MAIL NOTICES.

Mayfield Telephone. — A telephone and bureau station is now open at Mayfield. Hours of attendance: — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. Telegrams delivered regularly, The Mayfield offioe i 8 connected with the Ashburton Telephone Exchange- Information as to the charges for communication between bureau stations will be found m the Postal Guide, page 175- All communications fiotn Ashburtan will be treated as from subscribers, that xi at the lower rate.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1898.

Tn France, poor old folk are treated with great consideration by the State, but Austria appears AUSTRIAN to be the industrial REFUGES. veteran's paradise.

Able-bodied paupers are treated with greater severity m Austria than m any other country, and the old and feeble with greater con sideration. And this state of things is the direct result of the efforts of the Emperor Josef 11., who as a social re former, was more than 100 years m advance of his ago. He was the first to insist that, as owing to the scanti ness of their earnings, the majority of the workers cannot make a provision for their old age, the State or the Commune ia bound to make one for them ; and he decreed that this provision should be regarded neither as pauper relief nor yet as charity, but as wages for past services, just as an old soldier's pension is regarded, m fact. Tho ordinances the Emperor drew up on this subject are still m force, and no Austrian official would ever venture to class as paupers the old people whom the nation supports. These are its industrial veterans, and as such, when their working days are over, are sent to live m Versorgungshauser ; or, if there be no room for them there, weekly allowances are made to them until there is, These Austrian Versor guugsbauser are the most charming old-age retreats m all Europe. They are beautiful buildings for the most part, standing m large gardens, and the rooms are comfortably furnished, and well warmed and lighted. What is most attractive about them are the proofs to be met with at every turn of the infinite trouble that is taken to make the inmates feel that these houses are their own homes, where they have a right to be, not where they are on sufferance. They may receive their friends every day if they choose, and even go out and p»y them visits, and they are allowed a voice m deciding the fashion and color of their own clothes. Then — and this is a source of supreme satisfaction. — they may choose their own dinners, and even indulge m tiny glasses of wine and cups of coffee. For, attached to some of these homes are restaurants, worked, of course, under the supervision of the officials, and here the old people, who are given fivepence a day for the purpose, buy their own food and pay for it.

Local and General.

Dbbailed. — A truck of grain got off the track at one of the West street sidings yesterday afternoon, but was soon got on the line again. The mishap is understood to have been caused by the brake failing to aot.

Ok the first page to-day will be found telegrams referring to the Nelson poisoning case and the fatal fight at Collingwood, also correspondence ; on the fourth page Messrs Friedlander Bros.'and David Thomas' reports on the Ashburton stock market, also a report of the Addington stock market.

Oddfellows' Social. — The Oddfellows' annual social m the Oddfellows' Hall last night was quite a brilliant success. About 150 were present, and enjoyed a spirited dance, the dancing being relieved at in tervals with songs. Miss Bessie Simmonda with the violin and Miss Hettie Friedlander | at the piano supplied excellent musio, while the other arrangements wer# perfeot, Mrs 0. E. Thomas's catering being eminently satis factory. Bro. R. Rooke made a oomDetent i M.C. Unclaimed Land Sold. — For a consider able number of years, R.S. 32,884 m the Mount Somers Road District has been yield ing no rates, as the owner could not be found. The land has now been sold to Mr Peache, under the provisions of the Unclaimed Lands Act, 1894, and the Public Trustee advises the Mount Somers Road Board that the arrears of rates are m the hands of the postmaster at Mount Spmers, and await collection by the Board. Captain Fairohild's Funeral.— Captain Fairohild had one of the largeat funerals Been m Wellington for some time. The Premier and a large number of members of Parliament were present, and the Governor ienfc representatives. The flags of the ahipping and public buildings were flown at half-mast, and the Government Offices were Closed. It ia understood that /Captain Poat, of the ftinemoa, will take command of the Tutanekai, and Captain Bollard, chief jpttmof tha Hiuojno*, will haya command

Messes MqDonald and McDiarmid call attention to their advertisement m another part of thin paper, where they announce a gigantic relinquishing sale of boots and shoes.

Primitive Methodist Mission. — The services were continued at the Primitivo Methodist Church last night, when the Rev. G. H. Mann preached and dwelb upon the I \ateut forces iv the Christian Church. In consequence of Miss Addis being ill, Mrs Rain will take the service this evening. Business Enterprise. — Those whose buaineea takes them to Mr D; Thomas' offices m West Streec will notice greatly improved facilities for transacting busiues3. The accountant— Mr A. H. Field— is to be found m a comfortable and convenient private room to the left, just off ths main office, whilst the grain and produce depart ment m charge of Mr Jenningß is a well arranged little sanctum just m front of the main entrance. These arrangements should be appreciated by those doing business with Mr Thomas. Elective ExECUTiva.— Referring to the Elective Executive Bill introduced by the Hon. Major Steward, the Dunedin Star says :— -" The question of non-party vtnus party government cannot be too persistently brought before the mind of Parliament and the public, and we have little doubt that m the course of a few years the gallant Major will see his patriotic efforts crowned with success. We confidently say "patriotic efforts," for it will be a happy day for the Colony when the antiquated and pernioious system now m use, or misuse, gives way to a method of parliamentary government more sane and reasonable, more consonant with modern conditions— in a word, more real."

The Crescent Case. — At a special meet ing of the Committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club, held last evening, the applioa tion of the Ashburton Racing Club for a re opening of the Crescent case was taken into consideration. The following resolution was carried : — " That, as the appeal of Mr Harris and F. Holmes was upheld, on the ground that no sufficient evidence of in consistent running was forthcoming, and also on the ground that Mr Harris was nob , the owner of Crescent, and as the additional evidence produced does not affect the fore goinp questions of inconsistent ruuning or ownership, the committee ciunot reverse .their former decision. The committee are satisfied with the explanation by Mr Harris as to an error m the evidence previously given by him."

The Cigarette.— lb appears that the \ cigarette is steadily becoming more popular m the Stateß, with the result that the sale of cigars has been seriously affected. Accord ing to the figures published- by the Boston News Bureau, the number of cigars producad m the United States m 1887 amounted to 3,661,630,442, c.3 against 1,865,287,082 cigarettes ; while m 1897 the total domestic output of the former rose only to 4,029,928,000, as against 5,041,896,410 of the latter. During the past decade, with the exception of the panic year, 1894, when a smUl decrease of 40,089,119 occurred, there has been a steady aunual increase m the con sumption of cigarettes. The reduction, how ever, wasmore than recovered m the Bucceed ing year, when no fewer than 4,237,754 453 were consumed — an increase as compared with 1894 of 617,087,613. If cigarette smoking continues to gain ground m the same proportion, it will not be so very long before cigars become obsolete.

Elgin Debating Kociety. — A meeting of thi3 Society was held on Tuesday evening m the schoolroom. There was a geod attendance, the President (Mr A. Protheroe) being m the chair. Mr J. Butierick read a paper on "Fashion," contending too much m'-ney was spent m trying to follow the latest. The paper was criticieed by Me A. Brown, who thought ladies should wear what they chose so long as they paid for what they had. Mr Arthur Protheroe read a p\per on the proposed freezing works, iv wnich he pointed out what an advantage such an institution would be to the district —by increasing the value of land and generally improving the prospects of the produce. This paper was very favorably received. A third on •' Tn/liffootSoo."-* --gruo?omo -subject; was read by Mr T. Cochrane. A paper on "Socialism" was read by Mr Walter Butterick, which was very interesting. Misa Cass saug a song, which was a revelation, and the manner m which she took the highest notes elicited much admiration. These gatherings are much appreciated by the residents of the district, and deserve support.

A Disgusting Exhibition. — A late resi dent m Cuba thus describes one of the favourite amusements of the people : — As I entered a fight had just come to a c'oso, and the noise was deafening. Everybody waa shouting and gesticulating at once. In a few moments the bell raug, and comparative silence ensued. The ring was cleared, and two men appeared m the centre, each holding a beautiful cook iv his hand*. The Cuban breed of cocks, though small, is remarkably well-proportioned and elegant. I am no expert m cock-fighting, and will simply jot down my impressions of the combat. At first I found it interesting enough ; but by-and-bye, when the stronger bird crippled its antagonint, the poor bleed ing creature was artificially excited to con tinue the battle to the bitter end by being ° restored " with spoonfuls of Santa Cruz rum, blown m a spray from the mouth of its owner over its head, and the sight grew simply disgusting. I was relieved when it was all over, and the poor, beautiful bird lay dead. The audience interested me far more than the fight. The people around me were so absorbed m the death struggle that some faces grew ashen pale, others flushed, their eyes rolled, they roared, they bellowed, and they pantomimed from the lower to the upper galleries. The scene baffba dea criptioo.

Fire Brigade.—A pleasing little cere mony took place at the Fire Brigade station last evening. After the ordinary business had been disposed of, Captain Fooks asked Or Paul, as chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee, to make several presentations. These took the form of a five years' Jong service medal to Branchman J. Dorm, an additional two years' long service bar to Fireman John Hefford, and a similar bar to Driver Spicer. Branchman W. Kidd and Fireman W. Bickerstaff were unavoidably absent, otherwise they would each have been presented with a five years' long service medal. These meddlß are now m the hands of the oaptain, and will be duly presented at the next meeting of the Brigade. Ct Paul, m making the presenta tions, expressed the great pleasure it always gave him to be amongst the firemen, and to do what he conld to further the interests of the Brigade. He warmly congratulated the reoipients on tho good service they had rendered for many years pwjb as firemen, and also on the honor attaching to the membership of so thoroughly efficient a body of volunteers as the Ashburton Fire Brigade had ever proved to be. Fireman Hefford and Driver Spicer briefly responded, and on the motion of Captain Fooks a hearty vote of thanks waa accorded Cr Paul for ins attendance that evening, and for the interest he had always taken m the Brigade's welfare. It waß decided to hold a concert and sooial at an early date.

A rare opportunity for purchasing at cost price is now to be obtained at the great relinquishing sale of boots and shoes now going on at McDonald and MoDiarmid's, Eaifc Street. See sale advertisement m another part of the paper.

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON MARKETS.

United Press Association—By Eleofcric Telegraph —Copyrighb London, July 6 At the wool sales fchero was spirited competition, and all descriptions were very firm.

ROAD BOARD.

Mount Somers..

The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board was held on Monday.' Present —All the members (Mr Hood m the chair). UNCLAIMED LAKD The Public Trustee wrote notifying having under the provisions of the Unclaimed Lands Act, 1894. sold R.S. 32884 to Mr Peaohe, Mount Somera. —Received . <

DAMAGE BY THE FLOODS Mr T. S. Johußton, Mount Possession Station, wrote stating that the recent heavy floods had done considerable damage to the river crossing and to pait3 of the Gorge Road, and requesting that the Board should take steps to repair the same.— -It was re solved to have the worst parts of the work done, the Clerk to inform Mr Johnston, however, that the Board could give no assistance m repairing the road between Mount Possession crossing and the home stead, the same not being a public road. Mr D. F. Knight, Ashburton Gorge, drew the Board's attention to the amount of damage caused by the late floods to the road between his homestead and the Potts River. Mr Harrison offered to inspect the same, and have any neoeaaary repairs done when the flood had abated.

Mr A. E. Peaohe, wrote stating that considerable damage had been done by the late flood to the Gorge Road m the vicinity of the Deep Creek, and offering to repair the same for the sum of £2. The Chairman reported having accepted Mr Peaohe's offer. —Approved* Mr John Carney waited upon the Board, urging that it should take steps to have the road leading to his property repaired, as it had become almost impassable since the late heavy rains. It was resolved to proceed with the work on condition that the resi dents immediately interested should pre viously contribute a fair share of the esti mated total cost.

Mr Lambie interviewed the Board with reapeob to the bad state of his road. The Chairman m reply assured Mr Lambie that the members would inspect the same during the ensuing week and have any urgent matter attended to as soon as possible. VALUATION BOLL The Valuer-General forwarded the valua tion roll for the Mount Somers Road District for the period commencing April 1, 1898. BATES IN ABREAR The Public Trustee wrote, notifying that the rates m arrear on R.S. 32884 could be received by applying to the postmaster, Mount Somera. POISONED GRAIN The Ashburton County Council advised having forwarded poisoned grain as requested by the Board — twenty bags branded A and twenty branded B, and requesting that the comparative results should be ascertained as far as possible. MOUNT POSSESSION CROSSING

Mr Charles Eden forwarded account for maintenance Mount Possession crossing, and offered to maintain the same for the ensuing twelve months (except m the oase of extraordinary damage) for the sum of £2, — The offer was accepted. Mr Eden also interviewed the Board, asking that) sufficient yearly remuneration should be made him to cover all damage. It was resolved that as his previous offer had already been accepted no alteration would be made at present. CLAIM FOR BACK PAY The late clerk to the Board wrote re claim for arrears made by Mr Fox, Mount Somerß, as condidered at the previous meeting, stat ing that he was of the opinion that sufficient payment had been made to the claimant for work done ; m view of which ib was decided that no further payment could be made. clerk's report

The Clerk's report, which embodied the members' reports on various roads and river crossings damaged by the late floods, was considered* It was resolved that the mem bers should inspect the parts which had suffered moat, and have them repaired as early as possible. WARDS Mr Chapman's motion, of which notice had-hfleja~si>«"»- ! >i- t ko_ j^euinas .meeting, to abolish the three existing financial wards and institute one common fund, was carried by 3 votes to 2 — Messrs Chapman, Herring and Sjme voting for the motion, and Messrs Harrison and Hood against it. STRAY STOCK Many complaints having been made to the Board's members regarding the number of Btray stock wandering at large on the public roads of the district, the clerk was instructed to again write to the pound keeper, urging him to take prompt measures to put down the nuisance comp'ained off. KATES Mr Harrison gave notice that he would, at the next meeting of the Board to be held of August 1, propose that a general rate of | of a penny be made on all rateable pro* perty m the district, payable m one sum on I August 15, 1898— The clerk to advertise when and where rate book will be open for inspection. ACCOUNTS Accounts amounting to £31 17s — were passed for payment and the Board ad journed.

Rangitata.

The usual monthly meeting of the Rangi tata Road Board was held on Thursday, June 30. Present — Messrs Harper (chair man), Kellock, Tarbotton, and Taylor. HEfCEAO ROADS The Lands Department wrote enquiring what amount would be required to complete Hekeao roads. It was decided to apply for a sum to complete the shingling of these roads. MATAJfOURjf Mr 6. Soottt wrote asking the Board to cut the matakouri growing on the road below Redpath's. — The Clerk was instructed to get the work done. . • VALUATION ROLL The Valuer-General forwarded the valua tion toll for the district. RAILWAY CROSSING AT HINDS Mr W. J, McDowell wrote, enclosing a petition, signed by a number of Hinds settlers, praying for a crossing to be made over the railway at the south boundary of Hinds township.— The Clerk was instructed to write to the Coldatrsam Road Board and to the Railway Department asking them to bear a share of the expenee.

UNPAID RATES

The Clerk was authorised to instruct the Board's solicitor to issue summonses for all rates unpaid. POUNDKEEPBR AND RANGER After sorris discussion this question was allowed to stand over until next Board meetiDg. j overseer's report The Overseer's report stated that the shingling oontracts at Hekeao were nearly completed, and the re-metalling of Wright's Road was m hand. The formation at Hinds had not been satisfactorily completed. A number of smaller works were m hand. HINDS RIVER FORDS The overseer stated that the recent rains had damaged the greater part of the cross ings over the Hinds river, but they would be repaired as soon as the water would allow horses to work. MARONAN— HINDS ROAD The improvement of this road was leffi m the hands of the Chairman and Mr Kellock. WORKS It was decided to invite tendera for metalling forty chains Hinds to Bridge road, and forty chains at Charles's corner. It was also decided to extend Carpendale's contract to the end of County Council plantation on Perrinfs road. TENDERS The tender of James Gibson was accepted for forming Liddle's road, but no tender waa accepted for Limestone Creek road and the Clerk was requested to meet members on the ground and re-arrange the work. ACCOUNTS Aocountß amounting to £171 12a 2d were passed for payment and the Board adjourned.

Wakanui.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Wakauui Road Board was held on Saturday. Present— Meaarß Peter Steward (chairman), 1 Uoohrane, Lloyd, and Ayrton. clerk's report The Clerk reported that bub little m the way of worka had been done ainoe last meet ipg, but the recent rain had rendered neoei. eary aome repairs on ro»d«. After rtfercnet to iowf m«t(cr« of n\m imwtom tbo ft! ;

port stated that the rates had been all col looted— £2ss 13s 2d m No. 2 Ward and £242 18s lid iv No. 3 -in all £498 12a Id. '1 his would earn a subsidy of £124 10s 6d.~ The report was adopted. VALUATION BOLL. The Lands Department forwarded the now valuation roll for the district. ASHBUBTON POUND As the Borough Council's letter, asking for a contribution of £2 10a towards main tenance of the Ashburton pound, was not signed, it was referred back to the Council. BOLL ALTERATIONS. Several roll alterations were sanclioned, subjeco to being found m order. RACK CROSSINGS. The Clerk reported having received £22 16* from the C.unty Council, being main tenance at 3j each of the race crossings m the district. MISCELLANEOUS Aftor some minor business had been trans acted the Clerk stated his readiness to re ceive birds heads for the County Council, but the Board declined to add to the rate per 130 paid by that body. Accounts— £lo odd— having been passed the Board adjourned.

A RELIC OF BY-GONE DAYS.

Moab Aahburton residents have, at nob I very loog intervals, seen an old man with a 1 wooden leg, sitting at street corners en- I gaged m the work of sharpening knives and ■oissors, or it may be mending old umbrellas. This wanderer has been a comer and goer to the township ever since ib was a township, and there are bat few stations or farms m the oounty that he does not occasionally visit. Bub every one does not know the old man's history. He ia perhaps the oldest oolonisb we have, and few indeed can say, as he can, that he was here long before the event occurred, whioh'the people of Akaroft celebrated the jubilee of, only about a fortnight ago— the hoisting of the British flag at Akaroa. The veteran pioneer referred to is named Charles Laronche. He is a Frenohman, and was born ab Cherbourg m 1820. In 1833, while engaged aa a boy on board a whaler, he landed at Akaroa, whsre a number of French settlers had taken up their quarters. He went to sea again after a short Btay, but returned, and m 1837, with the South Island still a sort, of No Man's Land, and Akaroa still m the hands of French settlers, he bought forty acres of land at 5a an acre. This he farmed for a considerable time, but ultimately fold to a M. J. Gaudone for £2 an acre. Then the wanderer went to the North Island, and waß there and m other parts of the colony during the troublous times of the Maori wars. la 1868 while tree felling m the northern bush, an earth quake ' brought) down suddenly a forest giant, and Laronche was caught by ib m its fall. By this accident he had his leg broken, and subsequent accidents to the same leg necessitated amputation of the limb. Since then the old wanderer has travelled about the colony, picking up a living m the way the present generation has seen him, steadily declining to accept public alms while able to earn his own tucker. Perhaps this has been due to the wandering instinct within him, preferring the freedom which such a life implies, with God's sun over his head and the pure air of the country m his lungs, to being pent up within the walls of a charitable institution. He possesses wonderful energy for his seventy eight years, is aB independent as though hiß whole life were still before him, and few cut lers can put an edge on a tool better than he can. He still speaks a broken English, not withstanding his long residence m the colony, but with it he oan tell many inter esting tales of the old days, and his French style only adda piquancy to his stories when he essays the role of raconteur.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON— THURSDAY.

[Before Mr C. A. Wray, S.M.]

Insanitaby Yards. — Meßars Thomag, Pollock, and Williams, Tancrad Street, were charged with having allowed stagnant! water to remain m their back yards. As they said their landlord, Mr Fowler, had promiaed to lay drains from their yards to the gutter m the street, the case was adjourned for a week, during which time Mr Wray advised them to have the drains put down.

Drunkenness. — A first offender was charged with being drunk m Jfast Street, but as Sergeant Barlow said he was a very decent man as far as he knew, Mr Wray discharged accused with a caution.

Civil Cases.— Felix McGuire v. F. Rickarris, £7, price of a stack of hay, sold by plaintiff to defendant. Mr Wilding appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Cuthbertson for defendant. The case caused some amusement. Ib appeared that plaintiff m building the stack selected as a site for it an old shed, over which he piled the fodder, and made a fine looking atack, but one that rather belied ita looks when it Came to be cut into by the purchaser. Plaintiff, like Handy Andy, m Lover's story, who built his stack on a rock m hia field, sold the stack to his neighbor (Rickarde) and also, like his celebrated countryman, was careful not to tell the purchaser what the heart was composed of. Andy's* stack's heart was a rock, and the Book and the traditions of the Church, as Andy told his buyer, said that no better foundation could be found than that on which the Church was built. That information, however, Andy gave after the truth had been made apparent and the proof of the pudding had been given m the nsual way, and when, moreover, there had been "hats m the air and wigs on the green." The explanation was not afc all satisfactory to the buyer, it can be readily imagined. Felix's Btack hearb was of less stable material than a rock. The punster would probably say more stable, for a stable the shed had been. When Bickards came to cub up his purchase, which looked so well from the outside but was a veritable apple of Sodom m the heart, everything went well till the upper crust was penetrated, and the boy "crowiDg" on the top disappeared through the roof of the shed down into the depths below. This was the whole story, and the Magistrate, after hearing evidence, gave judgment for half of the amount sued for — the quantity of hay the stack was esttmated to really contain.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph — Copyright London, July 5 • The American Society, m London, celebrated the anniversary of American Independence with special fervour. July 6. The House of Commons, by a majo rity of 143j negatiyed Mr John Red mond's demand for early attention to the inequality of taxation m Ireland. The House of Lords has read the Aliens Bill the third time.

THE PARIS EXHIBITION.

Representation of the Colonies. United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright Melbourne, July 6 Mr Seddon has informed Sir George Turner that New Zealand will most likely be represented at the Paris Exhibition. Queensland sends a similar answer. Tasmania and South Australia will not be represented, In consequence of the want of interest, Sir George Turner has deoided that Viotoria will not be officially repre sented.

WAR NEWS.

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Disorder m Madrid. Reinforcements for Santiago. Spain Advised to Sue for Peace. Statement TjyAdairal Cervera* The Philippine Islands. Bombardment of Santiago Postponed-

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright London, July 6 The Daily Telegraph reports that there is great excitement m Madrid, and that the disorder is spreading to the military. Reinforcements are being sent to Santiago, and will sail forthwith. Mr White, Ambassador at Berlin, m the course of a speech, said the present struggle vras unprecedented m the drawing together of America and Great Britain. Onr motherland,' he said, may yet recognise Germany as a second mother, from whom she is . always certain to receive fair treat-

ment. The Continental newspapers recom mend Spain to sue for peace. It is reported that the Pope urged Christina, Queen Regent of Spain, to do nothing to compromise the future monarch, and he makes another appeal to the Powers to intervene. The Spanish Federation Association, whose headquarters are m London, wibh ramifications m Spain and Por tugal, is circulating a manifesto pro posing to abolish the Bourbon dynasty and establish a republic. Washington, July 6 Commodore Watson's squadron starts at the end of ths week. The Spanish prisoners will mostly be sent to America. Admiral Cervera and officers are to be retained on board with a view of demanding an exchange for Lieutenant flobson. Admiral Cervera explains that he selected daylight for the attempt to escape from Santiago, believing that he could succeed when the American vessels had steam at low pressure. He stood on the bridge of the Infanta Maria Teresa throughout, trans ferring his flag to where more danger existed than the Cristobal Colon was m. The Yale, Harvard, and Columbia, three of the American fastest auxiliary cruising ships, have sailed with a brigade for Santiago. President McKinley ordered the postponement of the bombardment of Santiago, as he desired General Shafter and Admiral Sampson to con fer prior to the resumption of hostili ties.

Lieutenaut-General Pando, after desperate fighting and forced marches, entered Santiago, thus increasing the defenders to 18,000. General Shafter declined the Oon ! sul's request to protect residents. Admiral Oervera telegraphed the news of the disaster to Madrid, stating that his men were not captured, but were lost. Berlin, July 6 The National Zeitung, a local news paper, states that though Spain should lose her colonies, America will not be the only gainer. If the Philippine Islands are abandoned to the natives, the Powers will intervene and come to some agreement as to the future of the islands.

Opinion m Washington.

Hopes of Floating: the Cristobal Colon and Others Spanish; Vessels. Good Work by an Old Yachts Gerver&'s Dash for Freedom. American Losses. Cuban Treachery. Spanish Warships Broken Down

Received Wakapuaka July ?, 9.35 B , m Guardian Office 10.36 a.m. Washington, July 8. It is considered here that Santiago is too strongly defended for the Ameri can troops to effectually storm it. The public ponsider that from a strategic point of view the city is useless since the Spanish fleet has been destroyed. Hopes are entertained of raising the Cristobal Colon, and possibly other Spanish vessels will be refloated. The torpedo boat destroyer Gloucester was formerly Gierpont Morgan's yacht Corsair. She fought the Spanish torpedo boat destroyers Furor and Pluton m the pluckiest manner. Captain Wainwright, her commanderj disregarded the signal to retire, and h8 is regarded as the hero of the fight. Oeivera's dash from the harbor of Santiago was a complete surprise to the American squadron.. Admiral Sampson was away at the time, conferring *ith General Shafter concerning the future combined operations, and the fight was directed by Admiral Schley. The American losses at Santiago are estimated at 2000. The army surgaona admit the losses to be at least 1700. The New York Journal reports that during the engagement at Santiago forty Spaniards, who surrendered to the Americans, were entrusted to the car« of a detachment of Cubans, who reacherously beheaded the prisoners. Suez July 6. The battleship Pelaya, belonging to Oamara's fleet, put into Ismaila, a half way station on the Suez Canal, with her machinery broken down.,

THE ASHBUBTOJN tfOABDIAH : THtJRSDAf, JULY 7, 189fc.



We beg to notify that we have secured the Sub- Agency for the celebrated Massey- Habbis Bioyoles. Ladies and Gentlemen'i maonines up-to-date always m stock. Lowest cash prices or easy terms to suit customer*. Une good second-hand bicyole for sale, nearly new. Price, £13 10s j guaranteed.- AND BjJBBYMAKT. hft leadinc aWlow «n<] Outfitters, Ashburtoq. * ROZIK aPl&4t



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Business Notices. i NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY.' rjIHE LEADING ESTABLISHMENT FOR FASHIONABLE CLOTHING, HATS AND OAPJ?, TIES, COLLARS, GLOVES, ETC. A, 6. BARTON, MANAGER.



TOILET, WILLIAM STREET. A Comfortable Seven-Roomed House, with Soullery and Copper. At present occupied by Mr H. C. Percy -V FERJRIMAN.I TO LET. WAKANUI ROAD. HOUSE containing Five Rooms, and 3 acres of Land. Lately occupied by Mb H. Cameron. F. FEKEIMAN. SEED WHEA T. I Have for Sale some Prime Pearl, TubJ can and Hunters. Grown on heavy Land.p^ F. FEKRIMAN'. FOR SALE. HOUSE AND QUAKTER-ACRE LAND IN COX STREET. I have received instructions from Mr H. J. Taskeb to Bell his desirable residence, containing Four Rooms and Scullery, situated m Cox Street, together with Looscbox, Chuffhouse and Fowlhouse erected on the property. F. FKRRIMAN. ! FOR SALE. 1 HAVE FOR SALE thaf rery desirable block of land containing about Seven Acres, situated on the N.E. Town Belt and adjoin* ing Mr W. H. Collins. For anyone m search ot a 'property on which to build this one is well worthy of an inspection. F. FERRIMAN. <•* — ' • ' FOR SALE-



F. FERRIMAN. ' BONE MILL. npHE MILL will be open ou SATURDAY JL Next for the receiving of boues. F. FERRIMAN. SHEEP FEED. OFFERS are invited for the grazing of 250 acres of good sheep feed at the Hinds for three mouths, from the 15th inst. The property is subdivided into two paddock*, well sheltered, and watered. F. FEftRIMAN. FOR SALE. House and 1 Acre Land, Beach Road. I HA YE received instructions from Mr F. Johns to sell his very desirable residence fronting on the Beach Road, containing four Rooms and a good Shop, together with a good three stalled Stable. The land is well stocked with very choice fruit trees, and it of first-class quality. Reasonable terms can be arianged if required. F. FERRIMAN. TO LET. ISO ACRES of Land for Cropping, AppljrL F. IFERRIMAN. TO LET. TWO ACRES LAND at Allenton, with •{good Four-Roomed House and Scullery. Rent— 9s per wet— F. FERRIMAN.



BONE DUST. The Beat and moßt profitable Fertilizer that can be applied to the soil, benefiting not only the first crop but several succeed- ing ones. A few shillings per aore spent m bonedust often enriches the farmer tenfold, and leaves the land m better heart. I Have the following Farms in[my handi foi Salb :— 500) 250 } ACKES 100) All Situated m Good Localities, end any- one m search of a property either for farm- ing purposes or as an investment would do well to inspect the above] F. FERRIMAN. CHURCH SERVICES. ST, STEPHEN'S OHUROH. Ashburtoc. THURSDAY— Meeting of the Bt. Stephen's Guild m the Schoolroom 7.30 p.m. FRIDAY — Service of induction of new Choristers] 7.30 p m. Choir practice 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. (10th July.) 8.30 — Holy Communion. 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer. 3. 30— H01y Baptism. 6.30 — Eveniog Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. 1 HASES OF THE MOON. July. ohm Full moon ««...«, 4 842 am Last quarter .«. ... 11 A 13 am New moon ,„ >M 19 717 »*> i



NOW ON VIEW AT JOHN ORR AND COS., "Who h*ve leoared the Agenoy for thin SplendidlMachine or the whole of the J3outh Island' WE INVITE YOU TO INSPECT WAVERLEY FEATURES FOR 1838. t — • I: CRANK, AXLE, AND BEARINGS Ladies' Model WAVERLEY, 7893. Hunt fcvp rf^— < ~*'~^'t*isiizx£±2tzSi& fe^^^^ SADDLES. HANDLE BiRS. /^^^7 jj * titiSSSk JOHN ORR & Co. 43HBURTQN.