MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations : WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16. For Northern Ports, Samoa, Hawii, also United S 2a tee; Canada, &c, United King dom and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, per 'lakapuna, as follows : — Money orders, at 3 p.m. ; registered letters at 5 p.m. ; newspapers, at 6.15 p.m. ; ordi dary letters, 6.30 p.m. ; due London April 20.

PHASES OF THE MOON.

Maroii

BIRTH.

McFAnLAjfcfD.— On March 13, afc AshburtoD t the wife .of R. S. McFarland, of a son.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1898.

Lecturing .recently m London on "Through the New Goldfields of Alaska to JBehring LUCKY MINERS Straits," Mr Harry de Windt told some interesting anecdotes of lucky miners, one being of a Californian fruit-raiser named Berry, who, three years ago, determined to try his fortune m Alaska. He had a capital pf i>B and borrowed a i further £12, from a man. yho, wag afraid to accompany him, at fabulous interest. He started with forty coin faniops, but by the time he reached 'orty-mile pity he wae alone, twenty three of the others haying deserted him, and the remainder having died from exhaustion and exposure. At his suggestion, his fiancee, whom he had left behind m California, wenjb put to him, travelling by sea and up ttie Yukou, to Forty-mile city, where the pair were married. Berry and his wife % w,er/3 among the first to reach Klondyke. They oi?ta£ned as much as £26,000 from one claim, and 41 20, from a single ' pan of earth measuring eighteen inches m circumferences and five inches m depth. It was anticipated, he added, by those well qualified to judge that Berry would one day be the richest mm i$ the world.

I? was sta r ed m one of pu«? cable meßj3ageß a day or two ago that the' Canadian Govern B,AIJjWAy TO «*6nt had finally JtLOJVDIKE. decided to go on] with the construe-, t»o» of » rwiwft/ fcp Klpudijje, Ws\

learn some details of the proposed line ' from the Toronto correspondent of the London limes. It will be 150 miles long and will go from Glanora, on the Strickeen River to Teslin Lake, from which there is continuous navigation for river steamboats to Klondike and all points m the Yukon district. The Strickeen River, which affords good navigation to Glenora, 140 miles from \ the mouth, passes through Alaskan ' territory for 30 or 40 miles, It is one o£ the treaty rivers, the free navigation of which is guaranteed for British commerce. Arrangement?, however, will be made, so thar, if necessary, a continuation of the iine from Glenora can be made southward over entirely Canadian ground by building 150 miles of additional railway to a Canadian ocean port. It is estimated that passengers by this route will reach Klondike from the ocean m five or six days. The Government has secured the completion of this great undertaking without any cost m money to the country. The company receive a large grant of mineral lands by way of assistance to the enterprise, the Government reserving alternate blocks from the lands selected. The contractors have undertaken to com plete the line by next September.

Dick Johnston is very fit.

Local and General.

The Premier is to deliver a political address at) Lyttelton on Saturday night. Uommißßioner Tunbridge is having a return prepared showing the number of drunkards arrested on Sundays, Bishop Julius will hold confirmation servioes at Waterton on Sunday next at 3 p.m,, and at Tinwald at 7 p.m. Cyclists should be caref ul-nofc to be c tught without) lights after sundown as the police have had instructions to take immediate action. There were on view at the Jubilee re&taurant yesterday some very nice out blooms of dahlias from Mr J. Porter's, Allentcn. The following birth notice appears m the Bush Advocate'. — *' Sugden — 00. March 2, 1898, at Nakoiuku, Mrs A. B. Sugden, of a son. ' Suggy aaye it's a fair thing.' " A New York man recently went to an undertaker's, chose a coffin, bargained for its lowest price, purchased, then returned home and oommitted suicide. The Chertsey Sportß Committee evidently mean to leave no Btone unturned to secure a successful meeting this year. The pre liminary advertisement appears m another column. The annual holiday of tho staff of the Ashburton Publishing Company will be observed oa Thursday next, the 17rh inst., and there will be no issue of the Guardian on that day. At the Rakaia ram and ewe fair oa Friday next the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Limited, will have a number of Hues to offer, which farmers will do well to nave a look at. A Kettering laborer who broke his neck last September lived for over three months. The doctor stated at the inquest that such *n accident without causing instantaneous death was almost unknown. The English cricketers will leave Adelaide for England m the Ormuz on March 24 i.. C. MacLaren will not play m the South Australian match ; he joins the steamer two 'lays earlier at Melbourne. The Mayor requests the business people o close their premises half-an-hour earlier on Thursday, St. Patrick's Day, to allow their employees to Bee the beginning of the it. Patrick's Pay Sport 3 m ths Domiin. Messrs Friedlander $ros., Limited, have for sale by private treaty a nice little farm of 167 acrea at VVakanui. They also notify j hat on Saturday next they will sell the whole of a contractor's teams and plant at their Marb, West Street. Mis Griffin, who has taken over the eataurant and confectionery premises recently occupied by Mrs H. Primmer, at the corner of Ease and Burnett .Street, notifies m another column that she can supply meals at all hours, and is prepared to cater for dinners, suppers, etc. William Andrew Gueadon, who died lately aj& Home, left £460,000 »o various charities. Ihis big bequest ciueed in quiries to be made aboire who and what Mr Gueadon was, and it was discovered that he had been an auctioneer m Hobart, Tasmania, whprp he had made his great wealth m land and other speculations.

The Tjmaru Borough Council, after three years' trial of the obntragt system of street cleaning, last night resolved tti F6Vgrj; to day labor. It was resolved to repeat the request to the Fire Insurance Association for the subsidy for the Fire Brigade— nob paid for the last two years—and failing a favorable reply, the Council will seek to co-operate with other municipalities m a municipal insurance system.

When the type of a farm cat fc or buggy becomes slack, the blacksmith puts it and welds jbup afresh to shorten it), at> an ex pense" of fu©A and labor. The Colonial Inven tor tells us (with pictures added) than an American machine has been imported to Auckland, into which the wheel with its loose tyre on is put, cold, and taken out again m a few minutes with the tyre fitting quite tight). The work is done by a circle of hydraulic presses which jam the iron rim into a smaller circumference.

A curious phenomenon may be seen on the property of Mr W| Smith, at Westerfield, who has named his place Matapuna (Maori for Bprings) m consequence. A number of streams take their rise on his land and form oreeks, some of which run into the Ashburton, and others continue their courses on their own account. In one spot a pool of the clearest water has at least a doz m of little fountains throwing up jets of sand and water, bubbling as if the water were boiling, yet it ie nearly as cold as ice.

A meeting of the Methven Collie Club was held on Saturday, 12th inst. It was decided to hold a meeting during April at a date to be fixed later on. Messrs C. P. Murray- Aynsley, J. Batty, and A. Orr were re elected president and vice-presidents ; Mr C. P. Lock, hon. secretary and treasurer ; and Messrs W. Baatty, J. Trumper, D. Watson, R Millar, G. H. Alington, VV. W*. Henderson, J. Hibbs, H. Cranfield, L. Wood, 8. Rolls, and W. Wright a committee. In the unavoidable absence of Mr Lock, Mr AliugtoH acted as secretary. Owing to the non-payment of some twenty subscriptions the balance-sheet showed a deficiency of £5 $s. A letter wa3 received from Mr A. Orr, enolosing a dgaapivp. pf 52 2i.

O'Rafferty wins the Mile, 17th

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBURTOS— TUESDAf.

{Before His Honor Judge Ward.)

£N £AN£R]Grp?O¥

The Deputy Official Assignee .obtained orders for release m a number of estates, on the application of Mr Cuthbertson. — Orders of discharge were granted to R. J. Henry *nd John Murphy. PBOBA.TE, ETC. His Honor made the following ordere:— In rt John BJee, deceased/— Order for letters of administration, with will annexed, to widow of deceased (Mr Cuthbertson). In re Hannah Lynes, deceased. —Order fnr letters of administration, also dispensing with sureties (Mr Cuthbertson). In re Thomas Ratfcray, deceased.— Order for probate t.Q Rr Trevor and P. Chalmers. (MrPurneH)/ '"' ; ' ' In re Mary Ann Capon, deGeased.-^prder for letters of administration 1 to R.P. T. O>pon (Mr Purnell). In re James Brown, deceased.— Qcdor for probate to Tbomns Brown (flfa Crisp),

CORRESPONDENCE.

i We do not hold ourselves rosponsib'e for the opinions expressed by our correspondents)

IRRIGATION FOR CANTERBURY.

TO THK EDITOR,

Sir, — Herewith please find a letter from the pen of Mr G. W. Russell, which I cut from the Christchurch Press some time ago, and which I trust you will insert m your valuable papers, as it is m my humble opinion not only worthy of peruaal, but the Bheet anchor to all and sundry who have the welfare of the oft delightful yet now parched, droughty, poverty stricken Canterbury plains ac heart.— l am, etc, m Dan. Bbiok. Tara, March 14.

Mr,— -I have been much interested m the articles recently appearing m your journal and the limes regarding irrigation. Having during the last five years had some experi- , ence regarding plains land m the Dunsandel- Kakaia district, I can speak as to the impera tive necessity of irrigation, whilst its value was freely shows m cases where water-raceß by accident became .choked, land overflowing submerged adjoining land. The whole stretch of country from Ricoarton southwards to timaru, and even to Oamaru, would be im mensely benefited were the water flowing down the rivers to the sea used for irrigation. Can this be secured ? I am perfectly sure it cannot, under pre sent conditions. There may be a few isolated efforts at irrigation m a tmall way — local efforts. What is wanted is a com prehensive and general scheme. With our local government m its present state I despair of a comprehensive soheme being undertaken. I Bubmit that the irrigation of the Canterbury plains is, and should be taken up as a colonial work. What is a colonial work ? Railways are re garded as colonial works beoauae they in crease the wealth-producing power of the country and add to its oapaoity for carrying population, and therefore to ibs revenue. The aame remarks apply to roads and bridges, the importance of which to the country no one o»n deny. But the idea underlying all the expenditure on these works is that they are of colonial importance, because they add to the wealth and cheapen the transit of the country. Is it not fair to argue that exactly the same principles obtain regarding irrigation ? No one will deny that an efficient system of irrigation would treble the carrying capacity j of the land affected. Would not that be v benefit to New Zealand, as much as mak ny roads and bridges m various localities m the North Island ? It would be much more a colonial benefit, because the railways m Canterbury would at once receive a largely increased revenue as the result of the irrigation. Not only so, but the increased productive ness of the land would be immediately fol lowed by an increase m the land tax valua tion and the rates of the local bodies. The land would be cut up into smaller areas, «ad the stamp duties would receive the benefit./while increased productiveness would mean increased Customs revenue. In 1896, when the million loan was bsing raised, I proposed m the House that a sum — I forget the amount, bat think it was £50,000 — should be set aside for irrigation and £10.000 for forest planting m Canter bury. This would have been an act of bare justice to Canterbury, seeing this province Ins to bear one-fifth of the interest. But unfortunately, no private member can pro pose the expenditure of money — that is the prerogative of *• the Crown," iA, the Government of the day. However, I see no reason why the people of Canterbury should not take up the question m real earnest, altogether independent of party, aad rry and force from the colonial e^ cm quer sufficient assistance to be able to undertake a comprehensive irrigation sch«'ine. Of cou'Be, the money would need to be borrowed, and as much as is necessary, up to a million or more, can be obtained at 3 per cent, or under. There are three methods by whiph the work can be done:— (1) By the General Government; (2.) by union of the local authorities (county councils) ; and (3) by the GeneralGovernmeut and the loqal authori ties combining. (1) If the work were undertaken solely by the Government there would be a howl by he parish politicians of other parts of the colony. I, therefore, dismiss that as impracticable. (2) If the work were done by the local authorities only it would be unfair, seeing the colony would receive increased revenues from railways, stamps, land tax, &c. Besides, the burden of 80 great a work sbould Dot be thrown upon the localities. It is colonial m character. (3) The third plan, namely, for the General Government and local authorities, to be equally responsible tor the interest on the money, seems to me to be the only fair and equitable way of dealing with this proposal. 1 hat w>uld mean the colony being respon sible for 1£ per cent,, and the di?triots bene ficed for the other IJ, The colony would raise its thare hy increased railway revenue, stamps, land tax, and Customs revenue ; the local authorities by the increase m the rates, license fees, &o.

The advantages of such a scheme are self-; evident* (I) It would provide an enormous amount of employment for the laboring classes ; (2) this employment would be directly reproductive m enhancing the value of the land and inoreasing (its productive ness ; (3) the revenues of the colony would undoubtedly be largely increased; (4) in creased prosperity would permeate the whole province, including the city and towqs : (§J sheen-farming andjoefeal-growing would be made ia'dependant of the vagaries of climate } (6) land now almost valueless wottUSfaft&me capable of subdivision, and woufcuS^^arded as of great value. I think" the Government should import a first-class irrigation engineer to devise the 'soheme, which should not be looal, bub adapted to the whole pjfg nce - as far as necessary, but that the acoflal carrying out of the works should be entrusted to the local bodies.

I submit these proposals to the (jantar bury people, and contend that if true to our selves we Bhall lay aside party feeling and unite— both farmers and townspeople — m urging this matter on the Legislature. I would suggest that some recognised asooia tion or public body— say the A. and P. Asaaociation— should call a meeting m con junction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Association, and set up a strong committee to oonsid r the question. Then, having devised a scheme, go to the public with it, and agitate, agitate so th*t tha lesson of the deplorable drought may net, like the water m our rivers, be abso lutely wasted. If any apology is necessary for the length of this letter, I trust the importance of the subject may be sufficient.— Yours, &c, G. W. Russkll.

CRICKET.

ENGLISHMEN v. VICTORIA.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph Copyright. ' ;

Melbourne, March 14.

Rain fell last night, and the bowlerß had all the best of the game to-day on the bad wickeb. The Englishmen's first innings closed for 27i3 — Board §6, Storer'SJ, Richard son 10. Roche took five wickets for 77 runs. At the close pf the day's play the Victorians m fchejir second innings had lost six wickets for 89— M'cLeod 26, Worrall 41, being the only batsmea to make & stand. Rjohardson's bowling was deadly, and he scoured five wickets at a cost of only 22 runs. Flay was frequently stopped owing to the heavy rain.

Mr James McJ£errow, L.%nds Purchase Commissioner, Mr Sydney Weetman, Orown Lands Commissioner for Canterbury, and Mr D. McMillan, aa valuer, proceeded south yesterday by the express to inspect and value the Waikakahi estate of Mr Allan Mc- Lean, which is now under offer to the Government under the Land for Settlements Aop. estate comprises 48,000 acres of freehoia'iand iaterseofced by th? main 1 ne of j railway, : and as ja well known, is very mi table for Bub-division in f o agricultural

New Zealand Rifle Association.

Press Association — By Electric Telogaph— Oamabu, March 14. 1 There was splendid weather for the opening of the thirty-seventh annual meet iug of the New ZeaUud Rifle Association. The range was m capital order, and a start was made at ten o'c ock with the Nelson match, at the first range of whiob a kneeling position has to be taken. This match, how ever, does not count m the aggregate for the belt. A freah wind from the rear waa blowing early m the morning, but came across the range from the left during the afternoon. Following are the chief prize takers m the Nelson match— 2oo, 500, and 600 yards; seven shots : — Hastie, O.»raaTU, £7—92. Winsladt , I names, £6—92. Joues, O-unaru, £5—90. A. Ballinger, Wellington, £4—90. Draw, Wanganui, £4-89 Speight, Dunedin, £3—BB. Allport, Nelson, £3-88. Williams, Napier, £2—BB. Every, Oamaru. £2—BB. King, Oamaru, £2 — 87. Rule, O&maru, £2—87. At the conclusion of this match the Council met to consider the complaints of competitors of the irregular character of the colonial manufactured ammunition, and it waß unanimously decided to discard it, and continue with the Victorian ammunition. However, the latter wae not on the range and the Ladies' match was proceeded with. Ladies' match, tea shots kneeling at 200 yds, not counting for the belt, the Colonial ammunition being used. The ohief prize takers are :— Love, Wellington, £7—46. Grace; Pet one, £6—46. Ailport, Nelson, £5—44. Simpson ( Kaiapoi, £4—44. McFarlane, Christchuroh, £3—43. Randall, Petone, £2—43. Purnell, Wanganui, £2—43.. Lester, Lyttelton, £2—42. Nelson, Woodville, £2—42. The weather appears to be settled, and there is eveiy probability of a fine week. Ihe Commandant of the New Zealand forced arrived during the afternoon, and will stay over the meeting. The Minister of Defence wired regretting that pressure of departmental business prevented hiß presence at the gathering. March 15. The morning broke very raA, with heavy fog, which delayed shooting for some time as the targetß were invisible. When shoot ing began a fresh baffling wind was blowing from the rear and the lighb was fur from good. The 500 yds range of the Hawke's Bay match was taken first, and the Tietorian ! ammunition was used, but so far there is no improvement m the shooting, though one or two for scores were recorded, the following be m the lead : — Smith, Dnnedin ; Pearson, Timaru— 4B White, Oamaru ; McFarlane, Christchurch —46. Cameron, Christchurcb ; Shelton, Bluff ; Jones, Oamaru ; McGregor, Oamaru ; Allen, Port Chalmer; Wakelyn, Christ church ; Wilson, Patone— 4s. The representation at the meeting is — Ofcago and Southland 91, Wellington and Wairarapa; 39, Canterbury 31, Wrnganui and Nrpier 15, Blenheim and Nelson 7, Auckland 4 — Total 187. Only six teams have entered for the champion teams, but it is expected the companies' teams will be better supported.

Where are you going, 17th ?

ROAD BOARD.

Mount Hutt. The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board was held on 10th mat.— All the members present. SPNDERS. It was decided to call tenders for plough ing 'he sides of the West Coast road ; also to have repairs made to tho water-raoe crossings and other small repairs made as opportunity offered ; also to call for tenders for painting and repairs to the Board's buildings, OVERDUE) RATES. The clerk was instructed to communicate with the Minister of Lands respecting over due rates on forfeited sections. VALUATION ROLL. The Valuer General wrote, forwarding valuation roll of the district for inspection. — Received. tihrds. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote, asking for a return of expenditure of thirds. —The return was ordered to be made. TENDER. , J. Blair s tender for work on the Gorge road was accepted. Accounts to the amouub of £34 7b 6d were passed for payment.

Canterbury v Otago, Domain, 17th

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Presß Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. A Boy Violinist. London, March 13 Pechotscb, the Sydney boy violinist, macle a successful debut at the Crystal falape. Tlie French m Africa. March 14. It is reported from Lagos that the French have depopulated Borgu, and have established a puppet king at Nikki, whom the natives refuse to i recognise. The German Trade. Berlin, March 18 The Cologne Gazefoe, m the course of an article on future German trade, expresses a hope that m commercial treaties Great Britain will not impose differential duties on German goods exported to the British colonies through English mercantile houses. America and France. Washington, March 13 Tho American Government has decided to assess countervailing duties qq sugar imported from France. The Transyaal. Pretoria, March 14 BjC.-Judge Kotze states that when he refused President Kruger'a request to observe the resolution of the Volksraad, regarding an important case which was pending, tbe President threatened him with dismissal.

Australian.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph— : Copyright.' v • --;-' A New Zealand Musician. ! SyDNgY, March \i. Mr Alfred Hill,' late of Wellingfcop ? has been elected conductor of thp Sydney Jjiedertafel put of thirty-eight applicants.

Personal.

Mr Fairfax, of the Sydney Morning Herald and Mr S. Powers, of the Melbourne Argus proprietary, are passengers by the steamer Alanieda which has sailed for Auckland.

Cannot wait going to Domain, 17th

Current topio3 will be found on our first P'ge to-day; the fourth page contains interprovincial and commercial new, the ueual weekly weather report from Alford Station, a report of the Rieoting of the Tipwa-ld Town Board, aid an »rblole On the A nh and. JEngliih thoroughbred,

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Presß Association — By Electrio Telegraph— Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka Match 15,10 a.m., Guardian Offije 11.2 am.

Rhodes on the Transvaal. Capetown, March 14 In the course of a speech at Cape town Mr ©ecil Rhodes referred to the situation m the Transvaal and said he did not desire to follow a course of action which would le*d to Woodshed, but he asked them not to sympathise with the Transvaal's barbarous policy. Alluding to the Uitlanders' grievances bo said that when half a million of people got rid of their taskmakers they would not support the Cape unless it now showed a friendly disposition towards them. He was convinced that union of kinship would eventually prevail.

The Plague and the Pilgrimage. Cairo, March 14 The ministry of the Khedive, acting on the recommendation of the local Board, declared Mecca m quarantine, owing to a risk of the black plague. The Khedive, however, declines to prohibit the pilgrimage on the ground that such a prohibition would be opposed to the teaching of the Koran.

Two Wilsons are going great guns

AMERICA AND SPUN.

Press Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph Copyright.

London, March 14 The Standard states that since the Cuban excitement bonds and shares on Wall Street (New York) Have declined 250,000,000 dolUrs.

Beoeived Wakapuaka March 15, 10 a.m.

Guabdian office 11.2 a.m.

The Standard's New York corres pondent says that despite the offiiciai assurances of a pacific nature, values of stocks have fallen, some to the extent of seven per cent.

THE SOUDAN.

Important movements.

A Battle Imminent.

Press ABSooiation— By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright

Received Wakapuaka March 15, 9 30 a m. Guardian Office 10.29 a.m.

I ondon, March 14 News from the Soudan states that the Dervishes under Osman Digna are within ten miles of the Atbara Hirer, where Colonel Kitchener has fourteen thousand men under his command. A n attack , is impending. Major- General Gateacre's brigade performed a splendid march to the front. The Egyptian troops captured considerable stores and food from the enemy. Spiea who arrived at the camp at Atbara River, report that the Dervishes lack supplies.

THE ROCKWOOD TRAGEDY.

Evidence by a Priest.

PreßS Association— By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Sydney, March 14 At the inquest on the body of King, the sexton of Rockwood Cemetery, a verdiot of "wilful murder" was returned against Ousack.

A Catholic priest gave evidence that Cusack came to him after the tragedy and virtually admitted the crime, and at the same time begged for slight financial assistance. The priest urged him to surrender to the police, but he refused, and the clergyman thereupon informed the police.

l*o traco of the murderer has yet been discovered.

Mrs Kiog is slightly better. If she recovers she will be paralysed m the legs for life,

FEDERATION.

Presa Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph- Copyright, Received Waksp«aka March 13, 1Q a.in.. Guardian Office, 10.47 a. m.

Melbowbne, March 15 The question is— What chance hag the Federal Bill of being accepted when it goes to the people? Mr Barton believes that when the New South Wale 3 electors become familiar with the measure they will unquestion ably vote for it. The Victorian delegates are greatly divided^ Mr Kingston wil] recommend the consti; stution to the people of his colony! Sir John Forrest is reticent, and, Sir B. O. N, Braddon is not enthusiastic : but as the Oonventipn on th.c last day acgepted his proposal for a guarantee to the States, he thinks tljat he wilj have no difficulty m shoeing tlie islanders that the B,ill on the whole is a reasonable one.

All of us are going to Domain , 17th

In order to mal?e room for the builders to complete the alterations we have resolved to greatly reduce our stock. We have therefore oulled a large quantity of our Tweeds and Worsteds, etc, to clear at the following reductions:— Men's suits to measure, usnal price 90s. now 70s ; Men's trousers, usual price 258, now 15a 6d ; 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 acHing w ith all the " up-to-date " % improveinenta at £Ko lowest cash- prices, ! ifr on?" the mostlibdral terms to suit 'the convenience *of : 'out customers. (Every machine gnaranteed).ii- Craighkap am) Bbbbyijan. the leadinc Tailors and Otit^ttere. " * Hollowav'sPilm.— Nervous Irritability —No part of the'buma'n maohine require^ more constan]; supervision tfcian the nervous system — for upon it "bur health— and even life— depends. These pilla strengthen the nerves and are the safest general purifiers qr the blood. Nausea, headaphe, g|i(j(ne«s numbness and mental apathy yield to~ them. They relieve m a summary manner thpse distressing dyspeptic symptom;', stomachic puns, fulness at the pit of the stomaob, abdominal distension, and regulate alike capricious appetites and confined bowels the commooly accompanying signs of defec* t'\-e or diminished nerve tone. Holloway'i Pills are particularly recommended to ersons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually fall into a nervous and irritable state, unless some such restorative fee accaßions'ly tpilipß **! me sa ? T !«f}NHJ Cradle can w|n |

Ti IS Af BBUJi'l'Ufr QUAKDIAfI



P H M Full moon  ... 8 869 pm Laat quarter 16 7 18 pm New moon 22 8 7 pm Firafc quarter ... .... 30 710 pm



411 the Smiths going to Domain. 17th.



6t/y#/?yg/ r fife//p/f3f/o/?$ i \m ffts/sf on ft3Y/ng.*\ \cjym mmiwip f£fs \7/msrepi/. r eM(/mo/maM \ 9 TM&fsfmo/ißyafftf <? I experience cap J>qy. £afbesfs£/sfff/ii&fca7as/a. "^*^¥tTAi^S6MßlyS '■-.. " ;J ti-.-h .. -jsniavsi fIiHERE will be£NO PUBLICATION of the GUARDIAN on THURSDAY NEXT, St. Patriok's D^y, which will be observed as the Annual Holiday of the Staff.



Church Services ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. TUESDAY— Ministering Children's League, 7.15 p.m. WEDNEsDAY-G.F.S., 7.30 p.m. FRIDAY— Short Service, 7.30 p.m. Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SATURDAY— Church Decoration 2.30 p.m. Contributions of Flowers, Fruit, Grain, Vegetables, and Evergreens, etc, will be thankfully received at St. Stephen's Schoolroom on Saturday morning. SUNDAY SERVICES.— 2Oth March. HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion. 3 p.m. — Windermere. 6.30 — Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY. nHHiS WEEK. d^i IVING ijr T>EST VALUE nn  I\/T ENS SAO SUITS, 29a 6d IVI S7s 6d "Y OUTHS ' SAC SUIT*, 21s 6d X 25s 6d T>OYS' KNICKER SUITS, 12s6dJD i si 6d _ AJ "OOYS' SAILOR SUITS, J^6d ±J 10s 6d QPECIAL * "VTALU ; E T"\ON'T FORGET NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. A. G. BAETON, Manager. '



John Orr & Co. FURTHER KEDUCTIONS, AS UNDER — FLOUR, FLOUE. TEA, TEA. SUGAR, SUGAR, KEROSENE, KEROSENE, POLLARD, BRAN. RAISINS. CURRANTS. COLONIAL AND ENGLISH CANDLES. ROOK SALT, tUGO, RICE, TAPIOCA, SALMON, Q INN ED FISH, COCOA, COFFEE, CORNFLOUR. FOR THE "PJRUIT QBABON— GLASS JARS, MASON'S SCREW TOP JARS, UJN&MEL AND BRASS PRESERVING PANS. HARDWARE. WIRE NETTING, SAUCEPA^B, KHTTLES, INAMELWARE, RANGES, REGISTER GRATES, LAMP STOVES, CUTLERY, WRINGERS, MANGLES, BEDSTEADS, GORSE KNIVES, ETC. We hold by far |the Largest Stocks m Ashburton, and are selling by far the cheapest. John Orr & Co.



EXCURSION WASHER. j- \ 1,000000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN AWAY T 4 O PURCHASERS OF EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing' Powder m the World. A LargejHONEYCOMB TOWEL given with Three Paokets. A ItJRKIBH ROLLER TOWEL or »: Large HAND or BATH TURKISH ttOWEL given with Twelve Prokets. SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY GBOCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MARKET HOUSE^BURHETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Telephone No. 53. LAST WEEK OV SALE. ODDMENTS AND REMNANTS TO BE CLEARED. FINAL SALE DAY, SATURDAY NEXT, 19 th INST. MITCHELL & TURNER. ONE WOHD ABOUT BOOTS. JAMES "MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON. :o: VT7*E aim to please, and our large volume of tirade speaks for our success THE ZBALANDIA BOOT STORE is holding the largest aud assorted stock of BOOTS AND SHOES m Ashburton. Ladies', Gentlemen's And Children's Boots and Shoes m endless variety. FOR REAL HARD WEAR TRY THE ZEALANDIA BRAND. Everybody knows we give nothing but the best value, One trial is all we askj JAMES MELLOK, ZEALANDIA BOOT STOBE, TANORED STF.KT, ASHBURTON. IMPORTANT PUBLIC IMOTICr I McDonald &" McDiarmid's /^ REAT ANNUAL CLEiVRHNCr BAJLJEI COMMENCES ON Thursday, February 10, 1898, AND WILL CONTINUE FOR ONE IVIONTH ONLY * i TILL We inaugurated the Annual Reductions, for which we have gained such a name m the Aahburtou County, nothing like the GENUINE BARGAINS m first- class BOOTS AND RHOKS had ever been known. Thia 1898 ECLIPSE SALE will surpass all our previous efforts. It is highly improbable that equal value can be got elsewhere, and it is certainly impossible lor those who are not' manufacturing «a we do to Bell at such prices. 9&T REMEMBER Thie ia our ANNUAL CLEARING SALE. Come Early and Secure the Bargains, as they are sure to go rapidly. see circulars. McDonald ~&~ Mcdi armid, BOOT MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTERS, East Street. J. NICHOLAS, MANAGER, ASHBURTON N.B.— AJI Orders and' Repairs duriDg S&le_at Reduced Rates. 2 WHEAT. WHEAT. TTTB ARE PROMPT CASH BUYERS OF PRIME MILLING WHEAT AT HIGHEST MAKKFT RATES, Weac» Also prepared to Store Grain on Fermere account In oar Few Grain Stores West) Street, Ashbarton, on very favourable terms Pol elasd Oornsaoka and Twine Supplied at LOWES! 1 CUB RENT RATES BOLLITT & CO., IGABTERBURY FLOUR MILLS, OFFICES AND Slo£*&, WEST STREET. > *