TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Harmonic ' Minor. — Thanks for the criticism, but it would be very ungallant on our part to print your letter — quite as much so as it was on yours to write It. The truth of your remarks we do nob question, but thnre are times when all the truth need not be told, and that was one Instance.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1896.

News by the mail shows that the de" feat of the Italians under Genera* Baratieri by King the Italians IN Menelek's army abyssinia. was even more disastrous than the cable news led us to suppose. The news set all Italy m an uproar, King Hum bert was everywhere coldly received and the Queen is said to have wept bitterly when she heard of the disaster. It is now known that the movement was a stupendous blunder m general ship. General Baratieri risked almost certain defeat and the result was little short of the annihilation of his array. The action at Adowa eventuated m a massacre. Tbe Italian* bad been, short of supplies eight days. A large num ber of officers desperate at the defeat rushed on the enemy, and died fighting heroically. The Abyssinians, taking advantage of the demoralisation of their opponents, massacred an entire battalion. Making use especially of their long lances they cut off Italians m every direction. General Albertone's brigade was surrounded and annihil ated. The report from General Bara tieri proves that the Italians gave way at the first attack, m fact the native contingent appears to have behaved better than the Italian troops. General Albertone's column, theblack battalion, fought bravely, while the white regi ment broke and ran. The officers, after vain efforts to rally their men, were nearly all killed. The artillery had not time to come properly into action before a rush of Abyssinians overwhelmed the Italian forces. General Baratieri, before risking battle, consulted his officers, and they unani mously favored taking the offensive. The Abyssinians numbered 100,000, and were strongly entrenched. The Italiftoi were sot b»l£ that number. ,

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Liedeikranz resumes practice on Friday afternoon m Mr* Bowman Fox's music room, Saanders' buildings. Practice begins at fonr o'clock. Messrs George King and Co., Limited, report having sold for Mr John Origg, i Longboaoh, to Mr 0. Wadey, Melbourne, a Clydesdale entire horre, four years off, by Sir William Wallace, dam iJaisy, by Lord Beaoonsfield. In our report of the recent Navy League meeting Mr E G. Wright was made way ihat wheat) was 20s a quarter m the time of the Napoleonic wars m the eazly part of the century. It should have been 120a a quarter. ■ A. peculiar accident occurred on board the lonic Walter Knight, aged 21, a passenger for Capetown, poured a tin of oarbolic acid over himself m mistake for j water, and was so badly burned that bis recovery was hopeless from the first, and he died. The acid w<m Kept m a bathroom m a can of the Rame kind as that contain* ing water. The Western Daily Mercury records the death at Falmouth of Mr W. J. Boase Smith, brother of Mr E. Smith, sehoolhouse, Ptndarves, Chertsey, New Zealand. •• By his death," s»ys the Mercury, "many persona will miss a staunch friend, religion has loat a bright ornament, and art has been deprived of an able exponent." An Inquest wan opened on Saturday last before Mr Bishop on the body of the man who waß found dead m a hut on the Port Hills at Tai Tapu. Ib was ad jonrned pending the identification of the body, which was that of a stranger to the district. The body has now been identi fied as that of Mr David Jebson, who has been missing from Ashburton since the beginning of January last. Dr Inner speaking of cannibalism m the island of New Britain says that when he was there recently the local gossips were discussing the sad case of a native gentleman of quality who had, as an Incident m a career full of similar experi ences, killed and eaten three of his wives. Then some other gentleman called upon and ate him, leaving only his skull. This was subsequently presented to Dr Inner. A party of gentlemen m the vicinity of Pelichet Bay on Monday observed a huge octopus floating about m the enclosed water near Logan's Point. Obtaining a boat and a line, after much manoeuvring they managed to secure the ugly-looking monster, and towed it ashore with con siderable difficulty. The ootopus was found to measure about Bft across from end to end of the tentaoles. The Tapanul Courier Is Informed that (the croppers on the Mo* Flat estate this year have one of the best crops of oats to be seen m the district, if not the best. An area of 500 acres 1b expected to yield fully 85 bnahels to the acre, and a small portion over 100. With the crop is also a magnificent show of grass, and a resident of 20 years' standing informs us he has seen nothing m the locality to eqa»l the Moa Flat yield of grain and grass. A fire occurred this morning at Trevor ton by which a four roomed cottage belonging to Mr James Tasker, was totally destroyed. It was occupied by Mr W. J. Scott and family, who were awakened about four o'clock by the smoke and got nut only just In time, without being able to save any of their belongings. The housa was insured In the South British offica for £75, but Mr Scott's furniture was not insured at all, so that he loses all. A Press Association message from Dunedin states that a telegram was received there on Tuesday from Arch bishop Redwood Intimating, m connection with Monsignore Verdon\* appointment to the Dunodin Diocese, that the briefs had arrived from Rome. Father Lynch, the Adminintrator, has received a cable gram from Dr Verdon stating that the c inseoration will take place m Dunedih on the 26th inst. In addition to Arch bishop Redwood, Cardinal Moran and several of the Australian Bishops will be prebenfc" MaxNordau m the Neve Freie Presse of Vienna says:— "The ruling classes of Kngland are the most powerful rsco of masters the world has been since the Republic of Rome and the early Roman Empire, and Alfred Au&tin is one of that stock. To please an Englishman one must be strong and daring. The English are a bluff race, incomparable friends, and terrible enemies, rather proud of being mor9 feared than loved." For a eulogy of England m a German paper this is most remarkable language, and it Is hardly less so when one considers the writer's pessimistic views on modern mankind. A Cheviot settler gives the following account of a n»all patch of the new colony :— The Home View village settle ment oontaina about 300 acres, divided amongst 24 settlers In sections from 5 to 15 acres. Depasturing on this there are 200 bead of cattle, 50 sheep, 40 pigs, 13 horses* There is under crop 65 acres cut for hay, estimated to yield 100 tons, 90 acres m grain, 40 acres In garden and root crop. On the 24 sections there ire ebtimited to be permanent improvements to the value of over £1000, or an average of over £40 per block. In his' opinion there is no similar are* of 300 acres anywhere else m Now Zealand which is producing or supporting more crop and stock than Home Viow. Some growling by Sabbatarians has called forth the following paragraph In the Press : — As some exhibition of feeling has been shown by a section of the com munity on account of the Railway Depart ment running stock trains on the last three Sundays, it may be explained that the sheep carried by these trains are intended for the Mackenzie country stations which suffered such loss last winter. But for the trains the sheep would have to be driven an exhausting journey over 200 miles. On week days the exigencies of the passenger and goods traffic would delay the stock trains for many hours m shunting and waiting for trains to cross, and thus entail loas of sheep from hunger and cramp. The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times telegraphs :— G. S- Budge has received Intelligence from F. W. Armitage, who is prospecting for coal on Crown lands m the Worth, to the effect that a splendid seam of coal has been discovered. Mr Budp-e gob Mr George Boyd, R.N. fleet engineer, to accompany him on a visit to the field. Boyd Is well qualified to speak with regard to coal deposits, as he reported on the Westport coal for the British Admiralty when oub here some years ago with the late Admiral Tryon. The result of the visit is that Mr Budge has applied for a lease of 300 acres. The field is situated between Waitangi and Takeke rivers, about fifteen miles north-east from Wangarei. Comparative tests have been made of a quantity of the coal by Mr Boyd for steaming purposes, with most valuable results, A party of men are now driving into the spur, and arrange ments have been made for a system of borings to prove the extent of the field; Hollow ay'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 become clogged with the products of coal combustion, necessitating great attention to the health. No remedy m more valuable for miners and the like than Holloway's Pills, as they carry off all 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, ulcers and all manner of sorest

SPORTING.

♦ CJ.C. AUTUMN MEETING. SECOND DAY. The following concludes our report :— ' The Great Autumn Handicap, of 500 soys ; one mile and a half — Bellicent 1, , Culverin 2, Bessie McCarthy 3. Strath* ' ' braan led till the turn into the straight, when he was displaced by Black and Red. Bellicent was thon coming up on the outaide, and took command at the distanoe post with ' Bessie McCarthy close up. Mr Stead's filly won a splendid race by a length and a quarter ; Cu'verin coining up with a rush and beating Bessie MoCarthy by half a length for second place ; New Forest a good fourth. Time— 2min 40isec. Dividend— £B 12a. Challenge Stakes —Dauntless, 6st 101 b, 1 ; Kpaulet, 6st 101 b, 2 ; Bombshell, 7st Bib, 3. . Bombshell got away well bat was soon eased into third place. Dauntless having taken up the running followed by Rustic. Epaulet made hit effort m the straight but could not overtake the leader. Bombshell waa set going opposite the stand, but the effort was too late, and Dauntless won after a determined finish by a short head ; Bomb shell being the Bame distance behind his stable companion. Time lmin 31 co. Divi dend-£5 7s6d. Tempmton Handicap.— Vanilla, Bst, 1 ; Maremma, Bst lib, 2; Solitaire, 7st 131 b, 3. Won easily. Time — lmin 15Asec. Dividend — £7 7s 6d Addington Plate— Rangiatea 1. Time —lmin 3gec. Dividend— £s 9b 6d. Final Handicap.— Black and Red, 7st 111 b; 1 ; Jane Eyre, 7st 13lb, 2 ; Bizarre, 7st 101 b, 3. Eight others also started. Won by two lengths. Time— lmin 46seo. Divi dend—£B 7s»

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB.

The following . handicaps have been declared for the Ashburton Racing Club's Autumn Meeting :— Ashburton High-weight Handicap, of 30 aova ; six furlongs. st lb 8b lb Cannonshofc 9 10 Medicos •• 8 3 Silver Spec .. 9 7 Alcestis .. S3 Warrington.. 9 3 Silver King.. 8 0 Speculator .. 8 13 Salvo Shot  713 Marquis of Zet- Nicholas . . 713 land .. 811 Rex II; .. 7 10 Fire King .. 810 Jennie ..7 9 Miss Orwell.. 8 7 Dublin .. 7 7 Throne .. 8 7 Camperdown 7 7 Melrose Pony Race Handicap, of 15 soys j five furlongs. Dandy ..10 7 Lucy Glitters 8 4 Mania ... 9 12 Phyllis ..8 2 Oorringa .. 9 5 RoseAgnew.. 7 7 Minister ..8 7 Easter Handicap, of 50 soys ; 1£ mile. Culverin .. 9 3 Speculator .. 612 Prime Warden 9 0 Lord of Mis. Quiltiri ..7 13 rule ... 610 Lord Zetland 711 Salvo. «. ..6 7 Magazine ..7 3 Mona .. 6 7 Loveehot ..7 2 ' Allknton Handicap, of 35 sqvb ; six furlongs. Culverin .. 9 9 Fire King ... 7 5 Vogengang 1 .. 9 1 Miss Orwell  7 2 Quiltiri „. 8 5 Lady Lear ..7 2 Bizarre ..8 3 Bimetalliat ..7 9 Warrington . . 712 Nirvanna . . 611 Magazine ... 712 Annoyance .. 610 Loveshot — 712 Lord Charles 6 9 Lord of Mis- Bex 11. ..69 rule ..7 7 Dublin ....■ .6 7 Grovk Farm Handicap, of 35 soys ; seven furlongs. Lord Zetland S 9 Medicus ..7 0 Cannonshot 8 7 Alcestis .. 7 0 Silver Spec 8 4 Airgun .. 612 Magazine ..8 0 Nicholas .. 610 Speculator ..79 Salvo Shot . . 610 Lord of Misrule 7 7 Rex 11. . . 6 7 •Mona., ..7 4 Ventura ..6 7

Acceptances for the above and entries for the Novel Race close this evening.

The Catholic Bazaar.

. -I- "~ — ~ — • ■■ The bazaar m aid of the fand for the extinction of the debt oh the Catholic Church was opened yesterday at the Oddfellows' Hall. Ib was intended to have a formal opening with his Worship the Mayor as the central figure, but owing to the miscarriage of Father O'Donnell's letter to his Worship asking htm to aooept the place ot honor,, the Mayor was nob present, and the rev. gentleman had to open the bazaar himself, which he did m a short speech, setting forth the object for which it had been promoted. The hall is nicely laid off m live stalls. One across the hall m front of the stage is devoted wholly to refresh ments. The first stall onlhe lef c aj the visitor enters is presided ever, by Mrs Devane and assistants, the next is under the presidency of Mesdames Small and Brankin, the one immediately opposite has Mrs Hanrahan and friend at its head, while the fourth carries the numerous gifts and contributions of the Children of Mary. In the evening the young ladies were busy among the visitors disposing of lottery tickets, etc., and evidently did good business. There was a very good attendance for the first evening, bub as the stalls are heavily laden, and there is a large stock of goods to sell, there will be plenty of work for the Indies to do during the week, the bazaar being Intended to continue till Saturday night. On Thura* day the Orchestral Society will contribute some of the gems of its repertoire, and should be a great) attraction- m icself.

Primitive Methodist S. S. Anniversary.

» The above school celebrated its twenty first anniversary on Sunday last. The weather was not the best; possible, but the attendance was very stood. The Rev W. Laycook, of Dunedin, preached m the morning, taking for hia texb I. Samuel m 8. In the afternoon the church was well filled. The singers were assisted by a strong orchestra under the lead of Mr J. C. Lane. The ohoral part was all that could be desired, and was well appreciated. Several recitations, etc., were given with vory good eflfecb. The Rev Mr Laycook gave an Interesting address, taking for his subject ** A. black lead penoll." In the evening the church was again fall, and the Rev Mr Laycock was the preacher, taking for his text Acts m., 6—*' Than Peter said, silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee." On Easter Mon day the annual tea meeting was held m the church and was well attended. Ah excellent tea was provided, the tables being nicely decorated with flowers, fruit, etc., by the teachers and scholars- 3he young ladies who attended the tables were most assiduous In their endeavors after the comfort and enjoyment of the guestß . The after meeting commenoed at 7.45. with the superintendent (Mr W. H. Robinson) m the chair, and on tha plat* form with him were Revs Laycock, Lyons, Dawson,'|lngliß, and Brooke, and also a number of the pioneer teachers of the school. The ohoir and children, under the leadership of Mr J. 0. Lane, were again m evidence, and sang excellently. The secretary's report showed a balanco m hand of £1 16s 4d ; the number of scholars on the roll 129. an increase for the year of 19. Addresses were given by the Revs Ing] is, Brooke, Laycock. Lyons, and Pawßon, and several recitations were given by the scholars. Miss E. Barrett and Mrs Marsden were among the soloists, and the Messrs McDonald played a cornet duet with their usual sweetness. The usual votes of thanks closed one of the best) anniveasaries the scholars ever cele brated. ■

CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

MADAGASCAR. London, April 6 ' The British missionaries m Mada gascar are giviug unreserved support to the French Resident, and state tkat they desire to . work m complete har mony with the new masters of jhe island. • i GERMANY AND JAPAN. I The new Japanese-German treaty of commerce is drawn on lines largelyjin favor of Germany. ; A BY-ELEOTTON. Mr Oarew, a Parnellite, has beta elected unopposed m place of Dr i". " . Kenny, member for College Green, re signed. SIOILY. _, Rome, April 6 The King of Italy has issued a d£ *> cree, changing the system of Govern- = ment m Sicily. Count Oadronochio has been appointed Governor of the Island, with the rank of Minister. He is to reside at Palermo, and be answerable for all public affairs KENSINGTON MUSEUM. LowDON, April 7 The Kensington Museum was opened to the public on Sunday. There were 1000 -visitors. PURCHASE OF TELEPHONE LINES. 'The Government has purchased the trunk telephones connecting the towns. The ultimate intention is to nationalise the whole of the lines. ENGLAND AND AMERICA. The English and American Cardinals invite the faithful to co-operate m the — establishment of a permanent tribunal to arbitrate m international disputes. THE AUSTRALALIAN GOLD FIELDS. The Times says . that the report of Herr Schmeisser, the German expert, who was sent out to report on the goldfields of Australasia on behalf of an English syndicate, shows that the Western Australian fields compare very favourably with the Transvaal. THE VENEZUELAN DISPUTE. The Times asserts that a friendly settlement of the boundary dispute m Venezuela is considered certain m Caracas. THE EDUOATION BILL. Mr Macnamara, President of the National Union of Teachers Confer ence, declares that Sir John Gorst's Education Bill will gradually munici palise assisted education. ACCIDENTS ON A MOUNTAIN RAILWAY. At the opening ceremony of the Snowdon Railway, Wales, the engine of a descending train became derailed and toppled over a precipice, but for tuuately the application of the brakes prevented the carriages also going over. A second train, which followed, telescoped the carriages of the first train, but the passengers of the latter had made their escape previously. Only a few persons were hurt. CHURCH REUNION. Si Petersburg, April 6 Russia is urging the reunion of the Greek and Bulgarian Churches under one Patriarch. OLYMPIAN GAMES: Athens, April 7> The King of Greeoe opened the Olympian Games. Seven thousand people were present. Flack, of Vic toria, won the first heat of the 800 metres m 2min l-6th sec. THE CUBAN REVOLT. WaßHingtox, April 7 The House, by 254 to 27, affirmed the Senate's resolutions of the 29th February respecting Cuba, which were to the effect that President Cleveland should mediate m the dispute. The President, however, is unlikely to act.

AUSTRALIAN

SHIPPING OASUALTX Melbourne, April 7 . - ' Last night the steamer Durrumbeet, coming up the west channel m the dark, sank a caique. Three occupants —Alfred Terry x Michael Ramsay, and a boatman, whose name is unknown were drowned. A fourth man wan rescued. They raw the steamer when i close upon them, but failed m their attempt to jibe. DUMMY CARTRIDGES. In connection with the Easter cam paign, it isßtated that the field gun cartridges were half full of sawdust, and many mused fire. The Age says this is due to retrenchment. FIRE IN A MINE. Afire m the Worah Bawp Ooutar mine, Ballarat, destroyed all the surface works, including the winding and other machinery, besides greatly damaging the shaft. Sixty men are idle. The damage is estimated at £4000. . TAX ON COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS. The annual Conference of the United Commercial Travellers' Asso ciation passed a resolution condemning the t%x imposed on commercial travellers by New Zealand as un friendly and impolitic.

The Matabele Rising.

London, April 6 The Times says that it is reported that the feeling at Buluwayo is strongly against taking help from Johannesburg, and the residents do not want assist ance from men who are supposed to hare betrayed Dr Jameson. Capetown, April 6 Sir H. Robinson telegraphed to Pre sident Kruger that be will remember the ofier of Boer assistance if help is required. The colony is much gratified by the offer. April 7. The Matabele believe that Loben gula's son is collecting impfs for the purpose of attacking Butywayo and Gwelo. V Mr Rhodes, at the head of a force 120 strong, starts to relieve Gwelo.

THE W&JBJBfIRToN GtiAtlDlAtf t WEDNESDAY, APBIL 8, 18&6.



The whole of the collections taken up by the Salvation Army on Saturday and Sunday next, both at the open air services and those held m the fortreae, will b« devoted to the Brunnerton relief fund. " I would rather trust that medicine than any doctor I know of," mys Mrs Hattie Mftion of Chilton, Carter Co., Mo., m speak- ing of ChMftberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diar- rhoea. Remedy, for sale by the Ashburteit Drug Compapy. - - Fragra** 4*4 ComfQftins—Ntw Vmtn



The tender of Mr Gallichan has been accepted for the patent rights, stock-in- trade, eto, of the oelebrated Bee Ointment by Mr Scott, D.0.A., Palmeraton JN., and arrangements concluded, Mr J. P.* Innis 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.O. Oint- went, etc,— Acvt.



Public notices. i Si [ANTED Known— Buots and Shoes V¥ from Is 3d to 27a 6d — Mellor'» Cheap Boot Sale. WAROO! . THE CORE FOR INDIGESTION. Ashburton Drug Company,' Agents 11 108 ""APPLES. APPLES. 1 AM PREPARED TO Purchase Applets IN ANY QUANTITIES. 4.pply at Once to — HENRY ZANDER. 4 13 OPENING TTP T\AILY PENING UP UAILY AT THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, NEW GOODS JOB THE ' WINTER SEASON. / THE BEST ASSORTMENT Off SUPERIOR READY-MADE CLOTHING IN|THE DISTRICT: New Hats, New Ties, New Shirts. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ARCADE HOOSE. NEW AUTUMN HAT 61 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, BURNETT STREET.



The New Zealand Clothing Factory's Ashburtoa manager, Mr Alexander Hendry, has received from headquarters a grand selection of waterproof tweed patterns, and it must be said of the fabricß of which they are samples, that it will take all the skill of Home or foreign artizans to turn out anything superior. The New Zealand Clothing Factory was the first firm m this colony to manufacture waterproof olothing, and the prices of garments tnade to measure from the webs ot which thesis patterns are samples, range from 32« 6a to SOa-rwaterproof coat with deep cape, made to measure,— A*>vt



Wanted. A YOUNG LADY require* comfort- *-*- able board and lodging m Tinwald kpply Miss Alice Waters, Tinwald. ' 4 40 \\ ANTED Known- Udies S-hoe«. ' > tan or black, 6s 61. — Mv.llor's Cheap Boob SaJo. ' WANTKD Known— W e inrend t» sh^ke up pviy B«>oc Shop 'm Afihbnrton.'— Mellor's (/l^arinaßofc lo U; ANTEDKnown— 'in tnTHECoRHER V v for Newest Styles m Drapery and Millinery- W. H. Collier. \ WANTED Known — 6000 rairTof v^ Boots and shoes to pick from. Mellor s Great Boot Sale. WANTED Known— Spectacles, Fye Protectors, Gogsrlog, P'oldeea, and everything m the optic* line at S. S UiiK s. Optician ryAKTED Knowu— Juxfc opening a ~ fresh lot of neefnl Presents, to be given to all Purchasers of D apery.— H. O. Segers, Melford House WANTED Known- You nave 6s m every pound if yon patronise Mellor's Cheap Boot Store. WANTED Known— Great Reduction at Mbllor's Cheap Boot Fale. TUST Arrived. — A large variety of ase eJ ful 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 ac and under ordinary cost price at Mrs Alcorn's. Q HOOTING SEASON, 1996— Buy your Guns, Ammunition, Etc., at J. W. Hardley'B. 3 79 Q.UNB ON HIRE; also Guna thoroughly repaired, Please forward early to avoid the rush. ,1. W. Hardley. 380 WANTED Known. —The popular Tea and Coffee Rooms, 131 Llchfield street, Chrfotchurch. late Rundle'a. Tea and Coffee Id per cap. Bread and Batter 2d per plate* Ham, Hot Pies, and Pastry, Scones, Buns, etc. — M. Cooke, Proprie- tress. ■ "'■■"■ 3 243 ANTED TO LET, at Westerßeld— 400 Acres Good Taesock Feed, with or without Turnips, fenced and watered. For /further particulars apply Mail Office. 3 208 WANTED— Eggs In any quantity; must be quite fresh. We are also buyers of good Beeswax m small or large quantities. — Fletchbr Bros. , East Street, Ashburton. WANTED— A few Tons of Prime Oat Sheaf Chaff. Apply, with samples and price, to Flktcher Bros., Gash Supply Stores, Ashburton. /COMFORTABLE Board and Lodging \J with every home comfort), 16s per week ; meals at all hours, Is ; beds, Is. Tea and Coffee always ready, 2d per cup. Truckle's Coffee Palace (late JLyttelton Boardinghouse) Cameron street, Athbur ton. 3 23 V 7 OUNG Ladies' Journal for March, L Weldon's Ladles' Journal for February, arid Review of Reviews for February. Agent for Pononga Electric Belt, Petal Dust, etc— H.M Jones. ,',v, • i WANTED Ernow.h — Bargains from floor to ceiling. — Mellor's Stock taking Boofc-6ale. ? HOLIDAIT Suits— A Nice Kaiapot Suit for 27s 6d, Boys' Knlcker and Cambridao Suits from 7s 6d, Men's Suits to Measure, from 455, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed at R. 'Alcorn's »*iANTFiD Known— so pairs Ladie '» and Girls' Leather Top and Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half usual price, for Iwo woeks only. — A ndre w Orr. 10 136 WANTKD Known— We are still giving Presents to all Purchasers of T>rapery, etc. — H. C. Segers, Melford House is/ ANTED Known— Our Season's V V Dresses m all the New Colonial Tweeds and Choice Home Materials now opened. An inspection invited. — Mitchell and Turner. TITHEN you are m Ohristchurch don't v ' fail to go to Warne's, Cashel street, for Fish or Oyster Lunch, Tea or Sapper. — Joseph Taylor and Co.. Proprietors. . . 3 4 OTHER People are getting ' argains at Carson's Monster dale of Bicycles, Karthenware, Glass, and China Why not You?. 1 84 WANTED Known— lf you miss the Che»p •■ Boot Sale you will be sorry. — Mellor's, Tsncred Street. PRESENTS, 'presents— We are new giving useful Presents to all Pur- chasers of Drapery, etc, — H. C. Segers, Melford House WANTED Known— 6ooo pairs of Boots to be cleared m one month. — Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known— Monster Clear- ing Boot Sale at Mellor's Zealan dia Boot Store. WANTED Known— That E. Mahood is still Belling 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. UI? ANTED Known— Everybody to roll VY op to Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale.- Now's your time to bay. \VT ANTED Known— The * Economic yv Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for everyday wear. — W. H. Collier. MEN'S Bluchers 53, a good Strong Nailed Shooter at 8a 6d ; a nice assortment of Ladies' and Children's Bobfs and Shoes from Is 9d a pair at R. Alcobn's WANTED Known— A Magnificent Display of Ladies' Jackets m all the Newest Styles, just landed and now |on viow. See window. — Mitchell and : Turner. * WANTED 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.— Mitchell and Turner



PUBLIC NOTICES Success ! Success ! SUCCESS ! NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS, AND THE "I* LITE HOITSJB" DESERVES IT CHEAP GOODS opening everyday TT being now a recognised fact that the "BLUE HOUSE" [b the Cheapest Place m Ashbnrton for Drapery, Clothing, Millinery, Boots, etc. therefore the thrifty housewife and care ful farmer, who wishes to sustain the confidence of those near and dear to them, by saving their hard earned money should not fail to find the "BLUE HOUSE," When m Pursuit of Cheap and Durable Goods look out Floor out i 1 LOOK OUT! The Best Value m the Trade. i Compare a few of the "BLUE HOUSE" PBICES. White Calico Is lid, 2s lid, 3s 9d per doisen Grey Calico Is 9d, 2s 9d, 3s lid per dozen A really good make at 2s lid per dozen Flannelette 2s 6d per dozen A splendid line Assorted stripe at 3s lid worth 6a per doisen Art Muslin 2s lid for 12yds — a marvel Silesia from 3d per yard Ticking 4s lid bed of 10 yards, worth double; '.*' American Leather and Oil k ßaise from 9d per yard \ 72 inch Twill Sheeting, 9M per yard, plain, ditto, per yard Bsd PRINTS, CAMBRICS, BLODB- INGS, MUSLINS, etc. , Having had a nioab aucoessf v season m these Goods, . for the balance no offer approaching reason will be refused at the "BLUE HOUSE." It so happens that all the low class Goods have been sold — the better quali* ties only are m Stock ; therefore, Snperior Goods at Low Class Prices. For instance — 9d DeUines now 4£d ; all Linen Blousings were Is 3d, now 7£d ; Zephyrs, any shade, 3a 9J ten yards, were lOd ; Persian Cords, usual price I* 9d now 10*1, any Bhade; Beautiful Designs m 'all shades And qualifies of Satteen, with the price cup fairly in^half. No two bites at a cherry with BLUE HOUSE GOODS Just opened a few more pieces 6? Black Cashmere still 6s lid Dress. Be quick tor these, no need to overlook the luxury of mourning at this prioe. Hosiery and Gloves, any price' from 4d per pair ; Beautiful Silk Gloves only Is 6d. cjilk Hose la lid, Black and Navy Ouffs and Collars from 3d, Hair Nets, a lot at 2d each MILLINERY, MILLINEBY MILLINERY. So Successful has been the "BLUE BOUSE " m this Department m almost entirely clearing out their Summer Goods. Now that the season is practic- ally over, the tail end of the Stock will go at nominal prices, too ridiculous to quote ; just call and the price will deligh\ a likely purchaser. HATS, FLOWERS, VEILINGS, FJSATHHRB, etc, Must be given away or laid aside. We prefer to give them away at poor price IN THE CLtiIHING AND MERCERY DEPARTMENT, Its a case of Speculation Is the footstool to fortune If you want a rig out, and have only about one third of what you imagine it will cost, don't watt until you have more money, bat find the •'BLUE HOUSE," And there we will help you to solve the problem of how to live within your means and get all yon require. You won't get any oredit, but real red hot value. LOOK HERB- A Mans Suit any size for 14s 6d, a good Tweed Suit 19s 9d, Men's Tweed Trousers and <,Vests 11s 6d, Tweed Trousers from-ps lid, Serge Trousers from 4s 6d. The Wonder— "BLUE BOUSE" Moles 3s lid, Men's Tweed Hats Is 3d, Caps 6d, Felt Hate, black, brown and drab from Is 61 Everybody within a radius of forty miles has had a "BLUB HOUSE" SHILLING SHIRT, Plenty more. Leather Shirts 2s lid, B.C. Under Shirts and Pants Is 3d, Merino do Is lid, Strong Soxs, 3 pair for Is ; Is 6d Soxs now 9d, all Ti*s, Soarfs and Collars at a out m two prioe for a few days, two yards wide Floor Cloth, best quality, Is per yard ; Linoleum Id b§d square yard, Carpets Is lid BOOTS ~&~ SHOES ALL AT " BLUE HOUSE " PRICES. Another case of the famous Strap Shoes 3s lid, be quick if you want a pair To Study Economy and live within means, pay cash. If you want to come into the town for holiday go to the « BLUE HOUSE " And spend a pound, then you enjoy yourself, because you have a holiday and save a day's wages THE "CHEAP "BLUE HOUSE," Between J. On? and Co. and The Clothing Factory, East Street.



Business Notices. ' flIRg. FIRE. FIUV. ' '(I. J. NEIL L BURNETT STHEET. Salvage Stock * OPEN Tuesday and Wednesday mHEBE GOODS MUST BE CLEARED to enable a settlement with Insurance Company. THE OOMPANY'3 INSTROOTIONB 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 BAST STREET A T THIS JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT, is to be seen the LARGEST and FINEST STOCK m the District of GOU> AND SILVER I SILVER AND B.P. j JEWELLERY, | WARE. | WATCHES. The now famed DIXIT Watches at 208,5255, andjdouble j cases at 30s. TO BE OBTAINED ONLY FROM ' \ 8. 8 ALEE, EABT STREET, ASHBURTON. SOMETHING WORTH GROWING. NEW STRAWBERRY « LAXTON'S NOBLE." j rpHIS new Strawberry has established itself m the Home market as the Very - X Best Strawberry tinder cultivation. The fruit is Urge, firm, and handsome, the bright crimson scarlet berries weighing as high as 2oz each, while the flavor is rich and vinous. Besides those recommendations, "TH X NOBLE " is one of the earliest fruiting strawberries, and we have no hesitation m Baying that it is undoubtedly the Strawberry for growers of tb,is. favourite fruit . The following is extracted from the Otago fatness of January 2, 1896 : "New Strawberry: "Laxton'a Noble" — . . This strawberry excel? b>th m size, flavour and appearance, anything we have had m New Zealand .before. . . Some of these fine berries were sent by the Countess of Pembroke to the Emperor of Germany, each berry being about the Biaa of an apple. They ware eaid to be larger than had ever been seen before. The fruit arrived mcx , cellent condition, not a berry being crushed; spaaking well both for the packing and the travelling qualities of the berries. On the average the berries weighed 2oz each. They were not big, ugly fruit, bat were full and handsome, . . "Laxton'a Noble" Strawberry comes early inlo bearing, and is a very heavy beirar, 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 fruit. Mr Bennet h»g on young plants, laid m the spring, eight to ten large berries, averaging, say, 2oz each. They are fine handsome berries, and ol good travelling qualities." ,' .  As Stock is limited, we recommend 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 — NIMMO & BLAIR, SBBD MERCHANTS AND SEED GROWERS, DUNEDIN. KeroaeiK*. Kerosene, Kerosene. 100 Cases, , 1 100 Cases. We havo m stock and to arrive 100 cases 'Evening Star' Kerosene, 150 per cent fire test. This oil is, without doubt, one of the Safest and Best light-giving oils m the market. iream of r rart;«. Cream of Tartar. 11201bs. 11201bs. We have just received half a ton of Pure Oraara of Tartar ground specially for us from the crystal. This Cream of Tartar is guaranteed Pure, and is the Strongest and Best procurable, and having bought it before the rise m the Home market, we are enabled to sell at a Lower Price than any other storekeeper m the town. coffee. Coffee. Coffee We are giving special attention to our Coffee. The Coffee Beans are selected with the greatest care ami freshly roasted and ground on owe premiiei by the most approved machinery. We can recommend it with the greatest of confidence as Superior to any other Coffee m the market. Give •it a trial and you will use no other. " . • notice to farmers, etc. We are Cash Buyers of GOOD BEESWAX m any quantity, at Highest Market Bates. Orders by Post or Telephone Promptly attended toj FLETCHER BEOS., V CASH SUPPLY STORES, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON, i and High street, Chriatchurch, Tkliphonb 24 , fi W 6 ? • ■: l ' . ' • ' ' > .; :