The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1898.

Fjrom an American journal we give the following particulars respecting Key West, which is certain to form KEY WEST, an important point m

the present struggle between Spain and the United States : — " It is with a great deal of satisfaction to the public at large that the United States Government has, within the past year, commenced work on the fortifications at Key Wesb. Occupying the position it does, too much consideration cannot be given to our most southern ciiy as a naval strategic point. It is, m faofc, considered third m value. The island of Key West, only six miles long by aboub two m width, is of great value to Udclg Sam, ani occupies one of the mosc exposed positions on our whole coast-line. Four deep water channels already In existence, and bbc Government opening a new one to the north west, make it easily accessible from all directions by the largest vessels m the world. Key West is now defended by old Forb T»ylor, one of the anpient type of forts, and of no value m modern warfare. It ia built of brick and stone, and projects oat into the straits, con nected with the island by a cauaeway The new fortifications are to consisb of two separate batteries, one to extend from Fort Taylor to the north east about a quarter of a mile, and the other for a shorter dia'ance, from Fort Taylor to the north-west, entirely protecting the moat southern portion of the island and the city of Key West. The construction of these bat terns is to be of the greateststrength possible, and to withstand the attacks of the heaviest artillery known. The retaining wall is 26 t thick, and about 40fb m height, built of granite rock seb m concrete. The wall is to be pro tected on the oulsldo by a sandbank extending from the top of ihe wall m a gradoal elopa downward to a distance of 85fi from Unbare. Theaefortificationsareof the same class as those now buildiqg at Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, Sou h Carolina, for which the .Qovernment recently appropriated 1,600,000 dollars apiece." Another importanb point on the i Atlantic ooast is what is known as Hamp. ton Roads at the mouth of the J ames River. Last month the American naval authorities ordered the formation of a new squadron of warships to be stationed there. This has been referred to m our cable messages as "a flying squadron." Hampton Roads is eaid to be the beat strategic point on the Atlantic coast. It is almost centrally located and the ships from that point can reach any portion of the coast m short order. Besides, the second besb navy yard m the country is there to fall back upon for repairs to the ships. There is plenty of the best coal at Newport News, there is easy water to navigate, and finally the forts afc Hamptr n Roads may serve as a base of operations m case of need for protection. These are the considerations which, no doubt, animated the .Navy Department m making the new order.

Don't Cough. —Relief can be obtained immediately. Use "Kkatino's Cough Lozenges'' — well known aa the utterly unrivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly recommended by many eminent physioi ns. They at once cheek the cough and remove the cause without any after ejffeot $ the moat delicate can therefore take them. ,One Lozenge alone gives etffce— pne or £wp afc b.ed time ensures rest, Sold everywhere m tine, 13£d enoh,

Local and General.

-*- Death ov JudghFenton.— Judge Fenton, ex-Judge of the Native Landa Court, died suddenly at Auckland yesterday from apoplexy. Fire— On Saturday afternoon the resi dence of Mr Nicholas Welsh, situated on the Great South Road, about two miles from Chertsey, was burned down. The cause of the fire is unknown, and there is no insurance on the property. i The School Elections.— Householders are again reminded that the eleotions of school oommittees take place this evening m all the districts, and they should strain a point to be present It is understood that there will be lively discussions at more than one meeting. The Want of a Morgue.— Nelson is, like Christohurch, m want of a publio morgue A few days ago im Nelson a ehtd at the rear of a private house was used to receive a dead body, pending the inquest. The jury, thereupon, added a rider to their verdicb, urging the necessity for a proper building for euch a purpose. Insufficiency op Railway Tbtjoks.— A Wellington telegram Bays that the sawmillerß at Newman, m theForty Mile Bush, have sent a notioe to the Railway Department that unless more waggons were supplied they will olose down on Wednesday, which would ihrow a hundred hands out ol employment. Delated Train.— The south express wat about three-quarters of an hour late m reaohing Ashburton to-day. The delay it said to have been through one of the pUtot rods getting damaged at Dunsandel. Ji fresh engine was attached and the trait wan brought on to Ashburton, leaving au 1.40 for the south drawn by two angines. Hospitable Bowlers.— Some Gisborne bowlers, who viiifced Napier recently, are loud m their acclamations at the warmth of the characteristic weloome whioh they reoeived m the latter town. Describing the trip, at a sooial gathering m Gisborne a few nights ago, one of tho team Baid thab the ( visiting bowlers wore shown the greatest hospitality m Napier, and that from the time of one's arrival " ono'a nose was never opt of a glasß." The Vocabulary oir Wellington Chil dren.—Some of the visitors to Wellington during the Easter holidays, saya an exchango, were startled somewhat by the large and varied expletive vooabulary of the children. Oho blue-eyed and flaxen-haired boy of about six summers, a really pretty ohild, swore with suoh fluenoy, because he stubbed his toe against a stone, that a fctook driver well known for his ability m that direction, who was m charge of a baggage oarb for the volunteer encampment, nearly fainted with envy. Mr John Vale.— Concerning this gentle man, who is to speak at the Orange Hall next Thursday night, the Southland Times Eays : — " Mr Vale succeeded m carrying his hearers along with him throughout hie entire discourse. As he is — m addition to being a forceful speaker — a moderate man, his addresses should receive a hearing from all classes of the community." His Worship the Mayor will preside at Mr Vale's meet inf.

Thf. War Excitement. — There is great excitement m Christchurch over the war. Last night there were crowds m the streets opposite the limes and Press offices, waiting for the issue of cablegrams. After the wire indicating the actual declaration of war had been pub up, ib was announced that no further cablegrams -would be available till one o'clook m the morning, and the main body of the crowd dispersed, but a few enthusiasts were on hand even at that hour.

A Costly Staircase.— The bizarre extra vagance of the upstart millionaire Beems to have reached its ultimate expression m the freak of Mr George Gould, who is having a gold plated staircase and balcony put up m a house now being erected for him m New Jersey. The des'gu chosen ia after the style of Louis XVI., and is described as "sircp'e, chaste, and light," garlands and torches being the chief ornaments used, while the stairway terminates not m the ordinary newel post, but m a ram's head witn carved horns. The staircase wil, when completed, cost many thousands of dclUra. Weight Guessing Competition. —On Saturday Mr Sileoek had on view a very fine two-tooth maiden ewe. Shropshire and Border Leicester cross, and a card attached invited all to have a gueßS at the weight of thin fine carcase of mutton. TUe one who guessed the correct weight or the nearest to it to receive a leg of mutton. At 9 o'clock p.m., the time to weigh, there was a great crowd outside the shop, and a good deal of chaff; and out of a large number of competitors Mr S. Trevurza was declared winner, ho having guessed within half a pound correct weight. His estimate was 111£ lbs, whereas the actual weight was 111 lbs. A large number of tha shots were wide of the mark from SO to 130 lbs. The Churches.— St. Stephens' Church— The services at this Chur«h were of the usual character on Sunday, and were con ducted by the Rev. Harold Purchase, of Mouut Somers. Ab the evening service there was a large congregation, and the text was taken from St. Matthew's gospel, 17 chap., v. land 2. The same preacher also conducted a Bervice at Seafield m the afternoon. The services ab the Presbyterian Church were conducted by the Rev. G. B. Inglis. The subject of discourse m the morning was " Decision of character." This quality was highly esteemed m all depart ments of life, The evening sermon was on " The manna,' The speaker enlarged on the fact that Christ wag not only bread for the living, but life for the dead* At the Wesleyan Church on Sunday large congre gations attended both services, which were conducted by the Rev. R. Taylor. The subject of his morning discourse was " The lite and death of a Christian," during which he said that unselfishness was an essential attribute of a Christian's life, while devotion was also necessary. In the evening he preached a speoial sermon to young women on "Esther's venture," speak ing of women's special opportunities of influencing for good. Presentation. — A very pleasing ceremony took place on Friday morning at the Ash burton railway station, the occasion being a presentation made to Mr J. Carnaban, fireman of the Springburn-Ashburton engine. The presentation, which took the form of a handsomely mounted travelling bag and a beautiful case of Bilver^mounted pipes, was gob together by Mr C*rnahan'a railway mates and friends, who, appreciating his capabilities and goodfellowship, thought thab some ssuvenir should be given to him of his Aahburton sojourn. Mr Parsons, the station- I master, who made the presentation, spoke of the good feeling existing between the two Departments, and although the transfer which Mr Carnahan was about to undergo was not for promotion, bub pimply one of the many vicissitudes of a railway man's life, still he wished him every success m his new district, and hoped that he would ever meet with the same good feeling as he had experi enced on this occasion. Mr Stewart Molntyre, the senior locomotive pffioer, also spoke, eulogising the many good qualities of Mr Carnahan, both as a comrade and aa a personal friend. Mr Carnahan, m thanking thofie who had contributed to the handsome presents he had received, said that m all his experience he had never met with such comradeship aa with those whose luok it had been his lob to be placet! with while stationed on the Ashburton section. He wished them every sorb of good luck, and extended a hearty weloome to all who perchance should visit him op the Inver cargill section.

Hoixo^tay's Pills.— With changing tem perature the digestion beoemes impairpd, jiver disordered, and mind despondent. The cause of theße irregularities is easily re moved by the use of Holloway's Ointment and Pills. They directly afctapk the source of the evil, remove all impurities from the circulation, restore the affeoted organs to their natural state, and oorreot all defective secretions. An easy means of restoring health and strength is supplied by Hollo way's Pills and Ointment. These famous medicines are blood renovating remedies, whose influence reaches the great centies of the nervous system, purifies the circulation, induces a healthy state of the bodily powers, gives tone to t j»e stomach and brain, pro ducing a desire tor food, and all the proper rpijuirenwnfcii fof fw^tji #nd vjgo.uj, -

An Auckland Doo Story.— The N.Zi htrald is responsible for the following emarkable account of a dog's intelligence : -*' A fine large specimen of a St. Bernard log has taken up its residence ab the Penroee railway station since Wednesday last, and ippears to be anxiously awaiting the arrival )f ita owner. Whenever a train comes m it the station the dog, rises and looks m at ill the first-class carriages, but passes by the second-claaa as unworthy of its serious attention. When a train departs it is the custom of the dog to sit down and wait for the next, when it repeats the same conduct. A Fright. — A countryman received a severe fright at one of the livery Btables m town on Thursday morning (says the Tara naki Ha aid). He had put Mb horse m a loose box, carefully shutting both dooia as the horse was sweating. On returning an hour or two later he went straight to the loose box, and opened the top door, when to his astonished vision there appeared a, huge beast which seemed to completely fill the box, and at the same moment a great out stretched arm desoended over his head and noiselessly removed his hat, disclosing his hair standing on end. Rubbing his eyes and oolleoting bis nerves he saw, m place of his horse, a great elephant, which had arrived by the train, and bad been accommodated m the loose box from which the horse had been removed during its owner's absence. Methven Cricket Club Concert.— -The Methven Crioket Club held a successful oonoert m the schoolroom on Friday evening last. (The opening number was a pianoforte solo, played m excellent Btyle by Mrs Batty. Mrs Bands sang a solo with her üßual taste, and was heartily applauded. The number chosen by Miss Hibbß gave that young lady the opportunity of displaying her vooal ability, and - her singing was greatly appre ciated. A solo by Miss Granger was pleasingly rendered, while ia a trio the voices of Misses Hibbs, Patton, and F. Hibba were sweetly and effectively blended. A duet by Messrs Tilloy and Randn was well reoeived, and Master F. Rands contributed a recitation. Vooal items were given by Messrs Walker, MoKenzie, Granger, Oromie, and Sievwright, adding much to the even ing's enjoyment* The accompaniments wer* played by Mrs Batty, who alio gave much assistance m arranging the programme. Several tableaux, mostly representing local " wieldera of the willow," were effectively shown by the Rev. J. R. Clark, with his limelight lantern. Ia 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's suits to measure, usual price 90s, now 70s ; Men's trousers, usual prioe 255, now 15s 6d ; eto. We have also pleasure m notifying that we have just been appointed agents for the famous "British Monarch ' " Waverley " andEclipse-Humber Bicycles (both gents' and ladiea'), which we are now selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements ab the lowest cash prices, or on the most liberal terms to suit the convenience of our customers. (Every machine guaranteed).— Oraighead and Bebryman, the leading Tailors and Outfitters

News m Brief.

The stewards of the Ashburton Coursing Olub meet to-night ac the Commercial Hotel at eight o'clock.

Synopsis of New Advkbtisbments Wanted— A Girl. For sale — Windmill and pump Church services — St. Stephen's John Aslett — Notice re laying poison Notice — Be Mr Yale's meeting

Educational Institute

An ordinary general meeting of the Aahburton section of the North Canterbury Educational Institute was held m the Borough (schoolroom on Saturday. There was a very good attendance, twenty-five ladies and gentlemen being present.

Mr C. D. Hardie gave a resume of the work done at the Dunedin Conference, and received a vote of thanks.

A very large amount of discussion took place on the present system of nomination of teachers.

The following resolution was passed : — " That the Institute be asked to draw up some Bcheme whereby the country teachers should have an equal chance of competing for positions m the town schools with those already on the spot, and whereby the evil* of cauvassing might be done away with. This seotion would specially recommend thab promotions as well as appointments should be subject to the Board's two-year limit ; and also thab any teachers reflecting adversely on fellow teachers m applying for appointments should be disqualified."

MisBBS Dickenson, Newman, and Edkins were elected members of the Institute.

At a committee meeting held subsequently ib was arranged to hold a committee meeting on the second Saturday m May to prepare a programme for the July meeting.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association — By Electric Telegaph-

Copyright.

Sydney, April 23 Flour and wheat show signs of hardening, Flour has advanced from 5a to 10s.

Messrs Dalgefcy and Co., Limited, have received the following cablegram from their London office under date 21st instant : —

"Sheepskins — There is a good demand for merinos. Prices are very firm, and any ohange is m favor of sellers. Combing orossbredrrc-Since our last telegram prices are unchanged. Clothing crossbred — Prioes are lower by id."

FATAL YACHTING ACCIDENT.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph, Wellington, April 25

Two brothers named Emeny were drowned while yachting yesterday. They left the yachb m a dingy to raise the anchor, and dis appeared m EQtne way ab present incompre? hensible, a9 the day was bright and clear and the sea smooth.

OBITUARY.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph Napier, April 25

Brother Brazile Montchalin, of the Catholic mission station, Meanee, one of the eldest and most respected settlers of the district, died on Saturday evening, aged 84. He joined the Marist Brothers m 1834, and a few years afterwards came to New Zealand with some missionary priests, landing m the Bay of Islands m 1841.

CYCLING.

Itoad Race Handicaps.

The following handicaps have been declared for the Road Race to Winch more and back to be run on Thursday afternoon at three o'clock : — F W Symona scr, O Willis scr, H B Curtis lmin, R H B Upton 1,30, W J Shearman 1.30, W G Gallagher 2miD, W J Purchas 2min, N Joneß 2min, J R Friedlander 2min, A Perm 3min, F W Seldon 3min, L Hobbs 3min, A G Barton 3min, G Friedlander 3min, E Crisp 3min, W Willis 3min, O Crum 3min, G Carson 3min, L Nicoll 3min, W Hefford 3min, Gilbert 3 2,0, T F Gibson 3.20, J Smitheram 3.20, H Chapman 3 20, B Amos' 3.40, L Owen 3.40, A H Field 3 40, M Bruce 4min, G W Iby 4min, H A Flower 4min, E Maraden 6.30.

FOOTBALL.

The combined meeting of the Ashburton and Ashburton Junior Football Clubs was held on Friday evening last, when the amalgamation of the clubs was carried by acclamation. The amalgamation should make the Ashburton Football Olub ebronger than it has been for years m Ashburton and it is doubtful that as far as numbers are concerned if the Club has ever been so ■strong. After a long discussion re rules, etc., the election of officers for the ensuiDg season took place, and resulted as follows : — Patron— Mr D Thomas; President— Mr G A M Buokley ; Vice-Fresidents — Messrs E (1 Wright, M.H.R., Hugo Friedlander, F Ferriman, W Patching, H Drummond, S H Graves, D McLean, H D&vis, R Alexander, J Snodgrass ; Captain — Mr E Orr ; Vice- Captain — Mr L J Hobbs ; Hon Secretary — Mr I A Baigent ; Hon Treasurer — Mr H E Curtie ; Auditor — Mr Seldon ; Committee — Messrs Upton, Cromie, F Wilson, Dixon, and Pilbrow. It was resolved to enter a

team for the senior contest) of the South ' Canterbury Rugby Union, also to affiliate to the latter body. Mr RHB Upton, m con sideration of past services, was unanimously elected a life member of the club. The opening day was fixed to take place next Thursday, 28th April, at 2 p.m. m the Domain. The greatest interest was taken by members throughout the meeting, and the prospects of the season 1898 appear very rosy. Votes of thanks to the outgoing officers and to the Chairman (Mr R H B Upton) oonoluded the meeting.

THE IRRIGATION LOANS.

What Government is Prepared to do!

The following letters were read at the Oounty Counoil meeting on Friday : —

Ashbnrton County Counoil, January 31, 1898. Sir,— l have the honor by the direction of the Chairman to enquire on what terms (interest including sinking fnnd) ths Government would be prepared to advance the following aama to this Council for irrigation works, via., £5000 Ruapuna dutricb, £21,000 Hinds-RangiUta dietriofc. 3tepi are now being taken under The Water Supply Aob to constitute the above districts, and •. vote of the ratepayers will be taken m due course. As this Council meets ma Friday next, the 4th February, an answer by wire will oblige, so as to avoid any delay. — I have etc., F. Majnwabikg, Clerk. — The Honourable the Colonial Secretary, Wellington.

The Treasury, New Zealand, Wellington, 7th February, 1898. Sir,— la reply to your letter of the 31st ultimo, addressed to the Colonial Secretary, and now referred to the Treasury, I am directed to inform you that the Colonial Treasurer would be prepared, under the provisions of The Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts, to receive from your Council an application for loans of £5000 and £21,000 for construction of irri gation works m the Ruapuna and Hinds- R^ngitata water supply districts respectively, provided that your Council are prepared to take aU the necessary steps required by the | said Acts to obtain Buoh loans. It must, ; however, be clearly understood by your Council thab not more than £6000 can be paid m any one year on account of such loans, and also that the Treasurer cannot agree to make a loan of a greater amount than £12,000, for two successive years expenditure (it, £6000 for each year). This, however, would nob prevent your Council from agtvin applying (after the expiration of two years) for an additional loan of £12,000, and after a further period of another two years applying for an addi tional loan of £2000— I have, etc., JA3. B. Haywood, Secretary to the Treasury.

.Ashbu^ton County Council, February 17, 1898. Sir, — The Aahburton County Council will ehortly submib to the votea of the rate ptyers proposals for creating three special districts for irrigation purposes. Should the votes be m the affirmative as ejcjpeoted, the Council will require to raisa three sopirate loans of say £5000, £20,000, and £21,000 respectively, to enable them to carry out the necessary works, and the total amount of say £46,000 will be wanted within a period of six to twelve months from the starting of the works. From the enclosed oopy of a letter from the Treasury of the 7 till February, it will be seen that the requisite amount cannot be obtained- m the short time that would suffice for the execu t'on of the works, and I therefore wish to learn from you whether you will be pre ared to modify the offer made, as otherwise the Council will be forced to apply elsewhere for the funds required, and would no doubt have to pay a higher rate of interest than the three per ceafc. If on the other hand you can advance the money as promptly as it may bo required, and at the rate of interesb which you have announced that the Government would furnish it for irrigation works m Canterbury, you will materially help these undertakings to which the settlers look forward with the greatest hope.— I have, etc., Edwabd G. Wri«ht, Chair man.—The Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Colonial Treasurer, Wellington.

The Treasury, New Zealand, Wellington, March 16, 1898. Sir, — In reply to your letter of the 17bh ultimo, I am directed to inform you that the Colonial Treasurer very much regrets that from the mandatory provisions of section 13 of QJhe Government Loans to Local Bodies Aob, 1886, he is unable to modify the termt (as stated m the Treasury letter No. 49 of the 7th ultimo) upon which your Council can obtain loans from the Government for the constrncbion of the irrigation works. I am also to inform you that) your letter now under reply, together with the other correspondence on this matter, has been referred to the Govern menfa Insurance Commissioner, with the view of deciding whether or nob the said loans, or any portion of them, would be con sidered a suitable investment for the funds of that Department, and a reply has now been received from the Commissioner, to the effect) that it is considered that the said funds oan be more profitably invested m loans on mortgages, than on such loans proposed to be raised by your Council. —l have, etc, Jas, B. Heywoob, Secretary to the -Treasury. — The Chairman, Aehburton County Council, Ashburton.

ESCAPE AND RE-CAPTURE OF A PRISONER.

The Press reports that at Lyttelton, shortly before eight o'clock on Saturday morning, a prisoner, named William John Simmons, escaped from the hard labor gang afc Sticking Point, He was missed immediately by Warder Manning, and was shortly afcerwards seen by the driver of a baker's cart and some boys as he was cr ssing the Sumner road. He had di vested himself of his pr'son clothes to some extent and was wearing a pair of trousers, which it seems he had made from a prison blanket, and the fit of which is said to have dono credit to his abilities as a tailor. The slarm having b&en given, the police and gaol authorities were at once m hot pursuit, and coon caught sight of him making his way up the hills through a guliy. Before he couli get over the ridge several shots from re volvers were fired at him by Warders 0 Grady and Joyce, and Simmons deemed ifc prudent to give up his attempt to evade capture, and surrendered. He was then brought into gaol, and on his way ex pressed his desire to '• shout" for the crowd of boys who had gathered to sea him. Simmons is an old offender, havir g spent m gaol something like sixteen ouc of seventeen years that he has been m the colony. Ha was sentenced at the last sessions m Christohurch to five years' imprisonment for forgery, ab the same sessions receiving another sentence for larceny, the two terms of imprisonment being, however, concurrent. The news of hla esoape was telephoned to Ohrjstohurcb^ where all the constables available were at once turned out to aid In bis recapture.

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

War Declared,

Blockade of Cuban Coast.

The American Asiatio Squadron

Attack on the Philippines Suspected- Financial Fanio m Spain.

Bun on the Banks-

A Message from the President Recognition of British Friend-

liness.

Spain's Squadron m the Philip-

pines

Fortification of the Harbours

Another Rebellion

Call to American Volunteers

Capture of Merchant Vessels

American Grain Ship Taken

Press Association— By Bleotrio Telegraph—

Copyright.

London advises the Gable Company that war is actually declared. An outbreak of hostilities may be expeoted at any moment.

Washington, April 28 President McKinley has proclaimed a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, within lines drawn from Cardenas to Bahia Honda and Cienfuegos on the southern coast.

Advices {torn Hong Kong state that Commodore George Beway, command ing the American Asiatic squadron, left Hong Kong with six vessels of war — the cruisers Olympia, Baltimore, Boston and Raleigh, and the gunboats Petrel and Concord. It is thought hia object is to attack Manila, the oapital of the Spanish colony of the Philippines. President McKinley is consulting with the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate as to the advisability oC the occupation of a coaling station at Hawaii, to be used as a base of opera tions m an attack on the Spanish possessions m the Pacific Ocean.

Mr McKinley has authorised Me Sm alley, the New York correspondent of 7he Times, to reiterate that America has no intention of annexing Ouba.

Captain Sampson's Key West squad ron comprised twenty-three vessels. News has been received that General Blanco's patriotic appeals aroused in tense enthusiasm m Ouba. Crowds swore to resist the Americans to the last.

Havana baa six months' provisions. Several of the cables connected with the submarine mines m New York harbour have been cut. Bpanish spits ate suspected

New Yobk, April 23

Owing to the stagnation m the American wool market, caused by the war, American buyers are re-shipping twenty thousand bales of wool to London.

Washington, April 23 President McKinley h&a authorised Mr SmalJey to declare that all America gratefully responds to the friendly sentiments expressed to the United States by Great Britain.

Captain Sampson, who was stationed at Key West, has a powerful squadron under his command. This squadron comprises two battleships, four cruisers, three monitors, eight gunboats, and six torpedo boats.

Madrid, April 23 A financial panic has occurred m Madrid and Barcelona, and there has been a severe run on the Bank of Spain and its branches.

The Cape Verde squadron is await ing reinforcements from Cadiz before

sailing.

The train by which General Wood fcrd, the American Minister, left Madrid was stoned at Valladolid, white an attempt was made at Volosa to de tain his secretary, but was frustrated. April 24 ' Spain will not issue letters of marque, but will exercise the right of search by means of warships and auxiliary mercantile cruisers.

Sydney, April 24 The Post Office has received a mes sage from Sir Charles Todd, of Ade laide, that London wired that war had been declared.

This is mo doubt the same message as the Cable Company at Wakapuaka received this morning, to the effect that war had actually been declared and there might be an outbreak of hostilities at any moment:

There is considerable excitement m the city and the papers are issuing special war editions. There are large crowds around the offices.

The steamer Taiyuan has arrived from the East. When she left Manila harbor and other portions of tha Phillipines they were being strongly fortified. She reports that Spain has a powerful squadron at the Philippines A rising of a semi-religious character had occurred m Zambales province, m the Philippines, under the leadership of a native named Gabino, who was looked upon as a supernatural agent, destined to drive out the Catholic priest c. Great secrecy was maintained, and discontent was widely spread before it was discovered. The leader was captured and shot m the presence of a large number of his followers

The Spanish authorities are adopting stringent measures to suppress the revolt

| The Taiyuan reports that the Spanish squadron at the Philippine* ' consists of the cruisers Oastilla, Don Juan De Austria, Don Antonio Do Ulloa, Isla De Luzon, Isla De Cuba, Reina Christina, and Velasco; the gunboats Argos, Blanco, General Lezo, and Marquis Del Dueroj the troopships Oebuj General Alva apd Manila; also twentj-foar small river gunboats

Mblboubnb, April 24. The Acting Governor has received oifioial notification from Mr Chamber lain regarding the necessity for strict neutrality m connection with the war.

Washington, April 2i President McKinlay has summoned 125,000 volunteers to serve for two years. He asks Congress to declare, war to regularise the situation,

THE ABHBUBTOJS GUARDIAN: MONDAY, APBIL 25, 1898.



Mr Cuyler ia one of the leading merohanta of this village and one of the most prominent men m this vioinity.— -W. G. Phikpin, Edi- tor Red Creek Herald. For Bftle by Aslr burtpa Dru? Oompaay,



Gold I Gold t Gold ! Gold ! Bright, and yollow, hard, and cold 1 Thousands of rich people would give all they possess to have nature's wealth — "Good Health." Cani sumption frequently starts, with a nasty little cough* A bottle of Wood's Great Peppermint Cure will atop this or any kind of oough. Yes, stop it at once. Go to the store and get a bottle straight away— it's only |ls KOZIE TEA. Most Eeouomioai



Public Notices. TO OUB SUBSCEIBEKB. IT IS hereby notified that all Contracts to deliver the Ashburton Mail and Aahburton Guardian made prior to March 19th last, whether subscribers may have paid m advance or otherwise, will be carried out under the conditions originally existing, except with regard to the <f free list" which is under revision ; and all contracts re advertisements prior to March 19th last, will be similarly carried out. , THE ASHBURTON PUBLISHING CO HENRY WILLIS, Manager. 1348 OTAGO'S JUBILEE 1898 NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING JFACTORT'S Jubilee Commemoration. COMPETITION mHE PROPRIETORS OF THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY h*ve decided to commemorate the Jubilee of Obago by presenting A CHEQUE, VALUE £25, To the person who oorreotly estimates the Number of Visitors to the Otago Jubilee Exhibition (exolusive of season tioket holders) from date of opening, Maroh 22, to June 4 inclusive. Should no one give the oorreob result, the person who guesses nearesb will receive the above cheque, £25 ; if moro than one person guesses the correot number the £25 will be equally divided amongst the successful competitors. OB- THE PROPRIETORS make NO RESTRICTIONS as regards competing for tho above valuable price. Every Man, Woman, and Child m New Zealand may compete by applying for Forma at our Exhibit, near Fernery m Exhibition, or at any of our 36 Retail Branches throughout the Colony. The above Competition closes on SATUR- DAY, May 14, 1898. All anßwers must reach us by that date. H ALLENSTEIN BROS. & Co., DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY'S JUBILEE OOMMEM- ORATION COMPETITION. . 43 . Church Services ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Aahburton. WEDNESDAY— G.F S. 7.30 p.m. THURSDAY— Vestry Meeting, 3.30 p.nc . ; Meeting of the St. Stephen's Guild, 7 30 p m. j Consecration service, 8 p.m. FRIDAY— Shoit service, 7.30 p.m. j Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES (May 1). , 11 a.m.— Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion. c 3 p.m.— Green' treet — Rev. T. A. Hamil- ton. Q 6.30 p.m.— -Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



F. FERRIMAN. FIFTY THREE YEARS 1 UNIINTERRUPTIiiD l c SUCCESSS. [ 8 IMMMMM y This Chemical Prepartion ia CARBOLISED as a remedy against the ravages of Birds, Rooks, or other Pests taking the seed dressed with it* THIS PREPARATION IS NOW BEING USED EXTENSIVELY IN THE COLONIES OF NEW ZEALAND, AUS- TRALIA, & CENTRAL AFRICA. WHEAT SOWING. Best) and Cheapest DressiDg for seed Wheat, OARBOLISED. Patronised by THOUSANDS OF THE FIRST PRACTICAL FARMERS m the Kingdom. PERFEOT FREEDOM FROMJ SMUT. "■. % It is acknowledged to be an Established Faot thab D. CLARKE'S CARBOLISED WHEAT 1 PROTECTOR (Name and Label Registered under Trade Marks Act, JSo. 13,796 and 158,143) HAS BEEN USED FIFTY-THREE YEARS WITH UNDEVIATING SUCCESS XT has been amply proved by the Testi- monials of Thousands of the First Practical Agriculturalists m the KiDgdom, thab this Preparation materially assists the Germina- tion of the Seed, causing the young Plant to come up much sooner, and grow more vigor- ously, protects it to maturity from the ' ravages of the Slug, Grub, and Wireworm, 1 tkdds firmness to the Straw to support the Ear. Seed dressed with this Preparation may remain for any length of time without sustaining injury, and invariably j PRODUCES WHEAT PERFECTLY [FREE FROM SMUT, And of greater Value than that grown a from Seed dre&sed with other Preparations.^ IS* Farmers are Solicited to make en. quiry of any Gentleman who hiiß tried it, and decide as to Purchasing it according to the Character given of it-f^ST^f;*;" C* m " IMPORTANT TESTIMONIAL. *.T Wool Pitp, Ledbury. Herpfordshire, October 23, 1889. Dear Sib,— -I am pleased to testify to the efficacy of your " Carbolised Wheat Pro- tec tor," having used your Protector for 40 years and never haying grown a Smutty Eir of Corn m my life ; therefore can con- fidently recommend your " Wheat Protec- tor " as a Bure preventative for Smut, &o. — I a>n, yours truly, Mc.G. B. Clarke. G. B. JONES. Prepare by G B. CLARKE, M.P.S., Minftg. Chemist, Woburn, Beds., EDgland (Proprietor of the Sheep Dipping Com- position.) In Packets containing suffioienb to dress * Eight Bushels of Seed Wheat, Barley, Oats, or other Corn. AGENT FOR ASHBURTON : « F. FERRIMAN. \Do nof 6e persuaded fo wqyany gf/fiei/p/fef/om* ff^ 1 gvioxofi mmp was 7/>eyarepi/re#j}i/mO/eso/nm m T/ig fast money and E experience cap Avv. £afhesfsa/e/n/7usf/v/as/a. f^SOLD BY AL^ GROCERS |f jl RHEUMATISM CUBED. . My wife has used Chamberlain* Pain ' Balm for rheumatism with great relief, and I oan recommend it as a splendid liniment for rheumatism and other ** "lsehold use for , which we have found fu yw tiable,— W» <J» Opyl&b, Bed Creek, N.Y,



INOANDESENT GAS-LIGHT \ EXCUESION WASHER 1,000,000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN AWAY TO PUEOHASEBS OP EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing Powder m the World. A Large HONEYCOMB TOWEL given withJfEhree Packets. A TURKIBH ROLLER TOWEL or ft Largo HAND or; BATH TURKISH OCQWEL given with ODwelve Peokets. SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT ■■ MERCHANTS, Market house, burnett u street, ashburton. Telephone No. 63. 21 CASES 8 BALES. V M. & T, / EX TOKAMABU3 NOW OPENING. MITCHELL & TURNER, DRESS & FASHION. ANDREW ORR TT AS Opened an immccse Stock of New Goods for the Autumn and Winter. Hundreds of New Capos and Jackets, m all shades. The latest style*. DKSSES, COSTUME MATERIALS. SPECIALLY SELECTED. LOVELY GOODS. JSO DoEen Ladies' Corßets m all makes, including the Cycle Coreefr, LADIES' GAITERS IN ALL SHADES, . Millinery, NEW SHAPES, NEW MODELS, m thejlateat up to date style. LadieB 1 and Gentlemen's boots and Bhoes— French, English, and Colonial. ITHE BEST MAKES ONLY KEPT4IN STOCK. ALL GUARANTEED MARVELLOUS VALUE. INSPECHON INVITED. ANDREW ORR. INCANDESCENT GAS-LIGHT. (WELSBACH PATENTS). ■ Q» GREiT BEDUCTION IM PRICES HAVING made Special and more Advantageous terms with the Australasian Incandescent Gas Light Company, Ltd., and being appointed Sole Agent for Ashburton, I am now able to offer you these burners at ihe following reduced prices : — C BURNERS, PLAIN, COMPLETE, 15s EACH. O BURNERS, "AVON," WITH BYE PASS, 17s 6d EACH. N BURNERS, PLAIN, 10s EACH. N BURNERS, WITH BYE PASS, 11b 6d EACH. Mantles for above are now reduced to 2s 6d each. No Householder oan aflord to be at>y longer without the Incandescent Light The O Burner gives FIVE (5) times the light of an ordinary gas burner with consumption of less than TWO-THIRDS of the gas. The N Burner gives DOUBLE the light of an ordinary gas burner, with a con- sumption of gas less than ONE-THIRD of the gas. FOR FULL PARTICULARS APPLY TO W. J. ADAMS, PLUMBER AND GASFITTEB, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON, SOLE AGENT FOR ASHBURTON. 4 99