Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1899 Local and General.

fcuMMKM, Teat —At two o'clock on Friday nfierncou the shade temperature was 83 deg Fahrenheit. Pbkhs Writing. — The Christchurch repre^en ative of the Press Association (Mr Uapper, of the Press) may be complimented upuu the admirable jflraw of th ■• evidence te tue railway aooidenr telegraphed to ua yesterday, it will be peen that he supplied ua with aa accurate report occupying less than two columns. A Bank Cadet"s Loss.—A cadet, em ployed iv the Auckland Savings Bank, was conveying £300 m Bauk of New Zealand notes from the Newton brauch to Queen ■treeb m a bag, when he lost the bag and contents while cycling. A search failed to recover the money. Dressed Poultry fob London. — A Wellington telegram states that the Agricul tural Department has abandoned the pro posal to send a shipment of dressed poultry to London this year, owing to the scarcity of suitable birds, but a oonaignment is moat likely to be Bent next year. Spiking a Runner.— In the first heat o! I the Hundred Yards handicap yesterday, one of the competitors, Reg. Pocock, was badly spiked through another competitor falling. Notwithstanding his injury, Pocock wenb on and won his heat. Subsequently Dr Hunter dressed the wound, and Pooock, who is a very promising runner, will be compelled to rest for a time. Rule and Steingfellows 1 Sale.—At tention is direoted to the clearing sale by Messrs Friedlander Bros., Limited., of the Pendarves property,.stock, implements, etc., on Monday next. Pendarves ia situated about twelve miles from Ashburton and four miles from Chertsey, and the property will either be sold m one block or subdivided to suit purchasers. It is a very fine property, and has chiefly been carried on as a sheep farm. The steak of Sheep, cattle, and horses is among the beat m the district, and the implements are m excellent order. The sale is one that should attract much attention from settlers m all parts of Canterbury.

Primitive Methodist Church.—OnThurs day eveniug the Primitive Methodists met to welcome the Rev. R and Mrs Raine, who have just come from Waimate to labour amongst them, and the large attendance showed that ib was a welcome indeed. Mr W. T* Lill occupied the chair, and representatives from Ashburton Wesleyan Church, Willowby, Seafield, Busbaide, and Highbank, were present to welcome the gueßts to the circuit. Che Rev R. Raine suitably acknowledged the welcome given him and helpmeet. During the evening, Mrs H. Steele and Miss A. Palmer sang solos, Mr W. Smith gave a recitation, and the choir sang several anthems, Refreshments, which were greatly appreciated, were handed round at a later hour by the ladies. Ruapitna #atek Su?pi,v.~A meeting of the settlers m the Ruapuna No. 2 sub division took place at Mr Spensley'a on Thursday. The Chairman of the County Council, Mr E. G. Wright, occupied the chair. After discussion on the proposed water supply the following resolution was moved by Mr John Doyle, and seconded by Mr X; H. Bpensley, and carried unani moualy:—That the ratepayers m No. 2 subdivision thank the Counly Council for their efforts to supply them with water from the Rangitata river, and that the Council be hereby authorised to borrow the sum of £1000 for the purpose. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings £

The blood ia the medium by whichjall nutriment is supplied to the body. No organ, for its magnitude, possesses a greater abundance of blood vessels than the horse's foot. Nor is greater care manifested any where to ensure an uninterrupted supply of blood. Marvellous wisdom ia displayed m this beautiful structure ; but ! how barbar of such treatment, but which no skill can effectually remove. The free, natural, elastic step can only be preserved by the observance of natural laws. Our advice is constantly being Bought m so-called obscure causes of lameness. Instead of it being as is generally supposed " the shoulder," the trouble is m the foot: Pressure, irritating and infliming, prevents free circulation, and pus or matter is discovered m the olift. W. T. Kingston may be consulted at all hours, either at his Forge, Wills street, or at hia private residence, Grey street.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents) TO THE EDITOB. Sib,—While complimenting the officers of the St Patrick's Sports Association on the general excellence of their management yesterday, I think they would have done well to notify that talking, especially bad language, on the track would mean a heavy penalty. While I was standing with some ladies some very improper language was made use of by a rider m a race. The only redeeming feature about the matter was that he was a stranger. The matter of the dreae of some oi the competitors also calls for reform.—l am, etc., Spectator.

COMMERCIAL.

METHVEN SALEYARDS.

The special sale of sheep, etc., held at the Methveo Yards on Thursday, was well attended. About 10,000 sheep came forward, the bslsc of the entry made up of two, four, and sig-tobt&s aas breeding ewes. Though bidding wa? ftib * tijnes' goj^aewhab slow, a gopd clearance was made'4fciGh,e following 6tSPfo*ri ewes 6s 6d t0 7s 9d ; merino ewes, 53 6d. a . Stork Sheep.—Halfbred ewes, four *!^\ sif-tooth, 10s 6d, lls 2d, to lls 6d ; crossbred ewes, agsd ; 2a 8d to 63 6d; sound mouth, 8s 3d, §*, 9a 5d to §s7d % merino ewes, <\i 7d ; crossbred ewes and wethero, two-tooths, 93, 10a 2d, to lls ; four and six-tooth erossbr'ed wethers, forward condition, 12s 6d. Lambs, 9s to 9a 3d ; culls, 3s Id. Shropshire rams, £, |, 1| to If guineas. Fat Cattle.—l cow £4 ss. Stores—l steer £2 10a ; heiter, springer, £3 ss.

RAKAIA SALEYARDS.

A special sale of shejsp, etc., was held at the Rakaia Yards on Friday. Thjs attendance was small and only a limited arnouub of business was transacted at auction. The yarding for the day totalled about 4500, and sales were made at) the following prices :— fc'our, Bis, and eight-tooth crossbred ewes, 10s 3d; four-tooth oroesbred ewes, 10a 76! } full mouth crossbred ewes, 3a 3d to §i 4d > h»Hbred ewes, sound mouth, I<U ?d»

THE RAILWAY DISASTER.

The Inquest. I Uuited Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph. Chmstchurcii March 17 The adjourned inquest on the victims of the Rakaia «eideDt waa resumed this morn ing before Mr B. Beetham, coroner Mr Swinger appeared for the Hallway Depart ment, Mr l. 6. Russell for the Islington Picnic Committee, and Mr Franks, father of one of the kil'ed, Mr J. B. Fisher for the Amalgamated Sooieby of Railway Servants. Inspector Broh*m represented the police, and Messrs Gaw, Baattie and Burne t of the local railway office were also m attendance* Mr Stringer conducted the examination iv chief. THB WITNESSES The first witnesses called were A T Har wood, father of Rose Florence Harwood, John Franks, father of Mary Aan Franks, and whose adopted daughter was Francis TCvelyn Jones, and H X Bowdeo, mother of the child killed, ail of whom stated when they last saw the respective deceased alive, and gave cv donee aa to identification. Dr Symes, who examined the bodies on Monday, stated that there were very few external marks of violence about the bodies except bruises on the head. In the case of the child, its head was a great deal swollen but none of the bones were broken, and death was probably due to shock. Misa Harwood's faoe was swollen and very dark, death occurring from concussion of the brain. The deaths of Misses Jones and Franks were due to fracture of the skull. C E Fisher, secretary of the picnic com mittee, stated that the first excursion train which left Aahburton was twice the length of the second. He was about the last to board the second train, and shortly after leaving was informed that the guard m charge had been left behind. He understood he was the guard m charge because he was the senior of the two on the train. On his advice the second guard stayed m the van to attend to signals. At the time the train was travelling too fast to his liking, and he pointed this out to the guard and impressed strongly on him the necessity to exercise care. la order that the guard might devote himself entirely to the conduct of the train two of the committeemen collected the tickets. The guard consulted a paper con taining the times when the trains was due at the respective stations, and witness stationed one of the Islington employees, Vincent Fitzpatrick, m bhe van to help with the brakes. The train appeared to him to be going very fast, the oscillation beins? greater than on the up journey. Approach ing Rakaia, witness saw a man with a light on the right-hand-side of the railway line. Witness had his back to Rakaia, but knew there was a lighfc from the glimmer m the atmosphere. The man with the light must have been m the hollow for his head was on a level with the car platform. Witness examined the line'on Monday and found the spot where the signalman was stationed, but could not say what distance it was from the station! Shortly after passing the signal saw sparks emitting from the wheels of the van, and concluded that the brake had been applied. When passing the signal, though the train slowed down it was still going fakty fasb. Had not noticed the train being slowed down, not even just prior to the collision. Halfway between Aihburton and Rakaia had noticed that the speed waa un usual. The train 'ef b the Ashburton station at a more than usually rapid rate and he had some difficulty m boarding it. The station master at Ashburton informed him that the train from Christchurch was late bub could not state to what extent. The train passed the signalman very quickly and no whistling was heard. There was an interval between t!.c time of passing the light and the col lision, but as to its duration he was not clear. At this point the driver and guard of the train who had been excluded with other wituessel;, were on the application of counsel for the Railway Servants Society, permitted to be present. V J Fifzpatrick, butcher, employed at the Islington works, stated that the guard leffe behind at Aahburton signalled with a green lighfc, and witness understood from guard Barrows that the sianaLmfiao* 5 «n.»)^ w- "^"5 aiTHexrswCToa. ~Xb We request of the guard he put on the brake, but the guatd himse'f had not applied the brake whilsb witness was iv the van. The guard in structed him as to the manipulation of fche brake and witness j?iib it hard on until it grippled, when he held it, It was not till passing Ohertsey that he put on the brake. Had continued his hold on the brake till the collision occurred. Saw a man with a signal and heard him call out. The guard explained to him that the man had been sent out to stop the train. Was quite certain the guard had not touched the bcake whilst witness was m the van, nob even to show him how to use it. The guard was sober, and did his best to communicate with the driver, but after signalling bim for some time said he cou'd sot get his atten tion. The guard was rather excited, but had done all he could. By Mr Russell- There seemed to be ao appreciable difference m the speed of the train after he put the brake on. By Mr Fisher—There was no apparent effect on the van or train when the brake was put on. Lachl&n McKinnon, employee ab Isling ton, stated that ib was a minute or two after six-thirty when the second train left Asb burton. Saw the guard attempt to get on the van, and he seemed to miss the van. Witness could nob say whether he fell. There was a large crowd on the station. Informed the guard on the train what had taken place, and he went to the van. The train was going faster than ordinary trains run. Witness saw the signalmen before reaching Rakaia but could nob tell the pace the train was going ab the time. Had seen the guard who was left behind at Ashburton I during the day ; the lasb time was two and a half hours before the train left He then appeared to be perfectly sober* By Mr Russell—Jusb before the train started the guard waa about three or four yards from the van, and was apparently perfectly sober. „ ' J. T. Parsons, atationmasber at Ashbur ton, stated that the first train l«fb for Christchuroh at five minutes past six. Ib consisted of two engines, thirty carriages, and a guard's van. The second train waß timed to leave at 6.15, and consisted of one engine, and fifteen carriages and a guard's van. When the second train gob clear of the platform ib was 6.35, twenty minutes late. The delay was oaas'ed by two of the wheels of the van going off the line. The driver of the second train was Carter, and the chief guard Climpson; The latter gaye a signal for the train to start by blowing a whistle and extending his hand? Witness noticed that the chief guard did not manage to geb on the train, aa he was obstructed by a number of people on the platform, who were intoxicated, and wore attempting to board the train. Olimpson was perfectly sober, and there was nothing to indicate he was ia the slightest way affected by drink. Saw Carter before the train left and he was perfectly sober. The first brain was due at Rakaia at 6.47, and was to leave ab 6.52 } the second was due at 6.57, and was to leave ab 7.2* When the guard was left behind, witness attempted to communicate wibh Chertsey and Rakaia, but only succeeded m getting the latter place. The sbationmaater at Chertsey was probably on the station when he tried to geb him* Had wired m order to allay any anxiety as to what had become of the guard* Witness had noanxiety wibh regard to the trains There was a good doa! of drunkenness pa 1 the platform of the Aehburfcont station, and consequent disorder. Tha *wtr.d made eyepy possible effort to kiLVth. train Hotiow the Wp Itf * the board the train. _ mni Thh waa station quioker than usu«.: *v*" ™a natural seeing that the train was late a u » bad crossings to make. j By Mr Russell—The driver was allowed fortysix minutes to cover the distance i between Ashburton and R»|aia, and was j expected to pick up aa much time as possible of the twenty minutes lost, otherwise the Chrisbchurch train would be kept waiting* Did nob think the guard could have boarded the train if ib had left at the usual rate. The guard had hold of the stanchion of the van, bub uot firmly. . A , By Mr Fisher—Could only have stopped the train by telegraphing to the next station. The train did not rush out aba high speed, but took on speed quioker thfsn agrol* By a juryman—Five minutes after the train left tried to telegraph to Chertsey, and if he had been able to geb Chertsey the tram could have been stopped there? It got to Rakftift at 6.53. f .- .». .<■■•■

Peexamlned by Mr Stringer—The driver' wag not responsible for the delay at Ashbur ton. Divers ate expected to make up time lost as much as possible, having regard to fi'ie maximum rate of epaed allowed. It he h-d been succe-infal iv getting Cheitsey he would have informed the tstationmasler that the guard waa off che tp*io aad left it for him to decide whether or not the train should be stopped. At oue o'clock the inquest was adj .turned till twv. Oa resuming, the evidence of Constable Stanley, of Kukait*, and Dr Gorduer, who attended the victims, aad Mr Thie c, senior railway c.erk at Ashburton, was taken, but no new tacts were elicited. VV. V. ihiele, senior clerk at Ashbuaaon, gave evidence as to the sobrieuy of driver Carter and guard Uiimpson. Jle saw the latter attempt to get ou the train as it was leaving Ash bur oon. The guard wae blocked by the people on the platform. The uasistant clerk rang up Chertaey and Raknia one minute after the train left. The brain would take twenty minutes to get to Chertaey. William Climpaon, guard, deposed that he had been m the service fourteen yeare. He I wasseuior guard on thesecond excursion train, which carried assistant guard Burrows. At Ashburton he gave the driver the usual starting signal with the lamp. He tried to get through the people to the guard's van, and either had to pußb the people off the platform or lose the train, and did the latter. He was absolutely sober, and went) uorth twenty-five minutes later m the express. The brake on the guard's van m the excursion train was m good order. He had used it oa the morning of the accident to prevent rebounding. The train was heavier by seven carriages m the morning than at night. If the asaistant guard had gone to the carriage nearest) the engine and whistled, it was doubtful if the driver would have heard him because of the two trucks directly behind the engine. If the brake were put hard on, the wheels would skid on the wet rails, and would nob help to stop the train. The brake on the van was the only one m use on the train except that on the engine. His assistant would be as efficient as himself at the brake. There were brakes on two or three carnages, bub they were not need. Constable Moore gave evidence as to the crowded state of the platform at Ashburton; Ciimpson was sober. Joseph John Burrows said he was a porter m the railway service, and acted as assistant guard on the second excursion i train. He gob on the front carriage nearest the engine as the train started. Me kepb a good look out on the Ashburton side of the train, and saw no signals. Was nob aware that Glimpson had missed the train. Began collect ing tickets and went through seven carriages, when he was told thab Climpson was nob on the train. He immediately went to the van, m order to have the brake under his control. He went out to pick up the land marks, and saw Chertsey. Passed the stationmaster Bhowing a green light, which meant " all right." He could not judge of the speed of the train, but the van swung considerably. Si>on after passing Chertsey witness put out his green light to the fire man, and swung it frsely, clear of the van. "£he meaning of this was *• caution; go on slowly; atop at station signal." Witness got no acknowledgment of that signal. At this time the rain was falling m torrents, and the rain and trailing smoke were worse than the darkness. The smoke hung on the lee side of the train and would obstruct the fireman's view m observing the signal given by witness. Witness did not notice the wind much then, though it waa blowing a hurricane ab Ashburton when they lefb, and at Rakaia when they got there, Ab the time witness gave the signal he was not aware as to whether or not the driver knew about stopping. A man named Fitzpatrick was m the van with him, and they pub on the brake an they got nearer to Rakaia. While waving his lamp his attention was called to a man singing out something about brakes, witness turned his face and saw the glimmer of a red light, and the man appeared to have lost his balance. The man with the light was on the right of the train and the smoke was on the left; the accident happened immediately after this. Witness did not perceive the slackening of speed between Chertsey and Rakaia until they gob to where the signalman wits. He signalled with «. ugnc all the way front Chertsey to Rakaia. Had only been m charge of one train before, but knew the regulations for guards well, as he was qualifying for a guard. Had no idea how fast the train was travelling, and not knowing express speed could not say whether the excursion was going faster or slower than usual. James Burnett, district engineer, produced plans showing the locality of the accident. The grade was one m 26* [points where the signal had been given, which was 297 yards south of the station. The inquest was adjourned till 10 a.m. on Monday.

ST. PATRICK'S CONCERT.

The promoters of the annual concert given on St. Patrick's night were favoured with the crowded hall which has been their yearly experience since the concerts began, and the financial resulb to the object of the entertain' ment must have been very satisfactory indeed. The two parts of the programme opened with orchestral pieces by a well selected party of instrumentalists under Mr Horace Gates, who was also musical director of the concert, and both pieces were thoroughly enjoyed. A violin solo was delightfully played by Mr MeOlough, and the orchestra also did very sympathetic work m the accompaniment to Mrs Mac Lean Dun's song " The boanie banks o' Loch Lomond," the band parts of which were scored by Mr Gates, and fell m well with the beautiful old melody, which the fair-singer interpreted very feelingly. MiBS Collins, a visitor from Rakaia, was most heartily welcomed on her appearance and vociferously encored for her " Come back to Erin " which she gave m the firat part, " Kathleen Mavourneen " m the second. Misß Kidd was the other lady vocalist, and Bang with sufficient archness the always popular " Barney O'Hea," whioh was encored. In the second part she gave "Asthore" with considerable taste. Mr Higginswas m excellent voice and "The dear little Bhamrock," and " Killarney" received just treatment at his hands. Mr Schwartz made his $rst appearance before an Ash burton audience, and his exposition of " The deathless army " showed him to be a tasteful singer, who knows how to use an unusually rich baritone voice. A very well given recitation was MrOooper'scontribufcion, while tha humorous numbers were m the hands of Messrs Treaton and Mac Lean Dun, and were sufficiently mirth-provoking. To the lively violin playing of • Boy Oullen' from Fiemington, a smart little chap of eleven, and -a son of Mr Hugh Oullen, Mr Cade danced a sailor's hornpipe cleverly and gracefully, and after Father O'Donnell had tendered thanks to the performers for their aid and to the audience for their attendance, " God save the Queen " closed the concert, and preparations were made for the very successful dance that followed.

SPORTING.

TRAINING NOTES. United Preis Association—By Electric Telegraph. Dunedin, March 18 Ab Wlngatui this morning Bloomer was blocked on the outside of the courae, rattling over the six furlongs m a caking 6tyle. Mqltlforra, Oonrtier, Sanb Ilario, Djln Dim, and Murella Jumped off at the five furlongs and came home fast, the last fear f«riong<! on theoqtspd.o, takings7aecs. Glenogle did steady work one© round. Social Pest did two rounds on the outside at the threequarter paca. Blazer and St, Denis galloped the six furlongs fast on the t»«n» proper, the last five occupying lmin9aec S , BLerfin|Bhed to front, put appeared to have all tf»9 best pf the weights. Starshot and pandas executea a fine mile gallop, the last seven furlongs 'taking Irain 35 1-N. ™& £**} af u a 1 couple of lengths m front a.t tlu» finish. Malatna jumped off at the rplle and a quarter poet and was joined by Peerage at seven furlongs, the two coming home fast—there was nothing between thera >at the finish^ ? ■ <■"'

ST. PATRICK'S SPORTS ASSO CIATION.

Annual Sports Meeting m the

Domain

FfiOKBS— Judges : Cycling and Running— Messrs R Friedlander, J Muller, Key Father O'Donnell. Irish Dtncing—Messrs H Oulien, J O'Grady. Scotch Dancing— Messrs G Morrison and G X dd. Putting the Stoi-e, Throwing the Hammer, and Jumping—Messrs Jis Jamiason, 0 Reid, and J Mullan. Wrea'hng—Messes M L*gao, G Robertson, and John tJmtll. Decorated Bicycles— Mr W W Smith. Superintendent of Sports—Mr J<»s Wilson. Referee—Mr W Burns. Sfcarter—Mr ¥• J Henry. Timekeepers—Messrs G Jesson, D Zander, and F Curtis. Handicnppers— (Cycling): Mr Jno Muller ; (Pedestrian): Mr X J Henry. Laptakers and Marks men—Messrs W H Dardis, F Cooper, M J Burgess, A O'Neill. Non-Starters Notice Boo>rd—Messrs R B Beatell and P Conkson. Result Board—Messrs EL McSherry and A Bray. Pavilion Stewards Messrs H Milsom and S Madden. Hon. Pipers —Messrs J Scott and Murdoch Maodonald Clerks of the Course—Messrs C Muir and Joe Wilson.

The above sports took place yesterday, the attendance being very large, almost a record. Tery complete arrangements were made to secure the programme being properly carried oub, as a glance at the oral on entering the ground at once showed. A capital dancing stand had been erected and every thing connected with the various events was m evidence. Nothing was missing when the time came for wanting to use the acces sories of a sports meeting, which was a very satisfactory state of affaire. The officers, of whom there were two or three for each department worked admirably, and it would hardly have been possible to improve upon the manner m which the duties were appor tioned. It is almost needless to say that Mr D. McDonnell, the Hon Secretary, and Mr John Muller his aid, were here, there, and everywhere, and we have to acknowledge the courteous manner m which tbey supplied our representatives with any information asked for<

The novelties Introduced were tilting at the ring, obstacle race, Canadian pig hunt and decorated bicycles, which all created more or less amusement. The winning decorated bicycle was quite a work of art, the machine being completely hidden m a covering of ivy leaves with streaks of dahlias and other flowers, giving the whole the appearance of a ship. Masts with flags were carried, and to complete the illusion the rider rocked his machine as he went round the track, almost making some of tha onlookers sea sick. The quad was more noticeable for the novelty of the thicg than for the way it was decorated. The Association wi«h to thank the follow [ ing gentlemen for special prizes :—Messrs J. j O'Grady, J. V. De Beer, Jno. Wilson and i F. Curtis. ■

The heat of the day waß oppressive—in fact, phenomenal; but the weather, notwith standing the heat, was » thousand times better than that at any sports meeting ever held on the oral, as there was a total absence of the disturbing gales with which visitors to the oval have on many occasions had to contend. The Ashburton Brass Band did good service on the ground, and Mr Flowers' booth for light refreshments was a most wel come establishment. The sports were got off with commendable punctuality, and the fol lowing are the results :—

BICYCLE EVENTS.

Half-Mile Bicycle Handicap.—First Heat- All started but Tierney. Blisieb fell baok m the first lap, where he stopped. John took the lead from the ttart and won easily, with about half a dozen yardi to spare; Holland beating Gooke for second place by about half a length. O. Crum (60yds), also started. Time—l 3 Second Heat—ln this heat out of an entry of eight, only four started, the non-starten being McNaught, Sutherland, Derrett, and Sargisson. Gates led until coming into the straight, when he was passed by McKnigbt, who won by about a length, with Humphreys third. Time—l.4 Lewis fell when coming . last m the'etraighl.'" ' Third Heat—Johnston kept the lead until the las); lap waeha'f run, when he was passed by the 7 field, G Porter winning with R Camp bell second, and J D Fraser third. Wall, Cleaver, and F Wilson, were non-starters. Won easily by about a length. Time—l.Bg Final Heat—Holland (30yds), 1 ; John (50yds), 2 ; Cooke (25yds), 5. The Btarten m this heat wef John, Holland, Cooke, McKnight, Cates, Humphreys, Porter, Camp* bell, and Fraser. Cates kept the lead until the bend for home m the last lap, when he fell, bringing down Campbell, McKnighfe, and Humphreys who were close be* hind, Humphreys going over the fence, and bending his front wheel, and Campbell snapping his frame m two pieces jaat new the. head. Holland and John were just far enough ba k to miss the fallen men: Holland managed to win by about a length, Cooke third close up. Time—l,s One Mile Bicycle Handicap.—First Heat- All started m this heab buc Sargisson. Fraser and Campbell kept the lead until the third lap, when Sutherland, paced by Tierney, took command, winning by about) a yard, Oooke second, Campbell third. Tierney and Lewis also started. Time—2,l3§ Second Heat—ln this heat) only E Willis and 0 Crum started, and thinking chat some* one was behind them, wenb off aba good pace, but finding they were the only starters, they slowed up, making their time slower than it would otherwise have been. They had & sprint at the finish, Willis winning by about) a wheel. Time—2.l6. Third Heat—la this head, E Wall had an accident which pub him oub of the race. The front division kepb well together until tha commencement of the lasb lap, when John took the lead, with Huston and 0 Willis fol lowing close up until thay had turned into the straight, when Huston and Willis shot out, John falling into third place, Huston winning by about half a length, a very good finish. Time—&l4§ Final Heat-E John, 130yda,1; E, Willis, 130 yds, 2; A Huston, 110 yds, 3. All the placed men (eight) Btarted—Sutherland, Cooke, Campbell, C Willis, E WilUs, John and Huston* E Willis led for the first two laps, John and C Willis close up* John and E Willis sprinted up the straight, John winning by about half a length, Huston several lengths away third. Time—2.9 Sutherland lode a splendid race, finishing his mile m the record time of 2dQ from the mark! Sb. Patrick's Day Wheel Race. First prisse, £18; second, £5 ; third, £2..—First heat—W Tierney, 35yds, Ij G Porter, 75yds, 2 j A Huston, 200 yds, 3; R Cooke, 100 yds, 4. E Willis did most of the pacing, Huston and MoKnight taking a couple of laps, but not fast enough, for at the IMb lap Tierney took the lead, winning by about ft length, with Porter a good second. G Lewis and O Cram also started. Time— 4.39, Second heat— R Campbell, 190 yds, 1; C Willis, 180 yds, 2; E John, 235 yds, 3; G Sutherland, ecr, 4. Charlie Willie soon caught Campbell and John, and paced them for a lap, when John took up the running, Campbell hanging on to the wheel of tha two leaders. Meantime the scratch man, well paced by Wall and Humphreys, was coming up fast. Willis, however, took the leading division along aba good pace, and just before reaching the post Campbell came away and won by a length. The spectators expressed their disapproval of the tactics of the winner by hooding him lustily, all round the track. Sutherland got into fourth place by half a wheel. Time—4-36J. s: f; Wheel Race.-^Jfinal heab— Q Sutherland, sor, 1 1 W Tierney, 35yds, 2; R Cook% lOOydsj 3. The other starters were Porter, 76yds; Cooke, 100 yds; CO Willis, 180ydsj Campbell, 190 yds j A Huston, 200yde. C O Willis soon caught Campbell and Huston, and later on John, the latter took a lap, bub Willis evidently thinking that the pace was too slow, cut out a fast lap with a brilliant i spsfi^b, ■- \/h.ipbi however,' left Huston $nd CatnpbelFso.'hopelessly m the rear that the I former stopped; and the" latter was shortly passed by. the 1 back markers. John,-who made a game attempt to follow Willis, fell, butluckily eacaped serious injury. Meantime, Willis being entirely 'on hit own,' qould aofc keep up his effort to the end, and although he was loudly ohjeered for bin plucky dash he had to suffer defeat-, the champion going with great determination and winning m the fine timsof 4 29§ for, thi whole distance, Tierney & good second. iQcokt wow Itngtasa.w»j tWrd». ; '

THE ASHBUIiTON GOAKDIAN : SATUBDAY, MAKOH 18, i 899



J. h> Higffifs — Gr&iair.



[Advertisement.] TO THK EDITOB. Sir,—l have read Mr Baigent's elaborate and interesting reply to the letter appearing m your columns signed " One who paya for his sport." I note Mr Baigent saya that he pays for his advertisements. This no doubt he does if he wishes them to appear m your valuable columns, as it is proverbial that newspapers do not trust anybody, not even an amateur. It appears to Die that the A.A.O. & A.O. held on to Easter Monday until it was too late for another Club to obtain that day, and then gave it up as it would not pay. Is there not a strong tinge of cash about that? Then that Club arranged for races, on a track prepared for another meeting without referring the matter to tjiia Domain Board, the governing body, and was astonished at that body objecting to it, The Domain Board rightly objected I think to suoh an amateur performance under disguise* When the AiA.O. & A.C. do arrange fora meeting I hope that Club will come out m its true colours.—l am, etc,, Onlooker. Ashburton, March 17tb, 1899.



A tale may gie a wise man counsel, and it'a this—drink unblended diamond jubilke tkas!—Agents—Shearman Bros , Ashburtori, W T Doak, Mount Somers and Mayfiold; Jarpea Gudsell, Tinwald. The pain <?f a burn or scald is almost instantly relieved by applying Chamberlain's Pain Balm.' It also hoala the injured parts more quickly than any other, treatment, and without the is very severe does aofc leave » ae»r. For sale by the AsHBDRTON Data COWANS'



QUALITY TELLS!A TALE _ PROVED BY THE FACT THAT NEARLY - j out of every Zf of the whole population of Men, Women,and Children DRINK PURE! CEV&OX or iUenrieil Teas. The above statement, after 18 years' trial, | Should convince both the trade and public 1 that N. M. & CO.'s Pure Teas cannot be equalled. COMPARE Any of our Teas with others costing 44per Ib. more money, and you will be convinced ours have no equal for Quality, WOOL, SKINS, ETC. THOMAS McGRANDBL, NOTIFIES to the Butchers, Farmers, and others m the District that he has taken the premises m Tancred Street, West, (next BiPk of Australasia) which he has opened as a SKIN AND WOOL STORE, and ia prepared to buy at Highest Market Price for C*sh— SKINS, FAT, HIDES, WOOL, HORSE HAIR, Etc. In attendance on TUESDAYS AND SATURDAYS. 3 137 ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDINCI AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. FTIcIE Twenty-fourth Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the above Sooiefcy will be held at the Office, Tancr°d Street, on MONDAY, the 20th day of March, 1899, at 3 p.m. EDWARD STEPHENS, 3 166 Manager. FIRST ANNUAL VISIT TO ASHBURTON OV THE TjniJN^Nl EYE-TESTING EXPERT, ! //. A. Barratlouftfi, 8.0.A., Of 371 George Sfcreefs, Sydney, Who may be consulted at his 7l!v^ Room ab the SOMERSET HOTEL TOD AIT AND MONDAY, March 18 and 20. NOTE a few of this Specialist's dis* tiDguiahed clients —Sir H W Norman, Bir G Dibbs, Sir John Forrest, Sir S W Griffith, Sir J Downer, Sir J Le Steere, Sir H Tozer, Hon E Barton, and most of the public men of Australia No charge la raada fo? Testing the Sight. § lift



GBAIN SHIPMENTS TO LO NDON . WE beg to intimate to our numerous Clients that we have made special arrange ments for ihe SHIPMENT OF WHfcAT & OATS on owners' account during the present season. We are m a position to offer freight by Sailers and steamers at lowest rates current, and consignments submitted to our care will receive our London representative's personal atten tention. We are prepared to make! Liberal Cash Advances against shipments placed m our hands for sale, Free of Commission ( and Interest, and our experience m the Grain and Produce Trade is sufficient guarantee that any business entrusted to us will be well looked after It is anticipated that all the available shipping space will be required this season, and early application will there fore be necessary. Friedlander Bros., Ld,



t: rlodlanrief Bros., Limited. FO,* PRIVATE SALE. TTTE Have for Private Sale, a complete CHAFF-CUTTING PLA.NT, Consisting of 6 H.P. .Aveling ami Porter TRACTION ENGINE, OHAFFOUTTER by Andrews and Beavan, CORNCRUSBKR, HUT, HAW BKNCH, BELTING, and Sundries; ali m flrst-class order Fall particulars on application to FRIEDLANDER BROS,, Lld. Or Jos. Andkbson, Methveo.



CHURC3 SERVICES. ST. STEPHEN'S CSURCH Anhburtoo. sth PUN!>AY IN LPNT (March 19 ) 11 am—Matins, toy Communion, und , Seimon. 230 p m—Children's Service aad Cate chising. 3 30 p»oi—Holy Baptism. 6 30 v.m—Evening Prav«rand Sermon. R*V R. A. WOODTHORPti, Ml.



CONUNDRUM^ \T7HY IS BKNJAMIN GUM like a Hard-boiled Egg ?~Becaure it is HABD TO BEAT THAT precisely expresses the opinion of all who have used Benjamin Gum. There is no Cough Medicine like it. In troduoed into Canterbury only last winter its success'was immediate. Thousands of bottles were sold m a few months, and hundreds of sufferers wrote gratefully to the proprietor of their Speedy Care. It is not a catchpenny Quack Medicines Ib is made by a fully qualified Chemist, who knows his business. It contains the same Ingredients as Friars' Balsam, which was first made by the Monks and Friars of Kurope m the days of old. Friars' Balsam has been used for six hundred years for healing cuts and wounds. Spencer Vincent's Oe»iaimin C^rum is a Compound of this Balaam, with other Ingredients, prepared by a specialf process for internal use. Are yoa troubled with your Chest? BENJAMIN GU M Will heal the Lungs. It will not heal them at once. It must be used for some time, aad seed regularly m old-standing case*. Have you a Cold m the Head or a Harsh Cough BENJAMIN GUM Will Heal the inflammation of the threat and passages ot the nose as Friars' Balsam heals cuts. Coughs disappear with thi inflammation which caus »b them. BENJAMIN GUM Ib not & chewing gum, fcufc v. ve?y Ratable liquid. i The bottle contains almost tw10.6 as much as any other Cough Mixture m the markrfr Itjißthe&lNG OF ALL. P&10E : Is Od and 2s Od Chemists and Stores. Spencer Vincent, I CHEMIST, OHBXSTOJSUROH, ' PROPRIETOR A Race fok Lijfe is taking place m our midst every day, and too often, alas, the re sult, ends m death. People, as a rule, are act to look up^n some slight ailment which may Qverii^e them with contempt, and they thus ignore the simple remedies which would speedily restore them to health. When too late they see their errdri and bitterly be wail the folly which brings them to a pre- ; manure arave. Holloway's Fills, .if taken m ( regular «os*js g,cco,rdii3g to directions, enrich: s,nd p.uri-fy t«io kloo/jL Diseaso ia thus pre- i vented from wea{sen£ng th.c system, and the; bleeaing or a gound constitution ip enjoyed, i At this season, when fevers, dysentery, ans stomach disorders are oommoo, this wonder ful medicine ib specially useful.



A VICTIM OF Functional Disease. /L] N KVER fails any «na m jTViaXlini F, U ch a predicanti'nt. To Mifferera from Sick Headache, Dyspepsia, Bi'iousness and Constipation it ia •• A friend m need and a friend indeed." Assist Nature by Alaxum, and you will avoid a multitude of distressing functional derangements and diseases. Of all known medicines for renew ing the energy Alaxum is the beat. Its secondary effects are marvellous. Many persons afflicted with constipation have testi fied not only to ita immediate relieving properties but to the fact that the cure lasts. No care is required while using it. It does not interfere with the diet, habits or occu pation, and produces no inconvenience m its action. It is at once a laxative, an appetiser, and a stimulating tonic, prepared scientifically, and endorsed by the Press aB the most valuable medicine that has ever j been offered to to the public m a popular form. ALAXUM CTOES Biliousness, Bilioua Headache, Dizziness Coativeness, Sour Stomach, Loss o Appetite, Coated Tongue, Indigestion, Dyspepsia, Flatulence?, Heartburn, Pains and Distress after Eating, and all functional derangements of the system of nutrition NOTE THIS WELL- The whole system of a human being may be perfectly sound, and yet through derange ment or weakness the organs of the boay may perform cheir functions or their work sluggishly, thus giving rise to want of appetite, and a consequent general impover ishment) of the whole being. Such a con dition causes thousands of people to fancy that they are consumptive, while they are really only m need of a remedy to sco tho organs of the body working harmoniously. Reason points to two essential qualities m a remedy for this purpose. It must create an appetite for food, and at the same time assimilate its nutriment. With either of these qualities alone the remedy would be worse thaa useless, but with both it becomes a power with incalculable good. Alaxum is the only medicine which combines these two qualities. It is a natural appetiser, and its first action is to create hunger. After the appetite is satisfied it acts directly on the stomach, liver and kidneys, clearing away all effete matter and exciting them to activity. The system then receives nutri tion and new life from the proper assimila tion of the food; and where there is no organio disease health must follow. This is common sense and cannot be gainsaid. Accept no substitute that may be recom mended to be "just as good.' It may be htUa—for the dealer— because of ita better profit, buc m such an instance the dealer is not the one who needs help. FROM ALL CHEMISTS & STORE KEEPERS, PRICK 2s 6o



The Proud Record, TH AT not a nsle broken Wavarley frame was reported during '97 or '98 speaks r I h«fl iiyin Waverley Bicyoles. for the hfeh carl)oa>teel tabmg and _j2Xli^^ THK sun» cmli y of tuSlnij. ih^ same q-wllty of d-«p forgtn-s, the same skill and .h«rou.h«e»* i nwklm Ri mm 1899 W i^rl ys wuh Improvement am design, tried *nd that will raik* every owmv of the^Vwerley proud of hb mount.. The Beauty of the Waverley Bicycle, THU lwiaiy of th-i W.wetloy Bleyctohw aliriys beon famoas, for this season we 8 «rp 98 8 all p-eviow eff »r«a and proluoe a bioyole as new'y perfect asi skilll ani the pwMoally unlimtod resources of o-ir gre.*fc factories cm make It. Ihe design Is sleg»n^. and gcwefnl. Bin t every deUil of wj-kmanship and finish have been brought feo tempting ideality. The Strongest Fork Crown Yet Produced. OKE OF THE FEATURES OF THE WAVERLEY ISJTHE^NEW HOLLOW-ABCH DROP-POKGED FOBK CROWN that will anqaeationably cause » sensation wherever ib la shown. Ifcdonbtea the strength and rigidity of the front fork*?, preventing all' wavering or unsteadiness of the front wheel. It insures the rider safety. WAVERLEY CYCLE DEPOT. Sl7 COLOMBO STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. JOHN ORR & CO.. JJASHBURTON, SOLE AGENTS FOB NEW ZEALANP. SHE BEAUTIFUL WA\TfcKLKY CATALOGUE I^FREE, ITIIS c WORrH OF YOUR CABEFUL STUDY.J



Waverley Bearings Have Double Life. f Jurying out the principle of simplicity and universality which we have andeavotued to make a feature of 1899 Waverley Bicycles, we make the conea m the bearings with doable faces. Thus the same cone can be inserted on either side of either the front or rear hub. It cannot be inserted wrongly. There are Real Improvements m 1899 Waverley Bicycles. WmrUy Catalogue tells the details. Sow vmdy Free. Simplicity. cw:Lin IrkX£V3«iii tmenb ' -d -ideai twc-pieco Orank shaft »re points worth mentioning.