Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 1900. NEW ZEALAND'S BIRTH- RATE.

Professor Seagar, of Auckland University College, has pointed oat from the population statistics of the colony, that unless the progressive diminution of the proportion of births per thousand of the population is ar rested, New Zealand will be a young colony populated by middle-*j;ed and old people. The main point in Pro fessor Seagar's premises is that no in crease is taking place in the number of children in the colony. As to this, he actually understated the. evil. The birth rate in New Zealand, he said, had been practically constant for 21 years. Unfortunately it; has not. The proportional birth rate has almost tteadtly fallen. In 1880 it stood at 4078 per thousand of the population ; by 1890 it had fallen to an enormous degree, and in that year was 29*41; last year it was 25*12. Nob merely has th|e proportional rats declined, but the aggregate number of births per annum is falling. There were not so many last year as in the year before. And there was a considerable shrink* age from the number twenty years ago, in 1880, to the; number last year—-the margin being 506. While this was so, the estimated mean population of the colony in 1880 was 484,864, and kit year it was 749,984. In other words the population has frown in the interval by more than 50 percent, and actually the ttftfnber cl births has decreased, Tha number of marriages steadily increase, however, and hag done so regularly, with the ex ception that in a fa* years when the depression was most, severely felt there was a slight reduction in the number. In 1180 there were 3131 marriages, and last year there were 5461. They have increased at a rate that has more than kept pace with the increase in the popu lation From these facts Professor Sea gar concludes that the number of chil dren growing up in New Zealand to-day is practically the same as there was growing up 21 years ago. He has only to appeal to the returns of scheol attendance iosupport of this conclusion And he points out how this may affect the industrial side of the community's life in the future. ' The facts,' he said, 1 were not without application to the servant question The younger people, from whonn servants were mostly drawn were stationery in numbers, and the number of people of older ages was pretty certain to increase. Oonse quently there would be a greater de mand for servants, and only the B»me supply, from which it might be expected the servant question would be aggra vated." And plainly it is not merely in domestic service, but in all branches of industry, that this effect will probably be noticeable. In 1886 the proportion, of the entire population that was over 21 years of age was 46.8 per cent; in 1891 it was 47.7 per cent; and in 1896 it was 50 1 per cent. But it was 47 2 in 1881, or practically the same then as it waa ten years later. And it is indisputable that people over the age of 65 are increasing far and [a way more rapidly thim any other portion of the coin amni'y. At the census of ISBI they numbered 6895. In the quinquennial period that followed they increased % 51.31 per cent, and in 1886 there were 10,433 yf them. In 1891 their number had swelled to 14,342, an increase in the census period of 37.47 per cent, and in 1896 they numbered 20,756, having increased in the five years at the rate of 41 72 per cent The only age period in which there is an increase at all comparable with that of persons of 65 years and upwards is the period be-. tween 55 and 65 years of age. Prc feasor Seagar calculates upon the basis of the present rate of increase that the number of persons i n the colony of the age of 65 years and over at the census j next year will be 28,024, at the 1906 census 86,039, and at the 1911 census 43,837, If this calculation be borne out by results the number will have more than doubled itself before the expiration of 11 years from the present date. The influence of this upon the old-age pensions scheme is obvious. The important conclusion to which Professor Seagar's dissection of the population statistics led him was this: that it is certain that, unless an increaie in the birth rate occurs, the population as a whole must cease to increase at anything like its present rapidity, and if the population becomes almost stationary then there must be a con siderable increase in the relative num ber of old persons comprised in it. And that will be a condition under which decay, rather than progress, may be expected.

Local and General.

\* Ow the f rst page to-day will be found news re a Valuable Find.

Fifth Contingent.—Latest advises from South Afrioa, state that trooper Smith, of Athhurton, a member of the Fifth Contin gent, is suffering from quinsy.

Hxavy Rainfall.—Nearly seven inches of rain have fallen in Sydney since Thurs day last

BKKABXASLE DISCOVIRY OF Wa**R«—A remarkable discovery of water has been made in the dry country at Euola, on the South Australian border, in the shape of a large subterranean lake.

ExeodtbD.—At Brisbane, on Monday, an aboriginal, Billy Broome, was executed for the murder of a, girl at Stanton. He re iterated his innocence. When the rope was round his ceok h« said id was no use to lie then

Too Many Hqiidays— The Sydney Cham ber of Commeroe on Monday carried a reso lution strongly condemning the indiscrimi nate declaration ef holidays, owing to the inconvenience and the dislocation of busi ness

Thi Express.—On arrival of the south express ab Aahburton lash evening, it was discovered that one of the axle boxes of a carriage had become heated. The cmiage was detached, and the train left for the north a few minutes later than usual.

A Pig Transaction.—A Christohuroh gentleman paid a visit to the Longbeach Estate yesterday, and, we understand, purchased upwards of two hundred prime dairy fed pigs, at a figure satisfactory to both buyer and seller.

The A.M.P. Sooeitt.—A.large meeting ab Sydney of the A.M. P. policy-holders, Mr Want presiding, adopted a resolution de olaring that they viewed with alarm aad disapproval the renewal of the proposal to extend the Society's operations beyond the Australian colonies, and also protesting against the rorihod of iiiaing proxy papers,

Fbiday—The ill-repute of Friday at an unlucky day in ahown by tome current) •tatistlaa to be undeserved. A careful in vestigation, largely through official channels, h«« been made of the matter in Germany, and a« a result it U found that of 9248 weekly acoidenta and diaastera, nch an are commonly attributed to bad luck, 1674 occurred on Monday, 1551 on Tuesday, 1631 on Wednesday, 1547 on Thursday, 1638 on Friday, 1638 on Saturday, and 269 on Sun day. The moat noteworthy feature of these figurei, apart frpm their riadioation of Fri day, is the uniformity of distribution of mil* haps among the six secular days of the week, the difference between the moat mi the leaat "unlucky '' days being less thm one- I tenth. The day of irnet disa«ter» ii Monday

Empress Dowager of China. —The Env press Dowager of China is described by an English lady, who his spent (he greater part of her life in the C-leatiil Empire, as a much more remarkable woman than most European* suppose. She is an ardent paint«r, and her piotur.n are said te be admirable Specimens of Chinese art). Strange »s it may teem, her M&jasty is also said to be fond of wrestling, and frequently indulges in this rather verile form of exercise. She is well read, is fond of European music, and has some skill as a pianist. She it said both by her friends and enemies to be absolutely without any sense of leaf, and, needless to say, her life has been attempted an infinite number of times. .

; TIirWALD FOHOOt OOSIMITTW. — The monthly meeting of the Tmwald School Committee was held on Tuesday. Present —Messrs Clothier(chairman), V Bmnington, J Gudsell, J Hampton, ODoherty, and Charles Hawkins. The muter reported the number of children on the roll as 146, an'l the average attendance for the past month 114-7. The attendance had beeu affected considerably by the web weather. The inspector, Dr Anderson, made his tiiaal in spection visib on Thursday the 31<it> of May. It was deoided that the visiting committee see to some drainage and *dme hollows in the playground. Is was deoided to clone bhe school for a fortnight for the winter noli dvys, the date to be left with the ohaitmao bo decide, Some necessaries were ordered for the use of the sohool. It was resolved to ask the master and teachers to marshal the children at bhe Tinwald" end of the Aehbur ton Bridge in the event of a Pretoria de monstration taking place! Accounts to the amount of £1 16? 41 were passed for pay ment and the meeting then adjourned.

FIRE.

A WOMAN FATALLY BURNED AT

AUCKLAND.

United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph Auckland, June 11

A fire occurred at 2 o'clock ye-terday morning in a five-roomsd cottage in Swanson Street, occupied by Mr and Mrs Jones and owned by Mr Finlay. It had a good held before it was dif covered, and the Fire Brigade were unable to save the home or furniture. The roof of the nexb house was burned. Mr Jones states that he went to bed at mid night, leaving his wife in the kitchen. He woke on hearing screams, and getting up found the kitchen in fltmes, and his wife with her clothing on fire. He got her out into the yard, having his hands severely scorched. Her legs were dreadfully burned. Doctors were telephoned for; but no medical aid being received, she was taken to the Hospital in the ambulance, and died yester day afternoon. An inquest was epeaed and adjourned. The house was insured in the Northern office, but the furniture was un insured

BRITISH IMPORTS AND EXPORTS

United Frees Asuooiation—By Electrio Telegraph-—Copyright London, Juno 10 The British imports for M»y in creased by £1,299,000, and the exports increas3d by £1,685,000, compared with the previous May.

The Plague.

FURTHER CASES IN QUEENSLAND

TWO IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA*

1 United Press Association—By Electrio

Telegraph—Copyright - Brisbane, Juneill' Another case of plague, one Jones, 13 reporied. Murray is dead. Adblaiok, June 11

Two plague cases have occurred. A lad named Payne, residing at Rich mond, who was admitted on May Itth, and an old man, O'-iullivan, residing %t Prospect, and now in Adelaide Hospital, Plague was diagnosed in both cases* Payne ia dead.

Sporting.

AUCKLAND RACES.

SECOND DAY.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph Auckland, June 11

Concluding results :—

Northern Stmplkohasi—Voltiguer XI. 1, Nor' West 2, Kaimate 3. Won by twenty tenths. Kaimate fell at the stone wall coming on to the course proper when leading, but was remounted and finished third. Silver Ray also dame to grief, and Kowhai ran off twice at the old water jump. Time -&5§ Dividend—£3 14s. BtTßDLßS—Cavalier 1, Tim 2, Troubadour 3. Soratched—-Torpina and Cairo. Won easily by three lengths. Time—4,6§ Divi dend—£2 7s. Tally-ho Stbbplechasb, — Dingo 1, Stray bird 2, Social Peat 3. Scratched— Ndr'west, Muscatel, and Voltigeur If. Won by three lengths. Time—6 43|. Dividend —£2 6*. .

Winteb Welter—Sb Peter 1, Hohoro 2, Knight of Athol 3. Scratched—Solo, Wood stock, and Armour. Woe by two lengths. Mine—l.36&. Dividend— £4 16s. The wlpnur was bracketed with fit Urania on the totalizator.

Ladies Bbacklkt—Tarrigsn 1, Riot 2, L«, Belle 3. Dividend-£2 17=*.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Fat mere' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on June 11, 1900:- Wheat—New. Prime milling Pearl ... 2s Id „ „ Tuscan.,. 2sld , „ „ Hunter's 2s Oats—Duns .- Is 4d to Is 5d Danish Is 4d to Is 5d Canadians Is 6d Sparrowbills Is 5d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 45s to 47s 6d Grass Seed—Old pasture, Is 9d to 2s < New „ li3dtols6d The above are prices current paid to ' farmers on trucks at Ashburton.

ROAD BOARD.

Sontli Itakaia.

The usual monthly meetiog was held on Thursday, Present—Messrs Lambie (chair man), Harrison, Holmes, Copland and Morland. TKNDESS Tenders for shiugtiog on White's road w«re opened, and considered too high, and none were accepted. It was left for the Clerk to arrange for the worst pieces being done if a aatistactory price offered. . PATRIOTIC Mr Ward, the as tin i-Premier, telegraphed re holding a general holiday throughout the oolony when peace was declared in Africa. -'This was considered the most satisfactory arrangement. The Cierk reported hiving sent £117 16s 64 to Mr Louiaion, subscribed towards the Patriotic Fund. The Clerk's report was read and con sidered. He was instructed to otrry out a number of maintenance works on various roads, GBAVBIi FITS In consequence of damage done to these by persona taking shingle and leaving the pit* unworkable it was resolved to prosecute any person who took shingle, trees, or other material away without the permission of the Board. The Clerk was instructed to put up notices to ♦ hi* effect* I•) was resolved to increase the length of a pit on the South road, providing arrange ments could be made for putting the water race back* GOBSK NUISANGI Complaints were made about several roads, and the 01 rk was iastraot d to issue notices to clear same and to inform the owners that if the wotk was not don* in due course it would bo done by the Board and charged fer. . RACK FOOTBRIOGH9 \t, was resolved to request the County Engineer to at once have the damaged ones repaired and the rotten ones replaced. XBACTION BNOINI TBAmO A copy of the Seiwjn County By Laws was read, and the Chairman was requested to bring the subject up at the next Council I meeting and see if some regulations could not be made for this county, as the traffic up *nd down the same tracks, with narrow tyres and heavy load*, was a const nt practice a»d very detrimental to the roads. SMALL BIRDS The Clerk was instructed to apply to the Council for as much poisoned grain as could be supplied. , ' BATES. . .• It was unanimously resolved to enforce the ten per oent. penalty on all unpaid rates after the 25th June. The Oerk was definitely instructed to carry out the reso lution. COKRESPONDKMOB. The Receiver of Land Kevenue forwarded " thirds," £1 2\ 7d.~Ordered to.bo put on the pay-sheet for transfer. Messrs Allan and Brydon wrote asking that the Barnes of Messrs Brydon and Blaokley be placed on the roll instead of the former.—Application consented to. Mr John Koag mote r« letting a portion of his property.—The Clerk said the altera tion had been made by the Valuation Department-. Mr J A Smith wrote re grubbing gorse in gravel pits —The Chairman said he had replied that they were let. Mr Thomas Imae wrote asking permission to out about twenty gums next his house.-* The Cerk was instructed to inspect and arrange for the work being done if possible. Mr Cambridge forwarded a circular re poisoned grain. The Manager Lyttelton United Friend y Society's Dispentay forwarded a circular re rat poison, stating that a sample was being forwfcrde^.—The Clerk said nouasnple came. Contractor Mc\nu'.ty wrote re race cleaning.—The Cierk said the work Was not being done promptly.—lt was resolved to keep him up to the mark or have the work done by someone eiee The Supervising Valuer wrote asking for the roll to be sent for checking —The Clerk said this had been done and the roll returned The County Council forwarded returns to bs filled in.—The Clerk said these had been made out and returned; The Secretary Chertsey Ocmotery Board wrote asking what was being done towards vesting the Cemetery as the Road Board — The Clerk was instruoted to reply that the matter had been dropped by this Board in consequence of the Govtrnment declining to make the investment; a c py of the letter to be sent for the Board's information. „ The Mount Hutt Road Board intimated that it had passed the bicycle by-'aw arranged for some time ago, and it was now Rszitted—^t wa* resolved to adopt the same and the Clerk was instructed to o*ll a special meeting of the Board to pass same. Mr Phelan wrote asking the Board to contribute towards the cost of repairiog a fenoe.—Resolved to pay fifteen shillings. ACCOUNTS. Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting closed.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ashburbon Borough Council was held on Monday even ing. Present—His Worship the Mayor (Mr Hugo Friedlander), and Counoillon H. Davis, J. Davisqn, W. Jollifle, J. Scaly, H. M. Jones, and H. Willie. Leave of absence wai granted to Or David Thomas IHI MAYOR'S iTATBHMIIf. The M»yor stated the balance at the Bank was Dr. £476 18s lid. The amounts re ceived sinoe last meeting totalled £120 6s 7d. Re the accident to Mr Thomas Johns, left in hii hand*, he had settled the matter by pay* ing him £9 in settlement of all olaims, aWMUKPOXDINOE. Correspondence wai read and dealt With, as follows :— from the Ashburton County Oeunoil, re questing a cheque r ot £10, on acoount of the Hospital.—Passed for payment. Front Mr E. B. Biake, engineer, Pahlataa, forwarding information te sanitary service.—Reoeived with thanks. From the Clerk of Upper Ashburton Road Board, re the race* on Winter's Road and Alford Forest Road.— The Works Oommitliee to report, Cr Davison suggested the Committee wait on the Upper Ashburton Road Board, at its next) meeting, when he felt sure the matter could be adjusted amicably, From the Secretary of the Fire Brigade, notifying that Fireman Thomas Barber had been appointed Oaptain.and asking the Conn oil to appoint him a Fire Inspector. For the position of Attislant Engineer the Brigade recommended Fireman F. E. Massey.—The appointing of a Fire Inspector was allowed to stand over, aad the appointment of Mr Barber as Captain was agreed to, also the appointment of Mr Massey at Assistant Engineer. The annual subsidy of £50 to the Fire Brigade was passed for payment. ■ Mr H. M. Jones applied for permission; to erect an outhouse at his Bast Street | premices—Granted subject to the approval of the engineer ; from Sergeant Barlow, enclosing the constables' report re the boys disturbing the reading room—Received; from the olerk of the Hatnpstead Town Beard, re a crossing at the North-East Belt. —The work to be done, the Council to pay one-half the oost; from the Secretary of the Municipal Association, re the Conference, stating its would be held on a date to be fixed, and asking the Council to forward subjeots for discussion.—The Mayor was appointed to represent the Council at the Conference. The preparation of subjeots was left till next meeting. WORKS COMMUTE! AND ENGINEER'S BEPORT The Works Committee and engineer re ported as follows :~- P. Gourdie's Applioabien—The Works Committee have authorised the engineer to fix a oulvert as asked for by Mr Gourdie. Rev O'Donneli's Application—The com mittee recommended that this footpath be put in order so that it can be tarred next season. Disposal of Rubbish—The Works Com mittee ask for an exteneion of time to report on this matter, so that all informa tion may be obtained on scavenging service. Tenders for Shingle—The Works Com mittee have accepted Mr Gsorge Bright's tender at Is 6d per yard for road metal. Foreman's Cottage—The contractors have applied for an extension of time of six weeks in which to finish this building, and the committee recommend that the request be granted. labour G»Dg-Tho men hurebesn iDgtged •

during thefiast two weeks in re-forming footpaths and shingling came, scraping mud (ff streets, and shingling street crossing!, forming E st Street, re-tarring footpvh«, owning loil to section, making and fixing channel g»*eg, repairing fence in Domain, making and patting in bridges and culverte, attending to water lupply, and general worki of rnaintea*nce. The report was adopted. SANITATION The police report on the inspection of tho west part of the town was received. I' stated everything wai in satisfactory con dition.—Received. The Inspector of Nuisances detailed a number of premises where improvements ordered had been oarried ont. There were only two oases of infeotious disease in the town at present. The reports were considered satisfactory, and adopted. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE RE LIGHTING Your oomtnicte have considered the quet tioQ of providing a cheaper and more econo mical method of lighting the Borough, whioh was referred to them by the Connoil, and beg to make the following recommendations : —(1) That the lighting of the Borough should bs under municipal control; (2) That an eiperfc opinion bs obtained of the cost of lighting the Borough with eleotriciiy ; (3) That the opinion of an expert be obtained respecting the valu«» and efficiency of the Ashburton Gas Works. Or Thomas, chairman of the committee, being absent, the consideration of the report was deferred, BOROrOH Z.IABEB The Mayor drew Attention to the faot that a number of the Council's leases would fall in shortly. It would be only right to give the tenants fair notice as to the Coun cil's intentions* He thought the best way would be to ap point a Committee, and also a valuator to fix the value, and they oould then be put up to auction. The matter was referred to the Reserves Committee to report npon. THB BOROUGH STREETS. Or Jones mentioned one or two road crossings that required attention in wet weather. Cr Willis suggested that a road scraper, to bs drawn by a horce, be obtained. The p:esent system was a watte of time and money, whereas an up-to-date scraper would do the work very much quicker, and give a great deal more satisfaction to the ratepayer?. ) The matter was referred to the Works Committee to report upon. Acaovsn. Accounts amounting to £227 6s 9d were passed for payment, and the meeting ad journed,

Interprovincial.

United Press Automation—By Bieotrio Telegraph

Wellington, June 11 . A private letter received from a member of the fifth contingent, dated Beira, atutes that the piano presented to the Wellington section of that contingent by Mrs Brough, was sold for £20, and the money is to be for warded to the Welling: on hospital. Ie Is also said that the programme of the conoert held on board the s.s. Waim»te, with Lieu tenant-Culonel Newalls autograph, was tub mi t ted to auction and realised £7 Is. This amount too is to be remitted to the Welling tea hospital. Five hundred doses of prophylactic have been received by the Colonial Secretary's Department, which nukes 1500 doses now on hand.

Auckland, June 11 A terrible accident occurred in the .Grand I j net ion Mine, Waihi, last night. A miner named Charlie Pohlmann, a foreigner, wat going down the ladder, a*-d by eotr.o means fell a distance of 150 feet, being killed instantly. Pohlmann was helping to lower the timber down the shaft, when he slipped off the ladder way.

Christchurch, Jane 11 'I he first annual mealing of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, was held io day. The report stated the Society had been firmed without my idea of competing with the Australasian (Society, bat simply to carry out the obj cts of that Society with greater facililies and Itss delay. Spe ial referei cc was made to the late Mr John Jojce, who had shown great energy, tact, and perseverance in starling the Society tad was its first president at .the time of his death. The court of directors intended from time to time to adopt other ol jvcts than that specif! d when the Society was firtt estab lished, with a view to extending, enlarging, and developing in time the scope, ends, and aims of the organisation. They hoped, by thii means, to stimultte and erjeourage young people of the colony to acts of.bravery. Daring the year the directors had made 24 awards, not a few being for acts of bravery of a very high claes. The director! had iseued 2000 roiled sheets of instructions printed on calico, and recommended another issue of at least 5000 copies, so that every school, boating clnb, swimming dub, etc, should be supplied. The directors also suggested the erection of oaution posts at places known to be dangerous. The balance •heet showed a credit balance of £98. Sir John Hall was elected president and the Miyots of Christohurch, Auckland, Welling ton and Dunedin, vice-presidents. Innkboabgu.l, Jane 11. The Bupreme Court was occupied all day with a breach of promise to marry aotion, Sarah W Thorn v John Q MoLsod, olaiming £10,000. The lady. Is the daughter of an InveroargJU resident. The defendant who is a divinity student and pteacher, well known in Otago, practically denies that the engagement Is broken; There had been do direot disagreement between the parties, but a letter written by plaintiffs mother to de fendant's mother with reference to a member of the latter's family. A writ was issued before MeLeod had time, in the course of the-: post, to deny that be intended to resile from his promise, and that his intention all through was to ask her to consider whether they could be happy if the families' relation ships did net improve. The hearing was not concluded.

AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

Atrocitiei by Boxers

Converts Burned A lire

Tsung-Li-Yanien Assisting Rebels.

A Chinese General in Disgrace

United Preaa Auoeiation—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Qok« Kon«, Jane 10 The \ rsung-Li-Yamen will not p«r mit a train conveying foreign marines to leave Tientsin to repair the railwaj. Mr Oonger, the American Miniater at Pekin, reports that the destruction of the railwaja continues, owing to the inertness of the Chinese troops, and he is of opinion that it is necessary that foreign troops should protect the lines. In accordance with the Viceroy of Ohi-H'a recommendation, the - British were allowed to proceed. The railway was found damaged beyond Kang-tsang, but the track is safe- The American Government is willing to co-operate for the restoration of order, bat insists on maintaining American independence of action. ■ June 11 There are thirty-one warships at Taku. The admirals will discuss the expediency of seizing a strip of coast as an inviolable refuge for foreigners. An Imperial Edict denounced Gone ral Nicb, whose troops recently de feated the Boxers, for killing Boxers, trad ordered him to withdraw his troops Ito Lutai, eighty miles away. The Boxers are surrounding and intercept ing Nich. The latter telegraphed to Pekin that he vainly urged the Boxers to disperse, and had no alternative but to fight. He relies on the Emperor's mercy, adding that there will be serious

trouble* with the Powers antes* (he Boxen are suppressed. ' * London, June li Sir Claude Macdonald telegraphed :— " The Tbrono strongly sympathise* with the Boxers. The spirit of th« native troops is doubtful. The'Tfong- Li-Yamen does not intend to liiai marily repress the Boxers." (Received Wakapnitk* June 12, 9.20 am, This Office 9 61 a m) Hongkong, June 11 The American Missionary College' at Tungcbau, has been abandoned. Two chapels were burned by Boxers, Ind seventy-five converts massacred. Many were burned alive. The Tsung-Li-Yamen U supplying arms to Boxers. A big detachment cf foreign murinef, with guns, is expected to reach Pekia to night. (Received Wakapuaka Jane 12, 10 J5 a.« This Office 116 a.m) Hona Konc Jmt il Dangerous crowds ar« Mteubltd roand the foreign embassies at Ptkid,

TRANSVAAL WAR.

An Offer Refused

The Operations in Natal

HetMf c From General Bilter.

Boer Fositioni Taken.

The Enemy Surrendering.

Boers Marchint to Johaonesbirff

llonteri* Force at Ventertdorp.

Boen North of KroomUd.

Railway Line Deitroyed.

Carrinpton's Force Hareniß^

Southward.

(Jo: feed Press Association—By Bleotrfo Telegraph—Copyright: Lohdon, Jane 11 Ihe Boers refused General Bvller'i proffered chance of returning to their farms if they surrendered their artil lery. Sir R, Buller telegraphed on Son* day concerning Friday'a engagement :— " I fiad the, enemy, two. thousand strong, abandoned a oarefully-prepated I position, and retired twenty- iiz milea north-west. : •' British supplies and baggage wag. gons having arrived, after arduous work, through the mountains up Botha's Pas*, we advanced to-day, and met some opposition, but put the enemy to flight. ''The African Light Horse drove the Boers from a strong position. The troops fought bravely. "We hold, positions commanding ' the junction of Gtnsvlei and Klip Rivers." June 10 Generals Bundle and .Foreitier* Walker have reinforced the forcer at Kroonßtad. June 11 Six hundred Boers have surrendered to General Rundle. Four thousand have gone to the tupged country round Bethlehem. The Boers report that De Wet, with thirteen hundred men, is marching to Johannesburg. General Hunter has reached Yen terrdorp. * Three of the enemy's columns ire reported near Hotningspruit, eighteen miles north of Kroonstad. General Oarrington is marching south with all speed. Delagoa reports that a British force has reached Bremersdorp. Camtowh, June 11 A majority of Afrikander Bonditee in the Cape Assembly resist the annex* ation of the Republics and cempensa* tion to loyalists. , A crisis is imminent, Mr Schreiner has summoned the Bondites to discuss frankly whither they will second his leyat endeavours to fulfill the duty to the Grown. Be denounced as disloyal and useless the agitation of the extremists. Mr A J Herkeldt, Minister for Agriculture, supported the loyal atti tude of Mr Sohreiner and the Attor ney-General (Mr Solomon), while Messrs Saver, Merriman, Tewater, and Hofmeyr, the other memben of the Ministry, bitterly resisted it. Wabmihgtom, JubslO Mr Hay, the American Secretary of State, denies that Mr Bollis war officially authorised to urge President Kruger to sue for peace. LovDex, June 11

Private Goods*!), of the New South Wal*s Medical Corps, died from •»• t*ric f*rer. P T

Eydxet, Jun* 11 .■ I There was a remarkable* demonfttra | tion at Broken Hill in amour of the I capture of Pretoria. Two thousand I children marched through the street* in the afternoon, and at sight the) - town wai brilliantly illuminated. A ! monster procession iuolnded a number lof cannon supplied by the various ; mining companies, which were fired at frequent interval*, representations of au armoured train drawn J»y the muni* cipal steam roller, the model of the | warship Powerful built round the fire engine, a sandbag fort on a lorry armed with a six-inch gun, and minia ture Krupps, and numerous other representations of phases of the war, accompanied by firing parties and hun dreds of tbrchbearers. There wai thsi greatest enthusiasm. There was ■*.:■■ hostile demonstration outside the Ger man Olub, and some windows wire broken, but the police tjuickly sup* pressed the disturbance.

United Press Association—By Kleetrta Telegraph Auckland, June 11 His Excellency the Governor, having written Home regarding New Z«»l««a •ftaint, hu jait received a letter from Sir A. Bigg«, the Qaeen'e private eeoretery, stating that the Qumb wee most interested intaaringof New-Zealand aftirs, and wai "' greatly pleated with the aoeonnt of the won* derfol manner in which the application for a farther Contingent of 600 men wm responded to.

Schreiner and the Rebls.

Loyal Zulu.

(Rtcmvcd Wftkapnaka Jan* 18, 5.20 ft m Thh Ornai 9-61 im) Oapbtoww, June 11 Sohreiaer introduce* a BUI ia tbj

THB ASHBUKTON OOARDIABT i TBISBAY, JUNE 12, 1906



karechanck i ofsecubing)' FIRST-CLASS I PIANO OROEGAK GREAT CLEARING SALE OF .PIANOS AKD ORGANS, THE DBBhDSsN PIANO COMPANY'J CLEARING SALK . ■ At their Ashburton Agency, Mr Henry Stephenson's Auction Bootos, IS STILL PROCEEDING GEftOUjlE WHOLESALE PRICES FOti CASE! OR ON OUR EASY HIRE bYSTEM— PIANOS FROM 20a MONTHLY. ORGANS FROM 10* 6! MONTHLY. OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN PROPORTION. TEH. TPARS GUARANTEE given #ith every Piano, Organ or Harmonium Sold. IMPORTAM T N'OIIOK. GOOD NJfiWS; GOODNEWS GFOR(iE DUNCAN & Co  TANCRfiD STREET, ABBBURTON, OPPOSITE AK'JADB. GT\ $ f^f\ RECOGNISING by their increasing businesi Chat the • JL/« (X) \.J\J»* inhabitant* of Ashburfcon and nurrounding Districts •ppreoiate their efforts in providing them with Geser&l Drapery at astonishing low prioe», propose to give them further practical evidence as the undernoted quotations will prove, v t Grey'and White Calicoes, 2fd upwards Cretonne*, 3}d ppwardn, Lons; Lace Our Stripe Eiannelettw, 2|i upwards tains, Is b% X upward* (special value) 33-iooh Pink /Twill Fiannellette (special), Ladles' Uapea and Jackets, 6a 9d upwards, 4ld upwards Ladies' Umbrella", 2i lid upwards 72-inch Unbleached Sheeting, 1011 nP- Ladies' Fur Necklets (large variety) 2s lid wards upwards Grey and White Caiooes, 2d per yard Men's Ribbed Lamb»' Wool Drawers, 2« upwards lid upward* Cotton Shirting, 3|.l apward« s Leather Men's Fancy Cotton Shirts, 2-. lid upwards Shirting, fllil upward*, Union Shirbing, B|l Men'« Fancy Union Shirts, 2* 91 «pward» upwards Men's Colonial Kuitt Books, Is per pi»ir Contingent Bush Rags, 2s lid (selling Men* and Boya' Braces, Ties, Hatidker freely) chiefs, &c, &c. White and Brown Turkish ToWels, fl| I up. Men's MoSatkin and Beaver Uord Trousers Toilet Covers,, B|i upwards; Aniimae- Special- 4ply Fiiigering Wool, 2* 6d per cvnere. 7W u»w»«ds, Muslins, 2H upwards lb, Black, White, and Coloured. C ' ' * PIF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY, DON'T FORGET CTEOKGE DXJNOANf & 00., Oash Dmpers, Tancrsd Street, ABhburtfuy Wm.Stranne { "^SST 4 } Thos. Cow«lale A TRIP TO TOWN Is not always PRACTICABLE. Consequently, MANY LADIES residing in Ashburton and District find it IMPOSSIBLE to visit the Establishment of STRANGE & CO. as OFTEN as ■'they could DESIRE. Their annoyance is natural enough. EXPERIENCE has taught them that the big City Establishments, SUCH AS OURS, offer them THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, and the WIDEST CHOICE OF GOODS. But such Ladies can always SHOP WITH US BY POST, as HUNDREDS already do, because they know we are LA.RGE BUYERS. LARGE IMPORTERS, LARGE MANUFACTURERS. It is also pretty generally known now that WE BUY EVERYTHING FOR READY MONEY, and thac we have a LONDON HOUSE which keeps us supplied all the year round, not merely with plain, every-day goods, such as are in constant demand, but with The Latest London and Continental Novelties in Mantles, Costumes, Millinery, Corsets, Gloves, Dresses, Dress Goods, Under wear, Children's Goods, &c. Acd Oup Dressmaking Department cl<seiy resembles a West-End of London Establishment. Our new French Dressmaker, MADAME BOUTBAXTD, is acknowledged to be a TRUE ARTISTE. Her creations are the theme of GENERAL ADMIRATION; while our Miss Mazey (in charge of our second room) continues to #ive the utmost satisfaction to her numerous patrons. As Bespoke Tailors, sve have acquired a HIGH REPUTATION. We make Stylishly-cut Suit (splendid workmanship and material) from .£3 3s. Those who prefer Ready-made Clothing mil find our famous "ORIENT" BRAND CLOTHING (in all sizes), the NEAREST APPROACH to MADE-TO-ORDER GOODS in the Market ed at about HALF THE PRICE. Furniture we Supply Direct from our Factory to the People at Factory Prices. We also have a BEDDHSTG- FACTORY (for supply of pure, sweet bedding), & "WIBE MATTRESS FACTORY, and a BLIND FACTORY (under the charge of those famous Blind-Experts, Messrs. GEE). COUNTRY RESIDENTS, If you CAN'T come to town to see us, you can always . - . Shop with us by Post. State your requirements PLAINLY in writing, ENCLOSE REMITTANCE, and your order shall be filled as PROMPTLY and SATISFACTORILY as though:you had delivered it in person. POST FREE ON APPLICATION. Estimates for House-Furnishing, Blind-Making, Bedding, Wire Mattresses, &c Patterns of our LOVELY NEW WINTER DRESS MATERIALS, and our NEW SEASON'S SUITINGS, TROUSERINGS, OVERCOAT INGS, &c. (together with full directions for self-measurement), Post-Free on application to ; ; i;S;. --■ ' ■ CHRISTCHURCH. OAlli LOifiYMaCOJ J. WILSON, ■•' BURNETT STREET. FOB i I HAVE JUST TO HAND ft very I»rge variety of Shipment of Belli, and Carbide MlX.lid U Just to Hand. PAINTS U/OV Akin ftfi V«y Suitable for Painting Drays, Traps, OATES* LOWRY AMD CO, Kltohwj>>|nteriorand fctiflor ofHoiMMi Burne Street f E(Wt



BE in time at " The Corner for Fiaas > Rosetiifs, Patriotic Ribbons.--Nosth coti & Hbffokd. " ■... TuE LATKST WAR NEWS. INDIAN FAMINE FUND. T)Y the Frisco Mail which arrived yes« terday, I received a batch of the London Daily TiMag, and the Morning Post, con taining the latett War news direot from the War Office. These are for Sale at Is eaoh, the proceed* to be devoted to the Indian F.I-.ftrt. g . gEBRIM4M . NEW GOODS FOE WINTEB, NICHOLAS & PICKFPU TTAVB pleasure in informing their numerous Patrons that they have landed ' ex Mamari' another shipment of , Boots, Shoes, Slippers, and Evening Shoes FOB WIINITISR, I'IcTAtXE ——— . _ , | Included amon&it these are Ladies', Gentleman*', and Children*' Warm Slippers, (A. splendid variety,) -'% The whole of oar Imported Goods tmve been parchasod direct from the Manufacturers and marked off at the very lowest margin of profit; and we confidently assert that in no other shop in the district can a better asaor ted Stock, at such uniformly low prices be found. EVENING SHOES Upwards of 20 different Styles in Laeies*' Evening Shoes to choose from, prices from 3s to 18s 6d> Oentle mens' Oourt bhoes in all styles, and at wonderfully low prices. NICHOLAS ~& PICKFORD, BAST STREET. A CARD. A Branch Office hai been opened by the underaigned at Missbs Niooll Bros , East Street, where they will oarrygon practice an Barrister* and Solicitors. MAUDE & HARMAN, Solicitors, Ohriatcharcb Money^o Lend at Lowest Current Rates on Freehold?/Beourity. No^ProcurationiJbef, MAUDE &HABMAN, \2 <J8 Auhburton, t Jj !z « « v A C HI ® « Q 4 ~ W i ' ft g Pm ~ ashburiojF PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. T OANB GRANTED FROM dG2S and upwards, at current rate*. Full Particular! on application. EDWARD STEPHENS, Manager, Offic :—Tancred Street. iJTuRQATRiYFTRoir WOOL BROKERS & FELLMONGERS Chkistchprch, Auckland, Patea, etc. BEG to inform the FARMERS AND BUTCHERS of the Ashburtop Die trio t that they have decided to Establish a WOOL & BKIN COLLECTING AGENCY IN ASHBURTON, and in furtherance of this object have ap pointed Mb C. E. Kkndall as Buyer, who will be in constant attendance at the below address, prepared to Purchase for Cash, SHEEP SKINS, HIDES, ROUGH FAT, TALLOW, HORSE-HAIR, Etc, Ab Highest Rates Current. MDRGATEOYD BROS., NEXT RULE'B BUTCHERS SHOP, Burnett Street, Ashbnrton. Sj- 1 IRS WORKS in great variety at i? Fletoheb Bros.—Crackers 2d and 3d per packet or 1b 9d or 2s 9d per dozen; also Sockets, Reman Candle Catherine Wheels, Bine Lights, etc.



How fondly rests a mother's g»za Upon her children dear ; Sjhe loves them for their pretty wt-ya, And always likes them near, She tends them in their troubles, too, Her care soon makes them fewer, And for a cold knows what to do: She gets Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. Don't Cowoh—Belief can be obtained im mediately. Use KEATING'S COUGH LOZBNGES—weII known as the utterly no rivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly reoom mended by the many eminent physioians. They at onae check the cough and remove he cause—without any after effect j the ! most delicate aan therefore take thorn. One Lozenge alone gives ease—one or two at bedtime ensures rest. Sold everywhere n tini 13i* Sftohl S»eke New Veuui j