Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1899. THE CURLY HEADED PROVINCE

That Dr Seddon intends to look after the interests of the people who send him to Parliament year after year unopposed, goes without saying. Most members do the best they can to dip into the public chest for money to De spent m their district. But Dr Seddon goes far and away beyond any record ever scored by any previous public expenditure hunter m any Parliament. Mr Duthie twitted him about this matter before Parliament, but Olutha, Thompson m a recent speech to the electors measured up the people's Richard on this subject m such a way that, when Canterbury readers peruse the figures they will be filled with indignation, as well as with con tempt for an administration that could bs guilty of such unfair division of the funds; Mr Thomson asked how it happened that, when everybody else found it necessary to nurse his own constituency, Mr Seddon could neglect his and come to these remote regions of Ofcago. The reason, he said, was "simply because the district he (Mr Seddon) represented waa so saturated with public money that it could not afford to do without him. Therefore he was here trying to keep men out of Parliament because they did not be lieve m him," and that is the plain fact. If the eyes of the people are not opened by such statements as Mr Thompson's pne can only conclude that they are wilfully blind, and blinded by the mercenary, and im r moral hope that the plunder may come their way some day, or by the share of it already received or promised. West land holds a bad pre-eminence m this matter, no doubt, but there are other constituencies here and there that have been also exceptionally treated for somewhajfc similar reasons. To show his audience that what he said was true with regard to what was going on m Westland he (Mr Thou son) " would quote them a few start ing figures, which he had compiled from the official records ": " The expenditure for Westland out of the Public Works fund last year (chief y for roads, public buildings, etc., but excluding railways) was £19,641 or £1 6a id per head f<jr every man, woman, and child m the district. In Canterbury the amount waa Is lid per headland Otago was 4s lid. The expenditure oa railways m Westland last year was £480,870, or £2 14a 10d per head of the popula tion. In Canterbury the amount was Is lid per head, and m Otago 3s 3d. In Westland £6505 was spent on roads m the goldfields, or 8a 9d per he\&. In these three items alone every man, woman, and child m Westland got £4 9s lid of public money last year, and the proposed expenditure for the current year for roads alone m West land was £31,895, or £2 2s 9d per bead of the population, Canterbury was to receive 2s Bd. The goldfields expenditure on roada m Westland under the Goldfields Acts extending over eight years amounted to £38,105, or £2 lls Id per head of the popula. tion. During that time Westland got £30,884 and Otago £7318 for water races. Several yearc ago the Govern ment voted £50,000 for expenditure on thermal springes and natural scenery m the colony. Westland got £3839 of it, or 5s 2d per head of the popula tion ; Otago got 3d per head. Last

ye if J&1550 15s 7d was expended m Westlund (with a debt unpaid of £578 14s Id) for prospecting. South land received £36 7s. The average daily rate of wages paid to co-operative labourers m Otago was 6s s|-d, but m that wonderkil place called Westland the rate was 10;) 2|d. There were only seven prisoners m the gaol at Hokitika, and each cost £90 53 7d per year. [Prisoners are being sent to Hokitika now to reduca the eosfc per head ] At Wellington, Lyttelton and other places the prisoners only cost-about £20 per year. There was a head gaoler m Westland who got £215 a year for looking after seven prisoners, a matron who gbt Vj£so, two warders £275, and a surgeon £50, and all that; for seven prisoners." These figures speak loud enough to be heard all over the colony, and will be heard and understood far btvyond its shores. If the electors per tist m permitting such a condition of administration to continue, by return ing representatives pledged to upho'd ifc, the fault is their own, and they will deserve no sympathy when the evils inseparable from political corruption fall upon them. In connection with the alarming condition of political morality under the regime of the Sed don administration, we may note the following remarks taken from the Otago Daily Times of Monday. They con clude a review of an address just delivered by Mr Sligo, one of the Dunedin representatives m the last Parliament, an address, which, accord ing to our contemporary, was charac terised by the most judicial fairness towards his political opponents: — " There are many other points m Mr Sligo's excellent speech to which atten tion might be directed, but there is none more deserving of emphasis than that wherein he condemned the attempt that is at the present time being made by the Premier, " standing forward m all the naked deformity of a political *orruptionist," attempting to debauch the constituencies with his promises of favour and threats of neglect. Mr Sligo's honest indignation concerning this conduct on the part of Mr Seddon will be reflected throughout the entire community."

THE WRITING ON THE WALL.

The Preminr had a bad time in J?al merston North, where he went to annihilate Mr Pir ani, against whom he is running a can didate of his own choosing Mr Pir ani sucaeeaea in carrying at Mr Sed don's own meeting a vote of no confi dence in the Government. The Post, referring to the Palmerston meeting, says:—" No more richly deserved defeat has befallen the Premier beyond the walls of Parliament than I hia signal discomforture of last night at Palmerston North. For weeks he had | been preparing his attack, his political agents making ready for his descent. The political women, who are his dependents, with their accustomed modesty, rushing to their patron's help, and all the politic *1 panderers to this mighty man who could be summoned to his aid, joining in the attempt to discredit the late and coming member for Palmerston North in his own electorate, so they organised their forces, prepared their plan of campaign, and their chief, a very Bombastes Furioso, on this occasion threw down his gage of battle. It was accepted, and long ere the night was done, Bombastes had fled, and the little Left Winger whom he had come to crush was master |of the situation, listening to the acclaim with which those pre sent accepted his declaration that the Seddon Government was unworthy the confidence of the country. We view this incident with great satisfaction for thessmple reason it has become apparent that nothing short of such treatment will induce the Premier to abate the politically indecent and im moral methods he employs in his elec tioneering tactics, Jt ia needless to appeal to him to respect constitutional usage, the dignity of his high office, or the right of the electors, So also while he can intimidate or debauch the con stituencies will he continue if not treated as he properly was, last night to be the head and front of a huge and unscrupulous electioneering agency at! the cost of the Treasury. Surely it must be patent to the weakest under standing that is honest that theseinpur sions of the Premier into the districts of those he most fears are in no Bense influenced by considerations of public policy, or the welfare of the State, but are, on the contrary, deliberately undertaken to coerce or cajole the electors to withhold support from any candidate who is net his nominee. | The conduct of the Premier has, on these matters, been for years nothing short of a public scandal."

Local and General.

*,* On the first page to-day will be found an article on "Government candidates,"also commercial news; on the fourth page, miscellaneous items* San Francisco Mail.-The Moana has arrived at Auckland with the San Francisco Returning. —M, Galleb, the French Governor m the Pacific, arrived at Auck land by the Mararoa yesterday, on his way back to Tahiti, from France.—Preaa Associ ation telegram. £100 Damauks.—ln bhe case Austin v. itheQaeen, a Rakaia railway accident case, plaintiff was awarded £100 damages at the Supreme Court, Ohristohuroh, yesterday.— Press Association telegram. The Bacillus oy Dysentery—A Central News Agency telegram says that a despatch brought to Victoria (Vancouver) from Japan states £hat the Japanese physician, Dr Kitasato, fa&a discovered the bacillus of dysentery. Injlubnza.—The influenza epidemic seemi to be widely spread over the cbloDy at present Several Auckland constables are down with it, and thecaaes before the Supreme Court, m which they are concerned, have had to be adjourned.—Press Association telegram, Alarm of Fire.—Last night about twenty k minutes to ten the fire bell rang, and the engines were soon got under way, but were nob required. A blind m a dressmaker's establishment adjoining the Oddfellows' Hall had caught fire, bub a bucket of water extinguished 6he flames, and removed all possible danger. A Uniform Cqinoidwoji;. -The uniforms of the Ashburton Riflas (or C company) which were ordered from Home, reached Ashburton by the last north train on Satur day evening, and the uniforms of tjie Ash burton Guards (or H Company) also arrived on Saturday by the hut fcrain from the south. la this an augury that they will always pull together 1

F«sf KiLiiED on the Street—The «even-1 yojir-old eon of MrTreloar, fruiterer, Princes Street, Dunedin, was killed last night by being run over by a truck, laden with fihur for Evans 1 mill. The lad with hia com panions was riding on the siding, and he must have fallen, When found ho was lying alongside the truck, with one arm and a leg almost severed from hie body. He died on admission to the hospital.—-Press Association telegram. A Study itf Finance—A correspondent of the Dunedin Star aska "how many homes could have been happy by a, wide use of the money wasted by Ministers oi the working man's Government sine Jubilee year. How many poor charwomen could have been made comfortable'by the money spent (over and above actual cost) m exhibiting our Prime Minister and his secretaries, <ke. to the admiring guz^ of the British public." Ashburton Facing Club — The pro gramme ia advertised for the summer meet l ing of the Aehburton County Racing Club. The Club have increased the stakes, and as they pay stakes m full, nominations should be numerous. The meeting this year will j be held on the Tinwald course, and the Committee are sparing no pains to have the course ia real good order. The attraction this year shonld be as great as ever, the shrubs, trees, etc., around the lake have flourished and the Tinwald Domain is now looking very pretty. Railway Management—M his meeting at Killinchy on Monday evening, as illus trating the absurdity of the railway freights), Mr Hardy gave en instance which had occurred to himself. He had purchased a combine m Dunedin, which waß to be sent by rail to Rakaia. On being asked if he desired to save money on the railage he replied m the affirmative, and was advised to have it forwarded direcb from Dunedin to Chrietehurch, and then railed back to Rakaia, which he did. The extra distance by doing so was 72 miles, bub Mr Hardy assured his audience that he had effected a saving cf £12 by so doing." A SUGGESTION.—With reference to the crowded state of Christchurch duringcarnival week, a writer m the Dunedin Evening Star suggests, with gentle irony, that the muni* cipality should come to an understanding with the Hagley Park trustee and turn that property into a camping ground for the con venience of visitors. If three or four hundred tents were pitched m the park and fitted with stretchers and blankets and a few simple furnishings, such quarters would be eagerly patronised by hundreds of men who are " on their own hook." They would enjoy the quiet and the pure air and the simplicity of a tent, and deem the obange a luxury. Threatening a Magistrate—Mr WR. Haselden, Stipendiary Magistrate at Wel lington, received a letter on Friday, of whioh the following is a copy ;—" Confiden tial—Take a friendly hint from a well-wisher and draw m your horns as boob as possible. If you persist m playing into the hands of these loafing and scheming swindlers and will not make any orders, even when it had been proved that debtors are m receipt of good wages, etc., you will very soon find there will be a petition going round for signatures to get you shunted. Already many solicitors find that we have made a very bad swap. Beware." This precious effusion is supposed to hare emanated from a solicitor* It is said that the handwriting has been identified. The Timaru Post—The first issue of the new paper at Timaru— ths Morning Post— has oome to hand. It claims that there was a distinct want for an independent journal m that district, and although it does not deolare itself very definitely on political questions, it can b,e gathered from the many indications that it will be opposed to the policy of the Tftifttrtf Herald, whatever that may happen to be. Ib may, however, be depended upon to partially supply one pressing wand, and chat is the want of employment of a good many deserving and perhaps distressed compositors and journal ists, for recent inventions, etc., have thrown a large number of these people out of work. The consciousness of thisi will no doubt sus tain our contemporary, Bhould its adver tisers be exacting, or its subscribers be long winded. The papar is well got up. Stowaways From Sydney—The Talune, which arrived in* Wellington on Friday from Sydney, brought three stowaways. vVhen the men were taken before the Magis trate, one of them (reports the Post) stated that the morning after leaving Sydney the thiee went to the oaptain and asked to be allowed to work their passage, bub he re fused. On the day before arriving at Wel lington they told htm they could make up £4 to pay him, but he would nob hear of it. There was no work m Sydney, and they heard that New Z3aknd was a good place for work, and this was the only way of getting here. The Magistrate said, the shipping companies could not aot as free carriers for the public. Each defendant was ordered to pvy £5, or m default suffer one month's imprisonment. Liberal Candidates-Mr R, C. Kirk, a Liberal candidato for Wellington suburbs, who was originally chosen by the Govern* menb was later on thrown over m favour of Mr Wilford, who was unseated under the Corrupt Practices Act at the lasb general election. Mr Kirk's reply wat as follows s— " You may rely that my political views are nob to be affected by any action of the Government, I have supported the Liberal Government m the past because I approved of their policy. The individual actions of Ministers towards me will nob disturb my political convictions based upon well-defined principles. I appeal for the support) of all true Liberals who value independence of thought and action and straightforward con duct m public men, and are of opinion that their representative should nob be dependent) on Ministerial support for a seat m Parlia ment,

War News—There is * general faeling of distrust concerning the war news that is allowed to go abroad, owing to the frequent discrepancies between cable messages that come from various parts of South Africa. For instance, we publish today a cablegram from Capetown, stating that General Buller had arrived ab De Aar, whereas on Satur day we received one from Durban stating that an engagement had taken place near Estcourt, m which the Natal volunteers had distinguished themselves, and we were further informed that General Buller had complimented them. This statement), taken with another that General Buller considered Ladysmith required relief, and yet another from Durban stating that he had determined to relieve Ladysmith at the earliest opportunity, are, to say the least, confusing. It is not easy to understand why the British public should not have the true version of the incidents of the war, nor how the press censorship can be responsible for unreliable news being flashed all over the Empire.

Alleged Sheet RiniGS.—Mr Jelliooe, one of the candidates for Wellington City, m the course of his speech at the Opera House, vehemently denounced the alleged rings formed for the purpose of depressing the prices of sheep, He said the shares of the two freezing companies were now quoted at 100 per cent premium. He weut on to say :—"A case 3 recently came under my notice of a farmer who had 800 fat sheep ruaaing on the Melrose Estate, and he offered them to one of these companies, and, after its buyer had inspected them, the far mer was offered bhe munificent pries of 5a a head, Their value, m the farmer's opinion, waa at least 89. He then offered the sheep to the other freezing company. Their buyer went out, and looked at them and refused to make a bid, The farmer then sent them to the Johnsonville Saleyarda. Tpere he found the buyers of each of the companies, and on that occasion neither of them would offer a bid for the sheep To most men bhis might mean ruin, but this farmer was a business man, and, rather than sacrifice his Bheep at ss, he shipped them through Messrs Murray, Roberts and Co. to Lyttelton, and I hold m my hand to-niglit the account sales, showing that the sheep for which the farmer was offered 5i a head, realised at auction m Christchurch, lls 4d." (Applause.) He urged that the State should step m and break up the monopoly.

THE TRANSVAAL.

— '■•&> — [Notes Fbom a Traveller's Daybook ] Iv an interview with Mr W. H. Collins — who arrived from Home last weok, and who spent several days ab Capetown, breaking his voyage with the oljuot of Beeing some re atives m South Africa, and also of course witnessing what was to be seen and hearing what was to be heard of the situation —our representative gleaned the following, which haß been put into narrative form, for the sake of straight forward reading :— THE FLIGHT FfifiM J HANNISBURft. Having been at Capetown at tho time of the evacuation of Johannesburg, by its inhabitants, and the commencement cf the war ; and m the midst of the turmoil that ensued for nineteen d%ys, you are welcome to my impressions of thei situation. In order to have an intelligent view of the geogtaphy I of the Transvaal m its relation to the eea board, I may staie that J jhaonesburg is 1014 mileß from Capetown, 483 miles from Durban, the capital of Natal, and 396 miles from Delagoa Bay. QJSSKRAL SIB GEORGE WHITE. I arrived m Capetown by the came ship ' as General Sir George White, and fifty-two offioera. The general If, I believe, sixty five years of age, and he looks ib. He is well built, has a pieroing eye, a pleasant face, is affabla and active. To be up with the general meanb six o'clock rising, when m fair weather you would see him m his pyjamas only, tramping the deck, some times running up and down the deck, at his dumb-bellß exercise. This was his tarly morning performance. The officers that oame out with him were a jolly lob or fellows. They joined m the games, gob up concerts, sang songs, and m many instances came oH besb men, One of the officers who came out with us had been m the Soudan campaign, and had not yeb recovered from his wounds, had a bullet hole m hia side which was still green, and another ia his leg, which had to be dressed every day by his attendant. He was rich enough to do without fighting, but such was his military ardour that he would come to the African struggle, and iid not mind a few bullet holes, providing he could gam some more medals by chastising the enemy, and winning glory for the old fhg of his country. There were other veterans on board as well. Also Free State and Tranß vaal burghers, and many Transvaal Out landers, who were returning to South Africa. On arrival at Capetown, General White and the greater part of his staff wenb on to Durban to take charge of the forces there. One thousand troops left Southampton the same day we did, and ten thousand were ordered to be sent at once from India* THH KTB O» WAR. I no foonor landed ab Capetown than ib was easy to see that the martial spirit was abroad m the oountry, and that things were looking very serious. Krugei'a ultimatum had reached London, and the Britißh reply was soon forthcoming, short and to the p-.int. Then began the "hurrying to and fro." A panic set mat Johannesburg, and everybody wanted to get away at once. The Transvaal Government took possession of the railway rolling stook to oonvey their troops to the frontier, and ho utilised all the carriages, and lefb nothing but coal trucks for the use of the refugees. COMMANDEERING. At this time the Boer officers had com menced their work of commandeering, and anything they wanted they took —horses, provisions, clothing, boots, tools, and what whiskey they wanted ; for the Boer dearly lovea his drop, and a big drop too. There was no use offering any opposition to the seizures, and so the owners of the goods reluctantly delivered what was demanded and made the best of it. The mipe authorities hastened to sorape up their gold, anot put ib m proper form for transport to Capetown; but no sooner was it con signed oh the railway books, than ib was commandeered by the astute Kruger, and ordered by him to Pretoria instead, m safe custody of his officers. A second and a third lob were dealt with m the same way. Then a levy was made on the Banks; then the newspaper officers were interviewed, for any loose caßh that might be knocking about, and even the printer's devils' pockets were ordered to show up, bub nary a " sasc pence" could they find. It was " gold and silver have J none, but suoh as I have, I have given theß ? ?!r Aod tl»9 printer devils had no doubt given ib yery hot j for the leading articles which had been appearing m the Star and Leader papers were about as hob coffee as could well be imagined. The state menb of the oase for the Outlandere, and the vivid porte&yal of his grievanoea—th c •cathing castigations of the Boer Govern ment—the saroasm and inveotive poured forth as with a withering blast upon Kruger iand his pharasaipal performance*, were enough m themselves to pub the Boers, to flight $ and could the editorsl— Fakeman and Monypenny—jasb then have been gob at, they wou^d no doubt have suffered worse than death. Pakemao, how ever, had the tip and was away j Monypenny shaved himself, put on a slouch hat, and finmf -Wv else's olobb.es, and escaped m dia m -m7 Members of the Refom Council were marked men, bub could nob be found. The two Oublanders who did their prison tarm for their connection with the Jameson raid scooted m time, promising to return again soon. The intrepid Hosken got out of the country by hook or by crook, ant} soon turned up m Durban, and was foremost m raising a corps of a Bbousand men ready to do or die, THE REFUGEES

In the exc,itemen») the rank and file of the Oablaudera had b»ken firsb-olaas tickets by unswept coal trucks to Capetown, Erbl London, and Delago* Bay, and were fleeing as fast as they could. As the refugees came m, these towns became Boeneß of the wildest excitement. Telegraph communication had been stopped, the mails were sent, bub no replies could be got. Husbands had been separated from their wives, and fathers from their children. Ab the arrival of the trains night and day crowds of people seeking for their relatives and friends would receive them almost unrecognisable on account of their travel stained appearance, or otherwise had to go away day after day and oome back and watch and wait with hearts sick and sore. On the tablelands of the Transvaal and Free States, travelling m a coal truck nighb and day, m drenching rain and m piercing cold winds, begrimed with dirt), no food, no water, no protection, except the clothes one might have had on was an experience which many of the refugees would not care to go through again. Women and children j succumbed to the journey, and strong men drew closer to each oiher to get what mutual warmth they could* The railway station and post office ah Capetown were thronged day by day, and Adderly atreet presented an animated appearance, such as had nob before been seen for many a long day.

- TEOOPB AND VTAB PRUBAKATIONS While Che refugees were pouring m day by day by rail, troops were coming m by sea. Her Majesty's mosb powerful men of war appeared m Simons and Table bays, and showed their teeth, overawing the Bouthern city by their presence, Droves of mulea were driven through the streets, followed by the Cape boys, swift foot-runners, to take them to their destinations and prepare them for the burdens Ihey were to carry to the seat of war. Exoitement was the order of the day, and anxiety waa depleted on moat faces. NEWS OF BATTLE The enquiry went iorth again and again —What is the latest news? At last the shrill whistle of the Cape limes office rung out the alarm. Someone shouted "News from the sesit of war ;" there was a i-cimper ; the tread of many' feet was heard from every Quarter of the town, ' arid soon the gathering orowd surged m front of the limes office, trying to obtain an extra. •'My God ! The first shot has been fired ! The armoured train has been captured, and fifteen Englishmen made prisoners !" A cloud settled on every face It was as if a pall had fallen over the multitude. They seemed as if they could not believe their eyes. They scattered one by one, dejected, like dogs from sheep-worrying, downcast and disappointed. Gould it be true ? And so the exoitement continued day by day until J left the city. 1 »HK OA?E FARIJAMENT. During the turmoil m the streets, the marching of the troops, the calling put 1 of the volunteers, the Cape Parliament sat within the walis of the Parliament House discussing the measures and passing the laws for the government of tbe colony which bid

6 returned them for that purpose. Appeal ofi or appeal from Vrybui'g, Rimberiy, wd Aliwal North, had been received for pro tection from the enemy, for means of defence, bub no affirmative response came from that assembly. The word "neutrality" w%s passed around. The Boud party were iv power—that is, the Dutoh, and they would do nothiug againßt their brethren m the republic. "The British Government had, brought ou the war, and they mußt do the best they could, Aa for us we will ba neutral." Olive Sehuener had Bbr»ek«d with M her might on behalf of the Boers, and now her brother, the premier of a British. colony, who had sworn his loyalty to the Crowß, absolutely dec ined to u«e the power* be possessed m order to protect the subj ets of the Q icen within the realm over which he presided. Judged by the Dutch he is an angel of light; judged by the British he M a coward and unworthy of any consideration from the British Crown, and his name is exeorated iv the streets of the city m which he resides. Meanwhile the war goeii on. Many lives will be lost, but the. wue i» certain, and then when it-wowr there mil be such a stampede back again, indnj« inrush of people into the African goldfieldi as has never before been m th* history of the world. With the Imap wiped clear of the two republics and the country brought under British rule and administration, » period of prosperity will be experienced m thafc now blood-Btained spot suoh aa will put the prosperity of former days altogether m the shade. With a South Afrioan dominion under British rule, it will attract the seekers of gold and the makers of fortune! from the ends of the earth, and will be fche envy of all nations.

CORRESPONDENCE

(Wt do not hold ourielves responsible for tht opinion* expressed b/ our oonttpondantt)

ASHBURTON v. GERALDINE AND KLLEBMERE.

TO THE EDITOR* Sib,—-I read your article sorting up the candidates for the Athburton seat with mooh interest, mingled with some amusement. I was interested with the manner m whioh you pointed out the various ways of classi fying them, whioh threw a strong light apoo the diverse iofluenoes that work together m the selection of a representative. So compli cated are these that one oan never estimate how much one or other of them may pre ponderate iv the minds of individual elector!. My own idea has always been that by far the strongest element m the average case is the personal element. You find men eupporting a candidate three times oat of four beoause of the friendly feeling they may have for him. If he is a "good fellow" with frank manners, it is astonishing what the easygoing "don't bother me" kind of elector will condone. If the " good fellow " has done all sorts of things that shock the respectable portion of humanity—the easy* going elector will acceptr his explanation with the utmost confidence, and give " good fellow " another show. If this were not a fact Mr Seddon would long ago have ceased to be Prime Minister of New Zealand and more than one of the local candidates for the suffrages of the Ashburton electors would—* but perhaps I need not pursue this view of the subject further. lam mainly desirous of pointing out that if we acted m selecting our representatives to Parliament as we should be sure to do m connection with any important private question, we should most assuredly hesitate before accepting the proffered services of an almost total stranger, even if no other were obtainable. If we had a choice, should we take an outsider and throw aside one of ourselves ready to serve us, if his character justified our confidence, "Certainly not" must be the unanimous reply. I contend, therefore, that the electors of Aehburton, especially the farmers, cm have no difficulty at all m settling whom to elecb as their representative m Parliament, since ouly one of the candidates meets the conditions that would determine their choice m selecting a representative to acb for them m important private business—and thst is Mr Harper. Thanking you m anticipation, —I am, etc. i

News in Brief.

Mr Osborne Coombe is making one of hit periudicil visits to Ashburton and his notice tt piano tuning will be found m our advertit* ing columns.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

The correspondent of the Natal Time* at Ladysimth reports that on the 6th ingt. the Boers, covered by heavy shelling on the part of their 'artillery, occupied the kopjes and ridges adjacent to the British position on all sides, and attacked, the fight being hottest be tween the junction of the Free State and Newcastle railway lines. The splendid fire of the Rifle Brig»de ? Johannesburg Volunteers, and Kfng'a Rifles twice repulsed the tenacious attacks of the Boers, who left a deep trench fronting the British unguarded, with the result that the Rifle Brigade occupied it unobserved, reserving their fire until the Boers re-advanced. When they reached the edge of the trench the Rifles poured volleys into their ranks. This action astounded the Boers, who bolted, shells from the artillery com pleting the rout. Another section of the Boers fired" heavy shells until the concentration of the British artillery disabled their mortar. The Manchester Regiment repulsed a third section of the enemy. The British were victorious every where. tt is estimated the Boers lost 80Q. The lyddite shells have so terrified the Boers that the officers have to drive the gunners to their guns at revolver's point. The Manchester Regiment on the 9th encotmtered at ehort ranges hundreds of Boers hiding m dongas (water courses) from the lyddite shells, and inflicted great loss on them. After the victory General White fired a salute ia honour of the Prince of Wales' birthday. There was immense en thusiasm. " • General White's sortie on the Hth provoked a big engagement, The Boeri

Another Important Battle.

The Enemy Defeated With Great Loss. Reinforcements at the Cape. Arrival of 27,000 Men, The New South Wales Lancers! Tue Prisoners at Pretoria. British Troops Assembling at Orange "River. The Effect ©f Lyddite Shells The Boers Terrified The Manchesters Again Inflict Heavy Loss United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Dvrbah, November 20

THE ASHJBtItfFON OTARDIAN .• TUESDAY, \ NOTEMIEK 21,^l8ae.j



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H. W. BAKBETT. T HAVE FOR SALE AT ALLENTON— A Ohbice Section of five acres; grand site for private residence mmmmmm Number of Sections at Waterton and ! Fairton * One Acre, near Alford Forest Road, on West Belt H. W. BARRETT, AROADE. mONAL, fat's makin' Tougl Bae blythea X like!' "Ifc iss the Heland tea oe the Mackenzie he is drinkjn'.to be surely !



BUSINESS CHANGE. T HAVE much pleasure m announcing thab I have purchased the SADDLERY BUSINESS Lately conducted' by Mb J. H. Jamieson, And respectfully solicit) a continuance of the liberal support accorded to my pre* deceaaor. ALL ORDERS promptly executed, and ail work GUARANTEED. Robert Anderson, EAST STREET, ASHBOS'SCON 11 107



MONEY TO LEIB PRIVATELY. TANCRED STREET, 1 Next Gas Company's Offices jyjONEY TO LEND According to Arrangement from jg£) AND UPWARDS, Upon any Security, ■ TRADE BILLS Privately [Discounted. Weekly or Monthly Payments be j arranged. All Business Strictly Confidential, DAVID ZANDER COMMISSION & FINANCE AGENT. A ENT FOR—Sun Fire Insurance Office and Oan ton-Marine Jnsurance Office.



THE New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY T"S now Showing a Large and Varied Assortment of NEW & SEASONABLE GOODS: GREY FRAME HATS, CUBA FRAME HATS. BLACK FRAME HATS, IN MSB LAMST SHAPES AMD £BIYI.£S. ALSO— STRAW HATS IN GREAT VARIETY} See oar Tennis Trousers and Shirts. , See oar Hew Suitings for Summer Wear. See our Ready Made Clothing. See our Boys' Norfolk Suits. j See our Boys' Washing Blouses. See our New Ties, etc., etc. SUITS TO MEASURE. FIT QUARANTEED. ___ ' MEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOKY. F. H. BEOKINGSALE, Manager. | Just Arrived j NEW GOODS NEW NOVELTIES "FN faob everything a Cyclist requires OATES, LOWRY AND CO- [ ZEALANDI& CYCLE WORKS BURNETT STREET. We Repfcir any make, and guarantee all work. .



4 o o g r la H 1 _ O S_ " g w 9 _^ WILSON'S NEW SEASONS WALL PAPERS HAVE ARRIVED,! f~) ALL Early and choose y our desl b f rotn the full stook of new Gooda. ______ OABD. ti/tiss h. p*r7edlander MANICURIST, AaoADE Chambeeb, Aahburton* Hoars from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 10 l§g



fTTE HAVE JUST LANDED, Ex ••lonic," TWO OASES OF GENUINE "PRIMUS" STOVES. Very handy and economical. PRICE — 13s 6d Each. NOW LANDING, ex " Wakanui," A Shipment of FIRST-CLASS SHEFFIELD TABLE CUTLERY, Direot from the Makers. All new patterns, and lowest quotations m Canterbury. IN STOCK: 8.8.A. SHEEP SHEARS, BRANDING OILS, TURKEY STONES, Et«, BICYCLES We are Agents for COLUMBUS, JLOVELL DIAMONDS, HARTFORDS. VIDETTES, And are atill offering the best value m the Colony NEW MACHINES from *14 Cash Good Second-Band MACHINES from jSS We can also BUILD MACHINES to Older fiom B.S.A. Parts at very Reasonable figures Hoping to be favored with your patronage CARSON & Co., TEA MERCHANTS, GROCERS AND IRONMONGERS. Importers of Bioyoles, Hardware, Glass and China. Tancbed Street ft Arcade, Aehburton. 1123



Oarraway Seeds 8d per lb Pimento, whole ... ... Is „  Pimento, ground Is 2d „ „ Mixed Spice l^d per packet PlCKLES—Hayward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9s 6d per dozen Cross and Black well's, Is 3d psr bottle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder lid par bottle Borax 8d per lb Alum ... ... ... 6d „ „ Saltpetre , 6d „ „ TartaHcAcid lslOd „ „ Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2s perdoz lbs Whole Linseed 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d „ „ MATCHES-Plaids, 4Jd per doi, 4s per gross 250 s Is 6d per dozen 1000's 5d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 81 per doaen Yarmouth Bloaters, 9 for Is Maoonochie's Fresh Herrings, 6|d per tin „ Herrings In Tomato, 10J per tin „ Herrings m Shrimp, lOd per tin „ Kippered Herrings, 101 per tin „ Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mailett 7d per tin Oysters ... 8d  „ Sardines, large Alberts ... la „ „ Sardines, large 8d „ „ Sardines, small ... ... 4d „ „ Salmon, Holly leaf ..* lOd „ „ Salmon, other Brands ... 8d  „ OlL~Lucca, 2s 4d per bottle Salad, \ pint sd, 1 pine lOd Castor, \ pine sd, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 21b tin, Is Croßse and Blackwell's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dozen Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2oz, Is lOd. Leiberg's extract, Is 9d per bottle Patent Groats, Robinson's, lOd ; Har per's, 9d per tin Mellina' Food, Is 8d per tin



Van Houten's Oocos, %\b, lid ; fclb, Is 9d; lib, 3s 3d Fry's Cocoa, B^d 5 lib, Is 4|d Real Good Oandles, 4£dperib; 8s Pd Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, 6fcd per lb; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights Is 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for Is Pearl, 6lbs for Is Sago, 7ibs for 1b Mixed Peel, L-amon, Orange and Ut ron, 8d per lb I Lemon Peel, 71b tins, 3a 6d lib Tins Assorted Jams, 5d per lb ; 4s 9d per doz 21b Jars Assorted Jama, 148,64 per doz Lea aDd Perrin's Sauce, large, 2s 6d per bottle Mellor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Worcester Sauce, small, Bd ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Mazlna M per dozen 5a fid Whitins, ?bforls Morton's Cream of Tartar, la 3d per lb Preserved Fruit, 2jlb tins, 8d per tin, 7s 6d per doz English Onfc Lo*f Sugar, 3*d per lb Tomato Sauce, 9d per bobtle Golden Syrup, Sib 6d, 41b Is, 56ib 11s 3d Treacle, 21b 6d, 41b Is, 71b Is 9d Fln«st Raisins 6*dperlb Finest Sultanas ... ... 7W „ „ Fineet Owrrmw 5d „ „ per cape 4*d „ „ Stewing Fi s s ... ... 7fd „ » French Plcms (choice) .... 1« »» » Skewing Plums .» ... 9d „ „ Finest Maecatels ... ... Is JO. „ „ OaliloTnlan Muscatels ... Is „,. Dates, extra fine, 31b boxes, Is 9d per Almonds, Jordan 2s 4d per lb Almonds, Valencia ... ls€d  ,« AlraondaV Sici|f ... ... Is 4d „ „ Barce >na Kufcs 8d »» »» Shell Almonds 10-i , f ,» Day and Martin's Pasta Blacking, 4^(l per dos Day and Martin's Jar Blacking, 6d per bottle French Backing, 2d per tin, Is 9dper don . Nixey's Blaoklead, Id jiza, 9d per doz JbjW Dome.Blaoklead.ied per doz



JOHN ORB, AND GO'S REVISED i^PRICE LIST^ ■MWMWWHBMMtW-a "V *j |. ||| Li j||- |ir-|T WE Ohim to be the Leading Firm of Grocers, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants m Ashburton. We import all our Stock from the Home Markebs for Spot Cash, and are therefore m the best position oo supply the public with only genuine goods at the iowest possible price for cash. We guarantee all oar goods fuU weight and finest quality. We never charge for picking and delivery, all goods at the Railway Station free. Any person leaving an ordet wiih as can gofc a parcel ticket, and therefore always be sure J of having bhelt goods ab the station m time. No charge for ticket. X? IJXJ U -ti """PER BAOK 13s. — »UC*ikl* — »l«i per lib witft Tea IBIARAVILLA^GARDEN TEA— Is lOd, 2a, 2a 4d per lb 51b Box .- 8a 9d, 9a 7d, lls 101 b Box ....... 16a Bd, 18a 4d, 21a 8d KOZIE TEA — 10lb Box, 18a 4d ; slb, 9s 7d GOLD LEAF TEA 101 b Box, 18s 4d j slb, 9j 7d - : pe6visions - FAOTORY.BUTTER— Fern Leaf and Sabton'a alwayß m stock. CHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per lb BACON AND HAMS — " Lewis'," " Morepork," "D. Mc'Jallura." Mild GORE OATMEAL—2SIb Bag, 2s 6d



WAVERLEY CYCLES. T^T EW SHIPMENT JUST| TO HAND ALL LATEST IMPEOVEMENTS (x) Two or t&ree 98 Ladies Models yet] on hand, will sell at £20 A few good second-hand machines for satejat prices from £3 up. EECENT SUCCESSES OF Tfll WAYEKLEY. /-\ w Oot, s—Ashburton Cycling Sports—WAYERLEY First and Second m every Baco. Oot 11— Otago Labour Day Wheel Eace—WAYERLEY First Oct. 12—Amberley Druids Wheel Race—WAYERLEY First \ Oct. 12—Amberley Druid* Three MiIe—WAYERLEY Second Oct. 28—Auckland Cycling Club, Federal Scratch Mile— WAYERLEY First Wheel Race -WAVERLEY Second Not 11— Christchurch Cycling Club, One Mile Centre Cham pionship—WAYEßLfiY First Five Mile Handicap : WAVERLEY First from Scratch Three Mile Handicap : WAYERLEY First Whtel Race : WAVERLEY Third & Fourth JOHN ORR & CO.. ASHBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AGENTS »bd at Waverley Cycle Depot 2X7 Colombo Street, Christchurch.