PHASES OF THE MOON

October

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1899. THE COAL SUPPLY OF THE COLONY.

/ s the summer creeps upon us and brings with it the Bweltering days, which make 88 pant and perspire, and compel us to go as thinly clad as the proprieties will permit, the question of the coal Bupply will not be likely to command the all absorbing attention that would be its due were it rai^d at a colder season. But though summer is coming fast, we have also to re- j member that chilly winter foliows hard upon h< r heels; and recollections of the winter just past, and how very many of us wero by the keenness of the frost forced to the conclusion thit a burning coal m a fire grate was much more welcome during the cold weather than a whole garden of "the flowers that bloom m the spring," are just tho sort of recollecions that are calculated to mike us open our ears to anything important about the coal supply. A committee of the House of Representa tives was set up to investigate the question of the colony's coal supply, and the report of that committee was submitted to the House on Friday night. It came too late m the session for any practical good to be done with ifc before the prorogation, but it ought to afford food for reflation during the recess, and it certainly will be heard raoro about during the election cam paign. From the report much in teresting information is derivable. We find that the average wages paid to the hewers who get our Westport coal for us is 2s per ton, 'i he coal can be bought at the pit's mouth for about 7s a ton. Add to this, rail and handling charge?, and we find that f o.b. at : Westport the price at tho highest is J.la per ton. !he Committee appear to be satisfied that no undue share of the profits falls to the shareholders m the mining properties, nor U it m evidence that the coal company gives any preference to the Union fc-hippinq; Company m the matter of facilities for securing cargoes, or preferential treat ment of nny kind. The law, however, while it maizes the supply of coal (o steamers compulsory, e,q far as coul for steaming purposes goes, does. r»ot m any way irftuence the supply for cargoes for the general market. The committee finds the rates for hiulage higher than m New South Wales, which fact very considerably affects mines at a distance horn the ports of shipment. Then it is recommended that for the loading staiths or shoots at Wesport, there should be substituted a system of loading by hydraulic crane. Consumers of Westport coal will the more readily appreciate this recom mendation, as they know how liable that coal is to make slack by frequent and rough handling, and few hard coals will deposit more slack at the bottom of the coal bin than will this certainly otherwise excellent coal. But the gtaith is said to be responsible for a loss of about 3s a ton. The freight to Lyttelton is 6a 3d a ton, and' to "Wellington 5s 3d. The report then goes on to show that the following charges are added by the dealers after the coal has been landed at Wellington for 17s 3d, including Is for wharfage, sud sold to the dealers and others for £1 2i 6d, which leaves an apparent profit of about 5a 3d per ton : —Cartage to yards, Is ; screening and trimming, Is ; bagginp, 6J ; managerial expenses, 2i; fc loss through screening, 2a 6d (repetition of the staith experience) ; delivery 2s 0d ; total, 9s 6d. Those charges added to the poat at ship's side bring the total up to £1 12*, the dealers charging £1 Hs. ThoHe are Wellington figures; the report does not go into details of what is done at Lyttelton, whence the coal has to be brought by rail to Christchurch, But the report goes on :-—" It is a matter for extreme regret, that those who, m consequence of the defects of the present system of distribution, pay the highest prices for coal, are the poorfr people of the community, since those who are better off can pay for larger quantities and therefore obtain better terms. Although the market price of coal m Wellington, and this no doubt illustrates the position m the other large centres, is given at £1 14s per ton, the evidence shows that the poor pay something like £2 per ton, and it is worth while remarking that, even if poverty did not preclude their purchas ing larger quantities, the am* 11 space within which many of the poorer classes live, m Wellington at any rate, affords no room for storage, and it is therefore not possible for them to take any but small parcels at a time The .com -1 mittee also directs attention to the fact that; while tho coal supplied m larger quantities is subject to the weighbridge test, such is not the case m connection with that supplied m smaller quantities. While not wishing to impute dishonesty to <coal dealers as a class, it cannot help noting that, under the present system of distribu tion, the smaller, that is to gay the poorer consumer, has no safeguard against possible deficiency, It is

alleged that frequently inferior coal is sold as first class at maximum piicee, or mixed with the better coal causing waste and loss to the con&umer." I is to be regretted that this ropjrt was not laid upon the table of the House very much earlier m the session. In stead of wasting thtir own and ih ■ people's time compiling and delivering Breeches on the address in-rrp!y and other occasions of no public interest, the members composing tho committee would have been far better employ* d preparing this report-, and getting it clown to the House m some sort of reasonable time, but members cou'd hardy be exptcfed to deal with a serious subject like this m the expiring hours of the session -for the Premier had told them that the next week i would see the end of it. Yet he was veiy wroth, and put on the whine patriotic because men quite as able and pvtriotic as himself refused to debate the question &t a moments notice, and without having the evidence taken by the commission placed before them. It is a question that should not be ap proached with a party bias, because it is one that affects the well-being of the great mass of the people far more than the question of land settlement. Not one man m a hundred is fit to become a farmer, but every man, womin, and child m the colony is nflVctid by the price of coal ; and though, as we have said, we can hardly expect members to seriously face the question this year, so near to Christmas, we trust that the whole Legislature will " close their ranks" on it next year, sink party difference, and see if the superb coal of the Westport mines, the very best m the world—the coal which, combined with Kane's seamanship, his own and his men's British puck, and Rennie's engines, brought the Calliope through Apia's hurricane when German and American were stranded—cannot be eo'd at something like » reasonable price to the working men of bushlesa Canterbury, where coal is the fuel de pended upon to boil the daily billy and keep warm the winter hearth.

AN IMPERATIVE POLICY.

Jp there is one thing clearer than another m connection with the situation

m South Africa, it is that Great Britain must make the dis-

comfiture of the Boers so complete that there can never hereafter be a question raised as to which power is dominant m South Africa. Our position depends upon our success, and upon ita thoroughness. It is not the simple question between Britain and the Transvaal that has now to be considered, although that is of great importance. I}ut it is the risk of a great native war which ths failure of Britain to properly chastise the Boera might bring about. The natives know well that hitherto Britain has been the only power able to keep them m check, and that but for her they would long ago have wiped cut the Boers. The arrogwee of the Butch South Africans blinds them to their true position, that the paramount power alone stands between them and annihilation, Where wou'd they be if the Basutos, the &ulus, \ and Matabeles were to combine m a war against them ? As it is, nothing' but the fear of the British power pre ] vents that catastrophe. Should the latter, by any unforeseen chance, repeit the history of 1881, it is not difficult jto foresee what would happen. A graat native rebellion would be a far more serious affair than the present war with a couple of iittle Dutch States. But all the same tho present affair with those little Dutch states might-, if badly managed, result m the greater trouble—a war against the combined forces of the powerful native races m South Africa, As it is, it is by no means certain that such a diffi culty may have to be faced, even with out any serious reverses to the British arm«, _______

Local and General.

♦ # * On the first page to-day wilt ba found Commercial and Parliamentary news, and on the fourth page the continuation of the story "Nada, the Lily."

Thb Woollen Industry.—-The Welling ton Woollen Company paya eight per cent, dividend fop tfre year. Ths Waikato—The sheriff at Perth has taken formal possession of ths Waikato. The a«izure will nob affaot the discharging. TIW HORSB FIEND AT DONSANDEL —The horse fiend has appeared at Dunsandel: A two-year-old draught gelding, belonging to Mr J. S. Boag, was killed between Saturday night and Sunday morning. A punctured wound was found m ita throat, near the point of the shoulder,—Press Association telegram, A. aso P- Association,—ln the list of priz-s published Mr J. Small's private priza of £2 2a should rend—For the beat two-year old draughb gelding. Mr G. T. Park (Mount Somers) offers four tons of lime, delivered at Ashburton (to be used for agricultural purposes only), and to be awar ded as phe .Committee think fit. Pbodoge i ro» TifE Tbansvaal—Messrs Friedlander Bros, are advertising for oat sheaf ohaff for the Transvaal. In this connection it may be mentioned th%ti our formers are asking prices which are already having the effect of inducing buyers to go patt New Zealand. This is a serious mis take, and it is to be hoped that farmers will endeavour to foster the trade which the South African crisis seems likely to create. Jt is bad policy to frighten away buyers at the outset. Thb MoAdoo Troupe.— The Orpheus McAdoo combination troupe were at Perth, Western Australia, on October 1, and to judge from the critique appearing m the Sunday Times, are m great favor thsre. We take this opportunity of acknowledging papers sent us pretty regularly by the manager of the MoAdoo Company, from which we have been enabled to follow their travels through Australia. Mv McAdoo evidently does not forget the. way he was treated m Ashburton. and no doubt intends to return here by and by.

Personal. —Owing to the unsatisfactory slate of his health for some time past, and acting on the advise of his medical man, Mr R. S. Bean left by lost) evening's express, for a tour through the Australasian colonies. DuriDg his trip ha intends visiting all th^ chief centres, but will make the longest stays at Melbourne and Sydney, returning via Auckland. Mr Bean eaila by the Mowowai to-day. It is to be hoped the change will prove beneficial. Mr Henry Dalley appoara to have prefcty well recovered from his recent illness, and his friends will be pleased to know that he is again able to attend to his usual round of dutiea.

Cricket.—The team to rf present the Tin wald Oricket Club m tho match arranged to be played with the Ashbu.ton Cub on Thursday next, ihe 19 h in*t, on th>i Abli -1 urton ground, wi 1 be picked fiom the following players:—Sawle*( 'iptiii.). l>ic • on, liming (2) Guilaell (3), Ca'verhouse (2), Mill oh >m { i (2). Fi z^erald (S), Clark (3).

The Dresden Piano Company's repre sentatives; Messrs A. Jackton and J. Gofton, are at present m Ashburton for the purpose of conducting the Company's onnual sale of pianos, organs, and all kinds of musical instruments at wholesale prices for Cish or on eaty terms to suit all classes, Pianos may be purchased from 201 monthly, and Americm organs from 101 6J monihly. The representatives headquarters are at tho Cammerc al Hotel, end they will be pleased

to answer all communications adclressei to | them there, or care of Mr H. Stephensost, the Loc»l Agent. la conoeotiou with the übove the head Tuner, Mr Gofion, is pre pared to receive order* for piano tuning, and all orders entrusted to hie oare will be exeouted with despitch. The Company are the largest importers m the colony, and being heavily overstocked purchasers can rely on gettiog first-olass value. A ten years warranty is given wiih every instrument. Second hand instruments taken »a part pay ments and full value allowed. (Advt )

ELECTORAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Wellington, October 16 Mr Wi Earnahaw announces his candida ture for Wellington City ab the general elections m the interest of honest admiuis tion, a free parliament aud progressive legislation.

THE PETONE TRAGEDY.

United Press Aswoiation—By Electric Telegraph

Wellington, October 16 Wolff is doing as well as can be expected. His condition is not considered dangerous, but it will be at least two or three weeks before he will be allowed to leave the hospital. __^____^____

SOUTH RAKAIA SPORTS AND RACES.

A meeting of those interested m holding the usual Boxing Daj? Sports and Races was held m the Library on Wednesday: There was a good attendance, and Mr C. A. C. Hardy occupied ihe chair. It was resolved to hold sports as usual. The Chairman reported that there was a credit balance m the bank of £5417 a BJ, and accrued interest; Some forty m number gave m their names as subscribers, and the following appointment! were made :—Patron —Mr D 6 Holmes j President—Mr J 0 Wason ; vice-Presidents—Messrs L White, T Blackley, J Swingfellow, R Mulligan, P Doig, E R;chards, H J Hani* >d, T E Upton, J McLaohlin, John Lambie, J Kennie, A BulnoU, A D Mcllraifch, A Craighea'i, F Nelligan, D Brick, T Morland, J Irwin, and (GAG Hardy ; judge of horse races—Mr ; L Oxley ; starter horse racas—-Mr B W Qaborne; clerk of the course —Mr W Davison; clerk of scales—Mr D Bruoe; judges of athletes—Messrs T B'ackley, FA Macdon&ld and Healy ; starter of athletics —Mr H J Harrison; treasurer —Mr J O'iJeil!; secretary—Mr J R Sharp; stewards —Messrs J Wilkinson, W Cromie, Geo. Hardy, W McOonnell, and A J Magaon. It was resolved that last year's rules and district be adopted; The following hoise races were fixed :—Maiden fi*t race of JO soys, Beoond horse 1 soy ; maiden saddle or harness trot of 10 soys, second horse 1 soy ; ladies' purse of 10 soya, second horae 1 soy ; handicap saddle or harness trot of 10 soys, second horse 1 soy; farmers' plate of 8 soys, second horse } soy ; consolation saddle or harness trot of 6 soya ; .consolation fl it race of § soya. The stewards were authorised to bring up a programme of athletic events at an adjourned meeting, to be held on Satur day, the 21at. Several suggestions were made as to inclulins; putting the stone, wrestling, obstacle raco, long j nips, wheel barrow race (blindfold), tug of war, etc. The stewards undertook to consider the sugges-

tions. Mr Oxley reported that the Domain Board had given consent for the Domain to be used, and for the usual charges to be made also for the erection of the booths required. It was resolved that the Burnham Band should be engaged, and that there should be a publican's as well as refreshment booth, sold to the highest bidder. It was decided to have a ball at night, provide 1 that a suitable room could be procuredJ The Chairman stated that himself and Mr Oxley had been appointed a sub-committee by the Domain Board, aud that any reason able assistance would be gvan towards making the sports a Buoceas. It had already been arranged that mor<s of the hill forming a natural grandstand should be enclosed, and given good weather there was no reason why the Rakaia Sports should not ba as good ai ever. A vote of thanks was accorded the Domain Board for ita promise of assistance, and after passing a vote of thauks to the chairman the meeting adjourned.

METHVEN.

From Our Own Gorreffondont

KETHVKN BRASS BAND

A very successful concert and ball was held m the Bchoolroom, on Friday evening. The band appeared m their uniform, and played "Rule Britannia" m the townihip. A march was played outside the hall, after whioh the band went inside and opened the concert) with a selection; The programme was lengthy. Mr Be van took the chair, the duties of whioh he performed very satis factorily. Several ladies were amongst the vocalistß, and were loudly applauded. Messrs Halliday and Bevan also sang with the same result. The comio pact wa« sup plied by Mr Lyne and Mr Putt, the last named scoring m a verae touching on the Transvaal. Mr Lock's orchestra played several selec tions. Miss Simmonds played a violin solo, which was thoroughly appreciated, and Miss Richardson played some pieces on the piano, Mr Gudsell and Mr Rands gave reoitations. During the concert the chairman made a few remarks concerning the band, praising the bindmaster (Mr Lock), for the ability he had shown m bringing the band on to well, and wished them every success. He also touched on the Transvaal question, and the baud played "Rule Britannia," which all present sang. The whole concludod with the National Anthem, which was sung with enthusiasm, Thauks were "tendered to those who helped to make the concert a success. The ball began at 11 30, and was kept up with spirit till daylight. Music was supplied by Miss Powell, and Messrs Halliday, Hughes, McDonald and Middletoni Mrs Heer attended to the refreshment de partment. An exhibition of step dancing was given by Mr Long and several of his pupils. The whole proceeds go to the uni form fund. CRICKET The ladies play a cricket match here next Thursday, against a team of gentlemen The gentlemen are to bowl and bat left handed, and those who naturally do ao will. play with the right hand. The ladies are practicing with a will, and from appearances will make a good stand. In the match town v country, it was omitted to say that Mr Blair bowled for the town and cook seven wickets, putting some out for nought. LOYALTST. The Union Jack was hoisted here on Friday, aa soon as the news came that war was declared.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Ashburton | Borough Courcil was held bsb evening. . Present—The Mayor (Mr Hugo Friedlande>), and Cra Maynard, Jones, Davis, Scaly, Joll ffi, Davison, Thomas, and Pauling

FINANCE The debit balance at the bank was reported at £1832 15s si, and the income received reotived since last meeting had been £33 4j. At a later stage accounts to the amount of £150 were pissed for payment, as well as £20 to the County Council for maintenance of traffic bridge, hospital account, and

! licensing nnmrnittee «xpenf£f | HINDS ENDOWMENT FARM I Mr William Sutherland wrote regarding I

the sowing down of No 3 paddock on the i Hinds endowment reserve. The paddock

vould be ready for sowing m a few days, but urimo badly infested with grub that he wonld 106 advise sowing with grasa seed just now. Ec reoommended the sowing of rape instead, tnd grass and clover at a later period, say March It w»b decided, without prejudice to the conditions of the leas?,to accept the tenant's recommendation BEBIGNATION Gr Hanmer vrote, resigning his position at the Council table, on account of ill health.— The resignation was accepted with regret, and the returning officer was instructed to take the necessary steps to fill the vacancy. lIOLL ALTERATION The came of Mies Chalmers was substituted on the valuation roll for that of F H Watson. FIRE BRIGADE The admission of Mr Edward Breen to the Fire Brigade was approved, and a question as to the payment for horsing the engine at fices was remitted to the Brigade Committee. THB SVATER SUPPLY AGBBSMKfiT The agreement between the borough and oounty for a supply of water for the former was read, as well as the solicitor*' corres pondence on the subjeot, but as the corres pondence had nob finished, the matter was left m abeyance till next meeting THi LOAN The Colonial Secretary wrote, stating that the loan had been gasntted The following is the report of Committee appointed to consider and report on the best steps to take to raise the loan of £7500 for the borough, as sanctioned by the ratepayers : —(1) That the term of the loan be for SS years on a 4 per cent basis* (2) That the debentures be £50 and that tenders be invited for their purohase to the amount of half the loan, applicants to have the option of applying for (a) debentures that would be repaid at the end of 35 years, or (b) deben tures repayable by periodical annual draw ings of an amount proportional to tbe debentures issued as £200 is to the whole amount of the loan, but no such drawing must be for less than the face value of one debenture. (3) In the case of any of the debentures being repayable m 35 years, the i Council appoint Commissioners to inveßb the sinking fund. (4) If the applications exceed the amount of £3750, the Council can choose what excess amount, if any, it will allot. (5) Terms are to be as follows : —10 per cenb as a deposit on application and the balance within 30 days from acceptance of tenders. (6) If the above recommendations are approved of the Council, the Loan Committee will require authority to proceed with pre paring prospectus for raising the amount of loan agreed upon The report was adopted and the Committee was asked to prepare a prospectus and raise the loan WORKS COMMITTEE AND ENGINKKBS' BEPOBT

The report of the Works Committee and engineers was aa follows : — 1. Nohelty's Complaint. — The Works Committee beg to report that after hearing the foreman's explanation, supplemented by that of the engineer, and also hearing Mr ISohelty, they find that the charges made are without any foundation 2. Water Cut—Tha Works Committee recommend that a seoond water cart be pro oured similar to the one now m use, and aa the contraot with Richardson expires this month, that it ba renewed for another six months on similar terms. 3. Tarriog Streets—The Works Com mittee have ordered a light roller for this work, and reoammcnd tint the ex ra plant required for tarring be procured. 4. N.W. Belt — Your Usmmittee hava authorifed the repairs to the N.W. Belt a^ked for by the Upper Ashburton Road , Board

5. Town Clock— Ths Committee recom mend chat the rr alter of providing a case for the town clock be held over until the library bui'ding is completed 6. 8 E. Belt Footpath—The formation of this footpath is just on the point of pomple tion. We have submitted to the Stamp s'ead B< ard the advieableness of niotaliingit at once, and the Board have agreed to this 7. Building Regulations—We gave Messrs John Orr ar;d Co. notice as instrncted at last meeting, aud h.tve received a letter from them which we would lay before the Coun cil

8 Trial of Hydrants—We found it was necessary to get from Christcharch a new coupling to connect the hose and hydrants. We expecb it any day, and as soon as it arrives we will oall a mepfcing of the Coun cillors

; 9. Labor G »ng—The men have been [ engaged during the past two weeks m levell ing and shaping footpaths and tarring same, c&rbing soil to sections, making and fixing bridges and culverts, watering streets, forming B.E. Belt, carting rubbish, attend ing to water supply, and maintenance work. The report wt»s adopted. A copy of clause 1 was ordered to be aent to Mr Nohelty. The purchase of a second water oarfe was ordered to be deferred pending the experiments with the hydrants. Some dis* oußsion took place on the question of letting the tarring of the footpaths to contractors. Cr Davis was against doing it by contract), prefftriog that it should be done by day labor. The engineer said they had hardly yet got beyond the experimental stage, and he was afraid that the work, which re quired fco be carefully done, would not be a success under the contracting system. The clause m the report was adopted, but the question of contracting was held over Discussion rose on the paragraph m refer ence to Messrs John Orr and Go's alleged breach of the building by-laws Cr Pauling said the building virtually cut the fire brigade out of that block Or Maynard said the by-law was a farce. Some years ago Mr Thomas Bullock was fined 53 for a breach of the by-laws, bub the stable comprising that breach was still standing, and had not been removed. They ought to go for the Government and pull down the Post Office verandah Or Davis instanced a similar instance m the came of Mr John Wilson, who was now storing chaff m a building he was refused permission to erefib * Or Davison moved to put the by-law m force, giving Messrs Orr $ Go. seven days to comply with id The reit of the report was approved of inspector's report The Inspector reported the yards m the town m fair order, the drainage beiog fairly well attended to. The drain at back of Siundern' Buildings is very difficult to keep olean as it haa no fall for more than half of its length, which is somewhat hard on the teuanb at the corner of Wills street and East street,»s all the silt lies at that end. I have seen all the doctors and they report three cases of diphtheria, all of which are now well; The yards and drains at the residences where the cases occurred are well kept, and the places are fib for any man to live m. l)r. Hunter thinks it is m school that most of the children gat the sickness. I have served notice on Mr McGrandel an instructed by the Council at last meeting. I visited his place this morning, and find he still carries on the same as before, He says the Council did not tell him to close his shop, bub to abate the nuisance, which he says he has done, but mmy opinion he has not. I think ifc is impossible for any man to carry on the business without any smell. Green ukins, if they are huDg on a fence m an open paddock, will smell for four or five days ; therefore I oanuob see how you oau stop the smell m a close shed, with perhaps fifty or one hundred of them. Just now most of the skins m Mr McGrandel a store are dry skins. The next lot may be all green The case of Mr McGrandel was left m the hands of the Mayor to deal with fAST DRIVING Cr Jones' notice, given notice of at last meeting to require persons to drive at a walking pace out of the right of way behind the Somerset Hotel, and over the inter sections of Moore, Tailored, 1 and Burnett j Streets with East Street was carried, I

LiOENsrs-

Licentes were granted a« under :-Drivers —George Hughes, Peter Keller, John CUrk, D. Duff.-, John Newman ; oarriages-John Newmin, five ; petroleum -scv c ttoi«. keepers. OUTSTANDIWG RATfcS AND RENTS All <uovtanding rates and rent were ordered to be cued for. BAD BEHAVIOUR IN THE BEADING ROOM. On the motion of Cr Thomas, it w»t decided to refer to the Library Committee the question of dealing wi'h the larrikins who misbehave m the reading room m tl.e evenings The Council resolved itself info a DOMAIN BOARD. An application from the Swimming C ub to have the morning and evening hours ret apart for the Club to use the baths was not entertained. Several items of business of minor import ance having been transacted, the Board adjourned. "

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS

United Preet Association—By Electrlo Telegraph

Weixingion, Ootcber 16 The Hod. W. C Walker* resignation and re-appointment to the Legislative Council* were formally gazetted to-day. No new appointments have been made to the Legislative Cotraoil. A gazette ex traordinary was iasaed to-night, reappointing bo the Legislative Council the following member*, whose term of office expired yesterday:—Messrs Bolt, Feldwick, Kelly, Jenniogi, Kerr, and Montgomery* The remaining three Whose time also expired yesterday—v;z, Messrs Bichardton, Mo- Gregor and McCullough—have not baen re. 'appointed. '

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Boers Fire on a Flag of Truce

Menacing a Hospital Train*

Free State Troops Entrenched m a Pass

Enemy Moving Southwards m Natal

Heavy Fighting Reported

The Free State Troops Avoiding General White's Force

Charlestown and Newcastle Cocupied by the Boers

Laing's $ek Fortified by Gene ral Jombert

A Treasonable Document

United Pr«H Association—By Eltotrta Telegraph—Copyright

Capetown, October 16 The Free State troops are en trenched at Tintwa Pae», and are eri dently determined to avoid meeting Sir George White's force m the open. It ia believed a large portion of the Free Statera intend to join th-5 Baers via De Beer's Pass. The railway stations northward of Glencoe have bepn dis mantled m accordance with the British defensive op rations The enemy have occupied Charlestown and Newcastle. The Magistrate at Ladysmitb has been transferred to Kstcourt, further south ward.

It is reported that the British en gaged m heavy fighting at Spystfontein, south of Kimberley, with the view of preventing Free Staters making a junction at the Modder river. The enemy have cut the railway line 3at Modder station, and threaten to march to Fourteen Streams, north of Kimber ley. Transvaal and Free State troop*, with four hundrod Hollanders, are »t Newcastle.

General Joubert is fortifying Laing's Nek.

Boer commandos have passed In gangane, ten miles south of Newcastle, making southwards.

Lieut. Nesbitt's engineer, Flowerday, declares that the Boers concentrated their shells on the engine exclusively of the armoured train they derailed, persisting for fifteen minutes after a flag of truce was shown.

A treasonable appeal by Viljoen has been circulated m Gape Oolony. It declares that the colonial Afrikanders were merely tolerated owing to the existence of the two republic!. When these were destroyed the Boers m the Gape and Natal would be disarmed, the Hottentots admitted to Parlia ment, and the Afrikander nation destroyed. Vryburg reports that a hospital train, while hastening to Kraapu to help the wounded, was nearly wrecked owing to the destruction of rails south of Maribogo. The Boers pointed a gun at the Bed Gross train as it returned. Tremendous rains hare fallen m Natal: Mr Greene, the British Agent at Pretoria, received an enthusiastic reception on his arrival at Capetown. London, October 15 The Earl of Belanaere, who acts as the London Globe's war correspondent, sailed for South Africa by the D^nottar Oaitle. ' ' '■■"/ ' v The Mansion House Transvaal Refugees' Fund has reached £63,000. Six British transports, carrying 9000 troops, will be despatched for the Oape daily, commencing on the 20th inst. The Irish Transvaal Committee has issued a manifesto, warning their countrymen that enlisting m the British army will be treason to Ireland. October 16 The Gape correspondent of The Time* declares that Mr Schreiner U coaiidered ah important hostage for the Afri kanders' good behaviour.

The Boers Hold a Siding.

Received Wakapuaka Oct. 17, 9.0 a m, This Office 9 57 am) Capetown, October 16 The Boer troops hold a border siding twelve miles north of Fouiteen Stream.

N.S.W. Contingent.

(Reoeived Wakapuaka Oct. 17, 90 a-m, This Office 9.57 a.m) Sydney, October 17 Parliament will be unofficially opened this afternoon. After the Ministerial statement, the Transvaal contingent will be discussed, There was a big demonstration at the presentation of a handsome souvenir m, the Town Hail, m recognition of^SJr Reid's political semcei. Mr Reft}

THB 48HB-«TON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1899



New moon ... First quarter „„ Full muon Last quarter .„

5 12 19 26

6 5 9 9

44 am 40 am 33 ptn 10 am



Itruiarkali c Cure of llhenmafism ( Kenna, Jackson Co, W. Va. About three years ago my wife had an attack of rheumatism which confined her to her bed for over a month, and rendered her unable to walk a step without aaeietanoe, her limbs being swollen to double their normal sizl. Mr 8. Maddox insisted on my using Chamberlain's Pain Balm. I purchased a fifty cent bottle, and used it according to the directions, and the next morning she walked to breakfast without assistance m any manner, and she has not had a similar attack since.—A B Parsons. For sale by ASHBURTON DfiUG COMPANY of Bronchial Coughs take Woods' Grea Peppermint Cure—le 6d andS* 6d



Overheard m A 'Bus —" Sir, you area fllumsy fellow—you trod on my foot." am extremely aorry—l hope I did not hurt you very much." The soft anawer turned away the other's wrath, and even produced an apology. "Oh, do, not very much— you must excuse me, I am a little irritable —facb is, out of sorts, liver, billiousnets, and that sort of thing, you know—thoroughly wretched." "My dear sir, of course I excuse you, bub why don't you take some pbiog'f •'Tried everything—no good/ •.' Nonsense, you haven't tried Holloway s Pills, I know—tjjey never fail m cases liko yours." "Gad* I never thought of .'em. By jove, I'll try 'em at once. Hi conduct^ atop tbo 'bui."—A<M



JUBILEE REFRESHMENT ROOMS BURNETT STREET UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT." H. H. CAPON, HAVING taken over the above Refresh ment Rooms, trusts that he will receive the liberal support of the Public, who may rely on getting the best ot attention. Dinners from 12 to 2p m daily* Refresh mentß at all hours, up to 10 p.m. H.H.O. will make a specialty of Catering for Balls, Parties, Picnics, etc.—town o country Terms on application "WILSON^ NEW SEASONS WALL PAPERS HAVE^ARRIVEDJ! /"I ALL Earlyland^chooae your designs from the full Btock of new Goods. pLiTfTEpTfALf- PROVKD BY THE FACT THAT NEARLY 1 out of every 4 of the whole population of Men, Women, and Childrsn DRINK NELSON MOATE & CO.'S PUBE CEYLON or Blended Teas. The above statement, aftar 18 years' trial, should convince both the trade and public that N M & Go's Pu»-e Teas o>\an t be eqUaUed- COMPARE Any cl our Teas wi-h others costing 41 p«t Ib mom money, and you will be couvinced Q«rß_h*J cc _n. of<iual for Q uality- T, H.iUNDRILT.., iK.'/UHDaitL T H UNDKILL AINO CO., TnURNISHING UNDERTAKERS, Jb URNISHING UNDERTAKERS. TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON EVERY REQUISITE ON HAND. PoLahed Coffins a Specialty. A Choice Assortment of Artificial Vfreathi n Stock. Private Address, Peter Street, direotlj behind Oddfellows' Hall; also oare o ■ Mr T. Andrews, East Belt. 3 . _ ■ ■ — — O © 3 a S CQ szj g2 0 « § 3og ; g s 1 m □ i m FOR SALK. fT7 ATERTON SECTIONS. Noe. 9, 18, 29, 30, 31, 38, 39, 59, 60 62, 76,^77, 78, 90, 92, 93, 94. OEVERAL Building Sections eb Fairton Prices from £8 to £18 GOOD Family House and i acre; con venient to the railway and schools. /"\NE Aore, well fenced, West Town Belt For particulars and prices apply H. W. BARRETT, ARCADE. Smoke New Veam



G. MEDDINS, (LATE W.CO NORRVhV. TIE PBOPTiR'S IRONMONGER 1. -—OONSFQUENTLY THE CHEAPEST— HAS the following New Seasonable Goods )«Bb npeued at prices that defy legitimate competition :— SHEEP SHEARS, SHEEP SHEARS. The Celebrated I.XT".** »nd 8.8.A. TTTRKEY OIL STONES —Heal Beauties. LAWN MOWEHS ! I-AWN- MOWERS ! •' New Easy," •' Oreeoent," " Philadelphia," and •• Carbine." " JAPANNED TRUNKS." For the Million. Colonial Made. Good and Btrong. BURNETr STREET, Opposite Arcade.



ARIEL BICYCLE CLUB. OPENING SPORTS. HALF-MILE HANDICAP. First HEAT-Chas. Willis 1, H. Holland % Thied Heat-A. Huston 1, F. Williams 2. Final HALF-MiLK-Chas. Willis 1, A. Huston 2. Time, lmin 8 2-sth sees THREE-MILE HANDICAP. Chas. Willis was placed first A. Huston second H. Holland third. ALL THE ABOVE RXEEES WEEK MOUNTED ON THE FAVOURITE WAYERLEY BICYCLE. Which mußfc prove that this popular machine cannot be beaten for racing purposesj SOLE AGENTS FOR NEW ZEALAND. JOHN ORR & CO.. AfeHBURTON, JOHN ORR AND COS REVISED LIST^ WE Claim to bo the Leading Firm of G ocers, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants m Aahburton. We import all our Stock from the Homo Marred for Spot Cash and are therefore m the best position do supply the public with only genuine goods ab the lowest possible price for cash. We guarantee .1? our good, Ml weight and finest quality. We never charge for SSAnd deUrfry, all goods at the Railwayßation free. Any penon l«v ng an order «h.h ai can got a pwoel ticket, and therefore always be sure fof having thoir goods at the station m time. No charge for ticket. -r-XT ATTT) «6 5s per Ton — I JLO Ult PER SACK 133. - »UGAU- *>i<l per ll> witii Tea &lARA VILLA GARDEN TEA— la lOd, 2s, 2a 4d per 1b filh Box 8a 9d, 9a 7<?, lid rpxn a 10* Box - .- .- i6»ad, ib. m, sh 8d ■* -*-J KOZIB TEA — 101 b Box, 18a 4d ; slb, 9a 7d GOLD LEAF TEA 101 b Box, 18a 4d; 51b, 9a 7d -PROVISIONS - FACTORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Sutton'i always m stock, CHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per 1b BACON AND HAMS - » Lewis." » Morepork » »D. Mc^llam." Mild Cared Hams, Sides and Rolls, 7|d. GORE OATM¥AL-251b Bag, 2s 6d Van Honten's Cocoa, Jib, lid filb, Is Carraway Seeda ... ... 8d per 1b M-llb3B 3d Pimento, whole ... ... la  „ ■b. « n «,!** llh Bld • lib. Is 4H Pimento, (rround Is 2d „ „ 2ZTSS^ bandied 4d per Ib fßs U ' Mix^d Spice ... ...l*d per packet Keal uauui« o} 2 f PICKLES—Hay ward's Mixed, lOd per pX Candles, plain and fluted, 6^d bottle, 9s 6d per dozen per Ib; 12s 6d per box Croas and Blackwells, Is 3d par Fairy Night Lights, Is 2d per box I WhUe°'s L3d per bottle Orallße and c" Xtre::: ::: :.: S :;;; t rOnpSP?[btlnß 3<i6d TartaricAcid ... ... lalOd „ „ En Ii S»r p nJS n 3i P6l lb Br^.ndM.^fetta.Sipe, 1«% rilm^Tkrtax Is 3d per Ib Yarmouth Bloaters, 9 for la Served"iStt.iJb ttai, 8d pKn, Maconochie's Fresh Herrings, 6|d per BngKurLoaTsn^r, 3|d per Ib „ Hrt^ln Tomato, lOd SSnlyTup! 29fb P6d, bC a , 561 bUs .. brings m Shrimp, lOd Treaclde,2lb6d.4lbls,7lbls9d  Kippered^ Herrings, 101 Fluwt Raisins ?K P" Preserved Bloaters, lOd Finest Sultanas 7W „ „  fcin Finest Curranta ...^^ 5J  „ AuckWMullett Tdptttln  b°j t „ 2a 4d D@r Ib Salad, pint sd, 1 pint lOd Almonds, Jordan ... ... *«JP^ «, Owtor,^ pint sd, 1 pint lOd f Almond* 7Uen» ••• Jj W» " Shwpß Tongue s, lib Is, 21b la lOd W^sSta ::: "! S;; f ; Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 21b Shell Almondj ,^ ... Wd „ „ c well ' B assorte d Pastes, Day and Martin s Paste Blacking, 4 2 a v, boti^ gd doaen t,ayP a end Srtln's Jar Blacking, 6d per Potted Meat,, aborted, 6d per tin FeenKlacMng, 2d per tin, Is 9dper Wlxey'a Blaoklead, Id dize, 9d per doz pert, J d P c'*'» . JameV Dome.Blackkad, 6d per doa Mellme' Food, ia Bdper tin