PHASES OF THE MOON.

January.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1899.

Some additional details have beon pub lished of the recent coup d'tat m Pekin. It appears THE PEKIN .that the unhappy COUP D'ETAT. Emperor, who is , again represented as dying ot mortal disease, was warned by Marquis Ito, the Japanese statesman, against moving too fast, but haviDg many of the younger literati with him, persevered. He had, however, against him the body of the elder Mandarins, all students throughout the Empire, all the officials m Pekin, and, what was more important, all the Manohus, and all the soldiers ia the province round the capital, the Empress-Dowager hav ing named her nephew, Yuog-Lu, generalissimo over them all with power of life and death. The Emperor, being placed virtually under arrest, was com pelled to sign decrees cancelling or apologising for his recent reforms, and then the Empress set herself to get rid of the leading reformers, who, with the exception of one or two who had fled, were remorsely put to death. It is stated m another account that the executions included several of the Emperor's ladies. It will be noted that the commandant of the soldiers, who was secured first, must now be an important personage, and that the Manchus are all against the reforms. The advisers of the Emperor were, m fact, all Ohinese, and most unwisely advised him to begin reforming by equalising the claims of the two races to office.

Local and General.

Sociai, —The Rev. T. A. Hamilton will be formerly welcomed to Fendaltou at a social this evening. A Temple of Serpents.—The small town of Werda, m the Kingdom of Dahomey, is celebrated for its temple of serpents—a long building m which the priests keep upwards of 1000 serpents of all sizes, which they feed with birds and frogs brought to them as offerings by the natives. A Moonless Month.—February, 1866, was m one way the most wonderful month m the world's history. It had no full moon, January had two full moons, and so had March; but February had none. This remarkable state of things had never happened before since the era we assign to the Creation. Stag y. Engine.—A race between a stag and a- locomotive on the railroad was lately witnessed near Labelle, Canada. The engi neer noticed the stag on the track about 200 ft ahead, and he blew a warning whistle. The animal started at a run, keeping to the track, and continued the race for three miles, then gracefully bounded aside until the locomotive had passed. The Gatson Tragedy -^A correspondent signing himself ''Observer" writes to the Sydney Telestaph re the Gatton tragedy as nob been examined, thny oughb to have been, for it is asserted that they retain a photo of the last object they rested upon before death. A powerful lens is necessary to obtain the desired result" Gruesome Discovery.—A singular dis covery has been made on a farm on the outskirts of Newport, Monmouthshire, Some farm laborers, upon cutting a hayrick, came to an obstruction, which upon examination proved to be the skeleton of a man clothed m the dress of a laborer. Thore were no traces of violence, and ib is conjectured thab he must have gane to sleep while the rick was m course of construction, and co was inadvertently suffocated by his fellow workers. Tragedy ah Monte Oaulo.—A tragic incident has occurred at Monte Carlo, The toorna were fairly full, and play was going on as usual, when suddenly everyone was startled by the sudden report as of a pistol. A tush was made to the roulette table, from whence the Bound seemed to come, and it was then found that a gentleman, supposed to be a Russian, who had lost heavily, had committed suicide by shooting himself m the right temple with a revolver. The body was immediately removed, and play re sumed as if nothing had happened. It is impossible to gain accurate information aa to the name of the suicide, as all the officials profess absolute ignorance, Transvaal Gold Industry.—The mag nitude of the Transvaal gold mining industry was emphasised by the figures presented at the annual gathering of the South African Association of Engineers ab Johannesburg recently. Ib was shown thab gold of the value of £180,000,006 has already been won from the soil of South Africa, and thab, m spite of the obstructive policy of the Govern ment of the Transvaal, future possibilities are immense. There are over SSOO stamps now ab work m the Transvaal, and they deal with over 700,000 tons of ore per month. The result for tho nine months ending with September was gold of the value of £11,500,000, and if the yield to 'the end of the year is m proportion, the total output for 1898 will exceed £16,000,000. This will place the Transvaal at the head of the gold producing countries of fche world. Natoke m this Show Business.—Not often does Nature herself turn impresario, and run a regular show, but when she puts her band to the business—as just now at Vesuvius—-f-he thing is always done well (aaya the London Daily Td('°rafh of Novem ber 6), and dyaws immensely. Tho great Italian volcano is m full bksb, and the scene, as described by eye-witnesses, presents a wonderful and terrible spectacle, which can be partially realised by all, but best by those who have seen and know the mountain of fire, and walked m the dead streets of the cities burled by it. At night the spectacle is reported to be one of the wildest and I grandest imaginable. The whole mountain • ia illuminated by the lurid glare of the liquid \ streams that flow stealthily down its sides, and these streams, and their point of out put, are ever changing, so thab from hour to hour there is a varied panorama nob to be rivalled. At the present moment the liquid lava is easily accessible, and hundreds of people go nightly to see it. They mostly bring provisions with them, have a picnio m jbhe open air, and leave for Naples at day break. The lava at certain points, where ib is confined m channels, runs aba speed of from 90 to 100 yards an hour, and carries with ib blocks of old lava and scoria. Ib is described by those on the spot s»s a burning ice-floe, and the guides, and occasionally some of the more intrepid visitors, step on to one of the moving blocks, and ride on the lava stream for a distance, measured, how ever, only by feet, for the soles of the Bhoes will nob allow of a prolonged journey. Nighb tours are organised to the crater, and the funicular railway is then illuminated by the electric light, lending additional beauty to the wild and fiery scene.,

i Dantb.—"The Great Dante" gives h<s' \ entertainment to-night m the Oddfellow*' i Hall. ' Scholastic —Miss Mapgie Hunter, late of Spreydon Echool, Normal College, and Addington school, has been recommended by the Chertsey School Cgmmittee for the position of mistress of the Chertsey school. i Boknham. —Two runaways from Eurnham have been committing robberies at Opawa. The police m the Christchurch district complain that Burnbam runaways, and boys | whore terniß at Buruham have expired, cause I ias much trouble as all the rest of the [ criminal class put together. Ihe Ashburton police have the same comp'aint to make. | •' Deeps that Won the Empire."— j i Lord Ranfurly ia offering a prize for compe- j tition by the Wanganui Collegiate boya for i 1 a paper on " The growth of the British ' Empire, and the deeds that won that Empire." He felt sure that books bearing on thta subject would interest all boys, and j he hoped there would be keen competition for the prize. Selling Drink to a Native. — The licensee of the Wangaehu Hotel, Wanganui, was fined £5 and costs this morning for selling liquor to a native womtn on Sunday, January 1. The licensee had; previously been mulcted m a similar amount for selling liquor to a woman who was a native,-?-Press Association telegram. Be Respectful to thb Police.—At the Auckland Police Court a defendant stated that he had refused to give bis name to a constable. "That m itself constitutes an offence," said the Bench. "It is not generally known, but it is a ({rove offence to refuse to give your name to a constable.'' Catholic Prsvinoial Council.—Bishop | Grimes is on his way to Wellington to attend the first Provincial Council of thejO-itholic Church m New Zealand. He ia accompanied by the Very Rev. Father Le Menant dea Chesnais, S.M., V.G., as theologian, also the Very Rev. Dean Martin, 8 M., Hokitika, and Very Rev. Dean O'Donnell, Ashburton, delegates elected by the clergy of the diocese of Christchuroh. Wellington Carpbnters—A carpenter figured as a judgment debtor m the Wel lington Court (says the Post) for the small sum of £1 11s 6d. According to his story there are a large number of carpenters,out of work m the city. He himself had hunted everywhere, day after day, bub could get nothing to do. The last place he worked at was for 5s a week. He could make no offer, and the case was adjourned. Accidents, —Lasb evening as the Misses Young, of Sumner, visitors at Miss Wilkin son's, Ohertsey, were driving over the railway oroseing, Chertsey, the horse stumbled and preoipitated the occupants of the trap upon the road. Assistance was promptly rendered, and the young ladies fortunately escaped with a fright.—On Wednesday as Mr Lewis's man was bringing his gig from the stable to the front of the hotel preparatory to Mr Lewis driving out, the axle broke inside the wheel and suddenly preoipitated Jack, much to Mb consterna tion, upon the road. •■---.... The Depths of Ocean.—The expedition to explore the intermediate depths:of the ocean, organised by Mr George Murray, the keeper of the Department of Botany m thSißritiah Musuem, sailed from Gravesend the other morning. Mr Murray proposes, with: the assistance of several other members' of : the British Musuem, to carry ou> a series of observations from a specially chartered steamer, the Oceana, which will <be stopped for periods sufficient for tjli^^etejfiination of this point by means of opening and closing tow net» and trawls, and''by-Jierial/;to_w, nota for the exploration of this re«ion;m the North Atlantic and English Chlißnel.Qand for the determination otthe lower Hmit of floating plant life m the ocean. , A Real Sijoi*t Stob?.— one of the most terrible tragedies thab has been reported since the whites began trying to save the j souls of the savages has just occurred, Six years ago Miss Lydia Lyons, the daughter of Major Lyons, of Chicago, m a, moment of enthusiastic impulse, went out to w6rk; among the Indians. Among all the A^ana hoes there was one fierce, wild spirit she —-ii -■>.oi.,i^:--;^ 1 Ho warf Tixrcdf the finest fighter and the worst Indian of, fiiS tribe. '• I will become a Chrisiiajy.if you will become my wife," he said. "I will be come your wife if you will not commit a sin m three years," she'answered, m a moment of despair, never dreaming for a moment the savage could keep hia compact. But he was stonic, like all Indians. And he did. She plunged a dagger into bur* heart last week. Tixico, drunk ever since the night of their wedding, had their baby murdered. He has been gaoled, and will hang.— New York Jotirnal. Primitive Methodist Church.—The fol lowing is the 6,nai draft of stations adopted by the Primitive Methodist Uonfefeuce v From ib our reader* will learn that Mr G. H. Mann goes to WeHingboni^aad Mr, R. Raine takes his place here:—N«w Plymouth, J. Olphert; Wellington 1.,-G. HiSMannj Wellington 11., J. Dawson and R, Hall; Auckland 1,, W. Laycock, W. 8. Potter and G. Hunt (student); Auckland 11., J, Sharp ; Inveroargill, T. H, Lyon ; Timaru, J. W. Hayward ; Thames, E. Drake ; Greendale, J. Clover ; Chriatchuroh, C. E. Ward ; Ash burbon, R. Raine; Feilding,;P. W. Jones; Geraldine, H. Williams liunedin, J.Guy and P. J. Oossum; Foxtcfn, W> Woollass 5 Halcombe,S. Henderson;lnvercjkrgiU§o«th, T. A. Pybus; Sbratfordl|&nd! %ltltsn;:^. Clement apd'B. Dudley^; Oamaru, J. Nixon | We'stpotiv Mokoljinui and Denniaton, J. B. Merritt, H. M. Bourne (H.M.), and W. B. Hcott (H.M.); Hunter ville, W. Harris (CM.); Inglewood, one to be obtained ; Bluff, P. W. Boys ; Waihi, 8. Barnett; Wanganui, J. Cooker. ' TBAMPLING^ ON THE UNUQSf^jACK.—An extraordinry incidenb occurred some days ago at the Porbraine Coastguard Station, which has occasioned excited discussion. A man, named MacAleese, who had been em ployed ab buildings m the neighborhood, went to the Coastguard Station with a flag bearing the inscription, " Remember the races of Castlebar" —an allusion to the flight of British troops before the French at Castlebar m 1793. MacAleese hauled down the Union Jack from the flag-staff on the station, and trampled it under foot. He was aboub to hoist his own flag, when the coastguards came on the scene, and had the offender detained until ihe arrival of the police, who promptly took him into custody. Acoused was taken before Mr Hely Hutohinson, J.P., D.L., and formally charged with tearing down and destroying the flag. MacAleese refused to remove his hat, and behaved m a generally insolent) manner, He was remanded m custody to the next petty sessions at Swords, j^od, on being again brought up was, on the evidence of the tfoaaoguards, sentenced to fourteen days* imprisonment, A.A.C & A.C.—The committee of the A.A.C. & A.C. are to be congratulated on the successful result of their arrangements for yesterday afternoon's sports held m the Domain, at which the attendance was a fairly good one for a Thursday afternoon. The handicapping was uniformly good, causing close finishes m all events. Messrs G. Jesson, F. Curtis and Bassett—the latter a visitor from Christchurch—acted as timekeepers. The officials are to be compli mented on the promptness with which they gob off the races. The following are results : —100 yards handicap.—First heat~L. Hobbs, 4 yards, lj M. Lynskey, scr , 2; D. Stock, 6 yards, 3. Time—lO^acs. Second heat—C. Smith, 5 yards, 1; E. Marsden, 3 yards 2; B. Amos, 6 yards, 3. Final—L, Hobbs, 4 yards, 1$ E, Marsden, 3 yards, 2; M. Lynskey, sor., 3. In the final heat Hobbs got the best start and beat Marsden by about a foot. The half-mile bicycle handicap was a good one from the start, Stephens taking the lead until well into the last lap, when the scratch men caughb the limits, Heasley and Purchase coming away on the straight, with Seldon and Fowke close behind. Had Fowke, when he caught the limit men, instead of back pedalling, and keeping with them, kept his pace up, he would have been nearer the front. The reaulb was as follows—-W. Purchase, scr., 1 ; W. Heasley, 26 yards 2 ; F. Seldon, 26 yards, 3; C. Fowke, sor., 4.

THE PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Aa an attempt; is being made to throw duat m the eyes of the public and the taxpayers by the person who at present has charge of the editorial col urns of the Ash burton Standard regarding the relation of the Presa Association to the public revenue, we may mention one little fact that lets a flood of light on the position. Although Mr Gray, the Secretary for the Post Office, ' stated m his evidence before the Royaj Commission that the concessions to the Proas of the colony involved a loss to the revenue of some £26,000, those figures merely represented the difference between the coat of the messages Bent to newspapers m New Zealand at press tates, and what would bave to be paid were they sent at ordinary rates. No one but a lunatic would suppose that the newspapers would have bo many cablegrams or other news by telegraph sent to them at the ordinary rates, as they receive now under press tariff, bo that if there had been no concession granted to the Press, it is highly improbable that the revenue would have received even the amount actually contributed by the Press Associ ation and the Press generally. (The Press Association it fat and away the largest contributor to tha revenua of the Telegraph Department as it is—notwithstanding the manner m which some of the non-associated papers, such aB the Ashburton Standard, avoid contributing to ib. The taxpayers may rest assured that were it not for the energy and enterprise of the Press Associ ation they would get' a very poor telegraphio summary of the events daily occurring m different parts of the world. And there is no doubt that the members of the Royal Commission set up with the view of inter fering with the existing arrangements recog nised this when they decided to take no aotion. Since writing the above we have seen another exhibition of the ignorance oi the editor of our Tancred Street contemporary, upon the relations of the press to the Telegraphio Department and the colony. Surely the writer cannot really be unaware of the faob that whatever concession may be enjoyed by the Press Association is available to any newspaper m the colony. If the editor of the Standard chooses to arrange for a cable message from any part of the world, he would get it at press rates, and ib would be protected from piracy by the same law which he chooses to ignore—the Electric Lines Act, 1884. But he wjuld have Ito pay for that news, and he prefers to I take what others pay lor. With regard to 1 the pretended monopoly, why should any person be permitted by a government to make use of matter- collected by a private organisation at great expense ? The conten tion is absurd. We. may add by way of conclusion—-although of course it has noth ing to do with the general aspect of thia subject—rthat Major Steward's statement as tothe amount he paid to the Press Association per annum did not of courae include the money paid to the telegraph department for the actual cost of telegraphing, which amounts to several hundreds a year more. The proprietors of the Mail and Guardian have occupied the same position with regard to the Press Association for the past ten years. We do not, it is true, take such full reports as the large dailies of the centre cities, but we receive direct from the cable station at Wakapuaka all the intelligence as to outside events, exact copies of all such cablegrams being sent to alt the associated newspapers. The only excuse that cun be found for the gross ignorance displayed by our looal con temporary m dealing with this matter is -thus he has had so little to do with the tele graphing of news. But when a man starts m business he ought to know something ot the rules that govern it. If he does not, he can not complain if every effort of his results m .failure. Still, as equal ignorance is shown m dealing with every subject handled, the explanation seems hardly sufficient. There are people ill-natured enough to say that even a great mind may be asked to contain too much at one time, and that the prepara tion of a fnolicy for the Emperor of China, and giving hints to the Czar must naturally causA m«r» ooionial and local affairs to receive insufficient attention. As it is, we fear the great foreign potentates will take [Somewhat unkindly to our contemporary devoting so much of his valuable space to matters of such total indifference to every-, body—but himself. Nob even his weary readers—we presume he has some—will for give bo many columns of useless verbiage on subjects of which the writer has no knowledge whatever. !;

SPORTING.

WELLINGTON SUMMER MEETING.

[By Bruce Lowe] The last of the Metropolitan Cup Meetings (i.e. of the four centres) will commence at the Hutt course to-morrow, and continue on Monday. The enforced withdrawal of Screw Gun, and the miserable acceptance for the Cup, robbed the meeting of interest to an extent, a number of entrants preferring the Takapuna meeting, for whioh weights have already appeared. The field for the Cup, as at present, is—

Daunt, will undoubtedly go out favorite, and, although he has so far " thrown up the sponge " at a mile and «-half I am inclined to think that with the small Sold, and a course that suits him, he should prevail. J Crusoe left 2.38 at Auckland, and, all well, would make matters sultry, but he is an unlikely starter. Bed Lancer is a horse that has been scoring lately, and should finish m the placed division. Fulmen'a chance is all right m matter of weight, but the course will not suit a big striding horse. Cannonshot, should be suited by a shorter course. Enquiries were made m Auckland last week for Okoari, and if improved since the Fielding meeting, should nearly score for the Taranaki division. Explosion is mentioned from the right quarter, and may redeem Mr Nathan's luck. To place them I take Daunt, Explosion and Bed Lancer m order. Anniversary—Tupuhi. Nursery—Reliance or Nantes. Stakes—Glenogle. Hurdles—Sabreur. President's —Target. Flying—Tupuhi. Hack Ra?B—Tortulja,

CYCLING.

United Press Association—-By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka Jan. 20, 9.45 a.m, Guardian Office 1042 a-m) Sydney, January 20 At the electric light cycling carnival last night, the champion stakes were won by Forbes, the New Zealander, with Elliott second, Simpson third, Forbes goo home by half » length after a great finish. Megeon and McDonald, Australian crocks, who* were amongst the starters, fell. Time—23.4of.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

London, January 19 At the Bankruptcy Oourt enquiry into the affairs of the Simpson Lever Chain and Oycle Company, Mr Horton, a director, said he received from Messrs Hool'-y and Rtwker 50 000 paid up shares for £10,000. The rfir ctors ' paid Hooley the value of 200,000 shares ,m the Simpson patent. The year's ! loss amounted to £6000. j Sir H. Tozer, Agent-General for i Queensland, read a paper before the Royal Colonial Institute on the pro gress of Queensland m the last decade. He dwelt upon the security of the public debt of the colony, and said federal action was desirable, m view of the demands for regular shipments of the best Australian produce by fewer channels, thus preventing unnecessary competition. J n view of the demands of New South Wales, he regarded the attainment of Australian federation as doubtful. Sir Henry Norman presided. The Union Bank of Australia de clared a dividend of 5 per cent, per annum, and carried forward £29,700. At a meeting of Bishops at Lambeth, it was resolved to promote reform of the ecclesiastical courts m accordance with the report of the Royal Oom mission of 1883. Stockholm, January 19 Sweden proposes an experimental mobilisation of her forces.

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Great Britain and France.

Important Speech by Mr Chamber lain.

United Presi Aaaooiabion—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright

London, January 19 Mr Chamberlain, speaking at the WolverhamptoD Chamber of Commerce, said we must be ready to defend our own possessions. The influence of customs tariffs m new countries would take aJaix share of further expansion, ancT Induce others to maintain an ■ffdgfii door." national policy* irrespec tivei Si party. The pursuance of this policy had m odo instance brought us to the brink of war, whence we were saved by the firmness of the Govern ment, and the almost unanimous resolve of the nation. He hoped great Britain's position m the Nile Valley would henceforth be recognised as absolute and ineontestible. Great Britain had earned the right to be let alone m Egypt and the Soudan. If France desired an amicable settlement of the questions still remaining m dispute, Great Britain was prepared to meet her more than hall- way. In Madagascar and Newfoundland, the situation might disturb friendly re lations if left unsettled. Mr Chamberlain defined Little Esglanders as those who honestly believed the expansion of the Empire involved obligations out of proportion to the advantages gained. Cobden's dream had not been realised, as Great Britain's exports to protectionist States had increased during forty years by 120 per cent., but there were no free trade countries or colonies whose tariffs she controlled, Exports had increased 270 per cent.

THE DISARMAMENT PROPOSALS

United Press Asaooiatlon—By TSlecfcric _ lelearaph>_.a«> IP yir» s *.t ■-_ ..

*p ; ; St. Petersburg, January 18 The Temps adopts a cool tone m regard to the Czar's Conference. Stockholm. January 19 King Oscar, m his speech m the Riksdag, said the Czar's conference did not imply the neglect of necessary • defences. I

THE SOUDAN.

United Press Association—By Electric - Tslegraph—Copyright). % f SkiEd, "Jalliary 18 • Lieutenant-Colonel Parsons, the Governor of K&ssala, has arrived at an agreement with the King of Abyssinia, m reference to the boundaries of the Nubian district Galabat, situated at the confluence of the Blue Nile and Atbara. / ■ j'" - -.■ ■ •- Pakis, January 19 Potter, a member of J4.de Bon champ'a mission, has been murcter&t m the Sobat regions.

THE GORDON COLLEGE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

London, January 19 The Gordon College fund has reached £198,000, of which £100,000 has been subscribed m England.

TEE GATTON TRAGEDY.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Brisbane, January 19 The Gatton woman's story, outlined m yesterday's cables, is discredited by the police.

THE DREYFUS CASE.

United Press Association-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

(Received Wakapuaka Jan. 20, 9 a-m, Guardian Office 9-36 a-m) Paris, January 13 Esterhazy has returned to Paris. M. Mercier, m an interview, said that if the Oourt of Cassation decided upon a revision of the Dreyfus sentence the result would be violent disorder. He doubted if Dreyfus would be allowed to return to France.

THE LATEST.

Home the Foreign.

United Press Association By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

(Received Wakapaaka Jan, 20, 9 »,m, GtTABDIAN Office, 9-36 a-m) Cooling* Down. Paeis, January 19 The dispersal of the British reserve squadron and the granting of a month's leave of absence to the crews, has created a favorable impression m Paris. Nicaraguan Canal. Washington, January 19 The Senate by a large majority re jected a motion proposing that America should absolutely conti ol the Nicara guan Oanal m war time. Abyssinia. Cairo, January 19. Ras Mangascia has concluded a peace treaty with Menelik. Aliens. Ottawa, January 19. The Government of British Columbia has prohibited aliens from placer mining. The Americans are dismayed at the prohibition. (Received Wakapuaka Jan. 20,12 30 pm, Guardian Office 110 p-in) The Sierra Leone Rebellion. Londow, January 19 Eighty-one Sierra Leone rebels hare been executed. Wrecked. The British barque South Esk, which loaded cargo at Glasgow; for Lyttelton, New Zealand, has been wrecked off the 4 coast of Galway.

Australian.

——— / y Unified Press Awooiation—By Electrlo ■* Telegraph—Copy right).

(Received W»kapuaka Jan. 20, 9-25 a.m, Guabdian Office, 1046 a-m) The Hew Hebrides Harder, Sydney, January 20 Details are to hand of the New Hebrides murder. It- "appears that , Bell and Thompson were engaged m the copra trade, and m ignorance cut down certain trees which were held m reverence by the natives. The chief shortly afterwards and this was considered the result of the destruction of the trees and the natives tomahawked Thompson out of revenge. Bell narrowly escaped by swimming to a canoe, Cannibalism, Perth, January 20 Two natives are charged with the murder at Peak Hill of a twelve-year old native boy, whom they strangled and then ate, m conformity with a religious observance consequent on the recent death of the boy's brother.

THE CRISIS IN SAMOA.

London Press Opinions;.

Views m Australia*

, United Press Association-—By fileobrio Telegraph—-Copyright l:> G London, January 19 .;; The Daily News says the Samoan difficulty must be settled. The Treaty Powers Act has been an absolute failure. The Times says the only satisfactory feature of the Samoaa trouble was the cordial Anglo-American, co operation-,.,,, . Sydney, January 1$ The opinion is expressed that the German Consul has taken action to bring maters to a.head, because oi the manner m which the German and American interests are clashing mo ther parts of the world, as well aft m Samoa. The American activity has aroused the jealousy of the Germany who fear that America will obtain a predominant interest m Samoa. Cap tain Gibson, m charge of naval affair* here during the Admiral's absence,, states that a request has been received from Captain Stun?e» for an additional warship fot Samoa. Possibly the Admiral with the flagship Royal Arthur may go, accompanied by another vessel. Nothing is yet known officially on the point. (Received Wakapaaka, Jan. 20, 9.25 m.m l Guabbian Office 10.36 a.tn) Hobabt, January 20 Admiral Pearson, interviewed, said the press knew as much about the Samoan trouble as be did. He bad received despatches from the Porpoise, but there was nothing to disclose. He could riot say whether the disturbance was likely to assume serious inter national aspects. Samoan troubles have been simmering » long time, and would now perhaps be settled and perhaps not, He could not say at present whether there would be any naval demonstration m Samoan waters; Possibly British warships would be sent, and it was also likely thai America would now send one. H.M.S. Tauranga sailed last sight for New Zealand, to replace the war ship sent thence to Samoa, Other ships of the squadron are expediting their coalings.

Auckland, January 19 The German and American Consuls were yesterday busy receiving communications "" from Samoa, and transmitting them by cable to their respective Governments. The British Consul at Samoa has also sent to London, and asked that additional men-of war should be despatched to Apia. H.M.S. Tauranga will probably be ordered there at once, and it is possible Admiral Pearson wils go down from Sydney. ..

DANTE, THE GREAT.

Dante, the king of oonjjurers, for whom it is claimed that he has no superior m the world as a magician, has had quite a trianv 1 phal march through this colony. From tha Bluff to Titnaru, where he performed last evening, crowded houses have been the rule, and as his manager, Mr M. B. Curtis, has been wise enough to charge only popular prices—3s, 2s, Is,—a bumper house is in evitable. Dante occupies the Oddfellows* Hall to-night, and commences to-morrow night a short Christchnrch season.

THB A^HBubTON &UABDUI^j FEIDAf, JANUAEt 20, i69§



Last quarter ... New moon ... First quarter »„ Full inuon „

r> H M 5 2 52 p-m 12 10 20 a-m 19 4 6 a-tn 27 7 4 a.m



Daunt (Davie)  _ »„ Crusoe (White) , t ' .. »• i Red Lancer (Taylor) .. .. Fulmen (Wilson)   Caranonshob (T. W. Cotton) .. Okoari {Raynor) •• • • Explosion (Gallagher).,  Ruby Twist (Armstrong) ..

8 6 8 1 . -712 «i 7 IB < 7 jB i 7 6 ; 7 6 7 6



When the little boy waa saying his cate chism, they asked him what was the chief end of a man. He said, " the end that'a cot the hat on." You do get the bald truth from youngsters at times. Ask a child, for instance, what's good for coughs and colds* • Why, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure of oourse." They know; all New Zealand youngsters of four years old and upwards knowfchat. ■ '.,, ..;.;„ "I have used Chamberlain's Cough Rem edy m my family for years and always with good results," says Mr W B Cooper, of El Rio, Gal. "For small children we Sod it especially effectivt." For Ml* by tilt AfiwflMKpAwoQiff^i ■'■" a ... a ■, ■ , :& \ %



Is British Spobt Dying Out ? has of ten been a question for discussion, and it is very satisfactory to know that a negative answer can be given. The physical condition of Englisnmen hai improved during the past half century, and the cause of this satis factory change is attributed to the better style of living which has been adopted by all classes. Men are more temperate, both m eating and drinking, and, above all, the system ia kept m tone and blood purified by medicines of sterling worth, luch ai Hollo way's Pills and Ointment). The taste for sporb will never die while people use these remedies, whioh will cure or relieve any com- j plaint, »Bd giV« itNPgtbiO plftQt Of W«ilc



Farmers, working men, and all who desire to see "good times" m Ashburtoa will materially help to bring prosperity to their own doors by encouraging looal industries. Having increased our staff of workers, and showing the largest stock of tailoring goods m the district, and with exceptional facility for trade, we are determined to offer such inducements aa will " keep the money m the place" if customers will kindly call and compare our reduced prices on and after Tuesday, December 13, 1898. Men'a all wool tweed suits made to measure m a variety of new patterns for 52s 6d or suit and extro pair of trousers to measure for 65s and upwards, at prices which will m all cases compare favorably with thone of Christ church or Dunedin firms for cash, and our name is a sufficient guarantee for fit, style, and workmanship, as the leading tailors and outfitters —Craighkad & Bjbrryauk. 9 246 Smoke $«w Yenm



Khating's Powdeb destroys Bugs, Fleas Mothß, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you purchase is heating's, as imitations are noxious and ineffeotuiil. Sold m tins, $d, Is, «ad 2i 6d f iMh,ty«Ho]biHJbri^ ■ - '•< ■



'• Mother ! give me another piece of that bread- aCI? butter!" " You mvy have anpther piece of bread and butter, but nob tkyt bread, ib is too new?" A little of Mother Wisdom will pa profitable if practiced by horse owners jusb now.' We epry year have some very difficult cases ttiroifghf m. discreet feeding upon the new stu^. A thimbleful of prudence is better than a bucketful of regret* W. T. Kingston may be consulted at all hours, either at his Forge m Wills Street, or »b his Private Residence, ,srty SfeM«V t s«ir High Bob9oJ.~A©vs,



Friedlancier Bros., Limited^ CORNSACKS ■ CORNSACKS. ! XTTE are now Landing ex^jElbe," 1000 BALES ' FULL BIZE AND FULL WEIGHT CORNSACKS, Whioh|we offer to Supply at LOWEST MAEKET BATES. Clients who desire delivery direct ex Ship will please give ua their instructions early to gave railage or extra handling. IRIEDLANDEB BROS., Limited. THE Ashhurton Drug Co. (LIMITED) HAVE just unpacked, dtreot] from the English Manufacturer, a new stock of all the Drugs used m compounding physicians' prescriptions, specially made m conformity with the new British Pharmacopeia, 1898. Tlie Im« of dispensing medical pre portant soriptions is the special and W orlc constant oare of the manager (J. M. Cambridge), who has been engaged m this •luty for 36 years, as well &b having had the benefit of an JfinfpliSlll training and experience, and holding an English certificate. To those who j unfortunately have to take medicine, especially m cases of SerionH Ib iB of the utmost import -11l ness, ance that ths drugs should be new and freshly im ported ; that the medicine should be accurately and skilfully prepared ; and that exactly what the Physician orders ahould be used, and nothing else substituted m its place. ITlne J?**le© should never be the first and only consideration- Drugs can be bought at all prices. We prefer to import all our Drugs from a firm we can rely on, though we could buy many of them cheaper m the colony. But we charge Lomo.e tuan is usual m most of the larger towns, and generally a little less. A.f? A^ILaTL* An urgent call for medicine tw^s— Whether " Ming t&a'iHgfti hours or at nighb, Sundays or holidays. Night Dis pensary — opposite Dr Maude's, and next to Dr Hunter's residence, J. M. Cambridge. MANAGER. H 135 NELSON Insist upon haying' our Fare Tmi> Don't %« put upon. They »r* the Best ud Cheapest. Ab*olat*ly pure. Copied but never equalled. ; WONDERFUL Guaranteed Xlcer and Better Value than any at 4d per lb. more money. Compare our a/- Tea with any at 9/4, «aui. i?ur a/4 with any at 3/- per lb. 111 -*^ | * * &*a I B § Q &S a .00 § »-r— — a ~ to .__ X ao h h- -& rf) , ■■iiiiiii . > || * i IT 1, ig—* co £. • V * bin m iiMirt |& . Hj —- =o ** UU —"^ -H I? H S5 O» 9 pmmgmg j^ —- *i 'p * mt : o . , ■ ligiclie yeauß, ]



)ONAGH1 JS BINDER TWIKE,JMAOHINB OIL, BINDEBj WBIPS, nAY FOBKS AND EAKES, BNGINEEBS'^ \ { TOOLS, HENDERSON'S DUNDEE LBATHEIt BELTING, CHAINS AND SECTIONS ifOR MASSEY-HARMS AND MoOORMICK REAPERS AND BINDERS, At L««s than Agents' Prices, andjall Requisites for the Harvest Field at Lowes!) Prices. JOHN ORR & Go. OUR. STOCK OF ELECTBO-PLATED WARE ANO CUTLERY IB by far the Finest ever Imported into Ashburton, and; we are nowj making > BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY m our Windows. JOHN OBK k CO. WE ARE OPENING AN IBIMBNSE ASSORTMENT OF Fancy Glassware and China. AMONGST other Linei we are Showing Three Thousand GLASS VASES>nd SPECIMEN GLASSES, ranging m Price fiom Sixpence each, and as we believe a, Ureer variety has never been imported by any firm m New Zealand, we feel confident ia requeitin* the inspection of the General Public. In order to'diaporo of our Immense Stock In fche»e;lines we have marked them at prices from 30 to 50 per, oenfc ©slow ordinary prices. Inspect oue Windows. JOdN OBR & CO. OUPS ft SAUOEKS PLATES DISHES WATEK JUGS TUMBLERS TOILET SETS BUTTER iJARSj and every article m Crockery and Glaisware ab Reduced;Prioes,afe JOHN OBR & CO. ASON'S JARS S JAM JARS IN NESTS, SCREW TOP JARS, ENAMELLED AND BRiSS PRESERVING PANS. For many years now we have altogether undersold all our Competitors in''these ■peoia! lines, and we are determined to add another season to our record. We GtJABAOTBB to Sell these Goods ghhafer, than any house m Christohuroh or Ashburton. JOHN ORB & CO. ra^ {INSUEANCE} ™»» We beg to announce to the people ot Ashburton and Dlafcrlob thab we have com pleted arrangement a whereby we are now prepared bo offer all Cash Customers to the extent of 10a or over, A FfCBE ACCIDENT INSURANCE POLICY, which holds good for Seven Days from date of Issue, and on expiry can be renewad at our Stores : thus enabling anyone dealing with us to keep covered against accident for £100 m the evenb of death, or £1 per week m the cass of __fiilaLßis«blemenfc. _AjidJh^JSej»uty_ jof itheJVVIIOjC^SYS^EM isjhab ib_ COSTS THEICUSTOMfiR ABSOLUTELY NOTHING^ We do not make any advance m our Pficea to pay for this, but still continue to give to all alike THE BEST VALUE AT BOTTOM PBICES IN EVERY LINE OF OUR IMMENSE STOCK. Buy your Goods whore you can geb your Insurance for Nothing. It may be handy when you leißt expect ib. If ib co&ts you nothing you might as well have that thrown m. Guarantee from Insurance Company, and all funher particulars on application to JOHN ORR & Go, Hams and Bacon. SIDES, ROLLS, AND HAMS Thi« is VERY PRIME QUALITY, having secured firab prize at the reoenb Shows m Christchurch and Timaru. JOHN ORR & Go. Maravilla Garden Teas. Purveyors by Appointment to Her Majesty's Hospitals, Army and Navy. THESE CELEBRATED TEAS are Exported to as by the Growers from j their Gardens In Ceylon, thus saving all Middlemen's Profits. Ten prize medals for PORITY, STRENGTH AND FLAVOR. Everyone should try them JOHN ORR & Go., SOLE AGENTS. Sugar for Jam. WE Guarantee the Pare Cane &OGAB of the Highest Quality, and especially Suitable for Jam making. JOHN ORR & CO., ASBBUBTON*