Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1898. AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Wi.R now appears Inevitable between America and Spain, over the Cuban question. Within twenty-four hours we may expect to hear either thab hostilities have actually begun or that either party have moderated their demands and the evil day has been put off, but the alter native seems too much to hope for. The Spaniards with the old pride and hot temper of their race, have yielded much already m the interests of peace and at the instigation of friendly Continental powers, bnt the limit of their patience appears to have been reached, and they may be expected to reject the ultimatum that President McKinley has given them and take the dire consequences of the refusal. There is a strong party m America which has from the first been averse to war, and it has been owing to the influence of it that peace has been maintained till the eleventh hour ; but it has been overruled at last by the jingoistic element m both Houses of Parliament, and from the decision arrived at there appears no possibility of drawing back. That decision was reached only after disgraceful scenes had occurred m the Legislature, and it ig sad to view even at this distance from the scene, such a sight as the law makers of the United States have presented to the world over this question, tla^ ib been some matter of domestic legislation over which party feeling ran high, there might havo been some condonation, but to allow strong political party feeling to decide the terrible issue of peace or war between two great j^wers la what wo have not yet seen m modern British history, and iho British mind revolts at the Wea. But the die has been cast for the x J^te4 fciates, and the American people must stand the hf<z\rd. And they appear to "° prepared loyally to do so. Alrra^y men are enrolling for the army by hundreds of thousands, and whatever may ba the condition of the Uiiied States army as regard s training, discipline, andeqa pja n>, no one will be able to cavil at io m regard to numbers. The first movement intended appears to be an invasion of Cuba by the American land forces, and the chances arc that there will be a stiff campaign on the island, but the great conflict must Inevitably be naval, and though America may have a tremendously numerous army, ani provide herself rapidly with a feet, she has an immense seaboard to guard, and is painfully vulnerable m many ways to the attacks of a strong naval power. Soon, however, she will have to show her hand, and having done so her enemy will doabtleßS be ready to sry conclusions with her. One has rather a sad reflection on the fact that but a short time ago, when the great Chicago exhibition was opened America by cable sent congratulations to Madrid to a descendant of Columbus on the greatness to which the country had attained that had been discovered by his illustrious ancestor. And now America is about to plunge into bitter war with the country that gave birth to her great discoverer.

PHASES OF THE MOON.

April.

Local and General.

Magistekial, — A first offender was brought before Mr R» Aloorn, J.P., this morning for being drunk, and was discharged with a caution.

The Mails. — The mails per Alameda, from Auckland (Maroh 19), a day early, and the malls per Miowera, from Wellington March 12), reached London on April 1, four days late.

Earthquake Recobding Instrument— -A communication received by the Premier from the Agent-General (reports a Press Association telegram from Wellington) shows that two seismometers, for whioh the sum of £100 was placed on the Estimates last session, were to have been ready for shipment towards the end of March.

The Weather.— All Ashburton and South Canterbury farmers are rejoicing ab the first wet) day for many months. A week's rain would do a world of good. Contain Edwin reports that the barometer will be !°W m the south on the 27th and 28th, and that it is probable that this will be preceded by high winds from the north and west from Napier and New Plymouth southward.

Alleged Theft. — A Maori lad, named Te Apate, was charged ab the Hastings Magistrate's Court on Thursday with the theft of a bicycle. Accused, who is only thirteen years old, first said he paid a man £15 for the maohine, but subsequently admitted taking jit to ride home. The Bench dealt with the case summarily, imposing a fine of £2.

iNDiscRBEt Constables. —An applicant for relief to the Trustees of the Wellington Benevolent Institution this week informed the meeting that he had lost two billets through the police mentioning to his employers that he had been m gaol. Mr 0. P. Browne strongly objected to" this conduct on the part of the police, and was generally prompted by a desire to show how clever they were.

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's suits to measure, usual price 90a, now 70a ; Men's trousers, usual prioe 253, now 15s 6d ; etc We have also pleasure m notifying that we have just been appointed agents for the famous "British Monarch 1 " Waverley" andEclipse-Humber Bicycles (both gentß* and ladies'), which we are now selling with all the 11 up-to-date " improvements afa the lowest caßh prices, or on the most liberal terms to suit the convenience of our customers. (Every maohine guaranteed).—- Cbaighkad and Bbbbyman, the loading Tailori and Outfitters, j

A Case of Drunkenness,— A Napier] telegram states that John Mcllveen, \ manager of the Hagey Institute for the cure of drunkards, was charged at the Magis trate's Court this morning with beiug help lesßly drunk, and waa remanded for four days for medical treatment. J Jubilee Teeth." — The Bruce Herald ia informed of a singular freak of nature ocourring at Waihora. A respected resident, Mr Fiick, who is seventy-six years of age, shows signs of cutting a new (natural) set of <eetb. One tooth is almost matured, and its possessor styles the novel acquisition hia "Jubilee tooth." S?me time ago a simi lar occurrence was chronicled by an Eug lish paper, and was regarded as unique. The National Anthem — Apparently to many people the National Anthem is of a more sacred character than any religious hervioe. At the service held at the Volun teer camp m Wellington on Sunday morn ing (says the Evening Post), it was noticed that hardly one of the male spectators uncovered his head at any portion of the service, while at the first strains of the National Anthem a large majority of the hats wene immediately "whipped off. Christie Murray on New Zealand.— j In his new book of travels, entitled " The Cockney Columbus," Mr D. Christie Murray maintains that New Zealand is not only the most interesting and richest m promise of all the Australasian colonies, bub ia destined to be the future home of the dominant race of the Southern Hemisphere. On the scenic splendours of both Islands, Mr Murray expatiates with striking descriptive power and manifestly unfeigned enthusiasm. Inspection of Fruit.— ln a letter re ceived by the Auckland Harbour Board from the Government entomologist, Captain Brown, with reference to the question of the importation of soale-infeßted fruit from Tahiti, Raratonga and other islands, the writer suggested that the Harbour Bowed, aßßisted, if neoessary, by the Shipping Com panies and importers, should allow one of their most reliable men to help the entomo logist m the inspection of fruit as soon as it was landed. The Board agreed to appoint a man, the cost to be divided between the importers and the Shipping Companies. Irrigation. —A largely attended Con ference of delegates from the various local bodies m Canterbury, inoluding the Agri cultural and Pastoral Associations, County Councils, Chamber of Commerce, etc, waa held m f/hristohurch on Thursday under the auspices of the Canterbury A. and P. As sooiation. The Conference was held to consider the question of irrigation, and a number of resolutions were passed on the subject. A oommittee was appointed to go into the matter and make recommendations as to what legislation would be necessary, and lo report to an adjourned meeting of the (Jonference, to be held prior to the session of Parliament. A Windy Section. — Multitudinous reasons (saya the Wellington 2'imes) were advanced at the Assessment Court by land owners m support of their contentions that valuations Bhould be reduoed. There was a deal of sameness about raosb of them, but a glimmer of originality was occasionally 1 sprung upon the Judge. One man, for ' instance, deprecated the value of his little i plot because it was badly situated, and was : far from being a paradise, inasmuch as no j trains went out to it, and the dreamy soli , tude of. the place was constantly disturbed b by a howling gale whiph raged sijf days out , of the seven, A week without wind, m r fact, was an unheard of circumstance. The Court granted the relief applied for.

A Train Bomjsarded with Stones. — Particulars of the stone-throwing incident on the Manawatu railway line on Monday show that while the late train between Palmerston and Wellington was running from Kereru to Levin a large stone, weigh ing about a couple of pounds, crashed without the least warning through a window of one of the first-cla-8 carriages, m which a number of ladies and gentlemen were seated. The missle struck a lady, Mrs Curtis, oty Qns of her hands, doing ooußider able injury, an-j^ rebounding on to the knee of another passenger, IVJios Upliam, with great force, cut through her : dress, the result being ; lh»t an exceedingly painful wound was inflicted. Both the ladies Qftturaiiy received a severe sho.ck. Jo fact, evervutiw ia tl)8 o^F ria ß e was g^atly alarmed. The Iveii) ZMan* 7iws states that two small boys, a&* n^e aod ten years respectively, threw the stones'.

TjIB POLJOEMKN AND THE COMMISSION. — More than once on Thursday it was implied or stated that policemen would not give evi dence before the Commission because they were afraid of losing their positions, or could not do certain duty because their hands were tied. Commissioner Tunbridge repeated tin assurance he had made that the men need have no apprehension over the first, and as regarded the second matter he said he wished it to go forth publicly that he desired to have their minds disabused at once. As Commissioner of Police he would like the police to take action m any breaches of the law, whether against publicans or prohibitionists, and any man having it m his mind that he was nob to do so, or said^ he was not to do so, was under a wrong im pression or was deliberately telling what was not true. The wider this was made known the better would he (the Commis sioner) like it.

The Serious Illness of Mr Dan Barry.

There is no man with whom the theatrical and theartre-going public of Australasia are better acquainted than Mr Dan Barry, the popular actor-manager of the Alexandra Theatre, Melbourne. B Recently one of oir representatives p»ld 3 a vlsio Co him at his osce, and he courts -1 onsly granted a request for a few minutes' conversation. , 'My life has been a varied one, ? said I Mr Barry, * and there are bub few cities > and towns jin Australia 1 have not visited. l * A theatrical manager has much to do mentally, and as a result J commenced to feSl the strain some two years ago. Frequently 1 ' alti i mentally and physipally, quite exhausted- Iwa? al «0 affected with neuralgia m my head, which «T/' en seriously interfered wi h my duties. At night my sleep was restless and of no recuperative benefit, and my illness commenced to tell on me so seriously that I consulted a medical man. He told me that my system had run down, and thab I wanted a tonic. He gave me some pretty expensive medical advice, which developed into a large-sized bill. I would not have had any objection to the bill had I received atiy benefit ; but I had nob ; so I tried a second medical mm, with no better result than the consoling information that my evident state of debility and want of tone required me to take an extensive resb. This rest waa, of course an impossibility. Noticing my indisposition, a fellow-professional sug gested I should try Dr Williams' Pink Pills. I followed his advice, and purchased a supply. After using these pills for six weeks I found myself free from all signs of debility and its atten ills, and fully recovered m spirits and health ; m short), ' Richard was himself again.' ' * And you recommend them ? ' 'Yes, I do. If I see any member of my company showing the least eigr.s of brain fag or being run down, I recom mended a course of Dr Williams' Pink Pills, and have never known them to fail.' \ These pills can be obtained from all [chemists and storekeepers, or from the ' Er Williams' Modiclne Company, Welling ton, N.Z ; one box for 2., or six for 15 j. 9J., post paid. They positively cure indigestion, Insomnia, nouralgla, nervous prostration, general debility, sciatica, lumbago, ai)ievnia, all female irregularities, loss of Btrength, heat and sick headaches, effects < f fevers, ec, etc. If you suffer from any ailment whatsoever, arising from a disordered or unhealthy blood, you should try a course. In your oase (she cure will be just as permanent and inexpensive as m the case of Mr Pan Starry

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH

Annual Meeting' of Parishioners The annual meeting of parishioners was held m Sb. Stephen's schoolroom on Thurs day evening. The night was very wet and dark, bub as twenty-seven men and two Indies faced the inclemency of the weather, it was decided to go on with the meeting. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton, vicar, presided. ANNUAL REPORTS. The Vicar read hiß aunu<il report, which after giving detailed figures of services, attendances, etc  m connection with the work of the parish during the year, and eap?oially at Easter, went on to state that at the three Sunday schools there were roll numbers totalling 342 scholars and 35 teachers. £30 had been received for the Sister Mary fund. The choir was doing good work, as well as the various organi sations of Christian helpers. The parish magazine had a circulation of 300, and while supplying wholesome literature for family reading formed a useful record of events m the history of the parish. Certain repairs to the church buildings would engage the officers' attention during the year. The financial condition of the church waß satis factory thanks to "straight out giving, chiefly through the offertory." To make, up any deficiency m the general expenses a special offertory was suggested, and Trinity Sunday was recommended as a suitable oooasion. The Vioar oonoluded a hopeful report with thanks and encouragement to the workers m the parish. The ohurohwardens reported very shortly. The balance sheet having been already m the hands of the parishioners, was taken as read. The total receipts for the year were £445 18s and the expenditure £467 7s, leaving a debib balance of £21 9a. Since the printing of the balance sheet, however, the debt had been reduoed to £11 19a, with all outstand ing accounts paid. Of the total receipts foi general expenses £305 11s 3d oame direot through the offertories, £35 was given m subscriptions, and £38 paid for pew rates. The special offertories given to missions, etc., amounted to £47 13* 4d, of which £11 was collected for the Hawke's Bay Relief Fund, £9 lls lid for St Mary's Refuge Home. The Melanesian Mission received' £5 2a, the Churoh Mission Fund £10 103 9J, the Maori Mission £1 17s lOd, The neb proceeds of the Diamond Jubilee servioe, £4 17s sd, were given to the Convaleßcenb Ward, Ashburtoo | Hospital. i On the motion of Mr T. Bullock, seconded by Mr Cox, the report and balance sheet as presented bjg the churchwardens were adopted. CHOIR AND SUNDAY SCHOOLS. , Mr J. B. Ward, seoretary to St. Stephen's choir, handed m the report of the state and condition, etc., of the the choir, which showed that although several members had left there were still 38 members, of whom 13 were (boys. Considerable progress had been made by the latter under the choii master — Mr H. Gates. Mr Stock, superintendent of the St Stephen's school, and Mr T. Gates, super intendent of the Dromore school, read reports of the work done m their respective schools during the past year and commended the work of the teachers to the prayers and monetary support of the parishioners. Mr Ferriman, superintendent of the Hampstead School, made a verbal reporb on the condition of the school, and suggested that parents, church officers, etc,, Bhould i visit the Bohool occasionally on Sundays to observe the wot k carried on. \ JtLECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers to serve on the vestry was then proceeded with. The Vicai announoed thab Dr. Trevor had kindlj consented to act as the clergyman's church warden. On the motion of Mr E. Stephens, seconded by Mr P. Cox, Mr T. Bullock was 1 unanimously eleoted pariahonera* warden. Both of these appointments were greeted with rounds of applause. The following were elected vestrymen : — Messrs Biand, Cambridge, Cox, Dent, Fetriman, Hardie, Hobbs, Paul, Shrimpton, and Stock. VOTES OF THANKS. Mr Bullock proposed and DfY Trevoi seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the church wardens and vestry for the way m which they had carried out their duties during the year. A vote of thanks was also accorded to the lay readers, choir, orchestra, Sunday school teachers and all other church workers. This was proposed by Mr Cox and seconded by Dr Trevor. The latter commended very highly the services of the orchestra, which -«Biated at the evening services, and also the splendid behaviour of the chorister boys — which stood m marked contrast to the state of things formerly. He felt also that labours of the Sunday school teachers would be duly appreciated} ji>y all. On the motion of Mr Ferriman ? seconded by He Trevor, special votes of thanks were passed to Mrs Halsall for her care of the surplices and attar linen, gand also to the sidesmen for their zealous and patient work m seating the congregations every Sunday.

CtyUßOg: ENLARGEMENT. The reports of the two committees ap pointed by the parishioners to canvass for funds and obtain a loan for the enlargement of the phurch, were then received. It waß shown thac about £4Q5 was available, but no canvass had as yet been made until it could be ascertained how much 'could be borrowed from the Church Property Trustees. Nothing definite had as yet been done m the matter. The following resolution, proposed by Mr Stephens and seconded by Mr Fox, was carried, via : " That it be a recommendation to the incoming Vestry to proceed to the enlargement of the church m the way found most practicable, as funds are available." A vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman for presiding. The chairman, m thanking the parishioners for the kindly feeling evinced towards him, said he had endeavored to do all that lay m his power for their spiritual welfare. The parish was a town parish, with a large population, with suburo3 and country work thrown m, and until a curate was appointed it was impossible to do as much visit ing as kome might expect, although he had paid over 1000 "visits during the year. Oases of sicknesß were always 1i is first care, and when a curate or a deaconess was appointed much more might be accomplished. In order to maintain the services up to a high standard, it was neoessary that a clergyman should be allowed some tjtne m his study, and nob fa foe continually on the move m the Sfreefc. The business of the parishioners was to fiv* 1 "^ 8 the " Priesthood of tlje Ey/Vnd oto0 to help the* iO -.^ his work by active co-operation and eneig.^.. sympathy m welcoming strangers, reporting cases of sickness, &c. The meeting then concluded m the usual wayt

FOOTBALL.

The annual general meeting of the Excel sior Football Club was held m the Templar Hall laßt evening. There was a fair attend ance of members, and Mr D. Revell oocupied the chair. The following officers were e'tcted for the ensuing year :— Captain — M. Baker ; vice-captain— C. Alcorn ; seoretary — W. Berg ; treasurer — D. Revell ; committee— B. Moriarty, T. Nolan, L. Kidd. The membership fee was fixed at Is 6d, and it was deoided to keep the same colors as last year— blue and white. It was re solved to open the season with a practioe match m the Domain on Thursday, May 5.

Hollow ay's Pills and Ointment— Some occupations tend to the development of certain diseases, and those who toil as miners are peculiarly liable to rheumatism, lumbago, and other allied complaints. Jin the gold fields and copper mines Hollo way's remedies have been largely patronised by the workers to their very great advantage, and they can be confidently recommended as invaluable remedies for inward conjestions, spasms, and cramps m the bowels, and all those condi tions of the lungs and liver to which those who work underground or m impure atmo spheres are so peculiarly liable. For cuts, bruises, sprains and stiffened joints, the aotion of Holloway's Ointment is eminently healing and soothing, and a supply should always be at hand m case of need. RHEUMATISM CURED. My wife has ÜBed Chamberlain's Pain Balm for rheumatism with great relief, and I can recommend it as a splendid liniment for rheumatism and other household use for whioh we have found it valuable,— W. J,\ Cuyljr, Red Creek, N.¥.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association — By Electrio Telegaph— Copyright. London, April 20 Ab the tallow sales beef declined 3d, and the mutton offered remained unsold. The American viaible wheat supply is , estim .ted at 39,141,000 bushels. Wheat and flour are advancing, and a further rise of la has taken place. The market is very strong. Adelaide, April 21 The Government scutiat's completed estimate of the wheat yield is 4,014,000 bushele, being an average of 2,64 bushels per acre. Tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following London cable message, dated April 20 :— " Tallow — There is little demand, and the tone of the market is weaker. " Wheat — Market is excited owing to the possibility- of war. New Zealand wheat parcels) ia worth, c.i.f. to arrive, 38a per 480 Ib. "Frozen Meat— Mutton market firm. Canterbury, Southland, and Wellington mutton are worth respectively 3|d, 3£d, 3d per lb. (Last quotations were 3|d, 3£d, and 2£d per lb). Lamb market weak. Canter bury lamb is worth 4£d per lb. (Laßt quo tation was 4Jd, Messrs Dalgety and Company, Limited, have received the following cable message from their London office under date 20th mat. :— " The market for tallow on the spot is dull. Since our last telegram beef tallow m general is 3d lower ; for other descriptions prices are barely maintained, but we cannot quote a deoline." Napibb, April 22 Nelson Bros, have received the following cable from the C.C. and D. Company, London : — Frozen meat market, to-day's quotations, best Canterbury mutton 3§d, Napier and North Island 3d. - Owing to recent heavy arrivals and the large stocks m store there is a further fall m value. Frozen lamb, first quality 4£d, second 4d.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

Mr David Thomas reports upon the live stock market m the Ashburton county for the week ending April 22 :— On Tuesday, at the Tinwald Yards, the usual weekly Bale was held. The attendance of farmers, dealers, and others was good, and a better tone was noted m the market, resulting ia a clearance being made. The bulk of the entry were crossbred ewes and lambs. One line of four-tooth ewes was passed at auction at Is 6d, but sold privately after the sale. Several good lota of lambß were submitted from 4s 9d, 7s 6d, to 9s 9d. The total entry for the day consisted of 2595 sheep, 18 rams, 71 cattle, and 42 piga, of which my entry comprised 1567 sheep, 6 rams, 28 cattle, 10 pigs, which I disposed of at the following priceß : — Sheep— 46 fat ewes 7s 3d, 2 lambs 3a 6d, 11 merino ewes 2a lOd, 28 crossbred ewes 6s Id, 34 crossbred ewes 6s, 28 cross bred ewes 6a 9d, 26 crossbred ewes 2a 6d, 32 crossbred ewes 3s Bd, 39 lambs 7s, 68 lambs 6s 2d, 39 lambs 43 6d, 115 merino ewes Is 7d, 135 lambs 4s BJ, 140 crossbred ewes 2a sd, 269 two-tooth ewes 7s lid, 37 lambs 4s Id, 226 crossbred ewes 4s, 3 English Leicester rams £1 Is, 4 English Leicester rams £1 Is, 188 lambs 4a lid. Cattle— 2 fat heifers £5 5?, 2 cattle £2 10s, 1 heifer £3 17s 6cl, 2 heifers, £2 2s 6d ; Stores— l heifer 13.3 6d, 2 calves 8% 2 steers 9a, 1 dairy cow £3 10s, 1 dairy cow £4 10s, 1 calf 10s, 1 bull 10a, 1 cow £1 13. Pigs— l sow £1 103, 8 pigs ss. On Saturday, April 16, at the A r aide, the usual weekly horse sale took plaoe. There was an entry of 26 head, and amongst them 10 useful draughts from south, including two mares, were greatly admired, and were offered as a pair but withdrawn at £106, after which I offered them singly, and Mr J. Taylor got hia choice at £60. The other was passed out at Mr Moses* bid of £53. Of the total entered I succeeded m placing several at the following prices : — Bay gelding £35 10?, bay mare £60, bay filly £30, bay gelding £28 10a, bay filly £29, bay gelding £32 10s, brown mare £19, bay gelding £18 10s, bay gelding £14, bay hack £6 10s, black gelding £1 10j. Etaraeas and sundries at full market rates.

THE SUPREME COURT BENCH

DR. PENNEFATHER APPOINTED TEMPORARY JUDGE. Press Association — By Electric] Telegraph. Wellington, April 21 Dr 1?. W. Pennefather, an English barrister, at one time private secretary to Sir William Jervoia, and for the last seven years law lecturer at the Adelaide University, has been appointed to act temporarily as Supreme Oourt Judge m the absence of Mr Justice Williams. "

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign. Press Association— ?By Eleotric Telegraph- Copyright. The Tabernacle Burned. London, April 20 The flues m the kitchen underneath Spurgeon's Tabernacle set fire to the building while dinner was beiug prepared for the Pastors' Conference then sitting. The property was insured for half of the value. The communion plate and records were saved. The Rev. Thomas Spurgeon calmly conducted the conference until a retreat from the Pastor's College was advisable. Canaila?s Preferential Tariff Ottawa, April £}Q Ihe Dominion Souse ' of Commons passed tariff resolutions extending pre ference to the extent of a one-fourth reduction ojt duties on British, New South Wales, and Indian goods, and on British West Indian sugars. Preference will probabjy be extended to Fiji and Queens land sugarg, Society of iiigineer'3 Mr G. N. Barnes has been re-elecfceu Secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers. Fire m Vienna "Vienna, April 21 The Vienna Bourse his been destroyed by fire.

LABOR.

The Miners' Strike. Press Association— By Eleotric Telegraph- Copyright. Received Wakapuaka April 22, 930 a. mi Guardian Office, 10 24 am. London, April 21 The miners' strike is involving the South Wales industries m a loss of three hundred thousand pounds weekly. Including those idle m the iron industry some two hundred thousand persons are out of work. The local authorities concerned are asking the Board of trade to settle the difficulty.

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

The San Francisco Mail Service An Admiral's Views. Opening of the Spanish Cortes Patriotic Speech by the Queen Regent Immense Enthusiasm iv Madrid Excitement m America American Fleet Waiting for the Signal. Spanish Fleet on the Move. Spain will spring a Surprise Revolution m Naval Warfare Americans offer rewards for Capture of Spanish Flags and Generals Thousands of Sioux Indians Volunteer for America Washington, April 20 The American naval authorities have purchased four steamers of the Beaver line for cruisers Washington, April 21 Senor Bernabe applied for his pass ports, and has quitted Washington; He has entrusted the interests of Spain to the French and Austrian Ministers at Washington.' The American ultimatum has been formally transmitted to Spain. The American Government has officially announced that it will not resort to privateering. Groat Britain is pressing Spain to make a similar declaration. It is reported that the American Government has purchased the steamers Etruria and TJmbria. President McKinley's ultimatum has evoked a remarkable patriotic outburst throughout America. A number of persons have become insane through over excitement, while some have committed suicide. The House passed the Bill authoris ing the summoning of volunteers. Madrid, April 21 The opening of the Cortes was an impressive and brilliant scene; All the wealth and beauty of Madrid were present. Queen Christina and the young King Alfonso were received with intense enthusiasm. The Queen Regent's speech declared that part of the American people, fearing that the autonomy of Cuba would frustrate the rebels' scheme, in dulged m threats and intolerable pro vocations. The action of the Pope and the European Powere had strengthened the conviction that Spain deserved universal sympathy. Queen Christina said she had every confidence that the Cortes would defend her throne, honor and territory at whatever sacrifice. She concluded with an eloquent peroration, expressingsupreme confidence that the nation would emerge triumphant from the crisis, which was provoked without reason or justice. The speech provoked tremendous applaus.6, and the Royalties, received^ great ovations m the streets. Eighty-three thousand volunteers m Cuba have offered to co-operate with General Blanco. London, April 21 The Continental newspapers strongly condemn America's hypocritical policy, which they declare is due to specula tors' influence. Pretoria. April 21 Prominent Americans m the Trans vaal have offered two thousand men and to defray the cost of their trans port to any place where they may be wanted. Sydney, April 21 With reference to the effect the war is likely to have on the San Francisco mail service, the Postmaster-General states that no doubt efforts will be made to maintain the service as at present. In shipping circles it is be lieved the American company will take the initiative, and have its vessels registered m a British port or hand over the trade entirely to British hands. The Admiral, who leaves at the end of the month with H.M.S. Royal Arthur on a visit to New Zealand, and who. was formerly on the American station, m the course of an interview expressed the^opinion that America should triumph easily. The natidn has money, resources, and plenty of go, while Spain has none of these. Thd conflict should not be of long duration. America would without doubt' imme : diately invade Cuba, and when once that i 8 accomplished what could Spain hope for ? Referring to the fact ttyat neither country is a party to, tlje Treaty qf Paris, he said thp world would probably have to witness another series of Alabama exploits. Received Wakaptiaka April 22, 9.30 a.m., Guabwan Office 10.24 a.m. Washington, April 21 The American newspapers are offering rewards for the first Spanish flagscaptured m the campaign. One offers a thousand dollars for the capture of Grenefal Wejle? dead or alive. Two thousand Sioux Indians have volunteered to serve undei bbc American flag. It ia rumoured that the purchase, by America of the Cunard linen? Etrarl^ an<| Umbria is now officially denied. Madrid, April 21 General Woodford has left Madrid fop Paris. Received Wakapuaka April 22, 11 a.m., Guardian Office, 11.45 a.m. New York, April 21 Key West reports an American fleet consisting of twenty-three fighting ships anchored six miles off the shore waiting for the signal to sail for Havana. A, Spanish squadron which was assembled of Cape Verde has sailed, its destination being unkown. A Madrid message predicts that the first engagement will prove a complete surprise. Tne American naval commander has arranged to co-operate with the Cuban Insurgents and is supplying war material. One of the Cuban leaders viaitinp New York states that five thousand Cubans are willing to return to the Island with the American troop?. Received Wakapuaka April 22, 10 a.m., Guardian Office, 10 50 a.m. Sydney, April 22 The war news has had little effect on the looal markets, though they are m a very sensitive condition; The wool Bale|

THE ASHBURTOJS GOABDIAfI : FEIDAY, APBIL 22, 1898.



D H M Full moon „. „ 7 850 am Last quarter 14 1 58 am New moon ... „ 21 951 am First quarter M w 29 135 pm



" A word to the wise is sufficient " and a word from the wise should be sufficient, but you ask, who are the wise ? Those who know. The oft repeated experience of trust- worthy persons may be taken for knowledge. Mr W. M. Terry says Chamberlain's Cough Remedy gives better satisfaction than any other m the markeb. He has been m the drug bueineas .at Elkton, Ky,, for twelve years; has sold hundreds of bottles of this remedy and nearly all other cough medicines manufactured, which shows conclusively that Chamberlain's is the moab satisfactory to the people, and is the best. For sale by Ash- button Drug Company, *



'" TO OUK SUBSCBIBEJKS. IT 18 hereby notified that nil Contracts to deliver the Aahburton Mail and Ashburton Guardian made prior to March 19th laat, whether subscribers may have paid m advance or otherwise, will be carried out under the conditions originally existing, except with regard to the ''free list" which is under revision ; and all contracts re I advertisements prior to March 19th last, will be similarly carried out. THE ASHBURTON PUBLISHING CO HENRY WILLIS, Manager. Do not Ac persuaded fo I Qiiyaty g/tfie /m/faf/ons. X (AwariftifGoftfafHf&fvsrtfecfafs) cmojvofißiimiprfAs tmarepureant/momome \ + T/ieMs/- money */?(/ j experience, can fiqy. latfoesfsafeMJ9ifsfmds/a. f pOjfflLD BY ALL, GROCERS r



INCANDESENT GAS-LIGHT EXCURSION WASHER 1,000,000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN AWAY TO PURCHASERS OF EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing Powder m the World. A Lrrga HONEYCOMB TOWEL given withJlThree Packet*. A TURKIBH ROLLER TOWEL or a Large HAND or? BATH TURKISH QSQWEL given with (Dwelve Peoketr. SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY OROCBES, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MARKET HOUSF, BURHETTJ3TREET, ASHBURTON. Telephone No. 53. WATERBURY WATCHES, IT*HE LATEST IMPROVED WaTERBDRY, SHORT WIND Gentlemen's Reduced to Us 6d. Ladies' Waterburys Reduced to 19s 6d, A WRITTEN GUARANTEE TO KEEP ABOVE, WATCHES IN GOOD GOING ORDER FOR 13 MONTH 3 TO BE OBTAINED AT S. SALEK'S, Watchmaker and Jeweller, ' EAST STREET. ■*•■ WINTER SEASON -« fa) A. P. WILLIAMSON X S NOW SHOWING a Choice Seleotion of the Latest and Moßt Fashionable DRESS MATERIALS m Tweedß, Serges, Vicugnas, etc., suitable for the present Season. NEWEST- TRIMMINGB, FANCY BRAIDS, GIMP 3, Etc., Etc. HRST-CLkSS DRESS-MAKISG AT MODERATE CHARGES NEW FLANNELS, Blanketo, Rugs, Etc., Value Unequalled. New Flannelletteo, Calicoes, Sheetings, Tabling*, Eto. New Tartan and Floral Flannellettea and Moletons, now bo fashionable for Blouses and Dressing Gownß. MEN'S, YOUTHS' AND BOYS' TWEED SUITS, Mf 2f' 3 MACINTOSHES & TWEED OVERCOATS, BOYS' REEFER COATS. Shirk, Sooka, So&rveß, Hats, Caps, Braooa, eto eto, PRICES ICIC*HX» SPLENDID VALUE IN MEN'S COLONIAL VESTS- AND PANTS A. P. WILLIAMSON, CASH DRAPER & CLOTHIER, TANCRED STREET INCANDESCENT GAS-LIGHT. (WELSBAOH PATENTS). GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES HAVING made Special and more Advantageous terms with the Australasian Inoandesceufc Gaa Light Company, Ltd., and being appointed Sole Agent for Aahburton, I am vow able to offer you theso burnera at the following reduced prices :— C BURNERS, PLAIN, COMPLETE, 15a EACH. 0 BURNERS, "AVON," WITH BYE PASS, 17s 6d EACH. N BURNERB, PLAIN, 10a EACH. N BURNERS, WITH BYE PASS, 11s 6d EACH. Mantles for .above are now reduced to 2a 6d each, too Householder cun a fiord to be aoy longer without the Incandescent Lighb The C Burner gives FiVE (5) timfia the lighb of an ordinary gas burner with consumption of lest than TWO-THIRDS of the gas. The N Burner gives DOUBLE the light of an ordinary gas burner, with a cen^ Bumption of gas less than ONE-THIRD of the gas. FOR FULL PARTICULARS APPLY TO W. J. ADAMS, PLUMBER AND GASFITTER, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON, BOLE AGENT FOR ASHBURTQN, i 99



F. FERRIMAN. j i OCHE PATENTPLASTIO BTEEL2 HORSE COLLAR. (Conti aotora{jto Her Majesty Government) WarOffioi. Patented m Great Britain, France, Bel* girnn, 'Germany, Austria, Hungary, Italy, South Australia, |Viotoria, and the United Sbatei of America, etc. LATEST AWARDS.— Silver Medal, Birkenhead Agricultural Sooiety, 1990.— Silver Medal, Altringham Agrloultmal Society, 1890. Diploma of Merib, Royal Military Exhibition, Chelsea, 1890.— Bronze Medal, Prague Exhibition, 1891. THE COLLAR i8 an invention which wins the approval of all owners of hones who once give it a trial. TESTIMONIALS. To Mb F. Febbiman, Dear Sir,— l have taken great pains to see how the above Collars would answer, and as you have taken over the agency for them I am Bending you this testimonial, hopiDg you will use ib for the benefit of the * farming community, as I am satisfied the Steel Collar is a great boon to thiß county on aooount of the great heat and bouldera we have to contend with. I have üßed them for carting shingle m riverbeds and find that they ease the horses very much. I have also used them m the hotteßt part of summer to put m turnips, and find the horseß wearing the Steel Collarß finished much fresher and took leas feed tokeep them m condition than those working m the leather collars. I had a mare sent to me with her shoulders quite raw, and her owner could not cure them. I started to work her m the Steel Collar, and within a month had her as Bound as possible. Another man aent me a mare with a tumor on her shoulder. I worked her m a Steel Collar and had her well m a week. In fact I do not think they can be too highly prated, and if once used no other sort will be used aeain. At the same time I would like to remind all that übo them that they mußt be kept quite clean, a rub with a wet cloth ib all that is required. F. A. Saundebs. Mayfield. ABhburton, February 12, 1898 Mr B\ Fer?*MAN. Dear Sir,-— About a month ago I purc!:*aed one of your Steel ; Horse Collars for one of .7»V howes, which 1 found it impossible to work wit* t»e leather collar, though I tried every device m 'tuning and padding I could think of. I at lab!' decided to buy a Steel Collar, and since then I hivo worked the horse oonstantly, and he has done his work with the greatest ease, and is ontirely free from sore shoulders. I am bo satisfied with this one that I intend going m for another. Yours Truly, WM. EUSTON. THE Advantages of the Collar MAY BE SUMMARISED AS BELOW :— No Hames required j ' It is easily fitted ; It cannot get out of shape by wear ; It requires no stuffing ; There is no pinching of the shoulders ; The jerk at starting with a heavy lead ib minimised, the collar being m itself a spring. The pull is distributed over a large surface of the shoulder, and. does not come wholly on the outer edge, as is often the case with the ordinary Collar. It never wants drying, and, therefore, a neoond Collar for use during that pro- cess ia unnecessary. It is cheaper, lighter, and more comfort- able, and lasts longer than a Leather Collar and the parts are interchange- able. AGENT FOR ASHBURTON.j F. FERRIMAN. Church. Services ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. FRIDAY— Short Service, 7.30 p.m.; Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES (24th April). 8 30 a.m. — Holy Communion. - 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer. 3 p.m. — Seafield, Rev. H. Purohas, 3 p.m.— Dromore, Mr T. Gates. 6.30 p.m. — Evening Prayer. The Rev. Harold Purchas, of Mount Somerß, will officiate ab all the services m St. Stephen's Church.