Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 1896. ONE QUEEN, ONE FLAG, ONE FLEET.

Under this heading there has appeared m the Daily Graphic (January 80 to February 6), an interesting series of articles from the pen of a contributor under the non de plume " Splendid Isolation," followed m its issue of the 11th February by the publication of the opinions of Lord Wolseley and an editorial on the whole subject. The object of the series first mentioned is to propound a scheme of Imperial Defence, m which all parts of the Empire should be associated, each con tributing [iv men and money its due share of the whole. It is pointed out that there are some 52,000,000 of the British race, viz , 40,000,000 at Home, 10,000,000 m the self-governing colonies, and 2,000,000 m the Crown Colonies and India, and that outside our own kith and kin there are 350,000,000 of people who owe allegi- i ance to the Queen, as subjects or feudatories; making a total of 462,000,000 souls (more than a third of the entire population of the world), whose welfare is bound np with that of the flag. It is also shown that more than half the shipping and carrying trade, and probably quite half the wealth of the world belong to the Queen's subjects and yet that broadly speaking the whole re sponsibility and expeuse of the de fence* of these huge interests falls upon the 40,000,000 who constitute the population of the United Kingdom. "Splendid Isolation," starting from these premises, rightly lays it down that V the welfare of the Empire as a whole, and of every part of it, is the affair not of Englishmen or Irishmen, or Australians, or Canadians, but rather of each and all, equally.' He then proceeds to show "that tho Empire depends upon its ability t> hold the seaa against all comers " and urges that the fleet should be an Imperial fleet, manned and officered from as well as maintained by all parts of the Empire. "At present (he writes) almost the only recognition vouchafed by the Ad miralty to the Colonies is the offer annually of four naval cadetships," wherew be would. baVe the iervice

thrown open to all parts of tho Em pire without difference, adding the suggestion that every officer or man hailing from the colonies might be allowed to wear as part of his uniform, an appropriate badge, as for example, the beaver or the maple-leaf for Canada, the golden fleece for New South "Wales, the swan for Western Australia, and so on. "The most important desideratum (he con tinues) is the early establishment of sea-going colonial training ships — vessels, I mean which shall do on the coasts of the Colonies exactly the same kind of work as has of late been done on our own coasts by the Northampton, save that the boys recruited by them shall receive the whole, instead of merely part, of their preliminary training m them, and shall be draughted thence directly to regular service m men-of-war. Three or four such vessels would suffice for the needs of the whole of the Empire ; and we have no lack of craft suitable for the purpose. The ships of the Canada and Caroline classes, since they are rigged, would do admirably j while, if larger vessels be desirable, there are the Boadicea, the Raleigh, the Active, the Volage, the Calliope, and the Calypso. If we pursued this plan we might m time see a large part of the Australian Squadron composed of vessels chiefly officered and manned by Australians ; seven or eight hundred Canadians and Newfoundlanders m the North &meri can Squadron ; and so on." In addition to this he advocates for each of the Colonies, a Naval Militia charged with coast and harbour defence, and m connection with these reforms, proposes the representation of the colonies at the Admiralty, by the appointment of a Colonial Lord, to be nominated jointly by the various Colonial Governments. He further proposes the formation of a Colonial Army Corps, for Imperial service, numbering 25,000, m addition to 50,000 to be raised within the Colonies for their local defence, — the various contingents to be provided by the establishment m the Colonies of the system of linked battalions, one of each pair of such battalions to be al ways on Imperial service, or at Home awaiting it, the other remaining m the Colony where the depdt would also be. The term of service with the Colonial Army Corps might (it is suggested) be either three or four years, and the officers m the first instance taken from existing Colonial corps, and thereafter entered and educated like officers of the Home army. " The advantages to all parties (continues the writer) would be great. The Empire would gain defenders and would benefit from the increased intercourse among its com ponent parts. The young men of the Colonies would obtain opportunities, such as comparatively few of them now enjoy, of seeing and knowing their Motherland, and of understanding the greatness of her inheritance and the proud significance of Civis Britarmicus sum. And the Old Country would, as it were, renew its youth by intimate association, m peace as well as m war, with the strong scions of its most venturous stocks. Nor can I but think that the military efficiency, even of the home-staying portions of the Colonial forces, would be improved by the perodical flowing back to them of officers and men who had met, either as foes or as friends, people of all sorts, and hues, m all corners of the world, just as our own army is undeniably improved by its turns of service abroad." And now as to the cost of all this, "Splendid Isolation" does not fail to see that it would be vain to call upon the Colonies for a con tribution of the £2,000,000 annually, which would bo required to en able the realisation of his scheme ; but he submits a proposition, which, he argues would remove the financial difficulty, viz : that the Empire take over all the Colonial debts, (about £470,000,000),the Colonies to pay 3 per cent on their respective quota, the sav ing of interest which would thereby result to them fully reoouping to each its share of the contribution to the Defence scheme sketched out. The idea of " Splendid Isolation " is charac terised by the Oommander-in-Ohief as a splendid one, but (says Lord Wolseley) "my experience of the colonies and especially of Canada con vinces me that it would be almost impossible to raise a permanent force for service wherever needed." He admits that the colonies have all the material for soldiers of the best type, but while "m case of invasion threatening the integrity of the Empire, Canada, for instance, could put into the field a splendid army ; and these troops would, he is convinced, fight to the last m defence of their country, he thinks itcanhardly be hoped that thousands of men m each colony would give up the occupations on which they depend for a livelihood m order to volunteer for military service." We are not sure that Lord Wolseley if< right so far as Australia and New Zealand are concerned, and are inclined to think that under present circum stances thousands would be willing to join the proposed Navy and Army corps; but, even if so, the scheme would fail unless all other parts of the Empire were willing to join m carrying it out. It also needs to be seen whether the Mother Country is prepared to adopt the financial part of the proposal, of which of course the Colonies would need to be assured before considering of the practicability of providing their quota of men. Granted the first, the latter would we think present less difficulty than the Oommander-in-Ohief anti cipates; but whether or not his scheme, or [any such scheme, be adopted m the near future " Splendid Isolation " has rendered good service by his suggestive papers upon a subject which is of vital interest to all parts of the Empire.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Thare are as present 38 sasea of typhoid foyer m the Auckland Hospital. America is excited over the coming marriage of ex- President H\rrison ; the bride will be his deceased wife's widowed sister. Major Harris, X H R , was thrown out ! of a baggy while driving near Auckland, on March 31. In addition to cuts and brniß6B he suffered concussion of the brain i and was unconscious for an hour. He is progressing favourably. The services and other arrangements for Easter In connection with J?t Stephen's Church are notified In oar advertising columns. It will be observed thar. a children's service will be held on Sunday afternoon. A party to a suit m the Magistrate's Court, Westport, said he had lived for weeks at Mokihinui on dry bread and masaels. He also expressed the opinion that nobody m Westport) was making a living ; the people were dragging out an existence. The estate of the lite H. S. Tiffen, of Napier, is valued at over £400,000. To a favourite nleci he devised over £100,000. Mrs 0. J. Hazelden, wife of the late Undersecretary for Justice, was a sister, not a daughter of the deceased. She receives £16,000. There is now every prospect of fine weather fot the cycling races m the Domain on Easter Monday, promoted by the Ashbnrbon Cycling and Athletio Club, and no doubt the public as Veil as the Clnb will be glad should the present expectations of a successful gathering be fulfilled. The manner m which the various events have filled up leaves nothing to be desired on that score, and it is understood that the handicapping should produoe some close finishes* The annual general meeting of the Tinwald Football Club was held on March 28. There was a very poor attendance. Mr Cow was elected President and a number of vice-Presldents were elected. The election of officers resulted as follows : Captain, A. Williams ; Vice-Captain, C. E. Smith ; Secretary and Treasurer, W. J. Smith ; Committee. H. Bennetts and J.Northam. The balance sheet was very satisfactory showing a balanos of £1 3s, and outstanding accounts £1 6s 9d. Con* siderable business was gone through. The meeting olosed with vote of thanks to the outgoing committee and to the cbair. A special appeal will be made In the Wesleyan Church tomorrow on behalf of the JJrunner Belief Fund, and members of the congregation are requested to be prepared for a liberal response. The stewards of the church will be m attend ance at the close of each service to receive contributions. At the evening service the Rev T. G.< Brooke will give an address on ' Four years among theßrunnermlners,' with reminiscences of the men who were entombed. As Mr Brooke was m charge of the Brunner Church before coming tn Ash burton the address should be one of exceptional interest and a large gathering may be anticipated. The holiday season having fairly set m the railways have been largely patronised, and heavy excursion trains ran through both north and south on Thursday night. Shortly after eleven the excursion train from Ohriatchuroh reached Ashburton. It was heavily laden with passengers, and m addition to the large crowd of civilians who took advantage of the low fares and speedy and convenient travelling, the ' train oarried the volunteers en route for the Easter encampment. The local company to the nutrber of abont thirty, entrained at Ashburton, joining their comrades who are to form the Orari camp during the duration of the term of service under canvap. The anniversary services In connection with the Primitive Methodist Sunday school are ro be celebrated m the Udd fellows' Hall to-morrow, the Rev W. Laycock, from Dunedin, conducting three services, at 11 a.m., 3p.m., and 6 30 p.m. There will be some excellent singing on Sunday by the children and friends, assisted by a large orchestra, and m the afternoon the children will give several recitations, etc. On Monday evening a public tea meeting will be held m the church. The features of the after-meeting will be the singing of a number of choice selections, a number of recitations, aoion songs, and addresses by the Rev W. Liy cock and others. If the weather prove fine, this will be one of the best anniver saries the school has ever celebrated. For further particulars our readers are r ferred to the advertisement m another column. It will ba noticed that the local branch of the Bible Society are to hold their annual meeting m the Wesleyan Church next Thursday. The sole object of the Society is to facilitate the wider circula tion of the Holy Soriptures. It seeks to provide the Word of God for all nations m such translations, forms, and places, and at euch prices as to make it accessible and acceptable to preachers and teachers, missionaries and aU others, rich and poor. The committee of the parent Society appointed at each annual meeting consists of thirty-six laymen, of whom six are foreigners residing m or near London. Of the remaining thirty, half are members of the Church of England, and the rest are representatives of other communions of Christians. The local committee heartily invite the public to the meeting, and trust that a deep interest will be taken m the work of this great Society.

THE TRANSVAAL TROUBLE.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. London, April 2 The Times considers it unwise of the Uitlander press to ask for concessions m the franchise at present, and wicked folly to threaten war. Pretoria, April 2 Leonard, one of the Reform Comit tee, says that President Kruger dreams of constructing a railway from Pre toria to Delagoa without touching on British soil. April 3. Mr Chamberlain has sent a despatch to President Kruger which is friendly, but firm m tone. He insists on re dress for the grievances of the Uit landers,and maintains that it ia the right and duty of Great Britain to interfere. He requests a reply to the invitation to visit England, and states that he cannot allow President Kruger to go on indefinitely witholding his answer. The Pretoria correspondent of the Times says that the difficulty lies m the fact that the Boers desire absolute control of the Government.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON-THURSDAY. (Before Mr 0. A. Wray, S.M.) Citil Oases- Peter Good v M. Scan nell, £30 for hire of a water race plough for a month, and £14 Ba, wages, extras, etc., for working it. Mr Wilding after opening the case for Good called him m evidence. He said thab la it year he went to 0-imaru to see after a tender he had pat m for widening main and makirg new races. He was m the job with John Divery. The engineer's estimate for the job was about £1600. Scannell also tendered, and baing only op to £700 or thereabout, and the lowest tenderer, he got the contract. It was known by the contractors round the County office that Soinnellwasche lowest tenderer, and would be likely to get the job. Spoke to him about the plough he (witness) used, and said he had b6en m the habit; of using from six to ten horses with it, bub had never used an engine, and had no experience of working one* This was at the end of November, and on December 3 Soannell came to witness's house at the Hinds, and they had conversation on the Bubjeot. Scan nell offered £25 for a month's hire of the plough, and witness wanted £30. Next daySoannell went and saw the plough, and the work it was doing. He offered witness 7s a day to go with him and work the plough. Received a letter from Scan* nell, asking him to have the plough fitted with the necessary cutters, etc, and sent on. Took the plough to Duncan's to get altered, and it was sent on to Christ church, Mr Keir writing to Scannell for measurements* Followed the plough to Ohristchurch, and saw the cutters made according to Scannell's measurements. When the plough was being shipped a telegram was received from Scan* nell asking to have it forwarded to Waitakl South. This was done, and witness followed it. Had not up to this time given any guarantee of what' the plough could do, Mr Scannell having been perfectly satisfied with what the plough would do, from information he had obtained from Mr Radford and others* The plough was drawn to the work at Waitaki by a traction engine, and a start was made at widening a race. The work was far from satisfactory, as the draught was uneven, and the ground unsuitable* Only horses could have done the work on this occasion. Worked for a short time, and then Mr Scannell had the plough removed to try it on some new races. This was done m land ploughed for turnips. The race was to be about lift wide, and it was also a failure, the engine not being able to pull it. The engine was then anchored, and managed to pull the plough up to it that way. The work was stopped by order of the engineer, and the plough was pulled out, men going on the widening with pick and shovel. Witness was there for a week. During that time neither Scannell nor his partner was on the ground, and when the partner did come he was m a great rage, and witness was virtually discharged. To get the plough ready for Scannell's work cost m all £33. By Mr Raymond— lf the plough had been used by Mr Scannell with horses and aU proper equipments, and been a complete failure, would not havo expected to be paid- The plough was tried afterwards with horsey but they failed to pull it. Six horses were used, bub the harness was not suitable. Did not suggest to Mr Scannell that if the horses and harness had been suitable the plough would have done its work. By Mr Wilding — The plough was qaito fit for work, and is of the best kind. From the time Scannell aaw it to the time of getting it to work, the plough was not altered. — : William Oraighead gave evidence as to the plough being as good as any he had seen m twelve years experience. The plough had cleaned about 30 or 40 miles of Ashburton water races since shn came back. Those races varied from 4£ feet wide to 6 feet. The plough was m better order now, even for new work, than ib was before it wenb away. —W. J. Silcock, until within the last three years, had been a contractor for race making. Knew Good's plough before it was altered, and knew that good work could be done with it. They could have had a direcb pull on the plough if they hid used two engines, or horses, but he thought the failure was from want of power generally. Ploughs of the kind m question were not adapted for working In large raoes such as those at which this one was tried. By :Mr Ray mond—Had nob seen the plough since the alterations were made —William Baxter, Oounty Engineer, had laid off and seen the construction of a thousand miles of races m Ashburton. Good was a com petent contractor. Witness thought that a plough working m a 4.£ foot race woald require to be supplemented by scoop and ahovel work*— David Thomas and W. Radford (clerk of works ior the Geraldine Oounty Connoil) gave evidence as to work done by Gond. J. Good also gave evidence. — Mr Raymond, for the defence, said that he would lead evidence to show that a guarantee was given by Good, and it was a condlton of Scannell hiring the p'ough thab the implemenb was to be thoroughly equal to the work it was required to do. His evidence would prove that ib was nob so, and that the other side should be thankful that the boot was not on the other leg, and that damages ware hot sought by Scannell against Good. He called Charles Banks, Engineer to the Wataki County Council, who said he saw the work on Scannell's contract on January 7. It was going on very unsatisfactorily, and was not right m any particular. The Inspector called hla attention to ib. , Witness did not see the plough at work at. all, bub had seen the plough. He thoughb the portion of the wheels was bad, and they were likely to choke — the earth thrown up by the plough being likely to be forced between the wheels and the mould boards. The plough had not since been used on the work. Soann ell's tender was over £700. Witness's ' estimate was £1600, but it included some things not m the contract. The work was not yet complete, and he was not very well satisfied with ib as far as it had gone. Had not had any experience of the water raoe ploughs constructed by Messrs Duncin, but had seen a water race plough ab work down there, whioh seemed to work fairly. Had had no practical experience of irrigation race work. — Michael Scannell, the defendant m the case, and one of the contractors m the work m question, said that Good offered to hire him the plough, saying that it was fib for anything. After interviewing Mr iadford, went to see Good at Hinds, who first wanted £80 for the hire of the plough, and then came down by £5 jumps to £30. Deolined to make any offer till he had seen the plough. Wenb with him to where the plough was then lyin? m a shallow race, which he said had been taken oub with only two cuts, and using six horsee. He said also that with certain alterations m the cutters ib would do large work as well as small. Witness said if that were so, he would give him £20 for the use of the plough if he would come down and work ib at 7s a day, witness to pay the railage both ways. He said he would not let the plough go unless he were to go with it. Finally it was agreed that £30 should be paid for the plough which was to be m a fib state to out all the different sf^e raoes. When work began they could not get anything out of the race, which was too deep to be operated on. Good told him he intended nping the plough In the same work and with a traction engine, if he had got the tender. After failing with the engine, six good horses were yoked to the plough. The horses palled the plough right enough, but the mould boards had no effect on the sides of the raoe. Good Raid a double furrow plough should be used to slacken the aide*. This was done, after which the

engine was put on again with n wire rop* bit the work was still unsatisfactory. Ii was then, at Good a suggestion, tried t( plough oae side of the race, buc with m better result. Next afternoon tried th< plough on the new work. It got aboul two or three chains, and witness had to gc h way by tra : u, but he had already noticed tl at the wheels of the plough wore Jiabli to choke. The land was firat-claas land, had been ploughed, disc-harrowed, and rolled, and an engine conld travel on ii easily. Did not return to the work til! »ftar the New Year, when his men told him Good had cloared out and left the plough. Fifty or sixty chain had been done, but it was horrible work, and had all to be re-modelled. Genorsl'y the in efficiency of the plough had caused him considerable loss and delay, and anochei plough had had to be obtained, whioh, although a makeshift, had dq»e good work-no comparison between 16 and Goods plough. Mr Wilding cross examined witness at some -length. By the Bench— Expeoted to find Good still on the contract when he came baok aftet i -!i. « Ye » r — "Daniel Gregan, partner iJ\?°!T U m the ooatMo ' at Pap»k»io, said that the work done by Good's plough Good wanton with pick and sfiovel. It w e S Bay « that Good *« "fused food. Would prefer a traotion engine to horses m making water races. This plough was not suitable for the work any way, and witness had done more m one stroke with the "makeshift" than Good's could do with six. Good's sideboards were not large enough to throw out the earth. Was not aware that any guarantee had been given by Good. -T P Wright, clerk of works to the Waltaki County Council, gave evidence a? to the bad work done, and the inefficiency of the plough for the kind of work required of her. Tki country was nob suitable for that kind o. plough. It may be perfectly suitable fci Asbburton county, but was certainly i failure at Oamaru among the rolling downs. After the engine driver and tin time keeper had given evidence, Hit Worship reserved judgment.

Davis's Fantastiques.

The entertainment) under the abort title, given m the Oddfellows' Hall cc Thursday evening, by Professor ate Madame Stella Davis, was decidedly til best of its kind that we have seen fore very long time. Wonderment and amass ment went hand m hand, and the audi ence, mystified and delighted, testified their appreciation by frequent and heary applause. The Professor is one of tie neatest) prestidigitators that have evßt appeared before a New Zealand, or for tie matter of that any other public, his trleis with carda, coins, handkerchiefs, etc.behg remarkably clever. One performed wish the latter may be mentioned m particular. A number of handkerchiefs having bera joined together by various members of the audience, with as great a variety of knotb, the whole string is deposited In a hat held by a volunteer, and a few bars of music having been played, the Professor lifts the handkerchiefs out one by one, though nobody can imagine how they can have been separated. Then an unusually amusing performance is givefc by a series of lay figures manipulated by the Professor, who m this, as m other exampleE, gives proof of ventriloquial powers of a very high order. Then Madame Davis was introduced, and In what was claimed to be a somnipathlo trance gave the answers to a large number of questions written by the audience, and which neither she nor the Professor could possibly have seei, and also gave the precise terms of tie questions themselves. We know, of course, that there must be a trick boom where, but confess our entire inability to imagine how ib can possibly be performed. However, there the fact Is, account for it how you will, and we recommend the sceptical to go thia evening- and see if thay can solve the mystery. After this the Ptofesaor, m the presence of a committee of gentlemen, performs all the Davenport cabinet tricks, and seems to be able to get out of ropes tied m any conceivable knob, and to get back into his bonds again m the moat wonderful way. Lastly we have the so-called spirit materialisation of Mrs Mellon reproduced, and visible spooks appear on the stage and address the audience, only to resolve themselves into the veri able Professor himself m orthodox evening dress. Altogether the entertain ment is well worth going to see, and we shall be surprised if to-night does not witness a bumper house.

COMMERCIAL.

DUNEDIN GRAIN MARKET.

Following report is under date April I •— Wheat.— At the reduced value reported last week a considerable business has been done m Tuscan and red wheats, while velvet continues to meet with most attention from millers, and is readily placed at quotations. Prime milling velvet 3s 7d to 3s Bd. Tus can 3s 4d to 3s sd, fowl*' feed 3s to 3s 3d per bushel j sacks m. Oats. — The tone of the market is some what weaker. Shippers evince little desire to make extensive purchases at l»te values, and as offerings beoome more numerous the tendency for prices to ease slightly becomes more apparent. A few lines specially suit able for seed have been placed at Is 8d to Is 9d per bushel. For other sorts— Prime mil ling Is 7£d to Is Bd, good to best feed Is 6£d to Is 7£d, medium feed Is 5d to Is 6d ; sacks extra. Barley.— A very large proportion of the crop to hand is only of medium quality, and for this class the demand is relatively lower than üßual. All lines of prime malting quality, however, are m strong request at aiightly improved values. Prime malting brings 3a 3d to 3s 6d per bushel, sacks extra ; medium to good 2s 8d to 3s, feed and milling 2s to 2a 7d.

ASHBURTON MARKETS.

Mr D. Thomas reportß upon the live stock market m the Ashbnrton County for the week ending April 3, as follows — On Tuesday) at the Ashbniton Yards, the usual stock Bale was held. There was a large attendance of farmers and others interested, and the entries of stock of all olasses was a fully representative one. The biddings for sheep were live'y, resulting m my case m a total clearance of every sheep 1 had to offer at better values than those lately ruling. A rise of from 6d to Is per head upon ordinary sheep can be quoted, and over Is per head for good grazing sheep. Taken all round the tone of the market was more satisfactory than at any time during the last six months, The sale was adjourned for a quarter of an hour bo as to allow His Worship the Mayor time to address those present upon the sad disaster which had occurred m Brunnerton. This ha did man able manner, and he and Mr Charles Reid quiokly collected about £40. The totals yarded for the day consisted of 11,437 sheep, 32 cattle, 155 rams, and 14 pigs, of which my entry comprised 3657 sheep, 10 cattle, and 85 rams, and my principal sales were as follows*— 2s fat crossbred ewes, 10s; 25 merino ewes, 4s lQd ; IS fat crossbred ewes, 7s 4d ; 13 fat crossbred ewes, 8s 4d ; 81 fat merino ewes, Ss 6d ; 15 fat crossbred ewes, 7s 8d ; 21 cull merino ewes, 2s lid ; 12 fat lambs, 8s ; 15 fat crossbred ewes, 7s 6d ; 23 fat merino ewes, 4s 9d } 32 fat merino ewes, 5s 4d ; 32 cull crossbred ewes, 3s Id ;56 merino ewes, 2s 4d ; 54 lambs, 6s 3d ; 55 crossbred ewes, 5s lid ; 163 merino ewes, 2s lid ; 10 culls, 2s 2d ;J225 crossbred lambs, 6s 7d ; 255 crossbred lambs, 6s 7d ; 62 cull crossbred ewes, 3s 4d ; 58 full mouth ewes, sssdj 146 crossbred ewes, 7s 2d ; 100 two rooth orossbreds, 9s 2d ; 7 crossbred lambs, 8s 6-i ; 68 four and six-tooth ewes, 9s 2d ; 144 two-tooth crosabreds (small). 7s 2d ; 221 two, four, and six-tooth ewes, 7s 7d ; 75 threeqnarter-bred ewes, 6s lOd ; 73 cull two tooths, 5s 7d ; 289 two-tooth crossbred ewes, 7s ; 53 crossbred lambs, culls, 2s lid ; 150 four, six, and eight-tooth ewei, 5s 8d ; 10Q four, cix, rod, eight-tooth ewes, 5» 8d ; 8$

THE ABHBORTON GUARDIAN: SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 1896.



It will be seen by a new advertisement m another column that Messrs Craighead and Berryman are determined to maintain their reputation as the leading tailors and outfitters of Ashburton. Their grand dis- play of new winter goods and their reduced prices should prove a great attraction to all who wish to prepare for winter*— (Ad vt.) A M Bailey, a well known citizen of Eu- gene. Oregon, cays bis wife has for years been troubled with ohronio diarrhoea and used many remedies with little relief until she ♦ried Chamberlain's Oolio, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy, which has onred her sound and well. Give it a trial and you will be surprised at thn prompt relief it affords. For Bale by the Ashburtoo Drug Company



immediately. Use KEATING'S COUGH LOZENGES well known as the utterly unrivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly reoom* mended by many eminent physiaians. They at onoe oheok the oough and remove the oauae— without any af'er effeot; the most delioate can therefore take them. One Lozenge alone giveß eaue— one or two at bed- time ensures rest. Bold everywhere m tins 13£ i eaob. A oough is only worth eighteen-penoe, for the Bimple reason that if yon invest that sum m a bottle of Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Ooldß, you oan get rid of it j ttraight away— it never failß— every Grooer and Chemist m the town keeps it. Wholesale Agents, New Zealand Drng Company* You try th* New Vtnut Jobfue



Wanted. \K/ AiSltoD Knuwu — Tn*t &. UiAHouD * T is still selling *11 kinds of Grocery, Hrrckery, and Gl*pswa»*B at as reasonable a price as any other hous* m the trade. Orders by lecter or Telephone promptly nttended to. Families waited on daily Telephone No. 76. WANTED Xnown— Kvviryb dy to roll up *o Mkllor's Cheap Boot Sale. Now's your time to buy. WANTjfID Known- Monster Clear- ing Boot Sale at Mbllob's Zealan dia Boot Score. V\7 ANTED. Known— The • X jonomic . ** Kid Glove, fr»ur buttons, 1b 9) per pair, is the Glove for everyday wear ' — w. H. Collier. Public notices. WAROO! THE CURE FOB INDIGESTION. Ashbnrton Drug Company, Agents . 11 108 APBNING TTP T\AILY VPENING UP 1/AILY AT THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, NEW GOODS FOR THE WINTER SEASON. THE BEST ASSORTMENT OF SUPERIOR READY-MADE CLOTHING IN|THE DISTRICT* New Hats, New Ties, New Shirts. HEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ARCADE HODSE. NEW AUTUMN HAT* , I NEW lAUTOMN MILLINERY ~VTEW DRESSES IN COLONIAL AND JSCOTCH TWEEDS, SERGES, Etc. NOW SHOWING AT LOWEST CASH PRICES. SEE WINDOWS SPECIAL DISPLAY Ashburton Drapery Company, BURNETT STREET.



Wanted. O(\f\ DOZBN Frofh Oyufcers by ox- •^v/v/ preiM Tonight. To b" so!d Cheap.— Jewitts, opposite M<ul Office. 4 31 \TfANTED Known— Hob Lunch™- * and Anniversary Tea supplied af the Salvation Array Swiss Village r.n Easter Monday. 4 32 TV 4 ODJ3L Yacht Club -Scratch fiace 8 !.* * will be made up on the ground' Esster Monday, m the Dotnain, starting at 2 p.m. TJEMEMBER the Primitive Methodist, t > Sunday School Anniversary to bo | held on Easter Sanday and Monday. i Addresses by the Rev Layoock. 3 241 •VI7BRLWYAN Ohnroh. - ToMorrow * ' Morning, Mr Grayburn ; Evening, Rev T. G. Brooke, Subject of evening — 11 Four yeare among the Bruoner Miners. '' A special appeal will be made on behalf f the Bonner Relief Fund, and the awards will be m attendance at the oloae of each service to receive contribu- tions 4 SO W" ANTKD, to let 4-roomed square House, large scullery and stables. For particulars ajpply Mail office* 3 237 WANTED to Purchase about Two Tons Prime Hay ; immediate delivery. Apply Mail Office. 4 7 ANTED Known- 25 lbs New Oat meal for 2s 3d at John Orr and Co. 4 6 T7IOR S 4LE or To Let.— Seven-roomed JJ House, with pantry, wash house, stable, etc., on 2£ acres of land, good garden and orchard, lately occupied by Mr E. Saundera. Apply office of this paper. 4 15 WANTED Known— Ladies Shoes, tan or black, 6s 6d.— Mkllor's ' Cheap Boot Sale. \\f ANTEDKnown— Go to The Corner f*' for Newest Styles In Drapery and Millinery— W. H. OolHer. _ WANTED Known — 6000 Dairs~of Bootd and shoes to plok from; Wellor s Great Boot Sale. ANTED Known— Spectacles, Ifiye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything m the optlca line at S. SiiJBK r, Optfoian -•■' fJTTAKTED Known— Just opening a " fresh lot of useful Presents, to be given to all Purchasers of Drapery, — H. 0. Segers, Melford House WANTED Known- You save 6a m every pound if you patronise Mblior's Cheap Boot Store. ANTED Known— Great Reduction at Mrllor's Cheap Boot Pale. TUST Arrived. — A large variety of aae O fal and Ornamental Goods, Dolla, 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 cosb price at Mrs Alcorn's. Q HOOTING SEASON, 1896,- Buy your Guns, Ammunition, Etc., at J. W. Hardley's. 3 79 Q.UNS ON HIRE; also Gun thoroughly repaired. Please forward early to avoid the rush. ,1 . W. Haudley. 380 GREAT SALTS NOW ON at; L. F. ANDREWEB & Co. £3000 worth «->f Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Toys,, Music, &c, to be sold this month regard- 'ets of cost. Sale now on at L. F. Andrewes & Co, Stationers' Hall. 4J25 "ANTED Known— The popular Tea and Coffee Rooms, 131 Lich field street. Ohristchurch, late Rundle's. Tea and Coffee Id per cup. Bread and Butter 2d per plate. Ham, Hot Pies, and Pastry, Scones, Buns, etc.— M. Cooke, Proprie- tress. 3 243 ANTED TO LET, at Westerfield— 400 Acres Good Tussock Feed, with or without Turnips, fenced and watered. For further particulars npply Mail Office. 3 208 \\7* AN CED— Eggs m any qaan'iry ; VV must be quite fresh. We are also buyers of good Been wax m small or large qu»nt,ft,le«.— Fletcher Bros , East Street. Afihburton. \X7ANTED Known— Lirge delivery of v * the 'Economic* Kid Glove?, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth much more. — w H. Collier. WANTED— A few Tons of Prime Oat Sheaf Chaff. Apply, with samples and price, to Flktchbr Bros , Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton. /COMFORTABLE Board and Lodging V^ with every home comfort, 16s per week ; meah at all hours, Is ; beds, la. Tea and Coffee always ready, 2d per cup. Truckle's Coffee Palace (labe Lyttelton Boardinghousel Cameron street, Abhbur ton. 3 23 OUNG Ladies' Journal for March, Weldon's Ladies' Journal for February, and Review of Reviews for February. Agent for Ponon^a Electric Belt, Petal Dust, etc — H. M Joneh. WANTED Known — Bargains from floor to ceiling.— Mellor's Stock taking Boot Sale. ijOLIDAT Suitß— A Nice Eaiapol i 1 Suit for 27s 6d, Boys' Knlcker and Cambridge Suits from 7s 6d, Men's Suitß to Measure from 455, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed at R. Alcorn's vi.ANT.KD Known— so pairs Ladie "V and Girls' Leather Top and Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half usual price, for two weeks only.— Andrew Orr, 10 136 WANTED Known— We are still giving Presents to all Purchasers of Drapery, etc. — D. C. Segers, Melford House ANTED Known— Our SeaBon's Dresses m all the New Colonial Tweeds and Choice Homo Materials now opened. An inspection invited. — Mitchell akd Turner I^7 HEiN you are m Christchuroh don't *' fail to go to Warne's, Oashel street, for Fish or Oyster Lunch, Tea or Supper. — Joseph Taylor and Co- Proprietors. 3 4 MEN'S Bluchers 63, a good Strong Nailed Shooter ab 8s 6d ; a nice assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots and Shoes from Is 9d a pair at R. Alcorn's OTHER People are getting Bargains at Oabson's Monster bale of Bicycles, Earthenware, Glass, and China Why not You 1 1 84 ANTED Known— lf you miss the Cheap Boob Sale you will be sorry.— Mellor's, Tancred Street. PRESENTS, Presents— We are now giving useful Presents to all Pur- chasers of Drapery, etc.— H. O. Segers, Melford House \jLf ANTED Known— 6ooo pairs of *' • Boots to be cleared m one month 1 — MbUob's Zealnndia Boot Store,



SOMETHING WO ftTH GROWING. NEW STRAWBEEHY ''LAXTON'S NOBLE." rfiHIS new Strawberry has established itself m the Home market as the Very X Best Strawberry under cultivation. The fruit is Urge, firm, and handsome, tbe bright crimson scarlet berries weighing as high as 2oz each, while the flavor is rich and vinous. Besides those recommendations, "THE NOBLE" is one of the earliest fruiting strawberries, and we have no hesitation m saying that it is undoubtedly thb Strawberry for growers of this favourite fruit. The foltowing is extracted from the Otago Witness of January 2, 1896 : "New Strawberry: "Laxton'a Noble"— . . This strawberry excels both m size, flavour anil 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, eaoh berry being about the size of an apple. They were said to be larger than had ever been seen before. The fruit arrived m ex- cellent condition, not a berry Being crushed, speaking well both 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. . . "Laxton's Noble" Strawberry com»s etrly into bearing, and is a very hoavy betrar, and it should be very serviceable for any cottager with Bmtll garden space or for market gardener*, as it is a splendid grower and a heavy cropper, coming early into fruit. Mr Beanet has on young plants, laid m the spring, eight to ten largo berries, averaging, siy, 2rz each. They are fine handsome berries, and of 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 Ohristchurch for — NIMMO & BLAIR, SEED MERCHANTS AN© SEED GROWERS, DUNEDIN. Kerosene. Kerosene, Kerosene 100 Cases, 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 tbe Safest and Best light-giving oils m the market. Cream of nrartfur. Cream of Tartar 11201bs. 11201bs. We have just received half a ton of Pure Creaxn of Tartar ground specially for us from the crystals. 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 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 other Coffee m the market. Give it a trial and you will die no other. » ■ NOTICE TO FABMEES, Etc. We are Gash Buyers of GOOD BEESWAX m any quantity, at Highest Marktt Rates. Orders by Post or Telephone Promptly attended to] FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON, and High street, Chriatohurch. Tbmphonu 24 i Bo * 67



Business Notices. FIRS. FIRE. FIEK. G...J. N.E 11 L BURNETT STttBBT. Salvage Stock OPEN Tuesday and Wednesday mHESE GOODS MUST BE CLEARED to enable a settlement with ' Insurance Company* . . THE OOMPANY'3 INSTRUCTIONS ARE— '• Everything Must be Sold." Will be closed on Thursday all d«y, and open ag»in Friday and Saturday. S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER, MANUFACTURING JEWELLER, AND OPTICIAN JB JL m T STREET. A T THIS JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT, la to be aeen the LARGEST and FINEST STOCK m the District of GOLD AND SILVER I SILVER AND B.P. I LADIES' AND GENTS GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY. | WARE. | WATCHES. The now famed DIXIT Watches at 205,J255, andjdouble cases at 30s. TO BE OBTAINED ONLY FROM S. BAL EX, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON.