Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 25, 1900. Local and General.

*„* On the first page to-day will be found a short article re the war.

On Guard—This week's issue of the Wetkly Press contains a photo of two of the Ashburton soldiers—Corporal R H B Upton and Trooper J. He&sley—said to be on puard at> Durban.

|| Admiral of the Pacific Station —The Temuka Leader states that Reai-Admiral Moore, who is named as the successor to Rear- Admiral Pearson in command of the Aus tralian station, is a brother of Colonel Moore and Mr 11 W Moore, of.Geral.lioe.

An Enterprising Fancier.—Aocordirg to the Otago Witness Mr F. Rogen, poultry expert, is lorwardmg by the steamer Moray shire two Lautiflhan cockerels and pullets to compete at the Dairy and Crystal Palace shows in.England. Tha enterprising fancier who is- prepared to try conclusions with the crack breeders of Old England, deserves suc cess.

Payment cf Jurors—On Tuesday, jurors who were in attendance at a recent inquest at Temuka were paid their expense?, the first payment made under the new Act. The postmaster mentioned that under the regula tions unless all jurors were paid on the one d*y it would be necessary for the jjror to get a certificate from the Stipendiary Magis trate. This seems a rather awkward ar rangement, as jurors cannot always be advised of the dace cf payment.

VoLUNTEERvS.—The local battallion tf volunteer?, paraded at the drillahed yester day morning ab h»lf-past nine, under the command cf Captain Dolman. The Rifles mußtered about forty, in charge of Lieutenant A Garke, and the Guards thirty-five, under Lieutenant Nicoll Lieutenant E J Paul, attended as an unattached officer. The bat tallion was exercised, in deployments and column formations by Captain Dolman, and ab the conclusion, the battallion in line, fired a ftu dejoie, an'd r'^ave cheers for Her Majesty the Queen,

Worth Seeing —A good number of spec tators turned out yesterday morning, te wit ness the volunteers parade, among whom were several veterans. A spectator who evi dently eDJjyed the proceedings and waß keenly scauned by o f,htr folk, was Master V\ roughton, son of Mr C B 1 M Wroughton of the Union Bmk, who was wearing the medals won by his grandfather, Lieutenant Colonel Wroughton, during the Indian campaign of

•he fifties. They were an interesting col 'ection, and the insignia of the Order of the 0.8. was a magnificent piece of J9v?ellery.

The Relief of Mafekino —The Chair man of the Ashburton County Council sent ■he following reply to the telegram forwar led by the acting.Premier, Hon. J. G, Ward, announcing the relief of Mafeking : — ' Absenoo from Ashbur on has prevented me rrom replying e»rlier to your welcome -.elegn-m. The magnificent defence of vlafeking has beea the theme of admiration •f the cour-ty, and intense delight wae xperienced at its relief. Baden-Powell and his brave troops well deserve every praise for heir gallant defence agiinst sue** ovir whelming odds.—C. J. Hakpbr, ÜbairmaD, Mr Harper has received the following tele gram from the Aoting-Preroier iv reply to the one forwarded :—" Very pleased to hear ihat the glorious news has been bo enthu siastically received in your part of the colony."—J. G Ward.

A Memorial of the Charity Bazaar F"lßß.—The memorial chapel er> cted on the ■scene of the B»z»ar de la Charite fire in Paris is approaching completion, The statue of )ur Lady of Seven Dolors, which surmounts the dome, was unveiled recently. lb is oovered with an old gold patina, which harmonises with the gilt lead ornamentation of the exterior of the dome. The outside work is now completed, and it is reckoned that in a few weeks, ab latest in the early days of May, the inside will also be, if not actually completed, yet in sufficient state of completion to allow of the chapel being opened for public worship,—N-Z. Tablet.

Narbow Esoapb Fbom Fire—The Hon W Rolleston's residence at Clandeboye had a narrow escape from jfire on Mafeking night. It appears that the'fires were left all safe on the family retiring, and that a guird was placed in front of the fire, but somehow a log must have fallen out, and a strong smell of smoke woke one of the ladies, who quiokly roused Mr John Rolleston, and it was dis covered that the whole side of the dining room was a mass of fhmes. By considerable and piucky eyertion*, however, the five was put out, bub not before £100 worth of damage was done. The house and contents are insured in the Alliance Assurance Com pany. It ia a matter of congratulation to the whole province that the house with its valuable records of early Canterbury, its pictures of and letters from pioneers and statesmen were nob irretrievably losb.

TENNIS.

A Lawn Tennis match between Cranmer Square Club, Christchu-ch, and Ashburton Lawn Tennis Club, was' played on the Queen's Birthday in Ashburton, and re sulted in a win for Christchurch by 135 games to 116 games. The following are the boores:—Wilding (A) beat F Fisher (C) 9-6, Williams (0) beat Salmond (A) 9— 6, Cox (A) beat Graham (0) 9—l, Johnstone (A) heat Graham (0) 9—3, F Fisher (C) beat G. Fisher (A) 9—2, Miss Lane (0) beat Miss Fooks (A) 7— 1, Miss Harman (0) beab Mtb Zander (A) 7-4, Miss Purnell (A) beac Miss Mears (C) 7-3, Miss Maclean (0) b*sab Miss Shury (A) 7-4.

Fisher and Williams *C) beat Wilding and Salmond (A) 9—4, Fisher and William* (0) beat Wilding and Cox (A) 9—7, Cox and Fisher (A) beat Graham and Tapper (C) 9— 4, Salmond and Johnstone (A) beat Williams and Tapper (C) 9—B, Johnston and Fooks (A) fceat Graham and Tapper (C) 9—5, Fisher and Miss Lane (0) beat Salmond and Mis* Fooks (A) 9-6, Williams and Miss Mears |0) beat Wilding and Mrs Zinder 9— 5, Tapper and Miss Harman (C) beat Cox and Mias Purnell (A) 9-3, Johnston and Miss Shury (A) bsat Graham and Miss Maclean (C) 9-7, Misses Laan and Menra (CJ beab Miss Fooks and Mrs Zinder (A) 7—4, Misses Harman and Maclean (0) beat Misses Purnell and Shury (A) 7—o.

The Christcburdh lady players were especially superior at the game, while the local ©en fairly held their own. Altogether there was good all round play with keenly contested games, Mesdames Wroughton, Cox, Johnstone, and Miss Standish presided over the lunch and afternoon tea tables on the grounds,

PHASES OF THE MOON

MAy

Commercial.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—

Christohoroh, May 23

There was a good entry of stock at the Addington yards to-day and a large attend ance,

Sheep—Theenrry of store sheep was a large one, but competition showed a slacking cff for all sorts, with the exception of reliable lines of breeding ewes. Lambs were sold at from 7s Id to 10s lid, eyes 9a 7d to 13s lOd, wethers 10$ to 15s 4d, mixed sorts 4s sd. There was a fair entry of fat lambs, and in sympathy with the store market only the prim-sb maintained previous prices. Freezing lambs changed hands at from ! 14a to 15s 7J, and butchers' sorts from 9s to 14s. Fat sheep—There was a large entry and forward freezing wethers about maintained their v»lues, but other sorts experienced a decline. Freezing sheep made from 18a 6d to 21s, fat ewes brought from 133 4d 10 193, and a sew wethors for butchers purposes reached 22s 6d. Cattm —The yarding of cattle was made up chiefly of steers. Bidding was fairly brisk, and priceß showed an improvement on last quotations. Steers brought £5 12a 6d to £9, heifers £3 17s 6d to £6 ss, cows £3 17s 6d to £6 ss. A few dairy cows were offered, the beet selling at £6 17s 6d to £7 ss.

Pigs—There was a rather small entry of pigs. Though competition was a little better prices were about the same as last week, though in one or two instances, good figures were reached. Baconers made from 30s to 34s 6d, equal to about 3d per lb, and one or two of especially good quality Went up to 40a. Porkers brought from 25s to 30.5, equal to under 41 per lb. Suckers 3» to 3* 3d. Sores were not in much demand and sold at 6a to 15j.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRO DUCE MARKETS.

Some small paroels of wheat have gone to Auckland, but beyond that there are no transactions to record, and there is very little ecquiry. Oats are unaltered, and in potatoes the little business done has been at ruling rates. The following are current prices paid to farmers, f.o.b. Lyttelton, for direct shipment from country stations and free of commission, except where otherwise speoified :— Wheat—Hunter's 2i 2d to 2s 3d, pearl and velvet 2s 3d to 2s 4d, and Tusoan 2s 4d. Oats—Canadian Is 9d, shorb feed Is 8d to Is 9d * Duas and Danish Is 7d to Is 8d Barley (nominal)-Prime malting Ta lOd to 2s 3d delivered Beans—2» 3d to 2a 4d Peas — Prussian blues 2s to 2s 3d, partridge 2s to 2s 3d ■ ■ . ' Potatoes—Derwents, May-June delivery, | 22s 6d to 25j, country stations Onions—22s 6d to 27a 6d, delivered Oatsheaf Chaff — Site at near country stations ~ Hay—JßS 5s to £3 10s, delivered ; primest baled, £4 10s to £5, f ob Grass Seed—Ryegrass, farmers' lots Is 91 to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed, 2s 6d to 2s 3d, cocksfoot 2£d to 2|i for bright seed, to 3d for extra good, cow grass 4£ I to sd, white clover 6d to 7£d. Dairy Produce—Cheese, factory, 41 tosd, loaf 5d ; butter, factory, local lid, dairy 7d to 9d, salt (in boxes) 7d to 8d ; bacon and hams, 6d to 7d ; factory bacon and hams £d higher.

PRETORIA DAY.

A meeting waß held in the Fire Brigade meeting room on Wednesday evening of persona desirous of organising a fitting demonstration to celebrate the "capping" event of the Transvaal war, viz , either the occupation of Pretoria by the British, or the proclamation of peace, if the Boers surrender before. About a dc>Z3D persons wore present, and Mr A. A. Fooks was elected chairman, Mr R. F. Curtis treasurer, and Mr 0 Campbell secretary. It was resolved that those present form themselves into a Fire works Committee, for the purpose of arrang ing for a torchlight procession and display of fireworks to celebrate the successful issue of England in the present war. The Com mittee has power to add to its number, and a sub-3ommittee was appointed to canvass for subscriptions to provide the necessary funds for the display. A sub-committee was also appointed to select and order the fireworks at once, bo that the stock shall be in hand and ready at a moment's notice. It was resolved to ask all the friendly societies and other public bodies to send a representative to the next Committee meeting. The Committee also hope that every one who was cot present at this meeting, but who is in sympathy with the movement, will put in an appearinoe at next meeting. As there will be plenty of work to do, a Brong committee is wanted to carry the movement to a successful issue. The next meeting will be held in the Fire Brigade meeting room on Wednesday next, 29th inst, and members of the Committee and intending members are requested to keep date and time (7.30 p m) in mind.

Interprovincial.

United Press Assooiatjon—By Electric Telegraph

Auckland, May 23

Today the Governor paid a visit of inspec tion to the Chapel Street School. The headmaster brought under the Governor's notice the little boy Christian Trane, who recently rescued another boy from drowning, and who was presented with a silver medal at the annual meeting of city householders His Exoelleney said a few words of com mendation to the boy and presented him with an addition to the banking account which was recently opened for the little fellows benefit. The Governor then per formed the ceremony of unfurling the flag on the newly erected school flagstaff. The Governor has received the follow ing communication from the Colonial Secretary —-'• Her Majesty commands me to convey to you her thanks to the people of New Zealand for their congratulations on the relief of Mafeking Her Majesty's Govern ment rejoices that the feeling at Home is so fully shared by the colony." The Governor has sent the Secretary of State for the Colonies the fallowing cable gram :—•' I respectfully Kffer to Her MaJßßty the most loyal and loving greetings from her devoted subjsots in New Zealand on her birthday.—Ranfurly.' Wellington May 23 Government has fixed March 31 nest year as the date for the taking of the census in New Zealand, the same as fixed by the Imperial Government for the United Kingdom. The Australian colonies have agreed to the same date. Ohristchtjrch, May 23 !

At a meeting of the Hospital Board to-day I the question of the erection of a plague | hospital was under discussion. The House Committee reported that Dr Symes, Health Commissioner for Canterbury, had inter viewed ib on the subject, but the Committee considered that the duty of making provi sion for plague cases devolved on the local Boards of Health. Dr Symes waited on the Board, and said that he had interviewed molt of the local bodies in the district, but had failed to get them to take action, and now asked the Hospital Board, which, he said had power to do so, to ereob a plague hospi tal. The Board decided to take the neces sary steps to provide a phgue hospital, and ohe Chairman was requested to communicate with the Government with a view to pro curing a loan in order to erect the building. It was agreed to obtain the opinion of the Board's solicitors, and also of the Crown law officers on the question. The Board also decided to write bo the Canterbury members of Parliament, asking them to induoe Govern ment to make special provisions for treat ment of inebriates.

FOOTBALL.

PIKATBS V. ALBION.

The annual football match between the Pirates and Albion Football Club?, was played on the Domain ground yesterday morning. The local club having neglected to turn out for practice, it was generally expected they would prove but a. weak opposition to the city players, bub the result was a gratifying surprise, and although the register of points was smp.l!—s to nil —the local men had their opponents in check throughout the game, Jhe Albion Ciub players showed to advantage in the line play, and at times executed some neat pass ing, bub their general attack—dribbling rushes—was insufficiently sustained. It is rather early in the season to individualise, but the attack displayed by W Fi zgeraid, J Pritohard and Bedford, principally tuccessive short passing, was distinctly good, H. Hetford, Fergus, and Banty, and F» Mc Tigue, were a substantial quartet of for wards. Bedford, who scored for the Pirates, is a first-class exponent of the true 4 game. Mrß. Harrison's dec sums, as referee, were never questioned..

ABHStTRTON V. SYDENHAM.

The match between the Ashburton and Sydenham Clubs took plaoe yesterday after noon, a fair number of spectators, being present. The Sydenham Club is one of the best contesting the flag competition in Christchurch this season, and it was recog nised that the local seniors would need to present a first-class team and show a really good opposition to successfully cope with their opponents. Immediately the teams lined for action, the splendid physique of the Sydenham*' was apparent, the local players being dwarfed beside them. The first spell alone blighted the local pro3peots, the soore at half-time being eleven to nil. Th 9 second spell increased the Syenham score to twenty-four points, with a local clean slate. The well-sustained passing, and dodgy tactics of the Sydenham backs, and the repeated charges of their forwards, completely exhausted the local players, who severely felt the want of practioe. Oppor tunities were offered the local men on more than one occasion, but their laok of combina tion and condition was responsible for fail ure. Daosey, Claridge, and Herriok, were a very aggressive trio for the victors, while Hobbs, R. Baxter, Crisp, and Cromie, were a power to the local side, Baxter repeatedly saving. Mr Harrison was an impartial referee.

SAVING A STEAMER.

The P. and O. Company's s.s. GhiDa rei turned to work at the beginning of March She was launched in 1896, and went ashore in the Red Sea outside Perim in 1898, on her homeward passage from Australia. She was on the rocks for several months, but was afterwards successfully floated and taken into Perim Harbour. She was, after several months work by divers, patched in a most successful manner by the P. and 0. Company's own officials with German divers, and left early in 1899, arriving in Belfasb on March 20th of that year. After her engines and boilers had been taken out, she was placed in the Alexandra graving dock Practically, one-half of the bottom of the ship was either carried away or driven upwards. The vessel having been docked, the arrangement of the repairs had next to be . considered, and practically half the ship'B bottom, with an immense amount of concrete, had to be removed. Messrs Har land and Wolff removed the eniire bottom of the ship, plates, angles, and cement, with the use of explosives, and lefb the vessel ready for the iron shipwrights to commence putting in the new bottom. The vessel wap docked on May 23rd, the repairs to the bottom wpre completed, and the ship undocked on December 9th. Immediately afterwards the engines, boilers, etc., were put on board and the interior of the vessel completely overhauled and renovated.

THE BOY JONES.

I often wonder (Writes"' Mr H. W Lucy) what has become of " The Boy Jones," who, nearly sixty years ago, succeeded in concentrating upon him self the amazed and amused attention of Europe and the United States. By a strange coincidence the Boy Jones selected for his coup d'etat the day of ihe year—December 2nd ~— which another and greater conspirator made memorable in history; In December, 1840, the Queen was in residence at Buckingham Palace, nursing her new baby, the Princess Royal, just a fort night old. The Boy Jonea, lurking open-mouthed with the crowd awaiting the chance of catching a glimpse of the girl Queen, some how managed to sneak into the Palace. He lived there for several days, chiefly under a sofa in the nursery, where, all unconscious of her companion, the Royal babe reposed. It was the nurse, Mrs Lilley, who fancying, not for the first time, that she heard strange noises under the sofa, made inquiry with the poker, and extracted the now blubbering Boy Jones. He was sent to prison for three months as a rogue and a vagabond. The day after his sentence expired he was drawn back to Buckingham Palace, a moth to the candle. Detected in an attempt to enter, he was chiviedoff by the police. But the Boy Jones was indomitable. On March 15th following his first invasion he turned up again on a back staircase, making his way to a friendly sofa. This was too much for the Privy Council, to which august body the business had been remitted, the Boy Jones was placed on one of her Majesty's ships and sent on a long voyage, from which, as far as I have been able to trace public record, he riever returned. What became of him ? He, if still alive, has long been the Man Jones—may even be Grandfather Jones.

The Transferring of Insurance Policies.

In the Wellington Supreme Court on Tuesday the Chief Justice delivered judg ment in the case, Dolph v. the Commissioner of Government Insurance, Ihe case related to a question of assigned policies and the refusal ot the Commissioner to register a memorandum of transfer to an infant, and also to allow the cancellation of the transfer and the execution of a new assignment to the plaintiff as trustee for his son. In his Honour's opinion, if the transfer was pro perly executed by the transferee, even though he was under 21 years of age, the Depart ment ought not to refuse to register it. Purchase by an infant was not void. Jb was only voidable, and he might avoid it after he obtained his majority. His Honour accordingly answered the questions put as follows :—(1) Defendant waa nob justified in refusing to register the memorandum of transfer. (As to whether Joseph Dolph, junr:, could repudiate the gifc after he was 21, in his Honour's opinion he could. (3) He thought the Department waß right in not allowing the transfer to be cancelled, for he waß of the transfer remained good unless the infant should on attaining 21 avoid ib. If there was any doubt as to the legality of transfers to infants, ib should instantly be sob at resb by legislation. Life insurance was in this colony almost universal, and nothing regarding ib ought to be left in doubt. Further, he could nob see why the State should nob encourage making provision for children by fathers and relatives insuring themselves Such beneficial proceedings Bhould be aided in every way possible.

News in Brief.

The man who has never been in danger can nob answer for his courage.

BIRTHDAY HONOURS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, May 23 The following birthday honours are g z tted :— Lord Morris and Sir Peter O'Brien, peerages of the Foiled Kingdom. ) Lord Strnthcona, letters patent j securing the transmission of his title to his daughter. I Lord Justice Fitzgibbon (? Judge Fitzgibbon), Privy Councillor. Lord Jersey, Grand Cross of the Bflth ; Mr Conygham Greene, Kuight I Commander of the Bath. Lord Lamington, Knight Grand ! Cross. Mr Lyne and Mr Wittenoom Agent- General for Wtst Australia). Knights Commander.

BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, May 23

At the half-yearly meeting of the Bank of New South Wales, the report Bhowed that the net profits after mak ing the usual deductions, amounted to £99,859, which with the balance from last half year, leaves £119,875 for distribution as follows :—To payment of dividend at the rate of nine per cent, £90,000 ; to augmentation of reserve, £3595 j carried forward, £20,208. During the half-year the capital was increased to twp millions.

! The Chairman, in a speech, referred to the stimulus given to the export trade owing to the war.

A VISIT TO THE CHIEF POULTRY YARDS OF NORTH OTAGO AND SOUTH CANTERBURY.

*« Terror," who writes the poultry notes for the Otago Wilntss, describes in that jo nal his visit to the chief poultry yards ofor North Otago and South Canterbury. We clip the following description of the Ashburton yards :—

ASHBURTON*

Mr Benjamin Baker, of Havelock street, keeps black rose-combed Hambutga and bantams, and black Orpingtons. In Ham burgs he showed me several prize takers in pullets and hens, and the first prize cockerel at last year's Chriitchurch show. This fancier—contrary to the rule prevailing in Ashburton—occupies but a small secton of land, but by excellent management and praiseworthy ingenuity in economising space, contrives to keep quite a large number of birds in health and comfort.. Indeed, all things considered, one might travel far to see birds looking better than those cared for by Mr Baker. His houses are all built two-storey high, the ground floor providing dry shelter in wai or wintry weather, and shade on hot days ; the upper compartments being the roi sfs, got at, for cleaning or other purposps, from the back, without entering the runs. The floors of these roosts are always liberally sprinkled with dry dust. The runs are small, but as Mr Baker keeps an excellent garden, of vegetables and fruit, he is able at all seasons to provide his birds with green stuff of one or other description. Mr K. Stephens keeps a variety of birds, but specially favours Indian game, of whioh he has strains from Rogen's yards and from Home importations, i his laucier has very commodious premises—some «yen acres— but strange to aay, confines his birds within, comparatively speaking, very narrow limits. I strongly recommend him, in view cf numerous evidences of frather'Sating. to allow his birds the Ires run of his large orchard, in which I am sure they would prosper much better than as at present kept. ' Mr B3rryman (of Craighead and B rrjman bailors and outfitters) breeds for utility pur poses only, his ambition apparently being to oater for the Home market. Indeed, he has already sent home his first consignment of Indian G*me-Dorkings. At the time of my visit this breeder had a number of very nice fowls, principally Minorca*, Dorkings, In-» dian game, and turkeys, and was negotiating for the importation of an extra good strain of Indian game from England. These lat ter are, I am told, now to hand, and are, I understand, of " tip-top" quality. Cer tainly they should be, seeing ttiat they come from his brother's yards, and are bred from first prize winners at the Crystal Palace, Diiry, and other leading shows. Mr Berry man has eight good sized runs with strongly built houseß, the houses and uprights to runs being all tarred over on the outside, and wired round and above. Within, all is sweet and clean whitewash, and the ar rangements for perching and nesting are perfect and most ingenious. With an eye to the preparation of birds for the market, Mr Bsrryman has constructed a aeries of fatten ing coops, each 14£ in« wide for fowls, and 24in for turkeys. Each coop is provided with food and water troughs, which oan be filled withoub disturbing the bird, and are so placed that the contents cannot be soiled, and each coop has a separate Ud through which the birds oan be lifted or otherwise handled' without difficulty. Scat tered over some two acres of ground I saw a number of frame coops with runs attached, all lightly built for easy moving, and of suitable siza for the rearing of a clutch of ohickens. Some of these coops were merely orates covered with sailcloth similar to those described by me some months baok as being need by Mr Waters, of Port Chalmers. Mr Berryman having promised me a photograph of his recently imported Indian gams, I hope to reproduce same in the Witness in the course of a few weeks,

Mr Hy. Willis {[proprietor of the Mail and Guardian) proved to be a veritable guardian angel to me, whilst in Ashburton, and I subscribe myself deeply grateful for his kind ness. Mr Willis runs the Pelham Poultry Farm, where I found the greatest variety of fowls excepting only the Seacliff collection —that I have had the pleasure of seeing in my travels. Amongst other breeds I made special note of Langshaus, partridge Coohine, Wyandobtes, Minorcas, Indian game, golden spangled Hamburgs, and Andalusians. In Langshans I saw acock bird running at large, whioh, I imagine, would look well in the very best of company. He is of grand siza, shape, carriage and plumage. In Bluff Orpingtons I saw some very fine birds from imported eggs from Rock, of Melbourne, from which I understand Mr Willis contrived to hatch 12 out of 15 eggs—nob a bad record for sea and raiiborn eggs. In partridge Coohing the Pelham farm has various strains, ■orhejQeing from Sydney, some from Melbourne, and others from New Zealand breeders. I saw a cockerel of this variety which won a IQ. guinea trophy, and a hen which, though often shown, had never been beaten. Mr Willis told me that he favoured the part ridge Cochins because they lay large eggs, come up to his conception of the beautiful, and are—no unimportant matter—easily confined within bounds by a very low fence.

Mr Breeze breeds many Houdaos, his stock being from speoially imported birds from the yards of Mr Thomas, of Swanson, South Wales. As to the quality of his fowls, it will suffice to say that in cockerels he took first, in pullets first, and in hens second at Ohristohuroh last year, Mr London, of Waimate, beating him in the old birds. He also won ail the prizas in young ones ab Ash burton, and several ab Oamaru. Mrßreiza keeps about 60 birds altogether, and I was sorry, owing to his absence from home ab the time of my visit, that I was unable to get information as to methods of feeding, etc., whioh otherwise might have been vouchsafed me. I

Next week I hope to conclude my notes with an account of the Chrisbohuroh yards visited.

Transvaal War.

Kruger's Fear of Invasion

Melboubnb, May 24 The Moravian, with invalided Aus tralian soldiers, has arrived. The following New Zealanders are on board :—Sergeant Farrier, Neilson, dislocatid hip, the 1 result of a horse accident at Maitland ; Trooper It T Arthur, rheumatism, contracted at Slingersfontein ; Shoeing-smith Tay lor, rheumatism and influenza, Grass pan ; Trooper Seely, dysentery and debility, Faardeberg ; Trooper Young, injury to the spine, horse accident at Jabfontein : and Trooper Harding, Napier. Twenty - four New South Wales men, thirteen Victorians, two West Australians, four South Austra lians and one Tasmanian are included in tbe list.

Stdmbt, May 24 The Premier has received a com municatian from the Daily Fxprtts with reference to a London memorial. The Premier expressed sympathy, and said that be would do what he could tc aid, but pointed ont that it was likely that New South Wales would have a local memorial erected. They must bear in mind local claims.

Lord Roberts, from the south bank of the Rhenoster River, telegraphs that the enemy, finding their rear threatened, abandoned during the night their strongly entrenched position on the north bank. The bridge across the Rhenoster and several culverts, with some miles of railway, were destroyed. General French's passage lower down was stoutly disputed. He might have lost heavily but for a concerted plan bringing General Smith-Porrien'a forca opportunely on the enemy's flank.

There are indication? that Lord Roberts, when across the Vaai River, will announce that if the burghers return to their homes their property and stock will be respected. It is believed that the majority are willing to accept the proposition. Lord Roberts's speed, strategy and strength are overwhelming and demor alising the Boers.

It is affirmed at Capetown that Mr Fischer has advised President Kruger to surrender on the beat terms obtain able,

When Commandant Eloif to k the fort, Major - General Baden - Powell swiftly improvised a fresh line of defence. A stone cattle shed-and also a stone kopje sheltered parties of the enemy. The British, in well screened positions, gradually drew the cordon tighter, subdividing the enemy into sections o 80. The Boers in front de serted Eloff, owing to the deadly accuracy of the British r fb fire.

The Boers' Dread of Baden Powell

British Prisoners at Pretoria

President Eruger's Fortune

Preparing foe the End.

Bailer's Orders Exceeded.

Sixty Casualties'

Bethune's Horse in an Ambush

The Executive's Intentions

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright London, May 23 A high Transvaal official informed the Rev, Adrian Hofmeyr that Kruger dreadß the invasion of the Transvaal from the west, where he has insufficient troops, whereas he is able to check the British from the east and south. The Transvaalers have a superstitious dread of Major-General Baden-Powell. The Executive intend to protect the British prisoners, but fear the rabble, especially the Irish and other foreign legions. The New York Herald states that Kruger is considering the adviaabteneas of sending the British prisoners over the border.

An official report states that General BulW when at Dundee ordered Colonel Bethune, with 500 men, to proceed to Ngtu, in Zululand, which was reported to have been evacuated by the Boers, instructing him then to return to Newcastle. While marching to New castle on the 20h a tquadron of Betbune's Horse were amoushed by Boers, six mileß south-west of Vryheid, The casualties, including the captured, numbered sixty. Karl De la Warr was slightly injured in the leg. Oolonel Bethune returned to Ngtu for supplies. The Times says the orders which Oolonel Bethune received did not justify bis advance into the Transvaal. Mrs -Reiiz and family, and the families of the other officials, have gone to Delagoa Bay The Delagoa Bay correspondent of The Times states that President Kruger has transferred the bulk of his fortune to the names of various friends, fearing confiscation. The infantry at Kroorstad has begun to advance northwards. A portion of Mr Frederick Oarring ton's Colonial Bushmen, consisting of the Canadians and Queenslanders, took part in the relit f of Mafeking. The colonials were all dismounted, and marched admirably, covering long dis tances in the heavy sand They ac companied Colonel Piumer's column to ! Jan Maribis Stnd on May 15. Oolonel Piumer's force entered the Stad from the north, while the Hon. Maurice Gilford, Colonel Frank Rhodes, the Duka of Teck and Sir John Willoughby entered from the south, having pushed forward »n advance of the Eimberley relief column. Colonel Mahon soon afterwards followed, and the united forces advanced eastward over the twenty-five miles whioh then separated them from Mafeking. On May 17 the Boer forces were encountered, and an engagement fought, in which the British troops sustained thirty casual ties, and the enemy's loss was heavy.

Mr Chamberlain officially congra tulated Canada upon the good work of the Canadian trcope. Major Karri Davis, of West Aus tralia, who fought with the Natal local fore 1, accompanied Oolonel Mahon's relief column, General Baden-Powell, with Oolonel Mahon's forces captured the Boers' head laager at Marking, with one gun, a fl*g and much ammunition. General ' Snyman, the Boer commandant/ just . managed to escape. Three British were killed, and twenty-two wounded. Five thousand Boers have returned | to Laing's Nek, and are entrenching i both ends. President Kruger has abandoned the idea of the destruction of the mines owing to General Botha's threat that the commandos will defend Johannes burg against the Government, declaring that such wanton destruction of pro perty would be barbaric. Lord Roberts is now at Honing?* ; Spruit. General lan Hamilton, after a series of rearguard encounters, involving 75 casualties, opcupied Heilbron, General Christopher De Wet, with four thou sand Boers, is retiring. In the encounter in the bush which Oolonel Mahon's column took part in on May 13, the enemy occupied some hills to the south-ivest of Maritzani. Oolonel Mahon's forces had just pre viously turned the position, which was ocpupied by five hundred Boers and three guns which had been withdrawn from KoodocsrandNek and Kimberley. One of the British Maxims was nearly loßt owing to the native drivers bolting when under fire The troopers, however, gallantly effected a rescue. Several interesting battle incidents are related. A bullet smashed Major Baden-Powell's *vatcb, although he himself escaped unhurt, A corporal of the oipe Mounted Rifles, when under heavy lire, disengaged a dead mule and rebarnessed his ammunition cart, thus enabling the team to be rescued. Barbour of the Victorian Mounted Rifles, and Rowe and F. Legge, of New South Wales, died from disease at Bloemf mtein. The Boers desecrated the Roman Catholic Ohurchea at Newcastle and Dundee. Seven thousand of the enemy are entrenched on the Rhenoster River, with several one hundred pounders and creuzots. A Btrong commando, with ten guns, is at Hammonea. London, May 24 Eight hundred submissions have been received in the Vryburg district, General Broad wood, previous to the occupation of Heilbron, captured W waggons, a number of prisoners and, a' branch railway connecting with the main line. A British patrol, finding Ficksburg deserted, captured the landdrost and others. The Queensland Bushmen, in the fight before Mafeking, behaved with magnificent recklessness and cam§ through scathless. General Warren with two composite columns, captured a laager ana three

waggons containing ammunition and food, near Douglas. The Canadian Artillery participated in ths fight. General French brts crossed the Rhenoster River north-west of Hoe ning Spruit.

The Reverse to Bethune's Horse

A Too Precipitate Commander ne Pays the Penalty With. Bis Life. i

The British Still Going North,

Received Wakapvaka May 25, 9.5 am, This Office 10 am)

London, May 24 The Daily Mail states that Colonel Bethune heard the Vry Beid route from Zululandto Newcastle was clear of the enemy, and selected" it as a shorter way to return. Captain W, E. D; Gcff, who commanded the squadron, was too precipitate and was entrapped by a strong force of Boere. The enemy's Maxims mowed down the British, who fought to within twenty yards of the Boers rifles. Captain Goff w»s killed, Feuter's correspondent states it is apparent that of the squadron of sixty* nine sixty-six were killed or wounded, only three escaped.

Three hundred and fifty Free Staters, with three hundred and sixty rifles, and much ammunition, and a hundred horses surrendered at Boshof.

Major Karri Davies and eight other members of the Natal Imperial Light Horse, entered Mafeking eight hours ahead of Oolonel Mahon's column.

The Chronicle states that General Hutton, with the Australian Brigade, is to the east of the railway line. General Tucker, with the seventh division, is marching on Leeujrkiil, twenty miles north west of Heilbron.

"The Absent-Minded Beggar."

Copyright to be Enforoed. The Seamy Side of War

(Received Wakapuaka May 25, 955 am This Office 10-23 am) London, May 25 Mr Harmsworth, of the'Dail/i Maih has cabled instructions whiph, if enforced, will render liable to prosecu tion for infringement of copyright, any person who fail* to pay over. to the designated agents tfee proceeds of sing ing or recitation of their poem. This action is taken because the local Com-* tpfttee ignored the conditions under which the money raised was to be used.

Melbourne, May 25 The majority of the war invalids are fever stricken and look weary and jaded, with their uniforms shabby, facts which impress one with the stern realities of active service. The Govern ment will entertain the men at Parlia ment House to-day.

AFTER THE WAR.

NO GRANTS OF LAND TO COLONIALS.

United Press Association-By Electric Telegraph Wellington, May 23 During the voyage of the Knight Templar, Mr Jacob, who went as providore, gathered from many of "Jowsey's boys " that their object in goiog to the Transvaal was the hope of securing laud and settling down after the war. Whilst in East London he, had many conversations upon this topio with Imperial officers, and the impression he received from them was that the colonials who looked for grants of land would be sadly disappointed. The officers said that, except for. garrison purposes, no colonials who bad served in the war would be allowed to stay and take up land after the war was over. They Would either be drafted into the British army or would be sent baok to their oolonufe If colonials were given land, they would broom's an element of dangef In that the Datoh would not take kindly* to those whom they already term trespassers, Imperial officers thought it would Hot conduce to peace if con fiscated land were given to men who had fought against the original settlers.

THE ASHBURTON CrtJARBiAN j fBl\)A% MAY 25, 1900



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fcH h a • -6- i >_, n3 <g H go w hrt 2 *3 » «. o ■« » i Pel ■.$£ Phq§ *! -^ " » *s " fid « -*. § * s. °S O HH r § : st o OH * lh r i <C h • *;S Cv TJ. N »*Si *^ rH ••• coiOio "cq £Q O T. STKPHEN'S CHURCH, J^ " Ashburton, FRIDAY, 7 15 p m- Litany and Address SUNDAY AFTEK ASCENSION DAY, (May 27 ) 8 30 a. m—Holy Communion 11 a i — Matins and Sermon 3 pm-Dromore-Mr T A Gates Seafield—The Vic*r 6 30 p m-Evening Pr&yc r and -ermon R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A. Vioar__ New Zealand CLOTHNC FACTORY WHY get web when »I» will buy you a WATERPROOF OOAT? We are showing a large Stock of Coats, all oftr own make and guaranteed thoroughly Waterprcof. We also have the latest shape Doable Brea-ted Chesterfield Waterproofs, and U there is nothing to suit you we will tane your order and male you one. 150 Patterns to Choose From Tweed Overcoat* and Capes from 19s 6d. WILL KRKP YOU WARM & DRY. Covert Coafco in Fawn and Blaok. Good value. Now is the time for warm Udder clothing. Bfe Cur Stock. Thb Largest; in Town BIBBED L.W. PANTc* from 2s lid Notwithstanding the advance in Wools we are selling at, the earns prices as lasr, Season having bought before the nsr; pjiCW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. f. H. BBOKTSOSALB, Manager] THE KAPID LIGHTNING GLOSS •SUE ONLY RELIABLE FHtBT POLISH IN THE WORLD. Tiyf RS MILLER, of Dunediu, tho Pro fessional Laundresß, says :—lt is the best 1 have ever used. It makeß Shirt Ironing pleasure. .Wise Mothers and Sisters try it and save your atrengtl, temper, and patience. Oace tried, alwayß used. Sild in tins at SHEARMAN BROS' & JOHN ORR & CO. 5 loc WE ASK— Your inspection of our EXCELLENT TWEEDS AND OVERCOATINGS. We have vow been in business 26 years, and attll retain many of our first customers, which alone is prooJ o our HONEti'f WOBK. Mcdonald & Go, Tailors, Etc; Jubilee Buildings , Burnett Street "to let SEAFIELD BOAD. Ay.HiRT Convenient Accommodation Paddock, containing seven aoree, laid down in grass. -,„„„«,.,«■ F. FEHRfMAN. S fc—HEARMAN~BROS. have large stock Loasby'S Wahoo, Benjimiu Gum, Koolibah, and Cinnamon Cure- E~~ TlsTTUHGlfTare buyers of a J . kinds of Second hand Goods. Adl Dining Mbs Knight's Boardinghonse- ALL LoaSßy's Preparations—Cinna on Cure, Koolibah, Wahoo, and Benjamin Gum—at J T Coooh, Storekeeper. MPTYCrates for Sale suitable for Sheep Feeding. Only Is 6d each Flktghke Beos., Ci«h Supply Store. NO SOQMKR does an article of genuine merit meet with popular favour and approval than up springs a multitude of spurious imitations, '•' Pitfalls " set to catch the unwary. Hosdai Lanka Tea must be on packet and box to ensure the Genuine, Unadulterated AKTiorEjsold by liaintarested grocers everywhere. WANTED— Oa"t and Wheat Husks in any quantity, also Beeswax. Apply guaoHEB Beos., Cash Supply Store. Smoke Hew Venus



J. WILSON, SIGN-WKirEK. LARGE STOCK of WALL PAPERS, WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS, PICTBREJMOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &o. BUPNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Telephone 66 MRS JOHNSTON | mEACHER of the Pianoforte and [ Singing. Havelocb Street. OSBOKN COOMBE, PIANO TONER 4 EXPERT (Late of London), VISITS Ashburton and surrounding Die triclsevery four months—viz, March July, and November. ORDERS may be left with MR LLEWELLYN OWEN at his Music 3tudio, Arcade Chambers. Ashburton. or at Commercial Hotel. KGrGrS. MINORCAS are recommended by the Government Expert aa bdog the best layers. I have Purebred Minorca Cjckerelt for sale, cheap, bred from first prizi Stock. 5 71 H. G. BERRYMAN. " TO LivE A COTTAGE of 4 Rooms and Scullery, together with one acre of land at Alleoton. Apply— F. FERRIMAN ~~ A^BJBUIITON PKI>M\NENT BUILDING AND INVifIaTMENT SOOIE tY. | O-VNS GRANTED FROM c 625 and upwards, ac current ratts. Full Particulars on Amplication. H.DWARD STEPHEN?, Manager. < fijos :— Tancred Street, " ASHBURTON : PRIVATE HOSPITAL '« Burford House." Conducted by—Mbs Mackay. Patients cen be received on an after MAY 14, 1900. MRS MACKAY trusts that her lonj connection with the Ashburtor. County Hospital will be a sufficient guarantei that all Patients (who can be attended bj their own Doctors,) will receive every care attention, and comfort. For terms apply to 44 MRS MACKAY. OWES, LOW AM CO FOE Gas Lamps, ISs Fach- Shipment of Bells and Carbidf Just to Hand. QATES, LQWSSY AHO CO, Burnett Street. A* AGrEJEt* ARCHITECT. AROADE CHAMBERS, ASHBURTON. TF you want a NEW HOUSE, or Altera tions, or Neweßt Style of Decorations,. CONSULT MR AGER. Call and see the NEW FIBROSE BLIND, Imitation of Venetian, at half the price. 5191 "NEW Z IS ALAND KaIIWAYS. 11.0 a.m. Train from Ashburton to Chrißtchurcb. mmS TRAIN NOW" RUNS DAILY. 5 195 BY ORDER. CLMRFO "^ PILLS JI warranted to cura Gravel, Pains in the back and all kindred complaints. Free from Mercury. Established upwards of 30 years In boxes 4s 6d each, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the world. Proprietors, The Lincoln and Mid and Counties Drug Csmpaay, Liooeli? B|laod



GOOD NEWS. GOOD NEW 6 GKORHE DUNCAN & Co, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON, OPPOSITE AROADE. G"i~\ O /~1/~Y RFCOGNISING by their increasing business that the . JD. & UO.. inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding Districts apprecialelheirifforlsi^prov'.ding them with General Drapery at propose to give them further practical evidence as the underrated quotations will prove, v z Grey and White Calicoe,, 2|d upwards Cretonnes 3|d upwards, Long Lace Cur- Stripe F.annelette*, 2|i upwards. tarns Is 6| i upwards {special va!u t ) _ 33-inch Pink Twill Flannellette (special), Lad « Capes and Jacket,s* «* »PWMd'' /13 ,„_ l _o.ja0.j a Lidies' Umbrellas, 2s lid upwards 72 mlh Unbleached Sheeting, 10} 1 up- LadUj' Fur Necklets (brge variety) 2s lid |W Ore 8y and White Calicoes, 2d per yard Rjbbed Lambs' Wool Drawers, 2s "Son Shirting, 3f d upwards, Leather Me^Faooy Cotton Shirts a, Hd upwards Shirting, 4,4 upwards! Qoton Shirting, B|d Men. J^*&s^}^ "Sttgent Bush Rugs. 2, lid (selling Meu'sand Boys' Braces, Ties. Handker c i » chiefs, &c, efce. ff wlit. and Brown Turkish Towels, 4*d up. Men's "SSIS Toilet Covers, B|l upwards; Aniimac- Spec.al-4-p ll^f^Zf csssers, 7Jd upwards, Muslins, 2|J upward.. | lb,.Black, White, and.Coloured. IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY, DON 1 iJUKuai. GEORGE DUNOAN & 00., Cash Drapers, Tancred Street, Ashburton.



Lots of Rakaia and Methven puopSe have bought a small sample packet of McKerzie'e Hondai Lanj?a Ceylon Tea oub of pure curiosity. Didn't believe it—why, certainly not—why should they. Bub somehow or other they are using it righb along j wouldn't forsake it on any account. Of course they were Bpeptioal at first ; so many things ad vertised nowadays; bub a Teapot test sets any doubt at rest. Smoke New Venus



Smoke New eou»



"For thjo Blood is thb Life."— CLARKE'S WORLD - FAMED BLOOD MIXTURE is warranted to cleanse the blood from all impurities from whatever cause arising. For Scrofula, Scurvy, Eo zerna, Skin and Blood Diseases, and Bores of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thous ands of testimonials. Sold in bottles, Zi 9d, and lis each, by Chemists and Paten. Medicine Vendors everywhere. Sold Pro: prietors, The Lincoln akd Mipland OorjN viis Drug Co, Lincoln, England



Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs I and Colds never aits—ls 61 and 2*6 Uaeq'iaUed and Invincible, Woods' Qreab Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds, Is fd I and 2e $4 A