The Ashburton Guardian.

Vol xxi. no. 5068

ABBBURTON *• Tnes;lay, March. .20, ISOO

rsiOK : (Jno Penny

COMMERCIAL

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter- Dury, Ltd, quote as follows on March 19,1900:— Wheat—New. Prime milling Pearl .- 2s to 2s Id „ „ Tu3oan... 2s Id to 2s 2d „ „ Hunter'B la lid to 2s Oats—Duns ... U 7£d Danish .., Is 7£d to Is 8d Canadians ... la 9d to Is 9£d Sparrowbilla Is B|d to Is 9d Barley—Malting, mime, 2s to 2s 2d Inferior W Is 6d to Is 9d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 40s GrassSeed—Old pasture, Is 9d to 2a New „ Is 3d to Is 6d The above are prices current p?id to farmers on tracks at Ashburton.

THE PLAGUE

—♦ ——— Spread of the Disease in Sydney United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapuaka March 19, 10 55 p.m, Thii Office 11-32 p. m) Sydney, March 19 A boy named O'Oonnell died of the plague at Redfern. The illness re appeared only a couple of hours before death. The North Sydney morgue has been quarantined in consequence of the inquest on McCann's body having been held there.



Sfatppin?, SFCA.W, SAVILL AND ALBION ' COMPANY, UifTTSD. FOR LONDON. *4%-Jk "RQ7AL MAIL STIR;A -I»iP9wiw MKUS, wibhsnpariof . Js^^B»g|; *oootnmodat!oii forallolaaaeß nsK&si^Kafflwi o j p asaen g ei . aj calling at Monta Video or Rio, f eneriffe and Ply. Vessel Toa Commander From Data, lonic »J474BKempson... Wel'b'n Marchl Kothlo _j7730 Ridley - April 26 CARGO STEAMERS. Pakeha 14531 Prosser Well'ton.Feb Karamea 6500 Burton Welt'fcon Mar 8 Rangitira 4046 Nicoll I „ Mar 29 E. W. HANMER, _ Agenb. .^.^ nmn E j^fflfltF *™W ZEALAND 'j(^^g||g'SfHlPPlNG 00,'S LINE ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS, FOR LONDON, Via Mente Video, Tenerifie * Plymeath. Beeb Accommodation for all classes of Paeeengere at Lowest Ratea. Forfeit Steamer*, "one. Dopftrture. Da^e. Waimate 5610 Wellington March 22 Wakat&no fcOOO — April 19 Wakanni 5706 — May 17 Bakaia 5628 — June 14 Tekoa 4750 — To follow F©r farther particulars apply w FRIEDLANDER BROS,, Lbd. Agenda, Aahbcrten. klo^^t¥amship~~oompany OF NSW ZEALAND, Limited fcTEAMERySAH FFXMLSTTELTOW AS.UJSI>ER: For We*tport and Greymouth—Weekly. Wellington— Monday, Tuesday, Thurs day and Saturdays NOTE—For extra sailings see advertise isient in Chrietchurch papers Dunedin — Mondayß, Fridays and alternate Tuesdays and Saturdays Neleon and Pioton, via Wellington- Tuesday and Saturday Sydney, via Auckland — Alternate Thursdays The above are Bnbjecb to alteration ; eference should therefore ba made to Obrietohurok daily papars for dates and boar of sailing For further particulars apply to F. FERRIMAN, Agent, Ashbnrton "Senky"stephsnson7™ (successor to Alfred Harrison.) Established 20 years, AUCTION KBS, LAND ESTATE AND jOMMISSION AGENT AND VALI7BR WEEKLY SALES of Live Stock Produce, Furniture, etc., EVISRY SATURDAY, at 12 o'clock. Olsaring Baloa of Stock, • Re uoehold Furnl ure, etc., as per arrangement, in any part the county. Advances mads on Goods plaosd in my Hands for Sals. Regular Consignments of Colonial Grown aad Island Fruit sold privately through the week, and at Auction on SATURDAYS. Agejvt : Norwich Ouioa Fin) Insurance Comp&ny Ie Dreadon Pianoforta Manufacturing an;! Agency Company. PJAKOS and ORGANS on time pay monts from JUSOfi* per month. HEKRY STEFHENSON, ftUOTIONiSER THE DAINTIEST LITTLE WHEEL THAT EVER WAS " ! " The Humbler." HAVING sold oat of my old stock of these saperlor Bicycles, I have jasc opened tip a fresh^ consignment of the LATEST PATTERN " RAMBLER" SPECIAL LIGHT RA.CERS, ROAD BAOBR3, & ROADSTERS n all eizas and all fitted with the evef sating O Sr J detachable Tyre. •• the bambleb: alb ajnd inspeol the stock. Price Easy. Hiding Easy. Machines the Strongest on Earth. ACCESSORIES IN STOCK OTHER MARE 3 FITTED WITH G & J TYJIEB; D. THOMAS. MONEY TO LEHD PBIVATELT.: tancred street, Next C4as '^Company's Office ]^/[O NET ~TO LEND t^] 'Arrangement], fr i?£x AND UPWARD^' any Security. TRADE BILLS Privately Discounted. Weekly or Monthly Payments can ba arranged. All Business Strictly Confidential, DAVID ZANDER, COMMISSION & FINANCE AGENT. A J3NT FOR~Sun Fir© Insurance Office and Canton rine fnsurance Office. "For tuk Blood is the Life."— CLARKE'S WORLD - FAMED BLOOD MIXTURE ia warranted to cleanse the blood from all impurities from whatever cause arising. For Scrofula, Scurvy, Eo zemft, Skin and Blood Diseases, and Sores of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thous and! of testimonials. Sold in bottles, 2i 9<3, and 11s each, by Chemists and Paten. Medicine Vendors everywhere. Sole Pro prietors, The Lincoln and Midland Ooun« j»s Dauo Co, Lincoln, England.



NOTICE OF REMOVAL. MESSRS MITCHELL & TURNER HOPE TO BE UN OCCUPATION ■ [Of THEIR NEW PREMISES ON SATURDAY. MARCH 10. ""^•SHOOTING SEASON. 1900 HARDLEY BROS, PLUMBERS AND IRONMONGERS, BAS»T STREET. TTAVE TO HAND THEIR STOCK OF 1 GUNS JAWD AMMUNITION Direct from the Manufacturers. OMB AND SEE OUR STOCK OF CARTRIDGES. New Club, Eley (blae), Pegamoid Shulfcz, Kynock's Lake EUesraere (smokeless) I Kew Rival, Jt.tc. POWDER AND SHOT of all's'zjs and quality. GUNS at Prices to suit everybody, en hire or time payments. Breech loading Guns from 50-». 3UNS REPAIRED at reasonable prices, and all work guaranteed. , Good Stotk Always on Hand of PUMPS, TANKS, BITH i, Etc DAVID THOMAS, AUCTIONEER, LAND, INSURANCE & ESTATE AGENT, VALUATOR, WOOL & GRAIN BROKER, 4SBBUBTON, Loans Negotiated Weekly Sales of Live Stock—Tin wald and Ashburton alternately Fortnightly Sales of Sheep Skins, Fats, Hides, etc., on Mondays Sales of Wool Thronghoac the Season Grain Bought ana Sold on Commission Clearing Sales as per arrangements Arcade Horse and Furniture Saks held on Saturdays Horse Fairs held Monthly AGENT FOR- Matson and Co., Christchurch Booth, McDonald and Co.; Christchuroh White's Sheep Dip Walter A. Wood Co. Bowron Bros.' Belting London and Lancaahire^lnsurance Company Graham's Font Rot Composition Wright, Stephenson and Co., Donedin Planet Junior Garden and Field Tools Belfast Manures Vacuum Oil Oo.'s Agricultural Oils RAKAIA DISTRICT SALES I HAVE made arrangements with MESSRS H iRDY & CO., Merchants, Rakaia, to acb as my AGSNT for all Auctioneering Work in th*t District), and In con junction with them it will be my endeavour to maka the RAKAIA SAiJE A SUCCESS. DWID THOMAS, Ashbarton GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICE OF PLANET JR. TOOLS. DAVID THOMAS, ASHBURTON. T HAVE STILL SOME BLOCKS OF THE LAGMHOR LAND FOR |BALB, Either for Residential Purposes or ia Farming Blocks. THE BEST AND CHEAPEST LAND AT PRESENT IN THE MARKjET,- ALBO,- Splendid Farm Methven, 1500 acres, thoroughly improved, ALSO,— 1000 Acres Prime Land, Lyndhurst. ALSO,— Very complete Suburban Proparty, containing 87 Acres, Graham's Road. ALSO,— 1450 Aores, Mayfiold, thoroughly improved 1' D. THOMAS, ASHBURTON.



Wcr-ll H -Qs | Nicoll !JiothwH # H. F. NIOOLL.) [I: A. NIUOM. AUCTIONEERS, ACCOUNT A NTS, SHABEBROKERS, VALUATORS, LAND, ESTATE, ft'GENERA AGENTS. CENTRAL AOOTION BO^AIS EAST STREET, ASHBURTOH. WEEKLY SALES OP MERCHAVjOfSE, fURNITURK, & PRODUCE, in oar Rooms every SATURDAY, commencing at 12.30 p m. CLEARING SALES conducted In any parb of the district at loweat current rates. ADVANCES made on goods placed in nxit handß for absolute sale. FRUIT.—We receive regular consign ments from Anckland, Sydney, and the andp. NEW SEEDS always in stock, including Clovers, Rycgrass, Raps, end Turnip Seed. 3RAIN BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COMMISSION. We shall be pleased to receive samplfs rom farmo-8 who have parcels for tsposal. Station Books kepfc *nd audited Wo have various sums of Trust Monies, ranging from 8300 to £5000, to lend on Freehold Securities, at 4J :\nd 5 per cent / Farms, House Properties, and Building [ Section* for Sale. Particulars on application- We invite thoaa wishing to dinpose of their propertiea to oommunicato with as - SKINS & PELTS.—Vb ars buyers at b'ghest market rates, as agents for Messri Murgatroyd Bro3, Wooiaoourere and Fell mongers, Chrietchurch TT^E ARE CASH BUYERS OF FAT SHEEP AND I 4MBS AT HIGHEST MARKEf RATES. nicoll"bros., East Street. Aahhnrton. FREEZERS. FREEZERS. j TjIARMERS wishing to consign Sheep on their own account can book space at any time to Buit tneir own convenience by com municating with us. jNICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGIfNTS, OHHISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY. Limited. mHE oaßisTcaaßOfi meat co X Limited* ISLINGTON - MANURES Especidlly prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. 3REATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION WHEREVER USED. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE NicOLt, Bbos. Btore five varieties of this celebrated fertiliser. Price on application. | Allowance made for quantities. ! Lottera will receive proznp? 1 attention. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS I BEG to announce that I HAVE COMMENCED THE PRACTICE ! O MY PROFESSION afc i Victoria Chambers), Burnett Street, 1 Aahburton. Trust and other moneys to lend. GK MA.BRIOTT WATSON, Solicitor, - THINGS - WORTH KNOWING mHAU You can SAVE MONEY If |you Buy your Boot 9 from \ NICHOLAS & PICKFORD, MANUFACTURERS to IMPORTERS OF BOOTS AND SHOES, East Street, AehburtontJ BOOTS & SHOES Of Every Description Made to Measure '■ Eaae and Comfort^Studied. Skill and Judgment being",exerciaed of[tbe Formation of the Feet. j Workmanship and Materials] CHARGES MODERATE. Bring Your Repairs to — NICHOLAS & PICKFOiD Lata McDonald & MoDiabmid. ASHBURTON PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT BOOIEIf. mHE SOCIETY is now taking MONEY JL on DEPOSIT Fixed Twelve Months 4§ per cent, Full particulars on application. EDWARD STEPHENS, Manager. Office: Tancred Street __^ ' MKS JOHNSTON mEACHER of the Pianoforte and ■ Binglng< Havelook Street.



Harvest Supplies I¥7B HAVE JC73T; LANDED ex Paparoa, R*kaia, and Aolea, NEW SUPPLIES OF ENGLISH EARTHENWARE, GLASS AND CHINA. Every line up tt date,"and at lowest Cash {qu/tatlons. Engllah'and American FRUIT JARS at) [lowest) prices in Town, IQaeensland Pure Dry Cane SUGAR-" 701b Bags 14s, Only dry Sugar should be used for Preserving. Two and Three Prong Forks, Binder Whips, Rein Cord, Oil Cane, Reaper Oil, Raw and Boilod Oil, Castor and Cylinder Oil, ia any quanti y. 51b Boxes Pure Ceylon TEA from 7b 6d each, bio y~cTl c a In BICYCLIS wa can offer the Jbeßt ( value la the Colony, We build Machines to order from Genuine B.S.A. parts* We are also Agents for Columblaa, Hartfords, and Lovell Diamonds. Quotations on application. CARSON & Co., GROCERS AND IRONMONGERS, Importers of Bicycles, Hardware,"|GlaJß and China, Taxcked Street and Arcade, .Ashhrirtcn. _ " a card, j A Branch Office has fceen opened by the undersigned at Messrs Nicoll Bros., Easb Street, where they will carry on practice as Barristers and Solicitor MAUDE & HARMAN, Solicitors, Christchurch Money feo Lend'afc LoweßtfCarrenb Rates oa Freehold Security. NofProcuration Fee. MAUDE & HARMAN, lli"'48 Ashburton. E. W. HANMER, NOTICE OF REMOVAL TO NEW PREMISES. HAVING arsbanged premises with the Farmers' Co-operative Association, have much pleasure in stating that in future I shall carry on my business at the offices and store lately occupied by the above As soclation afe the corner of Wesfe Streed and Havelock street (the Loan and Mercantile old premises. STORAGE AT LOWEST RATES.. CORNSACKS AT CURRENT PRICES. 132 W. ANME BUSINESS CHANGE. T HAVE much pleasure in announcing thab I have purchased the SADDLERY BUBINESS Lately conducted by Mr J< H. Jamieso*i And respectfully solicit) a continuance of the liberal support accorded to my pre decessor. ALL ;ORDERSdpromptly~executea, and »U>ork GUARANTEED. Robert Anderson, EAST STREET, Ashburton 11107 Q. MEDDINS, THE PEOPLE'S IRONMONGER. BURNETT STREET, Opposite Arcade /"CORDIALLY invites inspection of the VJ following Seasonable Goodß, withoub f being pressed to buy: — PRESERVING PANS, BRASS AND ENAMELLED. Enamelled Goods, Gardening Tools, Knives, Forks, and Spoons, Ranges and Register Grabea Enamelled Mantelpieoeß A.I. HARVESTING MATERIAL, INCLUDING Hay Forks Hay Rakes Scythes and Handles, Machinery Oils at Low Prioee. MASSEY-HARRIS REAPER SECTIONS, i English make; Low Price Agent for the Celebrated ROVER AND CLEVELAND CYCLES. Cash or Terms.



Without a pzor in ail the World. Unrivalled, Unexcelled, j | r"T n i tzziiziiiizzziiiii "m— ; ——r j)uq!ops I J i^H t/ r^l y tobacco I "Strives to Excel," and comes in "Easily First." l If 1 —--- ' -< -^w _ __



In India the jackal is more dreaded than the tiger. In this countsy it Is the substi- , y tution fraud that one has to guard against, high profib bearing subst.itutPß being often j pushed for the sake of extra profit. With J Hondai-Linka Tea you are quite safe so long ■a you trade with your eyes opeD, every genuine packet bearing the registered aad Government protected nams, Hondai-Lanka, on packets and boxes.—Sold by J T Cooch; Saundera' Buildings, Ashburton Cotton cloth wes 6rst m>de in India, and was in use there 2000 years ago. Hondai- L^nia pure uoblended Ceylon packed Tea has ooly been upon the market four years, yet is ia the Tea that has revolutionised the trade, "Secret." It is better than any o her Tea, that'd all.—Sold by J T Cooch, Sounders' Buildings READ WHA'l' MR PRITCHARD SAYS:- CURED of a " RUNNING SORE" On the Leg by "YITADATIO," THE GBBAT HERBAL REMEDY. TRULY WONDERFUL RESULTS. 98. West-terrace, Adelaide, 5.4., 4:h Dee., 1899. MR 8. A. PALMER, Dear Sir- Nine years ago I had. an attack of "typhoid fever"; this left me with a "running sore" oa my left leg, which caused me great pain, io much so tlaafc I could only average about " three monchs' work in a year." The doctors I consulted could not do me any good, so I had to Buffer. About four years ago my sufferings were further aggravated by an accident, through a stone falling on the came leg, causing me intense pain. I sought relief in various advertised remedies, but without receiving any benefit from them. Hearing about " Webber's Vitadatio " I decided to give it •• a trial." After taking four bottles I am thankful to say that the "inflammation and running core have disappeared." I suffer no pain, and am able to do my work as usual. You are at liberty to make what use you like of j this testimonial, just hopiDg it may benefit some poor sufferer. i I am, yours gratefully, LEONARD PRITCHASD. Witneaeed by P. JOHNSON, "Water Wotka," Kent, Town, 4/12/99. Vitadatio, 5s 6d and 3s 6d. Indian Oil of Cream, 2s 6d. HEAD DEPOT for New Zealand— 39, Manners Street), Wellington.^ S. A. PALMER, Sole Agenb for Austra lasia, India, Ceylon, and Japan. Sole Proprietor and Manufacturer, W» WEBBE«, LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA. FARMERS, |-\O NOT RUN.THE RISK OF LOSIKC YOUR GRAIN BY NOR'WESTERS In the attempt to harvest it with^an old Binder — BUT COME AND BUY A NEW MoCORMICK, It will pay you in the long run if you take into consideration the coßt of repairs and the delay that is [caused by au old machine. We have only a FEW MoOORMICKS LEFT,|Bo«would advise you to order early so as to aecure one of the? L MONARCHS o THE HARVEST FIELD. MACHINE OIL, AND DONAGHY'S TWINE IN STOCK. MORROW, BASSBTT & Co., ASHBURTON. M. PRIEST, Manage



Established 1876. FOR OHRt-STAf.' S PRESENTS x 8D NEW ?SAR GIFTS, Also WEDDING PRESENTS «ro to GEORGE JESWN, \ PRAOTIOAL WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, East Street, Aahburton. ' THE CHEAPEST PLACE IN TOWN OB WATCHES, CLOCKS, AND JEWELLERY Of Every Description. INSPECTION INVITED. THE NEW ZKALIND FARMERS' CO OPERATIVE association; of CANTERBURY. Ltd. HARVEST 1900 CORN SACKS. A FULL SUPPLY KEPT IN STORES, Aehburton. "bTn dee twine. New best Canterbury Fiax Twine jusfc arrived. Shareholders are requested to book their requirements immediately, as owing to the great scarcity of Flax, this Twiue will ba almost unprocurable later at our present selling price. OILS.—We have all kinds of Machine Oils in bulk, which we retail out at lowest possible rates. Please call and inspect our Stook before ordering elsewhere THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' CO OPERATIVE ASSOCfATION OF CANTERBURY, Limited. 11 115 T. F. GIBSON, Manager J. V. DX BEEE, JEWELLER &r WATOHMA-KERr rnHE LATEST NOVELTIEB just to J. hand in all classes of Watches* «& Jewellery, RQTHERHAM'S EHGLISH LEVER WATCHES IN THE FOLLOWING GRADES : — Gold Key'ess Hunting Gold Keyless Open Face Silver Keyless Half Hunting"; Silver Keyless Hunting Silver Keywind Fusee Hunting Silver Keywind Going Barrel Hunt ing Silver Keyless Open Facß Silver Key wind Fusee Open Face Silver Keywind Going Barrel Open Face Also, a FULL STOCK to? 1, ROTHBRHAM'S LADIES' COLD WATCHES, SPECIALLY MADE TO MY ORDER. SIX DOZEN ENGLISH KEYLESS OPEN 1 FACE NIOKEL LEVER WATCHES, Compensation balance, full .jewelled, two years' Guarantee,* STS 6d EACH. S7S 6d Also, a Full Stock of all other clasaei of Ladies' and Gentlemen's Watohes. WATERBURYS at four prices— 14s 64,' 19s 64, 20s, 22s 64- J. V. DE BEEK, :(Late S. Salek) EAST BTREET, ASHBURTON MR~r>ONGrES, HAVELOCK STREET, nnEACHEK of Violin, Mandolin, and JL Harmony. Terma on application. 1 I to iSabiisbea 1880 Telephone 69 I BAKER BROS., , F 1 URNISHIWG yrNDERTAKERS URNISHING tJ NDERTAKERS DIRECT Importers of Best and Lates i Designs in FDNERAL FURNISHINGS FUNERALS conducted with the greatest care and satisfaction, at most reasonable charges. Corner of Wakanni Road and Casa i Streets, and Baker and Brown's Coach Factory. EEMOVAL NOTICE R. J. GUY. SADDLER, WISHES to notify to to his Customers that he has REMOVED back to his new Premises on the old site, Burnett Street!. Large Stook of SADDLERY, HARNESS, WHIPS, &0., on hand. Inspection invited. All orders left with rao will be promptly executed.



Frank Curtis. t THE LEADING Watchmaiter, & fJe-vrtoiler, EAST STREET, HAS now on hand the finest stock of JEWELLERY, WATCHES, &c, in Ashburton, including a fresh consignment) of Botheriam Watches Direcb from the Manufacturers. A special line of LADIES' SILVER WATCHES at £2, guaranteed two years. Also my now famous xJIOKfcJj LiftV&K WATCHES at 27a 6d and 30a. Cheaper Lines in NICKEL WATCHES from 14a 6d. ALL my NICKEL WATCHES are GUARANTEED for ONE YJBAB. I have now ia Stock a very Jfiae selection of JtJingrasrewttent; and ll.iewlleß' 1 Gem fling*, From 10a upwards to £15; also the VERY LfIiTEST DESIGNS in GOLD BROOCHES from 7a 6d, each cased. SPECTACLES fitted accurately. Satia faction guaranteed. Repairs executed promptly and in best stylt, WEDDING RINGS AND KEEPERS of my own manufacture, stocked in all sizes and styles. A Special Room for choosing i! deaired. FRAh'K CURTIS, THE LEADING WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER TO ARMER9, CONTRACTORS & OTHERS A. SIMPSON, (LATE OF REID AND GRAY'S.) B'dGS to announce to the inhabitants' of' AGhburton and surroandicg clis: tricts that ho has commeclc d business as a SHOEING & GENERAL BLACKSMITH, and hopas by good Workmanship and Moderate Charges to tn&dt a share of public patronage. All kinds of Implements made and repaired- Horses shod in the latest approved style. Corns and other diseases of the feet cured, A first-class Wheelwright kept on the Premises. Note the address, — WAKAEUI ROAD, Nearly opposite the Central Hotel. 3 82 CBEaJ? "MONEY i OBBAP MON&Y - CHEAP MONEY IN SUMS JF ,€IOO T0 £10,000, ON COUNTRY, CITY, AND SUBURBAN FREEHOLD, Ab Hi per ceDb. Terms of repayment of the mosb character, which can be ascertain* enquiry. THOR FORMS OP APPLICATION AND *J FULL INFORMATION Apply to the DISTRICT MANAGER, Chrißtchurch. J..H. RICHARDSON, overnment Insurance Commissioner. A CARD MRS A fi piLARIDGK A. \J. VyLARIDGE TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE, ORGAN and SINGING COX STREET, ASHBURTON. Tonne on Applioataon. D LAVILLE'S ,(|p) LIQUOR Has a world-wide reputation as being the bdss specific. LITERATURE ON APPLICATION i»i F. COMAR & FILS, 20, Ku6 desEossss-St-Jacqu«B, PAMS AND OF ALL CHEMISTS i (^ MISS M. BICHAKDBON, mEAOHE^OF PIANO. Apply Belt Road, Allectont Terma on application. First term commences on Ist February. 1 Bf> COME and see the prices at Mbs Alcobn's Great Summer Sale. Dress Mnßlina from 6d a yard. Summer Dresses, Milinery, Ribbons, Flowers, Laces, Jackets, Capes. Underclothing, Pinafores, Aprons, Stamped Needlework, etc, all reduced during the ale. ih lir ' Smoke New Venus