MAIL NOTICES.

c Mails olose for bhe following places as ( under, subject bo bhe necessary alterations ; WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16. ! For Northern PortP, Samoa, Hawii, also I United States; Canada, &c, United Kiug* 1 dom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, per Takapuna, as foliows :— Money orders, at 3 p.m.; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; newspapers, ac 6 15 p.m. ; ordi dary letters, 6.30 p.m. ; due London April 20. v fiEB-M--j|W_WM_-W-W-^

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1898. Local and General.

4» Interesting reading matter will be found on the first and fourth pages to-day. .he programme for the oocoerb on St. Patrick's Day is circulated with tnis issue. ' Mr T. Bullock invites tenders for the leaße of a farm of 376 acres for five years. Mr John Downie has a notioe re sheep dip ab Chertsp.y m this issue. A public meeting on the irrigation ques tion will be held m the' Doric schoolroom on Friday evening next, Maroh 18. It is stated that the practice of feeding sunflower seeds to milch oows is common m Belgium and Denmark. Ib is also reported thab Russia exports large quantities of sun flower seed annually for feeding purposes. At Featherston the other day, a sheep was examined by two local residents after ib had died, when the coating of its stomach wus found to be eaten away by bote. Notwithstanding the drought and the bad season for milking, the Eitham (Wanganui) cheese factory has been paying away aboub £900 per month for milk. Ab Omanu, on the East Coast, a Mr i Perritt, market gardener, has a tomato grown ab his place, thirteen inches m circum ference, and which turns the scale at twenty ! four ounces. : The police station ab Auckland having been found to be insanitary, and inimical to the health of the men, ib was deoided. to build new barracks. Meanwhile bhe men have gone into private lodgings. The Belgian Government offers a prize of £2300 to the iDveutor of a system which will do away with the use of white phosphorus m the manufacture of matches. A jury of nine experts has been appointed to award this important prize. Ib is reported by the Lake Wakatipu Mall that bhe property of the Wakatipu Steam ship Company is under offer bo an English company, which, if the sale is consummated, is likely to do much m bringing the Lakes districb into notice among Home tourists. Mrs Schnackenburg, president of the New \ Zealand W.C.T.U., hasreceiyed a cable from . Miss Slack, London, to the effect that memorial services m memory of the late 1 Frances Willard will be held m all parts of 5 the world on March 20. New Zealand's drink bill for last year , was £2,265,900, being £2 19a B*d per head (man, woman and child) of the population, J Reckoning an average family to consist of father, mother and three children bhis 1 means, £14 18j-6io per family. Experts say that the clock of the future will have a face dial but no hands. There will be two slots or holes on the dial — one showing bhe minute and bhe other bhe hour. Thus, when ib is 40 minubes after 3 o'clock p.m., the number 3 (or the hour) will appear m the lower slot, and tho number 40 (or the minutes) m the upper slot, , During the month of February, fifteen cases of various ailments were treated ab the Ashburton Hospital. On February 1 the number of patients under treatment was seven; admitted during the month, eight; deaths, two ; discharged, five; m the hospital on February 28, eight. This ia the smallest I number treated during any one month for a r number of years. Don't use a spanner as if you were putting aii ut upon a dray axle. The threads on the screws and nuts of a high grade cycle, though made of the finest material, are very delicate, and a spanner should be used with great care. Much depends upon the spanner ÜBed. The wrench known aa the " Mossberg " and sold by the Austral Cycle Agency, is, how ever, both up-to-date and reliable. Blackberry picking, which during the past two or three years has become an important and profitable occupation, is now m full swing m the Takaka Valley, Nelson. One day's consignment to Messrs Kirk- I patrick and Co. filled fifty casks. Some of J bhe families engaged m picking the berries I are said to be earning £1 to 30a, and up- I wards a, day. ' The number of horses sent from Ireland ' to Great Britain during the first ten months of last year was 34,326, compared with 1 36,049 m the corresponding period of 1896 ; the ' number of cattle 588,052, againsb 551,608, an increase ot 36,444 ; bhe number of sheep 730,708, againsb 692,949, an increase of 37,759 ; and of pigs '51^,313, against 457,722, an increase of 61,591. Mr Lionel Broad, whose exploits m the athletip line are still fresh m the memories ot Ashburfconites is entered for the sports of the Irish Athletic Society m Inyercargill. He is apparently only engaged m the half mile handicap, for which there are twenty two entries. Broad is op the five yards mark , R. Cameron being Bcratoh man, while the limit men have 45 yards. No doubt our old j representative will uphold his reputation. The Auckland Star, which recently in troduced the linotype, m the course of a leading article on the Dreyfus affairs, says : — t* Briefly, Captain Dreyfus was accused of ! being theauthorfiokregrefjtnwbvioledabtahar. hxlxlf-i of bhe famous bordereau. Thab, as the London Times points out, was the solo material charge against him." Enough too, most people will think, to justify hia immediate execution. As showing how letters may go mysteri ously astray, Mr Crosher, electrician, of High Streeb, Auokland, received by the lasb San Francisco mail a circular m an open envelope. On opening ib he found on removing the circular bhab a letter addressed to a lady at Walthamstowe had fallen into the open envelope and was sticking there, having been unnoticed by the English post office officials, The lady ab Walthamstowe must still be awaiting for her letter, whjoh will reach her m due time bhrough bhe agenoy of bhe Auckland posb office officials, J Deeply pathetic is the engine-driver's story of a little girl who was * cut to*pieoes ' on the Cleveland (South Queensland) line- by the etigine of a passing train recently. Said the driver, with tears streaming down his cheeks : • I saw the little ohild on the track, and the sight was one thab almosb made my hearb cease beabing. She was sitting down playing, ib appeared, wibh the stones. She was nob old enough to understand the position she was m. When I blew the whistle bhe little bob jusb turned round, and as the engine drew near her she looked up and smiled.' The Sb Pabrick'B Day Sportp, to be held m the Ashburton Domain on March 17, pro- i mise to be a great success. Entries have * been reoeived for bhe cycling competitions t from G. A. Maxwell, Otago's champion ; George Sutherland, winner of bhe New Zea land wheel race - Arthur Holmes, winner of | bhe Obago wheel race ; C. E. Peake, W. t Clarkson, Simon McDonald, Alex, Craigie, | and obher notable performers. Entries have < also been reoeived for bhe pedestrian events | — amateur and cash — from all ths principal ] runners iv this district, and from oompeti- £ tors m Christchurch and Timaru. Given a j fine day, the St. Patrick's Day sports ought < to provide an Attractive outing. 1 j

l'he Waterton Hotel is about to change ' nds, Mrs DoDnan having disposed of her crests to Mr Cresswell, of Rangiora. The w proprietor takes possession on Wcdnes y next. The fifteenth anniversary of the Baptist lurch, and third anniversary of tin. ttlemenb of Mr Ager as pastor in Ash irton, will be celebrated to-morrow by ecial services. The Automobile Club of France, on appeal tho Minister of Public Instruction and ne Arts, has been authorized to open its at international exhibition of horseleii? rriages on June 10, in the Tuileries arden. The weekly meeting of the Star of th» aeb Lodge was held in the Temp'ar Hall on Wednesday evening. It was decided to }ld an open entertainment shortly. Other isineeß having been concluded, the Lodge ent into harmony. Mr W. Stead, son of Mr G- G. Stead, of hriafcehurch, received a rather severe kick i the head irom a horse this morning, and attended by Dr Leahy. We are pleased r> learn that no serious consequences are kely to ensue. There are now in Victoria 36,023 acres nder fruit. The wine-growera are becoming swer, and have fallen off to the number < f 72 during the last year. The area under inea is 28,000 acres. Tobacao-growing is nother industry which Bhows a great falling ff from former, efforts in that direction. A social in a d of the Awaroa sohool was teld in Mr William Harrison's grain shed ast evening. There was a splendid cttend inoe—nearly throe hundred were present. Mrs Harrison, assisted by others, supp ied ;he dance music in a capable manner. Miss Mulligan, Miss Hardy, and Mr Oliver oon iribubed Bongp, whicii were well reoeived. Mr Stewart made an efficient M.C. The Pride of Wakanui Lodge held a social od Tuesday to bid good-bye to Brothers Lythams, who were leaving Wakanui. after the business of the Lodge had been transacted, several members spoke *nd wished them success and happiness. Songs, reading*, etc., were given during the evening, and the refreshments dispensed by the ladies were very acceptable. A postman named Bontroux, who is accustomed to distribute letters between St Bonnets and St Etienne-en-Dvolny (Upper Alps) was caught a few days ago in a snow storm, and whs compelled to sit down by the way side and wait for it to finish. As he did so, two eagles descended upon him and began to attack him with their beaks. He tried to beat them off with his stick, when two fresh eagles joined the firßt two, and with a vigorous flap of the wing the postman was thrown to the ground by one of the second birds. He continued, however, to defend himself with his stick, and, although the fight lasted half an hoar, the bird 8 were eventually beaten off. Milk being such a staple article of diet for invalids and the young, and entering alao so largely into the food of all, especial interest attaches to the degree in which tuberculosis cin be oonveyed through its medium. Care fully conducted experiments and exhaustive inquiries carried out by the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture prove conclusively that it can be bo conveyed, even when the udder of the cow from which the milk is obtained is itself healthy, if the disease exists in other parts of the body. In 121 microscopical examinations of milk and cream, the specimens coming from 36 different animals, all with healthy udders, tuberculosis bacilli were found in no leaf than 19 cases. Inoculation was also tried, with the result that of 88 guinea pigs inocu lated with milk from 15 different cows, tuberculosis was found in 12. A third line of experiment was also adopted, various animals being fed with milk from tuberculom cows. As a result, 2 rabbits out of 48, 5 pigß out of 12, and 8 calves out of 21 were found to have become tuberculous. A certain author says that without the well-known ool'ie, the shepherd's doy, the whole of the -mountainous land in Sootland would not be worth sixpenoe. It would w quire more hands to manage a Sock of sheep gather them from the hills, force them in tc the houses and folds, and drive them' to the markets, that the profits of the whole stock would be capable of maintaining. Well mav the shepherd, then, feel an interest in hi; dog. It is, indeed, he that earns the brca -1, of which he is content himself with the smallest morsel. Neither hunger nor fatigue will drive him from his master's side; he will follow him through fire and water. Another thing very remarkable is, the understanding these creatures have of the necessity of being particularly tender ovet lame and particular sheep. They will drive these a great deal more gently than others, and sometimes a single one )'b committed to their care to t^ke home. On these occa sions they perform their duty like the most tender nurses. Can it be wondered $t, then, that the collie should be so much prized by the shepherd ? — that his death Bhould be regarded as a great calamity to a family, of which he forms, to all intents and purposes, an integral part?— or that hia exploits of sagacity Bhould be handed down from generation to generation ? In the early days of railway engineering little circumspection was used in laying down lines, and many ' tunnels were con structed which nowadays would be avoided. A- tunnel of this kind, built 50 years ago by the North British railway Company, and running for 3000yds at a depth of 60ft below the streets of Edinburgh, was after wards discarded, another line having been constructed. For a time the old tunnel remained unused, but 10 years ago it was taken over by Messrß Paton, of Glasgow, and has since been used by them for the purpose of cnltivabing mushrooms. The story of this industry is briefly told in the January number of Pearson's Magazine. The tunnel offers ideal conditions for tho growth of mushrooms, the temperature varying but very slightly, and light being absent. The result of this combina tion of favorab'e conditions It thab the Scottish Mushroom Company now praotically control the market, in cultivated mushrooms. Ihe company has now 80d mushroom beds in the tunnel, each about; 12ft by 3ft in Biza. When in full operation about 10Q0 bushels of spawn are used yearly. The highest output roaohes 50001b of mushrooms per month. The steady and constant supply has killed foreigh competition in mushrooms, for it appears that, whereas 10 years ago the quantity of French mushrooms consumed in Great Britain largely exceeded those of home growth, they form ao present only Eiboub one-hundredth part of the total Bupply.' Synopsis of New Advertisements. Lost — Fof terrier. Ashburton County Council Election. R. Bird— Tenders wanted for building I table. Fried lander Bros. — Draughb horses, etc., "or sale Saturday next. Also, for private lale, 167 aores of land in the Wakanui listrict. Mrs Thomas — Hot Pies and Fish to-night it Restaurant, Tancred street. The Tabernaole — Anniversary, Sunday, .3th ; sale of work and service of song, Wednesday next.

Another Train Accident.

1 ' * rrrr AN UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE. Press Assooiation — By Electric Telegraph Wpllin(jton, Mareh 11 Six hundred school children from the Wairarapa had an unpleasant experience last night. They got »8 f* r a8 Kaitoke, on their return journey, and there the engine of the inward Napier train jumped the points, and got aßtride the main line. It took all night to remove it, and the children and their friends had' to Bleep in the carriages, and did not get home till nine o'clock this morning. The railway authorities sent up supplies of food, and the Napier passengers were brought in last night by the engine and carriages taken from the excursion train. I have been afflicted with rheumatism fqr fourteen years and nothing seemed to give any relief. I was able to be around all the time, but constantly suffering. I had tried everything I could hear of and at lasb was told to try Chamberlain's Pain Balm, which < I did, and was immediately relieved and ip a short time cured. lam happy to Bay (chat it has not since returned.— Josh. Eijgab, Germantown, Cal, JTor Bale by the A»h? burboo Drug Company,

CRICKET.

-«. - Press Assooiabion-— By Eleotrio Telegraph.— Copyrlghb Melbourne, Maroh 11. There was fine weather bub a limited p attendance ab bhe return match, English v Viotoria. The home team batted firsb, an< ; ab bhe close of bhe day's play had losb 9 j wickets for 283. McLeod 16, Worrall 13, i Trumb c 107, Scuckey 59, Giller 17, Trobt I 39, Layer 15. 1

THE ANAMA BALLOT.

At a meebing of the Land Board held on \ Friday the ballotting for the applications for the Hekeao settlement took place, and resulted as follows : - Sections 14 and 2, 87 aores 3 roods 28 perches, nine applicants Sarah Hydes ; sections 7, 7A and 10, 172 j acres 3 roods 25 perohes, eighb applicants, 1 Roberb Kellahan ; sections 8. 8a and 9, 37 j acres 2 roods 7 perches, 14 applicants, J M'Laren ; section 19, 328 aores 2 roods 10 parches, 16 applicants, G- Harrison ; section , 22, 232 acres 1 rood 17 perohes, thirteen applioantp, W. B. Ellery ; section 23, 195 acreß, nine applicants, J. Eggleston ; seotion 24, 258 acres 3 roods 27 perches, eleven applicants, W. D. Thompson; section 27, 1 269 acres 1 rood 39 perches, fourteen appli cants, T. Heenan. For sections 5, 6 and 6a there were no applicants. There were two informal applications.

CORRESPONDENCE.

■.-. ■» — .«-— — (We do not hold ourselves responsible for ths opinions expressed by our correspondents [AD VERT ISBM EN T , ] WHEAT AND FLOUR. TO THE EDITOB. Sib, — Too many unfortunate fa-mers have been picked up, and it is time the faroe was stopped. Press reports give the price of new wheat ab 3s lOd to 4s. As a matter of faot 4a 3d, 4s 4d, 4j sd, and 4i 6d per bushel has been paid, and there are i buyers at the latter price for any quantity. Ib 'is nob right, ib is nob fair, to allow the hard working producers, who have but half their usual crop, bo be deceived m this . manner. lam prepared, of oourse, bo sub , stantiate my statement. — I am, eto , i William Harker. aaa___a-_ aaa taaaaaaaaaaaaaaanaaaaaaa

HAMPSTEAD TOWN BOARD.

— — . »-. A meeting of bhe Hampstead Town Board was held last evening. Present — Messrs Maynard (chairman), Mahood, MoElrea, Elliott, and Keeley. CORRESPONDENCE. The Valuer-General wrote, enquiring if bhe Board required a copy of bhe new roll. The Clerk was instructed bo apply for a copy. From the Chief Surveyor, asking for the usual return of expenditure of thirds. — Ordered bo be furnished. From J. Ma.kay, Libor Department, demanding notification, at once, of the day appointed for the weekly half holiday. — The Clerk stated tbat he had supplied the information, and reminded Mr Mackay that the information had already been furnished on January 31, by the clerk to the confer ence of Local Bodies. N.E. BELT. The Ashburton Borough Coonoil . sub mibted a bender for forming this belt to William Street, and for supply of shingle The acceptance of the tender was approved, Mr McElrea dissenting. WATER SUPPLY. The Chairman said Mr Hardley and him self had seen bheCounty Engineer m reference to this matter, and theie was nothing to prevent the people getting a supply. They had only to sign a requisition, and pay aboub 128 6,d per section, and the work oould be put m land. AOCOUKTS * A small account was passed and bhe Board adjourned.

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.

8 • Itakaia Hiding. * ________ I Mr John Larauie Returned. i The voting m the election for tbe Rakaia a Riding of the county took place at the r Road Board office, Rakaia, yesterday, the 5 result being tbat Mr Lambie wan returned , by a majority of four votes over Mr Wilkin > son, whose majority over Mr Hugo Fried • lander was eighteen. The following are the a figures: — I Votes. ) Mr John Lambie (Kyle) .. 94 ) Mr William Wilkinson . (Chertsey) .. 90 I Mr Hpgo Friedlander 1 (Ashburton) .. 72

COMMERCIAL.

ARCADE HORSE SALE.

0 Mr D. Thomas reports a small entry of horses at the Arcade to-day, and sales effected at the following prices: —Bay • gelding, aged, £24 10s ; bay gelding, aged, • £13; bay gelding, aged, £18 ss. Dog oarb, £20. Produce—Tomatoes, Id to 2£d per lb. 8 Potatoes, £d per lb. ■

CLEARING SALS.

——- — Messrs Hanmer & Graves (per Mr John R. Bland, auctioneer) report having held a very satisfactory clearing Bale of sheep, horses, , cattle, and implements for David Wilson, Esq., of Sherwood, on Friday. The attend -3 ance was very large, and every lot was cleared at full market values. The following are the prices obtained : —277 crossbred two -3 tooths 83, 321 halfbred ewes 7s 6J, 320 crossbred lambs 5s lQd, 116 at 33 od, 187 crossbred ewes *\s 2d, 103 boilers Is sd, 114 at Is, 35 cull two-tooths 63, 144 merino ewes 2s 2d, 107 lambs 7s 6d. Horses— I draught gelding, aged, £18; lat £10 10c; 1 draught mare, 4yrs, £26 ; 1 draught mare, 7yrs, £21 * lat £24 10a ; 1 chestnut trap horse, Syrs, £12. Collars, hainea and winkers 355, £2, 355, £2 ; horse covers, 10s, 12s 6d, 15a; trap and harness £16. Imple ments—Grain drill £27 10a, roller £21, double-furrow ploughs £7 10s to £10, dray £7 10s, disc harrows £7 ss, six horse blocks £3, harrows 15s to £3, four-horße set trees £2, reapers and binders 25s to £11 10s, 4 sheep feeders 355. Seconds of oatß Is 8d per bushel, and a large quantity of sundries at full market rates.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRO DUCE MARKET.

The New Zealand Farmers' 00-opeba tive Association op Canterbury, Ltd., quote as follows on March 11 : — Wheat— f.o.b. Prime milling Pearl 4s 4£d to 4a 5d   Tuscan (aoarce) 4s 4d to 4a 5d „ „ „ Hunter's 4s 2d to 4s 3d  New wheat 3s lOd to 4s on trucks at country stations . for prime milling Seconds, clean ., 3a 2d to 3.3 4d  Oats— Tartars and Duns . . 2a 3d „ Good stoat feed ... 2s 4d „ Milling ... . 2a $d „ Barley — Prime malting (de» livered at malt* house) ... 4s 6d to 4s 9d „ Extra choice samples ... 5s Medium (dull) ... 3s 6d to 3s 9d „ Feed 2s 4d „ Beans — Old, scarce .... 2s 9d to 2s lOd  Peas — Prussian blues «. 4s to 4s 6d  Partridge ... ... 3s 3d to3s4d „ Ryegrass— Farmers 1 lines 2s 6d to 3s „ ' Cocksfoot—^Farmers' parcels, Good bright seed ... 2jjfd to 3|d  Medium grades ... 2£d '  t)ark' 2dto2|d „ Chaff— jQood oateheaf . . . 6Qa to 65s at country stations. Potatoes— Derwents ... 40s to 42a 6d. Kidneys 60s to 55a. J

CABLE NEWS.

» ■ . Borne and Foreign. Press Association —By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. I Lord Salisbury. London, March 10 If the foreign outlook permits of hi dbsen.e, Lord Salisbury will leave for tUviera, to recruit his health. During his visit, it is reported, he will inter view M. Hanotaux at Paris. Obituary. Pastor George Muller, of Bristol, is dead. Deceased visited tbe colonies a few years ago. Law of Common Employment. A Bid introduced m the House ofl UouQuior-s by Sir A. Forwood, for abolishing the principle of law known as common employment, was read a -econd time by a large majority. The Government did not oppose the measure. Corea and the Russians. Si Petersburg, March 10. The Russian Miuis'er, at Oorea has complained of tbe disfavor shown to wards the military instructors by the Oorean officials. M, Alexiefi, the Russian Financial Agent, has given the King a day m which to answer if tha services of these instructors is desired. The Transvaal. 8 Pretoria, March 10. s Government is asking the Volksraad _ to sanction a loan of six millions. II President and Monarch. ! ( Pai.i_, March 10 c President Faure is arranging an * interview with the (|ueen during her * journey to Nice. A Socialist Success. The Socialists have succeeded ir carrying a resolution m the Ghan.be* of Deputies enormously increasing th< taxation on large retail establish d ments. B  Preparing for a Uoyal Visit. Berlin, March \9 if In anticipation of the projecte( 1. vi.it of the Emperor and Empress o a Germany to Jerusalem, the authori ties there bave renovated the roadi _ and improved the water supply. A Distrusted Cabinet, y "Vienna, March 10 - The Germans m Bohemia deepl; c distrust the new Austrian Oabine l^ formed by Count Hohenstein m sue r. cession to the Administration of Baroi Gantscb. Mr Cecil Rhodes. ■o Capetown, March 10 0 In the course of an interview, M ' Cecil Rhodes admitted that he was thi leader of the progressive party m th *• Cape Parliament. He denounced th< M eternal whine of the Afrikanders, whi y supported every rottenness m Pre ib toria, >c _ i - ' - i (

RIOTING IN BOMBAY.

,d Proas Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyrighb. Calcutta, March 11 Twelve hundred and eighty-thret deaths have occurred from plague a Bombay during the week. The recem disturbances m the city have abatet a and everything now is quiet.

THE EASTERN SITUATION.

Press Association —By Eleotric Telegraph. Copyright. Pekin, March 10 Sir Olaude McDonald, British Minister at Pekin, states that he is not aware that the Russian demands were of the nature of an ultimatum tc •hina. London, March 11 Speaking in the House of oommon9, Mr Ourzon stated that M. Muravieff, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, admitted negotiating to lease Port Arthur and Talien wan, also fer the right to construct the Manchnriao railway. He had further stated thai Russia had not demanded sovereign rights or power to send troops to Ohina, and repeated the assurance that Talienwan would remain open to trade, Mr Ourzon declares that Great Britain will hold China responsible for the observance of her undertaking in regard to concessions in the Yangtze kiang Valley region. The German and French newspapers seek to minimise Russia's claims in China, and declare that Great Britain's attitude provoked the situation.

FEDERATION.

» , my j Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— | Copyright. Melbourne, March 11 > In the Convention an amendment r for providing the referendum wa_ 3 defeated by 29 to 15, and an amend -1 ment intended to replace simultaneous 1 dissolution was discussed. Mr G. H. J Reid supported the amendment. Later m the evening, the first portion of the clape providing for consecutive disso lution was struck out, and thus the simultaneous dissolution of both Houses was retained. The Federal Convention has resolved to continue appeal to the Privy Council until the Federal Parliament otherwise decides. In order bo make room for bhe builders to complete the alterations we have resolved to greatly reduce our stock. We have therefore called a large quantity of qur Tweeds and Worsteds, eto, tq oloar at the following reductions :—Men's suits to measure, usual price 90s, now 70s; Men's trousers, usual price 255, now 15a 6d; ebo. We have also pleasure m notifying that we have jusb been appointed agents for bhe famous ** British Monarch' " Waverley " and Eclipse-Humber Bicycles (bobh gents' and ladies'), which we are now selling wibh all the " up-to-date " improvements ab bhe lowest cash prioes, or on bhe most liberal bertns to suib the convenience of onr customers. (Every maohine guaranteed). — Craighead and Bbbbyman, the leading Tailors and Outfitters. Much consternation was caused last winter, amongst bhe medical men m Wel lington, by the introducbion of Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for coughs and colds; that a very bad oold could be cured by a Is £d Bottle, and" a whole family, with a 2s 6d bobble, was a seriouß loss to them. It is sold by all grocers and chemists. KOZIE TEA J

LOWCLIFFE SCHOOL.

♦ . ; Following is the Inspectors report on this school, exunined on December 10 :— PASS SU-hTKCTS.

Marks GLASS SUBJECTS. 0 to 100 I Grammar *" 65 History 60 Geography (Sbandard 11. only) ... 80 Elementary Science, Object Les sons, etc. ... 65 Mental Aribhuetic I 60 additional subjects. Repetition and Recitation—Commendable Drill and Exercises—Satisfactory. Singing—Simple songs are practised. Needlework—May lie improved. Comprehension of reading lessons—Highly oommendable. Staff: Mr John Brown, master; Miss Robertson, sewing mistress. Remarks: This is an excellent little sohooh Both m oral and m written examin* abion the obildren acqnib themselve. with high distinction, the performance of the younger members being exceptionally meri* borious.—L B. Wood, Inspector..

THE LATEST.

-X ♦ Some and Foreign, Press Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph.— Copyright Received Wakapaaka Maroh 12, 11.3 a.m., Guardian Office 11.20 a.m. The Queen. London, March 11 • The Queen left to-day for Paris en route for Nice. New York, March 11 The Herald states that Sir Julian Pauncefote conveyed the Queen's message of sympathy to President McKioley in his efforts to relieve the distress in Cuba. Her Majesty ex pressed the hope that war will be averted. President McKinley returned thank 8 and hoped it would be possible to avert wars. The feeling in the States is increasingly favorable to Britain, some newspapers discuss the desirableness of forming -an alliance between America, Britain and Japan. Assault on a Consul. St Petersburg, March 11 Several Russian blue jackets have been arrested at Sebastopol for assault ing Mr Cooke, the British .Acting- Consul in that town. The Governor haa expressed his regret for the assault. Received Wakapuaka March 12, 11.45 a m» Guardian Office 12.16 a.m. Neutrality Promised. London, March 11 The Standard states that, with the exception of Austria and Germany, all the powera assured America that they will remain neutral in the event of war with Spain. Russia and Turkey. Constantinople, March 11 The Porte has decided to pay three i fourths of the indemnity received from ! Greece in commutation of the Russian | war indemnity. The Transvaal. Pbetobia, March 11 President Kruger, addressing the Yolksraad in reference to the eatablish | ing of cold storage for meat, predicted troublesome times ahead, as the states were dependent on foreigners for provisions. The Afridis. Calcutta, February 11 Reports from Jamrud state that the remainder of the Afridis are tendering their submission to the British.

THE BRITISH NAVY.

♦ Presa Association — By Eleotrio Telegrap Copyright. Received Wakapuaka March 12, 10.55 a.m. GuAßDiAtf Office 11.10 a.m. London, March 11 Mr Goschen, in introducing the naval estimates in the House of Com mons, appealed to operatives and manufacturers to co-operate in repair ing arrears, when pease would be crowned with honor, or, if war should take place, it would be crowned with victory for Britain. Sir Charles Beresford said that Britain ought to seize the Island of Obusan, of the coast of China. Mr Goscheu's speech was favorably received on all hands though it is contended that in framing the navai estimates, the Government did not take into account the immense naval expenditure of Russia. Mr Goschen asked for a total voie of £25,555,000 for the navy. Great progress has been made with the work of increasing the Strength and efficiency of the navy, though the ideal has not yet been reached. The estimates are baaqd upon the needs of the Empire and the possibilities of naval construction. Two hundred and fifty eight ships have been placed in commission, manned by 50,300 men, Mr Goschen said that Britain had squadrons in foreign waters where other nations had only isolated ships. The Admiralty was prepared for any contingency, and was constructing sighty-four vessels at a cost of twenty, bhreo millions. If times became iarker, the Government would appeal ;o the patriotism of the nation to illow the .Admiralty to do its duty mhampered by the timid. Enquiries laving been made as to whether it was he intention to reinforce British fleets ,t particuliar points, Mr Goschen eplied that cruisers would be carefully istributed for the protection of the rade routes, especially in connection 'ith the food supplies of Britain. The idiniralty was prepared to expend svo and a half millions in purchasing arships now being built in England >r foreign nations but none were mnd suitable. Kbating's Powder destroys bugs, fleas oths, beetles, and all other inseQts, whilst lite harmless to, domestic animals. In terminating beetle* the success of this wder is extraordinary. It is perfeobly jan in application. See the artiot* yon robaae is «' KwtingV aa imitations art xioua and ineffectual. Sold in tini.od,la d ft 04 e»Qb, by »U ohem^B, ™* **

THE ASHJBCK'IOIN GUARDIAN: SATURDAY, MARCH 12. 1898



%> I 'S *« I-S S ts •« 2 » S3 c§p-*S CO ft M w yrmon „ 7 — —_—.—. 137,, 6 2 2—02 — 5 — — — —-■•- -12 6 -„ 4 3 3—o 3 104,, 3 5 s—o 5 112,, 2 1 I—o 1 87,, 1 3 3-0 3 Over 8 P. 8 8 — — — years, _____ __ —  ... . . ■ 2 Total 22 22—0 14



Church Services J — h ST. STEPHEN'S OHUROH » Achburboc. n d SUNDAY SERVICES.— I 3 h March. 8 30 Holy Communion. C 11 a.m. Morning Prayer. s 3 p.m. Dromore. b 6.30 Evening Prayer. a REV. T. A. HAMILTON. » * : a- _. .



F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE- A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY FOR A PERSON WITH SMALL CAPITAL. X HAVE oeen instructed by Mr V. Rou.E to sell by Private Treaty his well known and Commodious BOARDING HOUSE) situated m oloae proximity to the Methven Railway Station, containing l>y Rooms and Soullery, together with £ aore of land. Aa Mr Rottsk has determined to Bell on aooount of his wife's ill-health, the above should oommand the attention of anyone m searoh of a profitable and Increasing business m the oentre of a large and rising distriobi F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE- WAKANUI ROAD, WITHIN A FEW MINUTES WALK OF POST OFFICE A Comfortable Dwelling House, contain- ing 8 rooms, Bathroom and Soullery, to gether with one acre of land, fronting or Wakanui Road and Cambridge Street. The above is for absolute sale, and fron ta olose proximity to town should call foi special attention from those m search of good suburban residence. F. FEREIMAN. FOR SALE. LEASE IN PERPETUITY of 100 Aorei of Land at Lismore, subdivided into foui paddocks, with an abundant supply ol water m eaoh. 20 acres are m Englisl grasses, 35 m fallow, and 45 are m tbe nativ< state, upon whioh there is good feed. Upon the property there is a comfortabh five-roomed house, a well planted garden three-stalled stable, piggeries and sheer, yards. As this farm ia within three miles of i Public School, anyone m seatoh of a property at a small rental would do well to give thi an inspection. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE, I HAVE FOR SALE a good second hand FARM DRAY, 1 DOUBLE-FURROW PLOUGH, and second hand DRILL. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE, LEASE OF 600 ACRES OF LAND AT WESTERFIED. 100 acres Perpetual Lease, 999 years, equal to freehold; 500 acres under lease for 1 years, upon which are erected a four-roomec cottage, stable and chaffhouse, etc., situated m olose proximity to a public school. 4( acres are sown down m English grasses, 55C are m tussock, and 1Q are m fallow. Anyone m search of a good sheep farrr cannot do better than give this their atten tion. Full particulars on application. F. FERRIMAN. TO LET, William Street, off Wakanui Road. A house of seven rooms. TO LET, , Wakanui Road, a oomfortablej.hou.e^of I six rooms and scullery. F. FERRIMAN. Do no/ AeDersi/acfecffo buy any pf/Ae //p//3f/o/?$ t \^K4>r<fe4Ce/dan</SUnrJlkmia/s) 1 avwftoAMfmprfjs \ T/wyareparean^wnofeseme 1 <*> fw Aesf money ancf © \ exper/ence cap Auy. largest me mmsfmas/a. L SOLD BY ALL GROCERS ,



»------»--_>-»- If i 11-fa-Vil ■"■aYi I "a"• ' "•' EXCURSION WASHER. 1,000,000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN AWAY T fc O PUROHASERS OF EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing Powder m the ' World. A LargeJHONEYCOMB TOWEL given with Three Paoketr. A TURKISH ROLLER TOWEL cr a; Large HAND or BATH TURKISH TOWEL given with Twelre Packets. SHEARMAN RROS., FAMILY GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MEROHANTS, MARKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Telephone No. 53. LADIES' WATCHES GENTLEMEN'S WATCHES GOLD BROOCHES LADIES' GOLD RINGS. mHESE FOUR LINES ARE HEAVILY SHOCKED AND ARE OFFEREBIAT REDUCED PRICES, |THE LARGEST AND FINEST STOCK IN the District of thesejand all other Linearis '. to] be) gee n^ [at S. SALE K'S THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT GIGANTIC SALE -» OF DRAPERY, CLOTHING & BOOTS AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. The Whole Stook Reduced. ODD LINES AND SUMMER GOODS AT AFTER SEASON PRICES. mmmßmmaamm^maaaaaaaaaaaaaammmaaawmmaaaaaaawam^^mmmmaaaawmmaaaaaaaaawmmaaaaaaaaaamaaawaaaaa^m ONE WORD ABOUT BOOTS. JAMES "MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, TANORED STREET, ASHBURTON. "ITT'E aim to please, and our large volume of trade speaks for our success THE ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE ia holding the largest and best assorted stock of BOOTS AND SHOES m Ashburton. Ladieß', Gentlemen's and Children's Boots and Shoes m endless variety. FOR REAL HARD WEAR ?RY THE ZEALANDIA BRANH. Everybody knows we give nothing but the best value. One trial is all we ask: JAMES MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STOBE, TANCRED BTF.ET, ABHBURTON.