Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1899. SEDDONIAN PRETENSIONS

One would think, after reading the fall text of several of Mr Seddon's ricent speeches—in those districts in which, at the expense of the taxpayers, he has been airitg his oratory and using what influence he possesses in the electioneer ing interest of candidates who have bound themselves in thraldom to his political rule—that the beginning of the colony's progress dated from the

time of his taking office. Mr Seddon's claim to have started the colony on its progressive march, or even to have maintained its earlier rate of progress, is about as well founded as his claim that the present prosperity of New Zealand is due in any way to his ad ministration^ In a wearying and monotonous chant he lauds the pro gressive policy of his administration, and with a crash of drum and cymbal he souada the praises of what he claims I as specially his own—the progressive legislation which took its rise with the rise of the colony, and which has caused her to be pointed to during the last twenty years as the very high priestess of tentative, if not socialistic legislation. If 'ye examine the official year book of the colony, " prepared under instructions from the Bight Honorable K. J Seddon, P.O, premier," we find how hollow are the claims which Mr Seddon so trium phantly makes. la population, exports, land in cultivation, shipping, and railway construction, during the period from 1882 to 1890—a period of most distressing depression, as all will remember—the rate of progress was much greater than it has been from

1890 to 1898, the term which covers tbe existence of the continuous Ministry, of whom Mr Seddon has been the chief since the death of Mr Ballance. We hear the land settlement policy of the Government belauded in trumpet tones, but, going back to the published reports of the Grown Lands Department, we find a tale told that bowls over those claims, and shows that ihe ooly strong points about them are the persistency, in face of facts, with which they are put forth, and the blindly trustful manner in which they are received and accepted by the unthinking followers of Mr Seddon, who do not take the trouble to read for thejiselves even the records com-

I iled for them " under his instructions," From 1881 to 1891 there were annu ally settled on the land under the legislation of the colony a gross average of 2 3 388 persons. Since that period to date, with all their boasted improved and patented land settling machinery, Government have only been able to place an annual average of 2088. The average net settlement

daring the period which was marked by depression was 2283; during the' Seddon period with its piping pro sperity it can only touch 1588. And to bring about that modicum of settle ment a million and a half of borrowed money has been spent in purchasing the land, piercing it with roads, laying it down in grass, etc And this 1588, is only tho pleasing side of the picture It has a gloomy side as well. When a man buys land, to settle on it himself, he has usually souae knowledge of what he is purchasing, so that when I c sett'es down there ia a reasonable expectation that he will remain and be I able to pay his way. In the eleven years which ended at 1891—the depression period, be it remembered'— the yearly average of surrerdere and forfeitures was only 151. Tv the eight years of the "continuous" Ministry, with Mr Seddon in loco parentis, the yearly average was nearly 500. Mr Seddon was good enough to say at Ohristchurch that those 500 weaklings that fell out of the ranks of settlement every year by surrender or were weeded out by forfeiture were the white elephant inheritance his Government had been Ifft by previous administrations. Mr Scobie MacKenzie, however, in his speech at Dunedin last week, was able to demonstrate that nearly the whole of them had occurred under systems of land tenure that have only existed since the present "continuous Ministry" came into power and inaugurated them, Mr Seddon by repeated utterance of these claims of his upon the people, notwithstanding that they have been refuted times without number, has prevailed upon very many people to accept them as Go=pel truth, and to believe that he is, what he continually poses as being, a benefactor of the people. In vayi, it appears, are the hard facts quoted that the 1 above figures fibow ; there are people willing to believe, without rhyme or reason, that Mr Seddon's Ministry has placed two people on the land for every one placed there by previous Governments, and though they believe this at the lips of Mr Seddon, he gives them no opportunity of learning that for every one that surrendered his holding under the former regime, nearly five have done so, or forfeited, under the benign reign of the Hon. Dr R. J. 8, Then Mr Seddon tak s credit for all the social and labor legislation with which our Statute Book is burdened, forget ting that in 1873 Mr Rolleston placed the Factory Act upon the Statute Book, and Mr Seddon's alterations of that admirable measure have yet to stand the test of time, and their claims to be improvements hare to be estab lished. Colonists will remember that in 1883 Major Atkinson, then Premier, mooted in his budget a proposal to purchase land for settlement, and in his election campaign that followed at the close of that Parliament Mr J, O. Wason advocated thesame thing; and in 1885 Mr Bollescon's village settlement idea became law and took substantial form. The Truck Act was Major Atkinson's creation, and was passed while he was in power. The late Mr Downie Stewart waa the fust to pro mulgate the idea of industrial arbitra tion and conciliation, and no louder opposition to it was heard ia the Mouse than that of the then simple it. J. Seddon, member for Kumara, atad others who now bo ist of the benefits of the measure. Old residents of Ash burton will remember how Sir Harry Atkinson, from the stage of the Old Town Hall, promulgated his scheme of old age pensions. Had it been accepted then, it would have beea working for the .ast ten or twelve years, and in a far more satisfactory way than the present—for by Sir Harry's scheme the gigma of charity was removed —but thanks to the men who were then in opposition but are now in power, Sir Harry's noble scheme was damned, and afttr wasting all these years M r Seddon was forced to extend his charitable aid system and called it an old age pension scheme, In fact most of the Acts for bettering the condition of the indus trial classes passed by the present government were the creations of former administrations, and their principles have been adopted, made law, and the whole result claimed by the Seddon party. Thus, the Seddon party claim credit for a policy that they have culled piecemeal from their predecessors, and take honor to them- I selves for passing into law measures for the inception of which they were beholden to the Drains of the men whose patriotism they decry, whose honesty they impugn, and whose whole hearted disinterestedness in seeking the well being of the people they wantonly revile. Are those tactics that should commend themselves to right thinking electors who desire and deserve to be governed by men with a single eye to honest service and the colony's welfare 1

In reply to a question at his Welling ton meeting, Mr Isitt said he was under a pledge to the N.Z. PROHIBITION- Alliance to make no ISTS AT reference to party THE POLL politics during his present campaign. He practically confirmed a statement repeated in this journal recently that the leaders of the Prohibition party had decided to confine their efforts at the coming election to fighting straight out for "no license." But with curious inconsistency he added that it was hoped that such a strong party of tern perance men would be returned.l o Parliament at the coming election that legislation would be introduced which would result in the closing of clubs should "no license " be carried. This and other circumstances, such as the meetings that have been held in various centres of the prohibitionist organisa tions, point to a probability that there will be an attempt to induce the mem bers of that party to vote solid. As was pointed out in ths3e columns recently, such a course on the part of the Prohibitionists will probably result in much disappointment to them at the elections, owing to the probability that they will ofcen throw away their votes on candidates having no chance of success, and thus permitting a pro nounced opponent to slip in.

Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day will be fourd Riner Haggard's opinion oi the Transvaal

Flkctoral—Mr John McLachlan and Mr i W, S. \3aslin have been duly nominated for J tho Aahburtou seat, I

Tim U.S.S. Co,—The Union Shipping Company declare a dividend of 6 per cent for tho year.

Lady Salisbury's Funeral —Lady Salis bury's funeral wan of a private nature. Ihe Qaeon and tho Prince and Princess of Wales 8;»it wreaths.

A Ref.-hmatory fob Girls —A reforma tory for girls will most likely ba placed a few miles from Christohurch.—Press Asaoc'ft tion telegram.

Government Assessor.—David Guild, of Wairampi, ia to be ihd government assessor in the Hatuma compensation case which will probably be heard in January. — Press Association telegram

SupposkD Drowning Fatai ity-~A Wood villa horse dealer, named James Pirie, is supposed to have been drowned in the Munawabu river on the evening of the Palmerßi on show. His horse has been found on the river batik.

A Contingent Accident.—A Wellington Press Association telegram siya that Private Pailip R. Hunt, who met with an accident on the Waiwera and is now in the hospital at the Cape, is well known in Wellington, having been at one time ia the public works department here. He in a soa of Dr. Hunt, of Chrlstchuroh.

The Bokough CoUNClL—Thoae having olaima against the Borough Council wiil do well to tako note of a change in the arrange ments re presenting them. All claims must bo bent in to the office on the Saturday morning preceding the meeting, Attention to this will save disappointment).

Reduction in the Pbics o* Gas —At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Ashburton Gaa Company yesterday, it was decided to materially reduce the price of gaa after next month fur lighting, cooking, gas engines, etc This, with the improvement in lighting with incandescent burners, will be good news to consumers.

A Surcharge Stamp.—A surcharge stamp ia about to be issued by the Postal Depart msnt f and will in future be attached to all letters, etc., deficient in postage. The body of the stamp is printed in green, the value appearing in the centre in red. There will be eleven values—from £d up to 2s.

801 l Stuffing.—Five charges of roll stuffing were heard at the Police Court, New Plymouth, yesterday. Three of the defendants were fined £2, with costs 7s, for falsely stating their length of residence in the eleotoral district A Chinaman w&s fined 10s, and another defendant, working in the prohibition cause, was fined £5 and costs.

Influenza and Shearing -Shearing has been brought) to a standstill in the Mayfield district during the pant week with the wet weather, and now icflueDzi. threatens ano ther stoppage, as a large number of shearers are unable to work owing to this com plaint.—Own Correspondent.:

Good Crops—Mr Wm. Ellery, farmer, Mayrield, has a small paddock of rape about ready for putting the lambs on, and another paddock somewhat larger of imperial green globe turnips, the leaves of which already cover the ground. The land was broken up in the winter, and was consequently in prime condition for holding the moisture aad receiving the seed.—Own Correspondent,

Street Tabbing.—The work of re forming that portion of Oashel Street between the bridge and Colombo Street (says the limes) ia b-ing pushed on as quickly as possible. The old metal has been taken out to a depth «if four inches', and will ba replaced by tarred metal, put down in two layers of two inches each. When rolled, the metal will be fixated with hot tar, and then receive a dressing of sand.

Industrial Home for B( ys. — The erlucition department is making enquiries with the object of securing a site for the industrial homo for boys which Government has decided to establish in ths Wellington provincial district. The institution, towards which parliament lasb session voted £10 0, will probab'y be placed in one of the country districts so as to enable boys to be brought up to a farming life—Press Association telegram.

Rev. L. M Isitt—The Pev. L. M. Isitb delivered an address on the liquor question in the Oddfellows' Hall last evening. Ihe attendance was large, and the chair waß tikon by Mr W. H. Collins in the absenc3 of the Mayor, who however shortly after entered and Mr Collins retired. Owing to the great pressure on our space we are compelled to hold over a fuller report, of Mr Isitt's address, for which ha received a hearty vote of thanks. A collection was taken up at the olose of the meeting.

A Chinese Bride.—Some interest was amused on the Wellington wharf on Thurs day morning upon the landing of a lady who had arrived from China, via Sydney, by the Monowai. The petit Chinese, gowned in native costume of blue and whits silks, hobbled upon the smallest of feet into a cab, and was driven to the office of the Collector of Customs, where she was " cleared." The new arrival, says the lest, is young, and the newly wed wife of Ohing Wah, merchant of Wellington, who brings his wife from her native city. Canton, whence he recently went for hie bride.

The Waik\to.—The steamer Waikabo, which drifted about ia the Southern Ocean for several weeks with her propellar shaft broken, and which was towed to Fremanble for repairs, arrived at Porb Chalmers on Saturday. On Sunday, Mr I. Gibbs, general manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company, received a letter from Captain Weston to the effect that) on November 20 a fire broke out in No. 2 hold. Water was poured in and the fire was soon subdued. The cargo in this hold consisted' mostly of iron rails, which sustained no damage, but) the insulation of the compartment was destroyed to such an extent that it wiil probably have to be renewed.

The Rod. —At Rangitaba lately anglers have had good sport. On Friday morning Mr D. Taylor, in the course of a little over an hoar, landed twelve fish. Of these four were small, -the remaining eight averaging nearly 81b each. Since the rain, sport has improved at the Opihi, but there is now some prospect of the river coming down in "spate." The change in the weather promises to improve the fly streams.

A Ghost Stoby.—A curious ghosb story oomes from one of the coastal townships (says the Poverty Bay Herald). A house In the locality had lately been oocupied by a farmer and his wife, and they are said to have been nightly disturbed by sounds as of persons moving through the house. A scuffla then appears to take place on the veiandah, and after this something appears to be dragged along, and a nailing-down process seema to take place. Steps are afterwards heard going down the yard. The whole thing hai so unstrung the nerves of the 003jpan(8 thi.| they have slept two nights lately in a straw stack, and they are now staying with a friend.

Casual Labob on the Railways- During last week the Ohriatchurch officers of the Railway DepartmeEb received a circular from the head office, giving instructions thab the clause in the Classification Act which fixes 7s per day for casual labour, should be brought into force. Accordingly, before the men who usually do this work started to unload a cargo of coal from trucks at the Chriatchurch station, the foreman of the Department informed them that for the future their pay for the work would be at tho rate of 7s per day, instead of 8s as previously. After a short consultation, the men declined to start unless they were paid the old rate, and work was suspended for tho day. The matter was referred to the local Engineer, who the same day gave instructions that the old rate should remain in force. The men were accordingly noti fied, and returned to work nexb morning

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of tne Ashburton Borough Council was held lust evening Present—His Worship the Mayor (Mr Hugo Friedlander) presiding, and Councilors Vlaynard, Davis, Jolliffe, Pauling, Paul, Ddkvibon, and Jones. An apology was accep'ed for the absence of Cr iSealy, who wus confined to bed V>y il!ne a, FINANCE The Mayor reported that the overdraft at the B^nk sfood ut £1737 16s 9J, and the income received from all sources since last meeting had been £117 6s 6d. The monthly quota of the Borough Council for hospital mainteuanc'i, as well as £1 19s 4d for bridge nvvntenauce, was ordered to be paid to the County Council. Liter on accounts to the amount of £148 were passed for payment THE MAYORALTY The returning officer reported the un opposed election of Mr Hugo Friedlander to the m*yorally. Cr Paul took oacaßion to congratulate His Worship on his second term. It had been the desire of a very large number of the ratepayers to see Mr Friedlander again in the chair, as he had initiated the steps taken to raise the loan that had been authorised by the ratepayers, and ie was proper that he should be allowed to see the matter through. He wished him a bucccbi ful year of office

Cr Jones spoke in similar terms, and Hie Worship in a few words acknowledged the compliments that had been paid him. S M. OOFRT VISES The treasury office forwarded vouchers for £3 11s—fines under the by-laws recovered in the local Court RESERVES Mr J. R. Hard was granted a lease of reserve 1053 for a year at £ I par annum The application of Baker Bros, for the right to cut the grass on the railway reserves was referred to the Works Com mittee TKE ROLL Several applications were granted for enrolment on the burgess list TIRE BRIGADE The Fire Brigade Committee had failed to obtain a quorum at the meeting that should have been held daring the past fortnight, but those who were present sent an unofficial recommendation to canoel the agreement with Hefford for the horsing of the steamer, the arrangements for which were very unsatisfactory. The Fire Inspector, in reporting on the two recent fires, made a similar complaint.

Cr. Pauling and Cr. Jones also complained of the unreliable arrangements, the former urging that the agreement be cancelled, and tenders invited from other owners of horses.

Or. Maynard having spoken od the subject), it was resolved to give Mr He fiord notice of bhe cancellation of his agreement, and to invite tenders from others. ENGUNKEBS' REPORT The engineers' report was read as follows —Wlllers* Application.—The application of Mr George Willera, to take water from tshe Alford Foreab road race, through a 1 inch pipe, is, he informs us, for a pond service only, for which the Council has fixed the charge of 10s per annum. Labour Gang.— The men have been engaged during fhe past two weeks in levelling and preparing foot paths and tarring same, carting Bhingle and sand, ploughing grass off the sides of the streets, and carting to sections, watering, streets, making trenoh for pipes in Domain, carting rubbish, attending to the water supply, and general maintenance works. The men have now tarred about 150 chains of footpath, between 50 and 60 of which have had the second coat. Mr Willars' application was agreed to and the report was adopted as a whole. inspkctor's report The report of the inspector was satisfac tory as regards the sanitary condition of the town. He reported several people for riding bicycles on the footpaths, and was ordered to proceed against the offenders. It was decided to warn the scavengers against dumping broken crockery near the bridge. STREET CHANNELLING. In answer to Or. Paul, the Mayor said Park Street channelling, from the Convent fco Burnetfc Street was in the schedule ; as was also William Street, icquired aooub by Or. Pauling. I Or. Davis pointed out that the channelling of Caa& street was already on the minutes, and had been petitioned for time after time. LICENSES. A public building license was granted to the Oddfellows' Hall, and a carrier's license to William Lindsay.

The Council then eat as a DOMAIN BOARD. The President of the Sports Association wrote stating that a little further banking up of the crack at the east end was all that was necessary to make the track one of the best for fast racing in the colony, but it was necessary to make the track absolutely safe for fast racing that this should be done, and two race meetings were near at hand. He did nob think the oosb would be heavy.

The caretaker estimated that 100 loads of stuff would be wanted, and he suggested thib the Domain Committee should inspect the track and sea the work for themselves.

The matter was left in the hands of the Domain' Committee with power to acb. This waß all the business and the Board rose.

SUPREME COURT.

Christohuboh, Nov. 27 The Supreme Court was occupied to-day with a case in which William John Pearce, and his wife, Virginia Mary Pearce, claimed from the Crown £2000 and £1500 respectively, as damages for injuries sustained by Mrs Pearee in the Rakaia accident. The jury awarded Mrs Pearce £1500 and her husband £1000.

CORRESPONDENCE

(Wa do not hold ourselves responsible (or the opinions expressed by our correspondents)

WANTED, AN ANSWER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —In anticipation of the Government acquiring all the land fit for close settlement, let me point out that the result will be to dispense with the present large payers of land and income tax. I come to this con clusion because the money paid to present owners of land byway of purchase becomes dead. They oan do nothing with it beyond putting into the banks, and tha banka oan do nothing with it, and charge the depositor for storage. The Government cannot very well tax money that they themselves have forced into idleness, while there Is no income derived from it. But in face of this the Government have placed upon the land very many tenants, who ate paying only as rent the interest upon che money borrowed to buy the land, and from all accounts it takes them all their time to do that. As to the small freeholder, he has borrowed under the Advances to Settlers Act, and finds ti £ti he has got all his work cat out to make both ends meet and pay his way. What I wiah to know is, who iegoingto paytheinterestin the near future upon the £40,000,000 borrowed prior, of which the fast decreasing land at d income tax payer has been paying the principle part. The people filling his place say they cannot do it. The freeholder returns the same answer. How is it to be paid 1 Mr MoKeague, in his speech at Ashburton on November 13, makes the problem very difficult to solve by stating that he would favor reducing the duties on the higher class of goods. The revenue would thus suffer severe loss, as every penny of this is required for the working ot the country's affairs. Then he goes further, and advocates the taking off altogether the duty from articles of every day use, thereby burning the candle at both ends, displacing the present propelling power, and putting in its place, comparatively speaking, a non taxpayer. The result of such a policy, as far aa I can see, would be to bring New Zealand to a hand fc^ mouth state of work ing, and possibly worse, allowing no margin to work our internal affairs, roads, bridges, railways, and other necessary works, not to mention defence. Oan Mr MoKeague reconcile those statements with good government and his professed wish for the future welfare of the people of New Zealand, which is, to a great extent, the policy of the men that hold the reins of power to-day, in trusted with the welfare of New Zealand for good or bad. As far as I can see, the affairs of the country seem to be drifting into a very mixed state. Possibly Mr MoKeague may be able to explain matters,

and dispel the gloomy forebodings that are f Ast rising among many of the electors in the Aehburton electorate.—lam, eta, Advance New Zealand.

THE ASHBURTON SEAT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— Mr MtKeague possessing, as would he generally expected, a rcfiued taste, an" l>eing of a sensitive nature, naturally re volted against the st'gmaa hurled at him io my letter of Friday last. After acknow- • iedging that he told electors three years ago thati it wag their duty to settle the question of prohibition ab the poll, he appears inclig aant because I omitted the applause which followed. Now, sir, seeing that the only manner then, and now al«o, of settling the matter ab the poll was by the three-fifths majority, it was only natural that, as the tendency ai feeling was in sympathy with that quota of votes, applau-e should follow, bub ithad not the slightestapplica ion to his remarks earlier in the evening—only perhaps he was too dull to grasp the hint from an intelligent audience. Regarding the ninth plank of the Liberal Association, he knowa perfectly well that they merely supported national prohibition, by bare majority, and nut local option—a vastly different matter. The prohibitionists would not touch national prohibition with a pitch fork, as they know perfectly well it is f*r in advanoe of the times. Yes, Mr McKeague was pledged to that platform, and either ab an acknowledgment for hie straight-out declarations for national prohibition, or a doubb of his sincerity, the prohibitionists at a meeting in the Oddfellows' Hall, a week after the aforesaid speeoh, quietly placed his pledge at ita true value, and recorded him three votes the bottom of the poll. Mr McKeague says he is going to the poll, and that his Committee have good grounds to forecast what his position will be when the numbers go up. I grant him his posit iin ab the poll mvy be a secret among himself and Committee", but scarcely bo to the general electors,—who doubtless, when they heard of hit candidature, correctly placed htm. With theie kind remarks, adieu.—l am, etc, A Faddist.

Tancred Street, Nov. 26.

THE ASHBURTON SEAT.-LIBERALS AWAKE.

T0 THE EDITOB.

Slß,—ln fair play I ask you to give me space to advise Liberal electors to.be careful how they vote. There are three candidates calling themeelvea Liberals, namely, Mr Maslin, calling himself an independent Liberal, but really half a Liberal, and wholely a prohibitionist, and a commission agent; Mr McKeague, lately a schoolmaster ; at the Hindß, and at present manager or editor of the Standard newspaper, Ashbur ton ; and Mr McLachlan, a farmer. Now, it is a plain fact if Liberals divide their votes between three candidates at against the vote for the one Conservative candidate, it means the Liberal candidate is heavily handicapped. In ie not a fair fight. You are fighting against yourself. Each man and woman on the roil has only one vote. Now, we have Mr McLachlan, chosen by the Liberal Federation of New Zealand, as their recognised candidate, as opposed to Mr EUrper, the chosen candidate of the National Association of New Zealand, repreaenting the Conservatives. Fellow electors, 1 have it from trustworthy persons in town and > country that Mr McLachlan has the moat ! support. The cry is "McLachlan ia the man for us." This being the case, it is obvious Messrs Maslin and McKeague are standing in their own light, and going to needless expense by contesting th«J election. Further, Mr MoLachlan'a supporters include farmers, tradesmen, laborers, and prohi bitionists, who have decided to give him their confidence. With your permission, sir, I will cono'ude with a few lines in answer to seekers after the claim of candi dates, and which I believe Mr McLachlan possesses. The palace or the hovel i Where first his life began, I seek not of; bub answer this— " 1% he an honest man 1 " —I am, etc., Observer. [We would be. ob'iged if our valued corres pondent would employ an amanuensis. He would thersby save the sub-editor and the printers a lot of worry, and his letters would command more willing attention from both Mr Harper will be able to say for himself whether he is the chosen of the National '.Association. We are rather inclined to fancy he was the chosen of his many friends and neighbors in the county alonr, who know their own wantß best. This is much better than being the chosen of any political clique or coterie —Ed ]

IS HE DEGENERATING?

TO THE EDITOR* Sir,—That men who have constantly to keep repealing the same thing in almost the same words, should eventually acquire a mannerism, which to some extent militates against the success of their advocacy, is & noticeable fact, one which most church goers have noticed as they have listened to the preacher. But one did nob expect that the eloquent leader of the prohibition party would so soon succumb to the influence of iteration. Thtt he has done to waa very apparent last evening, when instead of the evenly modulated resonant periods, which used to delight all who listened to him, the audience had all they could do to follow his rapid and sometimes -conversational utter* ances, interspersed every now and then with a shout. Apart altogether from the matter of Mr Isiti/s discourse, the manner of it showed a great falling off from the eloquent speaker of only a year or so ago. Why, once upon a time not a word he spoke, hot could easily be heard all over the Oddfel lows' Hall. Bub last night a good d«al of what he said—especially when he indulged in his frequenb illustrations of the sayiugs and doings of those interested in the drink traffic and of boozers was inaudible. Can didly I do not think the reverend gentle man adds to his reputation, even from a histrionic standpoint, by hia frequent illus trations of the ways of the section of humanity he professes to champion. AH the name he is a jolly fellow, and even those who don'b agree with him, like him, That is why I and others regret that his enthus* iasm seems to be likely to injure his repu tation as one of the greatest orators in New Zealand —I am, etc., As Old Admibeb.

DANTE, THE CONJUROR, SHOT

His Case Considered Hopeless

I United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, November 27 Dante, the conjuror, was accident ally shot by a companion while shooting near Dubbo. His wound was in the groin and his case is considered hopeless. _^^^^^^^^^^

CRICKET.

Unified Presss Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyrigh b. Adelaide, Nov. 27 In the match Tictoria versus South Aus tralia, the looal men in their first innings scored 204—Headman 44, G. Giffen 39. The Tiotoriana in their second innings have five wickets for 160, Brisbane, November 27 In the return match New South Wales versus Queensland, the visitors in their firat ianings compiled 371—Pye 40, Hopkins not out 48. Queensland's first innings closed for 156—Bradley 40, McDonald not out 50— and in their second innings they ha?e three wickets down for 72,

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Another Engagement,

Four Hotrs' Furious Fighting.

Ike Boers Routed.

51 Killed, 48 Wounded, and Many Prisoners,

f enforcements EntetEstcourt

General Buller Leaves for the Front,

Freparing for Siege.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Oapitown, Nov 24 The Boers, with guns, at Qrasspan, a little to the north of Belmonfc, attacked Lord Methuen, who replied with shrapnel. The Naval Brigade, i the Yorkshires, and the North Lanca | shires carried the heights after four hours' furious fighting. The ftinth Lancers intercepted the flying Boers, but the result of their attack is not known, The enemy early in the fight attacked the rear guard and baggage train. The Grenadier Guardi met thil attack, and also protected the flanks. The Naval - Brigade displayed great gallantry, and suffered heavily. It is known that 51 Boers were killed and 48 wounded, Many were taken prisoners. Lord Methuen has established belio graphic communication with Kim berley. Durban, November 27 Three batteries have reinforced Major-General Barton. The wires to Estcourt have been re opened. The Mooi Biver column has entered Est coarfc, General Joabert withdrew his troops from the Mooi Biver towards Ladysmith, General Buller was wel comed at Durban on Saturday. He has started inland. The British ad vance on Frere and Oolenso hat begun. Capetown, November 27 All the Boer commandoes are re ported to be starving. The Boers have occupied Stormberg. Durban, November 27 The refugees in Pretoria are pre paring for the siege. Melbourne, November 27 The officer commanding the New South Wales Lancers has notified those on board the Nineveh, that the Military Board will sit as soon as they are discharged from quarantine, t« hear their explanations why they refused to go to the front.

Arrival of the Australian Contingents

Boer Treachery

Disloyal Dutch

Great Britain and the Powers

(Received Wakapuaka Nov 27, 10.30 am This Office 11 30 a.m) , Sydney, November 27 The Kent, with the New South Wales contingent, and the Medic with the southern contingents, have arrived at Capetown. The latter only lost one horse. Capetown, November 27 The New (South Wales Lancera I helped to repair the Arundel railway line. Lord Methuen, in remonstrating with the Boers in reference to twelve men in the hospital wounded with I dumdum bullets, added the surmount* ing of a rifle with a handkerchief and taking advantage of your enemy, is a cowardly action, which neither of us can countenance. Seventy well known Barkly East farmers seized a magazine with 800 Martinis and 400 rounds of ammuni* tion, and joined the Free Staters. London, Nov 27 Great Britain has informed the Powers of the exwtenco of a state of war with the Tranßvaal and Free State since October 11. German newspapers, commenting on the notification say that Great Britain admits the Boers are not rebels. All Germing must remain strictly neutral. Russian newspapers declare that the Powers are now able to send officers to the Transvaal, and also to choose a fitting moment to intervene.

Casualties in the Naval Brigade.

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.

Flood in Tu£ela River-

War Relief Fund—Handsome Aus tralian Donation.

United Preia Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright. (Received Wak&puak* Nov. 28, 9-15 ».m This office 9.54 a.m Capetown, November 27 Commander Alfred P. Ethelgton, of the warship Powerfulj Major John H« Plumbe, Royal Marines; and Lieu ten ant G. Senior, R M. A., are amongst the Naval Brigade killed at the battle of Belmont. Mr Saver, Commissioner of Public Works of Oape Colony, sneaking in one of. the disaffected district?, urged loyalty to the British, and promised magnanimous treatment to repentant rebels. Aliwal North refugees, met at Queenstown, declare that Mr Sauer'g presence encouraged disaffection. The Tugela river is flooded. London, November 27

Mr R. O. Tooth, Sydney, has given £10,000 towards the war relief fund. It is considered probable that this ia the recently announced donation by an anonymous Australian.

Fighting on the West Frontier.

Boers Retreat on Warrentoij,

Frere Railway Bridge Destroyed by the Boers

10,000 British Advancing; Mortll*

ward from Kstcourt.

Received Wak«pnak» Nor 28, 938 «.* ThU office 10.6 a.m. Capetown, Nov 27. A body of SQQ Boers, after six d»y«

rflß A-mßv»tiT()N aUARDUN j TUESDAY, NOVEMBEB 28, 1898



CLARKE'S 841 PILLS warranted to curs Gravel, Pains in the back and all kindred complaints. Free from Meroury. Established upwards of 30 years [n boxes 4s 6d each, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout) the world. Proprietors, The Lincoln and Mm land Oounfclei Drug Company, Lincoln England Smoke New Venui



Unequalled and Invinoib> Woods' Great epperraiut Cure for Coughi and OpIs"? 1* I**



Kbating's Powder destroys bug , fleas moths, 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 in application. See the article you purchase ia " Keating's," as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold in tins, 6d, Is, and ga 6d each, by all chemists.



Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Gongha »cd Colds never fails—ls 6d and 2a 6d



An Express. — Everybody knows the advantage of an expressman who knows the town and suburbs thoroughly, and exeoutes orders promptly. Therefore send for John Coopbb, General Carrier and Expressman Peter Street east), near Commercial Hotel— Advt)



c O it Q . * S k^ B MS. m W a ft Eh 111 1 SIS g- 5 3 9 g S -H-' g 1 8 I' W S OS SO 2 3 tHiH "jTwilsonT ( Establish kd 1878), 1 BURNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office' Employs upwards of 18 hands. DECORATOR & SIGN-WRITER. I WISH to notify that I have secured the services of Mr Chapman, as Sign writer, who, in addition to hia home trainiot; has had a large amount of experi ence in our oitiea. LARGE STOCK OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERB. I have just received—direct from the manufacturers —a few thousand feet of Picture Frame Mouldings. Persons desirous of haviDg Pictures framed would do well to call and Bee them* Telephone 65 CHiiiAP~M.ONI^YI ~" OHBAP MONj&Y CHEAP MONEY IN SUMB jF eioo ™ £10,000, ON COUNTRY, CITY, AJf»! SUBURBAN FHKEHOLD.I At 4-J per cent. Terms of repayment of the most liberal character, which can be ascertained on enquiry. |T<OR FORMS OF APPLICATION AND V FULL INFORMATION Apply to thß DISTRICT MANAGER, Christchurcb. J. H. RICHARDSON, Government Insurance Commißsionet.



Oarraway Seeds 8d per lb Pimento, whole ..„ ... Is  H Pimento, jrround... ... Is2d „ „ Mixed Spice ... .•, lid per packet PlCKLES—Hayward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9s 6d per dozen Cross and Black well's, Is 3d par bottle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder .lid par bottle Borax 8d per lb Alum  6d „ „ Saltpetre 6d „ „ Tar tario Acid lslOd „ „ Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2a per doz Iba Whole Linseed ... ... 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d MATCHES—PIaids, 4jd per dou, 4s per gross 250 s Is 6d per dozen 1000's 6d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 8i per doien Yarmouth Bloaters, 9 for Is Maconochie'a Fresh Herrings, 6|d per tin „ Herrings in Tomato, lOd per tin „ Herrings in Shrimp, lOd per tin  Kippered Herrings, lOd per tin „ Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mallett 7d per tin Oysters ... ... ... 8d  „ Sardines, large Alberts ... Is „ „ Sardines, large 8d   Sardines, small , 4d   Salmon, Holly leaf ... lOd „ „ ! Salmon, other Brands ... 8d   OlL—Lucca, 2s 4d per bottle Salad, | pint sd, 1 pint lOd Gaßtor, £ pint sd, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 2lb tin, Is Crosse and Black well's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dozen Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2oz, Is lOd. Lei berg's extraob, Is 9d per bottle Patent) Groats, Robinson's, lOd; Har per's, 9d per tin MelUns'lFood, leJSd per tin



Van Honten's Cocoa, Jib, lid ; £lb, Is 9d; lib, 3s 3d , „ . Fry's Cocoa, |lb, H& ;Jib, Is 4M Real Good Oandles, 4|dperlb; 8a Sd Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, 6sd per Ib ; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights Is 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for la Pearl, 61bs for Is Sago, 71bs for Is Mixed Peel, Lgmou, Orange and Ut ron, 8d per lb Lemon Peel, 7ib tins, 3s 6d lib Tins Assorted Jams, 5d per Id ; 48 9d per doz 21b Jars Assorted Jams, 14a 6d per doz Lea a»d Perrin's Sauce, large, 2s 6d per bottle Mellor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Worcester Saooe, small, 5d ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Mazlna «4 per dozen 6s 6d Whiting, f b for Is Morton's Cream of Tartar, Is 3d per lb Preserved Fruit, 2|lb tina, 8d per tin, 7s 6d per doz English Cut Loaf Sugar, 3|d per lb Tomato Sauce, 9d per bottle Golden Syrup, 21b 6d, 4lb Is, 561b 11s 3d Treacle, 2lb 6d, 41b Is, 71b Is 9d Fiu«at Aaktna • JMperlb Finest Sultanas "id „ „ Finest Oumocs ™ « »> per case 4«d t1  Stewing Figs » »> »» French Plcsaas (choice) ... Is >• •» Stewing Plams ... ... 9d „ „ Finest Mueostels Is Jd „ „ Califoroteia Muscatels ... Is «» »« B^wis, extra fine, 31b boxes, Is 9d per box Almonds, Jordan 2a 4d per lb Almonds, Valencia ... Is 6d  „ Alraonds, Sicily Ib 4d „ „ Barcc'">na N«fca ... ... 8d  „ Shell Almonds 10d „ . Day and Martin's Paste Blacking, 4|d per dos Day and Martin'o Jar Blacking, 6d per bottle Frenoh Blacking, 2d per tin, Is 9dper doe Nixey'« Blaoklead, Id M per doz JamM'*Dome Blaokkad,|6d per.doa 1



WAYERLEY CYCLES. \TEW SHIPMENT JUST T0 THAND ALL LATEST IMPROVEMENTS —{x)— Two^or tnree 98 Ladies Models yet on hand, will sell at £20 A few good second-hand maohines for sale at prices from up. .BEOBNT SUCCESSES OF THE WAYIRLEY. | V O/ Oot. 6—Ashburton Cycling Sports—WAYEBLEY First and Second in every Haco. Oot 11—Otago Labour Day Wheel Eace-WAYERLEY First. Oct, 12—Amberley Druids Wheel Race—WAYERLEY First Oot. 12—Amberley Druids Three MiIe—WAYERLEY Second Oct 28—Auckland Cycling Club, Federal Scratch Mile— WAVERLEY First Wheel Race -WAYERLEY Second N OT ii Christohurch Cycling Club, One Mile Centre Cham pionship—WAYEßLEY First Fire Mile Handicap : WAYERLEY First from Scratch Three Mile Handicap : WAYERLEY First Wheel Race : WAYERLEY Third & Fourth JOHN ORR & CO., ASHBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AGENTS and at Waverley Cycle Depot 217 Colombo Street, Christchurch, JOHN ORR AND COS REVISED LIST^ WTE Claim to be the Leading Firm of Grocers, Ironmongers, and Crockery Vf Merchants In Ashbarton. We import all oar Stock from the H>ma Markets for Spot Cash, and are therefor© in the bssb position do supply tha public with only genuine goods at the lowest possible price for cash. Wa guarantee all ouc goods fall weight and finest quality. We never charge for * packing aad delivery, all goods at the Railway Station free. Any person leaving an ordee with m can get a pareal ticket, and therefore always ba>arej of^having theirjgoods ab tha station in time. No charge for ticket. TjlT /^TTT) 6 Ss Per Ton —j' Jj Lax) UXI —per sack: i3s. — BUGAH — »Jd per lib -with Tea IMARA VILLA GABDEN TEA— la 10d 9 2s, 2a 4d perjlb slb Box .* ... .~ 8a 9d, 9a 7d, 11s 10ib Box « _ 16s Bd, 18s 4d, 21s 8d KOZIE TEA — 101b Box, Jlßs 4d j 51b, 9s 7d GOLD LEAF TEA 101b Box, 18a 4d; 51b, 9a 7d -.PROVISIONS - FAOXORY'BUTTEB—Fern Leaf and Satton's always fn stock. CHEESE—FIneBb Factioryi 6d per lb BAOON AND HAMS — " Lewis'," " Morepork," »D. Mc^allum." Mild GORE OATMTJAL—2SIb Bag, 2s 6d