Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1897.

Dr Temple was often quoted during J election time by the advocates of J

DR TEMPLE ON PROHIBITION.

prohibition as a sup porter of the pro hibition policy. One of his first public

utterances after his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury was a declaration of his attitude towards the temperance question. He has been personally a total abstainer for lnai.y years, but he speaks very guardediy upon.the proposal to invoke the strong arm of the law for the purpose of closing all public houses. The Arch bishop said—" There could be no doubt about the greatness of the work that was yet to be done, though their numbers were perpetually increasing, and there was nothing that told upon an Englishman more than such an increase. No doubt that increase was chiefly due to the work of the Bands of Hope, but there waa also a better knowledge amongst adults of the whole subject. They did want the Govern ment, sooner or later—and they would get it for certain—to diminish the i enormous number of temptations by which people were now Burrounded. He was not prepared to pursue a policy of the absolute abolition of all public houses at the present time ; he did not think we were ripe for any such measure. If they did that, and swept away these houses before people were ready for such a course, the work would be undone again. But he did want to diminish the number of temptations, because he could not help seeing every day of his life the enormous temptation that was thrown into people's faces in all directions." But while the new Archbishop has his doubts as to the effect of prohibitory legislation, he feels he is on sure ground when advocating the eneigetic use of educational methods. He went on to say that "Their primary object must be to get at the people and to induce them to begin the work of reformation by reforming themselves, He confessed that he very often did not agree with some of the things that were said on temperance platforms. He could not agree with those who said that if a man touched intoxicating liquor at all he was sure to get worse and worse. He had drunk intoxicating liquor for a good many years of his lite, though five-and-twenty years ago he gave it up altogether. But he had never at any time felt that he could not check or control himself in the use of it. Then why did he become » total abstainer ? Because when he looked into the social condition of the country, and particularly of those who were nearest to his own heart—the men who lived by the labour of their hands and the sweat of their bodies —he felt that the best thing he could do for them was to fight the battle side by side with them against this terrible evil that was ever driving them down." Apropos of this subject tbe Morning Advertiser says—" So far as our observation goes, drunkenness is becoming more and more confined to that part of the population which has least firmness of character and self control—the part which is moat likely to break out into disorder whelhur «L unk or not. The class of mi-n who in former days could got drunk without showing it, or who liked to go to bed drunk in their own houses, now do not get drunk at all. For our own part we do not hesitate to draw from the figures the conclusion that drunkenness is decreasing."

Local and General.

A five feet seam of coal has been struck close to Nelson.

The borough of Wanganui has a credit balance of £3446 s<t Bd.

Naturalists assert that a healthy swallow will devour 6000 flies every day.

Lions and tigers are too weak in lung power to run mere than half a mile.

According to the Army and Navy Gazette there is now no British survivor of YVaterloo.

The County Council are likely to experi ment this year with phosphorus in bird poisoning.

Orchards in the neighborhood of Naseby are this year suffering a good deal of damage from the codlin moth.

The County Couucil has voted £3 towards the renewal of the fencing destroyed by the jcecenfc fire at Kyle cemetery.

On our fourth page io-day will be found the conclusion of the report of yesterday's sitiiDg of the County Council,

Information reaches us of an important discovery of opais io this councy. A com pany to work the find is projected.

The acceptance of complete specifications for improvements in cycles by W. H. Lindells, engineer, Ashburton, is gazetted.

Mr E, G. Wright has been re-elected member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, a seat ho has held for many years iv succesaioD,

A petition i& in course of signature in Sydenham in favor of the incorporation of that borough with the city of Christchurch.

Tiger bones are some of the queer things in the commerce of China, They are used as a medicine, being accounted a kind of

j tonic. Upon taking leave of Messrs Thompson and Hall-Jones, who represented the Minis try, Lord Glasgow expressed his grateiul appreciation of the kindly feeling and con sideration which was invariably extended towards him in his relations with the Ministry.

A meeting of the Committee of the Horticultural Society for the transaction of business in connection with the forthcoming Hhow takes place this evening at B.j5Q at Mr Dodds' rooms. Entries ior the Show close this evening at 8 o'clock, with the secretary, Mr F. Makeig.

The first fruits of Li Hung Chang's recent visit to England may, perhaps, be discerned in the intimation that the Chinese Govern ment are about to place orders in England for locomoth es to the value of about £60,000, and that a concession haa been granted to a syndicate of Englishmen for the establish ment of foundries for the manufacture of machinery, hardware, and cutlery, in.the neighbourhood of Port Arthur.

A mare belonging to Mr Spensley, of Ruapuna, died in Kast street last evening, opposite Mr Collier's shop. It appears Mr Spensley had bought hr in Christchurch on Saturday, and brought her to Ashburton by road. She had not been in any way over driven, having been led behind a dray drawn by another draught ail the way, but she exhibited dangerous symptoms fit the part of the road above mentioned, and though the services of Mr kewis, the vet., j were obtained, her life could not h& saved. Mr Lewis stated that inflammation was thp cause of the mare's death. Ib is understood £25 was paid for the mare in Christehurofa, where Mr Spensley bought her in view of the approtwhiag ploughing se&eon.

When a South Sea Island mother wishes to chastise her child she bites some part of the body, generally the fleshy part of the arm.

Taxpayers are reminded that Friday next h the last day upjn which income-tax can be paid without the addition of 10 per cent penalty.

The lady manager of one of the leading I insurance companies it. California receives £2000 a year. Tii is salary to a woman is the largest on record, Ifc is estimated that 180,000 people attended the Wellington Exhibition during the eleven weeks it was open. The surplus will be abou. £2500.

A farewell service, choral evening, is to be held at the Cathedral this evening in connection with the departure of Bishop Julius for the Lambeth Conference.

Commandant Booth (aon of General Booth) Salvation Army, accompanied by his secretary, Colonel Peart, and Ensign McMillan, arrived in New Zealand by the Mararoa, The casing of the new 5-inch bore at the New Plymouth petroleum works has been put down to the depth of 1932 feet. It is expected that pumping operations will be resumed shortly.

In the last 20 yeara there has been much •' appreciation " of gold by the dentists, and it is estimated the people of Great Britain, alone, carry £1,000,000 worth of gold in Iheir teeth. It is said that a healthy girl of seventeen, devoting herself to hospital nureiug, dies on the average twenty-one years sooner than a girl of the same age moving among the general population. The butchers of Berlin are in the habit of informing their customers of the day on which fresh sausages are made by placing a chair covered with a large ciean apron at the side of the shop door.

Persons residing within this county desir ing to send iv claims for Old Age Pensions must furnish them to the Clerk of the S.M. Court, Abhburbon, (from whom we infer the necessary forma can be obtained), on or before April 30.

The Press Association telegraphs that a setter, while on his way from Waipu to Marsden Point, at 2 a.m. Saturday, noticed rockets set off in quick succession at sea, and continuing for some time, in the direction of the Hen and Chickens.

A sensational story comes from Grimeby. It seems that a girl named Ruth Harrington dragged a five-year-old child named Carter into a house in Victoria street, locked the door, made a frying-pan red hot, and theu burnt the child with it. C<rter is not ex pected to live. Harrington is taid to be of weak intellect.

It is notified in the Gazette that reserve No 1124, being 246 a3r 4p, situated in block I. and 11., Westerfield survey dis trict, will be offered for sale by public auction at the Land Office, Christchurch, at noon on Wednesday, April 14. Upset price £1110 9s 9d, equal to £4 10a per acre.

John Smart, aged six, was bitten below the knee by a black snake about sft long while on his way to school at Captain's Flat, New South Wales. His brother Alfred, aged 10, who was with him at the time, immediately placed a ligature above the bite, aud hurried him into the local chemist's shop, where strychnine was successfully applied.

A race beiween a bicycle and a locomotive steim engine is to he organised in England shortly. The track has not yet been decide i upon, but the race will be five miles in length, and the bicycle will be given a flying start. It is said that the bicyclist aud the engine-driver have each been backed to win considerable sums of money for their respective partisans.

Holloway's Pills—Any dyspeptic suf ferer aware of the purifying, regulating, and gently aperient powers of the^e. Pills should permit no one to cloud his judgment or to warp his course. With a box of Holloway's Pills, and attention to its accompanying " Directions," he may feel thoroughly satisfied than he can safaly and effacbualy release himself from his miseries without impairing his appetite or weakening his digestion. This most excellent medicine acts as a nervine aud bodily tonic by aiding nutrition, and banishes a thousand annoying forms of nervous complaints. An occasional resort to Holloway's remedy will prove highly salutary to all persons, whether well or ill, whose digestion is slow or imperfect, a condition usually evidenced by weariness, langour, Hstlesßness, and despondency.

Presentation to Mr Ward.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Dunedin, February 9. The Officers of the Post and Telegraph Department last night presented the Hoh. Mr Ward with an illuminated address and Mrs Ward with a jewel casket. Reference was made to the consideration invariably shown by the Postmaster-General to requests emanating from the department.

THE SALVATION ARMY.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM ) Wellington, February 8. Speaking at the Salvation Army meeting Commandant Booth alluded to the good work done by the Army's maternity homes

and said that orders had been given to

establish one in Wellington. It was in tended to erect them in Auckland and Christchutch, and to build a rescue home in Dunedin. i hey were intended for the superior class of girls who had been deceived and wanted to be placed on the right road

agaiu. There are now eight homes for the sercue of girls in New Zealand. In Victoria homes for babiea were to be established.

The Government would find the money and

the Army the homes. Something was being done at Brisbane, and he saw no reason why 9, home for boys and girls, with a farm attached, should not be established at Ohristchuroh,

The Wellington Shooting Case.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Wellington, February 8. Eatwisble s charged with shooting at his wife and daughter and P. Morris, was before the Court again to-day. Further evidence was given for the defence, bearing upon the accused's behaviour and state of mind. In spector Pender stated that Kntwistle v?&t> examined by two medical men immediately after he was arrested, and he believed their opinion was that Entwistle was then quite sane. He added that he would like to have the doctors' evidence on the depositions. Mr Jellicoe objected to thiss aa the Inspector could not cail evidence to rebut the defence. Mr Wardell said even if the evidence proved difeot inpanity on the part of the accused the Bench's duly was to send the accusoid for trial. The accused was then formally com mitted. An application for bail was ordered to stand over.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

THE CROPS IN NORTH OTAGO.

fhe Nprth Otago Times ot yesterday says : —Although the expectations of farmers in some parts of the district are not being realised as to the crop yields, it must not be assumed that they are poor yields. Some' farmers expected forty and fifty bushels to the acre, and now find that the mill has reduced it to thirty bushels. Bub even 30 bushels is a capital yield, and in some places the yield ia much more. Maerewhenua has given thirty buahels, but it has had less rain than other places. Mr Stewari Holmes, of Kakanui, h ib a field of wheat which practical men say will give fifty bushela to the acre. It is a magnificent crop^ But even this estimated large yield is eclipsed by that of Mr 0. Faulkner, of the Waihao—Mr F'ulkner his always a large yield—who this year expects to lift sixty bushela to the acre. Mr Men love Has about 2500 acrea in wheat this year, and his yield will be a capital one. He expects to finish cutting in a day or two. This, we daresay, is one of the largest areas in wheat on any property in the colony, and everyone will be pleaßed to learn that Mr Menlove is about to obtain what> up to the present, promises to be a very profitable return for his ©nterprise

The fortnightly meeting of the Ashbur

ton Borough Council was held last evening. Pre-ent—His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Councillors Bird, Paul, Collins, Brooke, Baker and Reid. FINANCE.

The Mayor stated that the overdraft was £1268 5s Id. The income from all sources since last meeting waa £53 4s lOd. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read as follows: — From the Under Secretary, Department of Justice, notifying the appointment of the County Council as the licensing authority for the district. From Glenfield Company,

Limited, forwarding biil of lading and in voice of stand-pipes, etc. From Shand, Mason and Co., forwarding bill of lading and invoice of hoso, etc From Mr R. M.

Cuthbertson, resigning his seac as Councillor. From J ohnston aud Ede, borough scavengers, re persona tefusiug to employ them. ENGINEERS REPORT The Engineer's report was read as fol lows :—(1) Labor Gang—-The men have been engaged in ploughing and forming road on South Beit and carting the soil to sections ; watering streets, clearing grass from side channels, carting rubbish and stones off streets, repairing foot bridges, attending to

water supply, and general maintenance work. (2) Water Supply—The Engineer i mentioned that there had been a break in the south branch of t';e river, and that no water was available until Wednesday. The Mill proprietors had kindly given thsm all the water from the mill creek, while they got their water from a well. LIGHTING COMMITTEE. After discussion, it was decided to leave the matter of arrangements for the Borough lighting until next meeting. j OABBIKR'S LICENSE, j A carrier's license was granted to Mr C. Brown. ADVERTISING. A letter was received from the Standard office, asking that on account of Mr Ivess' absence from Ashburton the consideration of the question of advertising be postponed till next meeting, and it was decided to postpone it accordingly.

MAINTENANCE OF THE TRAFFIC BRIDGE. The Mayor drew attention to the arrange ments between the Borough and County Councils for the maintenance of the traffic bridge, which he considered were too com plicated, and therefore unsatisfactory. The Council concurred in this view, and on the motion of Cr Paul it was resolved to notify the County authorities that the Borough workmen wou'd not be available after the lapse of one month. resebvk 1216.

A letter was received from Mr Patching re lease of this reserve, bub was dealt with in Committee, RESERVES COMMITTEE.

On the motion of Cr Paul, seconded by Cr Baker, Cr Reid was elected chairman of the Reserves Committee in place of Cr Cuth bertson, resigned. SCAVENGING.

It' was stated that to save trouble, the parties complained of had agreed to let the scavengers remove night soil. TRACTION ENGINES.

The Mayor said he had been asked to bring up the matter of allowing traction engines to cross Havelock street. He under stood that drivers wished this so that they would be able to get coal from Collins and Co., and he suggested that Collins and Co. remove to West street, so that the portion of the railway reserve now occupied by them could ba planted, and then there would be no inconvenience to drivers, and the con cession asked for would not be required. Cr Collins thought that the danger of traction engines would be great, while little inconvenience would be caused if drivers brought drays for their coal. After discus sion, it was resolved that no alteration be made in the by-law relating to this subject. RESIGNATION OF CR COTH.BERTSON. The Jtlayor said that they all knew the reaaon of Mr Cuthbertson's resignation, which would be received with general regret, as he had been an able member of the Council, and was always ready to give

advice. Cr Brooke moved that the resignation be

received with regret, aud that the thanks of \ the Council be tendered to Mr Cuthbertson I for his valuable services as a member of the Council. He said he thought Mr Cuth bertson should receive some recognition of hia services. He was elected at the same time as himself, and had worked well for eight years on the Council. Cr Paul seconded (he motion, and bore testimony to Mr Cuthbertaon'a efficiency as a member, as also did other Councillors. The resolution was agreed to. x , The Council then sat as a DOMAIN BOARD.

A letter was received from the Curator re the improved condition of the Domain caused by the recent rain. He also re ported that the thistles had been cut and burnt. PICNIC.

In the absence of Mr 1 homas, (Chairman of the committee) the Mayor pre sided. He reported that leave had been granted to the Islington and Timaru Freez ing Companies to hold a picnic in the Domain on the 27th of this month. He thought it would be a good advertisement for Ashburton. The Chairman's action was endorsed, and the Board rose.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Asliburtou. The ordinary meeting of the Ashburton School Committee was held last evening. Present — Messrs Macpherson (chairman), Keir, Phaup, Meddins, Jones, Chapman, > Silcock, and Mao Lean Dunn.

FINANCE,

The Chairman reported a credit balance at the Bank of £23 la 7d.

HEADMASTER. The Board wrote that applications for the position of headmaster in the school, vice Mr Mayne resigned, would be invited forth with,

ALLENTON SCHOOL. The Board wrote in regard to the Allenton school arrangements, to the effect that they would be of the same nature as at other schools of the same size.

The Rev, T. A. Hamilton wrote, asking permission to hold a Sunday school in Allen ton sehoolhouse when built. The Committee decided to consider the matter when the school was actually open.

THE BOARD ELECTION. The Committee decided to vote for Messrs Silcock and Rennie as members of the Education Board.

master's report. The master reported the attendance as follows :—On the roll—Boys 272, girls 218 ; total 490. Average attendance for one week —l!oys 207, gills 127; total 334. Highest daily attendance—Boys 214, girls 159; total 371. The report said the »ttendance had been lower than usual, but this was accounted for by the inclemency of the i weather. Miss Trezise had commenced work and was giving every satisfaction.

| PUPIL TEACHEKS. I The meeting went into committee to con sider the applications of nine boys and two girls for the position of pupil teacher. After the merits of each applicant had been discussed, Miss Katie Breeze was chosen by" five votes to one.

SANITARY. On resuming the Committee considered thp report of the Visiting Committee as to the relaying of pipes from Burnett street to lie closets, and a new culvert from the closets to Tancred street. Prices were quoted by the Committee from three persons, and it was decided to leave the matter of the pipe laying in the hands of the Visiting Committee, but the matter of the channel ling was hold over. The Visiting Committee reported the execution of some small works, and their report was adopted. Messrs Chapman and Meddins were ap pointed a Visiting Committee for the month.

1 excursion. Messrs Keir, Phaup, and the Chairman were appointed a Committee to enquire and report as to the advisableness of a Bchool excursion at an early date. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £5 Si 9d were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright, London, February 7 Mr Croaby, a leading produce expert, considers it impossible for Australia to com j pete with the French tinned and and bottled 1 fruit in Europe.

Sydney, February 8 A steamer has arrived from Portland, Oregon, with a curgo of 55,000 bags of flour and 4000 bags of wheat.

TIMARU GRAIN MARKET.

The Canterbury .Farmers Co-opsrative Association, limited, report aa follows :—

Wheat. —Owing to harvest work very few farmers have been to town during the week, consequently only a few lines of new wheat have been offered. The samples shown were of good quality, and one or two lots changed hands at from 3s lOd for red chaff, to 4s for velvet. Up to the present the quotations for prime old wheat remain unaltered. In consequence of large shipments of Californium breadstuffa to JSew South Wales, speculators are disinclined to operate, and what few lines have been sold have passed direct into millers' hands.

Oats. —Supplies of good "old"oats are now getting low, but the demand in far from brisk, consequently prices remain on a par with last week. So far the new oats shown are of good colour bui rather light. One or two lots of Danish have changed hands at from la 8d to Is 9d, delivered at Timaru, while good short should fetch from 2d to 3d per bushel more. Barley.—One or two sales of feed sortß have been made at from 2s 3d to 2a 4d» on trucks here, but so far no malting hat been offered.

OAMARU GRAIN MARKET.

The North Otago Times of yesterday re ports :—The produce market has now assumed an air of business, for ia several quarters we hear of free sales of new wheat at 4s. Indeed the market has now fairly opened at that price, though we have heard of one sale at 4s 2d at a country siding. Threshing is proceeding, but up to the present reports cannot be considered pleas ing, and in some districts threshings are measuring up fifteen bushels below the estimates. There seems to be considerable activity in northern markets in wheat. Old wheat, when offering, will bring 4s 6d to 4s 7d. Oats—There ia not much doing in these so far, but they may be quoted at— Danish, Is lOd to Is lid, and short at 2s f.0.b., Backs 4£d. Prime malting barley brings 2s 9d to 3s, and second quality 2s 9d to 2s lOd, and Cape barley 3d less, all at Oamaru. Early potatoes are changing hands at £5 10s. The dairy market re mains unchanged, with a tendency to better prices. Butter, 5d to 7d. Eggs, 9d.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. The Plague, PabiSj February 7. The passengers by the P. and O. Company's steamer Caledonia from Indian ports were not allowed to land at Marseilles as a precaution against the plague.

Australian.

Preeb Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Deaths from Thirst, Brisbane, February 8. Two swagmen have died from thirst in the Koma district.

(Queensland National Bank. The negotiations with the depositors in the Queensland National Bank are proceeding satisfactorily, and there is every probaVtility of the early accept ance of the proposals, which will open up to the Bank good prospects of renewed usefulness and the ultimate payment of its creditors in full.

DestructlYe Fire. Sydney, February 8, Seven business places at b'orbes have been destroyed by fire. The damage is estimated at £6000.

The City of Agra.

Melbourne, February 8,

It is believed here that the City of Agra, reported wrecked on the coast of Spain, ia not the Australian trader, but a steamer of the same name trading between Calcutta and London.

Smallpox

The steamer Nineveh from the Oape, passed the quarantine authorities and discharged passengers, but subsequently it was found that three cases of small pox were on board, including the second mate. All but nineteen of the passengers were hunted up and quaran tined.

THE TRANSVAAL

A Question of Color. Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— * Copyright. Pretoria, February 7.

The Transvaal authorities have ar rested as a vagrant Rich, a colored contractor from Capetown, who held a passport signed by Lord Rosmead. This action, is alleged to be due to the fact that the man had no badge pass showing whether he was a servant or a master. MrOoningham Green, British resident at Transvaal, and Lord Bos mead are enquiring into the incident. It is reported that Dr Leyds resigns the Secretaryship of State for the Transvaal, and thatM. Klotze succeeds him.

AFFAIRS IN CRETE

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Constantinople, February 7. France and England are sending additional warships to Crete, The. foreign consuls intended proceeding to Halepa to pacify the insurgents, but found that they Were unable to return to Oanea owing to the fighting. (Received February 9,11 25 a.m.)

Constantinople, February 8. The Mohammedans have blockaded the Governor's palace at Canea.

Seven hundred armed Christians at Ha'epa confronted a large body of Mohammedans.

A thousand Christian refugees from Canea have sailed for Syria.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. (rleceived February 9, 11.25 am.) Arrest of Armenians. Constantinople, February 8. The police authorities at Constanti nople have renewed the arrests of inn nians under the pretext; of pre venting mischief daring the ap proaching least of liamadan. The Armenian Patriarch declares that he will be unable to restrain the | Armenians from revolt if the Sultan persists in his policy of deception. Russian Military Preparations, London, February 8 The Daily News states that the Russian Black Sea fleet has been placed on a war footing at rfebastopdl and that two regiments of troops are ready to sail from Odessa. The Thames in Flood. A heavy flood has occurred in the Thames Valley. Large areas in the eastern and southern midland counties are submerged. The floods are the most serious for many years and the damage to property is extensive. The Plague Spreading, Calcutta, February 8 The plague has extended to Kan dahar,

St. PETEBSBURa, February 8. Russian health officials are watching the country bordering the river Amu daria to prevent people from plague* stricken districts entering Russian territory.

Australian.

Press Aeaociation—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

(Received February 9,10 a.m.) Sir James Thurston. Melboubne, February 9 The steamer Burruoibee, passing Wil son's Promontory signalled " Governor died on board." This must mean the Governor of Fiji, as Sir James Thurs ton was on board in bad health* The Floods in Gippsland. The floods in the Gippsland district are subsiding.

Queensland Rifle Team. Brisbane, February 9 The Brisbane Rifle Association is sending a teajn to England to compete in the Queen's Commemoration Rifle Competition.

Builders' Strike. Perth, February 9 The strike in the building trades is extending. The plasterers strike on Monday for twelve shillings a day. (Received February 9, 11.45 a,m,)

Smallpox in Japan. Sydney, February 9. Smail-pox is very prevalent in Japan, the death roil numbering 548 S out of 1237 cases.

The Occupation of Egypt.

Criticisms of the Continental Press Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. (Received February 9, 1.25 a.m.) St Petersburg, February 8 The Russian newspapers are irritated at Sir Michael Hicks-Beach's speech. They regard the possibility of British evacuation of Egypt as a vain hope. Vienna, February 8 The Austrian newspapers consider that the question of evacuation has been raised at an untimely moment, especially when the difficulty in regard to Turkey remains unsettled.

Paris, February 8. The Journal dcs Debuts has published an article reflecting in bittei- terms upon what it regards as the recent bungling of France in allowing Britain to occupy posts on the .Niger, which it declares really belong to the French.

Terrible Affair in a Theatre.

Three Hundred people Burned to Death. Press Association—By Electron Telegraph— Copyright. (Received February 9, 11.45 a.m.) Sydney, February 9. The mail steamer from the East brings news of a terrible djsswter at Foochow. A theatrical performance was being held in the temple of Kwang Tow, when an outbreak of fire occurred in the building. The crowd became panic-stricken, and tried to force their way through two small doors, which were soon so chocked that there was no means of egress from the burning building. Counting women and children, quite three hundred people perished. Of forty actors only four escaped.

THE INDIAN FAMINE.

P*ss Association—Ey Eleofcrio Telegraph- Copyright

(Received February 9, 10.45 a.m.) London* February 8, The Mansion House Relief Jfynd has reached £238,000.

Labour Questions.

1 Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-?* Copyright, " (Received February 9, 10.45 a«m.) Berlin, February 8 The Hamburg dock strikers have resumed work at the master's terms.

The Cuban Rebellion.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. (Received February 9,10.4 a.m.) Madrid, February 8. Signor Oanovas, the Premier, has announced the intention of the Govern? meat to proceed with the contemplated reforms in Cuba He stated that the Government would be satisfied at pre sent |f the rebellion were limited to the western districts of Cuba;

THE ABEECMON GUABDIAN : TUESDAY, FKBRUAKY 9, 1897.



Business Notices. 1 | NEW ZEALAND ~ ' Clothing 1 Factory, COLE AGENTS JFOR THE FAMOUS "VICTORY" SEWING IMACHINE.



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IMPORTANT TO FARMERS AND HARVESTERS. "TITATCHES specially designed and constructed for those engaged iv agricultural work^are to be obtained from "sTOTIk^ WATCH IMPOETEK, EAST STREET. These Watches are made by 10THEEAM and other famed linkers to the special order of S. Salek foi the ASHBUETON WATCH TRADE. HAVING BOUGHT LARGELY AT A HEAVY DISCOUNT PRICES AEE EEDUCED. ALSO IN STOCK —Dixit Watches (see the name S. SALEK Ashburton, is on the dial) at 20s. Other metal watches from 15s, All Guaranteed.



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---ssr VICTORIAN . -..: .* STEAM CARRIAGE FACTORY, i'igty***& " IRCP WOBK3 AND %Pf*i 2^____^^i SHOEING FORGE. *wrt'2feteSityr ?•■**• f. a m STEEL BEOS., t»- «• *«■ BEG to announce to the inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding district that they have taken over the Business so long carried on by J. R. STEEL, and hope by Strict Artention to Business, Good Workmanship, aud Moderate Charges, to merit a fair share of Patronage. t Coachbuilding Department— This Department will have our personal supervision and to a<l who require a new Vehicle of »ny description, or their old one repairer), we can guarantee f-atisf action it they place their order with us. # Painting and Trimming— Now is the time to have your traps put into tsootl order by having them well painted, and our workmen are in the front rank of their profession, and the material used is the very best. .^ Ironwork Department — We are prepared to r/uote prices for all kinds of ironwork, an 3 to supply or ■— repair Agricultural Implereents of every description. Shoeing Department — In this as in all other parts of our business we wi 1 give satisfaction to our customers, and if you want your horse shod by practical and skilled workmen, send it aloDg TICTOKIAN SHOEING FORGE. STEEL BROS., PROPRIETORS, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 2 34



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Aahburton. FRIDAY—Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. B.3o—Holy Communion. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer. 3.30—H01y Baptism. 6.30 p,m.--Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. 3 p.m.—Dromore. MR W, BOWMAN FOX. WAN FED Known—Sale of this season's Millinery only, at greatly reduced prices, also large selection in Ladies' flannelette Dressing Gowns and Morning VA'rappera, Children's Pinafores, Overalls, etc., for fourteen days only. —Miss E. Barnes, Arcade and Tancred Street. 2 lj?



OUR FIRST SALE, COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, THE CENTRAL CASH TRADERS, NEXT TO J. ORR & GO'S IRONMONGERY DEPARTMENT, EAST STREET. ERUPTIONS IN THE DRAPERY TRADE. "f TTE have decided to oclipae all, with the result that one cut has been m ade ab our new stock, which has severed the price in half. No old Stock no oub of date shelf-worn goods to palm off on a sensible public. Our Clean, New, and Stylish Bfcock at just half the usual nrice 'The cry is—How is itdone ? Here you have it : No Bad Debts, No Credit which enable us to lose directly, a portion of what the credit traders are loßing indirectly. With this difference—At MITCHiOLL and BRODRIUB'S all are treated alike ;ab the credit houses the good cuatome rs have to pay for the bad ones. Make no mistake. We want your money, and feel assured that the few following sample pricrs will bring it. Space will not allow us to q uote more than a very condensed list, \sab this ia a cample of the bargains offered you :— >



9 pieces Light Print at 3a lid per doz yards Usual Price, 7^d per yard 16 piecea Dark Print at 3a lid per doz yards Usual Price, 8d per yard 22 pieces Gingham Prints, 4a lid per doz yards Usual Price, 9d per yard 19 pieces Flor-1 Crepons, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price, lid per yard 17 Fancy Brilliant Cloth, 7£d per yard Usual Price, la 3d per yard 7 piecea Plain Oepon, 5* lid per doz yards Usual Price, is per yard 11 pieces Stripe Zephyr, 6-1 lid per doz yards Usual Price, la 3d per yard 8 Plain Zephyr, 6s per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 22 pieces Cashmere Cloth, 4a lid per doz yards Usual Price Is per yard 10 pieces Mourning Cloth at the ridiculous price of 3s per doz yards, assure you that at this very important sale both you and ourselves will have a spanking time. White Calico 2s lid per doz yards Usual price s|d per yard White Sheeting, 2 yards wide, 10^,d per yard Usual price Is 6d per yard Nainsook 4£d per yard Usual price 7£d per yard White Turkish Towels sss 6d per doz Usual price 9d each Oilsias 6yards for Is lid, worth double Hundreds of Cheap Dress awaiting inspection Double width Tweeds la per yard Black and Colored Cashmeres from Is per yard up Ladies Black Lavantine Paragon frame Umbrellas from 2s 6d, 3a lid, 4s lid, etc. Ladies' Sunshades all colors from 3a lid Black and Colored Velveteens from Is6d per yard up A mixed lot of children's sunshados all colors from lid each HOSIERY The best value in the trade. Plain and Ribbed Cashmere Hose from la up. Plain and Ribbed Black Cotton riOVE-S (iloves— A large vari ty Cheap and Good. A beautifil Kid Glove, any shade, at 2s lid. Lower lines from Is 61 upwards. Cashmere Glov. s 4£d, 6d, 9d, and Is per pair. Gaggety and Silk, from Is 3d upwards. ■RTmT^TtS Blouses Blouses. —We have sold more of these goods than any house in town. What we have on hand—About BiMuan., sixteen ' dozen wi u ba C 3e..,red from Is lid, 2s 6d, 2s lid up; just half price. All musUn and fancy Aprons just half what you will piy anywhere eke. iwtt t TKI?RY Millinery—Price cut in half. Trimmed Hats from Is lid upwards. lau-iiiniirvx r^e bea^ value in the trade. .Startling Bargains in the C.othing and Mercery Depirtments. A few Harvester Hats 6M. Seamless Merino Sox, bd. Regatta Shirts, all sizes, 4s 6d. Brown cotton pants, Is 6d. Heavy "Working Shirts, 2a 6d. Men's strong Moles, 6s 6d. Tweed Trousers, special 8a 6d, Colonial 8* lid. Men's Tweed Suite, 21s 61. Men's imitation Fox'a Serge Suits, 29s 6d. Sailor Tweed Suits, 6s lid, size 1 to 7. Choic°at stock of Ties and Scarfs in Ashburton. All our Boots and Shoes reduced. Hard and Soft Felte in endless variety. Mohairßoot Laces, 3£ per dozen. Heavy Kaiapoi Sox, Is, Kaiapoi Under Flannels, 3s 11J.



DO NOT FORGET MITCHELL & BHODRIBB'S FIRST SALE. NEST EO J. ORB & CO, BAST STREET ABHBURTON,



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Weasels are reported to be doing great damage ajsjong poultry etropnd Giiborae,



Six weeks ago I suffered from a very severs cold; was almost unable to speak. My friends all advised me to consult; a physician. Noticing Chamberlain's Cough Remedy advertised in the St Paul Folks Zeitung I procured a bottle, and after taking ib a Bhort while was entirely well. I now most) heartily recommend this remedy to anyone Buffering from a cold, Wm ]£kil 3 6?8 Selby Aye., St Paul, Minn. For B&le by Ajmapi|f QH Drug CojjPAiry? I