PHASES OF THE MOON

November

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1899. ENGLAND: THE UNREADY.

Those of us who wore on the earth at the outbreak of the Indian mutiny can remember the terrible tension m Great Britain, and can find some parallel to that fearful time m the Boer war of to day, with the anxiety that attaches ' to the arrival of the transports on the South African Coast, carrying aa they do the reinforcements wh eh are to relieve the brave fellows who, up to now, have borne the fiercest of the battle brunt against long odds. Only we have less reason to be bo anxious, and our anxiety is robbed of the sicken in" fear that possessed us on the occasion of the Indian mutiny. At the date of the Indian mutiny there were no submarine cables to flash news of the situation, so that the waiting was long and dreary and to those who hid loved ones m the danger the hope deferred made the heart sick indeed It is hardly for uc, at this distance from the great centre of preparations, to say that the Home authorities should have done this or that or the other, m the present trouble with the Boers, but a comparison with the times of the mutiny and tha un preparedness of the War Office to day hardly puts the latter m the best light. When the fearful events of the mutiny began to unroll themselves like a diorami of horror before the authori ties of the War Office and the people of Great Britain, action was taken with an energy that showed that when occasion demanded the authorities could rise to the effort, and when the hour came so did the men. There was then no Suez Oanal, and all our appliances were t'aose of fifty years ago. The voyage was Jong by sea, and the preparations that were made ware hurried m the extrprufl, but no time was lost. It was then that Sir George Grey took that memorable step that at once made him famous, and brought out strongly his foresight as a states man, and his promptness m action He realised the fill intensity of the situation, and despatched from the Cape every man he could spare. He i went further, and riding on the top of i bis commission, bent on to India forGes ! that landed at the Oape that were ! destined for China. So urgent was then the call for men that to avoid the long sea voyoge soldiers were actually carried across the desert to the Red 1 Sea. How dreadful was the suspense ! :. Every arriving packet brought shock | ing tales of cruel massacre, of place-s leaguered, and holding out against possible starvation and cannon shot I till relief arrived ? Many places failed to hold out, and who that has read the details of the Cawnpore massacre is °.ver lively to forget them, But we need not dwell on the horrors of that tf-rrible time. We have a similar anxiety to d jy, though we have not the accompanying sickening fear of the horrors that were attendant. Our anxiety is for the speedy arrival of those transports that are carrying troops to the front, and that they will be m time to relieve General White and his forces m Natal on the eastern side with Ladysmith as the ruain objective, and the forces on the we&t that are holding Mafeking and Kimberley. The arrival of the first fleet qI transports has been announced, and unless Rome terrible disaster, un forseen and impossible to foresee and provide against, happens to those en voyage, the remainder will reach their destination before the week is over. And should need be, others will follow rapidly, and m time the Transvaal aud the Free State will be covered by British troops as with a fight of locusts, 1 But the point we wish to make is that ': we fancy these transports should have been ready sooner, and the men m a fair way for mobilisation at a much ! earlier period. As we have said already, it is not for us at this distance, and with only a modicum of the full facts before os^ fa be pritical of the Home authorities, but one jsan hardly avoid the conclusion that, notwith standing Mr Chamberlain's asaurance that to the very end of the negotiations he never calculated on Kruger being foolish enough to fight, we have held the military task that was certainly probable too lightly. It would have been better to have been prepared for the very worst, and to have been ready at a day's notice to send a host of troops to the Cape that would have been ready to meet the first outbreak. Indeed it seems to us now more than ever that the despatch of a large body of our Indian troops to the Oape many months ego, as suggested m these columns long since, would probably have averted war altogether. The sentimeatal objection to employing our Indian fellow subjects to assist m defending the empire is only sentiment. Had the Imperial authorities but transferred about 50,000 of their Sikh and Ghoorka troops to South Africa while the dispute with the Transvaal was going on, it goes without saying that Oom Paul would not have com mitted his country to war- As for the Indians themselves, they wopld have thoroughly enjoyed the trip, and the moral eflect upon the natives of the British Government throwing a power fl u army from India into Africa would have been tremendous The expense would have been as nothing compared with what we s,ha)l now incur, while thousands of lives would have been spared. We believe that such $ course would have been approved throughout the empire. As it is we have trusted ', to Kruger being wiser than he is. ' Nothing should have been taken for granted, for m previous wars with the enemy we are to-day strug gling with we had abundant evidence that they assumed the offensive just; when it suited them, Ail tha fights of 1881 were on our own territory, not on the Boers'. We had no right to tako j it for granted that when war wasi absolutely inevitable the Boers would ! Bimply assume the defensive and wait for our attack. All the Cape history is against that, and doubtless every authority at Hpme will have to answer

to the British pooplo for the fact that' comparatively speaking to a handful o? troops was assigned the duty of holding our rfouth African empire till the mem ! body of ou? fighting nifn arrived It is consoling to know that the bravo 1 follows now at the front have been nl>!e to hold their own, and are likely to continue to do so till tho Doers, face thfl terrible day ot reckoning that awaits them before this month has closed.

Local and General.

%* On the liret page to-d.>y will be found articles entitled Anglo-German Agreement and Petroleum ; and on the fourth p >go Mis cellaneous Itema. Kaiapoi Bkiokk—Though work is not finished at the new Kviapni bridge, the structure is open for ordinary traffic. PE)isoNAL-Mr John Duthie, Ml 11,, arrived m Chrla'church by the express last eveniug, The Mails—The Waikare, from Mel bourne and Hobart, arrived »b the Bluff yesterday. Her mails should reach Ash burton this evening. Inklcenz v—Owing to the prevalence of ir fluecza m Dunedin several pchoolg have hid to bn eloped, ai;d many of the staff of the Evening Slav are sufferers. Dunedin Sui'BEMS Court.—The criminal calendar for the Dunedin Supreme Court comprises fourteen case?, including two serious charges of offenoea against women.— Press Association telegram. Accident—A man named William Came ron was admitted to the hospital on Monday from Mount Somers, he having met wi'h » mishap and broken a leg His injuries were promptly attended to by Dr Trevor. Educational Institute—Mr W. Brook, of Hampstead, has been elected to represent the Aehburton section of the Institute at the annual Council to be held at Timaru m January next. A Federation MovEMENT—It ia probable that within the next few weeks, step 3 will be taken towards tha formation of an Asso ciation of the various Opeiatic and Dranmtic Societies m the colony, somewhat on the linen of sports Societies, which have found federation advantageous m many reepecta. Worthington Aft UN—The Melbourne Age is publishing a series of ariioles, review ing the life of Arthur Bantley Wcrthinglon, who founded the sen known as the Students of Truth, Christchurch It is understood that Worthington is endeavouring to found a similar sect m Melbourne. Scprkbie 1 Court—The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court Ciriatohurch were brought to a close yesterday. David Edgiugton was acquitted on a charge of breaking and entering and theft; and William John Ireland and James White were found guilty of assault, the former being sentenced to three months. 1 and the latter to six months' imprisonment with hard labour. " Scorching."-In Christchurch on Tues d&y a cyclist named Melville Clark wa3 run into by another cyclist* who came along at "scorching" pace. Mr Clark's machine was damage! to the extent of £5. The offender refused to give his name, Baying that he was a haying at a hotel m town, bur inquiries made by Mr Clark proved that this statement was untrue. Bank of New Zealand—Tho Bank of New Zealand has decided to close its Ade laide branch, as the volume of business does not warrant keeping it opan. Several changes m the staff will follow the recent appointments. Mr Parfitt, ktely inspec'or for New South Wales, and formerly rnauagrr at Wellington, will probably become inspector for the Siuth Island. A Terrible Death—-A farmer named H. Bsster, of the V< rda district, m the Orange Piec State, mot wich a peculiar and terrible acoidont, He was soarchiug for a lost kid, and found iti fairly deep iv fcho hole of a burrowing p:g (aardvark). He crept into the hole and c<»ught hold of it, but do whit he could, he could not creep back, sti'l le3s turn himself round. In his struggles to get out he got himself j immed into mch an immovable position that he was suff ic&ted to death. A Lawyer With a Conscience —There ia a general idea among the public (observes the J-ost) that a lawyer with a conscience is quite a rava avis Occasionally, however, a case crops up m which direct evidence to the contrary 13 obtainable. iSuch an instance occurred on Wednesday, m the Wellington Magistrate's Court, when Mr Iz rd, the winning solicitor m a case, said he wouid not ask for counsel's fee. Mr Martin, who appeared m the case for the City Council, said ho did not know why his learned friend should not ask for counsel's fee, to which Mr Iztrd replied that he waa a member of the City Council, and he did not think it right that ho ehou'd ask for a foe against a public body of whiuh he himself was a member. Thf Rakau Case m the Supreme Court—Referring to the Rakaia case m the Supreme Court, the Press bays: In the Supreme Court on Monday, all the machinery of the second highest tribunal m the country was put m motion, and twelve good men and true went) without their lunch and spent several hours m deliberating m regard to a case m which the goods aaid to have been stolen were valued at the sum of itK The injury ultimately disagreed, and the whole oa.se will have to be gme over again. As an item of humour from the hearing of the case, the same paper quotes— "lean tell that I made the cakes now before the Court," said a witness yesterday, m answer to Mr Kippenberger. "I can recognise them as well as you could your oy/n handwriting." The accused was found not guilty'nezb day. Infected Vkhigles—A deputation from the North Canterbury branch of the British Medical Association waited upon the Chriatchurch City Council o^J^jU^ttfflltijgtttf with reference to the **&&¥ $£)&&&& spread by the me of li#^scr|^B^ij|fyr" conyeying infectious cases "til mtT BoepTxa'l. It was pointed ost that unless the public vehicles were used there were no means of getting infectious cases to the Hospital. The deputation suggested that two vehicles should be set apart for this purpose, and that the cost should be borne by the City Council and other local bodies. Ihe matter was referred to the Sanitary Committee to report upon, It may be noted that the City Coußcil have by-lawe dealing with the eubject m the direction of fining cabmen using their vehicles for infectious cases. PRESJSY3FERIAN—At the Presbytery meet ing m (Jhristohurch on Tuesday, a report of the Rev G B Inglis on the b'pringbura and Methven charge was received, and the Presbybery expreased "sympathy with ministers and people amidst the difficulties incidental to a large and widely scattered country parish. They regret to leirn there are no elders m the chirgf, and they would impress upon the people ihe duty of loyalty to the Church and its ordinances as ordained of Godj and finally express the hope that by the Divine blessing there will soon be seen throughout this wide district a revived interest m spiritual things, and urge those who haye bben elected to accept office to strengthen the kpiniat.er's hands and help on the work of the church*" Tea Drinking is Italy— Tea-drinking is extending very much m Italy, although the price is high and the quality of the supply is poor, and the duty is almost prohibitive. Whatshould we say m New Zealand to have to pay lls 6d duty on a sovereign's worth of tea? Yet such is the impost levied by the Italian Customs. In the opinion of Mr Con sul Neville- Rolfe, loaly affords now a field which an enterprising house might take up with considerable advantage, for not only do hotels use large quantities, biltin all thetowns resorted to by strangers we find shops whose I business consists largely m providing five o'clock tea for travellers. In ftalian private houses, too, the fashion of tea, both m the afternoon and after dinner, is spreading not ably, and recently the members of one of the principal clubs gave a five o'clock tea to their lady friends, Many English families obtain their supplies by parcel post from London.

A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Committee of the A. and j P. Association was held on Tuesday after noon, at which the chair vas occupied by Mr G. VV. Leadiey, president of the Associatiou. MKMBBUS' TICKETS The matter of meninerb' tickets and pusses, referred to m Mr F. Peter's letter, wis I .tgaiu deferred ; the secretary to .Nscertuin | th« system adopted by other societies m this j connection. A COMPLAINT Mr K. Brown wroic, complaining of an error m cafcaloouing a yearling fi!!y of hie at j the late show. It was resolved to leave the matter m tho hands of the Chairman, that he might refer it co the c'ass Btewurdß. GRAIN SACKS j A letter was received from the Railway Department on tho subject of the proposed reduction m the siza of grain sacks. It was reaoivtd that the matter ho referred to No. 2 Committee, who will collect information on the subject and report at a future masting ; the letter to be acknowledged m the mean time. THANKS. On the motion of Mr Cookaon, hearty votes of thanks were accorded the judges, whose awards were so favorably received at the late show; to Mr J. Studholme, junr, for hie generosity m presenting furniture, etc., to the Association for tho use of mem bers m the Association's rooms to the value of six guineas ; to Mr J. Gilmour for his donation of £9 103; to Mr T. Taylor for a donation of two guiutas; to Mr Sharplin for one of £3 10a ; and co Metmrs Friedlander Bros , Ltd, for five guineas, towards the building fund. INTERIM BALANCE SHEHT. The interim balance sheet presented showed the society co be m a good position financially, ami m possession of sufficient funds to carry on to the end of the financial year without drawing on the reserve fund, and this iv spite of the fact) that close on £200 has been spent m improvements on the cew show ground this year. ACCOUNTS A number of accounts were referred to the Finance Committee, and the meeting ad journed.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. London, November 13 Herr yon Bulow accompanies the Emperor of Germany on his visit to the Queen at Windsor. The Emperor and Empress will lunch afc the Mansion House m semi-state. Lord Salisbury and Lord Wolseley are on a visit to Windsor. Paris, November 13 Tho police are raiding the head quart rs of the As3umptionists for evading the monastery tax, and have seized £72,000 belonging to their Anglophobile newspaper, Lacroix. Pekin, November 14 Port Tochow, at the entrance of Tungting Lake, Hunan, is now open to foreign trade. Melbourne, November 14 Lori Ranfurly has gone to Mildura to inspect his irrigation properties, Brisbane, November 14 Two miners, named Ayles and Oiose, were killed at Groydon, through the breaking of a cage rope. They fell 300 feet.

TEE FRENCH NAVY.

Proposed Large Xacresss m the "vote.

A Deputy's Views

United EVobs Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Oopy right. Paris, November 14 The Budget Committee favours a largo increase m the navy vote. M. Camillo Peletan, the Radical Socialist deputy for .Douches Du-Rhone, and a champion sf. economy, has been conver ted to the necessity of an increase. He admits that war with Great Britain is possible, though he does not greatly fear that it will occur.

SENSATIONAL DEFALCA TIONS BY A SOLICITOR.

Embezzlement of Trust Funds

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright [ Melbourne, November 14 I Sensational defalcations by a solicitor I formerly at Geelong have been brought to light. It is stated that they will not |be far short of six figures It is believed the solicitor is now m England, where much of the trust funds came from I The Government informed some of the •interested parties that if a definite case were stated they would incur the expense of extradition.

A Barquentine Ashore

United Press Association—By Eleobrio Telegraph—Copyright IpNRQN, Nov. 13 ■..\ The barquentine Oberon, which was from Liverpool to Glasgow, to load for Frotnantle, is ashore m Ardrossan harbour, m a dangerous place. The crew were saved.

A Policeman in Trouble

1 The life of a policeman is by no means the happiest, out- m all weathers, holding life m hand, and continually on the look out for "Jaw breakers." Mr Charles O'Neill, Police Barracks, Broken Hill, Ims been m great I rouble for years with bilious headaches until quite recently, and no doubt he would atill be troubled, had it not been for that wonderful discovery. Bile Beans for Biliousness. Mr O'Neill's story is interesting, and we give Jt m his own words :—"For the past few years I have been a perfect martyr to severe bilious headaches. I had to be very cautious as to my diet, and was unabJe to eat what I Lked for fear of bringing on one or the headaches I dreaded. I consulted doctors m different parts of New South Wales, and tried almost every patent medicine on tho r«arkot, but; without deriving any benefit. One day I noticed an -advertisement m the Sydney Bulletin, and thought there must be something good m Bile Beans if they ooald keep up such advertisements. I purchased a box, and commenced taking I hem, and I firmly assert I ac'.ually felt great relief befe:e I had finished the contents of the first box. I then bought two more boxes, and lam now complcteiy ; cured. I have not had a recurrence j of biliousness for months, aid as I used only Bile Beans I kaow they alone affected this marvellous cure. I can recommend them to all who suffer as I did, and you may rely on my tolling all I come across about Bile Baans." .Now, if you are a sufferer, be guided by Mr O'Neill's ex perience ; he was cured and there is no reason why you should not be. Try thim, the price ia only la l^d per box at all chemists, i ou'll not regrtt it.

New Guinea

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, November 14 Mr Carruthor?, ex-Miniater of: Lands, strongly ur^es the Australasian Government* to make a joint represen tation to the Imperial Government, with a view to acquiring the whole of Mew Guinea. Probably it would cost a very large sum to buy the German and Dutch interests, hut the money would be well spent.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Boer Guns at Ladysmith Silenced.

Tke Enemy m Want of Food

Employment for Families of Beservisis.

Speech by Sir M. Hicks Beach

The Future of South Africa

For the Orphans and Widows

A Theatrical Benefit

Orders for Australian Produce

United Press Association—By Elecbrio Telegraph—Copyright London, November 14 News from Ladysmith, ditetl the 9th inst, states that the Boer guna were silenced for four hours. It is believed the enemy have suffered severe losses, and that they are also m sore straits for want of food. j A bureau has been established m London for finding employment for the ' wives and families of the reservists who have been summoned for active service. 1 Sir Michael Hicks Beach, speaking at Bristol, said that this war destroyed the Convention which had been entered into. South Africa was awakening to new birth and would rival Canada and Australasia m the Empire's great con stellation, At the opening of Mr Charles Wyndharo's new theatre on Thursday the proceeds will be devoted to the families of soldiers killed m the Trans vaal war, The seats were sold by auction by members of the Stock Ex change. Mr Frank Gardiner, well known m Australian mining circles, capped the bids with one of £100 for a box, which he afterwards presented to Mr Wyndham. The War Office has ordered through the Agents-General 1000 tons of Victorian Algerian oats, 150 tons of Victorian tinned meat, and 200,0001bs of New South Wales comprised fresh boiled mutton,

Sydnky, Nor. 14 The Sydney Meat Preserving Com pany has shipped 860,0001 bof pre served mutton for the use of the British troops m South Africa.

Chaplain Father Mathews Released

His Story of the Stampede and Surrender

Mines Still at Work on the Rand

Offer of a Servian Volunteer Corps to Assist the British

(Received Wakapuaka Nov 15, 912 a m This Office 9 52 a.m) London, November 14 A Reuters telegram states that the Rev F.ither Math;-we, who *vas made a prisoner at tho same time as the Royal | Irish Fusiliers, after the battle of Nicholson's Nek, has been released, and has arrived at Delagoa Biy from Pretoria. Father Mathews declares that after the mules had stampeded, the British troops, unsupported by artillery, were very hard pleased, and though" they would not subordinate, they impulsively hoisted a flag of truce. It is reported from the Rand that the Rose Deep, Ferriera Deep, and ten , other mines are being worked. The British Government has received an offer of a Volunteer corps from the Servians. Lord Landsdowne m de clining, thanked the volunteers for their offer.

The Leaguer of Mafeking and Kimberley

Poor Shelling'

More Transports Arrive

2000 Additional Troops for Durban

Recdved Wakapuaka Nov 15, 9.12 a.m Thia office 9 52 a.m.

I Capetown Nov. li Mafeking reports to the 31st ult, state that despite the British artillery and rifle fires, the Boors attempted to cap ure the cannon on the kopje corner of the town. The enemy lost heavily. Six British were killed, including two captains. The latest from Kimberley is to the effect that the bombardment at a range of 8000 yards continues, but is proving futile. The shells fall into the mine debris heaps, and many fail to explode, j Further transports have arrived at the Gape. 1 hey <nrry 2000 additional troops to Durban within the week.

Bombardment of Ladysmith

Joubert Desires to Assault the Town

The Defenders Confident

(Received Wakapuaka Nov. 15, 9.12 a m, This Office 952 a.m) ' Durban, Nov, 14 The intensity of the bombardment of Ladysmith is increasing. General Jouberfc is hoping to persuade the Boer commandos to assault the town. The defenders, however, are confident.

Further Mobilisation of Troops at Home

11,000 Men to be Added

100,000 Men to be Under Redvcrs Duller

(Received Wakapuaka Nov 15, 9.12 a-m This Office 9 42 a.m) London, Nov. 14 Another infantry division of 11,000

mm is being mobilised for seiviie ia South Africa. When they arrive, General Sir Revers Fuller will be able io < perate with upwards of 100,000 men, including the local contingents,

Rhodes Making Roads

Arrival of Further Reinforcements

Llevea More Transports at the Cape

14,000 Men on Board

0000 for Durban

(Received Wakapuakft Nov. IF, 10 10 a.m, This Office 10 47 a.m) Capetown, November 15 Cecil Rhodes is employing »thousand men on road making a 5 Kimberley. Eleven transports with fourteen thousand troops have arrived at Capetown. Six thousand men have proceeded to Durban.'

THE EVACUATION OF VRYBURG.

SUICIDE OF MAJOR SCOTT.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Wellington, November 14 Cape papers give particulars of the evacua tion of Vryburg. Jhe report states that the few police having been withdrawn from Vryburg, it wag out of the question to make any show of defence. The town surrendered, as it is put, " ignominiously " to the Boers. The inhabitants fled In all directions, many making their way across country westward to Kurumana. A message from Kurumana, dftted 15th October, sbateii :—•' Vrybnrg I not yet attacked, bub is m peril, if only from the pusillanimity of some of the inhabitant!. A number of people have cleared out during the night m waggons and carts to different farms, and nearly all the Dutch people who came hers m strength for Nachtmaal have fl. d. They state that Vryburg is certainly to be attacked, and confidently express the opinion that if any resistance is offered the place will be conquered and sacked. Many of the people are m a frightful state oi fear, and loyalists complain bitterly of the action of the Colonial Government, who even now have not informed the public what is to be their attitude should a Boer invasion occur. Yesterday a private resident received a tele gram from the Hon. G. D. Smith, saying the Premier advised that the women and children would be better away, but the last engine left for Kimberley during the night with two railway women. The town appears wofully divided m opinion. The police and volunteers are preparing a camp ior defence." " Later.—A deputation went out to the Boers, and a meeting has been held to urge the polios to abandon resia* feanca." " Latent— About three o'clock a magistrate announced to a large crowd, chiefly composed of farmers, that the polios had decided to retire, that the volunteers were to be disbanded, and any volunteers who chose could accompany the police. Immediately on this announcement being nude the people started at full gallop to inform the Boers, and they were expected to enter the town next) morning. It appeared that Major Scott also spoke to the police and volunteers, explaining the eitua'ion, and asking those willing to remain and fight to step forward. Six volunteers responded, and the police expressed opinion | that although they were willing to fight, they had no chance against the Boer artil lery. Maj r Scott thereupon made the announcement to the magistrate, and the police immediately saddled up and went their way out of the town* In half an hour an exodus o£ the townspeople, mostly English, immediately commenced, and when Reuter'a correspondent left, peopie were fleeing west, north and south, en f,:ofc, oo horseback, and m vehicles of all eorts." Another account states that the Cape police left Vryburg on Sunday afternoon, under Major Scott, m response to the citizens' n quest, but the officer took the action severely to heart, for he had orders from Colonel Ktkewich to hang on to Vryburg as long as possible. This preyed on his mind, and on aniving at Geluk on Monday mora 1 ing, while his force were off-aaddled, he shot himself through the brain. The insane act broke up his force, who swore by him. They retired on Kuruman, having buried Maj ir Scott at Geluk. The brave officer was too conscientious, tor his story wouM have bormo out the wisdom and necessity of the evacuation of Vryburg; m view of the civilian expression of feeling.

A HEALTHY CAMP.

There ia a total lack of noteworthy inci> dent at Giencoe Camp, writes a Dundee correspondent of October 10, The health of the troops remains phenomenal* There is nob a sick or disabled man within the line?, due, doubtless, to the long period of training the different regiments have undergone, coupled with the clear and healthful site of the camp and the fine supply of excellent water, whioh has been laid on all over the camp by the Dundee Local Board. The neighbouring stream provides at one place water for horses, and further down plentiful facilities for bathing. The men's outdoor life and exeroise In a salubrious climate along with their early hours are keeping all ranks m first-class condition. In camp the canteen is banished. The men who desire it have two pints of beer a day. The town of Dun. dee is out of bounds during the day for »H under the rank of corporal. After six ! o'clock the camp is closed, and shortly after eight " lights out" is sounded. The town of Dundee is feeling the benefit of the near ness of the troops. The three hotels are crowded, and stores of all kinds report brisk I business.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.

In connection with the British military preparations, jit was noticeable that the War Office contracts for bread and other requisites extended to eight months. This was taken ac indicating that the troops were expected back ia England fey the iat May. The Yolksrusb (Transvaal) laagers at the beginning of October were displaying num bers of flags, among which the green flag of Ireland, combined with the flags of the Free State and Transvaal, was prominent.

Colonel Baden-Powell instructed hie met) at Mafeking m a new manoeuvre, that of charging on horseback with fixed bayonets. The men were taughb to use their rifles as lances.

An East London merchant) received a com munioation from a Free State correspondent) couched ia the following picturesque language:—"! m'ght pay you after the war; I want tho money now to buy cart ridges to shoot you Englishmen." One or two persons m Mafekicg refused fco assist ia the defence of the town, alleging thab ib would injure their trade prospects with the Transvaal. Oneapenly sympathised with the Boers*

Trials of the lyddite mines round Mafe king were most successful, the explosions being exceedingly powerful, A Kimberley correspondent reported on October 6 that numbers of Cape Dutchmen were leaving the colony for the Transvaal. Fifty went by train to Pretoria en the previous night, and it was stated that they carried concealed arms from the colony. Two Cape Boers were overheard saying that they were about to join the Dutch force at Fourteen Streams, having arms and ammuni ! turn with them. The polipe were immedi ately notified. ■ Large numbers of natives passed through Dundee on the road to Zuluiand from tha mines m Johannesburg during the week before the outbreak of war. They walked a great part of the distance down through the Transvaal, and were strongly impressed with the strength of the Dutch forces. They had a belief that the Boers were coming down to kill all the Englishmen, and stated they wero told by burghers on commando to tell; the rcoineks they would oome down soon and chase them into the sea, and that all South 4Jrica wag to be' made patch; with E*!f! Krager as the grant chief of all white ftnd, black raceß.

Swaziland refugees reported at Loreuaa Marques on October 10 that) Swaziland was entirely deserted by the English. The Boers and the po'ice had also withdrawn, and the prisons had been opened* Hare ii a true oomm»nd«eriug itory, A

THE ASfIBimTON GUARDIAN: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBEB 16, 1899



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For Children's Hacking Cough take Woods' Great Peppermint Cure—ls 6d and Is ml Smoke New Venus



An Express.— Everybody knows the advantage of an expressman who kuows the town and suburbs thoroughly, and executes orders promptly. Therefore send for John Cooymßt General Gamer and Expressman — I Advt) I



WE can afford to spend money m adver- j tiaing, so much HondaiLanka Tea | is soiling ; everybody likes it. C HOICK Seed Potatoes—Various kind from 2s per sack. Puritan, the quic' est of all Potatoes to mature, 241ba for 1«, 5s per aack. Carrots, 10s ncr ton. Carter's Turnip Heed 6d per lb or 52s 6d per . cwt. —J. Thomas, Havel ick Street. ! /"CHINESE Laundry Glaze gives a Beauti \J ful Enamelled and Giezy appearance to Linen, for *rh»ch the Chinese are noved p r ; cc _7d a nd Is.— Fletciikr Bhos. Wholesale and Retail Aleuts for Canterbury BOOTS. BOOTS Gigantic Sale Now On TUST arrived and opened up a grand assortment of up-to-date AND SHOES FOR THE HOLIDAY AND SUMMER SEASON Special Lines Women's Button Shoes j 7s 6d i Women's Kid Lace Shoea, only 6s lid TAN GOODS IN GREAT VARIETY. jtrong School Boots from 5s Gd Good Bluchers, nailed, 5s 6d. LARGEST STOCK IN TOWS TO CHOOSE FROM. REPAIRS done Promptly and ab Moderate Cbargte. FRED NOKES, CASH BOOT SHOP, Next Door Bank of New Zealand, EASI STREET, ASHBURT :N. 10 196 , «/'E HAVE JUST LANDED, Ex " lonic," TWO CASES OF GENUINE "PRIMUS" STOVES. Very handy and economical. PRICE — ISs 6d Each. NOW LANDING, ex '• Wak»nui," A Shipment of FIRST-CLASS SHEFFIELD TABLE CUTLERY, Drect from the Makers. All new patterns, acd lowest quotations m Canterbury. IN STOCK: 8.8.A. SHEEP SHEARS, BRANDING OILS, TURKEY STONES, E-ra. BICYCLES We are Agents for COLUMBUS, LOVKLL DIAMONDS, HARIFORDS, VIDETTES, And are still offering the beat value m the Colony NEW MACHINES from Cash Good Second-Hand MACHINES from £S5 We can also BUILD MACHINES to Older from B.S.A. Parts at very Reaeonable figures Hoping to be favored with your patronage CARSON & Co., TEA MERCHANTS, GROCERS AND IRONMONGERS Importers of Bicycles, Hardware, Glass and China, Takcred Street & Arcade, Ashburton. 1123 o % Ij & a< < % I 3 I « I oo -" O § « H o W g " B _£ , WTLBON'B NEW SEASONS WALL PAPERS have arrived; f^i ALL Early and choose your deal s from the full stock of new .Goods, _^ TONAL, fat's makin 1 Tougal sac blythe- Uke 1 ' •'lb iss the Heeland tea o' the Mackenzie he is drinkin', to be surely !' ANTED Known-^That now ia the time to make selections of Costumes for the Summer. Full ranges ci choice materials m Novelty Coloring, Sea oura first*—MlXOHKliL & IDRFEB



Carraway Seeds 8d per ib Pimento, whole Is  „ Pimento, (rronnd Is2d „ „ Mixed Spice l£d per packet PlCKLES—Hayward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9a 6d per dozen I Cross and Blackwell'e, la 3d par bottle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder lid per bottle Borax ... ... ... 8d per lb A!um .» 6d   Saltpetre , 6d „ „ TartaricAcid IslOd „ „ Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2s per doss lbs Whole Linseed 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d „  MATOHES—PIaids, 4Jd per doa, 4s per gross 250 s Is 6d per dozen 1000's 5d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 8d per dozen Yarmouth Bloaters, 9 for Is Maconochie's Fresh Herrings, 6jd per tin M Herrings In Tomato* lOd per tin „ Herrings m Shrimp, lOd per tin „ Kippered Herrings, lOd per tin „ Preserved Bloatera, lOd per tin Auckland Mullett 7d per tin Oysters 8d „ „ Sardines, large Alberta ... la „ „ Sardines, large ... ... 8d „  Sardines, small 4d   Salmon, Holly leaf ... lOd „ „ Salmon, other Brands ... 8d „ „ OlL—Lucca, Z* 4d per bottle Salad, \ pint sd, 1 pinfc lOd Oastor, I pint sd, 1 pint IOJ Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 21b tin, la CrosFe and Blackwell's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dosjec Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2oz, Is lOd. Leiberg's extract, Is 9d perlbottle' Patent Groats, Robinaon's,,lod|;jJHar per's, 9d par tin MelUas'iFood, la;8d per tin



Van Honten's Cocoa, £lb, lid ; Jib, Is 9d; lib, 3s 3d Fry's Cocoa, BJd ; lib, U 4ja Keal Good Candles, 4£d per lb ; 83 Pd PanSne Candles, plain and fluted, 6Jd per lb; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights la 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for la Pearl, 61bs for Is ?ago, 71bs for Is Mixed Peel, Lsmon, Orange and Oit ron, Sdperlb 1 Lemon Peel, 71b tins, 3s 6d Ub Tins Assorted Jams, 5d per lb ; 49 9d per doz 21b Jars Assorted Jamß, Us 6d per doz Lea and Perrin's Sauce, large, 2s 6d per bottle Mellor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Worcester Sauce, small, 5d ; large, yd Brown's Corn Floor, 3d per lb Mazlna «d per dozen 5a 6d Whiting, t b for Is Morton's Cream of Tartar, Is 3d per lb Preserved Fruit, 2|lb tins, 8d per tin, 7s 6d per doz i English Cut Loaf Sugar, 3|d per lb Tomato Sauce. 9d per bottle Golden Syrup, 21b 6d, 41b Is, 561 b 11s 3d Treacle, 21b 6d. 41b la, 71b Is 9d Flfcwt Balsins 6idperlbj Finest Sultanas 7Jd „ s , Finest Cuiranca »d „ „ per cage 4*d   Stewing F!gs 7|d „ „ i French Plams (choice) ... 1" » >» Stewing Plums ... ... 3d „ „ Finest Muecatels ... . U)d„ „ j Caiifornian Muscatela ... Is „,» j Pates, extra fine, 31b boxes, Is 9d per | Almonda, Jordan 2a 4d per lb \ Almonds, Valencia ... Is 6d  „ Alraonds, Sicily Is 4d „ „ j Bare?'jna Nuts ... ••• °d »♦ »» Shell Almonds Wd „ 1 Jhf and Martin's Paste Blacking, 4Jd per doz Day and Martin'a Jar Blacking, 6d per French Blacking, 2d per tin, Is 9d per doz Nixey's Blacklead, Id aize, 9d per doz Jftmeß' B Domeißtftcklewl,L6d per doz I



#"-'"" ■"" ' "■ "" " -."■-.. WAYERLEY CYCLES. MEW SHIPMENT JUST TO HAND ALL LATEST IMPROVEMENTS —{*)--- Two or tnree 98 Ladies Models yet,on hand, will sell at £'2i) A few good second-hand machines for sale at prices from £3 np. BECBNT SUCCESSES OP THE WAYERLEY. Oct 5-rAshburton Cycling Sports-WAYfiRLEY lirst and Second m every Kace. Oct 11-Otago Labour Day Wheel Race-WAYERLEY First. Oct 12—Amberley Druids Wheel Eace—WAYERLEY First Oct. 12-Amberley Druids 'Jhree Mile-WAYJERLEY Second Oc t. Mddrt or^^J^J"** Mile ~ Wheel tfacc -WAVERLEY Second Nov H—Christchurch Cycling Club, One Mile Centre Cham pionship—WAYEßLEY First Five Mile Handicap : WAYERLEY First from Scratch Three Mile Handicap : WAYEBLEY First Wheel Bace : WAVERLEY Third & Fourth JOHN ORR & CO.. AbHBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AGENTS atid at Waverley Cycle Depot 217 Colombo Street, Christchurch. JOHN ORR AND COS REVISED LIST^- WE Chim io be the Leading Firm of Grocers, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants m Ashburfcon. We import all our Stock from tho Home Marr-eU for Spat Gash and are therefore m the best position oo supply the public with only genuine goods ab the lowest possible pr.oo for cash. We Enaranrw all our goods fuU weight and finest quality. We never charge for 5 wWnV^od deliwry, alt gooia at the Railway &U*.ion free. Any person leaving an order with ul can get a p.rcel ticket, and therefore always be «ure of having thetcjgo-j'l,3 at tha station m time. No charge for ticket. -YTIX r\TTT) «€$ 5s per Ton — „ Jj\LtV_) \J Xl ~"PBR SACK 133. - SUGAR - £s£«l per il> witti Tea ! MARA7ILLA:GAKDEN TEA- 1b 10d, Zs. 2s 4d por.lb fiJh Box .- — ••• 8s 9d» 93 7<l» li 9 lOlblox _ - -W' M, W.H 21. 8J -:PROVISIONS - FACTORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Sutton's always m stock. OHlESE—Finest Factory, 6d per 1b BACON AND HAMS - « towtf." " M«y« kj" 'Ig' Mc^alium," Mild Cured Bams, Sides and Rolls, 7fd. GORE OATM¥AL-251b Bag, 2s 8d