The Ashburton Guardian.

Ashburton : Monday, October 9, 1899.

Vol xxi. no. 4936

pkice : One Fenny

The Gift of Language.

[By •• The Bookworm."] No man is a greater exponent of what may be called the brotherhood of language than Professor Ma? Muller. The charming lectures he has delivered at Various times and the large sale of his many works prove the high estimation m which he is held. Professor Max Muller m one of his lectuies dwells strongly on the fact that the gift of language is the essential difference between man and beast. To quote his own words:, •* The science of language, better than jkny other science, teaches us our true position m the world. Our bodily frame is like the bodily frame of the animals; it is even less perfect than that of many animals. We are. beasts, we are wild beasts: and those who have fought with wild beasts, not only at Ephesus, but within the arena of their own hearts, are least likely to forget that lesson. But there is a light within us. which not only lights up our own true self, but throws its rays upon the whole world that surrounds and holds us. That light is language. Take away that language and man is lower than the dumb animals of the field and of the forest. Give us that language, and we are not only higher than all animals, but are lifted up into anew world, thinking thoughts and speaking words which the animal may obey, may even imitate, but which no animal can create or even impart to its own offspring." The superficial reading of this extract may be met with derisive sheers or absolute negation, but I venture to assert that a few minutes' thought will bring out its truth. Man is pre-eminently a gifted being. It is possible that the gift of language has been developed, as the philologists tell us, from mere signs and sounds, but this very act of development—the actual power of develop ing— is m itself a creative power imposssible to the beasts of the field. It is said that an ordinary average English scholar does not use more than 3,000 words. The Authorized English version of the Bible is estimated to contain 6,000 different words, and Shakespeare employs a variety of 15,000 ■words. It will thus be understood that the English scholar who does not use more than 3,000 words is not necessarily limited to a knowledge of that number alone, for he may very possibly also perfectly understand the meaning of every one of Shakespeare's additional 12,000 words. Language is a valuable gift; without it the comparison of our thoughts with those of other people would have been impossible. There would have been no record. The past would have been sealed to us as in scrutably as it is to the cow, or the horse, or the dog, not one of whom can ever know the thoughts or actions of its predecessors. But mankind, unlike these lower animals is able, by the power of language, not only to know all his ancestors knew, to know what the men and women of old thought and did, and how people lived and talked, for instance, m Ancient Greece and Rome, but the very language itself whicSi these nations used conveys a clear picture of their daily life and surroundings. It is books that are the storehouses of language, and it is the language stored m them that transforms the achievements of the past into the materials for the future. The inventor is able by the aid of language m books to pick up the thread of an investigation where another has left its end, and thus to proceed with it to final perfection. To become proficient m language is of the greatest service. To master your native tongue is a study the most valuable of all. Evidently one of Professor Max Midler's favourite books is "Webster's International Dictionary," for he says, " There are few books I know so well as Webster's Dictionary. I have ased it for more than 40 years, and I may say that I have learnt English from it." There is no doubt that the remarkable capabilities of the English language are thoroughly illustrated m this dictionary, for its wealth lies not only m the enormous number of words (approximately 150,000) registered m alphabetical sequence m its ■ pages, but m the many thousands of phrases from the best English authors which are ; quoted to illustrate the proper use of these words, m the clear explanation of the varieties of meaning of each single word, and, most especially, of the extraordinary amount of accurate scientific information given by the most learned experts m each subject on the thing itself of which the word stands for the name. It is this high quality which makes the work a full encyclopaedia and constitutes it a general library of reference on the whole range of useful knowledge. Printed words are but the visible com bination of fixed signs or symbols which custom has approved; they are the pictures or diagrams of a language. Spoken words are the real things that the pictures represent; they are the language itself. (Certain combinations of signs which may be !letters,of an alphabet, or hieroglyphics, or imere phonetic marks, represent to the eye ithe sound of the spoken word. " Good •English" means many things; correct pro nunciation, right spelling, faultless grammar, .musical -rhythm, readiness, aptitude, taste. In " Webster's International Dictionary," pronunciation, which ; is a perfection of * language, JLs.m,ost carefully treated- Infact.it is made a Reading Jfeatureof the book. And the dictionary, as already indicated, ,is riot only a "book of words,' 1 it is 'An "ertcydp paedia of things;" for it giy,es .the.qujtbiry, pronunciation, meaning, spelling, and ap plied uses of every word an average English scholar uses, and fifty times as many mor£ The most marvelous part of the book is the effect it produces on anyone who makes a habit of using it. There is a fascination about it that entices one not only to study the words, but to follow out the attractive descriptions of the things. There are few dictionaries that would afford one so much interest on any subject as a special book on that particular subject would do; but " Webster's International" will be found to be as interesting as a book of travel, as be witching as a gallery of pictures, as full of meat as a magazine of essays—which m fact it i s —a complete book of essays on words and the things the words represent.



G. F. MARTIN MANAGER. m connection with the abova'we teg f to intimftto that Mb I. DTf a.bd Sav*db>ji !»»■ been appointed to act »» our Sub-Agent m the Ashburton County, and will afford »U inforoaatton as to ohargws, etc., on produce placed m the Company 1" hands for Sa\«ot Shipment, also for the sala of Woolpacks, Oorn Sacks, Seeds, etc., Mot whloh we impart, or supply. 9 &9 rnHE Newett Designs m Stamped Mount X Mo lick, Moldavian, GounieMj Ceylm, flibbon, Brooklyu, and L^ce Work now m Btock. Linen Goodi, Colored Linen ; Caavae, Giant, Reliable, Buttetfly, and Berlin Woole. Crewel, Lsviath^n, Embroidery and Knit ting Silks. Flow, Arasene, Perline, Zao»i. bar, and Congreea Cotton?, and all the •toe. necessary for Art Needlework to be had at Mrs Alcohn's. WANTED Known—That the arrival of the lonio complete* oar itavoft'a importation*, which are fully double thote of ! previom seasoni. Each department ready for big batine»i.~-MiTQBIW * Tuwsb.



NOTICE TO FARMERS TITTE are making? ADYAKOES on GRAIN, e lo, for Shipment on grower* account, and,having a thoroughly tfticien* btaff ir London, can eneure client* interests at that end having the best possible attention, while selling and ship ping charges are kept at the lowest possible scale. We are also m a position to secure freight to London at the very lowest current rate by Direct Steamer* Orain received at out Warehouse*, Adding ton, and advanced upon if required ; also Grass Seed and Clovers, our machirery for cleaning the latt** being of the latest and best«|AJD«ricaa patterns. FROZEN MEAT, we handle m large quantities In both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, eraplr jing a special Salesman ia London, »ho Km b&m In our service for some j.5 years, andgfaea special attention to the disposal of c msign* meats without the intervention of outsid* Brokers. WOOL CONSIGNMENTS, either for local tale or shipment, will always hava our usual care, which ha« earned Its own reputatioH from our position m the list of Wool Exporters fur New Zealand, while our loc*l sale?men are Messrs Pyne and Co., whose care and attention to the Wool Business is fully recognised by Canterbury Produers. ADVANCES. — We are prepared to make these en Produce placed m our hands for Sale, or pending ultimate ship* ment at Five per cent Jmbbest Fkkb Of Advance Commission.



NATIONAL MOBTGA.GE AND AGENCY COMPANY OFfNKW ZEALAND. (Limited.) CAP.TAL PAID UP. London Office 8, Grext Winch«ter| Street



Melbourne. LADIES, THE FOLLOWING SHOULD INTEREST YOU. Never felt better m her life. Had no idea Vitadatio could do for her what it has done. x , 10th April, 18M •'For a number of years 1 wae troubled with indigestion, and what those of our *cX know as general weakness m various forms and waye, accompanied by the rsu*l gloojny forebodings and, of course, at I find now* unnecessary cares of mind, producing all kinds of discouraging anticipations, m which the common imprewion would constantly intrude itself that life was not the flowery brd of ease that one u«ed to read and line about m one's childhood* hour*: My rood did not nourish the body, and I oarrled about with me, much to my discomfort* an emaciated form, and the common remark of my friend wa», • How ill you alwaye look.' Although I would not admit the truth of theft opinion, yet my own conscious feeHng assured me of the truth of their observation. There were many other ailments which kept m check my former vitality and bitoyaney of spirit*, which need only Ye hinted at m a note inch as this. In this state Of general debility I was advised to take a course of Webbet'n Vitadatio. £ took it regularly for about six weeks, and took, m all, the contents of six large bottles. These were from the first a great source of help and relief, and I began to put on flesh at the rate of l£!b per week, and I now enj y the very best of health. To any of my own se^ especially those »ho are troubled wittl en- Bui, from whatever caime arising, I verily believe a course of Titadatio will give them back the blessing of good health, such as I enjoy, and for whtoh I deeire to be truly thankful. Vitadatio shall always have my strong recommendation.-—Yours gratefully, M. Rekqbakt, Bedfern, Sydney, New South Wales Prioe 5s 6d and 3< 6d per bottle Kf HALL, Hfrbalisb, Agent for Ashbnrton and District-



A GIFT. THE SHELDON BOOM. 11 In His Steps, or What; Would Jesus Do." •• The Crucifixion of Philip Strong'" " His Brother's Keeper." ••Malcolm Kirk." " Richard Hardy's Seveu Days." "THE VITADATIO aeries of these magnificent and entrancing works is about ready for distribution, and will he sent to any address m the colonies on receipt of Sostage to cover—One book, 2d stamps, the | re books, 6d stamps. All letters miub be marked "Sheldon," cats of "Vitajatio,.'



Smoke Dunlop's—-^■fc! DERBY 9 LifcZITOBACCO. -II II II II AH Tobacconists. j ; ■ H I II '' 1 II f -—



NEW SEASON'S SEEDS. RAPE, Cloyen, Ryegnu, Cookafoots, Oowgrus, etc, »t lowest market) j NICOLL BROS., E*afc Street FREEZERS. FREEZERS. TjiARMBRS wishing to oontlgo Sheep on their own noeount oun book ipMse *t »nji t>ims to «ult their own convenience, by com mvnioftting with as. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS, OHRISTOHUROH MEAT COMPANY. Limited. 8 XTTTE ARe"(3ASH BUYERS OF FAT SHEEP I -AND -LAMBS; AT HIGHEST MARKEF RATES. NICOLL BROS., &»«t Street, Aahbarton. THE OHRISTCHUROH MEAT CO Limited, ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any othar crop, and to suit any deioription of aoil. nn n n «mnu GREATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION WHEREVER USED. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE NiCOM, Bros, etore five varieties of this uelebrated fertiliser. Prioe on application. Allowance made for quantities. Letters will receive prompt attention. NICOLL BROS., * DISTRICT AGENTS



WANTED Known-That now is the time to make selections of Ooitames for the Summer. Full ranges of choice materials m Novelty Colorings- See oars first.—Mitcheli, & Tttrnbr NICOII Bros. ISLINGTON FERTILISERS FOR GAEDEN USE MAY be obtained ia Cwb.£and halt,Cwb Bags from NIOGLL BROS., Distriofe Agents



NEW ZK/kJ^^IND CLOTHING FACTOBY. New Goods. New Goods T^roW OPENING UP. 50 DOZEN 50 MEN'S ANJD BOYS' STRAW HATS ALSO,— LATEST & MOST FABHrONABLE PATTERNS IN TENNIS SHIRTS & TIES- Large Assortment to choose from. N"ew Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BEOKINGSALE, Manager.



THE DAINTIEST LITTLE WHEEL, THAT EVER WAS"! ! *« The Bamhler:\ HAVING sold oat of my old 'stock of thaee superior Bicye!e% I have jusc opened np a fresh consignment of the LATEST PATTERN " RAMBLER/ SPECIAL LIGHT RACERS, R(MD RACERS, j & ROADSTERS ■i nail tins'and alt'fitted with Ithe ere* asting G*J detachable Tyre. OALL:AISD INSPEOI THE STOCK. Prioe Easy, Riding Eaay. Machines the Strongest on Earth. AOCES3OKIBS IN STOCK. I ')THER MARES PITTED WITH G & J TYRBS* D. THOMAS.



UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, Limited STEAMERS SAII FROM LITTELTOIT AS UNDER: For Wesbport and Greymouth—-Weekly. ' Wellington— Monday, Tuesday, Than day and Saturdays NOTE—For extra sailings »c« advertiM i meat m Chris tchuroh papers Dunedin — Mondays, Fridays and alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays Nelson and Pioton, via Wellington— Tuesday and Saturday Sydney, via Auckland — Alternate* Thursdays The above are subjecb to alteration y eference should therefore foe made to Ohrietohnrch daily papers Jo* dates and hoar of sailing For farther particulars applf to F< FERRIMAN , Agent, A ahbtuton Unequalled and Invincible ¥ foods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs an* l Colds, U 6(1



J. L. HIGGS, ART DECORATOR k SIGNWRITER, TIT7ISHES to intimate to the Ladies o Ashburton that he has made a Special Study J of COLOUR during the lasb Seventeen Years, and is therefore prepared to give the ! GREATEST SATISFACTION IN HOUSE DECORATING. Tebhs Moderate Wobkmanshii? Seoon to Nome. 1 Apply early to avoid the rush} for SPRING CLBAFIN& J, L. "HIGGS, ! TANCRED STREET. ]



' 11IA.HT STREET H. M. JONES. (X) Cricketing & Lawn Tennis Material. IMPORTED direst from thebisfc London makers. Bats, youths and men's, "specially selected." The excellent Union Driver Champion, and others. Balls, Stumps, Gloves, Pads, ShishU, eto. RACQUETS.—The London, The Popular, The Champion, Victoria, Sampson, and others. TENNIS BALLS.— 81aymjers, Wisdens, and The Silverton. —-SEWING MACHINES. AGENTS FOR MILNBR AND THOMPSON^ -PIANO — By Brinamead and Sons, Hopkinson, Gobs and TOT A "VT/^CI Kalluuw, Wagner, Collard and Collard, Broad- JTXXXIM V_/O"~"" wood, Haake, Spaethe, Channell and Son, Lipp - PIAINOH - and Sohn. -ORGANS- By Bell and Co, Smith, and the Needham Company, C\ T? s°* A IVT Q Willoox and White, Mason and Hamlin, the Chicago Com- V/XV\jrxX.lM O panyi Palace Organ Company, and other makers. -UKGAINB- From <£@ 1O» to dSCJO. ORGANS From ... .« .» .. .. .» LOs per month riA!NO» , ... -. ... .- «O« „ „: LALL INSTRUMENTS GUARANTEED. - Best Cash Yalui Odtainabls, Latest Books by every Mail, ab Published Prioes for Cash. Magazines and Periodicals, at LOWEST OASH PRIOES m all Departments. Equal to Chnntohuroh and Dune din Bouses, Do your Business here and keep the Trade ia the District INSPECTION INVITED. h. m.""Jones.



W. H. COLLINS & CO.. A RE now landing ex/'RUAHINE/' at Lyttelton, a very Choice Selection of A ftistic Wall Papers just m time for the SPRING CLEANING, THESE Papers have all been selected by Mb Collins, who is at'present m Fngkud, and therefore intending Customers can rely on getting eomothing really GOOD at W. H. COLLINS & COS., painting & papebhanging warehouse, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON. TEr.spHON -14 & J5, P.O. 80x—35. GARDEN SEEDS "*-*** 12 Packet* for>:6d (xA RJJJbiJH IS_fciJbiJDh KIMMO. .ADD BLAIR'S CELEBRATED, VEGETABLE SEEDS. 3SIMMO AND BLAIR'S STANDARD FLOWER SEEDS Id - PER PACKET — Id GARDEN TOOLS, GARDEN TOOLS, SPADES, SPADES, FORKS, PORKS, RAKES, RAKES, 1 HOBS, OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AT LOWEST PRICES. SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, WINB & SPIRIT MERCHANTS. MARKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON Telephone No 63



BELFAST FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST T7tf>R TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY: OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURE can be made for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. Orders received by jFRI£3E>t.AIVI>JSR JBBtOW., Limited., DAVID THOMAS, THE JS.X>. FARMEBS CO'-O£»JEJR,A.TIVE A BI9OCIATIUN OF CANTERBURY, Limited., oa AJUBJBUT EGBERTS^ AGENT, Ashburton. , OANTERBUEY FKOZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE EXPOKT COMPANY, LIMITED. 8 80 F. WAYMOUTH Secretary.



WHEAT. WHEAT, WE ARfi PROMPr OASH BUYEKS OF PRIME MILLING WHEAT, AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES WE are also Prepared to STORE GRAIN on Faru,6sk Account m oar New GRAIN SHEDS, West Street, Aehburton, oa very favorable Terms. FULL-SIZED CORNSACKS AND TWINE SUPPLIFD AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. ROLLITf~& Co., CANTEKBURY FLOUR MILLS. OFFICE SAND STORES^—WEST STREET, ASHBURTON New Zealand Insnraace Company. BSTABLIS hITd " 1 « 18 5 9 CAPITAL^ONEMILLION. THEPKIMIEB AND WEALTHIEST COLONIAL COMPANY, NOTED FOR PROMPTNESS AND LIBBRALITI PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES—^OO,OOO. FIRE AND ~MARINE RISKS. ALSO,- RISJZS ON GROWING CROPS, THRESHING MACHINES, Ac, ACCEPTED AT LOWEST TORRENT RATSB E W. HA.NMER AGENT



WOOL. WOOL. WOOL. T AM now>aking [LIBERAL '.CASH ADVANCE?,I|FREE OFj;COMMISSION, upon all W 001-*' placed m my hands for Sale either m Ashburton, Timaru, or for Shipment. This Season'a WOOL SALESJor CANTERBURY have been fixed sa under, viz:- OHRISTOHURCH-November S3, 1899 j December 14, 1899; January 18, 1900 February 9, 1900. TlMAßU—December 1, 1899; January 5, 1900; February 7, 1900. WOOLPACES and all Station Requisites supplied at Lowest Market Rates. D. THOMAS, Ashburton. -PUREJEED S- I HAVE lately erected, regardless of Cost, the MOST COMPLETE Seed C'leaningf Plant South of the Line, and I now a^k intelligent Farmers to inspect the same at Work, I amiVnow prepared to CLEAN for Farmers any Description of SEEDS & GKAIN And will GUARANTEE to give them SATISFACTION. lean Supply Beßt RYEGRASS and COCKSFOOT, locally grown; also, Best CLOVERS, Dressed by my own machines, the purity of which must .be seen to be appreciated. Also-Hobst and Son's Best ENGLISH CLOVERS, TURNIPS, RAPE, ILUCERNK, TREFOIL, Etc. ' DAVID THOMAS, ASHBURTON.



J. SEALY AND CO. NEW SEEDS! NEW SEEDS! NEW SEEDS! FOR THE FARM— Including Clovers, Byegrasu, Cocksfoot, Turnips, Eape and Peas. SEW SEEDS FOR THE VEGETABLE GARDEN In any Quantity Required, or m3d ackets_ NEW FLOWER SEEDS IN Id"PAOKEr3 OR 91 PER DOZEN PACKETS ASSORTED. NEWgGARDEN REQUISITES IN ENDLESS VARIETY. ——o—— WHEELBAND'S BLIGHT SPECIFIC. —One dressing acoirding to dirootio r>ill thoroughly eradicate Scale Blight from fruit trees. THEE LUCERNE- E"S" d J. SEALY AND CO. 3 52



Shipping BHA<7, S&VILL AND ALBION COMPANY, LIMPJgO. FOR LOSDON, *jg|yL TIOYAL MAIL STEA €^Psgsfeki. •*■* MIRS, with superior <^^^^^r* > accommodation forallolßases **;-':-'*«*** o f paggengers, calling at Monte Video or Bio, Teaerlffe and Ply. moath. Vessel Ton Oomtnanderl From Date. lonic _ 4748 Kempaon Wel'b'n Oct. 10 Gothlo _7730Kldley ... Wel't'n Dec 7 CARGO STEAMERS. Waiwera..,|6sooßtuarb Well'ton Oot 26 Kumara .„ 6500 Scotland — Nov 25 Tokomaru 6232 Maxwell -. Dec Mamari «.|3583 — Dec E. W. HANMEK, Agent. fIDH IS NEW ZEALAND OO.'S LINE ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS, FOR LONDON, Via Moetw Video, Tenerlffe & Plymouth, Beat Aooommodation for all olasaei of PMiengers at Lowest Rates. " I Port of Steamers. Tons Departure. Date, Rnahla* 6127 Bluff Oot. 4 Waimate 5610 — Ocb 26 Wakanui 5706 — tfov 30 Rakaia 5628 — Deo 28 Faparoa 6372 — 10 follow "Ifw fnrther partlonlara apply fee FRIEDLAMDER BROS., Ltd. Agents, Anhbnrtom. ""which will yocT take~P \ RTIFICIALLY Coloured and adnl- J\. terated Teas from China and Japan— OR BRITISH GROWN .... DIAMOND JOBILBB. d IRA.WATTEE6ARDEH|[S » $ 1 it® §t! 1 1 "M'KENZIE'S" HONDA I LANKA TEA. Agents : MESSRS SHEARMAN BROS., Ashburton, and GUDSELL, Tiowald. Mb Chaeles Habdy, Rakaia Mkssrs Hibbsßros., Methven Mrs Mary Johnson, Cbertsey Packed and sealed m Ceylon. Prices : X, la 10J ; XX. 2i; XXX, 2* 2d ; XXXX, 2? 6J. HKNBY STBPHBNBON, (ouccessor to Alfred Harrison.) Established 20 years. AUCTIONEER, LAND ESTATE AND COMMISSION AGENT AND VALUER WEEKLY SALES of Live Stock Produce, Furniture, etc., EVERY SATURDAY, at 12 o'clock. Clearing Sales of Stock, Household Furnl are, etc., as per arrangement, m any part the county. Advances made en Gooda placed m my bands for Sale. Regular Consignments of Colonial Grown and Island Fruit sold privately through the week, and at Auction on SATURDAYS. Agent: Norwloh Onion Fire Insurance Company & Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company. PIANOS and ORGANS on time pay meets from ££€>& per month. HEBRY STEPHENSON, AUCTIONEER ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY, THE SOCIETY ia now taking MONEY ON DEPOSIT Fixed Twelve Months 4£* per cent, Fall'partioularo on application. EDWARD STEPHENS, Manager, Office; Tancrod Street Bicycle Harvest. LANDELLS & SON, ENGINEERS & BICYCLE MAKEKS B(JREETT STREET | Next the Ciub. TO the Farmers and General Public of Aahborton,—We beg to state that we have reaped a harvest m Bicycles, havir just landed a big consignment of first-claea jiggers at £14 XOs. We are the oldest bicycle firm m Ashburton and intend to uphold our reputation. Agenta for White Flyers, Rudge-Whit-. worth, Waverleys, Cyclops, The Parrot, eto Repairs by experts. All work guaran 1""" mEACHER of Pianoforte and Organ, J_ For terms, etc., apply at Reaidenoe Corner of Wills and William Streets near Wakanui Boad East. Ig3 ICYCLK for Sale, very Cheap—Go"od second-hand Safety Bicycle, m first- ] class order.—Apply this office.