Ashburton Guardian, Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1897. THE WATER SUPPLY QUESTION

tion is not one of engineering difficulty —it is one of pound*, shillings, and pence; arid the Chairman showed a keen knowledge of human nature when he expressed a grave doubt as to the result of asking tha settlers to sanction a loan of £5000 to bring in a further supply from the southern river. So long as they can " rub through" in any sort of way with what they have, there are too many tut n who care little about their neighbours, and those who have such a supply aa enables them to " rub through " would not be likely to give their vote in favor of a loan. The idea of the Ohairman and the engineer is to bring in such a supply from I the Rangitata as would serve 200 railos of races in the more im mediate vicinity of that river, and thus relieve the Ashburton river to the extent of one quarter of the demands now made upon it. This would take off the pressure to a great extent, and many races on the Plains now but meagrely Berved would have a comparatively abundant supply in the dry season. There are two points suggested at which a supply might be drawn from the Baogitata river—one at Oracroft, the other higher up the gorge. The gorge scheme is estimated to cost about £5000, and the Oracroft: considerably less, but the former would be far more effectual and the supply practical y unlimited. Failing the ratepayers' sanction to a loan, the Act under which the Ashburton County waterworks were constructed and are maintained, limits somewhat sternly the financial powers of the Council, and there is only available a sum of £1600 (the still undrawn-on balance that the Council may raise on overdraft) that could be used for this purpose. So that the Council cannot adopt the larger scheme without getting sanction for a loan, or^aking steps by approach ing Parliament to get over the legal difficulty as to pledging the water ] charges as security. Meanwhile the

The discussion in the County Council on Friday afternoon on the question of the water supply was one of great interest to the farmers of Ashburton, and indeed to the residents in the Borough as well, for the subject of the water supply is of great moment to all. The report of that discussion, which we published oa Saturday, will no doubt have been read with very considerable interest, especially the speech by the Chairman, in which he supported the engineer's proposed remedy for the shortness of water in the races—the tapping of the Kangi tata. The County Council have the advantage of the services of as able an engineer as can be found anywhere in the colony, and, added to his general professional ability, Mr Baxter has the experience of almost half a lifetime in regard to our water races. It was he who first mapped out their course over the county. The whole scheme as it now works was drawn up by him, and not a chain of water race has been constructed in iioiineption with the county system, except with his sanction and under his supervision, Mr Baxter was the first permanent engineer the County Council employed, as Mr Main waring was the first Secretary, and both are still in office, and still giving unqualified satisfaction —the first fact being ample proof of the second. If there is one man, there fore, who can lay claim to being an authority on the water system of this county, it is the County Engineer, and the Council are fortunate in possessing such jin officer, B^t they are also fortunate in their chai»-m<in. Of all ' -*™*aent members of the C -ur.cil he alone' is able to say <hat ™ returned in the first election to the Ashburton County Council, and has sat continuously ever since. An ' engineer by profession, and of ko mean grade, the engineering work of the Council is congenial to him—after his own heart—and any opinion offered by him on the water, supply question, or indeed any question of work, carries with it the weight of, and is accorded the respect always given to, the opinion of a fully qualified expert. Mr Wright, of course, also saw the beginning as he has seen the progress of our water supply system. At the beginning— when the water at the headworks at Pudding Hill was turned on, and flowed for the first time in the earlier races, it was never contemplated to supply more than a drink for the stock it was desired to feed on the plain?, and three miles between each race was 'thought to be "near enough." But since then the races have been so increased in number, so net worked in their course, that there are now few homesteads indeed in the county —-if any—that require a water cart as a necessary adjunct to the farm plant, as was the case in the early days. The figures quoted by the Chairman in his speech show 1130 miles of artificial channels cut for the distribution of water over the county. Much of that water is "used for domestic

purposes by the settlers—indeed in many cases it is the only water avail able for them ; and excellent water it is, if the settlers have the sense to filter it, as all water from an open race should be, before me, But those who were mainly responsible for the found ing of what i* now the most extensive and efficient system of the kind in the colony did not contemplate providing a domestic supply in this way. For the supply they proposed giving, the Puddius; Hill stream was at the time considered abundant. But as the de mands for water increased, and coming as they did frpr^ all parts of the county, it was found necessary to tap what was at the time regarded as an almost in exhaustible source — the Asbburton river. Tapped it was, and to some purpose : for 850 miles of county races are suppliad from its waters, in addi tion to the whole system of the borough. This is a heavy drain on the river, and represents a supply taken from it of more than two-thirds of that of the. whole county. From the Bakaia—a very large river—only thirty miles of race are as yet supplied ; the Hinds contributes bufc twenty-five, while the " rolling Rangitata" flows on to the sea, and does not send a drop to swell the volume of any of our races. Were there never any dry seasons, the sources now in use would be ample; but the dry season recurs every year, with more or less intensity, and every | year the settlers' demands upon the I Council for water increase. The last

report by the engineer announced the completion of the Bighbank races— quite as)°f elia fa themselves—and if a few more large estates w?r? to be sub divided as Highbank has been, the demand for water wojjld be greater than ever. And thus it is found that] the l&x upon the Afbb^rfcon river &c a

eminently practical Chairman will start off to-morrow, accompanied by several others of the Councillors, to invade the rough country of the Kangitata gorge, and actually on the spot see what is best to be done. They will inspect the upper country and the upper waters, and then follow the river down to Oracroft, and a report on their mission

will result. That it will be interesting goes without saying. Let us hope that it will indicate the practicability of the lower scheme at a cost within the present financial range of the Council, and so avoid the necessity for an appeal to the ratepayers for a loan, the result of which would be, as the Chairman says, doubtful, while in any case such an appeal would cause a delay that the importance and necessity of the work will not brook.

source of supply is greater than it can bear, and so, as the Chairman said at the Councils meeting, there is nothing for I. tat to t.p the lUogitata, and this will have to be done. Ihe ques-

Local and General.

An article entitled " Tragedies strangely frustrated " appears on our fourth page.

A trip between London and Paris has lately bean made in 5 hours 32 minutes. It is said that Wanganui is to have a unique cricket match—ll lad lea »gain«t 11 parsons.

fnere is bl^cfc, white, brown, and green amber, as well as that of the ordinary yellow colour*

The Anal returns for the Southern Maori election are:—Parata 262, Krihana 149, Taiaroa, 144, Mutu 113. A geologist predicts that within §0 years a convulsion of nature will sink the whole of New Zealand 50 feet below the surface of the sea.

The oodlin moth is said to be more plenti ful this season in Hawke's Bay than on any previous occasion, and is playing sad havoc with the apples.

The many friends of Mrs Curtis and Sir Harold Curtis, who have been seriously iii, will be glad to learn that they have taken a turn for the better,

Weights for the annual sports meeting of the Ashburton County Polo Club, to beheld on Tinwald raoecourae on Thursday next, are advertised in trim issue.

The Minister for Lands, Hon. John McKenzie, Mrs and Miss McKenzie and Mr D. MoKenzte, private secretary, are staying at the flanmer Plains.

We are sotry to learn that Mr Isaac Lewis Morris, Pleasant Point, whose illness was mentioned in a recent issue, died rather suddenly on Saturday,

A number of men have been knocking about Masterton during the last few days,

spending their Christmas cheques. One man has got through £80 in the course of a week. Some young fellows who were bantering a fat man said: "If all flesh is grass, you must be a load of bay," " I suspect I am," replied he, "from the way the asses are nibbling at me." Messrs Morison and Loughnan, solicitors, who are acting for the petitioners in the Wellington election petitions, have lodged th<§ necessary eqcurity of $200 in each in atance, The Timaru Herald says tha fc capital fish ing is now obtainable in the Waihao and Waitaki rivers, and several good takes are reported from both rivers, The fish are ia excellent condition.

The Premier has received a cablegram from the Premier of Queensland, intimating that circumstances have arisen which render it necessary to postpone the Brisbane Fruit Growers* Conference from February 6th to June Jlii h,

Good Bible scholars will be able to appreciate the answer of a little boy in a mission school who, when a visitor asked what was the chief difference between Elisha and Elijah, answered, " Please, sir, - Eisha walked with God, but the carriage was sent for Elijah."

The announcement is made in the Ohrist church papers that the practice of the late Dr Priua will be carried on in future by Dr C. D. Greenwood, under the style of Prina and Greenwood. Meanwhile Dr Greenwood's patients in Ashburton are bein^ attended to by Di- Hunter.

The winning numbers in the drawing for prizes in the art union promoted by Father O'Donnell, in aid of the church building fund, are published in this issue. The drawing took p'aco on Thursday last in the Oddfellows' Hall, and we understand that the net xesult to the fund will be over £?00.

We iiod the following, which is good enough to be t'Uo, in the columns of an exchange :—Of Mr Wason, the new member for Selwyn, there i» a good story told of the way in which in bis young days he avenged an insult. Wason is a big and poweifu! fellow, and at a ball in Ohristchurch he was insulted by a little whipper-snapper who was not worth inflicting corporal punish ment upon, Jt was in the days when it was customary to band arotrd soup as a choice item in ballroom refreshment. So Wason just picked up his antagonist and sat him in a large soup tureen which stood on the supper table to the intense amusement of all beholder?.

Mr John Rennie ha« been appointed a Governor of Canterbury Agricultural College. Hamesß t ruck off the Bruce roll.

Mr Sidney Weetman is gazetted aa Com missioner of Crown Lands and Chief Sur veyor for the land district of Canterbury iv place of Mr J. W. A. Marchaot, the appoint- , meut dating from January 1, 1897. The armament of H. M.S. Lizard now in cludes a number of tho new quiek-iiring riiiaa with which the British Navy is being supplied The new weapons of war came over from Sydney by the Tarawera on Tuesday. Mr Marchant, on Thursday, brought before the Wellington Land Boaid the ques tion of "spotting" unsurveyed lands by picking out the best portions only, and to prevent this obtained approval to his scheme of laying down a back line on unsurveyed land, to which all applications must extend >efore they are agreed 10. The usual weekly half-holiday will be held this week on .Vodneaday instead of Thursday, to enable the shopkeepers and their employees to see the Queensland cricketers in the Ashburton Domain. The Polo Cup and Steeplechase should prove to be two good races on Thursday next, as moat of the ponies are looking weJ. The following should about be the places, says a correspondent who signs himself "Polo Ball":-Cup—Kahau 1, Fnb 2, Roaeagnew 8. Steeplechase—Frib 1, Rajah S, Whopper 3. The Press Association afc Wellintfton tele graphs :—A private letter from the Cape gays the rinderpest has practically wiped out all the cattle north of the Orange river, and transport is done by mules and donkeys. The pent is daily expected to oroas the river, though the Government are doing their utmost to keep it out of the colony. An old man of 76 years of age—a resident of the Roxburgh district—saw a railway engine last week for the first time in his life (says the Tuapeka limes). Leaving England before railways were common, he came up to the Gabriel rush, and from there went further inland. Siuce then he has never visited Dunedin, or even Lawrence, until business took him over the line the other day. The Ashburton Caledonian Society has not been in the most affluent circumstances for the last ten years, various influences combining to affect the financial position of the Society, 'lhis year, however, the balance sheet will show a credit of £10, thanks to good management, % very success ful sports meeting, aud increased interest taken in the Society's welfare by Celts of both races and the general public.

Section 3192, block V, Wakanui, 31 acres 1 rood, temporarily reserved fur educational purposes under the Land Act, 1892, has now been permanently reserved, and the fact is gazetted. Reserve No. 1124, blocks 11. and 111., 246 acres 5 roods 4 parches, Westerfield district, has been authorised to be sold by public auction. Of reserve No. 1723, 2080 acres, in the Rakaia riverbed, originally reserved for provincial purposes, 432 acres have been set aside for railway purposes.

, An application was received by the Laud Board recently ftom a selector somewhere near Eketahuna, asking for leave to live off his section for two months on account of the motquitos. The nature of the request caust d some amusement, bufc it was admitted that the mosquito in the bush was at times a genuine impediment to comfortable resi dence, and instances were cited where bush workers had had to flee before the mosquito. It cornea from a Yankee paper, and there fore we accept it only with a bushel of salt, but the yarn is that a party of Englishmen while out porpoise fishing off an

island near the coast of Japau, captured a veritable merman, the lower part of the body resembling an ordinary porpoise and the u,pper hat' heinj» c^uite human in shape and appearance. The arms are said to be covered with long reddish hair and the hands almost human in shape but furnished with long claws. A correspondent of the Oamaru Mail writes: —" 2126-hree-quarterbred ewes weres shorn one day last week at Balruddory by

tirmTo iiiTO, bciuß i|ii average vi 177 sheep per man. The highest tally was 234, which was by Mr A. Mathiesoa, of Kakanuij the next being by Mr H. Me onnell, of Dunedin. On the same day 52 bales of wool were pressed. On the following day 2030 sheep were shorn, the two shearers above named heading the list with 214 esch,

The Wellington Post reports that opera tions in connection with the extern ion of the line beyond Spooner's Range, in the Nelson district, and from Jackson's to the Otira Gorge are progressing satisfactorily. About 200 men are employed on the two sections. The section between Jackson's >nd the Otira Gorge is only thirteen miles in length, bur, as it is necessary to erect ijeayy nyer-protective works, the line between those two points cannot be opened in much less tha,n two, years from the present* date. One of the greatest sights in Sydney harbor <s the teeding of the sharks. The oflul from the meat works is placed in a hopper barge towed a few miles outside Sydney Heads, fo lowed by thousands of sharks, which seem to know the day and the hour for their gratuitous meaj. When the hopper ia empti d the commotion of the sharks leaping and rushing over cne another is a sight at once flash creeping and horribly grand. During the process of this gorging the hopper ia enveloped in spray, and the men on board have an anxious time, but they are well protected from any danger. A protest is made by the Dunedin cor respondent of the Cromwell Argus against the practice of publishing school prize lists in the newspapers. He says:—"The Ki&ttei' has now reached such a stage here as to become a scandal, and it is time the news papers took the matter into serious con sideration and put a stop to the morbid craving for notoriety shown in the desire to blazon the names of children in the news papers, Tito Education Board, too, should look to it, for the Normal School, under its direct management, is about the worst offender. Just fancy, something over 300 merit; certificates given in a school attended by some 600 children! The thing is preposterous."

We have received the current number of the Wheelman —the holiday number—an admirably got up and well edited little journal, published in Ghristehurch, and devoted wholly to cycling. Ib is full of matter interesting to devotees of the wheel, and should be well supported by cyclists. With the number to hand is a oolored supplement, a picture showing a pair of cyclists on their honeymooa a-wheel. It is a specimen of photo-chromotype, and the Wheelman claims to have been the first in the colony to produce by Jetterpress printing from photq-^inco blocks this class fif work, The result ia very satisfactory

indeed,

A public meeting was held at Ruapuna on Friday, Bth inst., to consider the scat city of wat>er question, as it is very evident that the present sources of supply, both for the Montalto aud Limestone mains, are inade quate. Ib was proposed by Mr Eraser to approach the Council with reference to rapping the Ashburton river near Mount Pos ession, which according to* levels taken wou d give sufficient fall to reach the plains at a high level. Erom information received from the ranger, the meeting decided to appoint Messrs Fraser, Morrow ai?d Taylor, as a deputation to meet Messrs Wright and 1 Baxter on their proposed visit to the Rangitata on Tuesday, and put the necessi ties of the district before them. A meeting wan called for Wedne day, 13th inst, to sign a requ si:ion to the Council, and decide what further steps are necessary.

A PAINFUL AFFAIR.

PER PKESS ASSOCIATION,

Timabu, January 11. Mr George Morrisj bod of Mr I. L. Morris, Pleasant Point, who died suddenly on Sa'urd y, and was to be biiri^d to-day, committed suicide this morniuKbyautting h s throat with a razor. He was subject, to fits of insanity,, and was only two, weeks back rom the Asylum.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright.

London, January 8

Mutton is unchanged. Lamb, 3|d. The English wheat market is quiet with i; steady upw-ird tendency; Continental is also tending upwards, and American it changing a little for the worse. California'- No. 1 milling, early shipment, 36s c.f i ; Russian cargoes, 333 c.f i. ; London quota tions for parcels of No. 1 hard Duluth, 36s M.

The Bradford wool market is improving and prices are unchanged.

ROAD BOARDS.

Wakanui—The "Wakatmi Roarl Board ' met on Saturday, all the members present, Mr W. Home, who had audited the Board's accounts, reported everything in perfect order, but suggested some alterations iv method. Mr Home's report was adopted, and the thanks of the Board were accorded to him. Applications for the position of Clerk to the Board, vice Mr J. A. Poole, deceased, were opened, and that of Mr John Kilgour at a salary of £52 per annum was Kccepttd. It was decided to wait as a deputation on the County Council at its next meeting in connection with the cost of maintenance of the creek bridges. Resolved that no birds' eggs or heads be received after the end of this month. Mr Home, acting as clerk, was requested to forward a letter of condolence from the Board to Mrs Poole, widow of the late clerk, and the Board haviag passed accounts amounting to £40, adjourned. >

Longbkach. —I he Longbeach Road Board met oa tiftturday—all presen*, except Mr John Grtgg, whose absence was apologised for. Mr J'iehop took the chair. Mr W. H. Lowe wrote, resigoiug the poundkeepership, and steps were ordered to be taken to fill the vacancy. The question of re-opening the watercourses in connection with the Wheaostoue drain, as raised by Messrs Bell and Wilson in an intetv.ew with the Board, was held over for consideration at next Board meeting. The Clerks were instructed to get an explanation from the contractor for the shingling of Griffith's road of why the work had had not been proceeded with. The Surveyors' report on works in progress and completed Having been read and adopted, and some minor business done, accounts to the amount ot £116 were passed, and the meeting adjourned.

SPORTING.

The Hororata Racing Club hold their annual meeting to-morrow. A good day's sport ie provided, and the following should run forward in their respective en gagements ;—Bangor Plate — Vogengang. Farmer's Plate—Lord Stansbury. Hororata Cup—Annoyance. Welter ~~S*lvo Shot. Novel—Rubicon. New Year's Gift—Re morse.

THE WEATHER.

ALFORD STATION. The following is the meteorological report for the week ending January 8, 189*7:—

THE PETONE MURDERS.

Boslier's Trial Begins.

PEB .PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Wellington, January 11 The trial of Stephen Basher for the alleged murder of Joseph and Emma Jones at Pefcone on August 27 began this morning, Mr Gaily was Crown Prosecutor and Mr Wilford acted for the defence. A large number of witnesses were in attendance, and all were ordered out of Court. T-he evidence began with the medical testimony, and nothing new is likely to ba adduced for some time.

AN ELECTION CHALLENGED.

PEU PRESS ASSOCIATE.

W^ll^ngton, January 11 A petition has been lo ged against Mr Buchanan's election for Wairarapa on the grounds of the improper refusal of Mr Coleman Phillip's nomination, bwjiery and corruption, hiriug vehicles, intimidation, and employing scrutineers and others contrary to law.

Fatal Bathing Accident.

Press Association—By Eitotrio Telegraph-

Qjpyright.

Wellington, January 11

Miss Gertrude Coulson, • Idest daughter of the captain of the Herald, was drowned on Saturday while bathing. She was staying with her unole, Mr W. F. Roydhoqse, at Kahutara, Wairarapa.

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES v SOTUH AUSTRALIA.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-

Copyright.

Sydney, January 9. With four wioketa down for 28 yesterday New South Wales's show did not look any too rosy, but magnificent, cricket by Kelly, Garrebt, and McKibbin put a different; com plexion on affairs. The South Australians were deficient; in bowling talent, and the bulk of the team were tried without avail. New South Wales made in their first innings 420. Principal scores—Noble 38, Kelly 108, McKibbin 75, Gairett 131. Reedman took one wicket for 63, Jones eight for 157. One man was run out.

CANTERBURY v. QUEENSLAND.

This match was continued on Saturday, about 1500 spectators being on the ground. Queensland's first innings had closed for 188, and the Canterbury team put together 220— De Maus $5, D. Reese 55, A. Sims 31, Wheatley 53, being the chief scorers. Miller was the most successful of the Queensland bowlers. The Qiieensianders made a capital start for their second innings, Donahoo putting together 59 in faultless style, Jones 21, Bradley (not out) 14, and McDonald (not out) 27, the total for two wickets being 135.

Chbistchtjrch, January 11. Queensland's second innings closed for 221 runs.

A Title for the Minister for Lands.

Wft the following in the Dunedia Evening Star :—Speaking at the Gaelic Socieiy's gathering Dr Gordon Macdonald s«id that their honoured chief, the Hoa John MoKenzie, had almost attained the highest position which it was possible to ataia in the colony, and one thing now remained, which was for the Queen to put her seal upon h m aod give his friends and countrymen the right to call him Sir John. This he (Dr Macdonaldl hoped would be done while Mr McKensie was in the Old Country.—(Applause.) Mr Ward in the course of his remarks also touched on this subject, and said bhaf no matter what title ■ might or might not be conferred on their worthy chi«f, that gentleman would be a! ways known by the? imple name familiar'to I tb'em'-^fohn MoKenzle. In his, closing re marks Mr McKeczie said he had a better title i han any that Queen Victoria could give him. The people of New Ze>land had c tiled him (< the shepherd from the hi 1-side," and he was prouder to-day of that title than he could be of any other that could powibly be aonferrcd ttpgahi%

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Hoard of Trade Returns.

London, January 8 The Board of Trade returns for December show that th«. imports had increased by £6,542,347, while the exports of British and Irish manu factures* and produce showed an, increase of £1,111,668 compared with the corresponding period of 1895.

Archbishop of Canterbury.

The enthronement of Dr Temple, Archbishop designate, took place to day The procession which included twenty-five Bishops, wai an impossing one.

Indian Relief Fund.

January 9, Sir Faudel Phillips, Lord Mayor of London, has opened a fund in aid of the sufferers in the Indian Famine. The Bengal Chamber of Commerce has appealed to the colonies for help in * similar direction,

France and Siam.

Paris; January 7 The Gaulow states that the relation! between France and Siam are strained, and the French Cabinet it devoting serious attention to the matter.

Military and Naval Display.

The French naval and military authorities are arranging imposing manctuvrea off Dunkirk and Oalaig. The fleet will co-operate with the land forces in the display. An Immigration Question. Capetown, January 7 The Natal Government have con sidered the rejolution carried at a monster meeting recently held in Dur ban protesting Against the landing of two ship loads ot Indian coolies. The Government, in reply ,* state that they " are powerless to act in the matter, Whit* deprecating the use of violence to prevent the landing of the coolies, the Government sympathise with the movement against Indian immigration, and hope to introduce legislation to deal with the question.

A Fatal Fire.

Ottawa, January 9. A fatal fire has occurred at Hober val, Quebec. An Uwuiioe convent in the town was completely destroyed, and seven nuns perished in the flames. Contraband of Wat.

Madrid, January d General Weyler, commanding the Spanish forces in Cuba, has issued instructions that imported medicine* are to be treated as contraband of war.

The Russell Libel.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright,

London, Januarys Mr Justice Hawkins offered to amend the pleadings of the defendants in the Russell case in order to permit of the accused being sentenced sepa* rately, but their counsel refused to accept the concession. Mr Frank Lock wood, Q. 0., complained tsiat he had been deprived ef his right of cross examination. Lady Scott read a state ment in which she declared she believed what these honest men, referring to the co-defendants, had said concern ing Lord Russell, Mr Justice Hawkins, in passing sentence, made some very severe remarks on the de fendants' actions. Lady Scott will be treated in prison as a first-class offender.

January 9,

Painful scfnee were witnessed at the sentencing of the prisoners in thft Hussell libel action. Lady Scott, vhoi was unable to control her feelings* protested to the last her belief in the charges made against Karl Russell^ and said she was only influenced by the terrible wrongs her daughter had suffered. Mr Justice Hawkins, in passing sentence, leferred to tha part played by Lady Cardigan, whom he designated as an unscrupulous slanderer who had poisoned the Countes» rs mind agninst her husband. The newspaper criticisms are gene* rally favourable towards Earl Russell, but condemn the bickerings which occurred between the Bench and the bar; a few journals, however, regret the Judge's partiality.

SOUTH AFRICA.

Press Association—By Klwstvic [Telegraph Copyright.

Capetown, January 8 Farther murders are reported front Bechuanaland.

Earl Grey, Administrator in Rho deeia, has informed an Induba, or native conference, at Buluwayo that Matabeleland will be divided into twelve districts, each division to ba under a paid chief. Several of the latter were recently amongst the rebels. In «ach case these native Governors will have European assistants.

BUBONIC PLAGUE.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Calcutta, January & Since the outbreak of iiabonic plague at Bombay, 325,000 people have left their homes and fled from the city. Dr Nansen, the physician in charge of the native hospital at Bom bay, has fallen a victim to the disease. From Bombay the plague has spread to Currachee the capital of Scind and a large seaport and manufacturing centre situated en a small bank to the thß west of the Indus river. The ravages have been so severe that many of the manufactories have been closed.

THE ASHBURTUft GUARDIAN $ MONDAY, JAKUABY 11, 1897.



■ i

Shi

,de. <

High in Sun.

State of weather.

Date.

Low. I

High

!

Saturday .. Sunday „. Monday ... Tuesday ... Wednesday Thursday... Friday ...

49 --48" 41 --- 5-6-68' 42 ---

87 --- 8-- 3--98-85. 85 --- 8-7-89-

JSQ -14- -0-156 140 --149' 120 --145'

Fine, N.W. E. ;: n.w.

11 rt E. „ N.E.



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B Hftve Much pi eaaure in informing Our Friend*, and the Public generally, that ME J. W. TIMMINS Was ADMITTED A FAIiTNEE, as from the First Day of January, 1897. MITCHELL & TURNER.



NEW FIRM -:- :- -: -:- -:- -:- NEW FIRM SAVE MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD BTOOK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS of BUSINESS THE Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with a Cash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the great losses that »re occasioned by Bad Debts. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND BELL FOR UABH, THEBBFOESi THEY ABE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON.



— A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Browfl IRibbed Pants (heavy) Is 6d -worth Ladies' HosjjfMfc colors, plain and ribbed ™ ,c V Xa^ «m*h M White and Brown Turkish Toweln, only 6d Harvester Hate B£ci—worth Is The Reafc Value for Flftnneleff«« n Blacher JBoot. 4a lid-grand value Ahe »«6 Valae to. jjtannelettea n ?T y»Kshot tt 4a lid-worth Heavy Twill, 4s lid do«»lworth 7d ayd Gem Shoet, Ppeoial, 4a na worv s £ knm Lim of Corßetg) all Bi(sMf at Hairline Twe^ Trousers 8s 6d-cheap at Beat la^^ rtment of Sunshades in town> *"8 G<l from Is M«n'a Felt Hate from 2" 6* . .H t Ladies' Sailor Straws, all ehades and shapes, ■ We have the Cho lC e«t Awortmenl of llats J^aaie eacJ ;__ pick y(mr owq .„ m ai IQ n"% *«» x- ii^_r<hMwiat6s an(i trimming, and have your KS at?fcSK:iWubl MUlinery don^ree of Carg/ width FULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MEASUBED GABMESTS A SPECIALTY. 49s 6d FU^^oftTROM 49s 6d MITCHELL & BROBPJBJB, BAST STREET, j.



Public notices. . TBE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND QLOTHING -pACTORY. _ i Light Summer Coats from 63 6d" Light Summer Suits from 10a 6<i Light Warring Vests, slightly soiled 2s 6d Light Blue Berge Suite for Summer wear 16a 6d Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Suits, all sizes 6s 9d, usua price 10s 6d. FuR TRAVELLING. Portmanteaux from 10a 6d Steel Trunk* from 10s 6d Gladitone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRAW~HATS. Boys' Straw: Hata Is, the beat value in Ashburton Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS &~SHOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvaß Shoes, best quality 5s 6d Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, splendid value Men's Light Boots for summer wear 8s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory. ALEX. HENDRY Manager.



$*** Si Sols g Australian Cricketers,



QUEENSLAND V. ASHBUETON AND SOUTH CANTERBURY JN THE Askburtoa Domain,  Tuesday and Wednesday, JANUARY 12 and 13. Admission-Ono Shilling EA.OH DAY. Wanted. OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcoa's new shop, Baker's Buildings. NOTICE.— Are you going to build Because the cheapest shop for Roofing Iron Ridging, Gutters, Nails, Lead, Spout ing, Water Tanks, Pumps, Ranges, Register Grates, Locks and Hinges, Washing Boilers, and all sorts of Ironmongery, is J. W. i Hardley's, Ironmonger, Plumber, and Tinsmith, Telephone 32. "I Q Ary NEW ifear Cs-rds and | i XO?7 # • Booklets,' Christmas Cards 1 half price, New Books, Fancy Goods, Toys and Stationery. A large variety of goods suitable for New Year presents. New lot of Foreign Stamps and packets.—Andrkwes, Andebson, & Co. WANTED Known—We have just opened a ljine of cheap all wool Suits and Trousers. .Good cut and splendid yalue. ai«nnis and workiug Shirts in great variety. MitohEl* WD Tubner



WANTED— Every Lady in Asfaburton to see our Window of Biouse Goods, bought ab a big discount, and selling at less than wholesale prices.— Mucu&hh AND TUBNEB. MILLINERY— Ladies should inspect the new Millinery, Capes, Mantles, Jackets, Blouses, French and English Corsets ; all new and up to date.—A, Orb. WE lead, follow who may. Children's SUppers Is. Mellor'a Tancred Street. WAITED Known — Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooma now completed, special display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A lafce shipment of Sailor Straws to be sold cheap.— MiycHEici/ and Turner. WANTED J£nown— What the people Bay. 'f ha* Ahpbbw Obb has the largest and *»■«> aswrtedatook <>**"?*£ Canterbury. .^J!t '< I"FyOU WANT the Newest and Nicest Millinery, Trilby Muslins, spd Drees Goods, go to Mrs Alcobn's. Dreads made on the premises. Fit guaranteed. • :\%TAMf&y> Known— Spectacles, Iflye YV Frotectors, (Jogglw, Folders, and 4 igy<?r^thin^ in the opl'm} *$ 8. b&pm s,



It will fee seen by a new (jdvertisemeafe in another column th 4 Messrs Craighead and Berrynifto are probably now showing the largest stock of new tweedi and fashionable tailoring goods ever exhibited in Ashbur ton. This speakt well iox their e«twpci»e



Wh>yi9mt<m4Bqwhini~"NM Vmm



Last summer case of our grandchildren was sick with a severe bowel trouble. Oar . doctor** remedies had failed, then we tried Chamber'ain's Colic, Oholera and Diarrhoea , Remedy, which gave very speedy relief. We regard it as the best medicine ever pub on the market for bowel complaints.—Mrs E. G. Gregory, Frederickitown* Mo. This ; certainly is the beat medicine ever pat oik the market for dysentery, eutnmhr com plaint, colic and oholera infaniutn in ohildren. It never faili to give prompt relief when used in reasonable time and plain printed direction! are followed. M*ny mother* have expressed their sincere gratitude for <he cured it hai effeoted. For sale by Asit« , burton Dane Compakt. ' Chamber am a Cough Remedy am colds, croup and whooping cough. It is pleasant, j safe and reliable, for tale by AqpTOTQV [DINaCoHFAHfc



Wanted. | "\7OUNG Ladies' Journal for January, Jl Weidons Christmas Number, Graphic, Id.er, Army and Navy, Mother's Help, Great Thoughts, (bound), Family Hural- 1, (bound), Rodney fetone, Australian Bush Truck, Lamentations, Denounced, The Penny Comequicks, Who did it. New Books. — H. M Jones. . . , DID you ever hear the like 1 Men s best Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mollore, street I fTIHERE is no doubt, no possible doubt IjL that you get Good Value for your money at Mellou's. YTTANTED Known—The Economic, T T Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear.— W. H. Collier.



WANTED Known—Jam Jars, Jam Jars of all kinds at very low prices at Flktcheb Bros, Cash Supply Stores. ANTED Known-^Large delivery of the " Economic " Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth iruch more.— W. H. COLLIER. WANTED Known—looo pnira of Boots to be aoid in twenty-one days at Mhllob's. MAURITIUS Sugar and Brewers' Chrystals. The finest Preserving Sugars in the World to be obtained at Fletcher Bros, East Street. WHAT do I see before my eyes? A Cheap sale of Boots at Mellor'a.