DEATH.

Campbell—On 6r,h February, at Cairnbrae, Robert Campbell Aged 67.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1900. OUR VOLUNTEERS.

At the present time the volunteers are in camp, and the doings of the companies are watched with considerable interest by a large section of the public. Volunteers are just now decidedly in favour with the citizens, and every latitude end enconragement is extended to those members of the community who are spending a large portion of their time and no small amount of their means endeavouring to perfect themselves in their military duties. It is sincerely to be hoped, however, that the liberties extended to the men as a whole will not be conrerted into license by a few, Included in the two corps are some of the most respected citizens of Ashburton and it would be a thousand pities if the services of such volunteers should be lost to the district and the colony through the misconduct of those who ought to know better than misbehave themselves. The donning of the Queen's uniform ought, if anything, to increase a man's self respect, but with a few it appears to have the opposite effect, and putting on the uniforms leads some to consider they have a right to act like blackguards, setting the ordinary rules of society at defiance. We are led to make these remarks from the fact, that one man wearing a uni form on Tuesday night made such an exhibition of himself that must have made his comrades ashamed to admit he belonged to thbir corps. We could say a good deal more, but refrain. In conclusion we would like to remind our volunteers that although a volun teer encampment is not expected to be altogether like a camp of say, Christian Endeavourers, neither is it expected i.o be a place for unusual license. Quite a number of .the more respectable citizens are very much exercised over the amount of coarse language carried on about the camp. It is not too much too ask that men in uniform should con duct themselves as soldiers and gentie mon, A word to the wise should be sufficient.

Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day will! be found Commercial news and the Stratford Sly Grog Selling Case.

Cost of Npkses— According to the «ecre bary of the Christchurch branch of the Ambulance Association, the cost of sending a fully equipped curse to the Transvaal would be £30, and passage £25.

Youthful Offenders —Two youths, Welsey Yullet and Henry Thomson, were committed for trial at Napier yesterday, on several charges of breakingaod entering, and escaping penal custody from the Ts.upo lock up Accused pleaded guilty to several charges of theft, and vrero ordered to come up for sentence when called upon.—Press Asso ciation telegram.

A Good Donation—We come across the following item of local interest) in the columns of the Christchurch Press of Friday ast, the Ashburton Committee having ap parently omitted to notify us of the gift — " Mr Stead reportß that Mr K. G. Wright has contributed thirty tons of oaten sheaf choff and Mr George Trele&ven one ton of oaten sheaf chaff."

An Acceptable Gift.— The Earl of Sea field, in spite of his distance from Canter bury, has not lost interest in his old onnv pany, the Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Learning th it twelve men of that company are members of the New Zealand Contingent in South Africa, he has sont to each man a tin of tobaooo, and to the sergeant-major a handsome silver-mounted pipe, as a Christ mas box This little token of goodwill will doubtless be much appreciated. The Esrl and Countess are still in Florence.

Success of an Boy—The following clipping from the West Coast Times, Hrkitika, will ba read with inter est;—Amongst the list of New Zealand University passes, as having passed the solicitors' geueral knowledge examination on the matriculation papers, appears the name of Hamilton M. Douglas. This young gentleman is the son of Mr Douglas, the Chief Postmaster of this district. He has already enj >yed a brilliant scholastic career, having first won a junior and then a senior scholarship, both being of the value of £40 and tenable for two years at the Christ church Boys' High School. He has recently entered the office of Messrs Park and Mur doch, barristers and solicitors of this town, as an articled clerk, and his assiduity and ability should command eucceas in the pro fession he has chosen.

Kapai New Zealanders—Sergeant Car dale, of the First) Contingent, makes a com parison ac to the regulars at the front and the New Zealanders, much to the disadvan tage of the former. He says : " There is one thing we have to take credit for : that wherever we have been we have left a good itnpreaeion, both in the camp and in the field, but the New South Wales Lancers are a, standing disgrace to any body of men. They answer their officers back, and the noiie they make at night when men on either side of them are trying; to go to sleep ia awful. They were teported this morning ; perhaps it may have some iffect."

Traitorous Employees—At the last meet* irq of the Westport Harbor Board the chairman (Mr Suisted), according to the local press, drew attention to the fact that letters had appeared in the local papers stating that several of the Board's employees had bean openly expressing disloyal senti ments in connection with the Transvaal War. He moved that the engineer be empowered to summarily dismiss any such person if the fact were proved as stated. The motion was carried, after considerable discussion, Messrs M'KeLzte and O Regan voting in the min ority. Mr M'Ke&zie then moved that a committee consisting of Messrs Colvin, Jaroieaon, and Suisted be appointed to inquire icto the loyalty of the Board's employees ; but evidently the other members did nob appreciate a heresy hunt, and the motion failed to find a seconder."

The Ashburton Encampment —The local companies of Volunteers—the 0 Company {Ashburton Riflas), and H Company (Guards) went into their local camp, adjoining the drill shed, last evening. About sixteen regulation tents were pitched in the enclo sure, and "it half-past seve# the first of the camp duties commenced, posting tha main guard, which was supplied by the Guards, Sergeant 0. Percy in charge. Color-Sergeant W. McDonald, of the Rifles, gave a few necessary hints, regarding posting the Ben tries and their duties. This over, the '• Tommies" set to work to prepare their refuges from the stormy blasts, and by nine o'clock were cosily eneconsei, a couple of members supplying the camp with the usual camp songs. Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey, of the South Canterbury Battallion, arrived during the evening. This morning the Rifles, to the number of forty-three, pro ceeded to the range for volley firing, Lieu tenant-Colonel Bailey in charge. For to-day 4T?eaday), Captain Sparrow will aob as officer oi; tfce day. An inspection parade of the battalion will t«&e place this evening at 7.30, when the full p»radjs atffcs will b« available, also battalion orders. Two oasjeji of insubordination were reported, and the Renders dealt with by Captain Dolman, The comr^ißßßrift() department is under the aharpe of" Sergeaab Willers and Private WeHma^„ »# 4 pr^ythlog appears M clean us

Swimming Club—The 100 yards local championship of the Af.hburton Swimming Club, advertised to take pLce on Thursday next, haa been unavoidably postponed for a week.

Obituabt—We regret to chronicle the death of Mr Robert Campbell, of Cairnbrae, who had,been in weak health for some little time. Mr Campbell had been nearly twenty years in this district, and was very much respected by all who knew him. He leaves a widow, two Bonf, and two daughters—all grown up. The funeral will take place on Friday at the Methvon cemetery.

HoRTicui.TWRAL SooiKTr. —A meeting of the commit tee ;f the above s.cioty was held last evening. A letter was recaived from Mr R. N>virn consenting to act at jjdge at the coming show. Inn Secretary reported having secured the services of a very enei getic committee of ladies to arrange for afternoon tea on the day of the show, also having promises from a number of well-known musical people, to provide a programme in the evening. Staging stewards were ap pointed as follows:—Pot plants, Messrs Dodds^and M orrissy ;cut blooms, Messrs Craig head and Pickford ; fruit and vegetables, Meßßrs P. H. Cox, Tusker, and Shrimpfcon. It was decided to ask exhibitors of pot plants to try and have their exhibits at the Hall before 8 o'clock on the evening before the show Wednesday, February 21. Kntries were ordered to be dosed at 9 p.m. on Tues day 20th iust., with the secretary.

Not a Cakjet Bagger—Mr Eugene Wason s brother of Mr J. Ca heart Wason, ex meipoer for Selwyn (Canterbury), was j lately returned as Liberal M.P. for Chok imnnan aud Kinross-shire by a majority ot 516 over hia opponent, Mr George Younger. Mr Wason, who is an Ayrshire man, and was born in 1846, ia a barris er, and has had alternating political experiences in South Ayrshire, having been twice elected and twice defeated in that constituency. He showed a read? wit in reply to his hecklers during the recent campaign. To those who accused him of being a carpet-bagger in a strange o< mtituency, he replied with effect that he waa not a carpet-bagger—he hud never used a carpet bag, he had always stuck to a good old Gladstone bag. Mr Wason waß a devoted follower of the G*O. M. and a believer in Home Rule,—Dunediu Star.

£ome Sags Advice—-In the current issue of that excellent (if at times too " goody goody") periodical the ' Yopng Man' Mr Fitchett gives some sage advice to the youths who may be thinking of turning their fueea to the land of the golden fleece. The young men who have the best oppor tunity in Australia, says Mr Fitchett, are those with a business training and a little capital. A young fellow with character, intelligence, And business knowledge, with out capital, may get on admirably, but he has some risks ; he may have to wait for a while. If be has a little capital he can almost certainly find a business opening, which won't prove a short and easy out to a great fortune, but will giva him an assured position and all the comforts of life. But if possible he ought to have some little re sources of money as the area of employment in commerce ia about as preoccupied in the colonies as in England.

THE PETONE TRAGEDY.

Wolfe Sentenced to Death.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, February 6

The cros?-3xamination of the Crown wit nesses in the case was directed towards showing that the accused was drinking freely on the afternoon of the tragedy. The Chief Justice, in summing up, said there waa no doubt who was the perpetrator of the ctime, which was admitted by the accused. He pointed out) that if the jury returned a verdict of murder it was com petent for them to add a recommendation to irurcy. If they found him insane at the time they must be convinced that he was not aware that he was killing his children.

After four hours' deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of " Guilty," with a strong recommendation to mercy.

The Chief Justice said the recommendation would be forwarded to the Executive, and that he would see that every attention waa paid to it. Replying to the question by the Registrar as to whether he had anything to say why sentence of death should not be passed on him, accused, who appeared very calm in the dock, said in a firm voice that he would like to make one request, and that was that despite the recommendation of the jury, the execution should take place within 48 hours.

His Honour said he had no power to grant the request, aa the matter rested with the Executive.

The Chief Juttioe, who was much affected, then assumed the black cap and pronounced the death sentence.

THE NICARAGUA CANAL.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo

Telegraph—Copyright.

New Yoek, Febuary 8

The ADglo-American Convention, under which Great Britain relinquishes the control of the Nicaraguan Canal has been signed and cubmitttd to the Senate. America guarantees the neutrality of the canal, which she will open free.

London, February 6

Tbe New York correspondent of The Times says that no recant agreement is comparable to this in its effect on Anglo-American relations. English newspapers are satisfied that British commerce will largely benefit by the new arrangement. America has no need for foreign capital to co operate to ensure tbe success of tbe canal.

CRICKET.

United Press Association—By Elßotrio

Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, February 6 The Rest of Australia, in their second innings made 205. The Australian Eleven won the match by 161 runs.

The French and the Queen

United Press Association—% Eleotris

Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Feb. 7, 9.40 a. in This office 11.17 a. m) Pa«ib, February 6

Sir E. Monson, the British Ambas sanor, who has gone to Nice absented himself from the ceremoDy in connexion with the decoration of Mr Leandre, as a mark of disapproval of President Loubet's action, and of the provocative tone of the French press, and the painful impression created by the painful attacks on the Queen, ' Sir E. Monson has left Paris and gone to Nice and San Remo on leave.

Amber^ey, Dec 7, 1899 [Copy] Mbssb9 CsAi^fiEA-D And Berrvman Aehbjurton, Dear Sirs,--Could yon make a su't at once. I am sorry I forgot to order it sooner. The last one is still wearing. It fitted beautifully, and has given the greatest satisfaction. If you have time to make one for my son at Geraldine, I will get him to rido up on Satur day to be fitted. If there is not time to tend patterns, I will trust you to choose for me, something like the last.—Yours truly,

THE HOSPITAL BOARD.

A Passing Thunderstorm

A Member Leaves the Kooiil

The Chairman Protests

Sunshine After Itain

The meeting of the Hospital Board, to consider the new by-lawe, adjourned from the ptevious week, was held yesterday. There were present—Mr E. G. Wright (chairman), and Messrs C. J. Harper, J. Lambie, !*. S. Chapman, H. M Jones, J. P<tuHng, M. Stiti", J. Davidson, W. Joliffa, J. Johnston, and H- Friedlander.

Apologies for unavoidable absence were received from Measra G. A. bit Buckley and D. Thomas. The latter had read over the proposed by-laws and thougho them accept able but, as they dealb with officers who might never bo appointed, he protested against their being passed before the re organisation of the stuff had been agreed upon by the Board. It seemed to him the committee intended to make drastic changes withoub taking the Board into its entire confidence.

The chairman said the meeting- was ad journed to give the members time to con sider the by-laws, and be hoped whatever differences cf opinion they might hold, members would give each other oredit for * keen desire to do thair best for the institu tion and the district; would keep their tempers, and approach the diacuision in a judicial and impartial spirit. Mr Friedlander, as chairman of the By law Committee, said the adjournment of the previous meeting prevented the committee explaining the whole of its intention. At the meeting held on December 19, it was decided that the committee proceed to con sider the recommendation of the chairman as to a new etaff. Mr Friedlander detailed the staff then agreed upon. Thereupon the committee proceeded to frame the by-laws the present meeting was to consider. The Board proceeded to the reading. Olame 1 named the institution. Clause 2 read as follows :—" The management shall be vested in a managing committee appointed annually by the Ashburton Hospital Board. The chairman moved that this clause be struck out.

Mr Friedlander immediately rose to a point of order. The Chairman's action was most unbecoming. He (the speaker) had been connected with public bodies for the past 30 years and he had never heard that the chairman of a committee that had framed the by-laws should not be allowed to move them. Tha Chairman said he would give Mr Friedlander an opportunity to do so. He wished to explain bo the Board hia objection to clause 2. Ihe Chairman was continuing when Mr Friedlander asked if the Chairman refused him the right to move the adoption of the clauses.

The Chairman said he did not.

Mr Friedlander said it was the absolute right of the chairman of the Bj-Law Com mittee to move the adoption of the clauses seriatim and then as a whole. He persisted in his point of order, aud moved " That the Chairman's action is unconstitutional."

Mr Harper waa sorry to have the meeting commence with a disturbance. It was not good for either the Hospital or the district. He thought the action of the Chairman was very peculiar. It was always the right of a chairman of a committee to move the adop tion of a report or of by-laws for which he was responsible. He seconded Mr Fried lander's motioD.

The Chairman denied the proceedings were unconstitutional. This was not aa ordinary report; otherwise he would allow the Chairman of the Committee to move it. This was a full meeting of the Board and he took it it was his duty, as Chairman of the Board, to explain these clauses seriatim.

However, after he had stated his objection to clause 2, he was prepared to allow Mr Friedlander to move the by-laws. Replying

to Mr Pauling the Chairman said he denied the right of Mr Friedlander to move the by laws, Mr Lambie said if ib were the report of a select committee Mr Friedlander would have tie right to move the adoption, but as it was a rc-drafc of by-laws pub before the Board he thought the Chairman was right. Mr Friedlander asked how the By-Law Committee could give their reaioDa for them if they were denied the right to move them seriatim. An adjournment of the previous meeting had been asked for to allow of the members perusing the by-laws. Now they came baok and denied the Committee the right to move them seriatim. Was thure any reason in it. They surely gave the Coir.?

mittee credit for doing their work with consideration. The Chairman was a member of the Committee. The Chairman interacted he was nob a party to framing those bj-Uwc Mr Friedlander said it was more shame

for him.

The Chairman said he had a good and sufficient reason for being absent He would ask Mr Friedlander to speak in a proper manner. Mr Friedlander—Well, disgraceful, then. The Chairman—That is also unparliamen tary. Mr Friedlander—Can you lend me a word then. Mr Friediander asked what did they find ? They framed certain by-lawi and then came back at the end of a week and found other by-laws framed, printed, and laid upon the table. The Chairman said he had nothing to do with that. Mr Friedlander asked how it was they came there. The Chairman reiterated that he had nothing to do with that. Mr Joliffe said he would explain that in due course. Mr Friedlander again contended it was his right to move the adoption of the by-lawß. He requested that the motion he had moved, that the Chairman's action was unconstitu tional, be put to the meeting. It was pnfc and lost—Mesßrs Friedlander, Stitt, and

Jones voting "aye,'' and Messrs Johnston, Joliffe, Pauling, and Lambie "no." Messrs Davison, Chapman, and Harper were oub of the room. The Chairman said he would new explain. Mr Fried lander refused to listen, got up and left the room. The Chairman said the by-laws were altogether ultra vires. If they went through they would take the control of the institution completely oub of the hands of the Board and place 16 in the hands of a committee elected onoe a year. He had looked up the by-laws of other Boards — Timaru, Greymouth, Christchuroh, Unnedin, etc—and not one of fcheße took the control out of the hands of the full Board. The by-laws they were discusajtag simply took it out) of the hands of the Board apd put is into the hands of fiVe people. It was his duty as Chairman to look into these thing", to see that the Board did not pats by-laws thab were ultra vires, and he had done so. He read the clauses of the Hospital* and Charitable Institutions Act, 1862, under which the Board could make by-laws,' They had not the power to pass clause 2. Mr Jones remarked they had always rele gated the matter to a commiotee. The chairman said yes, but illegally. Now they were preparing by-laws to be submitted to the Colonial Secretary they must be in accordance with the Act. Mr Harper said the clause was in accor dance with the management for the last twenty years. The committee system had worked well in the past and would, ho thought, continue to do so. It was surely not necessary to call out once a month all the members of two bodies to manage the hospital. If that were to be the system, he ventured to predict they would never get a quorum. He thought the present ! arrangement could stand without the Board losing control of the hospital. The chairman said if they passed the present by-law they would Jose the control. Mr Harper proceeded to pour oil on the troubled graters. They had come there to do some work, and he suggested they should keep their tempera and complete their business. He regretted the chairman had come there in a bad frame of mind, and appeared to have thrown down the gauntlet from the start.

Mr Friedlander now returned and resumed his seat.

The chairman said he had done nothing of fche sort suggested by Mr Harper. He had •distinctly skid at tho outset, he hoped each one Would give th"§ other credit for doing his belt, Ibj« vrti » Ug«il digwulty m§ h.e

would not be doing his duty as chairman, if he allowed them to go on without drawing their attention to it. His state of health, however, was euoh that is would not allow him to continue presiding over a meeting, that, might poss.b'y be a series of wmng'ings Fie w»s not prepared to allow Mr Fried land* r or anybody else to come there and caH his conduct shsmoful His conduct' wouid bear comparison with Mr Fried lander's or anybody elae'a before the Board, or before the public Ho felt it would be better for the Board and for the interests of the hospital if he resigned his position as chairman, and he did so now. (Cries of no ! bo !) Mr Lambie regretted what had occurred. 5 he whole thing could have been avoided, if they had allowed the chairman at firs* to make the statement be felt he was called upon to make, when he found the Hoard was acting illegally. He suggested they get on with the business

Mr Johnston conourred. The chairman j again said his object was to prevent the Board doing a thing, that was ultra vires If they had any doubt about it being ho, i they oould call in their solicitor He trusted the chairman would not porsist in resigning. Be had done excellent service for the Board and County, and he trusted he would not vacate the oh air. They had come there to work, but they would do nothing,' if they were to be pulled up at every word. Mr Friedlander, ** How do yon know." Mr Lambie would like to put his view* in the form ot a resolution-

Mr Friedlander, "lobject." Mr Lambie said he was in the hands of the meeting.

Mr Friedlander, said ha hvl come there to do the very best he could for the Hospi tal, and he hoped they would give him credit for that. He had not heard the chairman's reasons for this clause being •truck out. The committee had been in existence for the lait twenty year*, and the chairman, who had been chairman of the County Council, had never raited hit voice against) it. The Chairman repeated his remarks about rectifying the matter in the new by-la we. Eventually the Chairman moved the following in plaoe of clause 2: —" The management Bhali be regulated by a Cony mittee to be appointed by the Hospital i Board, and subject to its control." Mr Friedlander accepted the amendment, which was carried, and clause 2 struck out. It was also decided, or the motion of Mr Friedlander, seconded by Mr Stitt, that the Committee report to the Board half yearly. An amendment by Mr Pauling that the report be made every three months was lost. The Committee will, as before, consist of three members of the Ashburton County Council and three Borough Councillors. The members proceeded to consider the by-laws, which contain 107 clauses. Mr Joliffe objected to clauses No. 3to 11. They had been framed on the assumption that the Committee would control the insti tution He took exception to a number of others. He explained that he was respon sible for the alternative by-laws being on the table. He noticed the errors in the others, and had therefore framed and had printed the alternative oner, Ib was decided to extend for one month the notice now givea to the staff. The Board considered the by-!aws as far as clause 48, and then adjourned till Friday, February 23, at 11 a.m.

ASHBURTON HOSPITAL.

WRHWRHwe

The Medical Officer.

At the meeting of the Hospital Board, held yesterday, clause 36 of the new by-laws, which deals with the appointment and duties of the medical officer, brought up & discussion.

Mr H. M. Jones said there was a very widespread feeling that it would ba desirable to have o°her medical men besides the geotlem&a who had been so long and co well filling the position. He, the speaker, had come te the conclusion that instead of one medical officer, there ihould be two. Sup pose for instanea they appointed the present medic*! officer at a stated salary, nod he be asked to select a colleague, with whom he could work and who would assist him. At present they occasionally had to call in extra, medical assistance, for which, of course, extra fees had to be paid. He thought it would be better to have an addi tional medical cfficer. H« was not *atiefied that it was practicable, although desirable, that paying patients should be able to have their own doctors. He understood there was no hospital in the world where such a thing was allowed. He moved in accord ance with his suggestion.

Mr Friedlacder thought the great objec tion was the increased cost of carrying on the hospital by the sum of probably £150 a year. Mr Harper thought the Board were not in a position, to employ two medical men. If the work of the Hospital increased very greatly, they might do io, but otherwise they would be increasing their expenditure beyond their means, and the taxpayers would find their contributions serionsly in creased.

The chairman, Mr E. G. Wright, said he had had a discussion with Dr Maegregor, on the subject of doctors for the Ashburton Hospital, as there was a certain amount of dieeontent. Dr Maigregor would not for one moment, listen to the suggestion of paying patients having their own doctors. He would do hiß best to frustrate that, even to the extent of urging the Government to stop the subsidy. Mr Wright, thought it might give more satisfaction, if the appoint ment were made annually, and the medical officer changed occasionally.

Mr Jones's motion was pub and lost. The following notices of motion were tabled.

Mr Pauling, '• That any financial member of a registered friendly society, who ii ad mitted to the Hospital at a patient, thall have the right to call in hit own lodge doctor to attend him. Both patient and dootor to be in every reepaot amenable to the Hospital by laws, provided that the ! sick pay due to tho patient), shall be paid I regularly to the Hospital by the lodge." Mr Lambie—Patients may also be received into the Ashburton hospital under the fol. lowing conditions with the consent in writ ing of the surgeon superintendent only, viz:—They may have the advice and atten dance of any duly qualified medical prac titioner, also such nursing and atten dance as he may desire* Provided the patient, his or her relations or friends, deposit with the secretary of the Hospital Board a sufficient guarantee, as per form A, to pay the hospital and other charges incurred by such patient. Air Joliffe—Any legally qualified medical practitioner, resident in the county of Ash burton may attend his own patient in the hospital, when so desired by the patient, provided that such patient, or some person on his or her behalf, shall regularly pay the fees required by by-law, whether for the public or private ward. Such patient or medioil practitioner shall be »uhj«ct to all other by-laws in force in the hospital.

News is Brief.

Owners of horses are reminded by adyer tisement in this issue that entries for the Rangitata race meeting close on Saturday next, February 10.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

General French s Operations

Projected Seizure of Korval's

Pont

Despatch of a Large Force

'i he Destruction of Farmhouses

Protest by the Enemy,

United Press Association—By Ekc'sric Telegraph— Copyright

Capetowk, February 6 General French has despatched a overwhelming force to seize Norm's Font, and thus cut off the retreat of the seven thousand Boers whom his fortes enclose in the hills round Coleaburg. Reinforcements rapidly support the movement. A body of Cavalry and New Zealanders cleared the way for advance to Norval's.

President Kruger and Steyu sent Lord B aborts a protest against the destruction of farm houses.

Lord Roberts replied that the charger were vague and unsubstantiated, atid that wanton destruction vu contrary to British practice, Kimberley heiiographs)that the Boers have burned a homestead at Pianfon tein. A team of tricketen from -the Australian troops is playing m Prieska team. Lonboh, Feb. 6 In the House of Commons Mr Wynd ham, Under Secretary for War, stated that the British artillery at the front was equal to the Continental standard. The Standard's correspondent at Durban states that the Armstrong. Elswick Company, in November last, ottered to lend the Natal Government a number of Hotchkiss guns. The offer was tardily accepted, but the gun* meanwhile were presented to the New Zealand Contingent. Lieutenant Hawker, of Adelaide, joins the South Australian Contingent at the front. Dueban, Febrnary 6^ A new 4.7 naval gun is being tried at Culenso. A battery of artillery sent from India has arrived at Durban, Adblaidi, February 6 Lieutenant Hawker, who is on the retired list of the Royal >avy, has been cabled for, and obtained leave to join, the South Australian Contingent at the front,

The British Government have placed orders in Birmingham for the produc tion of twelve hundred LeeEnfiekl rifles weekly.

The British Policy

Defeate in the House of Com-

mons.

Brilliant Speech fey 2£r Gham-

feerlaia

200,000 British to fee ia South Africa.

(Received Wakapuaka Feb. 7, 9.15 a.m, I his Office 9 52 am,)

London, Feb 6

In the House of Commons, Sir W. V. Harcourt, supporting Lord Fi'z maurice's amendment, said an enquiry must now or never be made into the circumstances of the war, which wa» traceable to dictation and the reversal of the former British policy. Mr Chamberlain replied in a notably brillant and frank speech, and said the issues between Boer and Briton were grave, and really long antecedent to 1831. Majuba Hill had intensified them, The policy of magnanimity had proved a failure, Mr Gladstone and •Schreiner bad been obliged to forcibly compel an observance of the agree* merits. Government was ready to bear the blame for the absence of fuller military preparations because it had hoped for peace, but was now repairing its mistakes.

(Received Wakapuaka Feb. 7, 9 20 a.m,

This Office 10-2 a.m)

London, February 6

Mr Chamberlain said that won the British Army in the field in Sooth Africa would number 200,000. Colonials forming part of it, would outnumber the British troops engaged at Waterloo and nearly equal the British Army employed in the Crimea. Go'rerniiient vm resolved to allow no second Majuba and no citadel to retmin, which threatened the para mountcy of Britain in South Africa, He indicated the steady realisation of the federation of the whole British raae t which would make for peace, liberty, and justice. He announced that a great national volunteer defence would be inaugurated.

A New Device.

General French Shelling: the Boer

Position.

(Roooivei Wakapuaka Feb. 7, 9.50 a.m, This Office 1024 a.m)

Capetown, February 6

The Boers burned the grass north wards bob of theTugela and ftivers to enable them to obtain blacjc backgrouads for the kharki uniforms of the advancing of the forces.

General-French lyddited the Boers from a strong position between SlingersfoEteio and Colesburg.

Prospect of Fighting For Colonials.

Received Wikapuaka Feb. % 9.40 a.m, Ibis Office 11 17 ».m Capetown, February 6 Colonel Bribaut assured the Colo nial division, >i the am of starting !pr the front, tbit Lord Roberta woif|4 yery likely a^d the greatest glutton enough figbtiof

Bushmen's Fund.

The Krupr steyn Protest.

Received Wakapmka Feb. ?, 9.60 a.m. This OjEoe 10.24 art. v ■ London, Feb 6 -i-he Australian Bisoman's |?und Jm London is over £10,(BO.

(Received Wakapuak* Feb. 7, 9 20 a.m» This Office b24 a.mj

Capetown, Feb 6

An insolent description of the Brit ish troopa as white brigandt indulging in general devastation against the utagai of war, is G»otaioed iv £rug«r«

THE ASHBURTON CrOAEBiAN . WEDNESDAY, FEBRUAKI 7, 1900



1900 GREAT ANNUAL SALE — OF — DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS, WILL COMMENCE SATURDAY, JANUAEY 20. ANDREW ORR. H. M. JONES. STATIONERY STATION ERY, ACCOUNT BOOKS, ACCOUNT BOOKS, FANCY GOODB, FANCY GOODS New Shipment now opening np from London Houseß. A LARGE »nd Well Selected Stock of Goods for all Departments, imported directfrorr leading London, American and Japanese houses, consisting of BOOKS. STATIONERY, TOYS, FANCY GOODS, LEATHER GOODS. Fancy China, Glass and Electroplated Ware. Clocks, Va»es, Nic-nao; £»">»»'« fol OHRISIMAS and NEW YE4R Gifts BIRTHDAY * WEDDING PRESENTS. BOOKS—Excellent Variety of prizs, reward and presentation Books. Historical, Biographical, Scientific, Poetical, Travels, Novelß. and various Bindings. Bibles, Hymns and Prayers, (various styles) Church Praise, Wesley'b Hymns. STATIONERY—PIain, Fancy and Commercial Paper, Envelopes, Boxed Stationery, White and Tinted 6d and Is, Specially put up for me by Marcus Ward \nd Co., of London A>L values. Repolnic, — •—- vellum. Linen and Bank papers ruled and plain. LEATHER GOODS—Purses from 6d to 20s. Wallets, Card and Letter Cases, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Dressing Cases, Hand Bags, , Pencil C»ses, Companions! FANCY GOODS—Photo Frames, Screens, Worfcboxes, Inkstands, Vaeen, Ornaments, Ctoekß, Albums, Easles, Baaeketf, Glove & Kerchief Sets, Cabinets, Trays, Flower Stands, Spill Bonls Teapots 6d each, Vases. Ornaments too numerous to particularise. BASKET WARE—Open and Cloßed S*tin Lined, all sizes and piices from 6d up, TOYS—A Great Variety of Wood, Tin and Rubber mechanical Toy?, form Horse and Carts, Barrows, Go-carts, Tea Sets, Boatß Watches Balls, Cubes, Blocks. Ark«, Pnzz'ts, Skittleß, Musical Toy Rattles! Steam Boats and Engines, Magic Lanterns, Microscope, Prams and Tricycles, and 1000 articles from Id np. SEWING MACHINES—The Anchor Machine, well finished and up-to-date, good machine, hand and Treadle from £410s to £9 10a. Makes a splendid present,. X^IAINOW and ORGANS Fkom lOs per month: Lowest Casli Prices. TRADING STAMPS GIVEN TO CASH PURCHASERS. H. M. JONES.



OUR COMPLIMENTS TO LADIES RESIDING IN THE COUJNTOY, And we beg to remind them that our GREAT ANNUAL SALE OF ENTIRE EXISTING STOCKS (including Balance of our Lovely Summer Goode) IS NOW ON! NOW ON Tiers are proud to think that the firm of W. STRANGE & CO. is as highly thought of in the Country as it is in Town, and our particular desire is that LADIES RESIDENT IN THE COUNTRY should participate in the benefits offered by this Great Sale ? Those Ladies who cannot spare the time to come to Town for this Hage Sale are invited to SHOP WITH US BY POST! Which is the easiest thing in the world. All you have to do is to get one of our Catalogues (we will send you one post free on application), see what •we have to sell, make your selection, write down your requirements, enclose remittance to value of goods (P. 0. 0, Postal note or Postage Stamps will do) and Post to ua as soon as possible and we pledge our word that if the above simple directions are followed, we will execute your order immediately on receipt of your letter. And, as we naturally desire j to retain your confidence and keep your custom, you may be quite sure we •will be as careful in selecting the goods you ask for as if you were present in person at one of our Counters. THIS IS A TEMPTING SALE Full of delightful surprises for Bayers who may reckon on getting Splendid Value for their Money in Dresses, Dress Goods, Dress lengths, Robes, Costumes, Mantles, Jackets, French Millinery, Gloves, Sunshade*, Cottons, Woollens, Men's and Boys' Clothing, and Hundreds of Cther Lineß. SEND FOR A CATALOGUE. Well illustrated and attractively pre pared, it will be sure to please you. May be had post-free on application, Gout ap for the Sale by all means if you can, but, if you can't why then SHOP WITH US BY POST! W© have Hundreds of Post Customers. Why shouldn't you be one, too? W. STRANGE & CO.. RISICHWtOH. i



Rudgc- W hitwort h Cycle Depot, ' Burnett Street. HAVING been appointed SOLE AGENT for Asbburton District for BRITAIN'S BEST BICYCLF, TUB BUDGE-'WHITWORTH, Persona in want of a first-ciass up-to-date Machine cannot do better than buy one, These Bicycles hold the position in Eugkrid of being accoud to none, aud in Mew Zealand the same proud position is given them by all who have tried them. 'J he numerous riders of this Macnins include E Rhynolds, Campion of Neiv Zealand ; and W. Tibbnbt, Now Zaaland's Uopaoed King. I have also the Agancy of that HIGH GRADE AMERICAN WHEEL, THE TRIBUNE This is the Machine on which Murphy, the New ¥ork Cyclist, accomplished his Marvellons Ride of One Milk in 57£ sees.



All Kinds of Machines Repaired. BICYCLES ON HIRE. STOCK OF ACCESSORIES. jR. D. Johnston, BURNETT STREET, Next Orange Hall. 1173 busTnlsjT chance. I BEG to notify to the numerous Cus tomers of W. H. Dakdis, and the Public generally, that, having purchased the huaineaß known as the " Asliburton Aerated Water and Cordiai Manufactory," I take possession on and after February 1, and by diligent attention to business and the superiority of Cordiala anr'. Waters I take the opportunity of soliciting a fair share of your support »nd patronage. ALF. BRAT, CAMERON STREET. 1 226 "jTwilson, SIGN-WKirEB. LARGE STOCK OF WALL PAPERS, WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS, PICTURE MOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &c. BUPNETT STREET, oppositolMAiL Office Telephone 65



FOR THIS WEEK. CPfciUIAL Lines Prints at 3-|d per yar.l. Special Lines V lints at 4jd per yard. Special Lines Prints and Zyphers at 6Jd per yard. Fpecial Line Dress Material, usual price Is 9d; 5s lid Dress Length. Big Line Sample Corsets, prices from 4s lid toiOs6d ? to clear at 2s 1; d per pair. And many other tempting Lines in all departments.



ASH6UKTON DRAPERY COMPANY. New Zealand OLOTHINC^FACTORY stocktaking Reductions. Tremendous Bargains. HARD and Soft Felts 7s 6d, 10 6d, v dnced to la and Is 6d. Straw hats, la 9d, 2a 3d, all reduced to Is A few odd linen in Shirts reduced to 2s 6d Boys' Tweed Caps, reduced to 3d Boye' Paper Collars Id per box Men's Ties, la Sd, 2a 6d, reduced to 6d and la Men's Sac Suite, Good Lines, 23s 6d Boys' Sac Suite, 253 6d, reduced to 19s Boys' Washing Suite, 4s 6d, 3s 6d t reduced to 2s 9i Boys' Alpaca Goats, 7s 6d, 9s 6d, reduced to 3a 6d and 4s 6d Men's Tweed Trousers, 6i, 7s 6d, 9j 6d, BOOTS! BOOTS BOOTS Canvas Tennis Shoes, 5s 6d, reduced to 2a 6d Women's and Children's Boots and Shoes reduced about half. We must oloar out these odd lines to make room for New Good, etc. GALJL* JSJARJLTST AND GET CHOICE CLOTHING FACTOBJ. F. H. BEOKINGSALE, ■ Manager i



rf (The original letter as above from a weW Itfnbwn gentleman and many others of equally high f ompltiftenb may bo eeon at our office— Cbaigheao and Bebb^akj tha Loading Tailors and Outfitters, aibburbwi'.' Smoke Now Yenm i



Keating's Powder destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. Ib h perfectly clean in application. See the article you purchase ib "Keatings," ie, with the! signature Tiiomas Keating on each tin, as imitations are noxious and ineffectual* Bold n tins, (?d and 1b each, by all chemists. CLARKE'S 84l PILLS warranted to curs Gravel, Pains in the back, and all kindred complaints. Free from Mercury. Established upwards of 30 years. In boxes 4a 6d each, of all Chemists and Patent; Medioine fenders throughout the world. Proprietors, tlhe Lincoln and Mid land Ooantias Drag Company, Lincoln, England With drinking whiskies neat, Ha swore and cursed to vent his ire, And raved just quite a treat; But now he's swore off drink for good ; He knows a thing now sure, For oougbs and coldf its understood, Wood's Great Peppermint Caret