PHASES OF THE MOON.

BIRTH.

Cox.— On February 10, the wife of Q. W. Cox, Hampstead, of a eon.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1897

The correspondent of the Standard a Athens says that General Maoris hai produced officia ' THE documents prov GH EGO-TURKISH ing that M WAU. Delyannis, wh( was Prime Minis ter at the time, directed the raid 01 irregular soldiers acro&s the frontiei near Kalambaka ten days before the declaration of war by Turkey. General Maoris, who commanded one of the divisions of the army during the war, was m supreme control of tbe whole army before the Crown Prince's arrival at the front, and is considered to be one of the most upright men m Greece It is not surprising that " these reve lations have caused a great sensation." Jf they prove to be well founded they will relieve the Ethnike Hetairia of some of the weight of responsibility which has generally been attached to it. It was known that tbe heads of the society were of cen m consultation with Ministers before the war, bat it was believed that the raid was, after nil, prompted solely by the society. But m the matter of the raid, and m the subsequent war, the irregular soldiery of the Hetairia were a cause of weakness rather than of strength to Greece, and during the last few d»ys of tbe campaign an attempt was actually made by the Grown Prince to disarm them. If M. Delyannis really insti gated the raid, there can only be two possible explanations of his action. Either, thinking that war was inevi table, he wished to bring about the expected rising of Macedonia m support of Greece as soon as possible, or else he was quite unable to resist so powerful a body as the Ethnike Hetairia. The former explanation receive some colour from his resignation so soon afier the first disasters of the war. But the official papers of the campaign are shortly to be published, and then we shall know all.

Local and General.

A meeting of the Prohibition League will be held m the Wesleyan church oa Monday evening next at eight o'clock. Messrs Hanmer and Graves will offer some large lines of crossbred ewes and wethers at the Ashburton yards on Tuesday next. < The sale of groceries advertised by Mr D. Thomas for Thursday nejct will not bs held, the goods having been withdrawn. Policeman (bringing injured youth into hospital: "This young fejlar'as metjwith a hacoident a-ridin 1 of 'is bicycle." House surgeon (absent-mindedly): "What make was it 1" A meeting of the Ladies' Liederkranz will bo held at Mrs Makeig's home, Will Street, on Monday evening at 7.30. Members and all intending memberi are iavitad. to bo pweat,

Our uaual budget of reading matter will be found on onr first and fourth ppges.

" I wish to say to the congregation," s iid a country clergyman lately, •• that the pulpit is not responsible for the error of the printer on the tickets for the concert m the Sunday-school room. The concert is for the benefit « f the Aroh Fund, not the Aroti Fiend.

At Pirougia, Auckland, Hemy Hall, aged seventy years, attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a pen knifr. He is m a preoariouß condition. The aco was caused by grief owing to the death of his wife. The picnic of the employees of Islington Freez ng Works will be held m the Asl.bur ton Domain on Saturday, February 26. What with the usual oouutry visitors and tbeßt exoursioniste the town should present a tolerably bu y appearance on that day.

At New Plymonth, yesterday morning, before Mr R. L. Stanford, S.M., two de fendantß were each fined £2 and costs for eelliug art union tickets m connection with the Normanby Horticultural ."-how, m which ths prizas offered were not workß of art. Mr Manford said that m future cases he should want some very strong reason "gainst inflicting the maximum penalty of £200. A visitor to the Hanmer Hot Springs speaks highly of a masseuse there. " Some of her results," he says " were almost miraculous. 4 friend of mine, who for eight days had been using two crutches on account of rheumatism, was able to fling them away after two days' treatment, and felt inclined to danoe a jig, which inclination he followed amid the applause of the on- . lookers." ' Lord Wolseley's scheme of establishing an Irish Regiment with special privileges, which was to [be formed tromthe aurplas oandidatea for admission to the Royal Irish Constabulary consequent on the atoppage of recruiting for that body, has been a dismal failure. Out of 1500 disappointed applicants for the post of sub-constable m the Royal Irish Constabulary, only forty have been fuund willing to enter the regular army under exceptionally favourable conditions.

Mr P. Devane has had the lower, part of his hotel completely renovated, a strong acafFof Mr Wilson's painters having been at work on it during the greater part of the week. The plaster walls of the corridors have all been distempered m bright. co!ors, the bar and larger rooniß re-painted, and every bit of woodwork m the place passed under the hands of the workman. The effect is very pleasing, and greatly enhances the appearance of comfort, the hotel has always possessed. A horrible fatality occurred at Portland Road Metropolitan Railway S bat ion. An old man dropped his walking-stick from one of the platforms on to the rails. He climbed down to pick ft up just as a Baker street train was entering the station. There was a shout of warning from the platform, but before the unfortunate man could get back to the platform the engine struck him down. He was literally cut to pieces m the sight of a crowd of horrified speotatorß. The body was removed to the Marylebone Mortuary. Queen Victoria is, perhapß, the only Enropean Sovereign who has a positive •Aversion to tobaoco m all its forms. Woe be to the prinoe who pollutes the apartments at Windsor with its fumes. On more than one occasion despatches (not telegrams, of course) have been returned to her Foreign Secretary with a note from Her Majesty's private secretary requesting that they be purified, and that m the future they shall not smell so villainously of tobacco smoke, for Her Majesty has her ancestress Elizabeth's aversion to "an evil smell-"

An amupmg story is told of the late Mias Jean Ingelow. Once, wheu she was staying with some friends m the country, it came out that, although she often wrote delight fully of nightingales, she had never heard one sing So oue night the whole house hold went out m the moonlight especially to hear them, and after, by an effort, holding heir tongues for five minutes while the nightingales sang divinely, they were start!- d by Mies Ingelow agking, '• Are they singing? I don't hear anything.' 7 Wihu Londoner's dread of draughts, the poeteas, before goiog out m thenit;hfc air, had filled her ears with cotton-wool ! Under instructions from the Hon. John McKeczie, Minister of Lands, the Lands Depirtment has issued a pamphlet contain ing pattioulars, terms, and conditions of disposal and occupation of 2186 acres, Hokeao settlement, Canterbury. The settle ment is a portion of the Auama Estate, purohased from the trustees of the la'e Hon. W. S. Peter, and is situated about two miles from the Anama railway station, on tho l'inwald->piingburn branch line, three miles from Mount Somers, and eighteen miles from A«hburtrn. The pamphlet is not illustrated. Possibly there is no necessity for inter ■Tereiog the leaves with well-finished photographs, or perhaps a lesson m eoonomy i has been learned from the great circulation ! of the Cheviot and Highbank pamphlets, which were profusely and finely pictured. The larg« billiard room at the Commercial Hotel has been overhauled of 1 ite, and a partition has been run across it, the division securing a commodious sample room at the north end, and leaving as nice and comfort able a billiard room at theaouth end as onn could wish. All the couohes and lounges have been reupholatered, the table has been subjected to careful overhaul bo that it «hould be m the very be*b order and con dition with the tn <6t complete set out of accessories ; and m charge of the whole has been placed Mr Robert Hill, perhaps one of the best known hotel artists m the County, seeing that during all of the long period of Mr T. Quill's landlordship of the hotel Mr Hill was his manager, and was present at the house warning of the building when Mr Quill opened it new from the hands of the workmen. Mr Hill's urbanity will be sure to gain many visits from friends both old aud new.

In an action at Whiteohipel County Oourt, before Judge Bacnn, arising out of the eate of some tons of potatoes which were alleged to be different from sample, en Italian chef was called for the defence. He s lid i hat he boiled the sample according to the directions of his manager, and they were very good ; but when the bulk was sent m and he boiled a second portion, they were very bad. Mr Blackwell (for the defendant); I suppose there is a grrat art m cooking potatoes? Witness: To cook well is a beautiful art. (daughter.) Mr Blackwell t Quite so ; and I suppose there is a good and a bad way of boiling them ?-— I cook ac good way. You boil slow, ah, b* slow, till they half-boiled, theo you steam them, and then a good potato is like flour ; j but if you boil fast—fast like eees (making a rapid circular motion with his hands)— they spoil. Ino cook like z \t, I boil proper, and zay oome out hard and black. Mr Blackwell : If they were too bad for boiling would you nob fry them ? No artist would fry them, (Laughter.) They are some ignorants who might. Judgment was given for plaintiff.

CRICKET.

ENGLAND r. NBW SOUTH WALES.

I'reas Aaaooiation — By Klectrie Teiegrar I - Copyright.

Sydney, February 11. 1 1 Fast aa was Howell's scoring, if- cannot compete with the 100 runs m forty minutes « made by Jessop for Gloucestershire a year I or so ago, and the rate of scoring has also ( been approached, if not equalled, by Druce 1 m England. Charlie Bannerman desoribed i the Howell-Newell partnership as the fastest i bit of bitting he had seen m his life. Both ' Richardson and Hearne agreed that Howell'i ' hitting surpassed anything they had wit- J nessed m any. part of the world. i The match was resumed and concluded ' to-day, the colonials winning by the large ' margin of 239 runs, the rain last night i had no appreciable effect on the wicket. Uowell dismissed McLaren with a beautiful i bait, while Ranjitsinhji got his quietus off a really good utroke, which McKibbin snatched up at short leg Donnan, who after bowling a few overs, began to cut np the pitch, gave way to Noble. Hirst only added a single, when h< J| fted one to Gregory » extra mid off. Di uce made a dozsn when Kelly snapped him at the wicket. Mason's stay was brief, Gregory catching him off Noble. It is understood than Donnan was taken off owing to a protest by the Englishmen against his outting up the wicket. After lunch Hay ward reached 50 by patient and oautious play. With his toore at 5 Stoddart hit out at Noble and lost his wicket, and then Briggs walked out and hack to the pavilion, Noble catching him off his second ball. Board hit up 9in three hits, and then played forward to the third ball of Noble's m the next over and had his stumps scattered. Hearne was last man m. Noble'e bowling was deadly, and with Board's wicket he had oaptured six for 29 sine* the resumption jot the game to day. Hearne secured a Bingle, when Howell clean bowled him, and brought the game to a close. 1 he following are the scores : — Nbw South Wales. Fitst Innings. Iredale, c Stoddart, b Briggs.. .. 2 Donnan, c Board, b Wainwright . . 41 Noble, o McLaren, b Hay ward . . 34 Gregory, c and b Mason . . . . 25 Trumper, b Mason . . . . . . 4 Mackenzie, c Hayward, b Hearne . . IJO Kelly, b Stoddart .. .. ..14 Pye, not out  . . . . 80 Newell, c Hirst, b Stoddart . . . . 6 [VloKibbin, o Druoe, b Brigga. . .. 20 Howell, b Mason . . . . . . 48 Extras.. .. .. .. U Total .. .. .. 415 Bowling Analysis.— Stoddart 2 tor 50, Raujitsinhji, 0 for 17, Mason 3 for 53, Wainwright 1 for 32, Hayward 1 for 58, Briggs 2 for 98, Hearne 1 for 96. Second Innings. Iredale, b Hearne . . . . . . 7 Mackenzie, c Coningham (sub), b Mason- 52 Donnan, c Hirst, b Hearne .. ..59 Pye, b Hearne . . . . . . 31 Noble, b Hearne . . . . . . 8 Trumper, b Hearne . .  . . 23 Kelly, c Hirst, b Mason .. ..4 Gregory, c Hayward, b Briggs . . 171 Newell not out . . . . . . 68 McKibbin, b Hearne.. .. ..39 Howell, c Wainwright, b Mason . . 95 Extras.. .. .. .. 17

Total  .. ..574 Bowling Analysis— Hayward 0 for IC6, Mason 3 for 120, Briggs 1 for 101, Rani it sinhji 0 for 32, Hearne 6 for 126, Stoddart 0 for 22, Druce 0 for I, Wainwright 0 for 49. ENGLAND. First Innings. Mason, c Howell, b Noble .. ..18 W inwright, o Howell, b Noble .. 55 Kanjitsinhji, c Gregory, b Noble .. 31 Hirot, c Newell, b Noble . . . . 0 Hayward, c Howell, b Noble.. .. 67 Stoddart, o Iredale, b McKibbin .. 4 Briggs, c Mackenzie, b McKibbin . . 13 Druce, c Noble, b Trumper  .. 108 MoLtren, b Nobl ) .. .. ..61 Board, c Mackenzie, b MoKibbin . . 14 Hearne, not out  . . 6 Extras..  .. .. 9

Total .. .. .. 387 Bowling Analysis— Noble 6 for 131. Me KibWn 3 for 108, Howell 0 for 45, Pye 0 for 28, Newell 0 for 36, Donnau 0 for 9, Ttumper 1 for 21. * Seoond Innings. Wainwright, h McKibbin ... ... fiß McLaren, b Howell ... ... ... 140 Ranjitsinbji, c MoKibbin, b Howell ... 44 Hirst, c Gregory, b Noble ... ... l Hayward, not out ... . ... 64 Druce, o Kelly, b Noble ... ... 12 Mason, c Gregory, b Noble ... . . 6 Stoddart, b Noble ... ... ... 5 Briggs, c and b Noble ». ." 0 Board, b Noble' ... ... ... 9 Hearne, b Howell ... ... ... 1 Extras ... ... ... ... 13

Total _ 363 Bowling Analysis— Noble 6 for 117, Pyo 0 for 37, Howell 3 for 61. Newell 0 for 20, McKibbin 1 for 99, Trumper 0 for 4, Donnan 0 for 9.

VICTORIA v. SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Melbourne, February 11. In the match South Australia v victoria the latter lost four wickets for 161 (Worrall 79, McLeod 32, Trumble 43). Received Wakapuaka Feb. 12, 9.45 a.m., Guardian Office 10.56 a.m. Melbourne, Feburuary 12. Victoria lost five wickets for 322 (Trott (8, Me Michael not out 72).

THE CIRCUS.

y I The boya may get excited over a cominj t f I oriokeb or football or swimmißg matoh j th< c I girla may get into a pretty little flutter ol Q pleasurable expectation at the prospect oi c taking part m a weddißg function ; and botn 0 may see a rosy prospective time m a tea _ meeting or a concert or other means of enter a feainment. Bub let) it be announced that a _ oircui is on the way, and all these things lose c their attractiveness, and their charms are t phased away by those which the circus has c for tho youthful mind. The agent m ad r vanoe, with his big paste brushes and 0 buckets, proceeds to cover the boarding? _ with pictures of what is to be seen at the . show, and the little ones follow him to each } hoarding, intently watching for some new . piotorial wonder to be dragged from the bulky rolls. Withia tht last twenty years " wall " art has been very largely developed, and extraordinary possibilities have been demonstrated by the lithographers who produce the wonderful hoarding picture!. Messrs Fitzgerald, the well known oirous proprietors, know the value of " wall paper," and have made a lavish use of it about the town and oounty m putting before the public the quality of their show, and the date of its visit to Ashburton — Monday, February 31. Some of those piotures, though very pretty and clever, both m conception and execution, are apt to give one the impression that the draughtsman was •* drawing " on his imagi • nation when he drew them, they are so very "strong." From our exchanges, however, we gather that there is nothing on the walls m picture that is not seen m the ring m fact. ( And the simple statement of this is not all that we go by, for m every paper published on the line of the tour, the reporter goes into minute descriptions of the feats as seen pet formed. Ona can hardly realise the possibility of a lion riding upon the baok of an elephant, while the elephant at the same time rides a tricycle. But the item is one on the cirous programme ; and there are dozens 1 of other novelties, which Mr Dan Fitzgerald has been hunting America and the Continent for, during the last twelve monthly and has been successful m securing. The oirous will occupy its old site on Hefford'a section, and Mr Morris— perhaps the roughest diamond of an agent m advanae that ever took the road, but the most genuine and genial all the same— has been m town for the last day or two doing the necessary preliminaries, with a strong staff of assistants.

IRRIGATION.

Meeting- at Seafield

A meeting of tho c interested m irrigation wae held m the Seafield schoolroom on Fri day erening, about thirty settlers being present. Mr L-unbie was voted to the chair, and cud a meeting had been held lately at Kyle, but was only poorly attended. The County Council had suggested calling meetings at Doric and Seafield, and at the request of a number of settlers he had oalled this meet ing. Them had been such a lob said and written about irrigation lately that ib was useless for him to tell them of its ad van-, tages The value of the land nvght be increased ten-fold, and the population at Seafield largely inoreased. Of course, rates would be increased for a few yean, but as money could be borrowed at 3 per cent., < they had every opportunity of putting a scheme into practice, and he hoped thoso present would ventilate the subject thoroughly, and atk Mr Baxter for all the information they required, tie introduced Mr Parsons who ha<i just returned from an irrigation farm at Yallhurst, and would therefore be able to give them muoh valuable information on the subject. He had just received htm a farmer present two samples of wheat, one that had been irrigated and the other not. They could thus Bee for i themselves the benefit of water, the irri gated sample being more than twice the size of that not irrigated. Mr Baxter, county engineer, with the aid of a large map, gave m detail the general features and possibilities of the different aohemes for irrigation, and said the east won dbe 6d per aore. In reply to questions he said the people near the sea would be well supplied with water. .The present/ water-races would not be closed, and the sub-mains would increase and .not deplete the supply for stock. Each settler would be abie to irrigate his farm one* m three weeks. He did not think the water would cause gorae, broom, and weeds to overrun the farm. The present water races would not be ahub off during the construction of the mains. At the intake the main would be 35 feet, and one mile from the beach about 5 feet. He thought the water would ] be quite sufficient.

Mr A. Parsons, of Kaikoura, said he was very pleased to be present and give them his impressions of irrigation as seen on a farm of eighty acres belonging to Baville Bros., Yaldhurst. When the land

was taken up m 1851 it was of very poor quality, and covered with gorse, broom, and stones. Very little was produced on it, although muoh labor had been expended for years. About ten yoars ago, however, a supply of water to irrigate it— at a cost of £20 a year, equal to 03 an acre, the water allowed being forty square inches, one inch •oßtiog 10a— was reoeived from the Selwyn County Council. Since then the farm had been improved marvellously, and the owners are now prosperous. Oa the firm he had seen mangolds better than he had ever seen before, the bulbs being enormous and the tops very high. The awedes, carrots, fruits and garden vegetables were m splendid con dition. He had seen olover that had grown three feet m forty-seven days, with roots as thick as lead pencils. Four horses and oowb fed m, a five-acre paddock for months looked very thriving, and the sheep kept at the rate of sixteen per acre were m excellent condition. All these good results were caused by irrigation. Anyon« m doubt should make ie a point of visiting Mr Saville, who would soon put their doubts to rest m this matter. He (Mr Parsons) was an old resident at Seafield, and knew how precious water was m those days when it had to be kept m concrete,, tanks with closed doors. But now they had a scheme before them, a scheme whereby they would receive a plenteous supply. The farmers would then need all their energy to manage small hold ings instead of large areas, the population would increase and all would prosper. He had heard that the Premier had said m Christchurch that the Ashburton farmers would be able to borrow money at- 3 per cent for their irrigation works, so that they had every facility for starting the work. The district was very suitable for irrigating, and tht larger the scheme the better. Mr Lead ley said he was muoh interested

m irrigation, and if a large sohetne were sac cesßfully accomplished he was Bare it would be extremely beneficial. On tire irrigation farm he had seen clover stt high. Stock could be kept on a tenth part of what is necessary at present, and if sufficient water could be obtained he was satisfied that it wou'd pay extremely well. Although he might be taxed with hereby for laying bo, he thought the County Council should not be required to supervise the scheme. They had done good work, but owing to the large amount of work required of them he thought a special body, a Water Trust Board, would be m^re efficient. The Public Workß De partment had only put on the estimates the sum of eleven thousand pounds for the whole of Canterbury, which was a mere bagatelle compared with other districts, and he thought Governmant should pay at least half the coßt of the scheme He gave some interesting quotations from authorities on

irrigation m India and Colorado, where the benefits were forcibly bhawn m oereals, sugar pane, and all sorts of roots. It should have been oarried out here ten yeara ago, and when completed all will wonder why they were so foolish as to have delayed so long. Mr Ayrfcon proposed •< Thafc, m the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable to form an irrigation district whose boundaries shall be a continuation and extension of the Acton irrigation channel as described on the Engineer's map of the county," Mr Leadley seconded the motion, which was oarried unanimously. It was decided not to petition the Council until after the Doric meeting had been held. Mr Ayrton proposed, and Mr Butteriok seconded, hearty votes of thanks to the r speakers, and to the Chairman. I In replying, Mr Lambie said he was pleased to see such a large and enthusiastic meeting, and was also pleased to have been the means of prevailing on Mr Parsons to , give his experience. ■ A letter was read from Mr James Brown, of Netherby, expressing his inability co i attend the meeting, but he was ereatly m favor of irrigation. Mr Allen, of Acton, was also unable to be present bat he favorsd a large scheme.

ZOLA'S TRIAL

press Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph Copyright.

, Pißjs, February 9 , The trial of M. Zola is proceeding. ' Tumultuous scenes were witnessed m 1 Oturt. M. Zola protested bhat he 1 was being treated worse than a thief I and murderer. The Judge refused to i receive the evidence referring to Drey fus. M. Scheurer Kestner, ex-Pre sident of the French Senate, who re cently declared that he had obtained i cojclusive proofs of Dreyfus's inno cence, testified, and General Gouse, Colonel Pjcquart, and an expert named Bertillion concurred, that the Bordeau, or notes on the alleged incriminating documents had been written by Count Esterhazy. Mudacue Dreyfus and Casi mer Perier, ex* President, were ex amined. The latter stated that he knew nothing about Count Esterhazy, and was compelled to be silent m regard to Dreyfus. Paris, February 10. Great disorder prevails at the trial of M. Zola. The spectators display intense animosity towards the novelist. The military witnesses constantly plead professional s«crecy, while asserting their conviction of Dreyfus s guilt. Mercer's refusal to answer whether Dreyfus was convicted upon a single secret document is considered a proof of the allegation. M . Oarreux ex Minister of Justice declared that he was convinced of Dreyfus's innocence. !

CABLE NEWS.

Some and Foreign,

Press Association — By Electrio Telegraph.-— Copyright.

London Fire Brigades

London, February 9 The London County Council has decided to strengthen the fire brigades by a bundled and twenty-two men and seventy horses, involving an expendi ture of £200,000. Crete. Athens, F. braary 9 It is officially announced that Russia has withdrawn her support of the domination of Prince George of Greece as Governor of Crete, and h»i announced that she will not be re sponsible for the consequences. Received Wikapuaka February 11, 9 *0 p.m Mail Office 11.2 a.ra. The Indian War. Calcutta, February 9 1 An official report published, states tliat all the arms, captured during the Indian frontier compaign, with the ex ception of fifteen, had been stolen from Indian stores and regiments. Tlie Gable Break Down. London, .February 10 The absence of .cricket news has directed public attention to the serious defects m Australian overland lines, bankers and merchants also complain ing of the delay. [The Telegraph Department forwards us the following memo : -^Adelaide advisee that the fault on the Port Darwin line between Oodtiadatta and Charlotte Waters was removed at 9.50 a.m. on Friday. The line is atill interrupted between Barrow and Tennanc's Creeks. It is expected it will b« right by mid-day.] Anglo-German Commercial Treaty. Beelin, February 10 Baron von BuW informed the Reichstag that the Government were awaiting England's reply to Ger many's proposals for a new com mercial treaty. Instalment of an Old Debt. Constantinople, February 10 Turkey pays a million of the Greek indemnity ,to Russia/ the payment being a portion of the indemnity she owes to; that power. Cape Food Duties. Capetown February 10 A Congress of the South African League, held m Capetown, demands that 40 per cent should tyj taken off the food duties instead of their total abolition. A tremendous Explosion. New York, February 10 At a fire m a bonded warehouse at Fittsburg, 2000 barrels of whisky exploded. The walls were demolished and six persons perished. Assassination of a President. General Josee* Barrios, President o Guatemala, has been assassinated.

Australian.

Pre«s Association—By Electric telegraph. Copyright.

Journalistic

Adelaide, February 11 A large and representative gather ing of local journalists gave a " send off" to Mr ,t£. J. Taperell, who is leaving Sydney to aßsuiue the editorial chair of the New Zealand Times.

THE FEDERAL CONVENTION.

♦ __ .. Prew Association — By Eleotric Telegraph Copyright

Melbourne, February 11 The Federal Convention will pro bably take a division on the financial clauses on Monday.

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Press Association— By Eleotric Telegraph- Copyright. Washington, February 10 The publication m New York of a letter alleged to be written by the Spanish Minister at Washington to the editor of a Spanish paper, attack ing President McKinley, has created a profound sensation. Cuban sym pathisers demand the application of Lard Sacftville's precedent, who m 1888, *vhile British Minister at Washington, wasdismissed by President Cleveland for writing a private reply to a iettar respecting the Presidential election.

The Washington officials telegraphed to Madrid stating th*t President Me- Kinley expected the Minister would be immediately recalled. The. Minister himself three times cabled his rasig. nation without receiving a reply., but a later despatch says that his resig nation has been accepted.

AFFAIRS IN AFRICA.

Proas Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph Copyright. London, February 9 Reports from West Africa state tbat tho British forces have occupied Bereguru and Bashoro, m the Borgu country. . . Februory 10. Many more British officers are pro ceeding to West Africa. Negotiations with the French Government over the question are at a standstill. The British Press is indignant at the pertinacity of French aggression on the Nile and Upper Nile. February 11. King Menelik has agreed to guarantee to Great Britain favored nation rights, with the use of the caravan route to Harra. He also promises to try to prevent the Mahdists from importing arms and ammunition. Great Britain promises to rectify the south-western and southern frontiers of Somaliland m the interests of Abyssinia.

THE BUSH FIRES.

Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph Copyright. Melbourne, February 11. A strong body of soldiers has been depatched to the Uupa .district to help to fight the fl*m?s. The Goy«wi merit is sending supplies of tents and i necessaries to the distressed district. Received Wakapuaka Feb. 13, 9 45 ».m., Guardian Office 10.56 a.m; Mblboubnb, February 12. Good rain, especially m the eastern district*, ba« extioguiebed the bath tirei,

THE ASHBURTON GOAKDIAH : SAIOEDAf, FEMtUAB* 12** 1898.



February. d H M Full moon « ... 7 554 am Last quarter ,►, ... 14 0 spm New moon 21 7 11 am First quarter 28 10 43 pm



KOZIE TEA. Most; K^itame



KOZIE TEA. W,opt EoowowjUoal



Smie Ww Vmw> \



The officers of the Ashburton Amateur Swimming Club last evening waited upon Mr H. N. Anderson and presented him with an address. Mr Anderson, who has been m business as a stationer m Ashbutton, has sold out to Mr douneas, and is on the eve of departure for Ohristchuroh. He learned the art of swimming when a mere child, and has practiced it both privately and as a club member for forty years. Though now m IT >iddle life he lacks the apeed and enthusiasm which he used to display when a youth, his reoord is one that most of our youbhs would be proud to be able to Bhow, and his name has innumerable times appeared as carrying honors m ewimmidg races. He has been a hard worker m the Ashburton Club, and many young swimmers owe him thanks for useful advice given and wrinkleß taught. The address was expressive of the Club's regret at losing his services, its appreciation of the value of those services, its sense of the excellence of his judgment, and the advan- tage derived from having the benefit of his ripe experience m the Committf c, of which Mr Anderson was a member. The address was beautifully engrossed by bhe Secretary of the Club, Mr A. Wilkie, who, with the captain, treasurer, and the other members of the committee signed it for the Club. Mr Anderson, who leaves for the oity to-night, suitably acknowledged tha presentation.



o Q 3 o as % gi n: § - 1 i ° & PQ 0o 00fjbepe/w/a(fec(/o I 01/yany G//Ae/m//cf//o/?s t I I (Awarded ' Go/da/rrfSf/verMei/a/s) cjvwjvo/ißiimfp n/rs Tfiey are pure and wholesome T/iejbesf money a/xf experience can 6uy. Largest sd/e/flAusZ/was/a. n SOLD BY ALL GROCERS r



Church Services j T. STKPHEN'B CHURCH Ash bur ton. SUNDAY SKRVlCES.— February 13. 830 a.m. H< ly Communion. 11 a m. — Morning Prayer. 3 p.m — DROMORti. Rev T. A. Hamil- ton. 6.30 p m.— Evening Prayer. i REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



6000 yds WIRE NETTING, 2J per yd FOR THE JjiBUIT gEASON— Glass Jars 2a 6d, 3s 6d per doien Mason'a Sorew Top Porcelain Lined Jara, Pints 4s 6J, Quarts 5s 6d, half-gallon 63 9d per dozen Keariok's Beit Eoamelled Maslin Kettles —8 quarts 63, 10 quarts 7a 64, 12 quarts 8s 6d BraßS Maslin Kettles, drop handles 2 gallon 7s, 2J gallons lid 6d, 3 gallons 13s 6d Steel Enamel Preserving Pans, 2s 6d, 3b 3s 6d, 4a. ' John Orr & Co.



John Orr & Co. . i John Or & Co. FURTHER REDUCTIONS AS UNDER:— JFLOUB, SUGrAtf, KEROSENE, BRAN, TEA, POLLARD. 40 tons Flour, Bollit'e Beßt, 2001bs, 21a 6d 20 tons Flour, Rollit's Beat, 1001 b», 11* 3d 10 toas Flour, Rollit's Best, 50lbs, 5a 9d 25 tons Sugar, Pure Cane, 701bs, 13a 3d 200 boxes Tea, Pure Ceylon, Is 6d 200 casei Kerosene, Highest Teat, 6s 3d per tin ; case, 12j 6d 50 boxes Raisins, 6£d per lb 50 oases New Currants, 4£d per lb 600 Cases GENERAL GROCERIES as under : — Colonial Candles . . 4d per lb. English Parafine Candles 6£d per lb per box Rock Salt . . . . 58 per owt Washing Soda .. Id per lb Uoldeu Syrup . . 6d per 21b tin Maori Kits . . . . 3d each J*pan Rice . . . . 2\A per lb Whiting .. .. ldperlb Coutts' Acetic Acid .. Is 8d per boitle Hood's Baraaparilla . . 4a per bottle Household Essence of Rennett . .  6d Pure White Pepper .. Is Neave's Jjood.. .. 10 Jd Calvert's Carbolic Powder, 9d Holloway's and Cockle's Pills, Is 3d Fluid of Magnesia . . 9d per bottle Bovril . . . . . . Is 9d Kiy Paper . . . . 5d per dozen 50 ca as Salmon . . 7d per tin Fry's Cocm ... .. Is 4d per lb Van Houten's Cocoa . . 3s 3d per lib tin Milkmaid Milk .. .. 7d per tin Cornflour . . . . . . 3d per lb Essence of Lemon . . 6d Worcester S Alice, piata 9d per bottle Essence of OofiFee .. 10|d Sago l£d per lb | Tobacco, Nubian squares 4- 61 per lb OUmeal, per 251 b bag . . 2s 9d Sicily Almondu . . Is 2d Figs 8d Muscatels .. ... 8d Jordon Almouds ... 2s 3d Mixed Peel .. .. 8d 2£lb tias preserved fruit lOd Lemon Squash, English Is 3d Lemon Juice, English ... Is 3d Sardines..  .. 4^d per tin Fresh Herrings .. ... 6^ d per tin Herrings and Tomato sauce, lOd per tin Pressed Hop?, per lb ... 1b 4d Enoa' Fruit Salt . . 3b 3d per bottle Ground Ginger Is4dperlb Anohovy Paste 8d per tin Citrate of Magnesia . . Is per bottle Sheeps Tongues, best ... lOd per tin



SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS WINES AND SPIRITS. WE have much pleasure m informing our Customers and the Ash]mrton Public that we have ENTERED INUO THE ABOVE TRADE. We have now to band a Large Assorted and V\ ell Selcce.l Stock of ail (..lasees of Wines and Spirits, aod EDglish and Colonial Bottled Ales and .Stout None but the Best Brands kept. CROCKLRYWARE.~~ X ~~CROCKERYWARE. VvE have just landed, ex Kaikoura, some /cry choioe lines m Dinner Sets, Tea. Beta, Toilet Sets, Seta of Jugs, etc, etc., which we are selling at Wholesale Prices. 100 Dozen White and Gold China Cups and Saucers .. 6s 6d per dozen 160 D, zen 21b Stone Jam Jars 3s 6d per dozen 50 Dozen lib Glass Jam Jarß .. . . . . .. 2<s 3d per dozen TEAS. TEAS. TEAS. WE have received direct from the Ceylon and China Gardens a large consignment of different Classes of Teaa. Aa we make Teaa a specialty we can offer to our Customers and the general public exceptional value. Highest Grade Orange Pekoe Ceylon Tea 2s per lb Firat Claas Orang» Pekoe Ceylon Tea Is 9d per lb Good Full Leaf Pekoe Ceylon Tea .. .. -•• • • * 8 % » P er J° Ceylon and China Blended Tea }« * \ P er » Good China Tea Is ldperlb SAMPLES MAY BE HAD ON APPLICATION. MAUBITIUS SUGAB. MAURITIUS SUGAR. 4U Mwirliuw Sugar contains far more Preserving Properties than any other Sugar m the market, it ii therefore the best Sugar to use for Jama and Jellies. 70lb Bags— l^Ls oa. Orders by Post promptly attended to. Goods delivered daily. SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, AND WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MARKET HOUSE, ASHBURTON. atuetruone No. 53. i - ** GIGANTIC SALE OF DRAPERY, CLOTHING & BOOTS AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. The Whole Stock Reduced. ODD LINES AND SUMMER GOODS AT AFTER SEASON PRICES. EAST STREET, ASHBURTO V. H. M. JONES. . — (x) — ! BEST CASH VALUES OBTAINABLE IN THE COLONY IN Pianos. Pianos. Pianos. A BEAUTIFUL UPRIGHT PIANO, 4ft 4in high, overstrung, Full Trichord, Brass Wreate Plank, Patent Check Repetition Action, Seven Ootavea, usiul price £55, for lOh net cash. A Good Piano, similar to the above, but smaller, usual •price £45 for net cash. These are SPECIAL PRICES [and canr.ot be beaten. (o) Organs. Organs. Organs. ORGANS from ,£8 10s CASH to £45. A SPECIAL LINE OF ORGANS, 7 Stops with Octave Couplers, 2 Sets Reeds, very sweet Tone, for £10 NET CASH. (x) Bicycles. Bicycles. Bicycles. A Shipment of Waverley Cycles, Ladies' and Gentlemen's, just to hand, up to date,' high grade, well finished, guaranteed. To be sold at Lowest Cash Price. Terms arranged. The Monarch aud other machines supplied. Cycle extras. Purchasers taught to ride. VIM TYRES, the beat, m the wmld and the cheapest (O) Thompson's Patent Yaniper. ALL NON-PLAT? ERS should have one. Simplicity itself. Call and inspect, LOWEST CASH PRICES H. M. JONES. I Telephone— No. 80] 1898 1898 S. SAL EX, THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT Largest Stock Lowest Prices FOR NEW YE A R- 1898 : : SPECIAL LINES at SEDUCED PRICES, marked m Plain Figureß. Gold Brooohes (new and ohoice designs) at 7s 9J, 12s 6d, 17s 6d, 20s, upwards. Silver Brooches from la 6d upwards, ladies' and Gentlemen's Gold Links at 8s 6d, 10s, and jpwards. Ladies' and Gentlemen's Silver Links at 2a 6d, 4s, and 4a 6d. Pencil Cases (a argeetook to select from) at 2a 6d, ss, 7s 6 J, 10s. Ladies' Rings (the largest and finest atook ever Been m AshburtoD, equal to any m Christchurch) from one guinea to ten guinea*, and upwards. Gentlemen's Tie Pins, neat and tasteful designs m gold at fo, 7s 6d, 10b, 265, also » nioe selection of small and suitable artioles at 2s 6d, ss, and 7s 6d. WFMBCIAJU ATTUJNTION IS CALLED TO THE STOCK OF Gold Brooches and Ladies' Rings. *'Cht«e two lines are Heavily Stocked, and are of the Newesb and Choicest Designs. INSPECTION INVITED AT S. SAL EX'S JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT, I EAST STREET. f STOCK AND FBIOJB9 WEQTJAI&BD W thb PISTBIOT.