Ashburton Guardian, Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1897. THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.

We do not know that we are super sensitive in the matter of fearing the spread of dangerous epidemics, but if we were, we fancy some excuse for the weakness might be found when the disturbing cause is the news from the Eaßt of the movements of the bubonic plague. The health authorities its Melbourne have shown themselves alive to the dangers that threaten th« whole world when this terrible scourge' of the human race becomes active and shows au inclination to spread, and our own Premier has exhibited lively sympathy with our Melbourne neigh bors. The plague has never been wholly extinct in the world since in the fourteenth century it appeared as the " Black Death," and again in the seventeenth as " The great plague oS London," when it filled all Europe with terror, as it stalked like a ghoul over the world, and s-wtpt away millions of human beings in its harvest >i death. Since the:', m intervals of moro or less frequency, the p.agiuj has assumed some degree of virulence in various p rts of the world. Not long ago, it was busy, and to fell purpose, among the native population of Hong Kong, nor are we assured that it has since that time ever wholly ceased its ravages in China, and now we know that it has been at work actively is Bombay, in Western India. So long as the plague confines its operations to one place, and shows no sign of spreading in that mysterious way which has always characterised its migrations, there is less cause for fear; but when, as has been the case of \&te } it moves from one country to another— and in both cases has fallen upon peoples with whom the British empire carries on commerce and holds com munication, and must to a large extent come into that physical contact which is in a gieat measure the means by which all infectious diseases are carried to places apart—there is a malign significance to the whole world in the movement, but of even deeper meaning to the British empire. We have laid the flattering unction to our souls that it is only under conditions of imperfect sanitation that infectious diseases sprfad, and that within the century now drawing near to its close, sanita tion has so vastly improved as to have almost completely changed the condi tions of city ej|d town life. This fact has given society a sense of security, but that sense receives a serious and alarming jar, when it is remembered that all those migratory plagues that have periodically ravaged Europe have their homea in the East, and that there the conditions of life are just as insanitary as th'jy were a hundred years ago. There has been but little change either in this respect along the path the?e plagues usually take in their course westward—by the tted Sea and the Levant and along the shores of the Russian rivers. It ie apr, to be forgotten also that, just as the progress of an Oriental plague is mysterious, so is the cause of its ever increasing virulence when in migration, but the fact of the increase remains, and it sometimes happens that the acquired virulence is so potent as like a gale fanned flame to over-leap all barriers laid down or built up by modern sanitary laws, and to carry on its dire work in, the very heart of » population epjoying a sanitary system the moat per fectly appointrd that present day science can construct. There is thus then no small occasion for having a certain creepy feeling—even out In theae colonies—when we learn that the bubonic plagtj? is busy in a country so near to us as our Indian dependencies, This plague is the same terror which, aa we have said, appeared in the fourteenth century and again in the seventeenth, and readers of Defoe's works wiil doubtless remember that graphic writer's harrowing details of •The great plague of liondon," A writer in a contemporary says that .v wfcen the plague moved over the world as the Black Death, is slew 13 millions of people in China, 24 millions in other parti of She »*■!? »nd ?Qfc lm

than a quartet of the inhabitants of Europe, while on reaching England it destroyed from a third to a half < f the entire population of the British Islands. As the " Great Plague " it devastated London and spread over the whole country, and on those a« well aa the other occasions of its sweep ing over the world from its haunts in the East it showed itself to be the most destructive of all maladies ever known, th<! deaths being sixty, and as much as ninety per cent, in some die tricts of the persons attacked, while in many cases it swept away half the inhabitants of a town or district. It has not been been a frequent visitor in Western Kurope since then, having once gone by way of Russia and Hun gary as far as Prussia and Denmark and London, and a second time—both in the last c ntury—being borne fro w Syria to Marseilles in France, it carried off half the inhabitants of that city at one sweep spreading death also over other parts of Prance. From some occult reason—certainly not from improved sanitation—it has receded from its former habitat in the countries boidering the eastern Mediterranean, and has been confined ctiiefly to the further east wheie with occasional local outbreaks it has been generally lying dormant until these recent developments," The worst feature of the terrible malady is that so far as the actual nature and scientific treat ment of it are concerned the world is no farther advanced in knowledge to-day than it was when it had to be wrestled with in the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries, and this being so there is all the more reason why our coasts should be jealously guarded againsfethe danger which now threatens the whole world front plague-stricken Bombay, the latest cables from which show that the plague is increasing in virulence and that every month I exhibits a rising death roll.

Local and General.

Seventy-two races inhabit the world, and use 3004 different tongues. There are abouc 100 religious.

Mr John Studholme, junr., is a passenger by the lonic, which is due at Lyttelton about the 14th inst.

The most efiective Krupp gun has a range of seventeen miles, and can fire at the rate of two shots a minute.

A Press Association telegram from Gis borne states that a quantity of moa bonrs have been found in the Marumaru caves, near Wairoa.

A general average of 10 per cent has been struck on the Ruapehu'e cargo. She leaves Wellington on Thursday for Lyttelton to be docked.

A Waikato fruitgrower informs the local paper that he has never seen the codlin moth so plentiful at this time of the year as it is juat now.

It is rumoured that Mr Kolleston will probably replace Captain Russell (at the latter's request) as leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives.

It is expected between two aod three thousand Maoris will assemble at Papawai, Grey town, in April next, when the Maori Parliament meets.

A Press wire from Wellington states that the receipts from the Exhibition have paid the whole of the expenses and a handsome balance is already in baud.

Two of the Governor's sous attended the Waogaaui CoHegiate School, bufe were not prominent in the prize-lisfe. only one receiv ing mention, and that for English.

The Christmas number of the English magazines are good value for the price Mr James Marsden is charging for them—one shilling. The Sketch is especially attractive.

The Rontgen X rays were successfully used at Auckland on Tuesday fey Dr Dewis, for the location of a bullet in the palm of a hand, which two previous operations had fdiled to discover.

An American professor profesaos to have discovered, from experiments made with animals, that aged" people could be rejuve nated by splicing them, like the Siamese twins, to young and vigorous persons.

The officers and crew of Huddart, Parker, and Go.'» steamer Miowera have been awarded £5250 for assistance rendered to the disabled steamer Strathnevia a few months ago.

The Oa.maru Mail states that the Hon. J. McKenzie and Mr Duncan, M.H.R., have visited the Anigowan and Macrewhenua estates, purchased under the Land for Settlements Act, and are greatly pleased with the progress made by the settlers.

It is proposed to form a women's club in connection with the Christchuroh Working Men's Club, no as to afford the wives and female relatives of members facilities for rest and social intercourse similar to those provided for the other sex by the men's club.

The surplus for the current financial year ie estimated in the New Zealand 7imc»' review of the year 1896 at "not less than £200,000." The improvement in trade is expected to cause a very substantial increase in the income tax.

The Eketahuna railway extension ia ex pected to be so far finished within a fort night aa to permit goods to be curried to Pahiatua, and by the end of March it will be ready for passenger traffic. The northern trunk line is now finished as far aa Poror tarao tunnel.

Liut week a Maori woman named Wa hanga fell into a boiling spring, at Ohine mutu, Rotorua, and though she managed to walk home she died next morning from the effects of the scalding. The Maori ■who fell into the boiling hole at Tikitere •is pro gressing favourably.

Further census returns show that just half the population are under twenty-one years of age. In former years the proportion was larger, but oider people are steadily increas ing in proportion to the whole population, and young children are stationary. Those over 65 have increased trom 14,346 in 1891 t020 ( 756in1896.

At 10.30 p.m. last evening an alarm was given at the Fire Brigade Station, Burnett Street, and promptly responded to by the Western Station. The curricle turned out but no assistance was required as the brigade were informed that the fire was only a small grass fire inMona Square which had been promptly got under by the police.

Messrs Rennie, Dunlop, and Wallace, of the Christchurch Charitable Aid Board, with Mr Harper, of the County Council, and Hia Worship the Mayor visited the Old Men's Home to day, and inspected the buildings, wiih * view to reporting on their condition tuuTother matters, to the Central Board, and making suggestions, should any strike them, of the direction in which improve ments can fae mad#.

The London correspondent ojt the Q(ago Daily Times writes :—lt is very pleasant'to notice that everybody who has lately arrived from New Zealand speaks in the most glow ing and hopeful terms of the improved state of things prevalent in the colony and of the promising appearance of everything in New Zealand. The opinion seems to be almost universal that New Zealand is entering upon a period of higti proup.ri.ty. ,

The New Zealand Times, ia a report of the Wellington Exhibition says:—A very ingenious contrivance comes from Wanganui, with Mr Coates as the inventor. You can see it attached to a piano, and by pressing a psdal the player can automatically turn hia or her muno, leaf by leaf, without taking the lingers from the keya."' Spacuktors should Waft look »fc the "Ooatei muiioi Gume?," ,

The Tinwald Domain Board want tenders for grazing the racecourse paddock.

On Tuesday a grass fire occurred at Mr John Orr's farm at Lismore, which was not suppressed until a deal of damage to pasture and fences had been done.

A good deal of hnvest work is advertised for. Mr Thomas Nee, Cairnbrae, wants tenders for stooking and forking 350 acres of wheat; Mr George Grice, Wiilowby, tenders for s;ot>king and forking 600 acres of wheat; and Mr D. Brick tenders for the threshing of 681 acres of oats.

1 he motto of the oiler boyß in the large factories at Home used to be " No go with out us." !*■' is also the motto of a good many other business people whose duty it is to purvey necessaries to the smoothing of the jath and lubricating the wheels of life. Messrs John Orr and Co., have adopted the same motto, and attention is drawn to their advertisement of machine oils, a subject which all farmers have to study during harvest.

From English sporting papers to hand by the mail, the 7ima.ru He aid notices that Mr E. Shappere, a Timaru boy, playing for Queen's against Croydon St. Andrew's hi a football match, displayed excellent form, and with the assistance of a companion named Douglas, scored no fewer than seven tries between them. Shappere is also spoken of as a newcomer who can play fßbtball. These comments should be very interesting to many of his old chums.

In spite of the long continued drought it is satistactory to know that the underground supply from which the water for domestic purposes in Ashburton is drawn is appa rently as abundant as ever. At any rate no complaints have reached us as yet of any of the domestic wells failing, Wl yielding an undiminiahed supply. Many places in the colony are not in the oa ne happy ciroum •tances, and in one place we read. that the daily salutation was not " Flow are you this morning?" but •♦ How's your tank?"

When the evening train from Ashburton on Saturday was passing Seadown (says the Tima.ru Herald) guard Rogers noticed that the grass, which was very tlry between the railway line and the east gorse fence, was on fire. The train was stopped, and the Ere extinguished. But for the action of the guard the large plantation of blue guma would no doubt have been destroyed, as well as considerable other damage done, and perhaps the Seadown station buildings would havo gone.

A young woman named Ellen Allnian, housekeeper to Mr Michael Mahoney, Elgin, was yesterday taken to the hospital by Constable Moore, suffering from the effects of poisons. It appears from the girl's state ment that she had taken a fairly large dose of mercurial ointment, and was suffering very severely. The girl was attended to by Dr Le>hy in the first instance, and afterwards at the Hospital by Dr Trevor, and it is be lieved that, with the careful nursing she is receiving at the institution, she will soon be out of danger. The woman has been in a despondent state of mind for some time, which appears to have culminated in fchia attempt on her life.

A somewhat sensational incident occurred

in connection with the arrival at Rotorua of the train which left Auckland &t 9.35 on Monday. "When the train was leaving Kouttt it waa noticed that a waggon, imme diately preceding the first car, which con tained chaff, was on fire. The train was slowed off, the waggon uncoupled, and the fire extinguished by the rolling off of a number of sacks. The passengers in the front car felt heat some little time before the outbreak was discovered, and broke through a panel of the door as a pseliminary to getting into the next carriage. The fire, which was caused by a spark from the engine getting under the tai paulin covering the waggon, made a great flare and caused some excitement The damage done, how ever, was but small. The London correspondent of the Olago Daily Times has the following regarding Mr E. F. Wright, lately of Ashburton :—Mr E. F. Wright is still actively pushing his in vestigations into the etiology of tuberculosis in cattle. He has received much valuable assistance from the veterinary authorities, and has been abla to obtain careful tests of the lungs of tuberculosis animals. The re sult of all these independent examinations has been entirely in support Mr Wright's theory that tuberculous lungs are invariably ! alkaline, und are not even neutral, much leas acid. This, he contends, demonstrates conclusively the existence of a deficiency in the phoaphoric acid which is so essential to the health condition of the frame, in the case alike of himan beings and of quadrupeds- A meeting of Court Ashburton No. 6729, Ancient Order of Foresters, was held in the Orange Hall on Monday the 4th inab There was a largo gathering of Foresters present. The installation of officers for the ensuing term was gone through. The out going Chief Ranger, Bro. Kersel, initiated Bro. W. V. Thiele into the office of Chief Rnuger, Bro. Thiele likewise initiating the other officers into their respective posi'ions. The balance sheet for the six months ending December 31 was presented, which showed the Court to be in a very flourishing condi tion, it having a substantial credit balance in all its funds. It was shown that the membership of the Order was increasing very rapidiy, Bro. Phaup again earning the Court's allowance for proposing the largest number of members. Chief Banger Bro. Thiele, assisted by Past Chief Ranger Bro Kerael, initiated two new members into the Order. After the usual routine bubiness was finished the Court adjourned for harmony, whjin songs, toasts, etc., were contributed by the various members, a eumptous oupper being provided. Two young women had a somewhat sensa tional experience in a bo*t the other evening (says the Wyndham Farmer) on a river i-ot 100 miles from the banks of the Mimihau. They determined to have a spin on the water all to themselves, and free from the obtrusive offioes of a male escort. Seizing the oars and letting go the moorings, they set to rowing with a will, and, although it was their first appearance at the buain 88, they made good progress, gliding down the s ream. After they had covered several miles they attempted to head the boat up the river agiin, but, as might be expected, it was a woful failure. It was a lonely situation, and, to make matters worse, darkness came upon them and rain descended in torrents. At length their craft got beached, but on the wrong side of the stream. Where they landed they knew not, and their aid plight can better be imagined than described. Friendly dawn next morning brought relief to the ladies, and they ultimately reaohed the rr homes at I 8 a,m., drenched to the skin, and hungry as nchoolboys. , _^

Dromore School Treat.

From Our Own Correspondent

The annual school treat and distribution of prizes in connection with the Dromore school was hpld on Wednesday, December iO. There was a large attendance of parents, children, and friends, and a most enjoyable day was spent by all. The children's sports were got off during the afternoon, and hand some prizes were given to the successful competitors. An adjournment was then made to the schoolroom, where tea had been prepared by the ladies of the district. After tea the prizes were distributed by Mr Omdy, Chitirman of the School Committee. A handsome book was given to each child who had passed his or her standard at the recent examination, and as there had only been one failure, some fifty valuable books were distributed. Mr D. Brick proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the teachers. He said it was very pleasinej to see the evident signs of prosperity and happiness existing in the school, and referred to the good feel ing between teachers and taught. Votes oi thanks were also accorded to the Committee, the ladies, and to Messrs Langley and Allen for i heir handsome donation of sewing prizes, twelve of which were given in addition to the usual standard prizes. Hearty cheers were then given for the teachers (Mr A. C. Maxwell, Miss Maxwell, and Mrs Moore), and for the Committee. In the evening a social was held in the schoolroom. There were about a hundred present. Dancing, cards, and songs made things merry until the early hours of the morning. The music for the dane« was supplied by Messra Johns and Walker, Messrs Maidens and Moffat acting as M.C's. Songs were given by Mrs Johns, and by Meser* Briokf John*, J c BUoktairtii Alien, and Moiifufe.

CABLE NEWS.

home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright. ; England and Egypt.

London, January 4

M. de Blowi'z, the Paris corres pondent of The Times, declares th»»t M. Berthelot, who resigned the posi tion of Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Bourgeois Cabinet in March last, was forced to take this step, as the din ct outcome of Russia's objection to the threatening policy he proposed with regard to England's position in Egypt.

Resignation of a Judge.

The Bight Hon. Sir Edward Kay, one of the Lord Justices of Appeal, has resigned, and will be succeeded by Sir J. W. Ohitty, one of the Judges of the Chancery Division.

Sir Henry Irving'.

Sir Henry Irving having met with an accident to hia knee is for the present unable to appear at the Lyceum. It is expected that some weeks must elapse before his cure is effected.

M. Constant.

Farm, January I I" At the election of members of the French Senate M. Oonstans was defeated.

The French Navy,

The French shipbuilding yards are now working to their fullest capacity, and the newspapers are discussing the necessity of placing warships with English shipbuilding firms.

Rout of Zulus.

Zanzibar, January 4

A British expedition despatched to punish the Angoni Zulus for their attack on the mission station at Ntonda, in Nyassaland, ascended a mountain 1500 ft high by an unused track, until they came upon the Angonis, and completely routed them, capturing Ohikusi, their chief, who was subsequently tried and shot.

The FililMisteriii}*' Steamer.

New York, January 4

The details of the foundering of the Cuban filibustering Pteamer Commo dore off the coast of Florida show that the casualty resulted from the wilful scuttling of the vessel. In order to prevent any possibili'y of keeping the water down the pumps were tampered with and their utility was destroyed, ft also transpired that six Cubans who were aboard are missing.

Australian.

Sydney, January 5.

A serious collision took place in Newcsstleharbourbetween fchesteamers Dovedale, 2821 tons, and Indianopolis, 2226 tons, both under charter to the Adelaide Shipping Company. The Dovedale, when enteiing her berth, struck with tremendous force the Tndianopolis, which was lying at fche dyke loading cattle, and stove in a number of plates abreast the forward hatch. The Dovedale'a stem was bent, and eight plates were damaged. In swinging round after the impact the Dovedale struck the wharf with her stern, smashing her propeller blade, bursting the pipes supplying the hydraulic cranes, and stopping loading operations at the whole of the cranes for teveral hours. Tue Indianopolis discharged her cattle and loft for Sydney to dock. The damage to the vessels and wharf cranes is estimated at several thousands.

Disastrous Fire.

Brisbane, January 5.

A fire at Mount Morgan destroyed business blocks consisting of sixteen shops. The populace bad to stand helplessly by owing to there being no apparatus to cope with the fire.

A Serious Loss

Pbrth, January 5.

Lady Smith, wife of the Governor, while attending the races, lost four hundred pounds worth of rings which she left in the lavatory while washing her hands.

LABOUR.

Ike Engineers' Strike.

Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph- Copyright.

Sydney, January 5,

The Engineers' strike has been amicably settled, for the present at any rate. The men accept the owners' offflr to increase wages and give twenty-four hours' notice, on condition that all their other demands shall be submitted to a conference, which is to take place this week at Sydney. Every credit is due to the Sydney Ship owners' Association for bringing the matter to a peaceful issue. Their moderate tone has shown a contrast to the rather bombastic attitude of the Victorian Association. The change of venue of the conference to Sydney will be appreciated by both parties.

THE DRUIDS.

The Star of Ashburcon Lodge No 14, U.A.0.1\, held its half yearly meeting on Monday nigho last, there being a good number of members present. The election and installation of officers took place result ing as follows :-A.D, T. Crooks; V.A., K. Parkin; Secretary, S, Salek j Treasurer, H. C- Shrimpton; minute Secretary, W. Pearson ; A.D.B 's, Bros P. O'Connor, and H. A. Piokford ; V.A B.s, Bros R. Marsden and J, T. Mitchell; J G., J, MeKvague ; 0.G., T. Hocke; Auditors, A. J. Mul er, and J. McKeague ; District President, Bro Simpson of Timaru Lidge; Grand Lodge representatives, Bros J. Neiil and U'Connor. The D.P., Bro G. J. Neill, was installing officer, to whom a vote of thanks was passe 3. Owing to the holidays the balance sheet for the half year was not presented to the meeting, and it was resolved that next lodge night be a summoned meeting for the purpose of receiving same, when there will also be presented to P A. Bro Roche a framed diploma, in recognition of his past services. After routine business had been disposed of, the lodge closed, the receipts for half yearly night being £65 10s Bd. The tabled were then laid in the lodge room, and members having partaken of the good things provided toasts were given and aeveral member* contributed conga. The newly elected A.D., Bro T* Crooks, congratulated the members on the progress made by the lodge, and hoped it would continue to do so whilst he was A.I). He trusted there would be a good competition amongst members for the prize offered by the lodge to the members proposing the most new members for the k»lf ynt,

COMMERCIAL.

At Timara the second wool sale of the season was held <ai Tuesday, when 2800 bales were offered Crussbreds wre at par with the December sales, and merino Jd to id Irgher. The following are the quotations:— Hahbred 7£d to 7|d, crossbred 7i to?id, secured up to I°, greasy merino 6id bo 7d, pieces to 6£d, locks to 3d. The next term, of wool sales will take place on Friday at the Oddfellows' Hall f ChrisLchurch. The catalogues closed on Tuesday night with a very large entry foe the sale.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRO DUCE MARKET.

The Press of yesterday reports :—

Business in grain and produce has scarcely had time to revive since the holidays, and what little is doing is for immediate require* meats. A few enquiries foe wheat are coming to hand, but there is not likely to be much of a local demand manifested foe another month. A few sales of oats have been made for immediate use to replenish stocks which have run low during the holiday season. The prices were about on a par with quotations, though, il anything, there is a still further weakening in values. Then is a prospect of a little speculative enquiry for oats in view of the reported light crops, but it will probably depend upon the way in which they turn out in the South, and the accounts so far go to show that they will be good in Southland and Otago. Barley is. being enquired for, as it is also a light crop in this province. The cocksfoot harvest on the Penineu a stilt promises to be a very good one. There are already a few ordera coming in from the North Island for grata seed for early autumn sowing. The following are current prices paid to farmers, f.0.b., Lytteltoo, except where otherwise specified :— Whkat.—Pearl (prime mining), 4s 6d to 4s 7d, Tuscan. 4s 4d to 4s 6d; Hunter's, 4s 3d to 4s sd; good seconds, 3s to 3s 3d. Oats.—Prime milling, 2s Id ; good »tout feed, Is lid ; fair short feed, Is lOd; Duns, Is lid to 2s, Danish, Is lOi. JSabley.—Prime malting, 3e 6d to 3s 9d f medium do. 3s; feed, 2s to 2s 3d. Beans (nominal)— Well saved 2s 8d to 2s 9d.

Peas.—Blue Prussians (nominal), 4a to Ss, feed varieties, 3« to 3b 6d. Flour (millers' quoUtiona)—Eoller £11 10s, atone £10.

Shabfs—£3 10s. Bran-£3.

Oatmeal—£ll 10s,

Oatsheaf Chaff.—Nominal 35s to 37a 6d for prime samples afe convenient country stations, sacks extra. Grass Seed.—Ryegrasa, farmers' lota 2s 3d to 2*.0<3, machine-dressed 3a bd to 3s 9d,

and heavy nhotty aeed up to 4s. Cockatoot, (nominal), 3|d to sd, town machine-dressed, 161b aeed 4|d, 171b seed 5d to J^d. Oow graas (nominal) Sd to 6d. White clover (nominal) 6d to 7£d. Aloyke (nominal) 5d to 6d. Dairy Produce. —Cheese 3d to 4d, loaf l\A to 4&d. Butter—Factory 9d, dairy 5d to 7d. Bacon 6^d, do. roll 6}d to 7d; hams 7^d.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-op&ba. tive Association of Canterbury, Ltd., quote as follows on January 5,1897 :— Wheat— Prime milling Pearl 4s6dto4a7d f.o.b,   luscan 4ssdto4s6d „  „ Hunter's 4asdto4s6d „ Seconds clean ... 3s6dto3a9d f;o.b» Oati— Tartars and Duns ... la lid  Good stout feed .... 2a „ Milling ... ... 2s Id „ Barley— wSS&H ::: }.*— Beans.. ... ... 2a 8d f.o.b. Peas— Prussian bluea ... (Nominal) Partridge.. ... 3s to 3a 3d „ Chaff- Good oatsheaf ... 40aat country atationi

Needless Alarm.

Whether the suffering which people under go from disease is more physical than mental is a point not easy to decide. It depends largely on the nature of the disease, and the make-up of the individual. Experience seems to show, however, that ia one prevail' ing disease—indigestion or dyspepsia, the two kinds of suffering are very evenly divided, and both very great, the mental distress being chiefly due to the illusions and deceptions which attend it. For ex ample, though dyspepsia is solely an affec tion of the digestive organs, it has power to set up disorders in others which always alarm the sufferer, and often perplex his medical advisers. Ibese symptoms as sequences may relate to the head, the hettci* | the sight, the hearing, the lungs, or to othex organs or functions, lake an illustration or i two. " In the spring of 1891," says Mr Edward Tatham, " I fell into a low, weak state of health. I had & foul taste in the month, and was constantly spitting up a thick phlegm. My appetite was poor, and after eating I had fullness and pain at the ohest ! —the latter seemed to be puffed or swollen* What made me most anxious was my breath ing, which came to be so difficult and short that at times I could only catch my breath by an effort. I was led to fancy that some* thing must ail my lungs, especially as so great a quantity of mucus gathered in my throat and mouth. It was usually worse at night, and I got very little sleep on account of it; sometimes none at all. In a morning I would be quite worn out. " As time went on I became very weak, and was much put to ib to get about. £ took all kinds of medicines and got no pro per relief from auytuing. In February, 13Q3, Mr William Beardtley, grocer, Cot manhay, told me how he had been cured of a like trouble by Mother Seigel's Curative Syrup. Acting on his advice I got a bottle of this medicine from Mr Platt's Drug Stores, Awsworth Road, and after taking it felt quite another man. ' My breathing was easier, and n;y food agreed with me. I continued using the Syrup, and got stronger and better every day. When I had taken four bottles I was as well as ever, being ftee from all pain or discomfort. My wife, who has suffered for years from liver complaint, has taken the Syrup with the same good re sults as in my own case. You are at liberty to make any use you like of this statement, (Signed) Edward tatham, Tatham's Lane, Cotmanhay Road, llkeston, Derbyshire. March 21st, 1895." •

"In October, 1888," writes another, "I began to feel weak, heavy, and tired. My appetite was poor, and after eating I had distress at the »tomaoh, together with short ness of breath, and a good deal of pain across the chest. Sometimes 1 would be taken with sudden dizziness, as though I must fall to the ground. Cold, clammy sweat* used to break out all over me and I trembled from head to foot. Finally, I got so weak I could scarcely walk to my work. Indeed, I had occasionally to leaye my work ; { have been away as long as a month at a time. In this way I suffered for about two years. "In August, 1890, Mr Thompson, the grocer in Church Street, urged me to try Mother Seigel's Syrup, After taking only one bottle I felt better. My food agreed with me and I was stronger. Continuing with this medicine, gradually all pain left me, and I completely recovered my health. Since then I have kept the Syrup in the house for use ia time of need. You are free to publish this statement. (Signed) William Mallender, 71, Robinson's Buildings, New hilt, Wath, near Sheffield, October 11, 1895."

Cases of supposed disease of the heart, of the nervous system, of the kidneys, etc., constantly prove to be, not organic affeotiona of those part* at ail, but merely local or functional disturbances caused by the toxic or poisonous principles thrown into the blood by the decomposition or {ermeotation [ of food in the stomach j otherwise, by dyii: pepaia or indigestion. Bat until they ire discovered to be so they are mistakenly treated; and serious, often fatal, results, Until pronounce A and undeniable symptoms of organic mischief show themselves (which is not the case once la a hundred times) you may take it for granted that your ailment ii some form of dyspepsia, easily curable by Mother's Seigel'a Syrup, aa demonstrated by the two instances cited above. -

THI ASHEUMON GtJAKI)IA& : WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 189?.

A Serious Collision.



GOOD WASHING PRINT, B|d. | WHITE AItfSLIN, 3* lid per doz AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6s lid AT G. J. NEILL'S. Flannelettes 3*d yard. The Beat Turkish TOWELS in Aihburton are at- G. J. NEILL'S. BOX 8' Navy BlueS&i'or Suits 4s lid, _ Men's Tweed Trousers os lid, Men s xwe MenJ(> Heayy Qoionial Twee< i Sutta 25s 6d, ftt G. J. NEILL'S. Ladies, Lace Shoes, 4s lid. Ladies' twoitnp Shoes. 4s lid. AT G. J. NEILL'S. % L»dies\ Maid»\ and Children's TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Paces, G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDIR'S CORNER, EAST STREET.



TTTE Hare Much Pleasure in informi»g Our Friends, and the Public generally, that MB h W. TIMMINS Wa ß ADMITTEU A PARTNER, as from the First Day o! January, 1897. MITCHELL & TUENEE.



NEW FIRM -:- :- -: :;-:--■ -:- -:- NEW FIRM SA.VK MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB i^^ NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOGK 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 grmt losses that are occasioned by Bad Debts. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND BELL FOR CASH, XHEBEFORE THEY AKB ABLE TO GIVE BETTEIi VALUE THAtf ANY OTHER PLAOS IN ASHBURTON.



— A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Brown (Ribbed Paata (heavy) Is 6d-worth Lidice' Hose, fast colors, plain and ribbed 1b lid 6d Pair Men's Socks 64—worth 9d White and Brown Turkish Towels, only 6d fcest^ats a^d-worth Is White Calico grand value afc 2, lld-fyd. Blucher Boots 4s lid-grand value The Best Value for Flannelettes n Heavy Shootors 9j lid-worth 12s 6d Aahburton. LaclieV Gem s»h<*» f Ppeotal, 4s lid-worth Heavy Twill, fa lid dozen-worth 7d ayd 6s 6d A 1611*11^ Liae of Corsets, ail sizes, at Hairline Tweed Trousers 8s 6d—oheap at) }\ IIA, A £ a . , . jq" m The Beßt Assortment of Sunshades in town, Man's Felfc Hats from 2a 6d J^ 1" J* We have the Choiceat Assortment of Hats Ladies' bailor Straws, all shades and shapes, j in town from 9d each—Pick your own shape 12yds Strong Print for 3a lid-Cheap at 6s and trimming, and have your A Beautiful Summer Tweed Is Id, double Millinery done Free of Charge. width FULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MEASURED GARMENTS A SPECIALTY. Ai\n r*r* FULL SUIT FROM AQq f*jy 4c&® b^> FULL SUIT FROM <±VV 0^ MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, EAST BTKB»X. j



public notices. TBE CHEIbTMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND -pACJCOBy.! Light Summer Coats from 6a 6A Light Summer Suita from 10s 6d Light Washing Vests, slightly soiled 2s 6ri Light Blue Serge Suits fur Summer wear 16i6d Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. BoyB! Drill Suits, all sizes 6s 9d, usua price 10s 6d. FUE TEAVELLING.



Portmanteaux from IDs 6d Steel Trunks from 10s &d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRAW~HATS. Boys' Straw Hats Is, the beat value in Ashburton Men's Panama Hata Is. I BOOTS &~&HOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvas 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.



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Wanted. TpNGLISH Christmas Numbers—Pears' JCj Annual, Sketch, Graphic, Black and White, Illustrated London News, Pictures and al 1 complete, Is.—Bookstall. 1 26 WANTED, a tidy, respectable Gin Sibout 15 or 16 to look after two or < three children and assist in light house ; work. Apply " He-p," Post Office. 132 FOR Sale—Freehold of Waterton Hotel or will be let to food tenant. Apply Mrs Donnan Waterton Hotel. 1 16 XXTHERE, Oh where, is that Cheap I yy Boot Shop ? Mbllor's Zwalandia Boot Store. WANTED Known—Large delivery of the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth ncuch more.— W. H. Collier.



WANTED— Every Lady in Ashburton to see our Window of Bouse Goods, bought at a big discount, and selling at less than wholesale prices.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known—Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and Everything in the optical at 8. Salek's, Optician WANTED Known—Go to the Corner for Newest Styles in Drapery and Millinery—W, H. Collier. STUDY Economy and patronise Melloiv Cheap Boot Sale. 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 Silppera Is. Mallor's Tanered street. WANTED Known — Alterations and ! Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. Special display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A late shipment of bailor Straws to be sold cheap.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known—What the peopfe say. That Andrew Orb has the largest and best assorted stock of Boots in Canterbury. 11 125 IF YOU WANT the Newest and Kicesfc Millinery, Trilby Muslins, and Dress I Goods, go to Mrs Alcorn's. Dresses made lon the premises. Fit guaranteed.



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. WEDNESDAY—Choir Practice at 8 p.m. THURSDAY—Con 6rmation Service (men) 7.30 p.m. FRID \ V—Holy Communion at 7-30 a.m. All communicants, and especially those who have been confirmed in recent years, are earnestly invited toattend. Confirmation Service at GLREEN STREET, 3 p.m. Confirmation Service (women) 7.30 p.m. Both men and women may attend all these services. SUNDAY SERVICES. 8.30 a.m —Holy Communion. 11 am.—Morning Prayer. 630 p.m.—Evening Prayer, Rev, H. C. M. Watson. N.B.—Sunday (Uhh) will be a holiday for the Sunday Schools. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



Wanted. THE early bird catches the early worm, so call at Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. TVTEW ZEALAND Rough and Pocket lAi Diaries, Sentimental Tommy, Town and Bush, The Youngsters of Murray Home, Little Duchess, New Books, Christmas Annuals, New Lines iv Stationery and Fancy Goods.—H. M. Jonjcs. DID you ever hear the like ? Men s best Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mellor's, ""ancred street OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores I also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., afc Mrs Alcorns new Bhop, Baker's Buildings. fTIHERE is no doubt, no possible doub< X that you get Good Value for your money at Mellor's. WANTED Known—The Economic, Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear.— ! W. H. Collier. \ FULL Assortment of new Veilings in ! J^\_ white, black, and black and white, j Buy the* celebrated ue\y kid glove—The Victory—on'v 2i 6d. The best glove in New Zealand'for the money.—A. O&n. 11 124 iqa^z NEW Year Cards and XO«7 # . Booklets, Christmas Cards half price, New Books, Fancy Goods, Toys ar.d Stationery. A large variety of goods suitable for New Year presents. New lot of Foreign Stamps and packets.—ANDßEWts, Anderson, & Co.



WANTED Known—We have iastopeued a line of cheap all wool Suite and Trousers. Good cut and splendid value. Tennis and working Shirts in great variety. MiTCHELii amd Turner WANTED Known.*-I'ecuiina. Fecu-, Una. Another shipment of this Celebrated Cake Flour at FLWsmm Bros., Cash Supply Stores. WANTED .everyone to know that Flktchkk Bros, do a most extensive Business, acknowledged foy a member of the Force here on Thursday afternoon, December 17. ___^ WANTED Kuown—Mkllor s Sale surpassing jioything ever heard of ja Alhburton, ;



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