PHASES OF THE MOON.

March. d h m Pull moon «,. ..„ 8 859 pm Last quarter 15 7 18 pm New moon „ 22 b 7pm yirflft <j\im6« m m jo 7W pm

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1898. CUBA.

While all eyes have been turned of late to the far east as the probable theatre of a bloody war, things hare been gradually coming to a crisis as between the United States and Spain over the island of Ouba. The appa rently greater imminence of a war m which the great powers of Europe would have been engaged, with the partition of China as the bone of con tention, has somewhat obscured m the eyeß of the world the equally imminent possibility of a tussle between America and Spain. This is hardly to be wondered at, as people viewed the possibility of a great European war with fear and trembling. It is nearly half a century since great Britain crossed swords with a European Power, the civil war m America was the next great upheaval, then followed the con test between Prussia and Prance, It was not till the ?last named campaign began that breach-loading rifles were brought into use as weapons of infantry armament. Tho Germans used the needle gun and the French the chagse pot, and both with a deadlines that had never been known before on any battlefield. It was m this war, also, that the mitrailleuse, an engine of French invention, was brought into play for the first time, and though it had many faults, it did what was then considered extraordinarily good work m the way of human slaughter. The interval between the Crimean war, at which the Minie rifle was used by the British army for the first time, and the Franco-Prussian war, which saw the introduction of breechlosding rifles, was one during which close attention was paid by armourers and inventors generally to the perfecting of arms of precision, But the interval that has since olapsgd has seen far greater im proverufints, and has given to the world infinitely more efljeient weapons for the destruction of human life. The

old surviving veteran of Waterloo, who witnessed the effect of the breech loaders m the Franco-Prussian cam paign on the one hand, or read accounts of it m the English and German press on the other, were astounded at the advance made m the science of gunnery. But there is a far greater advance to record between the warlike conditions of I^7o-71, and those of 1898 than was recorded m 1870-71 on the con ditions of 1815. To-day both artillery and small arms are vastly improved, m } the ri fl Q was uncertain after 300* or 4ou vardß » its trajectory was high, and to"be any"w ia « like a marks man, a soldier had a long b*V^ v and much practice before him m thejudgiug of distances and sighting. To day, at 500 yards, almost every rifle m the volley of a company would tell its fatal tale upon an opposing body of men, owing to the low trajectory and fineness of the mechanism of tha arms of precision, which our soldiers carry. Then there are machine guns like the Maxim, the Hotchkiss, and the Gatling — the inventor of the|first named hav ing been able to " write his name ;) with the track of the bullets from his gun upon a wooden target fifty yards long. A gun that will pour out upon an enemy a stream of bullets as con -1 tinuous as water from the hose of a fire engine is surely a terrible engine of death. And the artillery, both naval and field, has been equally im proved, while the whole architecture and atm&ment of the navies of the world have been completely revolu tionised. With all these changes m our modes of warfare statesmen may well shrink from plunging their peoples into such a fearful struggle as any contest must be with the giant powers of Europe for the principals. A war between America and Spain would be a bloody one, no doubt, though not of the magnitude of such a war as that j over China, the possibilities of which have been largely m our eyes for the last few mouths. But the war cloud over the Ouban difficulty has been looming large a« well, and the crisis has been growing, apape, and to-day I the prophets of either good or evil are unable to prophesy whether for peace or for war. The cable messages which have appeared m our columns during the past few days give unmistakable indications that the relations between America and Spain have reached a point of tension which may at any moment result m a complete rupture. When we find Her Majesty the Queen, through her ambassdor at Washington,' expressing to President McKinleythe hope that war may be averted, it may

be assumed that the situation haa reached a stage when the maintenance of pence is all but despaired of m the very highest and best iDf ormed quarters. A war with Spain would be immense ly popular m America, especially for so rich a prize as Ouba, the Pearl of the Antilles. It would also, it is argued, re awaken sleeping patriotism, and enable the forces m the Union which now control the Administration to strengthen the central Executive, and above all to get rid of all complaints about currency, deficits, and over taxation. In Spain war would ba welcomed with even greater enthusiasm than m the States. The Spaniards, as a people, are a proud and military race. Their sense of national honour is very keen, and it is certain that they would not tamely stand by and see their rulerß allow Ouba to pass from under the Spanish flag because of the threats or menaces ©f the American President. It is by no means unlikely that the Queen Regent and her advisers may see m a war with America an outlet for the smouldering mass of discontent which exists m Spain. War would save the honor of Spain, if it did not save Spain herself, and it might save Cuba ; but while there are many reasons for fearing that the trouble between America and the country of Columbus may end m a war disastrous to both, there is the one strong hope for peace to be found m the fear that defeat may sweep away the present monarchy preventing the Queen Regent and her advisers from putting the stability of it to the test of such a war as this struggle must inevitably be if ever engaged m.

On the first page to-day will be found an article headed •« Mrs Yates Again " ; on the fourth page, . news from our Westerfield correspondent-, and a report of the Borough Counoil meeting held last evening.

Local and General.

The Ruahine took Home 137& tons butter and 124 cheese, also £5000 m bullion.

The Union Company's s.s. Rotomahana travelled the distance from Lyttelton to Wellington on Sunday m 12hrs 3min. Mr A. P. Williamson, Tancred Streeb, has a new advertisement m this issue, announcing Ihe opening of new goods for the coming season.

The Wangantti Standard saya that the Assets Board has sold the Beercscourt Estate, m the Waikato, to Mr Rushbrook, a reoent arrival from England. The money deposited by the foreign in surance companies with the Public Trustee will henceforth bear interest at 1 instead of 3 per cent. Each company has to deposit £10,000. V

We regret very much to learn from the Nezu Zealand Times that Mr G. Friend, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, is seriously indisposed, having recently sub mitted to two operations for an affe»r.iou of the throat. * He is at present m the Welling ton Hospital. A. Robertson, baker, was fined £2 at the Magistrate's Court Napier, on Monday, on a charge of failing to carry a scale on his bakers cart. Fortune and Black were fined £2 for selling light weight bread, and £1 for failing to stamp loaves. The Wellington Post states that Dr Martin remarked ab the Medical Congress i hat he had observed that chronic drunkards were rarely caught by the influent i epidemic ; the moderate drinker was not severely attacked ; but the rank teetotaller supplied the bulk of the patients who suffered most severely. Among the congratulations received by Mr Dufchie on his recent victory was one from Paradise. The new member proceeded to quote the epistle at his recent meeting m Wellington, and the large audience wa9 on the tip-toe of expectation. Their disap pointment was great when it was found that the Paradise m question is located some where m the region of Mount Exrnslavv The Princess Louise (Marchioness of Lome) recently painted a sign board for the landlord of the Roseneath Inn. The owner of the Roceneath Ferry Inn has long been m the habit; of entertaining royalty. The Princess and her husband have constantly stayed there. The sign-board is m the form of a ship m full sail and is inscribed with the initials of the Princess. A telegram from Invercargill states that a young man named John Goreon was com mitted for trial for making a false declaration for the purpose of procuring a marriage cer tifioate. Acoused made a runaway match with the daughter of a Wallacstown settler, aged sixteen, and declared the registrar that ahe was 21. The two lived m an out of the way place till discovered by girl's relatives, and were dependent on the neighbors for food.

A Blight explosion of firedamp (writes a correspondent of the Otago Daily Hmesltook place m a section of the shaft workings of the Kaitangata mine, by which four men, named D. Jones, John Shore, A. Cunning ham, and E. Davis were partially burnt, the firßb-mentioned being the most severely in jured. The employees m the pirt of the mine were working with looked safety lamps, but it appears thab one man entered it with a naked light, having negligently passed the station where all such liehts should be left. A shocking occurrence is reported from Greet, near Birmingham. The wife of a laborer named Mason left her baby m the j-*dle whilst she went out to purchase something /** ditmer » During her absenoe a ferret escaped from' ».0»g« fa a baok kitchen, and attacked the chi\. ; biting off the lobe of the left ear, the upper lip, a od the eyebrowß. The child presented a shocking spectaole when the mother re turned. No important arteries were severed. This is the second case of the kind that has taken place near Birmjpgham within a comparatively recent period. ' : Recently at Home a witness m a Police Court case described herself as a " pawner." The bewildered magistrate turned to the police for enlightenment, and learned that m every big town m the Old Country the pro* fessional pawner has long existed. Generally a middle-aged widow, she calls once or twice a week on her clients who are, of course, of the poorer classes, and carries away m her satchel articles which ohe is deputed to pledge on behalf of those who have not the courage to face the pawnbrokers. Asa rule she ia paid a penny for every two shillings borrowed— just double the interest charged by the pawnbroker. Our pawuer haß done so well that she is assisted on her rounds by her two daughters. A remarkable illustration of the ability of sheep to withstand the effects of hunger and thirst for a prolonged period m the middle of summer was given recently at Wedder burn, Victoria, when eight sheep, the property of Mr Gray, were found m a digger's hole, into which they had fallen while being driven, with othere, along the Charlton Road. The animals were missed as soon as the flook was counted at its destination, and had remained m theip prison for 13 or 14 days, without a vestige of food or water, all through the dreadfully hot weather, yet when liberated appeared .little the worse ,• indeed, it took a strong boy to ho!,d them while they were being put into a carb for removaj to a paddock, CHAMBERLAIN'S COUGH REfyUSD'? This remedy is intended especially for coughs, .colds, croup, whooping cough and influenza. It has fcecpme famous for its oures of these diseases, over a largo part of the civilized world. The most flattering testimonials have been received, giving ac counts of its good works ; of the aggravating abd persistent coughs it has cured ; of severe colds that haye yielded promptly to its I soothing effeots, and of the dangerous attacks of croup it has cured, often saving the life of the ohild. The extensive use of if) for whooping cough has shown that it robs that disease of all dangerous consequence!, 8<?ld by the Aihbutton J)rug Company,

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB.

Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph

. Dunedin, March 21 j lhe following are the final payments for 1 the r J Dunedin Cup, of 500 soys ; one mile and three-quarters. efc lb st lb St. Paul* ... io 3 Red Lancer ... 7 7 liuroolydon 911 Starahot .„ 7 6 Epaulet ... 8 2 Prime Warden 7 5 Antares ... 8 0 Sequin 7 4 Culveiin ... 710 Pitch and Toss 6 8 Emmeline ... 77 * Including penalty. Champagne Stakes, of 250 aovs ; six far longs. Conqueror ... 9 6 1 Djin Djin ... 8 7 Albt »r 8 10|Dunda8 8 7

TheDJ.O. Autumn Meeting commences at the Forbury to-morrow. The fieldß engaged m the principal events this year are far m advance of those of previous years both m point of numbers and quality. The prinoipal race act down for the first day is the Dunedin Cup, for which a field of eleven have made the final payment. For several years past thiß event has been a complete frosc, but this year a turn for the better has taken place, and a good field will go out to battle for supremacy. Canterbury will be well represented at the meeting, will there will be with the Auckland ohampion.St Paul, whose presence will lend additional attrac tion to the sporting public. The following may run forward m their respective engage ments:— 6 6 Dunedin Cup.-St Paul, 1 ; Culverin, 2; Pitoh and Tosb, 3. Publicans' Handicap. — Arline, 1; St Clements, 2 } Belle Clair, 3.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Preßß Association — By Electric Telegraph,— Copyright

The Calliope Dock.

London, March 21 Mr Austen Chamberlain states that the Admiralty is considering the sug gestion to make a grant to the Caliiope Dock, Auckland. The University Boat Bace. Oxford is favorite for the University boat race at 7 to 4 on. The Federal Convention. The Times, commenting on the work of the Federal Convention, states that federation will immensely increase the dignity of national life, and practically •reate a new British Power m the Pacific,

Australian.

Press Association— Bj Electric Telegraph Copyright. Smallpox.

Adelaide, March 21. On the arrival of the Australia from Albany, a Lascar was found to be suffering from smallpox, and the vessel was quarantined.

The Late Sir L. Dobs on.

Bobart, March 21. Mr Chamberlain has cabled his regrets at Sir Lambert Dobson's death.

Condemned Oranges.

Sydney, March 21 Four hundred cases of Tahiti oranges, per Mararoa, have been condemned by the authorities on account of mussel scale.

Turkey and Bulgaria

Press Association — By Electrio Telegraph Copyright. Sofia, March 21 The activity displayed by the Mace donian. Committee m Bulgaria has induced Turkey to mass troops oa the frontier. The situation is at present strained, despite Prince Ferdinand's efforts to repress the agitators. tiervia and Roumania are jealously watching Bulgaria.

Mr Gladstone's Health.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright

London, March 21 Mr Gladstone is m a serious con dition, and much anxiety is felt con cerning him.

THE SOVOAXT.

A Stirring Spectacle

Press Association— By Electric Telegrarh Copyright.

London, March 20 Neyys from the Soudan states that the British troops after a church parade yesterday sang the National Anthem. The whole force then commenced to march to meet the Dervishes. 4u splendid spectacle was presented as they did so. The |for<so is now camped at Hudi, the enemy being within fifteen miles of them.

THE EASTERN SITUATION

Press Association —By Eleotrip Telegraph. Copyright. London, March 21 A Rueter despatch says that Ohina has offered a lease $i Ta-ljen-wun and to permit a railway to For; Arthur if the fortress there remains .m posses sion of the Chines^, also that she wi I agree to the French demand m regard to Kwangsie only. The \Timea J^ekin correspondent states that the French demands do not include the province of Kweichau. Paris, March 21 M, Hanotaux, Minister for Foreign Affairs, speaking m the chamber of Deputies, said he did not desire French settlement m Yunnan or the seizure of more of Ohina. France did desire a fair and friendly settle ment of the Niger question.

CRICKET.

ENGLAND y SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Press Association — By klectric Telegraph — Copyright. Adelaide, March 21 Darling and Lyoas both showed vigorous batting, the former hitting two fives m quick succession. One hundred runs were put up m three-quarters of an hour. After Darling's dismissal the brave stand was not followed up. Storer took Board's place, the latter having injured his h*nd, and Briggs fielding. Green and Walter G'ffen batted well, but the rest gave a feeble display. Wainwright and Maßon rattled up 32 just before the oall of time. Scores :— Englishmen. First Innings. Wainwrisjht, b Jones .. .. .. 9 Mason, b Jones   .. # . 9 Rai jitsinbji, b Jones .. .. ..40 Storer, b Jones 5 Hay ward, b Jones 32 Druoe, c and b Jones . . . . . . 8 Hirst, o Mackenzie, b Evans . . . . 7 Stoddart, c Jurvis, b Hugo .. ..40 Board, b Jones 59 Hearne, nob out  . .   4 Richardson, 0 Green, b Hugo . . . . 4 Extras.. .. .. j .. 5 Total 222 Bowling Analysis — Joneß took seven wickets for 80 runs, Hugo two for 31, Evans one for 79. Second lomega. Wainwright, not out 21 Mason, not out .11 Total for no wickets   32 Bouth Australia. First Innings, Lyons, 0 Board, b Mason .. ..79 Darling, b Mason 88 Hill, lbw, b Hearne 8 Reedman, c and b Mason . . . . 1 Jarviß, 0 Storer b Hearne . . . . 17 W. Giffen, b Richardson 24 Green, c Ranjitsinhji, b Richardson .. 31 Evans, b Mason 2 McKeczie, b Mason .. ..  0 Hugo, b Hearne 0 Jones, not out ..  .. ..17 Extras " I ! 20 Total 287

BILLIUID MATCH.

Presß Association — By Electric Telegraph' Copyright.

London, March 21. In the billiard match Robertß v Weiss, the score at half time stood :— Roberts 9709. Weiss 13,455.

THE CONDEMNED MEN.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph. Wellington, March 21 His Excellency the Governor, m reply to the letter of Mr Jellicoe regarding the oon vict Philpott, states that by the advice of Ministers he has declined to receive an? statement from counsel on Philpott'e behalf either orally or m writing. Philpott haa lost all his bravado since it was known that there was no hope of a com mutation of his sentence.

Donedin, March 21 It is understood that the letter of Mr Hanlon, counsel for Clements, under sen tence of death for wife murdej 1 , m which reasons were given for believing Clements is not tane, has been referred to Mr Justice Denniston, and on receipt of his ieply, the matter will be considered by the Executive.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association— By, Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, Marah 20. Crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, Canterbury 3| I ; Dunedin aod Southland 3&d ; North Island 2gd. Lamb, prime Canterbury 4£d ; fair average, including Dunedin, Souchland, Weliington and second Canterbury, 4£d. River Plato crossbred or merino wethers, heavy and light, 2§d. The wool sales have slightly advanced. " Tekoa " clip brought 9d.

The Governor at Dunedin.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph Dunedin, March 21. Lord Ranfurly, with Lady Baofurly and party, arrived this afternoon on an official visit. a A large crowd met the train at the Rail way Station, the Engineers forming a guard of honour while the Hussars formed an escort, the Garrison Band playing the Rational Aathem. The Governor was met by the Mayor, Town Councillors, members of the Legislature and others, and was then driven to the Town Hall, where a loyal address was presented by the Mayor. The Rev. T. G. Brooke presented an address on behalf of the Orangemen. His Excellency waa afterwards driven round the town, visiting the hospital and museum. The Governor was entertained at dinner to-night at the Femhill Club.

A MYSTERIOUS CASE.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph Dunedin, March 21 It is reported from Allanton that the dead body of a girl has been found m a field there. Two men passing along the road saw the girl m a paddock, when she appeared to be m great pain, bin at her own request to be left alone for a while they went away. A little later some other men passing saw the girl's body, life being then extinct.

New Zealand Rifle Association.

Annual Meeting at Oamaca.

The Championship.

;0n Monday, ab 1.20 p.m., when the final stage of the championship was to be fired, the wind increased to hurricane force, and as'the targets were collapsing Major Sommer ville gaye orders to cease firing. Jt was then J 1 doubtful if bhere would be any more shooting ' that day, and later on the officers' mess I tents, the canteen marquee and six of the bell tents were levelled to the ground. . However, later }n the day it was resolved to fire for the (Jhampionpbip, and this wag done, though the' weather was wretqhed. The following was the result: — ; Championship, the aggregates m the Bejt , matches being added to the score m the final stage ; 700 yards, ten shots. Volunteer McGregor, Oamaru,'champion rifle belt, gold medal and silver star, £35 ._ ', ... .... .- 508 Vol. J. Ross, Napjer, silver star, £§0 ... 506 Vol. T. B ibinson, Chrißtchurgh, silver star, £15 ... 501 tapper Lester, Ohristohuroh ... ... 495 Vol. McKay, Christohuroh 491 Vol. Harding, Blenheim ... ... 490 Corporal Simpsou, Kaiapoi , . 489 Corporal Pearson, Timaru 489 W. Montgomery ... .... 486 Bandmaster King, Oamaru ... ._ 485 Mr Craw, Akaroa ... 485 Sergeant McßVrlane, Ohrietphurch .;, 484 Vol. Richardson, Duuedin , .:; 48^ Captain Steadman, Whangarei 480 'ihe prizes won at the meeting were pre sented by Mrs Headland m the evening, and the competitors are dispersing for their < homes. j

"MY SWEETHEART."

It is ten years since the Greenwood family made their last, which was also their first, appearance m Ashbur'vo:). 'J hey were then children, buc they were children of great promise, and the promise of the years gone by has been amply fulfilled now that they *re grown women. The euteiUinment the company gave m the Oddfellows' Hall last night was bright and most enjoyable m every line, aud w»a certainly quite up to all that was promised us by the press both of Australia and this colony, copious extracts from which were sent to us by the agent m advance. The young ladies are the possessors of really magnificent voices, and nothing haa been neglected that training could improve or develop. The comedy "My Sweetheart" was the piece chosen for representation but here and there throughout the perform* ance Bongs and dueta wereintrodaoed which, sung bo admirably as they were, greatly en hanced the attractiveness of the jomedy. The play is bright and sparkling, and full of fun, and it was prettily staged, the f#rm acene being a really charming one, while the dresses of the young ladieß were superb, and the order to which they were made musb liave been endowed "spare no expense." The plot is not very dee . The curtain rises on the farm scene above mentioned, and m thiß all the characters are introduced. " Tony Faust," a Dutoh boy, played by Mies Roberta Greenwood, is a nice character. He is shown m the first act as haltiDg between two opinions, two ladies laying siege to his heart— his little " sweetheart " •« Tina. " (Miss Agatha Greenwood) and "Miss Fleeter," an adventuress (Miss Nora Green wood). "Mrs Hatyell* (Mrs Greenwood), gives great spirit to the piece, and introduces a large slice of very welcome humor. The male characters are "Dunley Harcourt." a dude, and "Dr. Oliver," a friend of the family. The seoond act Bhowa us Tony's home m New York, after 'that young man has come into a fortune. Tina h»B' now laid aside her farm dress and wears a superb costume, while Miss Fleeter too haa donned a magnificent dress. The latter keepß up her attack on the heart of poor Tony and has nearly succeeded m capturing him, when Dr Oliver finds out that she is married and that her past career has not been altogether spot* less. It is m this act that her husband makes his appearance, just before Dr Collins has extracted from her a promise to leave Tony alone. She rejects Tony's next advances and leaves the house, the shock to the impressionable Tony bringing on a sudden failure of sight. Tina is Tony's attendant and nurse during his darkened hours, bub there is a coldness between them which the good offices of Dr Collins are successful m removing, and they are brought together. Before that happy result is effected, however, Miss Fleeter appears on the scene to make one more effort. Tony repulses her, but to get rid of her promises to give her money. While he goes to pro cure the purse the deserted husband put* m an appearance. The doctor, Tina, and the old lady are witnesses to Tony'a present of money to the ad>enturess, and there is about to be another rupture whtn the husband entera "from the outßide.". He re cognises m Tina the little friend who fed him when he was stone broke, and Bnatohing the money from his wife that she has just received from Tony, bands it over to Tina, and leads his spouse away " to the outside." And so vice is punished and vir tue rewarded. AmoDg the introduced songs were two given by Miss Nora which drew forth tumultuous applause, while Miss Roberta's "Ben Bolt'' was received with the same enthusiasm. The rich contralto of the latter was admirably suited to thia song, and was thoroughly effective m her duets with her sister Miss Agatha. The latter sang "The wearing of the green" m a style seldom heard on our stage, and the only regret about the whole performance was that the boisterous and stormy night sadly interfered with the attendance at what was certainly one of the best enter tainments we have ever attended m the Oddfellows' Hall.

To-nigh*, by special request, the Company will reproduce " My Sweetheart," changing fehe vocal items. Mias Agatha will sing " Poor wandering One," Asthore" ; Miss Nora will sing " Waiting," " Love is a dream," "When other lips," etc. The perform ance will conclude with the screaming farce "Hurrah for Casey." As this will be the last appearance here of this brilliantly talented combination we strongly recom mend all our readers to be present.

Alford Forest Sports and Races

The annual meeting of the Alford Foreßb Racing Club was held m a paddock belong ing to Mr Herring, of Alford, opposite the Forest Hotel. The day was cold, and m the afternoon a heavy shower of rain fell, followed by a hailstorm which seemed to have been general throughout the Aehburten county. The racing was fairly good, and m some cases very close and exciting finishes took place. The track was Bomewhat rough, and now that this meeting is an annual fixture for St Patrick's Day it is a pity the Club do not go to the trouble of laying down a level course. This could easily be done by ploughing a track of about; naif a chain iji width and sowing it down with grass early m the year The following are the results of the various events : — Hubole Race.— Mr J. Smith's Lapwing, 1 ; Mr R. Campbell's My Jennie, g. Memoir also started, but ran off at the second hurdle, Maiden Tbot, 1J mile.— Mr A. McCor. mick'sDundee,lssec.,l • Mr J. Smith's Wild boy, 20 sees., 2. SeftonlOseos., Jennie SOseos., Maßher g&eca., Dolly *2Qsecs., Miss Tekoa lOsecß., Forest Lass lOaeca., Miss Dulles lOaecs., Bella lOseca., Abdallah Bhales (scr), Daisy Belle lOaecs., Fullback ISsecs., Bertha lOseca., and Mona lOaecs., also started, and fiuiahed as above. Time— 4.57. Alfobd Forest Cup.— Mr J. Smith's Lapwing, 1 ; Mr D. Duffs Memoir, 2. Broombank, Demagogue, Jacky Jacky, Eagtag, Te Aroha, and Chestnut also started. Handicap Trot, two mileß.— Mr A. ilcPormlck's Dundee, 1 ; Mr J. Smith's Wildboy, 2 feeress II § 3 ecs., Daisy Bejle IBaeos., Sefton 20aecs., Mjbs Tekoa 2§gecs., Scottie (scr), Zata 153eca., Jennie lj&ecs., forest Lass ISsecs, Miss Dulles, 2Qaecs... and Biddy 133ecs., also started, Time^ -9 22 Hack Race.— Mr A. E. Grieves Forest Girl, 1 ; Mr C. Green's Jess, 2. Doll Dainty, Waif, Juno, Perkin, Ruby, and lon also started. Consolation.— Mr J. Fechney'a Qheat nut, 1; Mr D. Duff's Memoir, 2. Ruby, " a g fc ag> a Q d Jacky Jacky also started. ATHLETIC EVENTS. JLOO Yards Maiden W. Stephen 1, P. Johnstone 2. ' • v "100 Yards (open).— W. Fagau, Syds, J j vv. Stephen, syds, 2. ■ ■ ■• 440 Yards Flat.— D. Fechney, scr, 1j C. Beckley, l§yds, 2. A splendid race, and; klmoat a dead heat for finish. 130 Yards Hurdles.— W. Fagan, 4ydH )ehiud acraioh, 1; D. Feohney. 4,yds behind icratch, 2. Old Men'a Race.— M. Carney, syds, 1; Q. itockdi}!, for, §. * f

A scientific expedition will shortly set out from Wellington for the South Sea Islands. It is being promoted by Miss Hastie, an Edinburgh lady of meanß, who is keenly interested m the Pacific Islands, their inhabitant*, ruins, relics and legends. Amongst those who will accompany Miss Hastie are Messrs T. P. 0. Haddleston. formerly of the Hermitage, Mount Cook (naturalist and collector) and Mr F. W Christian (well known locally as a Polynesian linguist and relic hunter), who will aot as interpreter An expert photographer, formerly with Marion and Co., th'eprbmfhenft English firm, has been engaged toaoconipany the expedition, whioh will leave Wellington shortly m the schooner Sydney Belle, which ha^ been ohartered m Australia for the purpose. Don't Cqvcm.— Relief can be obtained immediately. • Use "Keating's Cough Lozenges " — well known W the utterltf unrivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly p commended by many eminpnb phyaici n/. They at once check the cough am} remoye the cause without any after effect : the moat iclicate oan therefbre take them. One Lozenge alone gives ea^e—one or two at bed" ' -me ensures reft. Sold everywhere io tins

THE ASHBtRTOJN GUAKDIAH ; TUESLA*, MALCIT 22 fB9S.



I have been afl^'cted with rheumatism for fourteen yeara and nothing seemed to give any relief. I was able to be around all the ti«7)e, but constantly suffering. I had tried everything I copld hoar of and at Usb wa3 told to try Chamberlain's Pain Balm, whioh I did, and was immediately relieved ancj m a short time cured- lam happy to say that it has not Bince returned.— Joga. Epgar Germantown» Cal. For sale by the Aslw wrtop Drug Gsmywy,



In order to make room for the builders to complete the alterations we have resolved to greatly reduce our stock. We have therefore culled a large quantity of our Tweeds and Worsteds, eto, to clear at the following reductions : — Men's suits to measure, usual prioe 80a, now 70s ; Men's trousers, usual price 255, now 15s 6d ; eto. We have also pleasure m notifying tljiat we have just been I appointed agents for the famous " British Monarch' " Waverley" and Eclipse-Humber Bioyplea (both gents' and ladies'), which we are now Belling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at the lowest oaah prices, or on the most liberal terms to suit the convenience of our customers. (Every maohine guaranteed). — Csa?qpead anp Bebryman, tho leading Tailoraapd Outfitters, ,



New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY. THE UP TO DATE HOUSE T^OR Gents and Boy's Stylish Mercery, Ties, Hats, Caps, Collars, Clothing, etc. We are now opening up NEW GOODS for the present season, in- cluding all the LATEST NOVEL- TIES. 1000 BOYS CAPS AT 6d EACH. HALLENSTEIN BROS., AND CO., A. G. BARTON, Manager.



ll\ FERBIMAN. . FOR SALE- ' A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY FOR A PERSON WITH SMALL CAPITAL. X HAVE been instructed by Mb V. Rouse to sell by Private Treaty his well known and Commodious BOARDING HOUSE, situated m oloae proximity to the Methven Railway Station, containing ITP Rooms and Scullery, together with i aore of land. As Mb Rouse has determined to sell on aooount of his wife's ill-health, the above should command the attention of anyone m search of a profitable and increasing business m the centre of a large and rising distrioti F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE- =• WAKANUI ROAD, WITHIN A FE^ MINUTES WALK OF POST OFFICE J A Comfortable Dwelling House, contain ing 8 rooms, Bathroom and Scullery, to gather with one acre of land, fronting oi Wakanui Road and Cambridge Street. The above is for absolute sale, and f ron ts close proximity to town should call fo . special attention from those m search of good suburban residence. d F. FEKRIMAN FOB SALE. LEASE IN PERPETUITY of 100 Acre of Land at Lismore, subdivided into fou < paddocks, with an Abundant supply c ) water m each. 20 acres are m Englis grasses, 35 m fallow, and 45 are m the nativ state, upon which there is good feed. Upon the property there is a comfortabl five-roomed house, a well planted garden three-stalled stable, piggeries and shee] yards. As thia farm is within three miles of Public School, anyone ia search of a propert at a small rental'would do well to give thi an inspection! F. FERKEMAN FOR SALE, I HAVE FOR SALE a good second han FARM DRAY, 1 DOUBLE-FURROV PLOUGH, and second hand DRILL. F. FERRIMAN FOE SALE, LEASE OF 600 ACRES OF LAND AT WESTERFIED. 100 acres Perpetual Lease, 999 years, equi to freehold; 500 acres under lease for years, upon which are erected a four-roome cottage, stable and ehaffhouse, etc., situate m close proximity to a public school, £ acrC « re BOwn d °wn m English grasses, 5f are m imOP G^» anc * *0 are m fallow. Anyone m t q aroh of a good sheep fan cannot do better than ye thi* their attei tion. Full particulars on application. F. FERKIMAN. TO LET, William Street, off Wakanui Road. 1 house of seven roomß. TO LET, Wakanui Road, a comfortable house o bix rooms and Bcullery. F. FEERIMAN. Church Services ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. THURSDAY-Britiehand Foreign Bible Sooiety meeting, m the Orange Hall, at 7.30 p.m. FRIDAY— Short service and Induction of choristers, 7.30 p.m. ; choir praotioe, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES.— 27th March. 8.30 a.m. — Holy Communion. 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer. 3 p.m.-Seafield — Rev. T. A. Hamilton. 2 P' m -~- Dr <""ore— Mr W. Bowman Fox. o. 30— Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



EXCURSION WASHER. 1,000000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN A|WAY Tfi PURCHASERS OF EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing Powder m the World. A Large HONEYCOMB TOWEL given with Three Paoketi. A TURKISH ROLLER TOWEL or a Large HAND or BATH TURKISH (DOWEL given with .Twelve Peoketa. . SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MARKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Telephone No. 53. ODDFELLOWS' HALL, THURSDAY NEXT, MARCH 24 OIVJE NIGHT QPfLY. Frank Thornton dHis English Comedy Company NOW TOURING NEW ZEALAND wibh Phenomenal Bucoeßß, will appear m ASHBURTON FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY- THURSDAY NEXT, MARCH 24, In the latest London Novelty, and the success of the paab season m Australia, farce comedy of the most hilarious order entitled THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF MISS BROWN Now making three continents laugh uproariously. It is funny enough to drive the blues oub of a bag of indigo. POPULAR PRICES — 3s, S«, Is. Box plan at H. M. Jones. Seats shoul be reserved at once. Jgs Mawagbb, L. J. LOHB. LAST WEEK OF SALE. •^^"■•JOS"""""""™ ODDMENTS AND REMNANTS TO BE CLEARED. FINAL SALE DAY, SATURDAY NEXT, 19 th INST. MITCHELL & TURNER. BARGAINS EXTRAORDINARY Q.REAT ANNUAIJ SALE of Surplus. Stock ol DRAPERY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS, COMMENCED ON SATURDAY, January 15. IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. ANDREW ORR. ONE WOBD ABOUT BOOTS. JAMES "MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON. j :o: VT7~E aim to please, and our large volume of trade speaks for our success THE ZBALANDIA BOOT STORE is holding the largest and best assorted stock of BOOTS AND SHOES m Ashburton. Ladies', Gentlemen's and Children's Boots and Shoes m endless variety. FQB REAL HARD WEAR TRY THE ZEALANDIA BRAND. JBi*rybody knows we give nothing but the beat value. One trial is all we>skl JAMES MELLOR, gKAUHPtt BCOV STOfifi, TANCRED_STMT, ASHBURION, I