BIRTH.

Rbnnfb. — At Aehburton, on the 19 h January, 1900, the wife at W. H. Rennkr, of a daughter.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 1900. A SERIOUS QUESTION.

The desire " to go to the front" is spreading throughout Australasia, with unexampled rapidity—in fact it threat ens to become an epidemic amongst our young men. Far b« it from us to attempt to* discourage the patriotic ardour which is just now making the British Empire the wonder and ad miration of the world. We recognise in thia popular agitation the outward expression of that grand sentiment, which has made our nation what it is, | and which ensures the stability of Bri tain's power. It also tells the world in trumpet tones that, when our nice shall have reached the highest, paint of Empire, where all the famous powers of antiquity, Assyria, Greece and Rome took the downward grade—Bri tons will go steadily and triumphantly on, unaffected by either the favors or the frowns of fortune. They are now as much imbued with military ardour and dogged reto'ution as were their ancrstor?, the victors a". Crecy and Agincourt. But while justly proud of the fine national feeling, which impels our young men to step into the swel ling battalions of their country, and to fight for the pride of race, we think the press ought to point out that the present is not a crisis, or a call to arms in defence of our heir^hs and homes For if not a' single colony went to the assistance of the Mother Country, she is quite able to punish, and punish ter ribly the insoleni foenow in arinsagainst her. Our vo unteers need have no fear that the enemy if unchecked could ever be at our doors. Nothing of that sort threatens, so we shall not be misunderstood when we counsel all those who mij contemp'ate sending in their names, to weigh the question of doing so carefully, before taking the final step. Our remarks are especially addressed to those who may now occupy positions that promise them successful careers. For, although some employers have generously agreed to keep places open for members of their staff volunteering, there are others who cannot or will not do so, and the surrender of positions under such circumstances must be final. There are thousands o { young men in the co'onies ready and willing to go to the front, who have no suitable or pro 1 mising employment, and such as these need have no hesitation in embarking upon the career opened out for them by the war. They cannot be much worse off than they are. But the man with an assured future, ought surely io weigh the matter well before giving it up for au uncertain ono. It is understood that the imperial Government have undertaken to carry every colonial volunteer back to his home, but t l o reponsibility of the authorises goes no farther, And although then 1 can be no doubt that Bouth Africa will, after the war, be a fine field for enterprising men, there must be many amongst those who are now throwing up good positions in the colonies, who will not be amongst this category, and who are not cut out for fighting their way against the specul difficulties that will beset them in a strange land, under conditions alto gether new. To all such, the conclu sion of the war would leave them in a serious predicament, and the probability is they would be stranded, whether they stayed in South Afric* or came hoaie. The matter seems to us sufficiently serious to induce ua to counsel caution before finally deciding to volunteer. We cannot but admire the spirit that animates the youth of this and the other dependencies of the Empire, and we hope tbat our object in making the above remarks will not be misunder stood.

Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day will be found an article entiled Imperial Provision for Soldiers' Dependents, and on the fourth page a Bhort story. Lfttei/ton Harbor Board.—A Welling ton telegram states that Mr G. Laurenson, M.H.H , has been appointed a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. Mr McGowan. — Mr James MoGowan, M.H.R., who has been offered a portfolio in the Ministry, arrived at Wellington yester day, probably to consult with members of the Government. A Big Dividend —At the Tuapeka racea on Thursday, Erin won ths Daah Trot, paying a dividend of £103. A protest by MrCrossan, on the score of inconsistency, was upheld by a maj rity of one. The owner of Erin appeals to the Trotting Asso ciation. —pres3 Association telegram Primitive Mkthobist Conference—At fehe Primitive Methodist Conference held at Stratford, the final draft of stations for Can terbury are as under :—Greendale, Rev Clover ; Ashburton, Rev Raine ; Geraldino, Rev Sharp ; Wanganui, Eev Docker. Nji*r Zealand Flora.—Cabinet has sanc tioned the completion of the late Mr Kirk's se'entific researches into the New Zealand flora. Mr T. P. Gheeenman, F.L.S., curator of the Auckland Mu9eum ? wilt continue the work, which is expected to occupy ab.out two years and a half. A Professor's Missioh—Professor H. A, Tubbs, of the Auckland University College, has left for Melbourne at the request of certain scientific persons there, who desire his services in order to translate inscriptions on some vases found in Greeoe, which are now in the Melbourne Library. Old Age Pensions—Those who wish to I yenew their old age pensions should at once attend to the matter. The first pension year will shortly close, and it ia necessary for the I pensioner, within seveatofiii d^ys of the cor responding date upon which tno Kiensicn was originally granted, to obtain and send to fche f registrar of his district an income and pro* perty statement for the year* Public Trust Office—'Under the pro visions of the Public Securities Act (says a Wellington telegram), the custodians of securities hold by the Public Trust Office are the Controller and Auditor-General, or an official of the Audit OffiLoe appointed by him . and two other persons by Grder-in-Oounoil. The Pußlis Trustee and his accountant hay.c ! been appointed to aot with the Audit official j Drunken Obscenitt—When delivering judgment in an obscene language case at the Ghristchurch Police Court yesterday morning, the pteßidir.g Magistrate said that) the ! majority of young men, when they got drunk, were under the impression that the city streets belonged to them, and that they could act as they liked, and say what they liked; Time and again he had heard lan guage of a mosb diFgusting oharacter from drunken young men, Sush « thing would have to be stopped. Smoke New Vmius

To See thb ?end Off.—The Rotonrnhana'a pweuqers foe We.liugton last evening numbered about 300. Of these, 180 were volunteers. Sold Too Soon.-—The Otaki Mail records the lubtance of a well-known s<hee£-farmer who lost £200 through selling hia wool for 7| 1 the day before the Wellington sale where it" brought 10J. Tiik Flower Show -At a meeting of the Coinmitleo of the Aalib'jrtou Hcrii ultural Society, held this week, it waa d cidod to hold the annual show on Thursrliy, Feb ruary 15, in the Oddfellowb' Hall. t-uuDBN Death —Liout(«Hnt-Oolonel Mur ray, manager of the Back oi iVew Zalu,n;3, din,! somewhat midde/iiy at Au-'-kbnd this morning. He had previously had a stroke of }j&'t»lysis.—Press Association telegram. Tbap Accident-Mrs John Mullnn and her child were thrown from a trap in East Street yesterday, and sustained tomewhat severe irj'irie---. The child's head was cut aad the wounds had to bo stitched. Mb Buckley's Offer—There appears to beaome miouadenataudingaß to Mr Buckley's tffar to intending volunteers. L«b it be distinctly understood ihat his offer is not I restricted to only one horse. Ho will mount every mm who has not a horse already, who is accepted for the third contingent from the Aahburton dia'riot. I Forthk Front.—Mr W. D. Campbel', j who got s to South Africa in the Waiwera to i net na upt'cial war correspondent for the j Lvt elton Times, was presented with a pair of field glivsts by the staff of that paper and oi her mauds on Thursday. Mr S. Saundeis, in making the presentation, made some telicitioua remirks concerning the departing guest. All present expressed the hearty wish tba': Mr Campbell would return laden with honours. Mr Campbell is an old Chertsey boy. 'J his Contingent Send-off—About two hundred vo.unreers paasod through last niaht on their waj to lake part in the senc' efftothe second contingent, which laaves Wellington by the Waiwera on the 20th insr. There were men in red and blue, whit© and blue, kilts, kharki, and many other distinctive colors. There, too, might be noticed several veterans who have no doubt retired from the forces but who are regularly to be seen in all the military tour naments and encampments. A Cake for the New Zealand Troops,— Among other gifts forwarded from the Gore (district through the New Z laland Express Company to the New Zi*land Contingent now at the front is a large cake presented by a Gore lady (says the Mataura Ensign) This was prepared by Mr D, McFu.rlane, and, besides being liberally srrinklad with three penny pieces inside, ita exterior is lavishly adorned wiih a Union Jack, patriotic in scriptions, and the Coutingent's war cry. The Lancers Who Came Back—The Sydnoy people are not going to drop the returned New South Wales Lancer* ecanda'. In Williamson and Musgrove'a pantomime " Red RidiDg Hood," when tho united forces of Great Britain and Australia are about to storm the wolf's stronghold, a laugh is raised a*i the expense of the men. As they a-e on the point of starting a diminutive Sydney Lancer rushes on the stage with his lanca falling over hia shoulder. " Please, I <ant go," he exclaim*, "Me mother's cabled for me." French Scheme of Conquest—The Echo de Paris points out that it wou'd be possible to transport by rail the submarine vessels of the Goubet type, and also torpedo-boats forty metres loDg. In this way the French flotilla of submarine vessels and torpedo boats in the Mediterranean could be con veyed to and from the Atlantic notwith standing the presence of a British fquadron at Gibraltar. The Echo de Fans urges the construction of 100 submarine vessels, which would bs sufficient, it considars, to keep the Channel open, and to permit of the landing of troops on th<s English ooaßt. The Figaro favours a t- chtme for tho construction oi « tunnel to j )in Europe and Africa, and passing beneath Gibraltar, and asks that Krance shall make repieseuttvtions on Use aul j"ct) to Morocco through diplomatic c-humtl:. "If a tunnel wore made brtwoen Spain and Morocco." the journal adds, "it would lead to tha 1 uilamg of a railway from Morocco to the tSoudm and Indi?." AsiißiniTON Firk Brigade —A Bpecial meeting of the Fire Brigade was held last night, at which there vva a f*ir attendance of members. Cap am Fooka, who was in bhe chair, stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of electing ft delegate to represent the Brigade tvt tho Conferenca of the Uniled Fire BrgvW Association, to be held in Blenheim next month. It was his intention, so far, to attend the Conferenoe in hia official capacity a3 ['resident of the Accident Assurance Society. Also, to enn' aider a letter frcm the committee of the War Fund demonstration, asking if the Bvigide woull assist. Lieutenant Berber was uir aoimoualy elected to represent the Brigade at Blenheim. It w;ia also unanimously agreed to assist the War Fund Committee in any way they wished. Members then spoke strongly in fivour of assisting in the present struggle between the Transvaal and tho British, so far as their mite was able, and a personal subscription cf the members in the room (14) was »t once made, with ths result that the sum of £5 7a was raised, the money to be devoted towards sending the third contingent. The chairman reminded members that it was necessary to publish the nominations of officers for the ensuing year not later than Monday next. Mr William McFauli's name was ordered to bo forwarded to the Borough Council for approval. After the meeting a wet practice was held, when experiments were conducted with the two engines, with a view of ascertaining the distance aa effective supply could be obtained. The results were of a very satisfactory nature, and valuable experience was gained.

News in Brief.

The annual picnio ia connection with the St. Stephen's Church of England Sunday achools will be held in the aaleyapds on Thursday afternoon nexl", the 25th inst.

A Shunter Killed at the Christ church Railway Station.

'limes. A shocking accident, by which a railway shunter named Peter Patterson lost his life, occurred on Thursday evening at the Chris' church railway station. The main lino alongside the platform was being e'eared of truoks, and the last to be removed was au empty box waggon. This was coupled to an engine, and, sufficient way being got on, it was detached, and Patterson jumped off the engine and ran to a lever, where he etood by to manipulate the points The wageon was diverted to its particular siding, and Patter son then ran forward to apply the brake. To do this he had to get in front of the 1 waggon, and fell underneath the front 1 wheels, which passed over his groin, inflict ing a fearful wound, Tfce true* was derai,ed by the impact. Several rajlway oscialß were close ab hand, and they immediately raised the unfortunate man and placed him on a stretcher. He was in a dying condition, however, and expired as the bearers Btarted for the hospital, a few minutes after the accident; It is not known exactly how the aocident was caused, but it is supposed that the de ceased, in orobsing the line in fronb of the truck to getab the brake, was either struck W t! c buffer and knocked down, or tripped over the fails and fell. The Bpot where the accident oeeurced was about twenty yards from the end of the platform on the Colombo Street side, and the siding being very short, 1 and being occupied by another truck besides, the shunter would have to be very expedi tious in getting the brake to work to prevent a collision. The brake waß of the ordinary pattern used oa the railways—a lever with the end fixed in a groove fitted with teeth to regulate the drag aa required. Patterspn. who Jiyed in Taylor Street, Walfcham, wajs about fifty years of ape. He leaves a wife and a family of oigh^ children —four boys and four girl?.

SOCIAL COLUMN.

[The matter contained in this column is paid jor, and is not necessarily in uccoid with the views advocated by thispnper.]

SUHnIV FAItJI LABOUR

The following is a reprint of a louflet published in Ashburton some t me ago : We, the undersigned, feel it to be our duty to make a statement with reference) to a subject of great impor tance, recently brought before the public, namely, harvesting on the Lord's Day. Mention was made in the local papers of February 18th, of large num bers of reaping machines kept going on that day : it was made to appear that there were few farms on which such work was not done : and an attempt was made to justify all this from Scrip ture. Some of us had an experience of farm work in this country extending over thirty years and upwards. None of us have ever aeen the necessity that ia pled for Sabbath harvesting. Men have attained a competency, and even wealth without it. Until the last three or four years it was compara tiveiy unheard of here. There are many other risks to growing crops besides nor'westsrs. The facilities that exist now for cutting down the grain diminish the risk. The amount that could be reaped on ordinary farms on one Sabbath would be so small a pro portion of the whole as not to warrant the infringement of the law from a I financial point of view. Those who rest on that day have been known to do more woak, and to do it better, than those who labour. By so resting they take a risk, but they trust in Provi dence and honour the Lawgiver. The attemptto find Scripture sanction for such Sabbath work has not been successful. Taking an ox or an ass out of a pit was an act of mercy to those beasts of burden : it was used as an argument for an act of mercy to a man — healing his disease. This can be no pretext for Sabbath labour t which was forbidden even in "earing time and harvest" Exod. xxxiv, 21. He who came " not to destroy the law but to fulfil," Matt, v, 17, cannot be regarded as discountenancing its observance, or encouraging its violation either in letter or in spirit. He claims it as His own. Mark ii, 28. The Sabbath was " made for man," Gen. ii, 8, Mark ii, 27, that he might rest and worship and do good. So used, religion flourishes and commu nities prosper. We believe the fourth commandment to be quite as binding as those which enjoin honesty, chastity, and preservation of lifo The best colonists have kept the Sabbath. The employment of one Day of Rest for the purpose of labour may lead others to disregard it, to their own loss, all the year round. If men are tempted for a little extra gain tosfcularise the sacred day it must have an injarious eflect. In view of Harvest Thanksgiving it would seem ungrateful to Him who has blessed the sowing aud reaping to show a want of trust and obedience in the ingathering. We deprecate, at the same time, all those ways some have of robbing God of His Day, either by business or by pleasnre, seeing that its observance is essential to the interests of morality and religion, Robert Anderson, W. 11. Shillito, D. Stewart, William Meharry, Mark Griffiths, George Tilson, Ealing ; \). Hale, Mayfieldj J. Trethewey, M*y field, S. Treihewey, May fluid j D. Morrow, Montalto Station ; T. D. Robertson, Montalto Station ; A E. W»ke, Ealing; H. T. Shepherd, Eal ing; Jas Campbel 1, Ealing; John Faling ; John Muriaon, J M. McKae, May field j VV T. Lil), farmer, Willowby ; Wm Sutton, Winohmore ; William Greene, John Moore, Seafield ; Joseph Clucas, Seafield , Edward Ola cas, Seafield ; David Butterick, Joseph Lloyd, Newlands ; Wm Allan, Charles A. Allan, T. G. Hight, G, Aston, G. Todd, Thomas Painter, Edwin Wat kins, Henry James, John Cruin, R. MacDonaldj H W. Robinson, D. i Margetts, John Bell, J. McLauchlan, Ruapuna ; iVm Trethewey, Ruapuna ; Thos Bennett, Ruapuna; John Mon roe, Ruapuna : James Glassey, Rua puna ; A. McDonald, Ruapuna; S. B. McLauchlan, Ruapuna; W. H. H. Anderson, W. Lockhard, Ruapuna. Charles Jaine, Ruapana; William' Prebble, John Dunn, Thomas Taylor, I James Orossan, William Anderson, Thomaa Addia, William Dakerg, David Mcliroy, James Oroy, Samuel J. Anderson, J. H. Anderson, T. Miller, G. J. Anderson, John Oowen, Wm Taylor, W. McLauphlan, S. S. Chap man, Thos Hayrnan, Henry Uhapman, George Hawkins, Wm Davison, J. Hayman, H. Frampton, W. Kenning ton, M. Hawkins, William Harding, Thomas Wheeler. W. J. Lockhart, Nathaniel Dariot, Robert Maxwell, John Williams, John Osborne, Joseph Wheeler, Robert Frisby, Henry Os borne,

THE PLAGUE

United Proas Aseociabion —By Eleotiic Telegraph—Copyright). (Received Wakapuaka Jan. 19, 9 35 a, in, This Office 10 5 a.m) Sydney, January 19 Private letters from Noumea speak of stringent measures taken to stamp out the plague. Rats are held as chiefly responsible for the spread of the disease, and over two hundred rodents in one consignment of rice were killed aud 250 tons of rice thrown into the sea. Disinfectants are instrumen tal in checking, the disease. In one case a young Englishman, while killing a rat. a flea off the animal bit him, A buboe formed and spread through his system. Adelaide, Jan 19 No fresh cases of plague.

COMMERCIAL.

United Press Association—By Elector c Telegraph—Copyrighb Lundon, January 17 Boxtuin and Company, and Charles Balme, Jacomb, Son and Company, submitted catalogues aggregating 8471 bales of wool. Tho offe inga include a fair selection of rreriaof. Tho attendance was only moderate! The sales were slow, buyers operating very cautiously, and prices generally were barely maintained, inferior aud faulty lots ruling 5 per cent, below the December rate-. The American buyers competed for crossbred vvoolp. Wool ia flow of sale, end there are large withdrawals. Messrs Dalgety and Company, Limited, have received the following cable message from their London office, under date 16th mat: — " Wool sales opened with a fair eeleotioD, a large attendance of buyers, aed fairly animated competition. Prices are, on the average, at par to 5 per cent, lower than oloßJng rates of last series. The dates of our own sales are 18th and 25th January."

TRANSVAAL WAR.

The Tugela Crossed.

New Zealanders at Rendsburg Effective Bayonet Charge. Ordered by faptain Madocks Bombardment of Mafeking Comforts for the Qaeenslanders Ihe Assault on Lady smith Brilliant Bayonet Charge by British Troops United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright london, January 17 A siege train is being organised at Sbeerness, to concentrate at Capetown. The last detachment of the Seventh Division has sailed for the Oape. Lady Lamington is collecting comforts for the <§ueenslanders at the I front, especially knitted clothing and ! caps. Lord Lamington cabled to the troops, expressing his admiration at their Sunnyside exploit. January 18 Lord Latningtoa sent the Queens landers at the front two hundred weight of tobacso. Brisbane, January 18 A Women's Working Guild has been formed to supply the Queensland Contingent with articles of comfort. Durban, January 17 The Standard's Ladysmith correspon dent cables that the Heidelberg com mando early on the 6th succeeded in evading the British pickets and captured the outlying sangars of Char's camp. Owing to the darkness avid the Boers' trick of replying to the shouts of the British officers, some confustou occurred When daylight brokp, the British shrapnel fire prevented reinforcements coming up. Ultimately the Gordon Highlanders and the Oheshires drove the enemy out in utter disorder, many being drowned while crossing the stream?, which had become suddenly swollen by a heavy thunderstorm. The Harrismith commando, simul taneously with the attack on Char's Camp, surprised Waggon Hill, seized the crest, and captured thirty Gordons, after all had been wounded. The artillery and cavalry checked reinforce menta at this point also. Stubborn fighting lasted all day. At a critical period in the afternoon the Gordons rendered splendid service by holding the Boers in check until three companies of the Devons, charging brilliantly across open ground under a terrific fire, hurled tha enemy down hill at the bayonet's point. Ihe Boers admitted that they received the severest blow of the campaign, It is reported that smallpox has broken out in the Boera' camps in Natal. Later details show that when the captain of the Yorkshires was wounded, Captain Madocks, of the New Zealandersj ordered the charge. Trooper Connell was killed, and Sergeant Gourley died of his wounds at Rendsburg on Monday.

British Advance in Natal

Dashing Move by Lord ! Dundonald 1 , The Boers Surprised , Warren's and Lytteltpn's Forces • Across the Kiver 1 Bombardment of Mafeking Lon»ON, January 18 The correspondent of The limes with Sir Redvers Buller describes a dashing movement by a force under Lord Dun donald on the 10th. He occupied the hills above Potgietet's Drif «■•, completely surprising the Boem The infantry immediately moved to Sherman's Farm beyond Springfield. Major General Lyttelton's brigade crossed the river on the 16th, and ' yesterday opened on the Bo»r trenches \ with howitzers. Sir Charles Warren's force yesterday crowed Trichart's -Drift, five miles 1 higher up the river, without opposition, 1 thongh the Boers held a position five miles away. 1 Mr Bennett Burleigh's letter in the Daily Telegraph shows that Captain Fifzpatriok, a Queensland special service officer, behaved with conspicuous gallantry in defence of Colonel Long's guns at the Tugela. He escaped unhurt. The Standard states that it is strange that the War Office should for years have disregarded the potentialities of Australia as a recruiting ground for H»ht cavalry and mounted infantry. There ought to be able Imperial oificers employed. An enthusiastic regenerated army ought to composed of Britons from every part ot the Empire. Capetown, January 18 The Boers shelled the women's laager at Mafeking, killing a girl ap4 wounding two children. Colonel Baden-Powell sent a pr«teßt to the Boers lisbos, January 18 Tbe Portugese Ipreiga Miniver

has declared Portugal will neither sell, cede, nor lease, any portion of her ! colonies.

German Steamer Bundesrath Released

(Received Wakapuaka J«d. 19, 9.35 p.m Thia Office 10.5 ».»n) London, January 12 As the ctrgo of the German steamer Bundesmth has been proved not to be intended for the enemy, she will be shortly released. Britain offers satis factory guarantees that the seizures will not be repeated.

A Patrol of N.S W. Lancers Ambuscaded.

Rebels Court-llartialetl at Cape town.

Received Wakapaaka Jan. 19,12 35*p.m- This Office 1.6 p.m.

Capetown, January 18 A patrol consisting of sixteen of the New South Wales Lancers and the South Australian Mounted Infantry, fell into an ambush near Rendshurg. Only two escaped. Five were killed and one wounded ; the remainder were captured. Captain Bowse, of the Queensland contingent, giving evidence at the trial of thirty five rebels captured at Sunny side, testified that he commanded a division of the Queenslandera at the Sunnysidft engagement, eighty yardi from the prisoners. Private MacLeod, of his company, was killed daring the engagement. He was twice shot. The trial has been adjourned.

CABLE FROM THE AGENT GENERAL.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph Wellington, January 16 The Agent-General telegraphs under dale London January 18,1.55 p m :-*-" I regret to inform you that Sergeant Gourley and private Gonnell were killed in the war operations on Monday. Butler's lefts wing, under Warren and Lyttelton crossed the Tugela westward an Tuesday. Nothing further authentic."

THE DEFENCE OF MAFEKING.

A despatch in a Ope paper from Mafe. king at the time the plaoe was isolated, •ays s—Martial law has been proclaimed to day is Mafeking, and every man to-day ia » soldier. On Thursday the enemy crossed che border, and at a quarter to four cub off oar communication to the south. Tho news that the wires were cut to the south was received by the town with calmness. We h«d made up our minds some time ago to stand off the Boers for all we were worth, and even the Town Guard, who are after ail only civilians, showed a spirit worthy of ihe imitation of many a soldier. At sunset this guard paraded, and Colonel Baden- Powell addressed them in one of his charae« teristic speeches. A scene of very raw enthusiasm then followed, and three cheers for the Queen were given with a heartfelt heartiness, and were followed by three cheers for tae colonel. The confidence of Mafektog in the officer who is commanding its defences is remarkable, and the Town Guard, composed of barbers, drapers, law yers, merchants, and a bundred-and one trades and professions, master at each alarm to its sanding breastwork*, keenly confident) that 8.P.L., as he is familiarly called, would capture the enemy's goon and drive them before him like chaff before the wind.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Amooiatlon—By Electric Telegraph—-Copyright loNDGK, Jan 16 The death is announced of the Karl of Manven?, aged seventy-five years; and Lord Lothian, aged sixiy-aeven years. The Union Bank has declared a dividend of six per cent., and carried forward £30,300. Bomb, Jan 17 Eight personß were killed and thirty injured by an explosion in a dynamite factory near Turin. | Paris, Jan 17 The French naval programme for 1900 provides for ten torpedo catchers, ten torpedo boats, and thirty-four submarine vessels. The Naval Depart ment recommends the construction of more swift commerce destroying cruis ers. Sydney, January 18 While watching the embarkation of the troops, a boy named Levy wai killed through the collapse of staging. Melbourne, Jan 18 The Premier thinks the Imperial Government should continue to appoint State Governors instead of the Gove nor-General in Oouncil. It is understood the Me Arthur- Forrest Oyanide Company are offering the Government the rights for the colony for £20,000. Two Hindoo hawkers have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of the wife of a settler named Vince, in the Wycheproof district. The body was found in the burning house. Bhisbam^, January }8 The Eastern Extension Cable Com. pany's repairing steamer, Sheratd Osborne, has arrived here.

CRICKET.

The return match between the Tinwald at.d Ashburton Griekeb Olubi was played on Thursday, and ended in a wlo for the latter. The scores were—Ashburton 97, Tinwald 19. For Ashburton the highest scorers were Richards 28 not out), P. Orr 16, Amos 15, and F. Pritchard 10; for Tinwald, Timnw 8. The bowlers ware Richards and P. Orr for Ashburton, and Timoss, Jackson, McKenzie (2), and Williams for Tinwald.

THE LATEST.

Australian

Baited Press Association—By Bujotrjo Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka Jan 19. 935 a.m, This Office 10.5 a.m) Russia and Japan Sydney, January 19 The Hong Kong correspondent of the Daily Telegraph atates that Japan ia very restless and ia keeping a sharp watch on the movements of the Rus« siana. Japan is quite ready to invade Eastern Siberia and Manchuria, and. will not put up with any undue en: croacbments in Oorea. Jap*n wjll strike sharply and decisively, knowing that with her it will be practically a life and death struggle. Bush Fires, Mi&boubne, January 19 Bush ares are again raging in the country and many thousand acres of grass have b»en destroyed. At Kilraore a thousand tons of firewood and ievt ral housti were burned,

THE ASMBUMTOKSPUAEDIAN ; FBIUaY, JANWALY 19, 1900



MOVING SALE. OPENING ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 h In»t. NEW BUILDING READY. STOCK TO BE CLEARED CASH WANTED. ITEMS & PARTICULARS PER LATER POSTER. MITCHELL & TURNER. TANGBED hTBKET. IAL E. S A LIT NORTHCOTE & lIEFFORD'S S U M M i^ R CLEARING SALE COMMENCES SATURDAY, JANUARY 20. EVERYTHING AT SALE PRICES. GOODS MUST GO TO MAKE ROOM FOR NEW SHIPMENTS SHORTLY TO ARRIVE. =NOTICE.= All our Kewly Imported GOODS and no old Rubbish AT SXAIfcXJL.TING CASH PRICES, ummmm *Q' NORTHCOTE & HEFFORI '-THE COBNEB."



AFTEBNOON TEA. mHF REFRESHMENT ROOMS for the reception of Ladies will bo complete on SATURDAY. Fruit Salad, lee Cream, Summer Drinkß, and alt the latest Fruits in season at the Misses Paces' New Shop, lately occupied by CoofbbEbcs, East Street, next Craighead & Berrymar. 1 99 fTIHOSI in want of the very best value JL for their money in Books, Stationery, Faaoy Good», or Toys, cannot do better than make their purchases from A. fl. Williams, ffanored Street. Fresh Goods every week. i New line* to hand in Birthday Cards, Bibles, f Prayar and Hymn fiooka, General SJtotiooery, f ttet



MISS M. BICHAEDSON, mEAOHEB OF PIANO. Apply Belt Road, Allenton. Terms on application. First, term commences on lat February. 1 83 MISS KITTY BELL, npEACBER OP THE PIANOFORTE, Will commence professional duties on MONDAY, January 29 Address: Oaa» Street, Ashburton. 192 1900; PIANOFORTE, SINGING, and FRENCH, MRS E.llAKEia I _____ nnHE Frist Term will begin on THURS- X DAY.Feoruary 1. Wills Street, I 27 AehburtoD.



FOR THIS WEEK. OP&UIAL Lines Prints at 3Jd per yard. Special Lilies Frints at 4|d per yard. Special Lines Prints and Zy pliers at 6-Jd per yard. Special Line Dress Material, usual price Is 9d; 5s lid Dress Length. Big Line Sample Corsets, prices from 4s lid to los6d, to clear at 2s lJd per pair. And many other tempting Lines in all departments. ASHBURTON DRAPERY COM PA MY. i\ew Zealand GLOTHIHC FAOTOEY QPECIAL Lines in TENNIS fcHIRTS FANCY HTKIPES from ;S3ss «d, new Patterns. White and Cream Malt Shirts/,43 6d an 5s 6d. White and Cream Cellular Shirts, s*. The Newest Styles in Fashion Shirts and White Shirts, with fancy Cuff* and fronts. M< n'a Panama Straw Hatß, Men's Brazilian Straw Hatß, Men's Club Straws from 2*. Splendid Variety to select from, Men's Frame Hftts, Men's Soft F*lts. Men's Tennis Hate, Men's White Felts. BOOTS? BOOTS Newest Shape Tan Boots 16s 61.185, 23s 6d Black Glace Kid Boots, 16s 6J ; Tennis Shoes 15 M, Men's, Women's, and Children's Canvat Shoes. t LARGE STOCK AT LOW PMCKS. CALL AJSU INSPBOT. SUfTS TO MEASURE A SPECIALTY. FIT G'JARAN TEED- N*€W ZKALAND CLOTIiING FaGT-JiiY. F. H. BKOKINOSALK, Manager, FARMERS, |~\O NOT RUN THE RISK 01 LOfHG your mm BY NOK'WESTERS In the attempt to harvest it with an old Binder— BUT COME AND BUY A NEW McCORMICK, It will pay you in the long run if yoi take into consideration the coat of repairs and the delay that is caused by an old machine. We have only a FEW McGORMICKS LEFT, so would advise you to order earlj so as to secure one of the MONARCHS ol THE HARVEST FIELD. MACHINE OIL, AND DONAGHY'S TWINE IN STOCK. |MORROW, BABBETT& Co, ASH BURTON. M. PRIEST, Mauager "jTViTsonT" (Established 1878), BURNETT STREET, opposite Mail Offie Employs upwards of 18 hands. DECORATOR & SIGN-WRITER. I WISH to notify that I have secured the services of Me C»as, Chapman, as Sign I writer, who, in addition to his horn I training has had a large amount of experi ' enco in our oitiea. LARGE STOCK OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS I have juat received—direct from the manufacturers — a few thousand feet of | Picture Frame Mouldings. Persons desirous of having Pictures framed would do well to call and see then). Telephone 65 ..,, PHOTOGRAPHY. HAVING taken over the Premises known as Mrs Robottom's Studio, Moore Street, the undersigned will carry on the business of a Photographer, and hopes that by strict attention to business to merit a share of public patronage. None but) the Beat Work sent out. ENLARGEMENTS A SPECIALTY. Homesteads Visited Photos ot Groups or Live Srock taken bj the latest instantaneous proses^ Terms—Moderate Sppcial Notice—For 14 D*ys Only, Por traits of Childreu under 5 years of age Taken Free of Charge at bhe Studio. Note Address — D. JONES, 12 210 The Photographer, MooreJStreeb



TO THE DEAF.—A rich lady, cured o her Deafness and noises in the head by Dr Nicholson's Artificial Bar Drums, has sent £1000 to his Institute, bo that deaf people unable to procure the Ear Drums may have them free. Apply to Pepartment, N The Institute, "Longoott," Guanersburrg London, W, E»gU»d.



X ting's Powdeh destroys bugs, Seas molhs, beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in application. See the article you purchase is " Keating's," as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold in tins, 6d,|tp, and 2s 6A each, by all chemists. We often hear of a sensational beb being made, such as a guinea tp a gooseberry, a bible-backed policeman to a pint of sheoak, a hundred pounds to a bundle of chips, and so on. The art of betting is to win, and to win you must back certainties. Here is a tip: You back Woods' Great Peppermint Cure to beat a cough or cold every time. You'll always get home. No Johhny Arm strong about that.