PHASES OF THE MOON.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1898. LORD SALISBURY.

The continued illness of Lord Salisbury is likely to be a eource of unrasineds , not only to the members of his Cabinet, and hia political followers m Parlia ment, but to the whole of Her Majesty's subjects throughout the empire. There is an old proverb about never swapping horses wfien crossing a stream, which is likely to be palled to mind by many who read tne cablegram armour.ping that Lord Salisbury's health is so precarious that only absolute rest from bhe cares of State*, and change of scene and air will satisfy his medical adviser.-; that m consequence of his physical condition he must hand over the reins of go^rnment, so far aB the Foreign Office is concerned, to younger and stronger hands. The hands to which the* charge has been entrusted are fchoae of the Hon. A. J Balfour, who would be the natural successor to Lord Salisbury at the Foreign Office should anything occur Ijkely to lay aside permanently, or for* any lengthened period, the gifted statesman wbo now rules the destini s of the empire. Few of the Conservative statesmen of the day are better qualified from large experience to handle the foreign affairs of the nation. It was the Hon. A. J, Balfour who tilled the position of Private Secretary to Lord Salisbury when that honorably lord was Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs m 1878 80, and he was the trusted Secretary who accompanied Earl Bpaconsfield and Lord Salisbury to Berlin m 1878, when the great Berlin Conference sat, and the British plenipotentiaries obtained a modification of the Berlin Treaty. Ever since, the Hob. A. J. Balfour has been a trusted member of the party m the matter of Foreign Affairs, and brought up at the feet of such Gamaliels of the Foreign Office as Lords Salisbury and . Beaconsfield, can be s*fe!y relied upon to maintain the " spirited foreign policy " which has been the watchword of the Conser vatives since the days of Disraeli and " peace with honor." Though naturally the illness of Lord Salisbury, as we have said, will cause anxiety, we ate no reainn to be anxious about the turn affairs may take m the Far East. With Mr Balfour m command at the Foreign Office we may bo perfectly certain thafc affairs will be ponducted there jusfc as Lord Salisbury would have conducted them, and that the policy m regard to Eastern affairs will be strictly adhered to— the policy wbiph every Conser vative speaker, who could at all be said to speak with authority, has very clearly enunciated. The Chancellor of the Exchequer not many weekij ago said that " even at the cost of war " Britain would maintain her treaty rights m the far east and keep the ports of China open to the commerce of the world. Following the Chancellor came the Under-Seoretary for Foreign Affairs with the statement tbafc treaty rights entailed the obligation on England to oppose exclusive privileges being granted, and jbhe establishment of equality of treatment as the basis of relations with China, and that the Government was determined to main tain these and to uphold free com merce. The Secretary of State fpr the Colonies has repeatedly reasserted the policy of the State m similar un equivocal terms, while others more ov less immediately connected with the circle of authority have united m placing) so tap »p words and promises could do it, the determined jpoiioy of the Government as one of indexible .resistance to a'nv eucroaobmdnta m

the far east which might havo the effect of permitting exclusive ( trading rights to any Power m'■ any port or territory of China. \ Still, there have been sayings and > doings on the part of both Germany ■ and Russia, and even France, m regard to China and Chinese waters since all these declarationa have been made, that have given cause for some anxiety, and theie have been those who have said that the apparent reticence and inactivity of Britain the while were m! -! dications that the British Government hnd " backed down " But the British Government has not backed down. The preparations m England are all the while continuing on a colossal scale. She is building battleships, and cruisers, and torpedo boats, and the clanging of machinery forging armaments of every kind is heard day and night at Wool wich. There is no dilatoriness m making preparations, and when these have all been made, and the crucial time comes, the order will doubtless be given by the great Island power to those powers now playing their little game of " grab " m the Far East — 'Thus far shalt thou go, and no further " When that order has been issued it will be found that the great master mind now m power at Home, though temporarily laid aside by iJlneBS, will be on hand to see to its enforce ment. If, however, m the providence of God, the emporary cessation from duty may become permanent, the great, spirit of him, pervading his noble colleagues, will be found at the back of that order, which from them will carry as powerful y as ever the great force that accompanies the British arms . both on land and sea, and the ir resistible mana that the nation exercise m the councils of the world.

On the first page to-day will be found commercial news ; on the fourth page reports of Ashburton Swimming Club, A. and P. Association, and an article headed " A Gigantic Holder."

Local and General.

Two Wairarapa Maoris left this week for the Klondike goldfields.

Mr H, Stephenson will offer a consignment of fruit, also stock of confectionery at his rooms, Havelock street, to-morrow.

The frost experienced on Monday night, 7th inst, has done very serious damage to the late potato crops m the Taratahi-Uarterton district, acres upon acres being cut right down.

Messrs Hanmer and Graves will offer a large line of merino ewes from Mount Peel, also from Anama, and a good straight line of half bred hoggets, at Tinwald yards on Tuesday next.

The Martini-Henry rifles, with which the Napier volunteers are BuppHed, which have now had a fair opportunity of being tested, are voted very inferior weapons and " all to pieces."

In our report of the proceedings at the District Court on Tuesday, there was a Blight error — m re James Brown, deceased. An order for probate was issued to Andrew JtJrown, and not Thomas Brown as stated.

There was on view recently at a shop m Shoreland Street, Auckland, a large block of ice, m which a quantity of fruit and flower could be seen m an excellentstateof preserva tion, and evidently as fresh as if just plucked. The exhibit, which foroibly demonstrates the preservative properties of ice, attracted considerable attention during the day.

The North Otaga 'Jimes learns that another election is imminent m Christchurch. It is understood that Mr G. J. Smith having become a partner m the firm ot Messrs Bowron Bros., will reaign at an early date. In anticipation of this, canvassers have already been calling on residents m Christ church with a view to putting their names on the roll if necessary.

A remarkable engineering feat was ac complished recently. The- Pennsylvania Railway Company removed the old bridge over the Sohuylkili River, and simultane ously Kepiaqed ib with & heavier steel structure 242 ft long" and 2§ft' wide. The moving operation was completed m 2min 28 sec, and a ttftin crossed the new bridge within 13min of the starting of the work. Maggie : " What is this I hear you are going to do, Jessie ! " Jessie : " Oh, I am going to marry a farm at Taradale, and live with the bit mannie on it. He has just gone t'd get his hair cut and a shave. Here he comes." Maggie t " (Qoah he \a no much to look at." Jessie : "No, but he has plenty o' siller, and the farm is paid for, and I don't think he will live long." When a witness was about to be sworn at the District Court, lately (says the Manuwatu Jiines) he created considerable surprise by producing hig own Bible from his pocket prior to taking the oath. Evi dently the witness was determined not/ to incur any risk of inhaling microbes from the Bible belonging to the Court.

Ifc is .a Bomewhat remarkable thing, says the Dunstan Times, that the cqdlin moth is nob bo plentiful this season. During the last few yeais it was almost impossible to get a sound apple, while this season we have Been many good eating apples without a vestige of the moth. Some people thiuk that the thrushes, whfah are beginning to multiply m the district, and which eat lots of worms and grubs, are the cause of this improvement.

Mr J. D. Ritchie, Secretary of the Depart ment ot Agriculture, has written to the Otago Agricultural Paatotal Association that the matter of charges made by the railway for the conveyance of stud stock will be brought before the conference of traffic managers at their first meeting. He has no doubt that the question will then receive favourable consideration, Mr Ritchie has urged upon Mr Ronayne the oeoessity for granting every faoility for the exchange of stud stock.

Referring to the dry weather this summer, the Hawera Star cay« that dairying m th« Taranaki province is suffering most severely. At all the factories the milk supplied has been coming down rapidly, and there is not mujh hope of its ooming back, as even if rain did come, the cows that came m three months ago have had such a hard time that they have started to dry off, and the milk supply cannot be expected to rise to any thing like the volume of last year. The continuous dry weather means a heayy load to tb.e district.

The Committee of the Canterbury A. and P. Association decided op Wednesday to call a conference of delegates from County Councils and public bodies taking an intorest m irri gation, with a view to collecting information, formulating a scheme^ and bringing pressure on Government to assist m the irrigation of the Canterbury plains, TJhj Progressive Liberal Association on Monday passed a resolution to the effect that it would be in equitable to spend public money on irriga tion, of which the chief immediate result would be to enhance the value of land owned by private persons.

3!hertJ w»s a fair attendance at the Taber nacle on Wednesday evening on the occasion of the presentation by the Willowby choir of the service of Bong " Eva." The btory is that of the little heroine m " Unole OJom's Cabin,'' and the connective readings were yery nicely given by Mrs Lill, of Willowby. The pongs m illustration were beautifully suag by the ohoir, jbhp members of which had evidently bestowed great pajns upon the rehearsal of the work. Mr Wheeler was as usual conductor, and Mr Wheeler, jui.r., was at the organ. Qf the anthems, etc., special mention n^ay be made of the way m whiph "Vital spark '? was givsn, and the orßantafc has to be oongratuiUted ou his tasteful work throughout, but more especi ally on his very devotional interpretation of the "Dead March" m "Saul," which he played m subdued tones while Mrs Lill read the closing words of the story. At the oloee N£r Wheeler and his ohoir were accorded a hearty yote o£ thaoke,

ST. PATRICK'S DAY.

Sports m the Domain.

The Committee, or Club, or Association, or however the organisation may be styled, who promoted the 'ports meeting m the Domain on Thursday, drew up the pro gramme for it, and carried that programme to a successful issue, mußt be congratulated on the result of their efforts. Not alone was the gathering a success as regards attendance, but m every other way. The icems of the programme were agreeably varied, and with few exceptions all were well entered for, the foot and cycle racing calling out large fields m every event, and each contest provided interestingandexoitißg sport, as a result of excellent handicapping. In the matter of attendanoe, it need only be mentioned, to enable an estimate to be made of the number on the ground that £45 was the sum taken at the gate — a very satis factory purße indeed, comideTiug that it was the first meeting of the kind held at this time of the year m Ashburton, and that for the young people there were other attractions at a distance calculated to compete with the sports meeting for favor. The arrangements were as perfect as could be wished, and ihe Committee, with their energetic young Secretary, Mr D. McDonnell, are entitled to the highest compliments for the smoothness with which their machinery ran, and the expedition with which they got their events off. There was no hitch of auy kind, no delays between the events ; no quarter allowed to dilatory competitors, who had to be on their marks "on time " or lose bheir numbers ; admirable order was kept on the ground, and the orowd had to observe the rule that the track was for com petitors only, and the lawn within the oval for competitors and the necessary officers m charge of the contests. In consequence of the exoellent order every spectator had a clear and uninterrupted view of what was going on, and generally it was a pleasure to be present at the gathering. The Committee were made up almost wholly of young meu, which may account perhaps for much of the energy and spirit thrown into the work of keeping things going. The fact may also perhaps acoount for several small points m which they came jußt short of perfection, but which the experience gained at their first meeting will help them m future to improve on. No arrangements that could have been made would have had any effect on the weather. This, of course ; an-1 it was the subject of remark that while for weeks and weeks one could have held pports meetings every day and never have had an item interfered with by rain, just iv the middle of the programme on St. Patrick's Day and after a most beautiful and sunshiny forenoon the sky suddenly blackened over with clouds, and for about hair an hour a lively thunderstorm paid pluvial attentions to the course, so marked as to compel the whole crowd to seek shelter under the trees. The sky soon cleared, how ever, and things went on again as merrily as ever. The rain made the track a little greasy for the peds and bikes, and the turf somewhat blippery for the other contests, but after the sun had got a glint or two at both all trouble of this kind vanished, and the downpour was an improvement rather than otherwise. The brass band was on duty all the afternoon, while other features m this connection were the pipe playing of Mr Murdo Macdonald, for theScotch dancing, I and the violin playing of Master Cullen, a little dot of a chap who looks a pocket edition of the traditional pictures of John Bull, the very apotheosis of Bturdineas and burliness, and energy and strength, but withal good humor and kindliness m every feature. The boy is a son of Mr Hugh Cullen, of Waterton, and the jigs, etc., that came lilting from the strings of his Liliputian fiddle put life and mettle into the heels oi veterans like Con Connor and others who have been seldom seen on the platform m recent years, as well as more youthful skippers. Mrß Griffin had her hands full with work at the refreshment tent, and iv the later afternoon many visitors felt the comfort of a cup of warm tea when the temperature had dropped down to something like that of a Sb. Patriots Day at Home. In addition to a long list of vice presidents and other honorary officers, the following did good work on the ground m their several capacities: — President— Rev. Father O'Donnell ; Hon. Treasurer— A. J. Mttller ; Hon. Secretary —Mr D. McDonnell ; Judges, Cycling and Running— Messrs ft, G. SfiearmHn, W. S. Mitchell, ,1. Miiller; Irish Dancing — Messrs J. O'Grady, P. Devane, H. Cullen ; Scotch Dancing — M.esBrs D. McLeu,n, G. Kidd ; Putting the Stone, Throwing the Hammer, and .jumping— Messrs p. Reid, Denis Me- Kendry, John Small and James Jainies >» j Superintendent of Sports and Referee — Mr R. J. Henry ; Starter— Mr John Wilson j Timekeepers— Messrs S. Sa.lek, G- Jesson, J. J, Lewis } Handioappers — Messrs R. J. Henry, C. Reid 5 Handicapper (Cycling)— J. Muller ; Laptakers and Marksmen- Messrs W. Shearman, F. McSherry, L Hanrahan, M. Healy, Jas. Wilson; Tele graph Board— Vlr W. Adams ; Hon. Piper —Mr McDonald; Clerks of the Course — Messrs W. Burns, P, Hanrahan ; Pavilion Steward— MrS. Madden. The following is the list of winners m the various events : —

fe'OOT RACES.

The foot races were well entered through out, and the number who cried content with the marks the handicappers gave them, showed that ttye allotment of plaoea had been made by men who knew their business, nor was the fact that three competitors ran a dead heat m the hundred yards final likely to lessen the laurels won by the handi oappera. 100 Yards Handicap (open).— Firat heat— J McNaughb, scratch, 1 ; W. Huston, 6yda, 2. 'J ime— lOf sec. Second heat— T. Tar botton, §yds,i; Jamea Stephens, 3yds, 2. Time— -llseca. ' ftiaA — McNaught, Tar botton, and W Huaton— dead heat. Time — llseos.

100 Yards Handicap (amateur). — J. Dwi son, soratch, 1 ; W. J. Smith, 9yds, 2. lime — lOilaecs. 220 Yards Handicap (amateur). —J. Divifcon, soratch, I ; R. Gray, lOydß, 2; U. E. Smith, 12yds, 3. Time— 2sf seo3. Davi commenced cutting down his men from the half distance and won comfortably.

250 Yards Handicap (open)— J. Stephens, 97ds, I'; J . Brankin, 15ydB, 2 ; T. Tarbotton, 20yd?, 5. Time-29g. The back-markers could not get up tp the limit men m this event, an 1 Stephens, who ran with good judgment, won fay five yards. 120 Yards Hurdles (open).— First heatrw W. Huston, 7yda behind ecr, lj E, McPadden 13yds behind sor, 2. Time— 23§sea Second heat— T, Tarbotton, 3yds behind scr, 1 ; J. Brankin, 7yds behind scr, 2. Time— 2l§. Final — McFadden 1, W. Huston 2, Brankin 3. Time-19§ Sack Race, 120 Yards— T. Tarbotton. Thia race did not yield the amount of fun that is usually expected from it. The com petitors were not m sacks that reached the neck, and being free from the waiafe up wards, the whole thing was simply a question of who could last longest m a lumping race over the distanoe. 440 Yarda Handicap (amateur) — I. A. Baigent, 28yds, 1 ; J. Davidson, scr, 2 ; W. J. Smith, 26yds, 3. Time— s4£. Baigenc won gamely, but the scratch man ' gave him all his work to do to get home first.

440 Yards Handicap (open) — J. Stephens, 15yds, 1 ; R. Ibell, 27yds, 2j J. BrankiD, 22y<8, 3. Time — 52§9ec. Stephens again atioiyed his superiority at the handicap, and won comfortably 5 Ibell a yard or so m front of Brankla.

220 Yards B-ys' Raoe-O'Shea 1, Amos 2, Nolan 3.

BICYCLE EVENTS

Half-mi'e BicyclejHandicap. — Pirab heat — G. Sutherland, sor* 1 ; H. Ritchie, 40yds, 2 ; Parkinson, 45yds, 3. Time— lmin 7g*ec. Second heat— H. Holland, §oyds, 1 ; W. H. Trengrove, 55yds, 2; D Ivl. R. JbhnstoD, 45yds, 3. Time — lmin s|*ec. Thrtd heat — W. P. Daly, 55yds, 1; E. Archer, 40yds 2 ; W. Clarkson, 50yds, 3. Won easily. Time — lmin 7sec. Final —H. Holland, G.Qyd3, 1; W. P. Daly, 55yds, 2; W. H. Trengrove, 65yds, 3.. Won easily. ' Time— lmin s§aeo. ' Three Mile Bioyole Handicap— G. Suther land, scr, 1; G.A.Maxwell, 35yds, 2 ; A. Jjtolmes, j.§Oyds, S. Fourteen others started. Sutherland lay m a handy posifiop till the last lap, when he gradually came through, and won by half a wheel from MaxwtU. Time— 7min llgsec. One Mile Bioycle Handicap— First heat— W. P. Daly, 130ydu, 1 ? 0. P. Parkerson, HSydi, 2 1 W. Olarkscm, 120 yds, 3, Bight

started. Won easily. Time — 2min 19$aea 1 Second beat— H. Holland, 120 yds, 1 ; J. DavidßOD, 130 yds, 2 ; G. Porter, 30yds, 3 j Won easily. T>me — 2min 198eo. Final — Parkerson 1, Holland 2, Davidson 3. Five Mile Bioyole Handicap — 6. Suther land, sor, 1 ; A. Holmes, 200 yds, 2 ; W. H. Trengrove, 370 yds 3. Sutherland, with but little apparent effort, got up amongst the leaders at the end of the tbird mile, ar.d then took matters comfortably till the last lap, when Holmes put on a great spurt and made the favorite travel, Sutherland winning by a couple of yards. Time — 12min 46j^ec. Tandem Bicycle Race, two miles— Archer and Trengrnve 1, Porter and Maxwell 2 Time — omin 563e0. The last mentioned race waa arranged with the object of showing the local people what multicycles were like. A triplet bicycle was expected but did not come to haod. B jth the tandems were entered by representatives of the Auatral Cycle Com piny. Just afur the shower Mr A, ftelson gave an exhibition of trick riding. He showed I s me wonderful feats, and if the reader will I try to conjure up just the things that are impossible to do on a bioyole, he will very easily bucceed m ascertaining just what Professor Nels-n did do on the machine. He mounted it inftont of the handles, and m this position looked for all the world like a man drawing a garden roller after him. He rode behind the seat, stood upon it, jumped here and there and everywhere about the maohine, picked up a hat from the grass while at full speed, made the bioyole cavort and rear like a horse, and onoe dis mounted when the maohine waa going at f u'l speed, and " let her go, Gallagher 1 " After a twenty yards chase on foot after the runaway, which was going as straight as an arrow and as upright as ever, he oaught her and was m the saddle m an instant. Need less to Bay, he was loudly applauded. GENERAL ATHLETICS. Throwing the Hammer Handioap — W. Dalton (scr), 84ft, 1 ; J. Jamieson (6ft), 70ft, 2. Putting the Stone Handicap — Dalton (sor), 36ft l£in, 1 ; A. Huston (lft), 33ft sin, 2. DANOINO. Highland Fling, Sword Dance, and Irish Jig — Sullivan 1, Mahoney 2.

Geraldine Sports.

The annual meeting of the Geraldine Sb. | Patrick's Day Sports Association was held m the Gera'.dine Domain on Thursday, when competitors and visitors from all parts of Canterbury were present m goodly numbers. The weather waß beautifully fine with the exception of a few minutes about four o'clock, the new and capacious pavilion and grandstand having to be utilised for shelter owing to a sharp thunderstorm passing over the township at that time. The secretary, Mr E. A. O'Malley, and other officials worked hard and gave general satisfaction. The bicycle and running tracks were m fine form and some quick times wore recorded. The luncheon booth was , m the hands of Mr Roiadan, while Mr Loudan supplied refreshments, both businesses being well patronised. Musical selections were played throughout the day by the Temuka brass band. The following are the results : —

Putting 161 b Weight (handicap), £1 and 10s— W Bradley, 41ft lOin, scr, 1 ; J Ruddock, 36ft 9in, 9in handicap, J*. Seven entries.

100 Yardß Maiden, 30a and 15a— M Gregan 1, A Beattie 2. Time— ll£sec. 1£ Mile Roadster Bicycle Race (local), haodicap ; trophies valued 30b and 15s— G Mci calf, 80yds, 1 ; G Southby 2, F Taylor, 20yds, 3. Seven utarted. Time— 3.42.

100 Yards Handicap, £3, £2, and £1— Eleven entries. First heat— T R Tindall, 4yds, 1 ; E Beckley, 4yds, 2; A Murray 3. Time — 10&. Second heat — A Dunn, 3yds, 1; T Quaid, 4yds, 2; A T) Moore, syds, 3. Time— lo§. Final— Tindall 1, Buckley 2, Dunn 3. Time— l Of. Bagpipe Music, Pibrocha and Marches, £3 and 30a — McKechnie 1, Murray 2, Ffrost 3. Half-mile Bicycle Race, £2 and £1. First heat-rfA. Stocker, 30yds, 1 ; J W Joneß, scr, 2 ; J Orr, 35yds, 3. Second heat— X Buchanan, 80yds, 1 ; W Lane, 15yds, 2 ; W J iS Hayward 3. Final— Buchanan (VVaimate) 1, Lane 2, Stocker 3. Time— l.6. One Man Manual Fire Brigade Qompeti tion (.Iry), £1 aud 10a— F-ifo (Geraldine), 47§3ec, laec penalty, 1 ;0. Donn(Ashburtou) 48$aec, 2; Sheehan (Temuka) 56aec. Roddick 53faec, lsec penalty ; Kennedy (Temuka), 61sec, 4oec penalty, also competed.

150 Yards Handicap, for boys under 14, 15s, 7s 64, and 2h 6d — Gimson 1, Scobie 2, E. Smith 1 3.

150 Yards Handicap, £2, £1, and 10*. First heat— Wall 1, T Quaid, syds, 2, A Murray, spr, §, Second heat— E. Beekley, 7yds, 1 ; T R Tindall, syds, 2 ; A. Dunn, 4yds, 3. Final— Beekley 1, Tindall 2, Wall 3. Time — 16sec,

Two Mile Bicycle Race, £3 and £1— J Orr, 100 yds, 1 ; W H Hall, scr, 2 ; R Buohanan, 240 yds, 3. Twelve started. Time - 4.52.

Wreßtling, Cumberland style, 'or youths under 18, 30a and lQa— l} friel 1, R Cqnnell 2.

Hop, "Step, and Jump, 30a and 10a — E Orton, 40ft 2in, 1 ; T. Quaid, 39fb 7in, 2.

220 Yards Hurdle Race, £2 and £I— G Bliaaetb, scr, 1 ; B Orton, 17yds, 2. Time— 31sec,

Sword Dance, 3Qa and 10s— Bell 1, Me- Keohnie 2. Davison 3. Three Men Fire Engine — Fife, Kennedy, and Sawle (Geraldine), 60$ sec, 4seo penalty, 1 ; Dorm, Kidd, and Barter (Ashbutton), 71aec, 14sec penalty, 2 ; Anderson, Roddick, and Sheehan (Temukaj, 81sec, 3aec penalty, 3 Two Mile Bicycle Handicap, £1 10a and 10a— G Metcalr, 170 yds, 1; G Southby, 100 yds, 2. Time- 5. H 88,0 yards Handicap, £3, £1, and 10a— J Scobie, 60yds, 1 ; D Campbell. 45yds, 2, A D Moore, 25yds, 3. Time -2 4s. One Mile Bicycle Race, £.3 and £I—R1 — R Buchanan, 130yda, 1 } G Southbj, 140ydB, 2; A Stocker, 65yds, 3. Time— s.2l. 440 Yards Handicap, £3, £I, loa— J Wai 18yds, 1 ; G Blisset 12yds, 2 ; J Heabon 25yds, 3. Time— s4aecß. Quoits Competition, trophies valued 21s and 10s 6d.— C E Sherratt 1, R MoKinley 2. This was an excellent display of skill and was largely and closely contested. Three Mile Bicycle Race Provinoial Championship, prices gold medals, lap prizes 5a per lap- J W Jones X, W H Hail 2, J. Orr 3. H Aker won four lap-i, J Orr three lap?, C E Hall three laps, W Lane two laps. Time— 7.4l. Ten started. The best raoe of the day, Middleweight Wrestling, (lZst 71b and under), £2, £I, los.— Brophy 1, Lyaaght 2, Roddick 3.

Running Long Jump, £1 10a and 10a. — R Dalton 17ft 4in, 1 ; W Wells 16ft lOin, 2

Bagpipe Music, £2 10a and £I—MoKech nie 1, Murray 2.

Running High Jump, 303, 10*. - Quaid sft 3in, 1 ; R Dalton, 2 ; T Dalton, 3 250yda Handicap, £2 103, £1, lOs.— T R Tindall 9yds, 1 ; E Book ley 10yds, 2 ; J Heaton 14yds, 3. Time— 274aecs. Five Men Manual Fire Brigade Compe tion (wet), prizas £5 and £2 103,-^Geral dine 35§secs, 2^eoa penalty, 1 ; Ashburton 363603, 2. For tLjs event the Ashburton men, with the Gerald ine team's consent, ran twice owing to a man failing to bo at the suction aa required. The Temukateam then refused to compete although the judges sug gested that they should do so, and appeal to the executive of the United Fire Brigades Association. High'and Fling, £1 10a and 10s.— Mo- Keohnie 1, Davison 2. Five Mile Bicycle Race, £5, £2 10s, £1— G Southby, 420 yds. 1 ; J Orr, 200 yds, 2 ; H

Aker, 150 yds, 3. Time— l3.B. 1 Mile Handicap, £3, £1, 10a— J Logan, 30yds, 1 ; D Campbell, 40yda, 2; J Scobie, 70yds, 3 Time-4.51. Quarter-Mile Novelty Bicycle Slow Race, Trophies i)l, and lOs-J » Pye 1. 120 Yards Oonsolation Race, £1 lQa and 15s~Fechdey 1, Murray 2. r 46 Yards Swimming Race — Brake (Ricoar ton) 1, E White 2. Willoughby 3. ' : 46 Yarda Swimming Race (boys)— K McCiskey 1, Finlay 2.

7£j Yards Swimming Race— W MoKinney (Asnburton) 1, Boys 2, E White §. 92 Yards Swimmiag Race— Brake 1 McKinney 2, White f " v ' Life Saving— Willoughby 1, E White 2. The sports were followed by a concert and dange.

liOZilE TLEA

Beat* All

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Preßß Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph-* Copyright. London, March 16 Reports from Madrid state that the public feeling m that city is m favor of peace. Mr Smalley, the New York corre spondent of The Times states that words of peace are oftenest heard from men known to be amongst Presi dent McKinley's trusted advisers. Madrid, March 16 The Spanish flotilli, which was detained owing to bad weather, haa sailed from 9adiz for Cuba. Washington, March 16 President McKinley, m a speech referring to the Spanibb. trouble, said he would rather his administration should prove an ignominious failure than become responsible for an unholy war. The Spanish Government, m a memorandum to the United States Government at Washington, suggests that the American war preparations are encouraging the Cuban insurgents. The presence of an American fleet > I at Key West, Florida, is also regarded ■ I as an unfriendly measure.

FRANCE AND GERMANY.

A Frontier Incident

Prees Asßooiation— By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright.

Paris, March 16

Two German Customs officials having crossed the frontier at Ville rupt, a town m the Department of Meurthe et Moselle, anumber of French workmen sought to effect tbeir arrest, but a party of German soldiers levelled their rifles, and compelled the workmen to release the two officials.

The French Government are investi gating the incident.

Obituary.

Press Aißooiation — By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

London, March 16

The death is announced of Sir Henry Bessemer, the eminent oivil. engineer and inventor, aged 85. Adelaide, March 16. Colonel Horatio Williams, who served m the Maori war, is dead.

THE EASTERN SITUATION.

A Russian Force m Corea.

Lord Salisbury's Health.

Activity m the French Navy.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph. Copyright.

London, March 16

News has just been received that a force of Russian marines landed at Chemulpo, m Corea, and proceeded to Seoul, the capital. They took with them a large quantity of stores.

At a conference of the associated Chambers of Commerce, it was resolved to urge the Government to press China ia view of obtaining permission to construct a railway from British Barmah to a position m the Upper Yangtso Kfong valley.

Sir William Broadbent expects the Premier to leave London m a week's time for a complete rest and change. He adds that ho is not likely to return to the Foreign Office until after Easter,

The Hon T. A. Brassey, speaking at a meeting at Tunbridge Wells, said that Great Britain was now well able to meet any two Powers m naval combat and she could hold her own against the allied forces of Russia, Germany, and France.

New York, March 16

Remarkable demonstrations of feel ing towards Great Britain are general m the United States, and " God Save the Queen " is being sung m many of the New York theatres.

Paris, March 17 France is mobilising her fleet. The Northern squadron has been ordered to hold itself m readiness.

Great activity is displayed m the dockyards at Cherbourg and Brest. All leave has been stopped, and the admirals ordered to repair to Farii within twenty-four hours.

THE SOUDAN.

Advance of the Dervish

Forces-

Preaß Association— By Electric Telegraph.—

London, March 16

Reports from Berber state that the forces under Mahmoud, the Dervish general, and Osman DJgna, left Shendy, on the Nile, between Metem neh and Omdurman, on the 12th inst., and are rapidly advancing north*

wards.

The Ask&ris, from Kassala, cap tured a Dervish position beyond the Abbara river, and the Dervishes lost twenty men. During the fight a son of Ostnan Digna narrowly escaped being captured

Cairo, March 16

The Egyptian troops have ejected the Dervishes from Shebaliya Island, killing thirty.

Mahmoud*B advanqe party has arrived within five milea pi the Atbara.

Six squadrons of Egyptian cayalry have left Runar m order to get m touoh with the enemy.

The railway line has now been com* plefed for the distance of seventy-three miles south of Abu Hamed, and the river Atbara had been made navigable to Shendy. —"""■•

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, etc, to clear at the following reductions : — Men'B suits to measure, usual prioe 90s. now 70s ; Men's trousers, ususj price 255, now Iss6d; etc Wa have^alsb pleasure m notifying that we have just been' appointed agents for the famous ''British Monarch ' " W-averley " andEplipse-IJu'mber Bicycles (both gents 1 and ladiea'l, whiob, we are npw selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at the lowest cash prices, or op the mpstliheraj terms "to / suit the gonyenienoe of our customers. (Every machine guaranteed).-^ Cbaiqhkad and Bhubyman, the leading Tailors and Ootflttera. m

KOZIE TEi)

Tflß ASfiBOEIOH GUAKDiAN : PUD AY, MARCH 18, 1898.



March. d h m Full moon .« ... 8 859 pm Last quarter 1& 7 18 pm New moon 22 8 7 pm First quarter .~ ... 30 710 pm



New Zealand |g CLOTHING i FACTORY. I -~«" ti THE a UP TO DATE HOUSE d t T7OR Gents and Boy's Stylish ( Mercery, Ties, Hats, Caps, dollars, < Clothing, etc. i i 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 00., A. G. BARTON, Manager. Church Services ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburtoc. FRIDAY— Short Bervioe, 7.30 p.m. Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SATURDAY— Church Decoration 2.30 p.m. Contributions of Flowers, Fruit, Grain, Vegetables, and Evergreens, etc., will be thankfully received at St. Stephen's Sohoolroom on Saturday morning. SUNDAY SERVICES.— 2Oth March. HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 3 p.m. — Windermere. 6.3o— Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



John Orr & Co. j 1 John Orr & t>. FURTHER REDUCTIONS, AS UNDER.— FLOUR, FLOUR. TEA, TEA. SUGAR, SUGAR, KEROSENE, KEROSENE, POLLARD, BRAN. RAISINS. CURRANTS COLONIAL AND ENGLISH CANDLES. ROCK SALT, iSAGO, RICE, TAPIOCA; SALMON, TINNED FISH, COCOA, COFFEE, COKNFLOUH. FOR THE TfRUIT CEASON- " I GLASS JARS, MASON'S SCREW TOP JARS, ■) ENAMEL AND BRASS PRESERVING PANS. HARDWARE. WIRE NETTING, SAUOEPAMS, KLTTLES, ENAMELWARE, RANGES, REGISTER GRATES, LAMP STOVES, CUTLERY, WRINGERS, MANGLES, id BEDSTEADS, GORSE KNIVES, ETC. 9 We hold by far the Largest Btooka m ■ Aahburton, and are soiling by far the cheapeit. B 1 i John Orr & Co.



EXCURSION WASHER. 1.000,000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN AWjAY TJO PURCHASERS OF EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing Powder m the World. A Large HONEYCOMB TOWEL given with Three Paoketf. A TURKISH ROLLER TOWEL or a£ Largo HAND or BATH TURKISH TOWEL given with Twelve Ppokets. — — :o:— ■ SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY QBOCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MARKET HOUSE, BUBNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Telephone No. 53. LAST WEEK OF SALE. ODDMENTS AND REMNANTS TO BE CLEARED. FINAL SALE DAY, SATURDAY NEXT, 19 TK INST. MITCHELL & TURNER. ONE WO 8D ABOUT BOOTS. JAMES "MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON. ¥X7"E aim to please, and our large volume of trade speaks for our success THE ZSALANDIA 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. FOR REAL HARD WEAR TRY THE ZEALANDIA BRAND. Everybody knows we give nothing but the best value. One trial is &11 wejasb JAMES MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STOBJS, TANCRED RTKKT, ASHBURTON. IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE ! McDonald pRBAT ANNUAL CLEARING SALE COMMENCES ON Thursday, February 10, 1898, AND WILL CONTINUE FOR ONE MONTH ONLY « TILL We inaugurated the Annual Reductions, for which we have gained such a name £ the ? fflKSSToJonty, nothiu* l.ke the GENUINE BARGAINS m first- olaes BOOTS AND SHOES had ever been known. Qttis 1898 UOLIFtoUj &AL.H, will aarpaas all our previoua efforts. It is highly improbable thab equal value can be got elsewhere, and it is certainly impossible for those who are not manufacturing as we do to sell at such prices. «S- REMEMBER This is our ANNUAL CLEARING SALE. Come Early am Secure the Bargains, as they are sure to go rapidly. For Prices Bee circulars. McDonald ~& McDlarmid, BOOT MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTERS, East Street. J. NICHOLAS, MANAGER, ASHBURTON N.B.— All Orders and^Repairs during Sale,at Reduced Rateß. 2 WHEAT. WHEAT. V¥TE ARE PROMPT GASH BUYERS OP PRIME MILLING WHEAT AT HIGHEST MABKfcT RATES, We uro ftiio prepared to Store Grain on Farmers account m our New Grain Sfcorw West Street, Ashburton, on very |» vo °» b^® ',?£?" ntnmet Fdl ataed Oornsacka and Twine Supplied at LOWEST CURRENT BATES BOLLIT T & CO., CANTERBURY FLOUR MILLS,