Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1900. SCHOOL ATHLETICS.

Mttos Sana in eorpore sano, is a saying as wise now as it was twenty centuries ago, a fact which recent events have helped to emphasise. Health is of th« first importance to the young, for with out a sound body there ia a risk of the mental facul'ies being warped or cir~ oumscribed. It is very saiisfactory, ■ therefore, to learn that tbe leading I teachers in this district are endeavout ing to promote an annual athletic gathering of all the boys in the Ashbur ton county, and tbe first of these gather iogs will take place early next month. It should be needless for us to point out how desirable it is that such an excel lent scheme should be cordially sup ported by the people generally as its advantages are so obvious. But it may be as well to mention one or two reasons why the praise worthy effort of our teachers,^and others, should meet with all possible encouragement. Besides the truth contained in the old world adage, with which we commenced this article, there is yat another axiom, which the ex periences of ages have verified— namely that •• idleness is the root of all evil." Thoße of ub who have been privileged to study children know, that if we wish to make anything of them—we must keep them employed somehow—for have we not still another .crystallisation of the same truth in the adage, that ' Satan finds Borne mis chief still for idle hands to do." Well since "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," there is ob viously an obligation upon the friends of youth, and who is cot one—to meet the case in a prudent and far seeing manner. By this, we mean that in ! providing employment, which shall take an attractive form, we must keep in view, the otflier object we should have which is to provide as far as pos sible for a strong and vigorous manhood for our boys, and a healthy womanhood for our girls. We con sider that it is as much our duty to do this, as it is to train their mental and moral qualities, and no education can be satisfactory which does not combine physical with mental training. This being so, we hold that the proposal to systematise—if we may use such a term here—the physical training of the boys ia an honest and excellent attempt to remedy a serious defect in onr present system of education. It is to be hoped, therefore, that every body interested in the future of our children and of this young country, will assist in the proposal to encourage SG'sool athletics.

Local and Genera!.

A Final Notice—Owing to the holidays Mr Zinder has extended.the time for the payment of accounts owing to tho late firm of the Ashburton Publishing Company Jjtd , to Saturday the 21*t, after which he notifies his intention to take immediate proceedings.

The Midland Railway —Another squad of ec-operabive labourers left the Midland Railway works on Wednesday. The G>ey River Argus says that the line is practically completed to the mouih of the Otira Gorge with the exception of a little rock work and touching up here and there.

The Minister of Lands—The Hon John McKenzie, the Minister of 1 ands, is, says the Otago Daily Times, making eteady but nob rapid progress towards health. Ib is ex pected thab ho will be able to get about in a few days, but it is some time before he will be allowed to take any very aotive part in the discharge of Ministerial dubisq

Good for Trade.—A traveller who was lately in the Glutha district estimated that the carting iv connection with the dredges on the Clutha River gives employment to horses and vehicles valued at between £3000 and £4000, and thab the value of the food consumed by the horses ia £12 a week.

The Holiday.—Yesterday was atrictly observed as a holiday ab Ashburton. Quite a large number of people went away on holiday excursions. Special services were held at St. Stephen's and ab the Salvation Army barracks. The members of the Ash burton Rifles and Guards left on Thursday night for the Volunteer encampment ab the Levels.

Up to Time.—Despite the fact that the heavily laden trains from the aouth were considerably behind time yesterday, the management ab the Christchurch office kept bheir trains well up to time. Crossings were altered and advanced and the last train from Ghrißtchurch to Ashburton waa only a few minutes behind time.

The Holiday Railway Traffic—Juab about 300 passenger tickets were issued at the Ashburton station yesterday, from which it will be inferred the officials had anything bub a holiday. The ordinary express and also the second one going south yesterday were big trains. The first carried about 350 and the second Borne 2aQ passengers. The express for the north had something like 400 passengora on board.

A Clbvbr Model.—An exquiaifce little model of a British frigate of about) the year 1800 has been presented to the Museum by Mrs Fereday. The model in question waa fashioned out of beef bones by French Bailors, and though the blocks are microscopic in i'z«, the rigging and every detail of hull, maatß and spars have been reproduced with wonderful accuracy. Ib 18 marvellous how the usually clumsy fingers of the ordinary man could have turned out such fine and intricate work.— Prets.

Bokr Methods of Warfare.—Most of the prisoners who have just arrived from Ladysmith (saya aC»pe paper of February 24) complain of the bad generalship of their leader. Nearly every man oaried explosive bullets. Five of our men were wounded by them. I myself have seen the bullets. Oae Boer carried fifty. There is no longer the slightest doubt that the enemy are gradually discarding all the rules of civilised warfare; The other day they poured the contents of a Vickera-Maxim gun into an ambulance, which happened to be empty, and which waß ab least 300 yards away from the troopa.

f mart Work. ~ Some amart work was done at tho Ashburton railway station on Thursday night. The volunteer train, which left Christchurch ab 7.15, waa a very heavy one, of no less than 67 waggona, conveying guns, horses, baggage, etc., to the encamp ment at the Levels Station. Fifty of the waggons contained horses. Oa reaching Ash burton three of the waggona were found to have hob boxes, and had to be cut out. The waggona contained the tente, blankets, baggage and other equipment of the volunteers, a total of about ten tone. The trucks having been shunted, the railway officials whipped up all their handa, gob some of the local volunteers to assist, and tran shipped the gooda into fresh waggons. All hands worked with a will and when the second train came along the waggons were ready. They were coupled on and sent along to their destination. But for the prompt action of the Ashburton railway officials the Christchurch volunteers would have had a very miserable firet night in camp. ]

Borough Council Meeting—The ordin ary meeting of the Council falls on Monday next, but as that is Faster Monday, the meeting will be held on Wednesday evening. Thb Tinwald Babaar—Attention is again directed to the b z »ar to be held at Tinwald, on Easter Monday, in aid of the funds for enlarging St. Andrew's Church. Baptist Church—Special Easter services conducted by the Rev. W< Lamb take place at tho church to-morrow. The evor.iog ser | voj is a memorial one. Pareora -—The now Pareora Bottlers a-e' now r»e riy all oa thoir sections. Tents, huts &c\, may be seen in ail directions in tho gullies, and tho settlers are pushing on with their fencing and building. Some have already got their stock on, while others are busy with the plough. '! he chief drawback seems to be the lack of water for drinking and stock purposes and rain is indeed badly wanted before much agricultural work oan be done. Station Practice at Lyttelton.—The heavy gun practice at Lyttelton yesterday afternoon was decidedly good, though, from the hazy nature of the atmosphere aud other cause?, it was somewhat slow, The Naval Artillery, under Lieutenant Hewlett, manned the 6-in and 8-in guns in Fort Jervuis, and fired ab drifting targets, small raftn with fhgs attached, supposed to tepieaenb hostile vessels, ab a range of about 4000 yards. They made very good practice, The N< Bittery, under Captain M'lntyre, manned two 7-in puns at Battery Point, and fired at about 2000 yards, with live shell. Their practice was also very good, thab of the upper gun being admirable.

ANCELON-BENTLEY COMPANY.

" A House of Mystery."

Notwithstanding thab the dramatic per formance on Thursday evening was like Hamlet, with the leading characDer omitted, Mr Walter Bentley not putting in an appear ance, there waa an excell nt " down stairs" housp, with a fair attenoVos in the dress circle, at the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday availing, when Mr Douglas Anoelon's r Dramatic Company produced for the first time in Ashburton the comedy drama " A House of Mystery." The plot follows very much on the lines of the famous " East Lynne," and provides many dramatic and sensational pirts, while a counter plot, full of sparkling comedy, relieves bhe perform ance throughout, and gives rise to many a hearty laugh and round of applause. The plot, briefly stated, is that a physician living in Indii is, through the treachery of a former rival, led' to" suspect his wife's fidelity, obtains a divorce, retaining the custody of his little daughter, returns to England and subsequently marries again. Some years pass, acd the first wife, who is reduced to the greatest straits, receives by a combination of circumstances the position of governess to her own child, in the house of her former husband, An Indian Ayah, retained as the nurse of the child, recognises at once her former mistress, to whom she is devotedly attached, and evidently determines to get rid of the aeoond wife. The mysterious illness of the second wife, which ommencea shortly after the advent of the first, then becomes the main point and the plot thickens rapidly. The situations are many and intricate, and culminate in the capture, red-handed, of the mysterious poisoner, and the death of the second wifp. The part of the ataid physician, Dr Carr, was ably sustained by Mr Douglas Ancelon. Mr Orlando D*ly, as the young medical studenb Jack Desmond, played his part excellently, and was greatly appreciated. The part of the first Mrs Carr, known as Mrs Warner, was a difficult one to take. Miss Ada Woodhill played it very effectively, some of the emotional and pathetic soenes being specially fine. The second Mrs Carr, Miss Helen Gibson, had also a part difficult to pnurtray, bub she sustained it with every medit to hsrs.elf. The gel-up of Miss Ivy Oorriok, as the Indian Ayah, was distinctly good, and her .acting of the part a success, though she was at t:mes a trifle too imperious for >uch a mild, timid servitor as an Ayah, and her' English was much too good. Miss Ethel Lorking, as Eve, Dr Carr'a little girl by hi» first wife, played her part very pleasingly. Theioomedy was mainly supplied by Mr C Daniels as Teddy T< zer, a precocious you^.h Who bad bpen brought up at his mother's apron t s»rings', and was still wearing Eaton jaCketa and wide collars. His determination •to be "a boy" no longer, and his sudden development into '* a man," combined with hia flirtations and his "going the pace," created no end of fun ; but the book scene was distinctly vulgar — not to uae a stronger term. Miss* Ethel Hunt as a housemaid was excellent. Her flirtation with Teddy Tozar, and with Bob Trotter thu postman (Mr De Chateau) provoked roars of laughter. Mr Lde Chateau's, post man, was also a mirth provoking part. The interest of the audience w=s centered in Miss Lynn-Lyndeay, an Ashburton youog lady, who has recently adopted the stage as a profession. She took the part of Mrs Barnaby Tcz^r, a widow, mother of the Ir repressible Teddy Tozer, Her entrance was greeted with a hearty round of applause. Miss Lyndsay'a friends and well wishers have every reason to be more than pleased with her performance on Thursday evening. Her make up waa good, the part suited her, and she made the most of ir. This class of .character evidently suits Misa Lyndsay at present, and she may yet be heard of in a more important rote The audience frequently expressed its appreciation of her efforts, and she waa presented with a beautiful boquet. As the villain of the piece (Captain Faulkner) Mr Roland Staveley had not a great deal to do, bub he did it well. Capital music waa supplied by Mr Paul Sonderhof, a Dunedin gentleman, touring with the company. The performance waa a good one, and no doubb a return visit of the company would be muoh appreciated by Ashburtouitef, especially if Mr Walter Bentley should think it worth while to come too.

Ashburton Hospital Board.

The following completes our report of Thursday's meeting: — MATRON. The Board met again at 2 o'clock, and after going carefully through the testimonials of the applicants for the position of matron, ballotted all oub bub three, namely—Miss Mo Andrew, ab present matron of the Grey mouth Hospital; Miss Turner, nurse in the Christchurch Hospital; and Mies Willis, late nurae in, the Wellington Hospital; and the final ballot resulted in Miss MoAadrew being selected. MRS MCKAY'S SERVICES On the motion of Mr Jolliffe, seconded by Mr Jones, the following resolution waa carried unanimously :— '* That thia Board desires to place on record its appreciation of the pervicea rendered by Mra McKay as matron of the Ashburton Hospital.

The lady juab appointed to the position of matron of the Ashburton Hospital, Mbs McAndrew, possesses very high qualifications for the position. She haa been matron of the Gieymouf h Hospital for some years, and is spoken of by the members of the medical staff in the highest term?. The Ashburton Hospital paid a well merited compliment to the present matron, Mrs McKay, in acknowledging her long and useful services by a special vote.

THE EASTER CAMP.

Uaited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph* Timaru, April 13 The Easter camp of Volunteers opened tor day at the Levela Estate, seven milea north of Timaru. All bub the Invercargill men were in camp last night, the aouthern men I named arriving to-day. There are about 1700 men ia camp, the leading feature being themanymountedmen. Theplanof operationa I is based on the landing of an enemy at Timaru with a view to seizing the railway and makiig an attack on Dunedin or Ohriatchurch. To-day waa devoted to organisation and drill of all kinde. To-morrow and Monday opera tiona will be with a view to checking the advance on either of the towna mentioned. Lieutenanb C donel Bailey ia in command. The weather waa showery thiß afternoon and to-night light, but ateady rain ia falling.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

Owners and trainers are reminded that n6miDations for the Ashburton Trotting Club's Winter Meeting, to be held on Friday, May 4, close with the Secretary (Mr R J Henry) to-nighb (Saturday), at 9.30, ab Devane'a Hotel.

CHERTSEY SPORTS AND RACES.

The annual sports and races of the above j Club will be held in the Chertsey Domain on I Easter Monday, and given fine weather, the I gathering should prove the most successful i ever held there. The Committee have provided a first class track, and as the com petitors in both the horse and athletic events have good performances, an inbereab ing day's sport should be witnessed. The following are our contributors selections for the horse events:—> Maiden Trot—Might-aa-well 1, Diploma 2, Lieutenant 3, li Mile Open Trot—Scottish Laaa 1, Im pudence 2, Edward R 3. Ohertaey Cup—Gloaming 1, Sobriquet 2, Lucy Glitters 3. District Trot—lmpudence 1, Skiff 2, Ber- Merry 3. Two Mile Open Trot—lnflieoe 1, Queen B 2, Fanny wood 3.

COMMERCIAL.

The Ashburton A gency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on April 12, 1900:- Wheat—New. Prime milling Pearl .- 2s Id „ „ Tuscan.« 2s Id to 2i 2d „ „ Hunter's 2s Oata—Duna ... ls 7£d Danish „ ls 7|d to la 8d Canadians .... ls 9d Sparrowbilla la B£d Barley—-Malting, prime, 2s to 2s 2d Inferior ls 6d to Is 9d Peas—Partridge ' 2i 3d and 2s 4d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 40a to 45a Grass Seed—Old pasture, Is 9d to 2s New „ la 3d to ls 6d The above are prices current p»id to farmers on tracks at Ashburton.

GERALDINE STOCK MARKET.

At the Geraldine new yards on Tuesday there waa a fair yardiog of aheep, but the oattie and pig yards were very poorly filled. The attendance was not up to the average, and the sheep were of an indifferent class; bat prices were well maintained on late sales as follows :—Sheep—Hali'bred ewes, &ix ai»d eight-tooth, 143; eight-tooth ewea brought from 12a 8d to 14s lid, old orosabred ewea 5a lOd to 7s 3d, merino ewea 7a 8d to 8) 6d, f>»t orosabred ewes 9* 7d to 11a 7d, lamba Si 2d, 8s 9d, to 11a si, first croaibred lambs 9* 6d. Cattle.—Fat steers £6 2s 6d to £6 12a 61. fat heifers £4 15j to £5 2a 6d, springers £4155. Store pigs brought 16a.

THE FEDERATION QUESTION.

Uuittd Preee Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, April 13 It is understood that Mr Chamber lain is willing, if appeals are not re stricted, to pass the remainder of the Bill unaltered, also to simultaneously introduce ascheme creating an Imperial Council of Appeal on the lines of Mr Haldane's proposal. The delegates are confident, however, that the Premiers will adhere to the instructions issued to them in January last.

CABLE NEWS.

United Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London April 11 The Companies and death duties Act of New South WaUs is being criticised. Sir Michael Hicks Beach states that the Act was not sanctioned by the Queen, and that the only way to avoid the imposition of both Imperial and colonial duties is by the Queen issuing an Crder-in Council. /prill 2. The North German Lloyds Company is equipping its fleet with Marconi's Wireless Telegraph apparatusl. BrusselSj April 12 King Leopold has presented the nation wi^b the royal palaces at Laeken, Ostend and Ciergnon,

THE BRITISH ARMY.

COMMISSIONS FOR NEW ZSALAND

United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. London, April 12 The following New Zealanders have been granted commissions:—-F. L. Wood (Timaru), Liverpool Regiment; H. Holderness (Wellington), Esbox Regiment; W. R. Russell (Hawke's Bay), Northampton Regiment.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, April 13 In aocepbing the remounta from Otago the [Premier statea they muat be up to the standard laid down by the Imperial authori ties. He quobea from Major Robins' report thab worn out geldings are no use, bub mares are valued. Mr Seddon adds that New Zealand, by sending mares to South Africa ia doing a good turn to that portion of Her Majesty's dominion by improving the breed of horses,

She Mozthan will arrive in the colony about the 30th to take horses, and leave the colony about the third week in May, Auckland, April IS

Owing to alleged irregularity in the City Council accounts, one official haa been dis* missed and two suspended, but uo charges are made. A special committee is still investigating. The Mayor said so far aa ia known yet the amount involved did nob exceed £100. The bond of the Guarantee Society covered more than that. He did nob anticipate that they would find anything further, but ab the sama time they were making a canvass of those persona who appeared on the books as being in arrears with their ratea, to see if they had paid, Mr Salmon wished to know " If steps had been taken to prevent aome persona leaving the city 1" ;>Mr Baume said he thought the motion carried by the special committee the previous evening gave the requisite authority for such stepa as were neceaaary Christghuboh, April 13

Johe Baker, a guard in the employ of the Ohriatchurch Tramway Company, who had a foot crushed by a motor about a fortnight ago, had his leg amputated at the hospital on Sunday, and died yesterday. An inquest will be held to-morrow.

Mr J J M Hamilton, district agenb for tbe Public Trustee, who had been in failing health for some little time, died this morning. During Mr J 0 Martin's absence in England, | Mr Hamilton acted for aome time as Public Truatee at Wellington, afterwarda returning to Ohriatohuroh. Soon after he came back his health gave way, and he waa granted six montha leave of absence. He waa greatly reapected, and was one of the leading Freo masons in the colony and Grand Diatricb Superintendent of Canterbury. The vexed question of gaa or electricity for lighting the Jubilee Exhibition has now been settled, and Mesara Turnbull and Jones have signed a contraob to light the building by electricity, and also to find power. The combined encampment of the Bible Classes of Sb John's Ohurch, Wellington, and Sb Paul's Church, Chriatohuroh, opened io the Richmond Domain, and the members will remain in camp until Monday night* A lengthy programme, including athletic ex ercises, haa been arranged, and certain hours have been set apart for spiritual exsroiaeii

THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.

United Proea Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrighb

Received Wakapuaka April 13, 1025 a m, This Office 9 15 p.m) Perth. April 13

The second plague victim is Wilson. His dead body will be cremated, owing to the outcry and the slump io the fish trade through tbe firso victim being buried at sea.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

WhLLiKGTON, April 13 In deciding nob to declare Fiji, Samoa, and the other islands infected, the Colonial Seoretary points out the large t! ade between Sydney and the islands, and all vessels arriving from the latter are to be Btriotly examined, and if there is any suspicion the veaaela will be plaoed in quarantine and the islands declared infected.

Auckland, April 13 At a special meeting of the City Council a Committee was appointed to wait on the Premier, on his arrival, re further pre cautionary measares against tho plague. The Mayor stated he thoughb they should ask Government to shut off steamer com munication with Sydney, for a time at least.

CYCLING.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Christchurch, April 13 About five thousand people attended the teat race meeting held at Lancaiiter Park to-day to decide who should represent the colony at the Worlda Championships at Paris. The contestants were E. Reynolds, Auckland, and G. Sutherland, Christchurch. i In tne mile race the competitor! rode slowly I till the last quarter of a mile, Sutherland in the lead. 220 yards from home Reynolds challenged the leader, and drawing level, a most desperate race ensued, Sutherland gaining the verdict by six inches. The bwenty • five mile waa decided behind single paeera, Reynolds agreeing to thia form of pacing under protest. With fifteen lapa covered Reynolds appeared to have the better of the race, He then touched hi i paeera wheel and fell, aud the race waa restarted ab the st*ge where the accident occurred. Sutherland then jumped away, and getting a break before Reynolds pacer picked him up was able bo increase his lead to 100 yards. After this he continued on, at<d havii g better pacing than Reynolds, and following splendidly, had at 23 miles, threequarters of « lap advantage. At this stage Reynolds retired. Of the other events at the meeting Chalmers won the five mile and one mile handicaps; Dn>frin the two mile Wheel Race ;aud W Reynolds (Auck land) half mile amateur. The meeting was conducted by the Christchurch Cycling Club.

TRANSVAAL WAR

Nayal Guns for General Buller

Feinforeements lor Lord Roberts's Army

The Engagement at Wepener

Tne British Make an Admirable Defence

Fir Frederick Carrington

The itoer Prisoners at Simons town

Defenders of Ladysmith

General Gataero's. £uporcess:on

Sehreiner Seeks to Hamper the British

Outrageous Statement by Fischer

Attitude of France

Boer Intolerance

Closing the Back Eoor

Speech by Bir Alfred Milner

An Appointment

Seven naval guns at Durban have been sent up to General Buller. Major-General Hart's brigade, which Ms hitherto been quartered in Natal, has reinforced Lord Roberts. Eleven British were killed at Wepe ner on-Monday and forty-one wounded. An admirable defence was offered, nine guns being utilised. Sir Frederick Carrington hss arrived at Capetown, and started for Beira to assume command of the force intended for Rhodesia, Owing to the expiration of their leave on April 19, volunteers employed in the Oape Railway workshops have been recalled, on the plea of alleged pressure of work.' Britain urges the exteDsionof the leave. If Schreiner refuses, the majority of the men will have to return or forfeit their positions. London, April 12 Owing to attempts to escape, and the attentions of sympathisers, all tbe Simonstown Boer prisoners will go to St Helena in batches. Mr Goschen, Ijord George Hamilton and dense crowds welcomed the return at Portsmouth of the bluejackets be longing to H.M.S. Powerful, who took part in the defence of Ladysmith. General Ohernside has succeeded General Gatacre. An army order declares that the latter has been ordered to England. The newspapers sympathise with a brave, energetic officer, but admit the painful necessity of his recall, coßting Lord Roberts severe pain. Mr Fischer, in an interview, declared that Sir Alfred Milner went to the Cape entrusted with a specific mission to induce war. Fischer's colleagues added that charges against Sir Alfred Milner would play a leading part in the negotiations for peace.

General Pole Carew commands the new Eleventh Division. Lieutenant- Colonel Jingo Jones, of the Scots Guards, commands the Guards t Lieur tenant-Colonel Ronald Maxwell corns mands the Fourteenth Brigade, Major' General Knox the Twenty.third Bri gade, and Major Brasier Kreagh, Roberts's Horse. I

Capetown, April 12 The Key Schroeder, a rebel Assembly man, has been arrested and brought to Upington. Thirty leading rebels of Aliwal North district have been brought to Queenstown. Lord Roberts has warned the Dutch of Northern Cape Colony that unless

they are quiescent they will be vigorously court-martialled. The newspapers commend Lord Roberts's new treatment of sedition,

The entrenching of the British at Bioemfontein is interpreted to mean that a large force will coon be liberated to inarch northwards, ilethuen's and Buller's forces supporting on the extreme fl^nk, General Rundh< being k-fc to deal with the Free State rebels,

London, April 12 A Boer commando is reported just to the northward of Aliwai North.

The Boers at "WVpener first wavered and then assailed Dalgetty's weakest point, but were handicapped by their proximity to Basutoiand and fear of their old foes.

It is bsiieved that the horses be longing to Oliver's commando, which recently fled before General Gatacre's advance, are much exhausted.

Colonel Dalgetty on Tuesday over turned the enemy's big gun, giving their ambulance a busy time. The Boers, io shelling General Clery's camp Dear Sunday's River, north east of Ladysmitb, unmasked a IQO-pounder gun and five other pieces of artillery. The blue jackets re sponding, silenced one of tbe enemy's guns. An attempt by tbe Boers to outflank tbe British force was frus trated. No fresh purchases of forage will be made before October. The Queen and the Duke of York congratulated the men of H.M.S. Powerful on their splendid service! ashore in South Africa. Paris, April 12 M. Delcasse, speaking in the Cham 4 berof Deputies with regard to Por* tugual permitting British troops for Rhodesia to pass through Beira, de clared that while France maintained a strictly neutral attitude herself, the was net called upon to enforce neut rality upon other Powers. London, April 18 The Boers have exp eiled Father Be Lacy, an ardent Johannesburg priest, for showing sympathy with British prisoners, and providing them with a Christmas dinner. The Boshof prisoners will j?a to St Helena, Capetown, April 18 At Great Britain's instance, pass ports were withheld from twenty-five out of seventy five persons who recently landed at Delagoa Bay. Twenty-five carried ammunition.

Sir Alfred Milner, acknowledging an address of confidence from clergy men of Evangelical Churches, said that a recurrence of the war must be ren dered impossible. ' He commanded to them the words " Never again " as a motto. All thinking, humane men considered that the settlement must not comprise a patchwork of two antagonistic systems in a country whose history Nature declared to be irrevocable one. Rebels must be dealt with severely, though not vindictively, and the fusion of the race promoted. London, April 13

Both republics have protested against Portugal permitting the debarkation of British troops at Beira, which is tantamount to hostile action.

Lord Roberts has received supplies of new boots and kharki serge clothing for the troops. The work of concentra-r tion of stores delays the march. Per manent defences at Bioemfontein are being completed.

It is recognised that Lord Roberts's tentative leniency towards rebels was prudent, pending the arrival of re mounts*

Botha tried to isolate General Olery at Sunday's River. The Boers' posi tions cover fifteen miles. Attempts to creep towards the British communica tion wera checked.

General Buller's prospective move ments consist of containing and keep ing the Boers busy in Natal. There are indications that if Portugal is attacked and asks assistance, General Buller will send troops to Deiagoa Bay.

General Hunter's brigade, not Gene* ral Hart's, will reinforce Lord Roberts. General Hunter, with a large force, including the Dublin, Oonaught, and Somersetshire regiments, has embarked. Their destination is unknown, but is supposed te be Bioemfontein. Melbourne, April 12

Colonel Hoad, who went to South Africa with the First Contingent, has been appointed assistant-adjutant to General Hutton, commanding the colonial division.

35,000 Boers Entrenched Between Kroonstad and Winberg.

The British Casualties.

300 New Zealanders Sent to Aliwal North.

Italy Not to Intervene.

Received Wakapuaka April 13,10*25 a.m, This Office 9.15 p.m London, April 12 Lord Roberts, in his despatches', makes mention of the enemy's heavy losses. Lord Kitchener, at Aliwal North, sent cheering messages to the Weptner garrison. Delago* Bay reports state that thirty-five thousand Boers, with ninety guns, are impregnably entrenched be tween Kroonstad and Winberg, The British casualties to April 7 total 17,701, exclusive of those lost at Reddersburg. It is asserted that the northern border of Oape Colony is secured against aggression. Two hundred and sixty New Zealanders have been sent to Aliwal North, whence reinforcements are going to Colonel Dalgetty at Wepener. Colonel Dalgetty is confident, and has strongly entrenched his force. Rome, April 12

Italy assured the Boer delegates that she would not intervene unless both combatants desired mediation,

(Received Wakapuaka April 14, 9.5 ».m, Thia Office 10 51 a. m) London, April J3 Captain Nix, the Dutch military attache with the Boer troops, who was wounded and captured during the fighting which took place at the Bioem fontein waterworks, has since died, after an operation, at the Bioemfontein I hospital. He was buried with military honors. General Buller has privately described the superhuman endurance and bravery of the soldiers and their cheerfulness during the latest assaults

THE , AißliUftOlil 'GUARDIAN : SATUBDaX, AI>BIL 14, 1900



EAST || . o JON EB. STREET ' BICYCLES. BTCtCLES — B ICYCLI S:= TTAVINa KECEIVi'D A SHIPMENT OF THE FAMOOS " ARENA" CYCLES, I am prepared to offer these Machines at a very Low figure to secure quick Sale and Prompt Beturns THESS Cycks are Well-M-ide, Up-to-Date, Strong, Rigid, Light) and Easy Running, and Btted wi h Morgan and Wright Tyres, and r qaal to ai)y*£2o in the market. These Bicycles are offered at the very Low Price of £IQ CASH. TERMS OAN RE ARRANGED. THIS is an opportunity to secure a well-built serviceable Machine at Bed-Rock Prices. I am prepared to indent those Cycle?, Ladies' or Gentlemen's, a a lower price. TERMS ON APPLICATION. ORDER EARLY FOR NEXT SEASON. Agent for Milner and Phompson's Organs and Pianos. —(o) 11. M. JONES.



GEORGE. DUNCAN & Co. RESPECTFULLY announce that they have Opened those centrally situated Premises in Tancred Street, Ashburton, lately occupied by Mr A P. Williamson (next Undrill's), where they will open on —Saturday, 14 th April f ZI AS .BEADY MONEY DRAPERS. WE BUY FOR CASH and thus secure all Discounts The Lowest Prices and best Markets. WE SELL FOR OASH and thus avoid all losses arising from Bad Debts and the expenses of tbe Credit System. WHY should the Cish Customer p*y for other peoples bad debts. By dealing with us they avoid doing so. Please Call & Inspect Our Stock, No One Pressed to Buy. 475 CTOUin tm,r.,*t ilfhiri J"tf^«irfgTlTOTlfflil?'rHT*T^ .^jf^ffmarummmm WM_6*»wa_M»w_^_M_WPOTlOTaWM»lom NOTICE TO FARMERS. abb CAyS H BU V E ?So F PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN AKY QUANTITY Please take your Samples to the Mil!. We can supply Corns-acks. at cost price, CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B, HOBART, Manager. 17th March, 19)0



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. EASTER D\Y (April 15). 6.30 a m—Mo!) Comnvjuion 8.30 a m—Holy Communion Ham—>M*u'na, Holy Communion, and Sermon 2.45 p m-l'bi'rfren's Service 4 pm—Ho'y Biptiem 6.30 p m—Choral Evensong and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPE, MA.. Vicar WATCHMAKER & JEWELLEB, HAS JUir RECEIVED a Choice Col lection of STERLIMC' SILVeR A E.P. WARE, SUITABLE FJR WEDDING PRESENTS, ETC., ComprHmz Specially Selected Articles, both Useful and Ornamental. Not having Window space to display the above Goods, INSPECTION INVITED. To thrae interested in Racing, trotting, cycling, etc I have ja?b received a Special line of STOP WATCHES, INCLUDING SPLIT SECOND CHRONOGRAPHS—A wonder in Watch construction. Hunting and Open face High-class CHRONOGRAPHS. Also, a New lino of two Dos-jij, lt I lie Consultation" Nickel Keylsss STOP WATCHES. I Prions 20a. Thia is a far superior time-piece to any thing of the same class yet efferod !o the public. A full stock of all other cla.°eea of Gold and Silver Watches on hand, at prices to Buit everybody. For the Litest Novelties in Gold and Silver Jewellery, inapt-ct Window display. Silver Charms in endless variety from ls each A new atock of Spectacles to hand. J. V.DE~BEER, WATCHMAKER & JXWBLLBR, Eaßt Street, Ashburton. """FcTXITt" '. WAKANUI ROAD HOUSE of 6 Rooms with attached Scul lery, Cuf'per built io, together with A an acre of land. F FERRIMAN. OUR Soldiers are told to remember "Mnjuba" when fighting the Boers But to come nearer home ib will pay to remember A, H. Williams' when in want of books, stationery, fancy good<, toys, news paper*, etc. Lowest prices. Plain figures. New gods weekly, Luge stock of school hooka and school requisites.—A H WILLIAMS, Taaored Street,



MKS JOHNSTON i nfIBACHER of the Pianoforte »»d 1 ' Hinging. 7 Havelook Street. LLEWELLYN OWEN* M'C.S.M. CERTIFICATED TEACHER. lOCSL Kfpreaentative of the London J College of Muaic, and of the Musical International College. *>[ANOFORTE, ORGAN, VIOLIN, MAN DOLINE, SINGING. HARMONY, AND COUNTERPOINT. The new term will commence January 22nd. Intending pupils kindly communicate early. OSBORN COOMBE, PIANO TUNER & EXPERU (Late of London}, VISITS Ashburton and surrounding Die* trie! s every four months—viz, March, July, and November, I ORDERS may be left with MR LLEWELLYN OWEN at hia Musio Studio, Arcade Chambers. Aahburton. or at Commercial Hotel. MISS BEiSIE SIMMONDS. MUSIC Seller and Teacher of the Violin. Musical inalruments of every de*crir tiou, VIOLINS a SPECIALITY. Music and Songs by every mail. Firat-olasa Quad rille Bund. Burnett Street, 4 83 Opposite Publishing Company. «— . £ TO LET. AT a Low Rental, v:z 5j 61 per week, Small Shop with Rooms attached, fronting East Street South. Apply to T. BULLOCK, Agent- MONEY rjlO LEND, on approved really good free- X hold seourity, two special Buma of £1400 and £1350 respectively. Apply to T. BULLOCK, T0 ~leTt "" HOUSE of Five Rooms, well situated in Grey Street, healthy locality. Apply T. BDLLOUK. WAR CELBBRITIEB—I2 Numbers of Beautifully Bound Plates of the Officers of the Britiah Army, each number containing 4 plates, 93 the set. Orders now being booked. Order early and secure a act— WAR PICTURES, — Battlea of ElandH- , iaagte, Belmont, Dundee and Modder i River, and Defence of Mafeking, la 6d each, or set of five for 6b 6d same as Chriac church.—H M Jones Smoke New Venus I



£ST4*USHBD 1874- Mcdonald & Co, TAILORS, O EMO YE D to See our Samples JUBILEJU Compare our prices Buildin^gi, Burnett Street. Wo can't be beat 3235 .. THE New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY TS NOW SHOWING A LARGE STOCK OF Winter Goods Men'aSac Suite .. 21s, 255, 29a 6d. Men's Tweed Trousers 7a 6d, 8s 9<i, 9s 6d Men's Covert Coata .. 2956d,3956d, 52s 6d Boys' Covert Coatß from .. > • 14a Boys' Reefer Coats from .. .. 6a 6d Boys' Sailor Suits from .. • • 7s Boys' Norfolk Suite from .. ..lis 6d §0 dozen Serge and Tweed Caps. The largest variety in town. 20 dozen Soft Felt Hata, newest shapes. I White Shlrte 5s 6d, 6a 6d, 7s 6d, 8s 6d, 9s 6d A new line of abort fronted White Shirts. New Ties, Braces, Glovea, Mufflers, Collars, Umbrellas, Wool Shirts, etc. Ladies and Gentlemen's Watebfboof Coats, Made to Obdeb. A Jorge variety of Patterns to ohoose from. NEW ZEAIL,A.INI> CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. REOKINQSALE, Manager



o 1 O * i o !_! P5 _ ! w ? 3 ! «* _. b_* ►* 5§ Cv ° 5 k I gfij pq m \z S « OS >-X S IB? p—r go H^ Em_J £""< _MB j^n~e~ j^j



N.Z. LOAN & MJSRCaNJILE AGENCY COMPANY. Ltd. FOUIi Great Bread Winners. THE HERCULES NICHOLSON CULTIVATOR. Leading Farmera' verdict ia—>" Absolutely the best Cultivator ever aold in the Colony." "FARMER'S FAVORITE" ALL STEEL DRILL Fitted with Roller bearings and New Turnip and Rape Feed. "HINEMOA" POTATO DIGGER Cost of machine saved in three acres of Potatoes.) SPALDING-ROBINS ROTARY DISC PLOUGH 50 per cent saved in cost of ploughing. We ask farmera to inspect our machines the Autumn Trade. THE N.Z. LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY CO., LIMITED. E. G. STAVELEY, Manager. SOLE AGENT for Ashburton Districts: DAVID THOMAS. 3 267



FOR feALE, Suburban Property, Allenton District. 7*/ acre yl^ PORTION fronting Allea'a Road. Ib is all divided into £ Acre Sectiona, being No 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9. 10 11, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34, and being part of R. 8.8767. There is a square Dwelling House with Verandah erected on the Property, and other improvements. Ita having been laid off into | acre sectiona is an advantage, as thia was originally dona ab considerable expense, and of courae the purchaaer would get the benefit of ib, If not aold as a whole will be divided into blocks to auib pur chasers. Terms and full particulars on application. T. BULLOCK TO LET. Dwelling, in Eton Street, Hampstead, together with two | acre Beotiona ; rental 8s ptt week, T. BULLOCK.



THE HOLIDAYS. rPHE Offices of the Ashburton Publishing JL Company will be closed on EASTER MONDAY until 7 pm, and tbe Guardian will nob be published on that day.



i TO BAKERS TO LET, ab a low Rental—Triangle Bakery and Shop, centrally situated, i net far from the Railway Station. T BULLOCK



Smoke New Venus