m Christohuroh don't *~ fail to go to Warne's, Cashel street, for Fish or Oyster lunch. Tea or Supper. — Joseph Taylor and Co.. Proprietors. 3 4 ,4/rFiN'S Bluchers ss, a good Strong ***- Nailed Shooter at 8s 6d ; a nioe Assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots and Shoes from Is 9d a pair at R. Aloorn's OTHER People are getting bargains at Carson's Monster &ale of Bicycles, Farbhenware, Glass, and China Why not You ? . 1 84 VkrANTED Known— lf you miss the VV Oheip Booh Sale you will be sorry — Mellor's, Tanc'red Street. PRESENTS, Presents— We aie now giving useful Presents to all Pur- chasers of Drapery, etc, — H. C. Segers, Melfurd House tjL/ANTED Known— 6ooo pairs of • Boots to be cleared m one month, — Mrllor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known— Monster Clear- ing Boot Sale at Mellor's Zealan dia Boob Store. WANTED Known— That E. Mahood is etill selling all kinds of Grocery, Crockery, and Glassware at as reasonable a price as any other house m the trade. Orders by letter or Telephone promptly attended to. Families waited on daily. Telephone No. 76. WANTED Known— Everybody to roll op to Mbllor's Cheap Boot Sale. Now's your time to buy. \JJ ANTED Known— The ' Economic ** Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9 1 per pair, is the Glove for everyday wear. — W. H. Collier. ANTED Known*— Having bought our Winter Supply of Blankets and Flannels before the great advance m prices we intend giving our friends full benefit of same.— Mitohell AND Turner WANTED Known— A Magnificent Display of Ladies' Jackets m all! the Newest Styles, just landed and now on view. See window.— Mitqhbmi and TWMfWR. '



Business Notices. ' FIR 6. FIRE. PIKR. G. J. NEIL L BURNETT STREET. Salvage .Slock OPEN Tuesday and Wednesday mHESE GOODS MUST BE CLEARED to enable a settlement with Insurance Company. THE COMPANY'S INSTRUCTIONS ARE— "Everything Must be Sold/ Will be dosed on Thursday all day, and open again Friday and Saturday. S. SAL EX, WATCHMAKER, MANUFACTURING JEWELLER, AND OPTICIAN EAST STREET. A T THIS JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT, is to be seen the LARGEST and FINEST STOCK m the District of GOLD AND SILVER I SILVER AND E.P. I LADIES' AND GENTS JEWELLERY. | WARE. I WATCHES. The now famed DIXIT Watches at 208,5258, andjdouble cases at 80s. TO BE OBTAINED ONLY FROM . 8. . 8 A L E X, EAST STREEr, ASHBURTON. SOMETHING WOkTH GROWING. HEW STRAWBERRY « LAXTON'S NOBLE," THIB new Strawberry has established itself m the Home market as the Very Best Btrawberry under cultivation. The fruit is large, firm, and handsome, tbe bright crimson scarlet buries weighing as high as 2oz each, while the flavor is rich and vinous. B* sides these recommendations, " THK NOBLE " is one of the earliest trotting atrawberrirs, and we have no hesitation m saying that it is UDdonbtedly the Strawberry for growers of this favourite fruit. Ihe following is extracted from the Otago Witness of January 2, 1896 : « New Strawberry : " Laxton's Noble "— . . This strawberry excels both m size, flavour and appearance, anything we have had m New Zealand before. . . tfonw of these fine berries were sent by the Countess of Pembroke to theVmneror of Germany, each berry being abont the size of an apple. They were said to be larger than had ever been seen before. The fruit arrived m ex- client condition, not a berry being crushed, speaking well bath for the packing and the travelling qualities of the berries. On the average tbe berries weighed 2oz each. They were not big, ugly fruit, but were full and handsome. . . "LaxtonV Noble" Strawberry com-s eirly into bearing, and is a very hoavy beiwr, and it should be very serviceable for any cottager with small garden space or for market gardener-, as it is a splendid grower and a heavy cropper, coming early into frait. Mr Bonnet hss on young plants, laid m the spring, eight to ten la»ge bwries, aver»s?w, say, 2 z eacb. They are fine handsome berries, and of pood travelling qualities." . As Stock is limited, ye recommeod Ordering Early for delivery early m May Strong Well-rooted Plants, 6s per Dozen ; 40s per 100. Authorised Sole Agents for Ashburton and Christchurch for — NJMMO & BLAIR, SEED MERCHANTS AND SEED GROWERS, DUNEDIN. Kero*cn< . Kerosene* Kerosene. 100 Cases, 100 Cases We havo m stock and to arrive 100 cases 'Evening Star' Kerosene, 150 per cent tire test. This oil is, without doubt, one of the Safost and Best lisht-giving oils m the market. _^ « remit «f ■'» »r«iMr. Cream of Tartar. 11201bs. 11201bs. We have just received half a ton of Pure Oream of Tartar ground specially for us from tho crystals. This Cream of Tartar is guaranteed Pure, and is the Strongest and Best procurable, and having bought it before the rise m the Horn's marKt*, we are enabled to sell at a Lower Price than any other storekeeper m the town. -■• « «>ir<M*. coffee. Coffee We are giving special attention to our Coffee. The Coffee Beans are selected with the greatest care and freshly roasted and ground on our premises by the most approved machinery. We can recommend it with the greatest of confidence as Superior to any othor Coffee m the market. Give it a trial BDdyon " illuse NO°TlCß TO FARMERS, Etc. We are Cn*h Buyers of GOOD BEESWAX m any quantity, at Highest Market tUtes. . Orders by Post or Telephone Promptly attended t«g FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, EAST STUERT, ASHBURTON, and High street, Chrwtchurch. Telrphonb 24