A MORNING PRAYER.

let me today Co something that shall take A little sadness tram the world's vast store, And may I be so favored as to make Of joy's too scanty sum a little more. Let mo not hurt, by any selfish deed Or thoughtless word, the heart of foe or friend. Nor would I pass, unseeing, worthy need Or sin by silence where I should defend. However meager be my worldly wealth, Let me give something that shall aid my kind, A word of courage or a thought of health, Dropped as I pass (or troubled hearts to find. Let me tonight look back across the span 'Twist dawn and dark and to my conscience say, Because of some good act to beast or man, "The world is better that I lived today." —-Ella Wheeler Wileox in Youth's Companion.

DARK EYED MAID GAVE A WARNING

A Story of Moonlight Jealousy ana < a Stiletto. *

By Samuel McLeary Waller.

When Trooper Paul Mills gave the bread and coffee, he had little idea of the havoc he was raising for the well ordered existence of three who thought they were happy. But he could not have been expected to know that the girl with the blue black hair and the form drawn by famine had a lover and a fickle heart, and he had never thought so well of himself as to imag ine that he had a gallant figure and an earnest eye capable of turning the maiden's head. Else he might have hesitated as he stood in the blue haze of the tropical morning and singled out the one of the misery laden throng of refugees who seemed nearest the bor derland of exhaustion. For he was of the kind that love constancy and shrink from sullying a pure heart.

When the maiden had eaten the dry bread and drank the hot coffee and Mills had returned to his tent to get more of his small allowance of food to give to some other of the unhappy ex iles, he wondered at the quivering eyes she had turned back after stumbling away without thanking him. They had looked like twin fires of gratitude and fear kindled by sparks from a tender and terrified conscience. The maiden moved on with the for lorn host who were struggling back to the deserted city. The bundle poised on her head pressed with less insist ence. Her veins 'were warm. Into them had stolen the strong beverage and the greater strength of a sublime emotion sent on the subtlety of a kind ly glance. From out of the shell torn bull ring at the edge of the city came a graceful youth in blue and scarlet and gold. His cap was tasseled, his leggings seamed with buttons of bronze, and the fringe of his blood red sash touch ed the jangling rowel of his spur. His step rang on the roadway as he hur ried forth to meet the maiden. "Ah f Manuela, I have watched the throng since daylight! I watched it all yesterday. Why are you so tardy?"

He had reached out to clasp the girl's hands, but they slipped behind her back. The youth stopped a$ though he had felt a jar. Then passion came out of the gloom in the deep of his somber eyes and spread down his face. "What, Mannela, Is this the greeting I get—l who burned my heart out for you and sat on top of the bull ring and gazed out over the hills to where you were when the big guns were roar ing death over the valley? Come, speak to me, child, and say you are glad of your welcome!" "Had you been brave, like the men behind those guns, you would have gone through their weak, thin line and come to me. lam not glad of the wel come of a coward!"

All through the weary days of starva tion in the foul village to the north and in the purple forests around it she had sighed to press the lips of this same coward; had vowed eternal fealty at the throne of his picturesque per sonality; had breathed fervent caresses that the free evening air might waft them over the intrenched heads of the sullen armies to the vine clad balcony where he was used to sit in the moon light. On the hot road homeward she had thrilled with joy that each heavy step brought forward the time of bliss ful meeting and that each moment was a messenger from the day when they should walk between their wealth of friends down the long cathedral aisle. Then had come the pair of gray eyes, and the vaunted will of the Cozenzas had melted away like care at twilight.

The face of the youth became scarlet as his sash, then white as his palm. It la not the habit of a Latin to con trol his passions, rather he cultiiJQtes them to fierceness, but Jose choiced back his fury. Perhaps the sunken, pallid face of the girl suggested physi cal or mental unbalance—perhaps he bad learned diplomacy. Again he held out his hands, "Come, Manuela, these troublous times are passing, and we'll be happy again as when we strolled through the groves by the harbor. Say a kind word. It will warm your heart and brighten mine. Say that you are glad to see me." His tones were soft, his glances ten der. But the girl knew not restraint if the youth did. She spurned the outstretch ed hand with her own. A heavy gold ring fell from her thin finger and rolled away in the dust. She looked at it a nfoment, half stooped to pick it up, then turned and walked away. She gave the youth no word. The white and red of his cheeks changed into each other like a struggle between right and wrong. Right finally tri umphed, for, although muttering in a rage of anger, jealousy and humilla-j tion, he picked up the bang of gold. He wiped the di:st off gently, touched the ring close to his lips and put it ia

his pocket. Ho had put it on her finger under the stars one night.

When Trooper Mills rode into the city next day, but one thought animat ed his mind. Letters from his mother and his sweetheart were in the bag of mail he was to take to camp from the postoffice, and he wanted tft get back to quarters as quickly as possible to secure them. So Trooper Mills clatter ed gayly through the street

He glanced into a barred window. His clear gray eyes met the startled gaze of two shining black ones. Grasp ing 'the curtains did not keep Manuela from falling down from the casement. She heard the horse come to an abrupt halt, then a sharp rattle of iron on stone as he was turned abruptly and the quick, short steps which were bringing him toward the window. Air seemed to have stopped circulating. Her breath would hardly come as she drew herself to her feet.

A shadow came through the window as a rough hand grasped an Iron bar. Next said a hearty voice:

"Is this the little woman I gave some thing to eat yesterday? I'm glad to see you again. It was the devil of a time you people had out yonder, and I hope another won't come like it. You are all right now and will soon be as fat and pretty as ever again. Well, good by; I must hurry on. Hope to see you again."

And the echoes of hoof beats Boon died away in the distance. Certainly such a speech as that Is not calculated to overturn the common sense of a rea sonable girl. There is In it nothing ar dent nor inspiring, but Manuela's heart was too big for her body before the sound of it was out of her ears. She leaned on the casement for support. Quickly her body became rigid, and adl the passion of her soul surged up. Jose had come from out the house opposite, and the house was not his home. His eyes were malignant as he stepped into the narrow street and followed after the horseman.

Manuela followed htm with Intent gaze until he was lost to view. She knew what those burning eyes meant She turned to a door leading into the courtyard and leaned against the framing, but she did not hear the rip ple of the dilapidated fountain nor smell the pathetic fragrance of the neg lected flowers. Her eyes pierced the past, the future and then paused at the present. She returned to the street window and leaned against the bars. Her body was quivering with checked emotion.

Presently a horseman came gallop- Ing down the street. She knew that it was her trooper.

"Senor!" she called in an excited, low voice. Mills would n^£ have heard had he not looked toward the window to see if the girl were still there. There was something wild and eager in the face which made him pull the horse up roughly. He rode up to the bars.

"Senor!" The girl spoke rapidly, and her tones were hoarse. "You are In danger. You are to be killed. I must warn you, but not now. Come at mid night to the spreading tree behind the bull ring. I will be there. Will you come?"

Mills was almost at camp before he ceased wondering why he promised to meet the girl. It was absurdly foolish, he said. Why did she not tell him of the danger instead of making such an appointment? The trooper had been seated under the tree half an hour when he heard soft footsteps in the shadow beneath the wall of the bull ring. He stepped forward and met Manuela as she passed into the gloom of the branches. She clutched hia arm, and her hand trembled violently. "He followed me," she panted. But for his support she would have fallen. "Who?" asked the wondering soldier* "Jose," she replied, "the man I camo to warn you against. He wanta to marry me, but I will have nothing of him. He saw you at my window to day and says you are the man I love and that he will kill you. He watched the house all day. I tried to elude him when I came out, but he saw me and came after." She drew closer to the trooper. "I am af-raid of him," she continued. "He will kill me. You Won't let him kill me?"

Her arms clasped him about the neck, and she placed kiss after kiss on his lips and cheeks. Mills was thor oughly astounded at the whole pro cedure and struggled to protest. He tried to put the trembling girl from him. Over her shoulder he saw a body creeping through the grass. At each movement something long and white gleamed in the moonlight. It was a stiletto. The figure stopped and crouched as a leopard for a spring. Mills thrust the girl from him just in time to receive the shock. The knife was buried in his shoulder and drawn out. The trooper grasped the upraised wrist as it was descending toward his heart. Jose was light of weight, but active and strong. Pain and loss of blood told greatly on Mills. The strug gle raged fiercely. Then there was a heavy fall, and a moment after th 6 trooper, dripping with blood, staggered out to where his horse was tethered. A dark form lay still in the shadow. As Mills drew himself into the saddle a girl's figure turned the corner of the bull ring. He never saw her again. Next day the watch found the body of Jose with his own stiletto in his heart. A heavy gold ring lay in the pool of his blood.—New York News.

Frontier Convenience.

"I feel sorry for Cousin Amanda. She is moving way out west." "Oh, I don't know. She can learn to throw a lariat and keep her children at home."—Chicago Record.

Needed at Home.

Little Wine—Dear, you ought to take come cod liver oil. Don't you think it Is a good thing? The Usual Brute—Yes—for the cod.— • New York Press.

r.TMH) ASHBTTRTON GtJAEDTAN l TEUJRSDaY, MAY 3, 1900

Printed and published by HsnftT Willis, 0 Peter Street Ashburton, for the propri* tore, at their Office, Burnett Street, Aah* barton, THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1800.



it Oil MfllOllU llioUldUUv Vllli 8 Udll f a IST ABLISHED 1"™! _ 185S CAPITAL^O'nFMILLION. THE PBEHIKR AMD WEALTHIEST COLONIAL COMPANY* ;NOTED FOR PBOMPTNKSS AWD LIBIRALIT¥ PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESEKVES— FIRE AND "MARINE RISKS, ALSO,— BISKS ON GROWING CROPS, rHKEHBItfG MACBWES, 4o. t ACCEPTED AT LOWEST TORRIHT EATHSB'



FURTHEB PROOF THAT • VI'UADATIO ' IS GkKUINB. A &yjd#ey Lady Cuukd of Hydatibs by VITADATIO. FRESH PROOFS DAILY. 337 Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney. Ist Deovmber, 1899. Mr S &. Pa'mer, •'Vitadatio." | "YEAR yii',—-1 wriije to let you know of «../ the great benefit I have derived since taking " Webber's Vitad&tio." About ten years ngo my health broke down. I Dff'jred with Bilious Attacks, Headache*--, CorsMpa tion and Flatulence. I consulted doctors ('he best iv Melbourne), and they said my liver and Kidneys were cut of order, and that was the oauße of all my troublr. They trpated me for that complaint, but I only dt rived temporary" benefit. T soon became worse and life was a burd' nto me I tried » great many of the advertised medicines for Liver and Kidney Disease, but jrot no better, 1 lead co much about Viutdatio that 1 thought I would give it a trial, and, much fco my frurpri«R, after taking cix large bottles j my trouble turned out to be Hydatide. I j continued with the medicine and am now quite cured. I have the Hydatids pre served in epiritr. lam so thankful to get rid of such a terrible disease, and &m ao well now thot I give you this testimonial, bo that anyone Buffering similarly to what I did might try "Vitadatio," I will be glad to tell anyone about my case, and show them the Hydatids if they will call, or will wiite fuller particulars to anyono wishing to know more of my ease, if they will enclose a stamped addressed envelope for replyt— Yours very gratefully, j MRS DA VIES. j Wibtiesa to signature— I WALTER TURON NEWELL. The price of this wonderful Remedy is 5s 6d and 3-s 6J per bottle. All chemists and grocers. 8. A. Palmer, Distributor General for | Australasia. ! Head Office for New Zealand—39 Manner a 1 Street, Wollii gen. ALL Loasby's Preparations—Cinramo Cure, Koolibah, W'ahoo, and Bfrjamin Gum— al J T COOCH, Btor> keepe-.



E. T. CLARK, GRAIN AND PRODUCE BROKER. Tancrkd Street, j (^ext McCocell & Comptou'b Stables.) AGENT for Bi ling* and KnowU'd vSpray lumps ad Famous Insro'iioidesJ Spray Pmnps, complete .. £2 i Kaowlee' " Sweet Nicotine" 2s per bottlf.  Kill 'Em Q lick la 9d per boitle.  Paris Green 2i 6d per lb.  Helabore Powder 2s per lb. INFORMATION GRATIS It cannot bo said of the American Blight That to the Orcharding it gives delight, SoSpiay it well without compulsion Wilb Fiench "Kebosknk Emulsion." The cherries and pears are c vi-rcd with slugs, The Vines are infested with naughty wee Bugs. But never say die, have you not seen There's death in the fpray of " £\VEET Nicotine " The Aphis blick and the Aphis greon Are the very worst pests the peach has froa. T hey allow neither fruit nor iree to grow, Then why no*give "Sweet Nicotine" a show. lour f'uit f trees will soon be nothing but stumps If you've not got the rense to uce " Knowl.es' Pumps." The Shu Joro Rcale is coming yc-nr way, And your cry then will bo '* Lot us iSpray," " Lot us Spray." If ycu wish to dfalroy the San J.ibc Se*!e Put a pinch of Saltpetre on t he tip of his tail, One of fi'--o Charcoal, ai-othtr of iSu'phur, Touch with a lighted match—Oh, Lor ! What a buster? Catch hold of hie throat and open his thrctt'e, And dos 9 him with " Boudhaux " out of a botile, When he's {.wallowed a pint or a quart at. I he mo!>t, He 11 be dead as a Dail, or quail upon toast The larva of the Codlin Moth Is more destruc-i c than the Go'h. So tako my advice as soon as he's seen Give him a spray of " Paris Grkkn.' We have pests by the m llions, Which give us the Dump 3. They are coming in Billions, T hank " OLA RK " for hia Fumpe. To Bicycle Purchasers. XHK STRAIGHT TIP For Racing Cyclists & Others who would secure a GOOD STAET in the RACK For Success in Life, And get "well placed," is to be WELL MOUNTED ! ! Now, to be well mounted costs do more than to be ill-mounted, so long as you patronise tl*e right BICYCLE ESTABLISHMENT. R. D. JOHNSTON can supply intending purchasers with the Best Bicycle ever manufactured, viz., the Budge ~ Whitworth! j These Bicycles are manufactured at j Covenbry and Birmingham by the oldest established Firm in England. They carry the usual twelve monthb' guarantee, which is quite unnecessary in the case of th Ku&ge-Whitworth. Come and Inspect the 1900 Models. They are real Beauties. STOCK OF ACCESSORIES. All Makes of Machines Refairfd. BICYCLES ON HIRE. 111. HID, BURNETT STREET, Next Oban«e Hall. HORSE COVERS. HORSE COVERS IB G to remind my Customers and the general Public that I have a large Stock of HORSE COVERS OF ALL QUALITIES AND PRICES, Inspection Invited Also a large Stock of SADDLERY, Etc, on hand. R. J.~GrUY. SADDLEK, Burnett; Street. '



Wm, BTJBANGE j Pole Partners and) Thos. CoYERDALIii ( Proprietors. j W. STRANGE & CO. TT AYE pleasure in advising Ladies resident in tbe country that their first shipments of Just Arrived ! An til nun Juat Arrived Just Arrived ! & Winter Just Arrived Jut Arrived! ,(joo(t«i. Just Arrived!! Have juet arrived, These useful, beautiful, novel and tempting lines were shipped to , j us direct from our London House, 139-141 Wool Exchange, E,O, and comprise Fashionable, A. JElo«t Fashionable, Useful, tit Useful, Novel, Attractions. Novel, All Prices ! All Prioes i The new goods, expressly designed for Autumn And Winter wear, include sot merely a giand Assortment of plain, tvery-day stuff, suoh as are in request all the year round, but) The MOVfCJkVrilQjsX The Latesb NOTEI/IIE8! Latest Lindonand MOTBLl'IBS! L-ndon and Ooati nental , NOVELIJEBI Continental N)ve lbiee! ' Novelties! i.e., Novelties in Dr«we6 and Dresß Blouses, Mantlet, Jackets, Costumes, Gloves, Corsets, Underclothing, Sunshades, Macintoshes, Promenade>nd EveoiDg Dretse?, Opera Wraps, and Well woith flee pas of Well worth ComiDg to Pretty ComiDg to Town 'J/hlujars ? Town »io hee I to Bee ! Bu*», suppose yon cad** come, that you live too far away, that you] can't spare the time for a trip to town—what; then ! Wo will tell you ! Good Advice I Get Get a Good Advice! » Catalogue 1 Good Ad vice? Ca'alogue? Get a Good Advice ? Catalogue ! They're just out, and will give yoa, in a very attractive form, some account of the sew goods. Having got your Catalogue read it carefully, make your selection, write to us telling us plainly what you want, enclose remittance to value of goods, and Hundreds of &hot> An Effective i Ladies do i Witll US Plan. Hundreds of by Post! An Effective I Ladies do ! Plan, N.8.-REMITTAKOE MUST ACCOMPANY ALL LETTER ORDERS. We will s*nd you juat wlia* you want, and select the goods for you as carefully es you coaid do it for yourtelf i yo'i were present at the counter, W. STRANGE k CO. MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS, & FAMILY DRAPERS, OHRIS CHURCH. THE NEW DRAPERY." A Beautiful EVENING DRiSS WINDOW. SOMETHING NEW AND CHASTE. MITCHELL & TURNER. BELFAST AND FAIBFIELD FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST XpOR (TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURE can be mad 3 for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. • MANURE CAN BE SUPPLIED IN 1 Owt, or 2 Owt. SACKS, Orders received b/ FHIEDLAWDER BROH,» Limited., 13A.VID THOMAS, OR THIS JN.Z.. FARMERS CO-OJPHJRA.TIVI3 ASSOCIATION OF CAJNTERBURY, Limited., CANTERBURY FROZEN MIBAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE j EXPORT COMPANY. LIMITED. j 880 F, WAYMOUTH Seor-iary. i



DRESS AND FASHION. ! Grand Show cf Winter Fashion si and Advanced Novelties. ANDREW ORE I S now exhibiting a Magnificent Stock of High classs Novelties, Winter Jackets, Capes, Costumes, Millinery, Macintoshes, Dress Fabrics, Corsets, Umbrellas, Gloves, Collars and Ties, New Drees Materials, Trimmings, Velvets Blouse Cloths, Kid Gloves. Genta'Clothing, Hats Cape, Tiee, Gloves, etc. Ladies and Gents' Jcots and Shoes in great variety. Blankets, Flannels, Carpets, Rugs, Linoleums, Floorcloths. Large purchases have been made previous to the great rist in Wool and other Materials, Customers will get the full benefit. DRESSMAKING.—TaiIor rfade Coat and Skirt Costumes—beautiful fit. ANDREW 0 R R . M EL LO R'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE THE LEADING BOOT SHOP, TB the Moib ÜBLIABLE Home lot GOOD AND CHEAP BOOTS. 0 aim la to give you the bust va&cr for littub monhk-. HONESTY i« oui Polio We ml! not Guarantee you an article unless weJttnw it will give you every^Satis action.| (One Trial ia all we ask—Our Qocde^Sell themselves. «-n« eih .a mmm - j MELLOR, OJANORBD BTPFF ASHBUFTDN DO NOT SHOP BY POST. "I7"EEP TOUR MONEY IN ASHBURTON, when we will look after your requirements—Wall— SEE OUR WINDOWS. BLANKETS AND FLANNELLB LADIES' UNDEB CLOTHING LADIES' WATERPROOFS LADIES' JACKETS MILLINERY. CUR BOYS' & YOUTHS' CLOTHING Is Unsurpassed, a trial will convince. TAM HATS, IN SERGE AND ASTRAOHAN MEN'S REEFER JACKETS, CARDIGANS, AND WATERPROOFS. NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD, "THE CORNER."



TO LE T v TTOUBE of 6 Rooms oenkally situated in XX Burnett Screeb Apply to T, BOLLOCK Agent. FOR SALE A FARM of 265 Acres, Bpringfieia, District, Rural Section 32643, mostly in English grasses. For terms and p»rtiicu »rs »pply to ! T. BULLOOK, Agent. TJVMPTY Orktes for Rale suitable for X!i Sheep Feeding. Only Is 6d eaoh. Flktcheb Bros., Cash Supply Store. Smoke Kew Venn* " I



TO LET. )3mmmMmm/ AT a Low Rental, viz. 5s 6S per week, . Small Shop with Roomt attached, fronting East Street South. Apply to T. BULLOCK, Agen FOP. SALE BUILDING Allotments near the Canter bury Mills, No 39, 40,64, 55, each containing | acre, having two frontages on Roads running through block known m paddock. Good Land—Healthy position. _——JOSij^K^ Smoke Npw Venus



HAMPriIiSAD. Section 36, containing \ acre, fronting Church Street, with three-roomed Cottage, Rtoro room, eto, thereon, the properly of Me F J Hydes. This not having been disposed of by auction, offers are invited for same Fail particulars furnished on application T BULLOCK WANTED Known—That J. Moisok in received a large supply of Summer Buots and Shoes, suitable for the Holidays. They are all of th« beat branda and makers, and nave equalled in Ashburton. J.M. being the only practical and experienced Bootmaker in the town, thus gives him superiority and facility to know beet w hat to get. There* fore the public havb no need to voudec where to go for reliable Boots aud Shoes Discount for cash ac usual. P epairs dona at once. Beet Sole Leather used and work* manship, at The Hall, East Street, Aeh b or ton ~~ Established 1876. FOR OHRISTM.'S PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS, Also WEDDING PRESENTS GO TO GEORGE JESSON, PRACTICAL WATCHMAKER AN JEWELLER, East Street, Aahburton, THE CHEAPEST PL kOE IN TOWN OR WAICEBS, CLOCKS, AND JEWELLERY Of Every Description. INSPECTION INVITED. FOR SALE PRIVATELY; I AM now prepared to treat privately for the unsold portion of Mb Isaac Sab* gbnt's property, comprising:— Lot 2.—Knox's Farm, containing 246 acrei or thereabouts f,ot 3 — Greenstreel's Farm, containing ISO acre* Lot 4 —North Rivrr Farm, containing 81 acres. B- W. HANMEB. S. H.GKAVES, SHABEBROKER AND FINANCIAL AGEfcT, 186 HEREFORD STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. RELIABLE Information on Dredging Stocks. Correspondence Invited. Codes : Bedford McNelli's, Morelng and. Ned's, A.B.C. Code (fourth Edition, MR ALBERT ROBERTS, Ashburion Representative Telegraphic Address: GSAVES, Christchurch. 3 21 LOOK OHEAP WINTER FIRING. NEW MOUM 1 SOMERS COAL. OUTPUT has Treblad during the Ift twelve months IT IS USEi) EVERYWHERE, This tJoal is the Beet and Cheapest 9(iw md Household Coal in the market. Used in the Woollen Factory and Oanta oury Flour Mills. GIVES SPLENDID REBULTB WRITE FOR PRICES TO G. T. PARK, MOUNT SOM RS. TO ALL MY OLD CLIENTS FARMERS, AND RESIDENTS OB 1 ASHBURTON COUNTY, I BEG to inform you that I have severed my connection with the Canterbury Mill, which was under my management for over seven years, and have PURCHASED from Mr Edwin Thomas the WAKANUI ROLLERIFLOUR MILLS. The Canterbury Mill, which ia the property of the Bank of New Zealand Aiteti Board, is still trading under the name of Rollitt & Co., so to avoid confusion with correspondence, I would like to ask you to addrejs all orders to THOMAS ROLLITT WAKANUI ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, ASHBUfiTON On and after October Ist, I shall be pleased to supply you with first-class ROLLER FLOUR, WHEAT MEAL, BRAN ft SHARPS, at lowest current rates. FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF FARMERS DOING GRISTING, 1 have arranged to keep a supply of Flour Bran, and Sharps at the Stores of the N.Z. Farmers' Association, Wesb Btreet, when Farmers, Shareholder* or non-Shareholderi oan leave their Wheat and get Flour, Bran, and Sharps in exchange. THOMASIOLLITT, WAKA.NOI ROLLER FLOUR MILLS 9 285 ASHBURTON. '£_??_____ I^Sp Sound the Jpk PES/MSES (&So^ OF PURE CEYLON OR BLENDED TEAS.