THE AfiHBtIRTON OTABBIAlf: MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1899.

Printed and published by Hbnby Wiixis o Peter Street, Ashburton, for the Propric tora, at their Printing Office, Burnefc Street) ABhburton, MONDAY, December 4, 1898,



JiIBILEL REFRESHMENT HOOKIS BURPTE T STREET; XUNDER NEW MANAGEMENT. H. H. "caPON HAYING taken over the above Refresh* ment Rooms, trusts that he will receive the liberal support of the Public, who majr rely on getting the best) ot attention. Dinners from 12 to 2p. m daily* Refresh ments at all hoars, up to 10 p.m. H.H.Q. will make a specialty of Catering for Balls, Parties, Picnics, etc.—town or onntry (Terms on application] T. if. Undbiix j [c, vsvtuiLti i^K am. l^k "™ GLJ^ e^L^LV. jiW& m Wp '• • -/^^fl^B^ T H. UNDBILL AfcjD CO., T7IURNJSHING UNDERTAKERS,' X? URNIBHING UNDERTAKERS. 37ANORED STREET, ASHBURTON EVERY REQUISITE ON HAND. Polished Coffins a Specialty. A Choice Assortment of Artifloial Wreatha tt Stock* «*■! Private Address, Peter Street, directly behind Oddfellows' Hall; also oar* ef Mr T. Andrews, East Belt, S J. V. DE BEEB, WATCHMAKER <Sr JEWELLER, TTAS just received the first consignment of bis XMAS GOODS IN GOLD AND SILYEB, Consisting of WATCHES, ALBERTS, MUPFCHAINS f BROOCHES, BANGLES, STUDS, LINKS, PENDANTS, , BELT CLASPS, And numerous novelties m the latest design! and at prices to suit the times* INSPEOTIoFINYITED. All Goods Marked m Plain Figures A Farther Shipment of the Celebrated ROT HE F HAM LEVER WATCHES JUST TO HAND. Also— THREE DOZEN HARVEST WATCHES AT 9/6, Best Value m Canterbury. REPAIRS AS USUAL— Prompt) Neat, Reasonable. [SIGHT TESTING A SPECIALTY. J. V.DIFBEEB, :(Late S. Salek) EAST STREET, ASHBURTON TO ALL MY OLD CLIENTS FARMERS t AND RESIDENTS OF ASHBURTON COUNTY.; I BEG to inform you that I have severed my connection with the Canterbury Mill, which was under my management for over seven years, and have PURCHASED from Mr Edwin Thomas the WAKANUI ROLLER FLOUR MILLS. The Canterbury Mill, which Is tht property of the Bank of New Zealand AsMtl Board, is still trading under the name of Rollitt * Co., so to avoid confusion with correspondence, I would like to aak you to address all orders to THOMAS ROLLITtF, WAKANUI ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, ASHBUJRTON On and after October Ist, I shall be pltMed bo supply you with first-class ROLLER FLOUR, WHEAT MEAL, BRAN & SHARPS, at lowest current rates* FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF FARMERS DOING GRISTING, I have arranged to keep a supply of Flour, Bran, and Sharps at the Stores of the N.Z. Farmers' Association, West Street, when Farmers, Shareholders or non-Shareholdiirt, can leave their Wheat and get Floor, Bran, and Sharps m exchange. Please Note—The Canterbury Mills have lately refused to do Gristing, ban Farmen can always rely on getting their Wheat exshaDged at the Farmers' Co-operative, THOMAS~ROLLITT, WAKANOI ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, 9 285 ASHBURTON. i^^sl* Sound the PURE CEYLON OR BLENDED MISS CAKSON. riIEACHER of Pianoforte and Organ, JL For terms, etc., apply at Residenoe Corner of Wills and William Streets - new Wakanui Road East. lo£



J. L. HIGGS, PAINTER, PAPERHANGER, SIGNWRITBR, Etc. BUSINESS PEOPLE requiring Sign writing wonld find it to their interest to consult J. L. HIGGS, as he does the work himself, therefore there is no second profit to pay. Hie ability is well known as formerly j signwrlter to Mr J. Wilson, with whom he has severed all connection. ESTIMATES GIVEN FREE For all classes of painting and hoose decorations. ARTIST'S MATERIALS, and latest esigna m WALL PAP ERS, In stock. TANGEEIT"sTJREET,



WOOLSTON Steam Wool Works, CHEISTCHURCH. (Established 1868.) HHHE Undersigned begs tq notify that X he ia SCOURING aa heretofore. Squatters' Consignments to the Christ church or Woolston Stations will receive prompt attention. Quick Despatch and Lowest Bates. T. YOKK. 102 BLUE Derwent Potatoes Is 6d per bag, or two bags for 2a lid ; Fig Potatoes lls per Bag. Delivered free within the Belts. Fleiohi^ Bbqs., Cash Supply Sfcorta.



A New Shipment justs opened, purchased m London at the Lowest Possible Price. The Value cannot be surpassed. Inspection and comparison invited. ALL HIGH CLASS DRAPIRY. 38 Back Brochu Costumes excellent value 1 New Millinery Call and see the new selec loly goods, 2s 3d, 2s 6d, 3s, 3s 6d, to 5s tions of the. latest Millinery inoludiog d. . Paris models m Hats and Bonnetta. " ."V XT ©rand Selection of new Prints for blouses Black & Navy Coating Serges Is 4d, Is 6|d metallia prints prints from 2_d guaran- Is lid, 2s 3d, ga lid.- teed to wash. _ Nuns' Veiling. Cream, White, Pink, Corn New Laces, C B Corsets, P D Corsets and all flour, Green, Sky, from Is per yard. the best makes from Is lid, Umbrellas, _ — " Sunshades from Is upwards. Kid Gloves all sizes Is 6d upwards, Cycling — — — . , _„. Gloves, Evening Gloves all prices and Men'a Boater Hats great variety at lowest shades from 6d. possible price. — — Letdie.' and Gents' Boots splendid stock 100 dozen Ladies* Handkerchiefs bought a bought at lowest prices, every pair big reduction m. Home market. guaranteed* " — ■■ ' ■ : _. , I : A large stock of Linoleums and Floor cloths j agaifioanb sfcosk of arp ets, Brussels, from best English manufacturers, splendid lTapasbry Squires, alao Blaakats and value. i Flannels. Notwithstanding the Great Advance m Wool we were Fortunate m placing Large Orders at old Prices, which the Public will get the full Benefit of. Customers always well treated. % DRESSMAKING m full Swing, prompt attention to Wedding and Mourning Orders. The Oeeßcbnt Bicycle, best m Canterbury, £17 10a.



LINES WORTH INSPECTING.' JF YOU WANT "GOOD VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY,' ' "OurlJSpot Cash Purchases." 12 PIECES DAMASK TABLINGS; Special Job 78 DOZEN TOWELS; Special Job 18 PIECES SHEETINGS (All Widths); Special Job 30 PIECES CRETONNES (Lovely Patterns); Special Job 24 PIECES FANCY DRESS STUFFS (Quite New) ; Special 1 CASE OF BLOUSE PRINTS; Special Job 1 CASE OF GALATEAS AND DRILLS (Special Job) 38 MEN'S TWEED SUITS to be sold at 29a 6d, 37s 6d, 50i 22 DOZEN MEN'S CRUSH HATS; [Special Job 123 DOZEN NEW SCARFS, for Ladies and Gentlemen We are fully Stocked m ALL Departments. TBY OUB DRESSMAKING, And place your Orders for Christmas early, to avoid disappointment NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD CASH DRAPERS, "THE COBNEB," SHEEP SHEARS. ™" SHEEP SHEARS. T.U.S. 8.8.A. T.U.S. 8.8.A The Best Brands obtainable at very lowest rates. Also TURKEY STONES and OIL for above. ALL NEW AND SPECIALLY SELECTED. LAWN MOWERS. LAWN MOWERS. EXCELSIOR! NEW EASY! AND ORESCENT 1 At Town Prices* ENGLISH STEEL TEUNKS. BETTER VALUE than COLONIAL and Less m Price WATER POTS and BOCKErS. Just m time for the Dry Weather. AT W. H. COLLINS & COS., "HABDWAEE EMPORIUM." EAST STREET ASHBURTON. Telephone—l 4 & J5, P.O 80x—35. FOR BEST VALUE IN SPRING AND SUMMER DRAPERY. ' —go tro- ANDRE W ORR. <HHHB*O« ■■■■■>



MIDDLIBIGG RINGE. finHIS well bred Clydesdale Draught ' Stallion will travel the Wakanui "Road District this season, For terms and full particulars apply to* T. MILLAR. Groom m charge, Or P. STEWART, 11 Proprietor, Seaview. CHEAP MONEY] ' CHEAP MONfiY j CHEAP MONEY IN BUMS JF £100 «• £10,000, ON 7 COUNTRY, OITY, AND •SUBURBAN FREEHOLD, Ab 4? per cent. Terms of repayment of the moat liberal character, which oau be ascertained on enquiry. T7IOR FORMS OF APPLICATION AND •? FULL INFORMATION Apply to the DISTRICT MANAGER, Cfariatchurch. J. H. RICHARDSON, Government Insurance Oemmisaioner. ,



BOOTS. BOOTS Gigantic Sale Now On TUST arrived and opened up a grand assortment of up-to-date BOOTS AND SHOES FOR THE HOLIDAY AND SUMMER SEASON Special Lines Women's Button Shoes 7s 6d Women's Kid Lace Shoes, only 6s lid TAN GOODS IN GKEAT VARIETY. ifcrong School Boots from 5s 6d, Good Bluchers, nailed, 5s 6d. largest stock m town to choose from. REPAIRS done Promptly and at Moderate Charges. FEED NOKES, CASH BOOT SHOP, Next Door Bank of New Zealand, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. NEW STRAWS, Flowerß, Ribbons Ruchings, Gloves, Veilings, Laces, Muslins, Prints, Embroideries, Calicoes, Flannelettes, Dress Goods, and lovely Summer Capes and Jackets now to hand. The making of Underclothing, Pinafores, Aprons, Sun Bonnets, and Dresses atill receives first attention at Mrs Alcobn's.



MONEY TO LEND PEIYATELY. TANCRED STREET, Next Gas Company's Offices jfyfONEY "TO LEND According to Arrangement from £5 AWD UPWARDS, Upon any Security. TRADE BILLS Privately Discounted. Weekly or Monthly Payments be arranged. All Business Stbiotly Confidential, DAVID ZANDER, COMMISSION & FINANCE AGENT. A ENT FOR—Sun Fire Insurance Office and Canton-Marine Tnsurance Office,



FRANK CURTIS, THE LEADING WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER BIAKMERS and Visitors to Aahburton will find Mrs McGregor's Refresh ment Rooms, at the corner of East and Burnett Streetß, the most central and best m town. Hot Luncheons daily from 12 to 2. Tea, coffee and light refreshments at al hours. Confectionery and fruio of the beßt Iways m stock. ANTED Known—That Mitchell & Turner have taken Temporary Premises below Mr Burnard's, there to make a display of the largest tange of Oilcloths and Linoleums ever shown m Ashburton. "™~^OSBOM~~COOMBI7~' PIANO TUNER & EXPERT (L te of London), VISITS Ashburton and surrounding Dis tricts every four months—viz, March, July, and November. ORDERS may be left with MR LLEWELLYN OWEN afc his Mueio Studio, Arcade Chambers, Ashburtoa. or at Commercial Hc*«l»



just landed; A CHOICE SELECTION OP THE MOST FASHIONABLE JEWELLERY, 'Also, WATCHES AJSD CLOCKS By all the Leading Makers. PECTACLES TO SUIT ALL SIGHTS. 6EORQE~JESBON, WATCHMAKER, [East Street, Ashburton, Frank Curtis. THE LEADING UP TO DATE Watch-ualcer, & Jeweller JUST ARRIVED FEOM HOME NEW IGOODS FOR CHRISTMAS SEASON. I HAVE now the largest and best assorted stock m East Street. INSPECT INSPECT A freeh consignment of the latest and most up-to-date styles IN Rotherom Watches* also NICKEL WATCHES made to my own order These watches are faat becoming the FAVOURITE WATCH m the diatrict for STERLING WORTH AND TIME KEEPING. LARGE ASSORTMENT usb ia of NEW DESIGNS m rings, brooches, bangles, alberta, ladies' chains, etc., etc., m gold and silver. WEDDING RINGS AND KEEPERS of my own make 18 carat, guaranteed best value m town m all sizes and shapes. I have just landed a MACHINE for ALTERING the above RINGS to ANY SIZE without- cutting or m any way injuring the ring. Altered while you waft. REPAIRS AS USUAL, neat, workman like, prompt, and reasonable.



ECONOMY IN SHEEP SHEARS THE UNBIVALLED T.U.S, SHEEP SHEARS. WONDERFUL* RESULTS, UNSURPASSED IN QUALITY. 3,S4O:SHEEP|SHORN WITH ONE PAIR T-17.5. SHEARS. Good Toolb give goodfwork. Wellborn fleeces bring higher price*, and no man can .do good work with bad Shears. BICYCLES. BICYCLES. ■^TTE have been appointed Agents for|Aihburton by the Goold Bioyole Co., Ltd., for the Sale of their famous RED BIRD B I G V G L E S ♦ Throughout the World to-day the Red Bird is recognised as the highest development m Cycle Construction. WrM^lN^ was won by a RE^mRD W°" lO'°O°. wWoh he con.iders is mainly duejto riding FURTHEK PARTICULARS ON APPLICATION. GROCERIES GROCERIES. ALL GOODS SOLD AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE CASH PRICES. None hut the best Brands of Goods m Stock. Give usja Trial and we guarantee to give you Satisfaction. CHEAPEST AKD BEST HOUSE IN ASHBURTON. EXCEPTIONAL VALUE ;GIVEN IN TEAS. SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS. MA IiKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, AStt.BURTON Telephone No 53 .



For Clildren's Haokirg Cough take Woods' Great Peppermint Cure—-Is 6d and 2a 6d Smoke New Venus DBION STEAMSHIP COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. Limited TEAMERy SAll FRCMLITTELTON AS TJJSDER: For Weefcport and Greymonth—Weekly. Wellington— Monday, Tuesday, Thura day and Saturdays NOTE—For extra sailings ace advertise Tient m Chriatchurch papers Dunedin — Mondays, Fridays and alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays Nelson und Picton, via Wellington- Tuesday and Saturday Sydney, via Auckland — Alternate Thursdays The above are subject to alteration; eference should therefore be made to Ghrlßtohurch daily papera for dates and hoar of sailing For farther particulars apply fco F. FERRIMAN, - rr — f -—— mK^^m — m^^!^t Ash barton



ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any other orop, and to suit any description of soil. 3REATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION WHEREVER USED. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE Niooll Bbos. store five varieties of this celebrated fertiliser. Price on application; Allowance made for quantities. Letters will receive prompt 1 attention. NICOLL BROS., DISTEICT AGENTS



TjTTE ARE CASH BUYERS OF FAT SHEEP AND ! LAMBS AT HIGHEST MARKEI? RATES. NIGOLL~BRO&, East Street, Aahbnrton. FREEZERS, FREEZERS. T7IARMBRS wishing to consign Sheep on their own account can book space at any time to suit) tneir own convenience, by com municating with us. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS, CHRISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY. Limited. THE OHRISTOHUROH MEAT CO Limitedt



We have various sums of Trust Monies, ranging from £300 to £5000, to lend on Freehold Securities, at U and S per «ent Farms, House Properties, and Buil<? ing Sections for Sale. Particulars on applic fttlon' [ We invite those wishing to dispose of *nwr I properties to communicate with us , SKINS & PELTS.-We are buyers at highest: market rates, as agents for Messrs Murgatroyd Bros, Woolsoourers and Fell mongers, Ohrietchurch



Nicoll Bros. JNicoll .Brothers, H. F. Nicoll.) A. Nicoll. AUCTIONEERS, ACCOUNTANTS, SHAREBROKERS, VALUATORS, LAND, ESTATE, & GENERAL AGENTS, CENTRAL AOCTION ROOMS EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. WEEKLY SALES OF MEROHAP-DISE, FURNITURE, & PRODUCE, m out Rooms every SATURDAY, commencing at 12.30 p.m. CLEARING SALES conducted m any part of the district at lowest current rates. ADVANCES made on goods placed m our hands for absolute sale. FRUIT.— We receive regular consign ments from Auckland, Sydney, and the Islands. NEW SEEDS always m stock, including Clovers, Ryegrass, Rape, and Turnip Seed. GRAIN BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COMMISSION. We shall be pleased to receive samples fror" farme-s who have parcels for disposal. Stal'.on Books kept and audited



our: special r -^—^ is hi p m;b nts -,__- , J JUST I op \ •rusT ] j =' franc & summer mm |op^ Including the Very Latest Novelties m MILLINERY, DRESS GOODS, MANTLES, GLOVES, COSTUMES, HO IIRYJ DRESSES, SUNSHADES, MEN'S AND BO IS 1 CLOTHING, SERGES. WORSTEDS, Etc, (for made-to-order Suits and Sin,? 1? have just been opened up, and we can assure you that Latest Novelties RftppfaU > Latest Novel-tie Newest Styles QfJQfjlQll mauilYO Newest Styles Are this Season's Consignment; ot New, Beautiful, and Useful Things, specially Shipped to as by our London House, (139 141 Wool Exchange, E. 0.) *£©»«! I OUK ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE j ™/X> OF SPRUNG AND SSUM-MJEEfc «OO»8, Is now m course of preparation, and will be ready on or about SEPTEMBER 21. Write tor one. It will be sent post free ; on application, to any address m the Colonyifl IN THE MEANTIME— Otra Goods are J LADIES^ 1 Our .Goods abb Cheaper, Fresher, I Cheaper, Fresher, and more Stylish J SHOULD WR FOR: AND MORE St¥LISH than those Obtain- | ' than those Obtai n IN THEJCOUN- rtATT-r-nRIO! AMjE IN THE C°UN" try.. V rA I I tnlNo' try. W. STRANGE & CO.- MERCHANT.*, MANUFACTURERS, & FAMILY DRAPERS, oaßiaroHUftoa. WOOL SEASON 1899-1900. T AML now making LIBERAL iCASH ADVANCES, FREE OF COMMISSION, upon all WOOL placed m my hands for Sale either m Ashburton, Timaru, or for Shipments ——— NOTICE TO MY CLIENTS WHO WISH TO FORWARD DIRECT TO PLiCE OF SALE. SECOND SALE GHRISTCHUROH takes place there on 14th DECEMBER. CATALOGUES CLOSE on ILth DECEMBER. Consign—SEED COMPANY'S SIDING, Addlngton, account D. Thomas, Second Sale TIMAEU takes place there on sth January, 1900. CATALOGUES CLOSE on 3rd JANUARY, 1900 Consign—NEW ZEALAND LOAN COMPANY'S SIDING, Timaru. Account D. THOMAS. IN BOTH OASES ADTISE ME FUIL PARTICULARS PROMPTLY TO ASHBURTON, DAVID THOMAS, ASHBURTON.



God made the * God made the Country, Man made JJf£ jff ]jfl* CCIiNI RY Country, Man made theTowjt."—Cowper the Town."—Cowper IS ' Pleasanter, as well as Healthier, than Lifopn Town—but it comes more expensive, chiefly— THE REASON "> Because—Pbices are fo much Higher m the f THE REASON WHY ? j Country than they are m the Town. £ WHY ? This ia just why so many Ladies shop with us, for by doing bo they noi) only nd MUCH / OUR PKIGES ARE INFINITELY CHEAPER THAN ) MUCH CHEAPER ! \ THOSE RULING IN THE COUNTRY, J CHEAPER But, also, that they get better quality and a [much wider choiom LOTS of Ladies resident m the Country visit Town bub seldom t yet shop regularly with us— SnomNG by Post ( - -^ T -*-* ,-v ri m i Shopping by Post Costs Nothing but I t-C V' |J () SI | ' » Oosts Nothing but A STAM . ( -*-* J- J. W k-> J- . » A2d STAMPt All that Ladies residing m places distant from Chriitohurch, and who do not want to incur the bother and expense of a trip to town, need do ia to write down require ments as fully and plainly as possible, enclose stamps, postal notes, or P. 0.0., and forward at once to us. [ COMMISSiOHS RECEIVED BY POST I'^JWa Are as faithfully and zealously attended to as if the customer came m person^to our establishment and did her buying'-at the counter.



RAKAIA.— AKflf AXE j" We don't want to fight, but meanwhile ask for M'Kecz e'a Hondai-Lanka Tea, picked m Ceylon, and sold by C. A. 0. HARDY $CO.



ACAED.J \ Branch Offica haa been opened by the undersigned at Messrs Nicoll Bros., East Street, where they will carry on practice as Barristers and Solicitors. MAUDE & HARMAN, Solicitors, Chnstchuroh, Money to Lend at Lowest Current Rates, on Freehold Security. MAUDE &. HARM AN, IX 148 Ashburton. NOW on View—s,ooo Christmas and New Year Cards. One of the largest and best selections ever seen m Ashburton. Com prising Handpainted Cards, Black and White Cards, Cellulaifl Cards, Mechanical Cards, Autograph Oar I", Comic Card?, Boxes, Packets, Fancy Calendars, etc. Imported direct, and marked at the lowest possible price. Inspection Invited.™ A. B> Williams, Tancred Street. /"^HERTSEY—Thi3 is a new advertise \J mant, reminding yoa that if you have not yet tried M'Kertzie's Hondai-LinkaTea, you're behind the times. Go to Mr John- 1 son's Store and get it.



F. FERRIMAN, ~~~ FOH SALT?— X ! GUA N 0 . PRIOE—£4 53 p-r Ton Seduction for 5 Ton lo'a. npHR following is the experience of some of those who have used if : - Rmpura, February 28, 1898 Mr F. Forritisan, Ashbnrum. Dear Sir.— 1 he Gu^no * c obtained from you has given us every satisfaction, we Intend using it again. Yours faithfully, WILLIAM ALLAN. Ruapuna, December 18,1897 Mr F. Ferrlman, Deac Sir, —1 have sown 20 acres of Rape »ndGrass, with HcwtGaano;theßapeisa foot high. I also sowed two rounds wi;hout the Guano ; it is only about two inches high. Yoars truly,— B JAMES JONES. Baling, February 24, 1899 Mr F. Ferriman, AsVibcrtoa. (Ra Guano.) Dear Sir, —I have used this manure for two seasons, both for turnips and rape, and m both cisas have bad splendid results. Last season I drilled m about 2 cwt per sore with both turnips and rape about the tniddie of November, and the cropa are *he best I have ever had.—Yours truly, WILLIAM MABLY. Mr F, Ferrimao, Ashburton. Dear Sir,—l herewith enclose cheque for Guano I bought from you. I ans pleased to fay th*t the crop of turnips proved very satisfactory. — Fours truly, F JOHN WIMELL, Hinds. GUINO ISLANDS. (Extraeb from the " Oiago Daily Time*,") The chief concern of those engaged m agriculture is how b?sfc to maintain the fertility of the soil. In the earlier daya of agriculture m New Zealand farmers did not bother much about manures, as they found a virgin soil, with a stored op reserve of fertility re-'.dy to respond to cultivation. But after a certain time it soon became apparent that something more than ploughing and harrowiner m due season was reqoired, and the thrifty farmer had to look about him for a suitable manure. The guano islands of the Pacific have Mrly well m 4 the farmer's need for a number of years ; but the speedy exhaustion of the guano deposits is a circumstance that must affect the agricultural prospects of this colony. It is true that new deposits may be found ; but m these days of maritime and commercial enterprise there are not many places within the expanse of the broad Pacific unknown to the adventurous Bailor. Most of the guano deposits are ancient, and when once these are worked out it will take many years for them to accumulate fresh deposits, from the Innumerable saabirda that visit them. There is a group of islands off the Atlantic coast of Africa, however, whete the guano deposits grow at such a rate that they form a veritable mine of Inexhaustible wealth, and now that we have established direct trade relations with the Cape, these islands are of Interes-t to us. " Away m tho South Atlantic, (say.3 Chamber's Journal) lying between latitude 28 S. and 24 S., quite out of the track of steamers and sailing vessels ploughing the ocean between England and the G&pc of Good Hope, and fringing; the shores of Great Namaqualand and German Damaraland, are a dcz.;n islands, bleak, barren, and unpromising In themselves beyond description, and yet [the natural depot of one of the most fertilising agents known to commerce." By an Act of the Imperial Parliament tVe?e islands were, m 1874, annexed to Capa Ool.ny, and were leased out to private individuals, who for a number of years reaped a rich harvest. As the leases fell m, however, the colonial Government undertook the business themselves. For the past seven years the annual production of these Islands has been about 2770 tons of guano, which fetches m Ergland from £8 to £9 per ton, while the cost of working v estima' ed afc £ 3 5s 7d per ton. The guano is told afc the Cape for £6 10 i per ton. Prior, however, to tha extensive manufac ure of artificial fertilisers, the guano realised thrice that sum. The Important feature of these islands is that they are the habitat; of countless sea birds, which gather there to rear their young, aod during their stay on the islands leave behind them considerable deposits of guano. Recently a commission from Capetown visited Ihe islands, and on Possession Island alone found over 2000 tons of guano stacked m a large heap by the Government agent and his assistants Originally, there were deposits on some of the islands, which rose, it is said, to a height of 70fe, the accumulations of ages ; but this was all removed, and now ihe guano collectors have to follow the annual visit of the birds. Shortly after the conclusion of the breeding season, tho work of collecting the guano commences ; and since this, an unusual operation, the islands furnish a constantly recurring supply.