PHASES OF THE MOON.

February. d h m Full moon «.. ... 7 554 am Last quarter ... ... 14 0 5 ptn New moon 21 7 11 am First quarter ... .... 28 10 43 pm

DEATHS.

Wilmshubst— On February 26. At her residence, Havelook Street East. Eliza beth Ann Wilmßhurßt. Aged 47 years. Brown.— On February 25, at the Ashburton County Hospital, Jambs, the beloved brother of Andrew Brown, of Hampsbead. Aged 69 years.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1898. COMPENSATION.

The heading of this article need

not alarm either prohibitionists or moderates. The subject of it is not the question pi compensation for cancelled licenses to sell liquor, but compensation to vigneronß, orchardists, and flock and herd owners, for plants, trees, and stock, dug up and destroyed or slaughtered, with the object of stamping out disease. Under Acts at present m existence, vineyards can be entered by inspectors and vines fouud to be affected with phylloxera dug up and burned. For vines thus destroyed no compengat j on is given to the grower. Oow houses can be similarly entered, and cattle found to be suffering from any disease likely to spread to other cattle, or which would be dangerous to public health if the meat or milk of such cattle were placed on the market, can be slaughtered. For cattle thus destroyed the compensation is only half the market value of the cattle, or rather half what would have been the value of such cattle m the market, had they been sound and healthy. We contend that the compensation should be liberal enough, if not to induce cattle owners to report suspected disease jin their herds, at Jeast not to deter them from so doing. As things are at present no owner is anxious to report the existence of, disease m his byres, but there is a great inducement to try and hide it and struggle with it jvately— many owners not realising the gray»^ w $ the pwle ; it comeß home to themseiC?*- »» d *** fc a tuber culous cow, for instance, il?*^ k 9 c cause of many cases of consumption itx families where her milk has been used. In Mr McKenzie's Stock Bill, intro duced three years ago, a small annual rato per head on stock was proposed, the object being to provide corapensa tion for diseased stock destroyed with the object of defending souod stock j from infection. The House, however, 1 refused to pass the Bill. But, J now that both cancer and tuber- I culosis are known to be far more j commOn than three years ago would t have been believed, the probability is s that such a proposal as made by Mr I McKenzie will be regarded more c favorably. The case of the vigneron, however, is much harder than that of the cowkeeper. He receives no com pensation at all, and a few weeks ago one of the most enthusiastic vignerone m the Whangarei district had his whole vineyard destroyed — not for his own benefit, but for the public good. Surely some sort of compensation ought to be awarded to vinegrowers for vines destroyed m this way, and though, perhaps, it is going too far to ask the general ratepayers to provide it, it 1 would not be asking too much of those who own vineyards to pay an annual rate to meet the payment of compensa tion. Then, last year, legislation was introduced to place all apple trees m the colony m exactly the same category with regard to scale blight that vines ajre m regard to phylloxera, The Bill, however/ was not passed, but will doubtless be heard' of agaiu negjb session. The principle that a man's" property should be confiscated for the general good without any compensation to the sufferer, on the very face of it, is unfair, and this faot we trust will be borne m mini fta.

question of compensation comes before the House, as it doubtless will next sessiou. . .

Local and General.

Reading matter on fourth page. A notice from bhe Valuer General appears m this issue.

A young lady will o.?cupy the pulpit of the Wesleyan Church on Sunday evening.

The Charitable Aid Board require a competent man cook for the Old Men's Home, aahburton.

Mary Grace Bellamy has been elected wifchoub opposition to a seat m the Tapanui Borough Council.

Tiiree male and 21 female goats, bought m the suburbs of Wellington, were shipped to Suva, Fiji, by the Flora.

Owing to the demand for fruit m Ashburton Mr H. Stephenson intends offering a further consignment on Tuesday next, at 2 p.m.

At the recent flower show the music which was bo much enjoyed waa provided by Misses Nellie Barrett and Alice Roberts.

The last total eclipse of the sun obser vable m England was near Salisbury on May 22. 1724. The next will be on August 12, 1999.

Coursing men are reminded that nomina tions for the St. Leger o'ose on Monday, 28th, with the secretary at the Central Hotel.

Misß Alice Corriok, the well-known Christohuroh soprano, has been engaged to sing at Hobarb, and has lefb the Cathedral city for bhat purpose. The whaler Pollux has been purohased for M. Borchgrevink's South Polar expedition. The ship will be ready to sail m July next. Her orew will be all Norwegians. A Gisborne fruitgrower shipped thirty cases of fruib south the other week, and received after deduoting for cartage, freight, commission, etc., the handsome return of one shilling and threepence to reward him for his labor. The Farmers' Co-operative Fire and Marine Insurance Association of Canterbury invite applications through our advertising columns for shares, as authorised at the annual meeting held on February 23. At a meeting of the Springburn School Committee on Saturday evening it was decided to hold the annual school treat on Tuesday, March 1, to be followed by a con cert and dance m the sohoolroom m the •vening.

A Press Association telegram from Napier says that Mrs Elizabeth Healop, a very old identity, and relict of the late John Heslop, died yesterday, aged eighty five. She came to the colony m 1856, and resided m Hawke's Bay for over forty years. Ib is stated that m consequence of the call to the Rev James Milne, of Oamaru, live of the elders out of a session of eight, along with their families, have decided to leave Sb Andrew's Church, Auckland, besides several obher members. The Land Board have sent Mr McKerrow and others to Waikakahi to report on the estate with the object of the Government buying it up for sub-division for land settle ment purposes. The party will be ab the station (Mr Allan M' Lean's) for some days. The Pelorua Guatdian reports the capture at Guard's Pass of a monster shark. This formidable tiger of the sea measured 14fb m length and Bft m girth, and its mouth was furnished with an array of 114 teeth arranged m seven rows. We should hardly fancy bathing m the locality mentioned. : A number of Maoris from Temuka and Waitakiwenb bhrough by the express las 1 evening on their way to Rangiora to attend a meeting of the Native Land Court to be held there nexb week. One of the matters to be considered is that of the right of the Natives to fish for eels m the lago n near Temuka,

Lord and Lady Ranfurly and party ar rived at the Hermitage on Monday evening last by special coach, and were welcomed by the visitors there. The Vice- Regal party are expected to return by to-duy's express. On Monday his Excellency the Governor and party will pay a visit to the Canterbury Agricultural College. The following have been nominated to represent the Rakaia riding m the Ashburton County Council :— Messrs HugoFriedlander, John Lambie, and Walter Wilkinaon. A poll for the election of one member will be held at the Road Board office, Rakaia, on Friday, March 11, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Ten small grazing runs on the ranges from Bourke's pass to Waimate were, all bub two, at Timaru to-day, disposed of. Five of the eight go back to former tenants, who surrendered to get the rent reduced. Onp applicant whoso name was drawn for a Jot loßb it through absence, owing to the Gazette giving the wrong hour for the drawing.

The Post and Telegraph Department notifies that the size of privately manufac tured post cardß may m future be s£in by 3£in m size, and that any person may issue pictorial cards both for inland and foreign transmission, Postage on such artioles must be prepaid m adhesive stamps, ans if a card ia sent beyond the oolony the words "New Zealand post card " must be printed on the address side.

Writing of the late Thomas Bracken the Tablet says :— " Deceased was attended at frequent intervals during his last illness by the Bey. P. Marphy, of St. Joseph's Cathedral. Father Murphy's last visit took place on the night before Mr Bracken passed away. The deoeased poet received the Rev. Father's ministrations with deep fervour and gratitude, and died fortified by the last Saoramenbs of the Church. His interment took place on the 18 eh mat.

The North Bea continually encroaches upon the beaches and cliffs on bojbh its eaab and west shores. Nearly bhe entire coast of the countieß of Norfolk and Suffolk, accordt ing tp ft writer m the current Engineering Magazine, is melting away before the waves m greater or leas rapidity. The sea, slowly, bub surely, removes the bluffs whioh slip ao 1 sffde. Ab Cromer thp wayes break oyer heaps pf debris which onpe was the btiok wall of a lighthouse, The Oromer of old Romali <* m 99 oa ßnot be legated, Jb is said to be two miles'? 116 »M e »»

On Wednesday evening Mr and M ra Brown, of Springburn, invited a number of friends to a progressive euchre party m honor of the Misses Hunter, who are at present on a holiday viait. The evening passed merrily, very much fun being caused by the " Booby prig.s," whioh were won by Mr Smith and Mrs Jago, one presenting the other with the prize m a suitable apeech, The first prizes were won by Mrs Baird and Mr E. Moßae. After a light supper the remainder of a most enjoyable evening was'; spent m singing and gamaa. All present so thoroughly enjoyed themselves that ie was hoped this was but the beginning of a series of parties throughout the winter.

THE LATE FRANK HENRY.

A committee meeting of the Ashburton Amateur Cyoling and Athletic Club was held m the Orange Hall last evening — Mr D. Grant (oaptain) m the chair. The following resolution was moved — "Thab the Com mittee of the Ashburton Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club desire to place on record its sincere and heartfelt sorrow at the early decease of its popular, conscientious, and ever obliging Secretary, James Francis Henry. The Committee fully recognise the services rendered the Club during biß brief term as Secretary, and are painfully con scious that his loss will be long felt." The resolution, as moved, was carried by those present m silence. Ib was resolved that a letter of oondolence be sent to the relatives of the late Seoretary, enclosing a copy of the resolution. The meeting then adjourned as a mark of respeob.

THE CADZOWS AND THE KINEIOSCOPE.

Mr Cadjsow is one of the best tenorß m New Zealand, if nob the be3t we have resi dent and occasionally travelling m the colony. He, with his wife, a brilliant pUniste, is at present on tour, having with them under Campbell Colquhoun's manage ment, the new projecting kinetosoope and the new duplex concert phonograph. The Lyttelton Times, writing on the performance of the combination m the Theatre Royal, on Thursday evening, says the entertainment is a decidedly good one, aod the applause and laughter of the audience showed that it was very much to their taste. Mr Cadzow Bang with force and expression, Mohr's "Only once more," and replied to an encore with the charming " Star of love." fie was also recalled for a fine rendering of "The Eoly City," and responded with "The wearing of the green." A third encore was accorded him for Jude's "On deck," and he gave the " Low-baoked oar." He also Bang " Mac gregor's gathering." Madame Cad zjw played exceedingly well two pianoforte solos, Bene dict's " Erin," and Pape's arrangement of " Massa'a mdc cold ground." The projeot- ' ing kinetosoope, whioh was operated by Mr J. J. Biaton, was a decided success. The pictures were clear, steady and free from the objectionable flickering noticeable m earlier living pictures, and, aa they are on endleßS films, they can be repeated without delay if required. The light— an oxy-hydrogen lime — was very good, and enabled the views to be shown with very commendable dear ness and precision. The aubjeots of the pic tures are attractive. One of the most in teresting is a representation of Edison experimenting m hia laboratory, aud oiie of the most popular was a realistic view of a Chicago sheep run, with the " jumbuoks " passing along a raoe, leaping and crowding one another after the manner of their kind. Other exceedingly good pictures represented American militia on the march, United States oavalry jumping hurdles and vaulting into their saddles, an express train ruohing along at seventy miles an hour, waves dash ing over the New Plymouth breakwater, a very amusing scene of a little darkey being tubbed, children at their toilet diverting themselves by splashing water over one another, and three scenes reprenting Amber ite winning the Caulfieid Cup. The phono graph is a good one, and many of the records were clearly and effectively given.

The Islington Pic-nic.

The picnic organised by the employees of the Islington meat works cam* off to-day. Two trains of twenty-three carriages each, carrying m all about 2300 excursionists, arrived between nine and ten, and the great crowd of pleasure Beckers split itself up into sections, some going into town to vißit Ash burton friends or to Bee what was to be seen m our streets; but the great mass at once crossed the line with their wives and bairns, and all other impedimenta, and betook tbemaelvea. to the Domain, where boilers of hot water were awaiting them so that a cup of tea could be had at once. The swimming bath wan largely made use of by the young fellows, while sports of every kind were carried out on the oval. Knots of visitors could be seen m the well-kept gardens, under the long and shady arms of the tall pines and cypresses, and under the willows by the stream, where the swans and other water-fowl had a feast of nice things at the hands of the young who were delighted with the tamenesß of the birds, more especially the large brood of young Mus ooves. Expressions of agreeable surprise at the beauty of the Domain were on every body's lips, as well as of admiration of the way m which the grounds are kept, and their great suitableness for recreation purposes, mote e»pecially for pio-nica. Ihe Woolston Brass Bind was on the ground all day aud played during the running and other athletic cod tests. Ihe swimming bath was exten sively patronised by the visitors, who were loud m their praise of the excellence of the bathing arrangements. The return trains will leave at six o'clook.

SILVERSTREAM MURDER.

The Verdict.

Sentence of Death'

Retake of Defending* Counsel T?y the Judge- Press Association— By Electric Telegraph. Wellington, February 25. Judge Edwards' summing up m the murder case against Frank Philpott alias Stanhope, occupied the court until 5.40. The jury returned at 8 20 with a verdiofc of guityy. An application fee reserve a point as to the admission of qertain evidence was refused Prisoner received the verdict with com posure, and when asked if he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be passed, Philpott m a clear voice thanked his counsel for his efforts m his behalf, and for gave those whom he alleged had sworn false tes'imony.. Judge" Edwards, addressing prisoner, passed sentence of death, and expressed the opinion that he was justly convioted. On the removal of the prisoner, and be fore the jury was discharged Judge Edwards referred to the manner m which the character of some of the witnesses had been assailed, declaring it to be infamous, and that those assailed wer.e free from the im putations which aocused'a oounael had thrown at them. Judge Edwards spoke with some heat, and then the court adjourned UOti^ Monday.

Fire Brigades' Competition.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph—

Auoklanp, February 28 Coupling competition for two men, Brophy and Gilbert of Napier 40£ seca 1 ; Christ ohurch City 41| sees 2 ; Timaru 42§ seoß 3. Caversham and Auckland tied for' fourth place. Qne man manual— Ashburton first. A light helmet disqualified the Ashburtun team m the five men manual. AtCKLAND. February 26 JETosa and Hydrant — Gisborne and Wanganui tied, The former won jn the run off, New Plymouth third. ;

THE GOVERNOR.

Piesß Association— By Electric Telegraph

Timahu, February 26. The Goy-ernor, Lady Ranfurly, and a small party returned here this morning from a trip to Mt. Cook. They had perfept weather and enjoyed the trip thoroughly. The gentlemen madea one day trip the to Ball Hut and Tasman glacier; They go to Christ church by the express to-day.

Federal Convention.

~7 Press Association — By Electrio telegraph.— Copyright Melbourne, February 25 The Federal Convention adopted an amendment allowing a State to impose such railway rates as were necessary for the development of its territory, provided it applies equally to goods from other States, and a new clause, that m considering the rates considera tion must be given to the cost of con struction and the working expenses of the State railways. Beceived Wakapuaka Feb. 26, 9 52 a.m., Guardian Office, 10.15 a.m. Melbourne, February 26. The Federal Gonvention solved the railway difficulty by appointing an inter-state commission to manage matters affecting railway and river traffic. The question of the Federal Parliament taking over the publio debts was oeoupying the attention of the Convention when ibadjourne^ till Monday, f

MADAME AMY SHERWIN.

The Australian Nightingale.

The distinguished einger, so aptly named the Australian nightingale, is one of the greatest travellers, m her profession, now before the public. It is now ten years since she delighted Now Zealand audiences with her beautiful voice, and according to all re ports she ia even better now, her voice having become stronger and sweeter, and years of hard and conscientious study have placed her m the front rank of singers m Europe. She has toured with the greatest success m all parts of Europe, South Africa, Amerioa, India, China, Japan, the Straits Settle ments, and Burmah, and brings with her a reoord absolutely unequalled by any singer ever before the public of Ashbarton, besides holding the unique position of being the pioneer Australian to make a name for herself as a singer m Europe. Madame Sherwin brings with her an exceptionally fir ßb rate oompany of artists, including Mr Arthur Deane, the celebrated baritone, who for two years has studied with Santley, and made such a success m *' La Poupee," at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London; Miss Kitty Grindlay, who made a name for her self an the popular contralto of Philip Newbury's tour; Alberto Zelman, the famous violinist, speoially engaged by Madame Sherwin for the New Zealand tour ; Herbert Stoneham, the well-known Mel bourne flautist; and S. 8z aepanowßki; a pianibt and aocompanUt, recommended speoially to Madame Sherwin by Sir Alex ander Mackenzie, principal of the Royal Academy of Music, London, whose pupil he was. With auoh an array of artists, the music loving public of Ashburton have a rare treat m store, and as there will be only one ooncert, we advise our readers to book their seats without loss of time. The plan is now open and can be seen at Mr Horace Gates' music shop m Burnett street. Madame Sherwin has juafc completed a highly success ful season m Dunedin, and is at present singing before large audienoes m Inveroar gill.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsive for the opinions expressed by our correspondents)

SERVING SUMMONSES.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — Can you inform myself and fellow tradesmen whether the Court authorities are permitting a certain individual who is particularly anxious to collect a number of outstanding accounts to serve his own summonses and thus avoid payment of mileage. I can hardly believe this is correct, as I have on more than one occasion per sonally applied to be allowed this privilege, but have always been told that the mileage fees are the bailiff's perquisites, and that whether summonses be served m town or not the mileage must be paid. I agree that the mileage system is a bad one, and that the bailiff should be paid a sufficient salary to cover all expenses, but why make fish of one and flesh of another ? — I am, etc,

Tradesman.

THE SO-CALLED "CONVERTED MONK."

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, — Sometime during last year one Edward Bishop, a recruit of the Salvation Army posed on the lecturing platform m New Zealand as "a converted monk " and professed to relate his own experiences m a Benedictine monastery m Scotland. Ib will interest a large number of your readers to know that m the last issue of the Tablet there appears a letter from the Superior of the monastery m question, that ot JTorb Augustus, m which the writer states :— " The person m question was never a monk here. It is true lie was an inmate of our house for four months— -from November 1882 to March 1883— bat it was merely m the capaoity of candidate for the state of lay Brother. "He had been a member of the 'Little Oratory' — a kind of confraternity for Catholic yonag men m connection with' the London Oratory—and through one of the Oratoriau Fathers he obtained admission here. He could not be received m any higher capacity than that of Lay Brother, as his education was not np to the standard necessary for Choir Monks. Lay Brothers m a Religious House, as you doubtless know, are men who are willing to devote them selves to the care of the temporal concerns of the community. Their duty is to exercise the various crafts needed, and to fu'fil the necessary work of the kitchen, farm and other offices. To them is also entrusted the more menial work m connection with the clean liness and repair of the monastery and the like. The Lay Brothers are entirely separate from the moDks, properly so called ; they take no part m the divine office and have no voice m any deliberations or elections connected with the community, or m any of ;h$ business arrangements, , , The two brothers Murphy whom he describes as being at the head of affairs here, never existed except mMr Bishop's imagination. Prior Vaughan waa the only superior during the shore time Bishop spent here as a candidate for admission."— l am etc,

Verjtas.

Presentation at Waterton.

A very pleaaanb Booial evening was spent m the Waterton Library Hall on Friday night, when the parents and children of the Longbeach and Waterton districts assembled for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr H. Donaldson on the oacasion of his retirement from the super intendency of the Waterton Sunday school, he having worthily filled that office for the pasb sixteen years. The chair was taken' by the . Rev. J. Blackburn, who apologised for the absence of Rev. J. J. Mather, and regretted that owing to a postal delay, Rev. J. Skinner was not present. The programme was a lengthy and well ordered one, and the various iteqs were rendered m a very fjnishedstyle by the several contributors. Those taking part were Mrs Rich, Mrs Wheeler (2), Misses Watson (2), Weston, and Messrs Wheeler (2), J^tllock, Huttan, Werren, IJayman, and WiUs. MrsJ. 0. N. Qrigg aotingas accora, panist. The several items having been gone through, refreshments were handed round, and these having been partaken of, the Rev. J. Blackburn presented, od behalf of the teacher* and parents, Mr Donaldson with a very handsome marble clock, inscribed aa follow?— " Presented to Mr H. Donaldson m grateful recognition of his able super intendency for sixteen years of the Waterton Sunday school, Waterton, 1898." In mak ing the presentation Mr Blackburn spoke m eulogistic terms of Mr Donaldson's work m the Sunday school, and urged upon all presenb to interesb themselves m Sunday school work, and by their prayers and words of sympathy encourage the teachers m the^r labor of love. Messrs Watson and Moses spoke m a similar manner/ and hoped that Miss Grigg, who bad taken upon her self the onerous duties of superintendent, would receive the hearty support) of the parents. Mr Donaldson feelingly replied to the various kind things that had been said regarding his work, thanked the donors for their very handsome present, and stated that if m ]}ia work he had dope any good, he was much pleased. After various votes of thauks the party was closed Walt singing the doxology.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Presß Association — By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. The Freuch Differential Tariff. London, February 24. Lord Salisbury privately received an important deputation of merchants and shippers, relative to the injustice occa sioned by the French differential tariff m West Africa. Lord Salisbury promised to make representations to the French Government on the subject. Empire Trade League. ( ttawa, February 24. Mr John Lowles, M.P. for Shore ditch, who recently visited Australia io the interests of the Empire Trade League, is now m Canada. At Ottawa he stated that he had secured th« consent of the Australian Government! to join m an elastic programme of preferential trade.

Australian

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright The Illnininaiit Absconder.

Sydsby, February 25 The absconder Lee last month married the daughter of a well-known resident m the Orange district. He tried to induce the officiating minister to have the church lighted with the now atmospheris gas. Wavy Contract for Sydney. A contract to supply Australian tinned beef for the Imperial navy for 1898 has been secured by Clayton's j Sterling Meat Company, a local firm. Telegraphic Interruption. International Press messages have been delayed to-night, owing to storms on the overland line to Port Darwin causing a block of telegraphic work. Fire at a College. Melbourne, February 25 A fire at the Ortnond Presbyterian College destroyed the extensive gym nasium and baths.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association— By Eleofcrio TetarraDh— Copyright. Received Wakapuaka Feb. 26, 10.17 a.m. Guabdian Office, 11.55 a.m. The Victorious. London, February 25 Captain Schomberg of the warohip Victorious, is to be tried by court martial m connection with the ground ing of that vessel at Port Said. British South Africa. Stringent rules will be made by the Government for the control of the British South Africa Company. The (? control) of the looal legislation and taxation are invested m the Adminis trator, and the Company's resolution* and appointments are to be subjected to Mr Chamberlain's veto. A Greek Loan. A Greek loan of £6, 600,000 has besn arranged. Britain, France, and Russia guaranteeing four millions at three per cent. Lord Salisbury states that the evacuation of Thessaly by the Turks is to commence -when the loan is issued. The B.S. Mataura. It is expected that the cargo of the Mataura will be saved. Salvage operations have been resumed. Received Wakapaaka Feb. 26, 11.45 a.m., Guardian Office, 12.13 a.m. The French m West Africa. Pabis, February 25. M. Hanotaux assured Sir B. J, Monson, British Ambassador, that there was not a French force at either Sokoto or Argunga, and no troopg were being sent. The Gold Coast

In the House of Commons, Mr J. Chamberlain stated that Germany had infringed the agreement entered into m 1888, and occupied Yenai m the neutral zone m the Guinea districts m West Africa. The Governor of the Gold Coast thereupon was ordered to occupy Salagi, the seat of the German mission m Upper Guinea. Germany then consented to withdraw from Tenaa, and Britain withdrew from Salaga.

Australian.

Press Association— By jjjigqtrio lolagraph— Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Feb. 26, 9.52 ».m., Guardiah Office 10.15 a.m. TUe Foundering 1 of the Minora. Stdney, February 26 The Marine Board found that the foundering of the M inera was probably caused by a heavy sea bursting the hatches. It exonerated the captain from all blame and decided to forward a letter to the captain of the Tangier asking him to explain his alleged refusal to lower a boat and hia action m leaving the castaways, -

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Press Association— By Eleofcric Telegraph— Copyright,

Received Wakapuaka Eeb. 26, 10.33 a.m., Gpaedian Office, 10.40 a.m. ! London, February 2§ In the House of Commons Mr Labouchere moved a reduction of the vote for the West African frontier forca. He said Air Chamberlain wa| (Jefying prance. Mr Ohamberlain m reply aaj4 he had reason to Hope thst the negotiations in 'process *\foui(f result jn a" friendly and satisfaptpry settlement gi the boundaries of tb/e West Niger territory The Govern ! (nent was determined not to allow the ! trade of the Lagos and Qo|c| Ooa^jj districts tq be strangled as that of Gambia and Sierra Leone h^d beoq. The French expedition had spre&d fan lil?e over a region constituting geo graphical and legitimatje .British hinterland. The establishment of a frontier police force was absolutely neoewary. He further announced that the Cabinet was absolutely united on West African policy from beginning to end. This announcement was received with obeere, Sir Edward Grey said the Goterfi. ment had no ohoioe but to be firm The am.eudmen.ft wu negatived by 88^

THE ASfiBURTOS (3CABDIAN : SAICMJAY, JiIRDABY 26 ; 189 S.



Moit Reliable



In order to make room for the builders to complete the alterations we have resolved to greatly reduce our stopk, We hays therefore culled a large quantity of our Tweeds and Worsteds, etc, to clear at the following reduotions :— Men's suits to measure, usual price 90s, now 70s; Men's trousers, usual price 358, now 15b Od; etc We have also pleasure m notifying that we have just been appointed agents for the famous " British Monarch ' " Waverley " and Eclipse- Humber Bicycles (both gents' and ladies'), which we are now selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at the lowest oash prioes, or on the most liberal terms to suit the convenience of our customers. (Every machine guaranteed).—- Craiqhead and Bbbeyman, the leading Tailors and Outfiiters.



Keating 's Powdkb destroys bugs, fleas, motha, beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating 'btfetlee tjip puocssa of this powder is extraordinary.' ft tti perjeotly clean m application. See the article you purchase is " Keatios'a," &b imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold m tins, 6d, 1b 3» f>d a»gb» by all 9b«miibi« !



Church Services ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. ISUNDAY SERVlCES.— February 27. 8.30 a.m. — Holy Communion. 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer. 3 p.m. — Seafield— Rev T. A. Hamilton. 3 p m. — Dromore— Mr Gates. 6.30 p.m.— Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.'



PUBLIC NO'xXCKS ■ o Q 23 3.1 § S 8a I i Q S B 5 loi |^ ■'g 1 * i i o 3. : * h] S - fl * pq



FOR SALE, I HAVE FOR SALE a good second ha FARM DRAY, 1 DOUBLE-FURRO PLOUGH, and second hand DRILL. F. FERRIMAN FOX SALE. I HAVE FOR BALE a unique site foi suburban residence. The quality of the lai is unsurpassed, ample frontage on good roa and containing SEVEN ACRES, TWENT PERCHES ; Bituated on the creek. Ti owner is determined to sell. Full particula oq application. F. FERRIMAN. T 0 LE T, William Street, off Wakanui Road, j house of seven rooms. TO LET, Wakanui Road, a comfortable£houße £o six rooms and scullery. F. FERRIMAN. &o fioffiepersvatfeif/oX oi/y^ny o/f/?e /m//a//o/?s\ o f/ts/sf on />dv//7(7, m|| experience. Sn jfiiy. \ la/vesfsa/e//?Ausfmfes/aA i jjOjpP BY A^pO^Rj Hi



F. FKRP..XMAN. FOR SALE. A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY FOR A PERSON WITH A SMALL CAPITAL. T HAVE been instructed by Mb] V. Rouse to sell by Private Treaty his well known and Commodious BOARDING HOUSE, situated m oloae proximity to the Methven Railway Station, containing I 1 ? Rooms and Soullery, togethei with i acre of land. As Me, Rouse haa determined to sell on aooount of his wife's ill-health, the above should oommand the attention of anyone m search of a profitable and increasing business m the oeatre of a large and rising diatrioti F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE. ) WAKANUI iROAD^WITHIN A FEW MINUTES WALK OF POST OFFICE. A Comfortable Dwelling House, oontain' ing 8 rooms, Bathroom and Soullery, to- gether with one acre of land, fronting on Wakanui Road and Cambridge Street. The above is for absolute sale, and from t s oloae proximity to town should call for special attention from those m searoh^of good suburban residence. R FEREIMAN. FOB SJALE. LEASE IN PERPETUITY of 100 Acres of Land at Lismore, subdivided into four paddocks, with an abundant Bupply of water m eaoh. 20 acres 'are m English grasses, 35 m fallow, and 45 are m the native state, upon which there is good feed. Upon the property there is a comfortable five-roomed house, a well planted garden, three-stalled stable, piggeries and sheep yards, As this farm ia within three miles of a Public School, anyone m search of a property at a small rental would do well to give this an inspection. i F. FERRIMAN.



SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, AND GENERAL IMPORTERS. MARKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. GROCERIES. ~IN STOCK—High Class Pekoe, Cey'.oD, and Indian Teas, ; sole Agents for Ashburton for Tiger Bended Teas* None but the best brands of Groceries kept ; Tinned Fieh of every description ; Curronte, Kaisina, Sultanas, all of the first quality ; Finest Oatmeal, guaranteed absolutely pure ; Kerosene, ISO test • Finest Roller Flour ; Butler and Cheese, the finest procurable from the best makers ; Mauritius Sugar always m Stock. Customers may always rely on being supplied from a large and well eeleoted stock of all groceries, at the most reasonable prices. GENERAL MERCHANDISE. Best design and quality of China Breakfast and Tea Ret vices, Dinner Servioee, all prices ; Toilet Seta, newest Btyles and decoration } Glass and Earthen- ware of every description. Table Cutlery by the very best makers. Eleotro Plated goods a Speciality, suitable for Wedding Presents. Splen- did assortment of Brushware of every kind. Raw and Boiled Linseed, Caitor and Neats Foot Oils always on hand. Ploughshares and Ropes, Lamps and Laapware (English and American), Ironmongery and General Household Requisite*, Etc, Etc, Etc WINES AND" SPIRITS. We have now to hand a Large Assorted and Well-Selected Stock of all Classes of Wines and Spirits, English and Colonial Bottled Ales and Stout. Penfold a Celebrated Muscat and Constantia Australian Wines always In stock. Being m direot communication with the best British amd Continental Manufacturers of all the above goods, and buying for prompt Cash, enables us to offer them CHEAPER THAN MOST WHOLESALE HOUSES IN THE COLONY. Customers waited upon for Orders. Goods delivered daily* Letters and Telegrams promptly attended to. SATISFACTION IS OUR MOTTO. Telephone No. 63. GIGANTIC SALE - OF DRAPERY, CLOTHING & BOOTS AT- MITCHELL & TURNER'S. The Whole Stock Reduced. ODD LINES AND SUMMER GOODS AT AFTER SEASON PRICES. LADIES' WATCHES GENTLEMEN'S WATCHES, GOLD BROOCHES LADIES' GOLD RINGS. , »Q« i- mHESE FOUR LINES ARE HEAVILY STOCKED AND ARE OFFERED AT REDUCED PRICES THE LARGEST AND FINEST STOCK IN the District of these^and all other Lines is to be sc«n?Jab S. SALEK'S THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT BARGAINS EXTRAORDINARY /^ BEAT ANNUAL SALE of Surplus., Sfcock| of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS, COMMENCED ON SATURDAY, January 15. IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. ANDREW ORR.