The Ashburton Guardian.

xxi. no. 4733

Ashburton s Thursday, February 23, 1899.

price : One Penny

THE GOLD PIECE.

I Along the shining shore close to where the waves dashed and broke into long undulating lines of foam a little boy was gleefully rolling a yellow gold piece upon the paler yellow of the sand. The autumn wind caught his hair and laughter danced m his eyes. The gold piece flashed m the sunlight that streamed across the beach and struck the white cliffs beyond with a dazzling effect. Again and again the child caught the gold m his chubby hand and sent it spinning m swift curves. Then all at once a roguish breeze lifted his hat, and striving to keep his headgear m place ho let his eyes wander for an instant from his treasure; when his childish feet reached the place where he supposed it would be lying, the gold piece was not there—it had mysteriously disappeared. A look of chagrin darkened his jubi lant face. He wondered what had be come of his money. Perhaps it had slipped into a crevice of the jutting rock that sprang from the bluff overhead. Or might it not have rolled into the water? Anyway, he could not find it, and he was disconsolate at his loss. Presently he abandoned the search, and sitting down m the sand he began to cry bitterly. The sunlight grew dim, and a tall man, whose figure resembled a silhouette drawn on the pale forgetmenot sky, ap proached from the other end of the beach. He wore a rough dress and walked with a limp. Across his shoulder hung a long string of sili&y fish. He saw the little boy, and pausing m front of him spoke almost tenderly: "Well, my little man, what is the mat ter?" he asked. The child lifted Ms tear washed face. "I've lost my gold piece," he answered, "How was that?" inquired the man, in terested. "Why, I was rolling it along the sand, and all at once it was gone. I shall be punished for losing it," and he sobbed afresh. The man came a step nearer. "Was it your own? Did it belong to you?" "Yes; today is my birthday a,nd my grandmother gave it to me." "Poor little chap," said the lame man kindly. "Let me help you look for it." He began without delay to search m the wet sand and among the pebbles, the boy, his small body bent almost double, following him with eyes riveted upon the ground. The fisherman's glance was keener than the child's, and it was not long before he caught the mild gleam of something lying under a fragment of projecting rock. He looked again; yes, he saw a yellow speck much brighter than the surrounding sand—a mere, tiny dot x>f flashing gold, and as he gazed his heart beat a trifle niore quickly. He drew himself up, turned his eyes else where, opened his lips, then closed them again and said nothing. By and by he spoke m a strangely calm voice. "There's no use looking," he said. "It is lost; you will never find it." The boy's mouth quivered, his breath came m gasps. "Perhaps if I came to morrow with my governess we might find it," he replied; but there was hope lessness m his tone. "Are you staying at the hotel?" asked the fisherman, looking dreamily at the sea. "Yes, and I must go home now," with a sigh; "I promised not to stay after sunset, and the sun is nearly gone." The man made no reply and the child added, "Do you think the gold piece could have been washed away by a wave?" "Possibly." "I only took my eyes off of it for a moment. It was spinning along like a little golden whe,el and then —well, I will come back tomorrow early m the morning and see if I can find it." Still the man made no answer. All the light had shifted from his figure and the silver scales of the fish had turned to gray. "Goodby," said the boy. Then, as an afterthought, "What is your name?" "Caspar—they call me Lame Caspar , because—of this," and he pointed sul lenly to his right leg. "Well, I thank you for helping me to look for my gold piece, Lame Caspar," said the boy; and he turned away with a little choking sob and began to ascend the steps that led m winding curves up the cliffs. He glanced back when he reached the top and saw Lame Caspar walking slowly on, his string of fish over his shoulder, his head bent forward. He did not walk far, however. By and by he stopped, and wheeling about on his lame leg, retraced his steps m the di rection he had come. He crept to the overhanging rocks that now cast great purple shadows on the sand, The short lived afternoon was dying and the sky was aflame m the west. Slowly and cautiously the man approached the pro jecting corner where he had seen the minute yellow speck, and crouching on hands and knees he drew forth the gold piece. Then he stood up and moved away into a deeper shadow farther on. A thrill of excitement swept over him as he examined what he had found —a gold eagle, polished, heavy and beautiful. He had never seen one before and to his unturored mind it represented untold wealth. A quick ecstacy shot through him as he felt the cold surface of the metal on his rough palm, and he began to think of what it would buy—a whole winter's store of tobacco and bacon, or else a new peajacket and fresh fishing ! tackle. He was m luck for once! For tune had smiled on him. "Hallo 1" cried a voice, rudely inter rupting his revery. "What's that you've got?" Caspar started m affright and a hor rible sense of guilt overcame him. He shook like an aspen leaf until his dazed senses discovered who had spoken. Then his fear left Mm and he grew angry and defiant. A fellow fisherman with a string of fish and a net stood beside him, having approached unperceived from be hind the crags. "What's that you've got?" repeated the newcomer. Caspar's hand closed over the gold piece like a vise, "Nothing," he re torted.

"But I saw it. It waa gold. Does gold grow m the sand or on the rocks?" and lie laughed coarsely. Caspar hesitated. He knew it would be useless to attempt any denial, so he replied indifferently: "I sold some fish to a lady and she paid me for them. Now are you satisfied?" and lie frowned darkly. "What luck!" exclaimed the other. "I wish she'd bought of me/" Then he added, with a tinge of suspicion, "Did I ehe*carry them herself?" ! "No, she had a servant," answered Caspar angrily. He did not wish to pro long the conversation, so he turned away, remarking, "Good night," m a surly accent. "But you'll treat first?" called the other after him, "I'm chilled to the bone." "No, let me alone; I've something to do at home," and he strode on. "You'll give all the lads a drop at The Bull tonight, anyway?" cried the man. "When one has such luck as that he doesn't forget his friends, I'll tell the lads to expect you,;" Lame Caspar's anger arose. He mut tered an oath as he limped on m the darkening twilight. Treat! Not he! He meant to keep the gold piece for him self. It was hard, indeed, if a man couldn't keep what belonged to him, "But it doesn't belong to you," a voice seemed to cry within him. "It belongs to the golden haired boy." Caspar turned to see if any one was following him. He saw nobody, yet a peculiar dread possessed him. When he reached his hut, on the outskirts of the settle ment, he carefully bolted the door be fore he lighted the- candle that he stuck into the neck of a bottle. He sat down by the rickety old table and examined the gold piece leisurely. It scintillated m the dim, red candle light like a living thing. He was afraid to sit there hold ing it m his hand for any length of time. It had already been discovered m his possession and soon the whole village would know of it. Possibly the news might spread to the little boy's ears, and then—— As this thought occurred to him his fingers trembled so violently that the gold piece fell clattering on the table. He began to regret that he had not given it to the boy} but it was too late now, and besides he wanted it. He loved to look at it. It "was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen; but he must hide it away somewhere—hide it until he made tip his mind to spend it. He there fore placed it" m a cup and locked the cup m a closet. After this he cooked his supper and went to bed. Through his feverish dreams all night long brilliant showers of gold danced and twined themselves into fantastic shapes. Sometimes they seemed to fall from an immense height and threaten to crush him beneath their weight, and he cried out m desperate terror. His rest was broken and frightful visions as sailed him. Once or twice the face of a golden hairediaoy rose before him alter nately wreathed m smiles and bathed m tears. With the advent of the dawn Lame Caspar awoke, troubled and unref reshed. As he walked to his boat, that was moored some distance away, a woman's fresh voice called to him from a window: "Good morning, Caspar. I hear that you have a gold piece that a lady gave you for a few fish. What luck!" » He stopped Short and scowled back at her. "Well, what of it?" he snapped. "Ive a right to my own, I suppose." "Nobody said you hadn't, but the lads seemed to think you might treat for once. They waited for you at The Bull last night and were vexed because you didn't come. Are you going to treat to night?" "No!" he answered and passed on out of sight into the dull tinted morning. All day, sitting among his nets and tackle, he reflected upon what he had done and the possible result. It would be silly m the extreme to keep the gold piece forever m the cupboard when he stood m need of so many things. Still he did not feel like spending it imme diately. A superstitious dread overcame Mm whenever he contemplated parting with it. Generally speaking, he was a success ful fisherman, but today he got scarcely anything, and he came home m the even ing tired and out of temper. Upon one point his mind was made up. He would not go near the tavern. He resented be ing pressed to spend the money m drink. But the other fishermen, when they found he did not come, sent a delegation to his house. About six "men rapped loudly on the door, more m spirit of mischief than downright vexation, but it was sufficient to rouse Lame Caspar to furious opposition. "What do you want?" he shouted, flinging the door wide open and con fronting them with fierce hostility depicted on every line of his counte nance. "We want you to treat. Aren't you coming to The Bull?" "No; I'm sick. Go away and let me alone." And he tried to shut the door. But the men resisted the action. Sick, nonsense!" cried one. "What's come over you, man? Have you turned miser?" "Let's see your gold piece anyway," eaid another. "We never get Buck things, Let's see what it looks like," and he tried to force his way into the cabin. "Yes,let's seethe gold piece!" shouted the others m a chorus. But Caspar's features grew livid with passion. He strode forward with clinched fist. "Out of here every mother's son of ye!" he shouted. "I'll not spend a penny to make ye more drunken than ye are. Out of here, I say!" The men drew back surprised at this strange outburst. For a moment no one spoke. Then one said, with slow delib- I eration: "Come away, lads, come away! From the way he talks it looks as if he'd stolen the money instead of coming hon estly by it. One would think ho was a thief afraid of being found out," | With a stifled exclamation Caspar | raised his hand to strike the speaker a | blow. But his uplifted arm dropped aa I though stricken with palsy. His face



j WANTED. OARDERS-Mbs Kmght, Bast Street, has accomrnodation-lor a few boarders. All home comforts. Terms moderate, Tern and light refreshments at ail hours. 1 121 WANTED Known—To Men with ft harveßt cheque, that we can give you a complete rig out from head to foot for üB/9, and none of it rubbish.—Mitchell & Tub Neb. MRS ALCORN'S Midsummer Sale now on. Prints and Muslins from 3£d a yard ; Pinafores and Aprons from 9d each, a few "Own Make,' soiled, reduced; LaoM from Id per yard ; Embroideries from l£d per yard; All Wool Dross Goods, double width, fromQd perya>d ; Trimmed Millinery hsif price; Strtroitd Mouutmeliick Good! and Faucy Needlework reduced 10 per cent during sale only. ' \X7A? USD Known-40 Doz, Womtift n l o 6d Black Cashmere Hose to be sold for Is pair; 25 do > Women's Black Lisle Gloves 2d per pair ; Ladies' Ulsters at 3s 6d ; Rainproof Cloaks, 8s 6d ; Far-lifted Cloaks, 10b 6J. AH at MiTOHiL & Tcbnkb's Sale. -- ...^ WANTED Known—That we are not picking out a few lines of bad stock only, but reducing the whole stock, to that the largest buyer at our Sale saves the moat money.—Mitchell 4; Tubneb. * FOR Sale,. Cheap—Six Doze* lain* of Children's ankle straps.—Mlii&Oß's Zealandia Boot Store. NOTICE— We defy competition; you get wonderful value at Mbllob's, Ta&cred Street. FOR SALE or LEASE, during appro***, ing Coursing season, the fast aid clever Greyhounds Saxon (bred inN.S.W.) and Partßenia. Apply Mail Office. WANTED Known—Shipment of New Laces, Embroideries, Fall Nets, White Gloves, at remarkably low prices.— W H Collieb, The Corner ANTKD—Wise Mothers to try our Indestructible School Boot. — Mbllob's Zealandia Boot Store. FOR Sale, Cheap—A lot of Mea'aßlnohen only 4s lid*—Miixob's Zealandi* Boob Store. WANTED— Sixty strong men to try the new Kronio (Bluoher). —Millob Zealandia Boot Store. FOR Sale, Cheap—sooo pairs of Ladle* and Men's Boots and Shoes,—Apply to Mbllob, Tancred Street. \\ TANTED Known—Good valoe for little V V money at Mellob's, Zealandia Boot Store. TRY FLOWER'S Refreshment Rooms - for a Cup cf Fresh Tea, eto, Ice Creams and Iced Drinks, Ripe Tomatoes, Apricots, Peaches, Choice Bananas, etc., always m Slock. WANTED— A dozen smart Ladies to try our new kangaroo calf Shoe,— Mellob's Zealandia Boot Store. WA NTED KNOWN—That I haTe"rt ceived my Summer Stock of Boots and Shoe?, which I will dispose of at the lowest rares possible, for Cath, Now man opportunity for those who are m search cf reliable goods. Ab uriial, Repairs doce at once; at J. Moison, The Hall Boot Depot, Ashburton. Mliy A LCOIiN has m stock Stemped MountmelJick, Lace, Cross-stitch and Mayence Woik, White Jean ( Linpn Java and Congress Canvas, Transfers, Foundation Monograms, Woven liufcmls, Lace Pins, Stretcheie, Single, Shaded and Double Berlin Wools, Reliable aDdßuttei fly Wools, Perline Arasene, Filoasils, Crewel Embroidery and Knitting Silks m Colours and Tartans, Macrame Bags and String, VVeldon's Needle work Books, Perforated Cardboard, Ivory Crochet Cotton and Materials for Fancy Work generally. 10 32 WANTED Known—Pretty Christmas Cards m packets—l 2 for 3d, 25 for 6d and 9d, boxes Is.—W H Collieb, The Corner RS ROBINSON, Cash Purchaser of Ladies', Gentlemen's, and Children's left-off Clothing, and all kinds of goods. Ladies waited on at their houses. Note address : Mrs Robinson, Wakanui Road, Baring Square, * 11123 T7IOUND—In Tancred Street, ihe cheapest I* and most reliable Boot Shop.— Mkllob's Zealandia Boot Store, niENDERS wanted for the sale of 5000 A. pairs of boots.—Apply to Mbllob' Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known—Ladies' Pretty Walking Shoes m great variety at Mbllob's Zealandia Boot Store. mENDERS wanted to wear out 1000 X pairs o Mellob's Indestructible Boots. Wear like brass. *_ THAT'SEIGHT "TTTE not only Profess to be the LE/tDING TAILORS, BUT ALSO'JHE LEADING GENTLEMEN'S MERGERS AND OUTFITTERS IN ASHBURTON, LOVELY, TASTY, AND NATTY, ASK THE 50 DOZEN TIES .TXJST O£»JB1NEI> 9 And are SELLING RAPIDLY. \ ST. PATRICK'S DAY WILL SOON BE HERE. WE^OAN FIT YOU OUT WITH A TIE OF THB RIGHT COLOUR. Come m and Glance over the LATEST NOVELTIES, AT NEW ZEJALArSiD CLOTHING FACTORY* Manager



EASTEK MONDAY (APRIL 3rd.) T) ROB ABLY—Four Trots, Three Flat* At least one of which will be open. MOST LIBERAL ATHLETIC PROGRAMME. PROGRAMMES READY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. D, THOS. TODD, 2 145 Secretary pro t< m. A. GOOD WATCH KOB THE HARVEST. "FUST Received » Direct Consignment of BTKOWG NICKEL WATCHES FIRST-OLASS MOVEMENTS. THIS IS NOT A TO*, BUT A GOOD TIMEPIKCB 96 EAC» 9/6 Thefcßest Value Ever Offered m New Zealand. I|Have also opened a Special Selection of SPECTACLES & EYE CLASSES. Sig-ht Testing? a Specia.lty As Usual I carry the Largest and Best Stock of WA-TOHES^, CLOCKS, tv JP. Ware, Jewel 'cry, See IN ASHBURTON. SPECIAL ATTENTION AND PROMPT NESS GIVEN TO REPAIRS. J. V. DE BEER, WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER, EASI STREET, ASHBURTON. LADIES' SUMMER BOOTS AND SHOES, "VTOT only is the QUALITY HIQH-the PRICE IS LOW : A conjunction of condi tions that cannot fail to please the wearer. For Shape, for Lasting Wear, aod for keeplcg up a good appearance till the very last, there is nothing like these Choice American Boots and Shoes. A PICK OF THE BEST (AMERICAN BOOTS AND SHOES Jat McDonald* McDiarmid's MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS, EAST STREET J. NICHOLAS, Manager! Repairs and orders prompt iy attended to. "RAMBLER*' BICYCLES. I HAVE a Nice Line of LADIES' and GENTLEMEN'S Roadster Bicycles on View, and am expecting a Consignment of the BAMBLER MODEL 26 j RAOICTG- MACIHIVES, \ AT AN EABLY DATE. Cyclists intending to Purchase Ratting Machines should not fail to call and inspect! THE " NEW MODEL 26." The RAMBLER is declared to be the Easiest Running Machine on the Market, and is undoubtedly the Strongest and Neat est Bicycle Built. The RAMBLER, fitted with "G & J" Everlasting Detachable Tyres a.nd Dunlop Valves, is without a doubt the Best Machine a Cyclist can ride. Accessories m Stock, Price Low for Cash, Easy Terms arranged to Suit Purchasers of the RAMBLER. D. THOMAS, WEST STREET. "qTjesson,- PRACTICAL WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, KAST STREET, mHE CHEAPEST SHOP m town for WATCHES, CLOCKS, GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY and ELECTRO PLATE, Spectacles, Eyeglasses, Goggles and Eye Protectors of every description. A TRIAL SOLICITED. REPAIRS Neatly and Promptly executed Moderate Charges,



Henry Stephenson. (successor to Alfred Harrison.) Established 20 years. AUCTIONEER, LAND ESTATE AND OOMMISSION AGENT AND VALUER WEEKLY SALES of Live Stock Produce, Furniture, etc., EVERY SATURDAY, at 12 o'clock. Clearing Sales of Stock, Household Furni ture, etc., aa per arrangement, m any part f the county. Advances made on Goods placed m my lands for Sale* CHAFF, OATS, WHEAT, FLOUR, SHARPS, BRAN, ONIONS, POTATOES REEDS, etc., Sold Daily m Large or Small Quantities. Agent: Norwich Onion Fire Insurance Company & Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company. PIANOS and ORGANS on time pay . meets from fcJOs per month, HENRY STi"PHENSON, AUCTIONEER > " ■'!_!!'— IU-.-a-i'" .i.".-~—■ mmm NICqLL BROTHERS. Nicoll Brothers, [H. F. Nicoll,] [L. A. Nicoll , •AUCTIONEERS, ACCOUNTANTS. SHAREBROKERS, VALUATORS, LAND j ESTATE, AND GENERAL AGENTS. CENTRAL AUCTION ROOMS EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. WEEKLY SALES OF CATTLE, PIGS & POULTRY Every Saturday, at 12 o'clock noon, In Yards adjoining the Arc-ade. Entrance ! by right-of-way, rear of Union Bank. Also of MERCHANDISE, FURNITURE, and PRODUCE, m our Rooms EVERY SATIJRDAY, commencingimmediately on conclusion of our live stock sale. CLEARING SALES conducted m any part of the District at lowest current rates. ADVANCES made on goods placed m our hands for absolute sa'e. GRAIN BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COM MISSION. We shall be pleased to receive ssmp'.es from farmers who hare parcels for disposal. STATION BOOKS KEPT AND AUDITED We have various sums of Trust Monies, ranging from £300 to £5000, to lend on Freehold Securities, at 4£ and 5 per oent. Faims, House Properties, and Building Sections for Sale. Pn.ticulara on application. We invite those vuohing to dispose of their properties to communicate with us. WOOL. WOOL.WOOL WE have pleasure m notifying our Clients that we have made arrange ments with MESSRS DALGETY & CO., LTD. to sell at the Chriatchnrch Sa!e& any Woo which may be entrusted to us, and w ■. are prepared to make LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES against Wool placed m our hands for sale. The Wool should be consigned to Daipely &Co., Ltd., Christchurcb, account Nicoll Bros., with advice to us. We can also arrange to dispose of clips * privately if so desired. FREEZEES. FEEEZEES. T7IARMERS wishing to consign Sheep on their own account can book space at any time to suit their own convenience, by com municating with us. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS, CHRISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY. Limited. 8 39 THE CHRISI CHURCH MEAT CO. Limited. ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. GREATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION WHEREVER USED. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERY WHERE Niooll Bros, store five varieties of this celebrated fertiliser. Price on application. Allowance made for quantities. , Letters will receive prompt attention. i NICOLL BROS., ! DISTRICT AGENTS p." ' % t, BULLOCK. ~~ TO LET. " /COTTAGE of 4 rooms, bay window and \J verandah. Situated m Cameron j Street. ' Apply to ;t. bullock. TO LET. /"IOTTAGE of four room?, scullery, etc. \J together with two sections, fronting Allen's Road, Allenton. Apply to T. BULLOCK, Agent TO LET, T^TEWLY Erected Cottage of Five Rooms, JLM etc, near the Gas Works. Apply to T. BULLOCK. "He was & bold man " that first ate the oyster. It requires courage to drink blended teas, diamond jubil3e is pure, mountain grown, unblended, unadulterated and uu tampered with.—Shearman Bros., Agents. fragrant and refreshing—New Penvs i



(TO BE CONTINUED.) PfIASES~OF THB~Mdo«i ! February. d h m Last quarter ,» »„, 4 454 a-m New moon .. „ 10 9 2 p-m First quarter «. .- 17 822 p-m Full muoa ... « 26 146 a, m I



OAT SHEAF CHAFF. T7IOR SALE, 30 tons first-class OAT SHEAF CHAFF Apply, MAIL OFFICE. Smoke Versus, ?



DAVID THOMAS. Auctioneer, Land, Insurance & Estate Agent, Valuator, Wool and Grain Broker, ASH BURTON, Loans Negotiated Weekly Sales of Liye Stock—Tinwald and AahbartoE AUwrnately Fortnightly Sales o! Sheep Skins, Fats, Hides, etc., ou Mondays ! Sales of Wool Throaghont the Season Grain Boaghfc and Sold on Commission Clearing Sales as per arrangements Arcade Horse and Furniture Sales held on Saturday's. Horse Fairs held Monthly, AGENT FOR— Matron and Co, Ohristohmrch Booth, McDonald and Co, Ohrisfcchnrcb White's Sheep Dip Walter A. Wood Co Lightband's Belting London and Lancashire Insurance Company Graham's Foot Rot Composition Wright, Stevenson and Co, Dnnedin Planet Junior Garden and Field Tools Belfast Manures BAKAIA DISTEPCT SALES. I HAVE made arrangement)* with MESSRS HARDY & CO., Merchants, Rakaia, to aot ai my AGENT for all Auctioneering Work m that District, and m cod junction with them ifc will|be my endeavour to make the RAKAIA SALE A SUCCESS. DAVID THOMAS, Ashbarfeon ©REATREDDOTION IN PRIOB OF PLANET JB. TOOLS. DAVID THOMAS. ASHBURTON* ASHBURTOi FURNITURE WAREHOUSE- Great Cash. Sale of TjiURNITUKE LW OLEUMS CARPETS BEDSTEADS BEDDING CHAIRS RUGSg *Q* ].. n.mi_l_u_i TOIJL.ISX' WARE In Great Variety. TEA AND DINNER SERVICES AT ALL PRICES, FANCY GOODS AT COST PBICF LARGEST STOCKS. LOWEST PRICES* AT T. H. UNDRILL & CO, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, PICTURE-FRAMERS, & UNDERTAKERS TANORED STREET, opposite Arcade, and next Building Society's Office] WHAT NOW? GREAT HALF-YE A ELY CLEARING SALE Lop Drapery, Clothing, AND Boote, FOR ONE MONTH. ALL GOODS MEDUOED 33| PER CTOT. INSPECTION INVITED. ANDREW ORR. n= 20,000 = "ORION" COOKING RANGES IN USE IN THIS COLONY THEY BURN LIGNITE, TRUE GOAL OR WOOD UP TO 24in NO SETTINGKREQUIBED. With Stove Pipe can be worked ont m the open. SPLENDID BREAD BAKERS. With Oaat Iron oe Copper Boilers. The Copper Boilers are large and Tinned inside. 1 REPAIRS ARE A MINIMUM. Made m all sizes, single or doable ovens. High or low pressure boilers. Sold by all Ironmongers, from whom Catalogues can be obtained, or from the maker, H. E. SHACKLOCK. SOUTHEND FOUNDRY, DUNEDIN. 631



Shipping. -t . fjfiHE JssSMk OTW ZEALAND OOZE LINE ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS, FOR LONDON, Via Monte Video, (Tenerlffe & Plymouth, Beat Accommodation for all classes oi Passengers at Lowest Rates. ) j Port^T Steamers. Tons. Departure. Date, Bakaia 6688 Lyttelton Feb 25 Papanui 7000 —■ March 23 Kaikoura 4507 Welliagbon April 20 Raahine 6127 — May 11 Wakanui — May 25 Rimutaka 4515 — June 8 CARGO STEAMERS. ~ Obarama | 3803 | — | Feb Waikafco 14767 | — Qn. Louise | 3385 | — I Per farther particular apply to FRIBDLANDER BROS., Ltd. Agents, Ashburtes, SHAW, SATILL AND ALBION COMPANY, LIMITED. FOR LONDON. jft^l T3OYAL MAIL STEA ffIWMh JOkl MERS, with superior jJJ&BKBIs' accommodation for all olaeses JIUMUBU o f j, aaaen gera, calling at Monte Video or Rlo 9 Tenerlffe and Ply. moqfeh. Vessel [Tons Commander From Date. Aotea « 6364 Kldley ... Wel't'n Gothic _}7730,Evan8 ... Wel't'n Mar 2 CARGO STEAMERS. Mafcatua^-13322 Holmes LytTt'n Delphio .-8355 Sowden — Raiigatira '1045 Barton ~- March E. W. HANMSR. Agent, UNION STEAMSHIP COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, Limixkd STEAMERS SAII FRCMLITTELTON ASUNDER: For Weetport and Greymouth—-Weekly. Wellington— Monday, Tuesday, Thurs day and Saturdays NOTE—For extra sailings see advertise ment m Ohriatchurch 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 snbjeob to alteration; reference should therefore be made fco Cbristchurch daily papers for dates and hour of sailing For farther particulars apply to F. FERRIMAN,' Agent, Ashborton MUSICAL. " MISS VEROOB, mEACHER of Piano and Singing, will X resume Teaching at an early date at Rakaia, Cherfcsey, and surrounding districts. Extra care and attention given to dull and backward pupils. Beginners will be taught correct position and fingering, and advance ment and proficiency will be guaranteed. Advanced Pupila prepared for Theoretical and Practical Examinations. Parents or guardians are kindly requested to call at earliest convenience. No charge for examination of pupils will be made, Tekms For Piano or Singing, SI sa. All fees payable m advance. Address : Mrs Makeig'e, Rakaia, 113 PIANOFORTE, SINGING, ORGAN, AND THEORY OF MUSIC. Tyr rs tdowman tji ox Member of the Canterbury Society of Professional Musicians, Havelooi: Stbeet, Ashbttrton. RAKAIA—TUESDAYS. Pupils prepared for Trinity College exam* nations. MISS~CARSON. FTIEACHER of Pianoforte and Organ. J_ For terms, etc., apply ab Residence, Corner of Wills and William Streets, near Wakanui Road East. 1 136 Llewellyn Owen, IMLC.H'M.., JUIET I>C.JM£. PIANoiOKTE, SINGING, HARMONY, AND MANDOLINE. A CARD MRS A fi riLARIDGE XL. \J. V/LARIDGE TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE, ORGAN, and SINGING COX STREET, ASHBURTON. Terms on Application, MISS ETHEL GATES, mEACHER of Shorthand and Music, JL Piaao, Organ, &\ Violin, * KAKAIA & OHERTSEY. MONDAY & WEDNESDAY. '"MR OSBOR~N COOfiraT PIANO TUNER & EXPERT, (Late of London), VISITS Aahburton and Burroandlng Districts every four months—via., March, July, and November. ORDERS ma? be left with MR LLEWELLYN OWEN at his Music Studio, Arcade Chambers, Ashburton, POIBOJMED I *• h report comes from the district of Wagnnyah, N.S.W., of a settler and his family exhibiting very serious symptoms of poisoning after partaking of theit evening meal. In searching for the cause) sus picion fell on the tea they had used. A sample taken from a one pound tin m use was analysed and found to contain strong traces of muriatic arid, the presence of which is caused by the use of spirits of Baits m welding the parts of tin together. The analyst warns consumers that tea packed m small tins, owing fco ite very absorbentnaturaj is very liable to become impregnated with this acid, and therefore dangerous for human consumption, and advises that the very safest package to purchase is that packed m lead with an inside lining of vegetable parchment. This style of packet is quite impervious to the air, and tea so packed has been known to retain all its aroma and strength for a period of five years.' ? J .'M P? B'~"?9F B TEA is Paoked 'm lead with'an BSiaeliWDgot Vegetable paxcliment.