Mail Notices.

Mails close for ths following places as nnder. subject to the necessary alterations :— TUESDAY, AUG 7> For Northern Ports and Westporb, Austra lian Colonies (via Wellington), Hawaii, Phillipines, British Columbia, United States Canada,etc., United Kngdomand Continent of Europe via Yancopver (due London Sept 19), South Africa, Ceylon, India, China, etc. alt* Unifed Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via Saez. Dae Sydney August 11, due London September 17, per Talune, at 6. 30 p.m. THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 For Australian Colonies (via Bluff) per express, to connect) with Wa'ikare, at 12.30 p.m. L>ue Melbourne 15th Augusb. W. H. Behner, Postmaster.

TH ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— CHRISTOHUROH—at 720 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 5 pm. (express) TCMARU—at 10 55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNKDIN—at 12 54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-afc 4.25 p.m. Trains arrive daily at Ashbutton from— CHHISTOHUROH-at 10.45 ».m., 1247 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU-at 10.35 a.m., 2 55 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINGBI/RN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for August

SUN.

SECOND EDITION

Commercial.

CHRISTOHURUH GRAIN AND PRO DUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are as follows : — Wheat—Prime milling nominal, Tuscan 2s 5d to 2s 6i, Pearl and Hunter's 2s 4i to 2s sd. Oata (nominal}— Milling Canadian la 8d to Is 9d, short feed Is Bd, Duas Is 7d to Is 8d s and Danish Is 7d

Barley (nominal)— Prime malting 2% to 2s Sd delivered.

Flour {millers' quotations, nominal}— > Roller £7, stone £6. Sharps—-£4 . Bran—£3lo9. Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2s 3d tt 2a 4d

Peas—Blue Prussian and Partridge 2s to 2s 3d

Potatoes—Derwente ( Aug delivery) 20i to 21s ab country stations

Oatsheaf Chaff—4ss to 50s at near country stations.

Hay—£3 5a to £3 IQj, delivered; primesb baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lines Is 9d to 2», prime heavy, town dressed, 2% 6d to 5s si, Cocksfoot 2§d to 2f i for bright seed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 16;b to 171b seed, 5£ to 4d, Cow grass 5d to 61, extra choice 6Jd, white clover 6d to7£d Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy, 4d to 53, factory 5d to s£d. Butter — Local factory, la 2d, beat dairy 8d to lOd, »alt (ia boxes) 8i to 9i. Bioon and hams, 5Jd to 6d, factory £ per 1b higher

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, AUGUST 6,1900. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

As the anoaal examination of the State schools in this district has now began the subject of education will probably be prominent for a little while, atd it is therefore an opportune tiraa to discuss the question whether we are following quite the right lines in educating our children—whether we are supplying them with that knowledge and train ing which will beat enable them to ful fil tbeir positions hereafter as members of a self-governing community. We have more than onoe referred to the neglect of certain important branches of training, by the State programme of education. Only a few days ago we pointed out the effects upon the future of the girls by the manner in which domestic and household traising is practically overlooked; for what little instruction of this kind given in some of our public schools is mostly formal and does not touch the duties of the wife and mother. The shortcomings of our system with regard to the information given to our boys with the professed object of fitting them to acquit them selves creditably in the battle of life are obvi?tii, L«t anybody who i« curious on

this point—and who should not be—J examine the public school sylUbna authorised by the Government of New Zealand, ar.d he will find that a boy after passing the whole of the standards —should be able to read and write fairly well, and have a good ideaof arith raetic, including a variety of problems which never come before him in the ' I actual business of life. He will also be able to locate a vast number of places in the world th*fc he may never hear of again as long as he lives, and he can tell a good deal about what is recorded in British history, (autho riied version), while knowing absolutely nothing of universal history. There are a few other things that he may have a smattering of when he leaves school-—the amount of his knowledge depending largely upon the skill of his teacher. But how many of these things will be re&lly useful to him during his journey through life! Who has found 1 any occasion to employ the result of houra of laborious study spent in learning how to work out a problem in stocks or compound interest 1 Is any event in the after life of a boy influ enced by the fact that he once knew which of the .towns in Eastern Austria carries on the largest manufacture! ? "We know that a vast amount of tha instraction given in the public schools is of little practical value to the man. In criticising what may be regarded as an earnest and conscientious attempt on the part of the framers of our pre sent educational system, to provide suitable training for the youthful part of the population, we are quite willing to admit the sy»t§m was probably as good as could be got at the time it wag adopted. But this is a progressire country, and we hare developed in New Zealand aeonditi n of things, which ren ders it necessary for even education to keep pace with the tines. Now when we see the extraordinary ignorance possessed, as a rale, by the young people of this country concerning matters which are of the first import anee to their health, happiness, and prosperity, we cannot feel that we are dealing with the education problem in the right way. Of those important and vital matters which affect the soeia! relations and political rightt of every man and woman in this country, our rising generation learn absolutely nothing. Wehave made it oar boast that the free education of the young would render our people better fitted to deal with life's duties than their fathers were. This theory was admir able, but our attempt to put it into practice is a failure, A hazy recol lection of who were the favourites of James the First; what li the staple product of Croatia; or •Ten knowing how to extract the cube root of a mil lion, will not enable men and women to steer clesr of the many pitfal's, which beiet then in their journey through life. Nor will their educational acquire ments, under the public tchools syllabus, fit them to understand the great political questions of the day, or to gutrd against the political bluff by which ruling politicians dominate the colony. The obvious remedy for this stale of things appears to us to include the subjects of social science and poli tical economy in the public school programme, at anyrate, for the sixth standard. To make room for these, the Subjects of geography and arithmetic, and even reading, might well be withdrawn from that standard, since nothing learned in them, after the fifth Btfendard is passed, is of any practical value in after life, unless perhaps, an academical career bedesired. But in that case the High Schools and Universities areavsilable. If the import* ant questions,affecting tha social and po litical lifts of the community were better understood than they are now by the bulk of the population, there would be little fear of New Zealand falling under the sway of demagogues, or of permit tin? legislation which may lead to disastrous results to the social and political condition of its people.

Local and General.

%* Interesting reading matter will be found on the first and fourth pagts of this issue.

Stock in Transit.—A special traia of 55 trucks of sheep arrived from the south at Rangltata ysnttrday, the sheep being oon signed to Mr D Frastr

Tub King Country—A petition ag&iast the introduction of alcoholic liquor into the King Country \» being freely signed in Masberton.

Donbdin High School ; —A team of foot ballers passed through Ashburfcon from Dunedin on Saturday evening per express to play a match with the Ohristohuroh College Club at Christohurfb.

EittwAY Staff Changes.—Mr G, Bryant, who ha? been stationed at Timara for the past six years as clerk in the goods shed, baa received notice of his removal to Aehburton. Mr R. Andrews, who haa been head porter on the Timaru Station for a number of years, has been promo ed <o the position of guard on the Methven line. On Saturday the Bteff presented Mr Andrews with a handsome clock aaithbly inscribed, and &Ibo with a silver mounted walking stick.

A Black Bishop :—A black bishop of the Anglican church has recently |oonseerated at Lambeth. The Right Bar. James Johnson, assistant biihop of Western Equatorial Africa,is ft Sierra Leone negro,whose parents were rescued slaves from the Yoruba country Hi* station will be Benin. Durham Univer sity has made him an honorary M»A.

The Coal Outfit—The output from the mines of the Wast port Goal Company (Lim ited} for the month of July was 28,923 tons I2owt.—The Inspector of Coal Mines reports that the gross output showa an increase of 68,201 tons over that of the preceding year, Operations are carried on at 160 mines, the total number of persons employed being re turned at 2153. This gives an average output of 452.9 tons per person employed,

The Maoris and Loyamt :—Referring to the desire of the Maoris to fight in South Africa, and their loyalty in providing horses and a contribution of £109 to the patriotic fund, a London paper remarks that they "ssem IH have changed a good deal in their 'feelings towards this country since the days when they ohaaed Sir John Qorsfa out of hia editorial office, and after he had goto safely within th« lines of General Sir Duncan Cameron, proeeaded to bombard him with bullets made out of his own type.'

Inqwist :—Yesterday morning an inqueab will held at Tars, residence of Captain Cola man w«»t belt, Ashburton, on the body of a newly bom illegitimate fe male child of a domestic servant, before Mr R. Alcorn, Esq, J.P, The following jary was sworn in.—Mesars H. A. Gates, J. M. Morrisey, Kingham, Thomas Barber H. A. Mackay, and H. W. Barrett (Fore man) : —Bessie Clemens tht mother of the child was unable to be present, Dr Bolger was the tnly witness examined, and evidence was Riven by him showing the child had lived. Sergeant Barlow who appeared for the police, asked for an adjournmont for two we«ka, for further evidence and to enable the mother to be present, and this was granted. Under the circumstances it is advisable that the evidence taken should be with-held until later. The inquest will bs resumed on Monday, 20th August at 3 p.m. at the oourthwat.

Weather Repobt —Captain Edwin fore, oasis:—North to east and south-wet gale after SO hours from now ; glass fall, and indications of rai'.

Footbaia, :•—There was on view at Mr C. Peto/» shop, East Street, on Saturday evening a couple of photographs of the final struggle for the foot-ball championship between Bydenham and Christohuroh Clubs

Farly Potatoes:—A correspondent writes, the bast and most profitable variety of early potatoes that can ba grown it the Beauty of Hebron. They can be dug in Norrmber if planted now and can be used well into the winter

Licenses in the King Country-At the morning and evening services held at the Bmng Square Church, on Sunday, a resolution pro'eating against liqior licenses bem> issued in the King Country was carried unanimously, The resolution indi oate-1 chat the ea'e of intoxicating liquor would, in the opinion of the congregation, be inimical to the material and moral interests of the Maori race, and that nothing was so likely to bring about their entire extinotion as the introduction of public house licenses in their mid*Bt.

RANGITATA.-Raugitata station vim en fete on Friday night), the occasion being the baoheiori' ball. The managing committee were moat indefatigable in their efforts to make everything pass off successfully, and tha ball waa a decided suceecs. The room was very prettily decorated with flags and cabbage trees, and presented a beautiful sight The attendance was so large as to minimise in a small degree the pleasure of daneiDg, but all teemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and things went merrily from beginning to finish, Mr J Roddick supplied excellent music, and Mr J Lewis made «n efficient and courteous M.C The refresh ments were choice, and the ladies who managed this department deserve special thank* for the energetic manner in which they attended to the wants of all. Songs were rendered at intervals, and much enjoyed. The committee desire to thank Mr J Pye, of Geraldiae, for the use of some beautiful flags.

Prs9khtati*k—The members of the staff of Messrs Friedlaader Bros. Ltd., mac to Mr Hog* Friedlaader'e residenoe on Satur day er«ning, to bid good bye to Miss Cfouoher, who, after about eighteen months service a* shorthand writar and typist for tka Company, has left thair employ. la addition to the stuff, several other intimate friends of Miss Creueher were present, and a very pleasant social hoar was spent. On behalf of the office employes, Mr Hugo Friedlander presented Miss Grouoher with a most ser viceable workbox, as a memento of the kindly regard is. whioh she is held by her late fellow workers ; and in the comae of a capita! speaoh, bristling with ple»aantries,Mr Fried® lander made mention of the satisfactory manner in which MissCroucher had exeenfeed the work of her department. Tha managing director also handed her, in the name of the Company, a chaste gold bcngle. After a few remarks by Mr 0 Dixon, who heartily en dorsed the expressions of Mr Friedlander, and who was glad to know they were no* saying " farewell," bub simply au revoir Miss Cronoher briefly thanked the donors for their tokens of eßteem, and for the kind way they had spoken of her. Miss Crouoher left by this morning's train, en route for her home at Richmond, Nelson.

A CASE FOR ARBITRATION.

United Press Association—By Rleotrio Tekgraph—Oopyrigbt London, August 3 Mr Brodrick, in the House of Com mone, stated that the French Govern ment had agreed to submit to arbitra tion the long pending Warina dispute, in which Great Britain claims cora p nsation for the wives and families of British officers killed in West Africa,

THE CHURCH BELLS.

(By Cmas W Purnell )

Peal on, 0 mellow-throated balls, with your

sweet chiming, And let your voices mingle with the brerzs, With stiver tongues from slumber deep beguiling The Past and its rich throng of memories. Through childhood's many hourß your musio stealing Weaves many a gay and pleasant! fantasy ; It wanders o'er the chords of youthful feeling And wakens hopes of glories that shall bo. Peal on, 0 balls, peal on, with fuller atrain, And summon back again The days of old, when men indeed were

young, And through their hearts the voice of Honour rung, To deeds of high emprise And proud Mhievement loudly calling. And oft with merry din 3he bells arouied tha tower of minster gr»y When some gre&t Paladin, The sunlight on his crested helmet falling, A martial train their gallant thief escorting, Left on his pious quest, Hi* ratiaut soul oppressed For that the infidel, with evil pride, Posiessed the spot where Christ Himself had died. And all the land which thus was saaetiSed.

Deep in his ardent soul Sank the bells' tumultuous toll, Throbbing, throbbing, throbbing, throbbing tot the strife.

In the passing of the years, Flushed with human hopes and fears, Lo ) the music of the bells enthrals man's 1 life, Till around his heart is thrown All the glamour of their tone. In the day when to his side The young iover takes his bride, .And to each a world new-born Opens through ths golden morn 5 In the day of jubilee, When in rapturous ecstaoy AH the Nation surges free, From the belfry st reams melodious symphony, While on sabbath morn and eve Floating from each Christian rant Comes the deep sonorous breve Calling men to prayer again.

But), O| impassioned bells, how gioriomly your pealing Falls en the patriot's ear and inmost feeling, When from deep gloom and days of weary waiting Yoar joyous clangour o'er tha city reeling Proclaim* the foemen flying in fu'l rout, The day of victory ! Chime on, chime on, 0 belle, in future years, And echo still the nation's hope* and fears, And raise our thoughts unto the sUrry spheres!

—Canterbury Times

Football.

The following players will represent the Pirates Football Club in their match with the Ngata Huirapa Club, at Temuka on Thursday :—Pritchard, Huston, Bedford, F Wilson, W Fitzgerald, D Wilson. H Fawcett, Hepburn, MFitsgerald, A Fl'z gerald, Santy, Dardis, J McTiguc, John ston, Fergus. Emergencies — R Boyle, W Prifcchard, Hefford, Baker. Ihe team leave by the express* The members of the Pirates Club are requested to go into training in view of the seven aside tournameno to take place at Temuka on the 23rd Inst.

Wairarapa defeated Canterbury on Saturday by four points to nil.

The Marder of Kine Humbert

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Bomb, August 3

Bresei remarked to the police that within two months all would ba free and equal Others must fall, including the Czar

Attempted Burglary.

Between Saturday night und this morning the premises of Mr Jno Wilson, painter, iv Burnett street, and the Ashburton Drapery Company, were entered by burglars. The office 'window of Mr Wilson's overlook a, right-of-way at right angles with Burnett street, and a scmi-circu'ar hole had bum cut over the window latch, evidently with a glass catting tool By this meant, the latch was unfastened and the window opened without any trouble An examination ol the premises shows that the burglars, after paeait g through the office, devoted their attention to the strong mom. By means of tome tools they started driving a hole large enough to ensure the entrance of a man's body after loosening the plaster and some of the brick?. The attempt at this poi't to obtain entrance to the strong room t»nd safe appears to have been given up, and after stealing two glazier's diamonds from the front shop, evidently for further nse, the burglars nexfc made another attempt to enter the strong room from another point. A window a* the workroom of the Ashbur ton Drapery Company's back premises waa nexfe tackled. This window was opened in the name manner as Wi'son's, and in three places in the wall operations had been started to get into Wileoa's Bt-rong room from two comers of the work room. Two iron fire-proof doors close off the workroom from the drapery premises, and in order not to be disturbed the burglars bolted the inner door. Beyond the loss of the two diamonds and the injury to the various wafts, it is fortunate thai the burglars, although making strong attempt?, were otherwise nnsuocejsful in their attempts.

A SENSATIONAL CASE

A Serious Charge

A sensation was caused in Ohristoburch on Saturday evening, when ib became known rhabMrHV Styche, confidential clerk to Mr A E G Rhodes, had been arrested on a very grave charge, and rumour was busy as to the ciuae which hud led to this action being taken. Although the police ace very reticent, some particulars have been obtained in other directions.

The charge, as entered on the police record, is " that Harry Vincent Styche, on or about the fourth of June, 1900, at Christ churoh, did attempt to procure one Geoffrey Sherbourne Clayton, medical practitioner, to murder one E izabeth Styche." From what can be gathered, it appears that on June 4 Dr Clayton received a type written letter, unsigned, offering him the sum of £2000 if he would put a certain lady out of the way. Io he agreed with the pro posal he was to insert an advertisement in the Press newspaper to the effect that he wanted to buy a good dogcart. Dr Clayton thought that the letter was a hoax, but he took it to the police, and the result was that on June 16 the following advertisement appeared in th» "wanted" columns of the Press:— "Wanted to buy, a Good Dogaart. Apply Medioo, Fress Office." It is under stood that this advertisement was replied to.and that this led up to subsequent events At Mr and Mrs Styche were leaving Lan oast*r Park on Saturday, after watchicg the interprovincial football match, Mr Styche was arrested by Inspector Ellison and Detective Marstck.

The police had a cab handy, and Mr Btyche was put into it. Mrs Btyche insisted upon accompanying her husband to the Police Station, where she was informed of the charge that has been made against him, bub the absolutely declined to believe that there was any justification for it.

The warrant upoc which the accused was arrested was isiued by Mr R Bsetham, SM, on Saturday. A number of influential people offered bail on Saturday night, and again yesterday, but bail was refused, on account of the serious nature of the charge. The fcoused will be brought before the Magistrate's Court this morning, but it is understood that the case will not be gone into for some days Mr T W Stringer, Crown Prosecutor, will conduct the ca c for the polioe, and Mr T 1 Joyut will represent the aooDßetf.

Mr Styche has full charge of the affairs of Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, who is at present in England, during his absence. He is about thirty-five years oJ age, and haa been married about three yeaxs.—Lytfelion limes.

United Preia Association—By Electric Telegraph* Christohurch, Auguib 6 Harry V. Siyche was oimrged at the Magiatrate'a Court to-day with attempting to procure Geoffrey Sherbourne Clayton, a medical practitioner, to murder one Elizabeth Styche. Accused was remanded till Thurs day, and allowed bail—himself in £500, and ewe sureties of £500 each. Bail was forth coming.

Stabbing With a Knife

At Lyttelton about midnight on Friday, on board the barque Hedvig. which arrived on Friday, the carpenter, August Svenssen, was seriously assaulted by an A.B. named Peter Ole Thyga Justeseen. From the report of Constable Connel it appears that both men had been on shore on Friday night, bub not together, and the carpenter had returned to the ship and retired to his bunk. Shortly after* wards he was aroused by a knock at his door, snd Justessen came in, having an open ck3p knife in his hand. He at once attacked the carpenter and slabbed him on the head, oa the left shoulder, and oa the left breast, and when Strenssen was trying to defend himself cue the latter'a riajht thumb; The first mate and a sailor hurried off to the police station, and Constable Connel hastened to the scene, where ho found Justeessn in his bunk and arrested him. Dc Pairman also was sent for, aDd on seeing the carpenter ordered him to be taken to the casual ward, where his Injuries were attended to. One of the cuts on the head necessitated the tying of an artery. Jußteßf»en was brought up at the Lytfcelton Police Court on Saturday morning, and reminded for a week. It ia thought that by that time the injured man will be able to attend and give evidence. The knife with which the assault was committed was a new one, the accused having purchased it on Friday night. He had been drinking bub wan nos drunk, and statea that he had a quarrel some time ago with the injured man, but Svenaaen denies thia.

Sharp Note to Belgium.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

London, August 8

Mr Balfour has informed the House of Ooinmous that the Government has intimated to the Belgian Government that it considered the result of Sipido's trial a most unfortunate miscarriage of justice, and regretted that Sipido was not detained pending a medical decision in view of the actual verdict of the Court which tried him.

The Belgian Government has not as yet replied. •

The Attempted Assassination of the Shah

United Prest Association —By Eleobric Telegraph—Copyright Paris, August 3 The Shah was accompanied by his Grand Vizier, who grasped the revolver, while a police cyclist seized the assulanfe

A letter received from Naples warned the Shah that an attempt would be made on his life

August 4 The Shah's assailant was one Francois Salson, an anarchist who was wanted for murder. Salson is a native of Averyoo. The accused confesses that he waylaid M Oasimir-Perier, when his revolver missed fire. He intended to kill both the Sb»h aad tht Quv

London-, Augui- o Ihe Shah of Persia has abaudos* 1 his vUh to England ostensibly owin,' to the death of the Duke of Sftxe- Coburg

Correspondence.

We do not bold ourselves responsible for spin ion c expressed tip out carra^ oatieat*

PRICE OF COAL

IOTHEEDXTOK

Sir,—Kiudly allow me to give you a little information »a to the fortunes that are being made in the coal trade at Ashimrton at the present time. The retail cash price of Newcastle coal in thin beloved oity is 33s per ton in ton lots How it costs Mfcl-ow*: Prica per ton at Lytteiton, ex ship 225, wharfage and rail to Aehbnrton lls 7d, unloading and eoreenbg, bagging and delivery 2f, waste and slack la 6d, total cost 37s 7d. Profit for the merchant 5d per ton Now, Mr Editor, wouldn't you like to bs in the ring? Again, the retail each price of Westport coal i» 41e per ton. In costs as follows : Price at Lyfielton ex ship 25s 6d, Wharfage and milage 9« 3d, un loading 6d,screeniag, bagg'Bg, and delivery 2s, waste and Black la 6d, total cost 36» id profit 2s 3d per lon. Now,Mr Editor, do you really want to buy a ooal business, because if you do yon can get one cheap. If, how ever, you ask my advice I would »y, " Don't dabble either in ooal mine shares or in retailing ooal nolest you can live on biltong and rio« end are prepared to clothe youtseif in the same kind of garment! that Adam and Eve arc reported to have donned in olden times. Now, where is the money male ? Listen and I will tell you. The Chriatehurch correspondent whom you quote, who iayi his authority U unimpeach able, tells us lhat the cost of Newcastle coal at that port is 10a per ton. Now, •abstract that amount from 22« t the cost at Lytteiton, and you have a margin of 12s. Now .take the 12a and add to it lie 7d for wharfage and railage to Ashburton, and you will see that it costs 23s 7n per ton between the port of Newcastle and Ashburton* Now I who scoops the pool? Why, the Shipping Company and the New Zealand Railways, of course. Now, Mr Editor, you had better be a printer's devil than a ooal merchant. But if you are determined to invest ia coal mines I can sell you some shares cheap, and if you want any further information about tha ooal trade lam a walking encyclopedia on coal matters, and can give you all you want for the asking.—l am, etc, Coal Hbatis.

St John's Ambulance Association

ASHBURTGN BRANCH.

The third lecture of th«tea«ries was held on Saturday, when there was a full atttnd anct The subject of the lecture was on the use of the triangular bandage, as applied to fractures After the lecture, several of the ladies practised <>n each other, thus illus trating lhat they bad largely benefited bj what they had heard.

£ committee meeting was a'teiwards held. It was resolved that as soon at the examina tion for the " fiist aid " was published that the second courie could be proceeded with, and as there teems to be some doubt as to how many lectures there are in the *' first aid" course, it w&s explained that it consisted of five leotures, after which an examination takes place. Those who with to take the second or nursing course, another five lectures will be given at the usual fee, viz, ss. Those who pie* the first and second course are entitled to a certificate, and the following year, if they attend the " first aid" lectures, and go in for re-sxaminatioQ with satisfactory results, they then receive the medallion,

The Committee unanimously decided that Dra Trevor and Hunter be appointed examiners.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Frees Association—By Electric

(Telegraph —-Copyrigh b.

Hone Kong, August 4

Li Hung Chang yesterday announced that no message would go to thfl Legations owing to the advance of the Allies. He added that Li Ping Heng, now commanding the Pekin troops, had beheaded two pro-foreign members of the Yamen on the 27th because they urged the preservation of the Ministers. Li Ping Heng was the author of the Paotingfu massacre. August 5

Two members of the Yao»en were beheaded publicly by the Empress Dowager's orders, at the instance of Li Hung Chang. The victims were Han Ching Ohing, President of the Chinese Eastern Railway, formerly Minister to Russia, aad Yaon. Both advocated the conciliation of the Powers.

There are 30,000 Boxers a few miles north of Tientsin.

It ia believed the Imperial canal has been opemed with a view of flooding the country before the Allies. The censorship of news is rigorous. Low don, August 4 A resident of Weston-super-Mare, in Somersetshire, has received a cable message from a nephew at Ptkin, stating that the British Legation was safe on August Ist, The Chinese Court is sending the Fekin Palace treasures to Shan too, the old capital in Shansi,

August 3 The Russians captured the fortress of Huochun and many cannon, thus relieving the situation in Northern Manchuria. A force of Huesians captured the Chinese outpo3ts at Peitang, twenty miles north of Taku.

August 4 The Eussians stormed Hunchun, in Manchuria, a point of strategic impor tance, at the junction of the Chinese and Siberian roads. The Russians captured twenty two gunn, iscluding fourteen Hotehkiss weapons, The casualties were seven wounded. The Chinese logs w»s heavy.

Bsrlih, Auguat 4 The German Chinees force is being uniformed with kharki and Australian hats

Tokio August 4 Japan declined Greats Britain's offer of financial assistance in the same friendly spirit as that which prompted the offer

Hong Kong August 4 Refugees who have reached Tientsin refer to reports that 2000 Imperial Chinese troops massacred 15,000 con' verts at Dehaodiset between Pekin and Tientsin

Admiral Seymour exchanged friendly visits with the Viceroy of Shanghai.' The latter agreed to the landing of 3000 British troops for the defence of Shanghai.

Federated Australia.

The date of the new Commonwealth and the seats of Government.

Now thab the Commonwealth Bill has become law, many questions press for im mediate settlement. On what date, for example, will the new Commonwealth be proclaimed ? Each colony naturally w shtd the date to be fixed which will best sim its domestic airangemneta, Victoria and South Australia wbh it to be in October \ New South Wales, on the

|THB ASafctfßTOU GtJAR lAS; itfOtflUY, AUGUSI? 6 1900



First quarter 'all moon iast quarter Jew moon

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7 13 71,2 7 11 7 10 7 9 7 7 7 6

Seta 5 2 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 6 5 7 5 8



Berger's FKeep Marking Composition In Three Colors - Black, Real, Blue THE finesfc and moat f c ;aomicai Sheep Branding; Gil in the market. Read the opinion* of Leach,g Sheep Farmers in Otago :— WE INTEND USIN» IT AGAIN Ifrom N Z. Agricalrurnl ('o,, Waimea House, Gore, May 22 1897 Dear Sirs,— We have found Berbers Markiug Oil to be a good and ourabie heep branding material and intend using It again, as heirs cheaper than the prepara tion formerly used for the purpos. JP. J. Paierson, Stat. Mgr. UJSfDOUBTBOLY MORI! KCONOMICAI. THAN 4tU AND LAMPBLACK From J M MeKenaie, Bo by Pari £stat», Palmerston. May 19,1897 Dear Shs,—l hay« great pleasure in ataticg that Bekkek's Sheep branding Compound »hat I received from you has given me every satisfaction, and is undoubtedly more economical than oil and lampblack. I MAKE A POINT 0? KEOOMSIKNDING IT From Kabert Logan, Maritang*. Hyde, M»y 30,1807 Dear Sirs have naed Bekgek's Branding O 1 or some years, and have . ound it so 1 fac ory that I make a point of recommend ng it. The liquid in the droma is he same consistency right trom top bofctom, and requires no starring. ONI.T TO PE U-BD TO BB APPBEOIATJSD om James Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton 5, 1897 ear Sirs,~l used Bbkokr's Branding bUok and red, iasb sesa n on my lock, ann I am perfectly siti&ficd with the results. To sheep farmers the preparation inva'uable, being always ready and highly economical. I has only to be used to he appreciated. «tVSN BVJBHY SATISFACTION FOB SEVBBAIi TEAKS From Mr John Elliott, Gladbrook Station, Middleirarch. May 18, 1897 My Dear Sirs,— In reply to your inquiry regarding Bbegba's Sheep Marking Com pound W© have used this Compound on all cur fl cks for several years and it has given every satisfaction. 1b ia o even quality and is ready for use. I find ifc lasts well, being quite legible on ful woolled skins. It is much more economl eal than brand made wi'h the old materials (lampblack and oil), as owing to its even quality, there is ne waste. Always ready for use Guaranteed not to injure inn w-01. Will wash off on bCOUring without leaving a stain. Sold by F. FKRKIMAN, Ashburton, N.Z P. FERRIMAN, TO LET, OFFICES IN HAVELOOK STREET. WO Rooms, with shed, lately eccap'ed JL by Mr Jolliffe, Havelock Street, opposite Mr John Thomaa' Grain Store. F FKRRIMAN - fu~LE'r7~ TANCRED STREKT, A SHOP with two full windows, together wi;h an a'tachen dwelling ol 5 rooms, copper, etc. The shop is situated n«xt to Mr Hall, Herbalist F FEUIUMAN " TO LE T, CARTERS TERRACE, TINWALD fj^H^T very desirable Property, at JL pjesenfc occupied by Mr A Hewaon, consisting of 4 acres of land with 9 roomod house, detached washhouse and dairy, good stabling, traphcu*e etc F FERRIMAN " FOB bALE, In Peter Street, A COMFORTABLE HOME,consistirg XjL <f 7 rooms, with bath and abundant supply of water, deUch d wa*hhou*e, | ncre of good land, planted with fruit irees, within three minufts" walk of the railway station. Th« greater portion of the purchase moiitycan rpmain on mortgage. F. FERRIMAN. Es'Me Agent, Ashbnrton. ~"~ FUK SaCjhi 5 Town Sections, a cvpital site for bulWins;, within 4 mlnutea' walk of Post Office F FSRMMAN. " WAKIKUi ROkAT. FOB BALK HOUSU of 6 rooms, £ acre of land Price £150, £30 deposit. F; FEBRIMAN FUK bALhi, Alford Forest; Road," HOUSB t.f 6 rooms and I^l acres of land, ad j ins Mr GeorgeJHoaken's property; easy terms. f- ferrimajs "forTsalk at allkn ton, A First, class Block of Land, containlns; 5| acres, well watered, long frontage on a good ro*d. The greater portion of the purchase can remain at 5 per cent. Adapted for subdivision. At.yone with a little capital, and h*lf an eye to the future, will inspect and secure this block* F. FERPIMAN, " "FOH HALT," A Four Rf umed Hoasa and | aero of land in the suburbs. Pdoo £lbo. F. VKRRIMAN "Foi-i cirtLiL, Burnett Srreefc, Artpiniiis Dr Hunter's Rfesidence, OVWR i acre land, i^ith Houae of 7 R.'mifs eaey terms F. FERRIMAN. "FOR SAWS, TANOKKD STREKT, The >:"esidential Street of the Town, AComfortab'e Dwelling of 8 rooms ; the atcticn is well fenced, and of good qualuy. * H F. FBRRIMAN. "" Fakli fur salb. MAcres,'within 2 miles of Ashburton, This should prove a sound invest ment for spiral. Price, £1174. This pruper'y will let en a long lease to a good tenat>t" ______JL_ZHM[£^-^ LARGE IMPORTATION OP WALL PAPEBS. IHAV& iaafe received (ex b.s. Paparoa) a Shipment of the N R W BBT IN PAPER HANGING, to which I invite inspeotion. tlhese pap&re are exceedirgiy rich in design Rnd oolonring. People desiroua of decorating their rooms Iskter on, may chose their Hangings from the prosoßfo fall Siock, and I will lay them Miide tmtil required. J. WILSON, HOUSE DECORATOR, EUENE'IT STiiEET. Artists* Materiit) Depdfe. ___ W&JSTED Kiic-v.n—U=><-d uccoinn oda uon Bard ami Betiidertce at Mri E,*Ueirßt>»'« Rooms, Haveloek Street, 824



CYCLES RE-PLATED AND HE-ENAMELLED In all Colours, including the LATEST KHAKr, with Silver and Gold Decorations, From -Os. DATES, LOMY AND CO. ZEALANDIA. CYCLS WORKS, Rurnett Street SMOKE JNO»JE<SrAY [TOBACCO. The Latest and Be.-t Manufactured by T O Williams & Co., Richmond, V.A. _ ANTED KNOWN—Ladles' Jack»b», formerly 27s 6d now 4* lid, Ladies Capes formerly 50s, now 5a 6d, Ladies M»e nkoshes 4a lid, Girl* 1 2a lid, Children's UlsUrs from 2s 6d, Ladies' Corsets from Is Id, Ho'land Aprons Is.—Andrew Orr'S, Chtap Salt. 7 JMI H I), in Mill —'." I- m I.■_■ 11 ■l»l.« g »5iB| FOR g | \ YEARS i mna tps fti^ 1 V iiiVJi II Ha w . i TTBufZock FOR SALE, 90 ncrer, a short distance bolow the Tinwald Railway St*»ioD, originally part Jof Graham's Farm, the property of Mr T Hickm&n If desired it can be divided into two allotments, making 45 acres each T. BULLOCK. _ -^ A FARM of 265 Acres, Springfield District, Rural Section 32645, mostly in English grasses. B\>r terms and particu ars apply to T. BULLOCR, Agent. TINWAL TO LET— Dwelling of 5 Rooms and Verandah, with Scullery at baok and other conveniences; well situated ia McMurdo Str«eft. Apply to T BULLOCK, Agent TINWALB fl^O LET—Square Dwelling House of I. four rooms with gmail Btablp, front ing Archibald Street, near the Railway Station. Possession can be given on THURSDAY, 19thmPfc. T BULLOCK, Agent FOR SALE AT A LOW FIGURE, T7IREEHOLD Town Section No 56, haviep .1? about 82 feet frontage on West Stree and running back a depth of about 2 chains, on which is % commodious Grain Store, erected on massive concrete foundations with concrete cellar; formerly occupied by M essbs Kilworth & b'ON. The store covers exactly half the eeotiou, having a epaca for another building alongside of the same dimensions For termß and full particulars apply to T. BULLOCK, TINWALD Tjl{)R SALS.—Good Building site, corner Jj of Anne Street and Lagmhor Road, being lots 258 and 239, containing £ acre. ALSO An acre adjoining, being lots 234, 23b 236 and 237. To h$ sold as a whole or separately. T. BULLOCK, FOR SALE FOR REMOVAL. SHOP and Buildings in Burnett Street, adjoining Mr Jewiti/s, and now occupied by Mr McKay. Apply to— .T. BULLOCK HEAT, PREVENT FITS, CONVULSIONS, ETC. Preserve a healthy state of the consti tution during the period of Teething. The words "JOHN STEEDMAN, CHEMIST, WAtWORTH, SURREY," Are engraved on tho Government Stamp afllaxd t§ cmh Packet. Keutptborae, Prosaer »nd 00. Agentg GXJhiS I Guns ! Guns ! Double-Barrel Breech loading reduced to :63 10» ; all firut clato i educed to prices to luit i oy sportstnaa »t Hardley Bkqs»



A CLEAN TEAPOT, FRESH BOILIKG WATEB ? AND HOJN DAI-LANKA CEYLON PACKED AND .SEALED TEA WILL IKFCTSE DILIOIOUSLY. — -(x) — IT IS SOLD IN LEAD PACKETS AND BOXES ONLY, WITH NAME ON IV RY PACKftGtU, BY DISINTERESTED GfcOOaKb BVEBYWBEKE). t NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING^FACTOEY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 5* Boy's Serge Sailor Suits from 7e 6d Boy'a Tweed Melville Suits from 9a B'.y'e Tweed Norfolk Suits f-om 12s Boy's Sac Kn cker Suits from 18s fed Boy's Covert Ooa-* from Us 6d Boy'e Tweed Overcoats from 63 6d Boy's Reefer Jackets from 6* 6d Boy'e Football Jerseys from 3s 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy's Sailor Tama Is each FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE OO TO THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAOTORY.



MISS W SIMPSON, Teacher of Piano forte, Havelook Street, Bait B«lt, wishes to notify that »he h»8 a firtt elat> $aadrtl!a B»nd »T»ilablefor D*nc«s, Wed ding parties, Concert*, and Social* For r Tertni & etc , *pp!y to D. Lkitch, Baraelb Stract. 7 177 G. MEDDINS, "THE PEOPLE'S IRONMONGER," Opposite Arcade, Burnett Street, INVITES particular attention to his Stock of Goods especially suitable for tht Spring Season, inoluding GARDENING TOOLS of every description Garden Spades and Rakes, Garden Hoes and Forks, Dutch Hose, Garden Trowels, Hedge Shears, Weeding Forks, etc, etc. India Rubber Hot>e Pipe. TOOLS! TOOLS! TOOLS! In Carpenters' and Farmers' Tools I have the best selection in Ashbnrtou County, afc ray well known prices, which are the lowest. BUILDERS' IKONMONGERY Of every description, at bedrock prices, including Locks of all kinds. Hinges, Screws, Brass Goods, REGISTER GIiATSS, MANTELPIECES, etc. AGENT for the following Makers' RANGES :~ Shackluck's Orion. Bsning ham's Zbalakwi, Scott's Atl&8, Crown Iron Woiks Challenge Storrier's Champion, FURNISHING AND HOUSEHOLD IRONMONGERY to suit everybody. BRUSHWARE, TINWARE, &o. | Dont' forget a penny saved is a penny gsint'd. *^«ld ill tt £ S S k cq 1 OSBOEN~COOMBE, PIANO TUNER 4 EXPERT | (Late of London), T S NOW in ABhburtcn for business, j ORDERS may be left with MR •'LEWELLItN OWEN ah bit Music Studio, Arcade Chambers. Aahbnrton, or at otr.mereiai Hotel. ~ MI^TCABSONT"""" npEACHER of Pianoforte and Organ JL For terms, etc., apply &i Residence Corner of Wills and William Streets sea Wakanui Road Eaet. WANTED— Buyers to see onr value in Dress Goods. We have a well selected stock, bought by onr London Agent for cash in the best markets and we confi dently invite inspection and comparison. First-class Dress-making on the Premises. —Mitchell 4; Tcbhbb ' """" TCfLKT *~ Ni W Dwelling honse of fire roomi, plastered, with rer*ndah, centrally ditaated" near the Post Offioe and Railway Station, T, BULLOCK FTIHObE who desire a convenient house X and up-to-date, should coneult Hard imi Bros., for gc -d supply of hot and cold water. riIONKING'S Liueeed Emulsion, which JL has come to etay in Ashburtoo iaa certain cure for coughs, colds, and all cbeßfc complaints. Sold by all local chemists and grocers i" bottles, Is 6d and b 6d. 2



Y| OLASSES for Cattle and Pig '»! Feeding by the Cask op Hundred weight. Get our quotation before baying elsewhere. ~ Fxexweer Bros , Cash Supply Stores. HARDLEY BROS. Ashburton, supply windmill and Btand for £12, Well sinking ac moderate rates. jm-£% g"» Why do you Ww^S? Ks» s^ ca^m^y an(^ r tWff '* this common MABIfC Benße? Not a rHUlllv bit of it. No need of losing your hair in this way. And there is no need of your look- i ing old before your time, either. The hair may be preserved . , . and made A^/|M* fC[} beautiful Mjlfl^l it the food M2k I ¥*\ foundin- PltAJl It always W I1»U| restores r ' " '" color to gray or faded hair. Your hair may have all the dark, rich color of early life. Then why not have it so ? Prepared by Dr. J. C. Ayer ft Co., Lowell, Mass., V. S, X



Zealandia's sods have shown such plack And steadiness when under fire, That more are on to try their luck Against the Boers in war attire. It's my advice that ere they start, Sound health and strength they will secure, All coughs and colds will soon depart On taking Woods' Great Peppermint Cure,