Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1897. THE PENSION CLAIMS.

The forms of claim to be filled up under " The Registration of People's Claims Act 1896 " have now been received at the Ash burton Post Office and must be sent in to the Deputy-Registrar (the Clerk of the S.M. Court) on or before the 30th April next. Unfortunately, however, a hitch has been discovered, which will, we fear, make these claims valueless, and will render ib necessary to do the work of collecting them all over again. It arises in this way— In the body i of the Act (Sec. 2) it ia provided that the conditions necessary to entitle to a pension shall be the following, viz. that the person claiming to be entitled to a pension certifi cate shall be of the full age of sixty-five years or upwards, that he (or she) ia resid ing in the colony at date of claim, has so resided for, in all, not less than twenty years on such date, has so resided contin tinuously for not less than three years immediately preceding such date, and has not been absent from the colony for, in all, ' more than eighteen months during the j period of ten years immediately preceding such date. Also that his (or her) total income from all sources (exclusive of per sonal earnings) does not exceed the rate of fifty pounds per year. On turning to the terms of the declaration set out in the schedule to the Act and required to be sub scribed by claimants it will be found that in , two particulars it differs from the require ments of the Act itself; paragraph 3 requir- j ing continuous residence for not less than ten \ years immediately preceding the date of claim, and paragraph four making the . eighteen months of absence from the colony prescribed as the maximum relate to the term of twenty years instead of ten yeais preceding the date of claim. Under these circumstances it will be of course impossible to ascertain accurately how many of the claims fulfil the requirements of the Act itself and further legislation to enable this to be done is inevitable.

Wpitino of Fere Monsabre. the famous preacher of the historic Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris, the Auckland Herald says that he has decided to retire from public life 1 and that his sermon preached lately at the Cathedral of Rheims, on the occasion of the celebration of the 14bh century of the baptis-m of Clovis and the conversion of the Franks, was his farewell discourse. The occasion was a great one, the preacher's auditory was influential, and the effect is described as * supreme." Among those present were four cardinals and 25 b:sbops. The clerical papers call it a "sensational sermon," and if a farewell shot, it appears to have been the discharge of a perfect broadside. The sermon has since been published under the title of "Modern France and the Baptistery of Rheims,' and ia the arraignment of the France of today at the bar of her ancient history. The preacher's conclusion is that "to the deeds of God among us have succeeded the works of Satan. We have no longer a Christian State. What ia called Modern France is trance without God." During the present year a similar commemoration is to take placß in England, and a %reM ecclesiastical gathering will be held to celebrate the thirteenth centenary of the landing of Augustine and the conversion of the English. The preacher m this occasion will hardly be justified in apply ing the stern words cf condemnation used hy tha Fronch priest to the England of to-day, for with all her shortcomings and mistakes she. may still be fairly called "Christian England."

FRANCE A TRENCHANT CONDEMNATION.

A correspondent of the North Otago I Times, wilting from Johannesburg, gives some intereatinginfor mation with regard to the wonderful city which, in the space of a few years, has sprung up on the site of a native kraal. He says :—" Stands that were fold for building private residences on, some six or seven years ago, at £50 to £100, are now bringing £2000 to £3000. Rents are enormously heavy here. A three roomed cottage anywhere in the city is kfc at something like £15 per month. A. shop in Prltchaid sTeet waa let last month at a rental of £150 per month. I measured bhe frontage (22 feet), A. shop the size of Bulleid's or Grant's in Thames street, Oanwru, if only in Prltchard or Commis sioner street, Johannesburg, would bring in a rent of £250 per month. About two months ago Thornn, Shnfctaford ard Co., drapers here, gave £40,000 for a stand 50 l,y 50 feet in Pritchard street, known as Apsey's corner. This stand was bought by the late owner some six years ago for something like £1200. He therefore clears about £38,800 in six years, and it must be remembered that there are no free holds—all are 99 years leases, and then they fa 11 in to the Government, Property and rents in the city of London are not so high as here, Gigantic buildings are being put up all over the place, and there has bean a regular building boom en. At the present time they aie building an hotel near the lailway station wi.h SCO bedrooms, costing £300,000 for building only (A. company affair )'' He, however, remarks that these prices cannot go on— must come to an end some day. Johannes burg is it seems by no means a desirable place from another point of view, th» hospitals being continually full, slid the deaths numbering 250 In November and 300 in December last. The great buik of the population are "young, single men) who come out from London and Australia simply to try arid make some money while the boom is on, and clear."

! JOHAMESBERG. i

Local and General.

Reading matter on fourth page. The Hinds and Melrose Lawn Tennis Clubs will play a match at Hinds on Thurs day afternoon. The annual picnic of the Primitive Methodist Sunday Bchool will take place at Elgin to-morrow.

The secretary of the Horticultural Society notiijea that the prizes will be paid at his office on Saturday next. In the dominions pf the British Empire alone some 8000 individuals! vanish every year without leaving any trace. A harvest thanksgiving service wa3 con ducted in the Chertsey school on Sunday morning by the Rev Mr Clarke from Methven. The school was very tastefully decorated with i plants and flowers, and there was a splendid collection of friiib and vegetables. A noticeable feature of the decorations was the splendid lilies lent by Mrs Dunsfcan for the occasion. The attendance was good.

When Li Hung Chang left Pekin to attend the coronation of the Czar in Moscow, he took with him not only a doctor and seventy nine attendants, but also a coffin. The coffin is of the most elaborate Chinese

j workmanship, and is decorated profusely I with gold figures and clusters of precious stones. It cost 9000 taela, or about £1300. Whenever the party stop long enough in a , city to take apartments, the coffin is stood up in a room next to the bedroom of the

Over 15,000 tons of wire are manufactured t. into pins annually iv England. It is understood that Mr W. Wadey, Kangiora, was the successful tenderer for the new sanatorium at Haumer Plains at the price of £1966 13s 7d. We observe that the brass band of the Ohristchurch Kngineera has beeu engaged for the Islington picnic party which visits Ashburton on Saturday. It is probable that the growing demaud for india-rubber, causel chiefly by the cycle industry, will do more to open up New Guinea than the search for gold.

A novel feature at a sports meeting at-. New Plymouth recently was a bandsmen' race, each competitor playing a tune on his instrument as he ran.

Melbourne boasts of at lea'fc a score of lady detectives. One earned £400 last year, and still manages to hide her profession from her most intimate friends.

A Chinese custom is the throwing into the ocean of thousands of pieces of paper when friends are about to sail away. Each piece bears written on it a prayer.

Hereafter the Island of Juan Fernandez, lying sixty miles off the coast of Chili, will, by order of that Government, be known as Robinson Crusoe Island.

We have received a copy of a little work, by Mr George Bailey, of Invercargill, en titled "The New Heresy; or, Scripture (Beaching Regarding the Use and Abuse of Intoxicating Liquors."

Eighty bushels of wheat per acre is said to have been taken off a section of land at Pohonuiotane (says the Paraekaretu Ex press), and 20 tons of potatoes to the acre have been taken off the same farm. In the list of teachers' passes sent by th.c Press Association appear the following :— Class D. —Rosamond Bonnington, Matilda E. Harvey, Henrietta Kirne, Beatrice May Lewis. Partial D. —Robert Stout, Mabel Trezise. Six cases of ferrets consigned from Lyttel ton to the Agricultural Department arrived at Wellington on Sunday by the Omapere and were sent on by the Mahinapua to Nelson to be liberated in that district.

A choir boy in Sfc Matthew's Church, Christchurch, was sentenced to receive ten strokes of a birch rod, and committed to the Industrial School, for stealing money and jewellery to the value of £14 16s 6d from his fellow choristers.

Mr Tregear, Secretary • to the Labor Department, has selected properties near Wellington, Christchurch aud Dunedin, for the purpose of establishing workmen's villages under the Government scheme. He leaves Wellington for Auckland this week on a similar mission.

A meeting of the Primitive Methodist Christian Endeavour Society was held on Tuesday evening, Mr H. Hardley presiding. The Rev. J. Olphert gave an interesting paper on "The life of Miss Frances Havergal," followed by a recitation by Miss Addis of one of Miss Havergal's poems.

One of the sensations in Ireland lately was the visit of Baby Bliss to Belfast and Dublin. The ponderous American gentle man, who scales 35st 121b, attracted a big crowd to follow at his heels whenever he walked abroad. When he rode through the streets on his light safety the public were thunderstruck, and regarded the quaint sight with awe and wonder.

In one of the Canary Islands there ia a tree of the laurel family that rains down occasionally in the early evening quite a copious shower of water-drops from its tufted foliage. This water often collects at the foot of the tree, and forms a kind of pond, from which the inhabitants oi the neighbourhood can supply themselves with a drinking beverage that is absolutely fresh and pure. The water comes out of the tree itself through innumerable little pores situated at the mirgin of the leaves.

Mdme. Melba's famous pearl necklace is short a number of strands, which now adorn the neck of "la divine Sarah." Mdme. Melba was present at Mdme. Bernhardt'a presentation of "Fedora," and was so com pletely carried away that, rushing out of her box, she tore behind the scenes, and, throwing the pearls she was wearing around the actress's neck, burst into tears. Mdme. Bernhurdt was overcome at the im pulsively bestowed present, and now num bers the pc '.rls among her greatest treasures.

An appeal ig being made for subscriptions in aid of the wife and family of the late Mr J. Patterson, who died at Riverside on Thursday last. Deceased was buried on Saturday with Orange honors, the funeral bting attended by residents of the Wakauui and other districts 1 At the grave the Rev G. B. luglis conducted the Presbyterian atrvice, and Rev T. G. Brooke was chaplain for the Orangemen. Subscriptions handed to Mr A. Letham, or, in fact, any of the Wakanui farmers, will find their way to the fund being raised for the widow and children of the deceased.

An exemplification of the will of Mr Donald Larnach, late of Old Broad street, London, and Brambletye, East Grimatead, Sussex, gentleman, has been filed in Mel bourne for probate. The testator died on May 12, 1896, in England, leaving a will dated July 3, 1895. The personal property in Victoria is valued at £7450, and that in the United Kingdom at £619,945. He bequeaths an annuity of £2000 to hia widow together with the use of his residence at Brambletye. He states that he makes no further provision for her, as she has been amply provided for by a marriage settle ment. The residue of his estate is left to his children and grandchildren.

The polling in the Borough Council elec tion takes place to-morrow at the Council Chambers between the hours of nine a.m. and six p.m. There are three candidates for the seat vacated by Mr R. M. Cuthbertson —Messrs E. W. Hanmer, H. M. Jones, and J. H. Pauling. Of the three Mr Jones has held a seat on the Council; Mi- J. H. Paul ing was an unsuccessful candidate at the last election, though he stood well in the poll ing; and Mr E. W. Hanmer stands for the first time. They are all "good men and true," and doubtless the ratepayers would be we-1 served by either.

A witness in an impounding case recently heard at Ternuka was asked if, during his occupancy of certain land, his sheep ever Trespassed on his neighbour's allotment, counsel's contention being that the division fence was not a safe one. Witness ex pressed himself quite satisfied with the fence*, but added that his sheep never strayed, as he took good care to " tether them by the mouth." The eraming counsel looked a little non-plussed, and the magis trates evidently meditated a reprimand for what they looked upon as •• cheekiness." Witness explained that he never overstocked and as hia sheep could always fill their mouths on his pasture they had no occaaion to trespass on a neighbour's.

The Southland Times has the following : The twelve months old son of Mr James Hopkins, Rimu, was the victim of a dis tressing aoaident on Friday last. About 5 o'clock his mother set fire to some chipped tussock in order to clear a piece of land for the plough and placed the child, who was asleep, in a spot shaded by some grass. Whilst lighting the tussock she noticed that the flumes were spreading in the sleeping child's direction ; she hastened to the place and found him almost surrounded by fire, i She immediately caught the infant up, getting burned in doing so, and ran with him to a neighbouring creek to extinguish the burning clothes. The little follow, who was brought to the Hospital on Friday evening for treatment, was seriously burned on the arms, hands and one aide of his face.

AMONG THE ICEBERGS.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Dunsdin, February 23. During the passage of the America from Glasgow she was among ice for twelve daya, several very large bergs being close to the ship. On January 31st, at 2.45 a.m., during a dense fog but in a smooth sea, an immense iceberg must have passed close to the ship, i There was a rushing of something at the I rudder and along the ship resembling a shoal of fish, followed by a crackling and crunch iug aud a noise like Ihe report of a large cannon, which was the ice breaking up aud grazing along the side of the ship. So close was the berg tuat the backwater of it washed up against the stern, aud the ice was so thick round the vessel that nothing could be seen. It produced a sensation to all on board which they hope they will never experience again, The position was so dangerous that the lifeboat was pro visioned s>nd made ready to launch at a moment's notice, but happily it was not required.

Death in a Mine.

PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION,

Auckland, February 23, The man who died suddenly at the Went worlh Mine. Whangamata, was Patrick Guyde. While drilling a hole he was no iced to suddenly roll over, and he expired before anything could be done for him. It was stated by Dr Wright, who made the post mortem examination, that the cause of death was attributable to the bursting of a blood vessel through over exertion. It appears the deceased was compelled te strike while in a cramped position. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony. The deceased was fifty-five, and leaves a wife and five children in the south of the colony.

The Arithmetical Puzzle.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir.—l have managed to get the right figures to make up the hundred and thought perhaps you would like to have them-—I am, etc., Emilie C. Leguett. 16 54 7 8 9 3 1 2 100 [Oar correspondent has not solved the problem. She will observe that the figure 1 is used twice over.—Ed.]

Burglary at Christchurch.

The Press reports that shortly after eleven o'clock on Monday night a daring burglary was committed ah Mr Robert Barr'a shop at the corner of East belt and Ferry road. The thieves smashed one of the shop windows, an 3 abstracted a box of cigarettes valued ar a guinea. The inmates, who had not retired, were alarmed by the crash of glass, aud on rushing to the front could nat see any one who could have done it, bub were told the burglars were making offtowards Cnam street along the Belt. Information was given to the police, and yesterday morn ing two young man were arrested on suspicion of having been concerned in the affair.

COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON MARKETS.

At the Tinwald sale on Tuesday there was a largo attendance of farmers and those interested in the sheep and cattle trade, and the entry of sheep, etc., was the largest recorded for some months past; the yarding amounting to about 9500 sheep and lambs, a large proportion being lambs, 59 head of cattle and about 90 pigs. Most of the sheep and pigs changed hands, but a number of oafctle were passed in, there being little or no demand for them except in stores. The following are prices obtained for butchers' sorts :—Crossbred ewes, heavy 7s 7d to 8s 3d ; crossbred ewes, four and six-tooth, 6s 63 to 7s 7d ; crossbred ewes, two-tooth, 7s 6d to 8s 3d; crossbred ewes and wethers, 8a to 9s Id; merino ewes, 4s 5d to 4s 6<l; fat crossbred lambs, 10s to 10s 3d. Ii the store pens, crossbred ewes, six-tooth aud full mouthed up to 7s 4d ; crossbred wethers, four-tooth, 7s lid to 10s ; crossbred wethers and ewes, mixed, 7s 2d to 8s 3d ; a nice line of wethers topped the market at lls 3d ; crossbred lambs, prime lots, 8s 9d to 9a 2d ; crossbred lambs, forward condition, 7s 9d to 8s 6d; crossbred lambs, inferior and late sorts, 3s 6d to 6s 9d ; breeding ewes, cross bred, Is 7d to 4s 2d ; breeding ewes, merino. Is lid ; merino ewes and late lambs, all counted, 2s sd. Pigs—Light biconers, 33s 6d ; stubblers, lls 6d ; weaners, 4s 3d to 4s 9d. Cattle—Fat steers up to £4 12s; fat heiferß, £5 to £5s ss; fat cows, old, £2 10s to £3 53; store steers, £2 6i to £2 17s 6d ; young steers and heifers, 18s to £2. The entry being a heavy one, the sale was not concluded till after 5 p.m., too late for insertion in our last issue.

The Death-Stone.

One of the most recently discovered inex plicable phenomena is an immense electrical stone which crops out above ground in an almost inaccessible mountain pass some fifty or sixty miles north of The Needles, in Arizona. Among the Indians the stone goes by the name of the "Death Trap," and the peak whereon it is located is called Death Trap Mountain. The stone ifeself is described as being a rough, jagged ou'eropping, bursting up through the shale ot its surroundings, reach ing up the mountain side to the height of about seven feet, when a sharp projection shelves over again, making a three-sided

tunnel, perhaps nine feet long and five feet

I wide. Ordinarily the rock is of a blue | metallic luatre s and shows traces of volcanic ' action, being seamed and ribbed aa if by melted lava. In the heat of the day, when the sun Bhinea squarely upon it, the scone assumes a faded pale blue hue, at which time the Indians declare it to be perfectly j harmless. As the sun leaves the gorge, however, the stone begins gradually to deepen in colour, and when night comes and there is no moon it gl»ws with all the brilliancy of a molten mass. This lamina tion may be distinctly seen for a great distance where there are no intervening mountains to obstruct the view. Now, as to the peculiar death-dealing power of the stone It is said that nothing great or small can set foot upon it and live. So powerful are the volts which it gives out at even the slightest contact, that it is impossible for even the largest animals to withstand their strength. Recently a party of hunters ventured with out a guide into some of the more dangerous passes in the up-country, and by chance found their way into a narrow gorge, having ' come in hot pursuit after a little fleet-limbed mountain goat which they managed to start from the rocks below. Suddenly, while they were all some 70 or 80 feet away, they were astonished beyond measure to see the goat fall dead in h;s tracks, although not a shot had been fired. They were making ready to climb up the ledge and secure the lit:le creature, when an old Indian high up on the cliff behiud culled to thorn to stop. So frantic wae his manner and so persistent his admonii ions that they waited till he scrambled down to them, and then for the first time came to light the story of the electrical wonder. V

The goat had fallen within the death-trap, the Indian explained, and had the hunters followed after him they, too, would have shared his fate. There was ample evidence at hand to prove to the hunters the truth of the old man's statement, for the little gorge surrounding the atone had been turned into a perfect charnelhouse, full of the whitening bones of its many victimE.

CABLE NEWS.

P°ss Association—By Electric Telegraph— • Copyright. I

Home and Foreign.

Engineers' Strike. London, February 22. Tho JNuweastle bistrict Amalgamated Engineers have reia'iated for the recent lock-out of blacksmiths by calling a strike of their members. Mission to King Menclik. Thi Home correspondent of the Standard says that Great Btitain is send ing a misciun to Kiu« Menelik with a i view to discussing questions regarding the occupation of territory in the Soudan. Belief Crews. H.MS. R:yal Arthur has sailed with! relief crews for the Australian station. l The Plague. Calcutta, February 22 The Bombay Health Authorities have offered to inoculate persons free of charge with Professor Haffkine's plague lymph, 1 Paris, February 23 The British delegates informed the Sanitary Conference here that pilgi images from India to Mecca are prohibited. The Conference rtquested the o.her Powers to endeavour to prevent similar pilgrimages

Australian.

Cannibalism in the New Hebrides Sydney, February 23 Natives at Aoba, in the New Hebrides captured a white trader, named Duncan, and tied him to a tree. They kept him fop three days for the purpose of fattening him, and ho wm then killed and eaten. The Accident to Lord Brassey. Melbourne, February 28 Lord Braasey passed a bad night, but slightly improved to-day. His tempera ture is somewhat lower, A Thrilling* Experience. The Gorman steamer Essen had an exciting time among icebergs after passing the OroKeta. She ran on to a submerged berg and glided up its sloping surface, but after a few thrilling momenta slid off again without losing her equilibrium. She ' ! sustained no injury. | Sentenced to Death. Quin, charged with the murder of Mrs Watson in November last, was found guilty, with a strong recommendation to mercy. He was sentenced to death. i Baseball Team for America, The baseball team has decided to go to America, despite the cable message advising to the contrary.

THE QUEEN'S CELEBRATION.

Open-Air Thanksgiving 1 Service,

Prßss Association - By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

London, February 22

In connection with the Queen's Record Reign Celebrations, ifa has been arranged that a thanksgiving service be held on the 22nd June, in the open air, on the western steps of St. Paul's Cathedral, so as to avoid the necessity of Her M&j-jsty leav ing her cwri-ige. The Archbishop of Canterbury will deliver an address. Melbourne, February 23 The Government hai decided to send two officers and twenty-four Mounted Rifias to the Queen's celebrations.

The Federal Convention.

The Meeting- Place.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Perth, February 23 The Government has decided to join the Federal Convention. The wrus for the election have been issued, and the nominations hava been fixed for the Hhh Match, and the ejections for the 13 h. The Premier favours the holding of the Convention In Adelaide. Melbourne February 23 Ifc appears as if Mr Kingston haa beaten Sir George Turner in the field of diplo macy, as he secured a majority in f ivour of Adelaide as ihe meeting place for the Federal Convention. Sir George Turner won over Mr Reid in favour of Melbourne and telegraphed to know Sir E. N. Braddon's opinion Sir George Turner, however, reognised that Melbourne, Sydney, and Hobart had been meeting places on past important occasions, i while Adelaide had been passed by. i

American Ambassador to England.

Press Association—By Electro T^Jgp'&ph— Copyright.

New York, February 22. Mr Smalley says thab Colonel Hay'a selection shows that it is the intention of the Government to restore the United States Embassy to an active share in diplomatic business, similar to the time when Mr Adams and Mr Phelps were ambassadors to London.

OBITUARY.

Presß Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

London, February 23. The deaths of Chevalier Blondin, the celebrated ropewalker, and of William Steinitz the chess player are announced. Adelaide, February 23 Mr George Ash, M.L. A.,, a well-known politician, is dead.

THE NIGER EXPEDITION.

Capture of Benin,

Human Sacrifices

Some Horrible Discoveries.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. London, B'ebruary 22 News has been received that Benin was captured on the 18&h instant after a running fight through the bush for twenty-four miles. Four whites were killed, including Dr Fyfe, and sixteen were wounded, Captain Byrne severely. The king and priests fled. February 23. Deep holes filled with corpses were dis covered. These were human sacrifices to what is known as the Juju rites. Ghastly sights were witnessed by the expedition. The houses in Benin wore racking with human blood. A few of the carriers who accompanied Mr J. R Phillips, the Deputy Commissioner, were found alive in a well amongst the dead offered 38 a sacrifice. •» J The Maxims played great havoc at Benin, The fighting lastedei*hb hoars.

F. Russell, Vice-Captain Aehburton 0.0. February 23,1897.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not bold ourselves respjnsib'e for the opinions expressed by our correspondents,/

CRICKET.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir,— I would be glad if you will allow me a little space for the purpose of drawing the attention of the playing members of the local club to a failing from which a large number of them suffer I refer to the un puuctuality displayed by a number of the men selected to play in the various matches. It is, unfortunately, not the exception bub the rule, that a match advertised to start ab a given time on the Domain is delayed for an hour or more through thrae-fourfcha of the local team not. putting in an appearance at the advertised time. I am credibly in formed that this failing is a bye-word among vidting teams. Unfortunately, some of the leading players, and even the officers of the club, are the worst offenders in thia respect. Surely if men are selected to play on their own ground they should make an effort to be punctual to time out of common courtesy to the visitors. I trust thia re minder will have the desired effect, and that the match against Sumner will start punctually at; the appointed time—namely, 11.30.—1 am, etc.,

RAILWAY EXCURSIONS.

TO THE EDITOE. Sik,—Several people are of opinion that railway excursion tickets should be avail able for a fow days at least, so that those people who wish to see cheir relations or friends may have time to do so ; bat young children should return home the same day unless they are accompanied by their parents or friends. Trusting these few remarks will receive attention on behalf of those who wish to go by the excursion—(l don't think I shall go myself)—l am, etc., One of the People.

CODLIN MOTH.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—Referring to accounts published by you lately of damage done by the above named pest in different parts of the North Island, and the importation into Lyttelton the other day of apples literally creeping with the grubs, no doubt the Fruit-growers' Association will take action to have the last named state of things altered. Wiih regard to the pest itself, it was no doubt christened 41 codlin" moth from its attacking the " codlins," as the small unripe apples are called in parts of England, and it is at this stage that the insect commences its attack on the fruit which then drops off in large quantities. Now the obvious and natural I remedy would be to turn your pigs into the orchard at this time of the year. They would devour every apple as it fell, and the grubs with it, and pork should be no worse for an insect diet than chicken meat. Fail ing pigs, turkeys and other poultry would do good service, bufc I would not advise horses or cattle being turned in as they might injure the trees, and would run some risk of being choked by the smaller fruit slipping whole into the gullet.—l am, etc., Cider Mill. Ash burton, February 24.

CRICKET.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

(Received Wakapuaka, February 24,10 a.m., Guakdian Office, 1 p.m.) Sydney, February 24 Stoddart'a cricket team are expected to leave England by the P. and 0. steamer oa September 9.

The following will represent the Second Eleven Juniors in the match against the High School, to be played in the Ashburton Domain to-morrow at 230 p.m. :—F. Clark D. Stock, B. Amos, W. Hbskin, R, Minniu, G. Wilson, A. Gates, B. Barr, J. Stephens, H. Hopkins, D. Simp&on. Emergencies J, Stock, E. Poison.

Starvation in South Africa.

The Johannesburg correspondent of the Cape Times, telegraphing on January 14 reports:—"The storekeeper at Letaba and some other persons have been giving me gruesome stories ia connection with the starvation existing there. In a circle of, say, half a mile from the store there are three dead Kaffirs, who came from Agatha • oq the farm of Mr J. Williams there are seven dead, all from starvation. A white woman died the other day, and I have it on the very best authority that two days before this woman died her daughter came to the store and asked for a few pounds of rice ' for God's sake.' I understood that the woman died absolutely from lack of food. A Kaffir was found lying in the road in front of the Leydsdorp coach in such a state of exhauß tion that it wa3 necessary to lift him "bub of the road in order to let the coach proceed."

THE NOTORIOUS BUTLER.

A New Plea.

Press Afiaociation—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

San Francisco, February 22. Batler says thab the weapon used by Weller in committing suicide was a pistol which was given to him by the reporters of the Bulletin, and which was found by Bnfcler. The latter says that he baried the body of Weller himself.

THE ASHBCBTOa GUAHDIAN: WEDNESDAY, FEBEUABY 24, 1897.



G. J. NEILL IS SELLING WASHING PRINTS at 3£d per yd ; WHITE MUSLINS 3a lid per doz G. J. NEILL IS SELLING DOUBLE-WIDTH SERGES in Navy, Brown and Maroon, at Is per yd G. J. NEILL IS.SELLING MEN'S ALL-WOOL SUITS at 23a 6d ; Men's Tweed Trousers 5s lid O. J. NEILL IS SELLING BOYS' SUITS at 4s lid each G. J. NEILL IS SELLING—Men's Bluchera ab ... ... 4s lid Men's Nail Shootera ... ... 7s lid Men's Shoes ... ... ... 5s lid Women's Shoes .... ... 4a lid Women's Strap Shoes... ... 4a lid G. J. NEILL DEFIES COMPETITION IN BOOTS Every Pair GuaraQt^ed to Wear and give SATISFACTION FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. TREMENDOUS CLEABING SALE OF BOOTS AND SHOES. OUR PEICES OUR PRICES NOW IN FULL SWING, The Greatest SALE of the Yeab. Being the only Manufacturers in Asbburton our position for Selling the BEST GLASS OF GOODS at First Cost is UNRIVALLED. Per Pair Per Pair sd s d Ladies' and Gents' Tennis Shoes Bluchers, heel and toeplate (Remfaaw make) 2 9&2 11 and nails, our own make- Children's School Boots (our ' beats everything in the mar own make)— 7to 9 .... 4 3 ket at the price ... .- only 411 10 to 13 ... 4 9 Ladies' Tan Leather Lace Shoes Ladies' Real Gla c Kid Shoes —a g- eat bargain 4 9 —a perfect gem (own ir.ake) only 611 Special Bargains— Ladies' Evening Shoes, with Girls' 2-Strap Shoes ftlack or neat bow, glaca kid ... only 211 tan leather)-? to 9 ... Genta' Canvas Shoes (bkok or 10 to 1 ... 3 9 brown), reduced from 6s to 4 6 Women's Leather Slippers Ladies' Canvas Shoes (black, (own make), only 3 3 blue, or brown), own make only 4 3 First-class Pegged Water- Gents' Tan Leather Shoes tights (our own make) ... only 11 9 (sewn)— Usual price ... 9* Worth 15 0 Sale Price only ... 611 Children's Strong Lace Boots Men's Pegged Watertight —4 sto 6's—a bargaiu ... 19 Bluchers (own make), splen- Former Price ... 4 0 did value, only 9 6 Women's Leather Balmorals Men's Watertight Balmorals (our own make) only 6 6 (own make), splendid value only 8 9 Ladies' Leather Shoes, neat Ladies' Lace Canvas Shoes ... 3 9 design (own make) only 5 6 Usual Frice ... ... 4 9 Youths' Watertight Balmorals Neat 2-Strap Evening Shoes... 311 —I's and 2's only 6 9 Hundreds of odd pairs of Boots at ridiculously low prices. Come Early and make your Family Purchases. All Lines of Evening Shoes at Clearing Sale prices. Variety of our Stock beat in Ashburton. IS* QUALITY—Second to None in New Zevland, McDonald & modiarmid, BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS, East Street, Ashburton] [Branches at Oamaru and Waimate. TO FARMERS. REID &GRAY DESIRE TO INTIMATE TO FARMERS and OTHERS that their late manager, MR TAYLOR, has been compelled to leave their employ owing to ill health, and that ia future all Jobbing, etc., will be under the supervision of Mr J. H. PAULING, whose work has always given satisfaction, ami as Reid and Gbay only use the very best of materials they would respectfully solicit a continuance of your valued support. Our DOUBLE and TfIREE-FURROW PLOUGHS (over 13,000 at work) as now made with duplicated mouldboards are perfect. CAST kSHARES are extra hard carbon chilled, and especially suited fdr stony districts. TRIPOD and ROTARY HARROWS specially suited for working down Twitch and Clods. Grubbers Harrows Eureka Grain and Manure Drills Drays and Rollers Chaffoutters Broadcast Peed-Sowers &c Oils Turnip Cutters Chaffcutters and Baggers Fencing Standards and Wire Blacksmith's Raspa (extra quality) AND ALL FARMING REQUISITES. «Q» , Solh Agents for Deering's Steel Binders with Ball and Roller Bearinga. Our Latest Illustrated Catologue free on application. j Farmera and Others will kindly address all letters direct to REID AND' GBAY, ASHBURTON, TO ENSURE PROMPT ATTENTION. 294



MEN'S AND BOYS' HATS. HATS. HATS. pr\ DOZEN FELT? HATS ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. A GRAND SUCCESS. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S T7*ABRIO AND PRINT SALE being such a Grand Success, we have decided to hold, FOR TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. ka DOZEN MEN'S. Kf\ DOZEN BOYS'. Men's Sofc Felt Hats 2s Gd, worth 5s Boys' Soft Felt Hats Is 6d, worth 3s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 3s Cd, worth 6s <5d Boys' Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 4s td Men's Soft Felt Hats 4s 6d ; worth 7s 6d * Men's Soft Felt Hats 5s 6d, worth 8i 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 6s 6d, worth 10.9 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 83 6d, worth 12s Gd EVERY ARTICLE in the Olothitig and Mercery Departments equally Cheap, so as to clear the shelves for the NEW GOODS expected by the end of the month ; while the balance of general Drapery will be still further reduced, so as to make a clean sweep before the New Season's Goods arrive. Prints, Brilliants, Cambrics from 3s lid per dozen, worth double Flannelettes for Dressing Gowns and Home Blouses 4s lid dozen, half price Trimmed and untritnmed Hats, Aprons, Blouses, Veilings, Ribbons, etc., at half cost BOOTS AND SHOES-—the Best value in the trade n *r\ » ,n DON'T FORGET THE GREAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S, THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, NfiXX 10 J. ORR Is CO., BASU STREET, &BHBURTON,



NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. ANY SUBSCRIBER who may not get his paper regulaily, ia requested to communicate at once with the MANAGER, Ashburton Publishing Company.



READ THIS. WE ARE SELLING OFF FROM JANUARY TO DECEMBER. NEW ZEALAND Clothing' Factory, OWING to our special facilities for buy ing in large quantities—as we have to supply 32 branchea—the Public can depend on getting the VERY BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE. A few Lines will convince :— Men's Mosgiel Tweed Suits ... ... 27/5 Boys'Ashburbon Tweed Suits ... 7/6 Men's Mosgiel Tweed Trousers ... 8/9 Boys' Sailor Suits 5/6 Men's Trousers to Measure ... ... 15/- Mosgiel Tweed (per yard) 1/11 Men's Suits to Order 55/- HALLBNSTEIN BROS.; ALEX, HENDRY, Manager. 6 • y S Q OJ3 aa £^ m o S && Q^ W * If" « S OD Q lIS I = Q II II PQ Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. WEDNESDAY—Choir Social, St Stephen's Schoolroom, 7.30 p.m. FRIDAY—Short Service, 7.30 p.m. Choir practice 8 p.m. SUNDAY SEKVICFS. 8 30—Holy Communion. 11 a.m.—horning Prayer. 3 p.m.—SEAFIELD. 3 p.m.—DROMORE(Mr W. Bowman Fox) 6.30 p.m. —hvening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. /CROCKERY, Crockery. Still we lead \J and defy anyone to get better value in Crockety, etc., and as cheap us we are selling now. Please read our new advertise ment and judge for yourselves.—Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores. IF you are in want of a good strong work ing boot be sure you call at Mkllob's Zealandia Boot Store.



Hollow ay's Ointment. —Go whore you may in every country and in all climes per sons will be found who have a ready word of praise for this ointment. For chaps, chafes, scalds, bruises, and sprains, I'a is an invaluable remedy ; for bad legs, ba i breasts and piles, it may be confidently relied upon for effecting a sound and per manent cure. In cases of puffed ankles, erysipelas, and rheumatism, Holloway's Ointment gives the greatest comfort by reducing the inflinimation, cooJiDg the blood, soothing the nerves, adjusting circul ation, and expelling the impurities. This ointment should have a place in every nursery. It will cure all those manifold skin affections which, originating in child. hood, gain strength with the chill's growth.



Whalesontf and #ejwAing—N*w V#m



Heating's Powdeb destroys bugs, fleas, rmths, beetles, and all other insects, whilst gui c harmless to doraeatio animals, Id . xterminating beetles the success of this powder is ex raordinary. It is perfeotty clean in appHoa;ion. See the article you i purchase is Keatiiss's, m imi'ations are noxious and ineffectual, Sold in tins, 6dl, 1b I and 2 6Jeaoh, byal qhemistn I



One Box ov Clarke's B 41 Pills warran ted to cure all discharges from the Urinary Organs, in either sex (acquired or cons i tutional), Gravel and Pains in the Back Guaranteed free from Mercury. Sold in Boxes 4s 6d each, by all Chemists and Patents medicine Vendors throughout the World' Proprietors : The Lincoln and Midlanp Qovwbiks T>Rtr« Oompaqt, r fncoln, Eneland



COLDS, COUGHS, INFLUENZA, SOREJTHROAT Ayei^s Cherry Pectoral Iff Will relieve the most dis- II tressing cough, soothe ÜBV the inflamed membrane mi^mm looseu the Vhlegm, and Hpls mduce refreshing sleep. fflF^^ For the cure of Croup U Whooping Cough, and all ml the pulmonary troubles H to which the young are BfflLassßiJ so liable, there is no other remedy so effective as AVER'S Cherry Pectoral Made by Dr.J.c.Arer * Cp.Xo^eU, Masi^ U.S.A. In Half-size Bottles, And also injarge 4/6 size. Bold Medals at the World's Chief ExpotitioM