THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICE

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— UHRISTOHURCH—at 720 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 spm. (express) TJMARU—at 10 55 ».m. 8 350 p.m. DUNKDIN—at 12 54 p.m. (express) SFRINGBURN—at 4.25 pm. Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from-' CHKISTOHURCH-at. 10.45 *.m., 1247 p.m (express), 8 p.m. TIMARI7—at 10.35 a.m., 2.55 p.<«. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) 1 SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for August

BUN.

SECOND EDITION Mail Notices.

Mail? close for the following places a« under, subject to the neoeßßarv alterations:— TUESDAY, AUG. 21. For Northern Ports, Westporfc, and West Coast, per Rotomahana, at 6 30 pm WEDNESDAY, AUG 22 F.>r Northern Ports and Weatport, Aus tralian Colonies (via Auckland), per Waihora, at 10.30 »m. Due Sydney September 1

Commercial.

FROZEN MEAT MARKET.

United Proas Association-— By Electno Telegraph—Copyright. (Received Wakapuaka August 20, 8 4§a,m, This Office 7 50 p.m

London, August 19 Mutton—Crossbred wethers, maiden ewes, Canterbury 3 7-161; Dunedin and South, land, 3£d ; North Island, 3Ji. Lamb—Prime Canterbury, 4 3-16 d ; fair average, including Duoedio, Southland, Wellington, and Becondary Canterbury, 3J i; Hiver Plate, unchanged. New Zealand beef, 180 to 220 Iba, fair average quality, ox fores, 3£l; ox hinds, 4^l; Hides—New South Wales ox, 4| i to 4|d ; COW, 4g"l 5 basils, unchanged

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

At the Ashburton yards to-day, there was only » moderate attendance, but those present formed a fair representation ot the various interests. The yarding was small, 2000 sheep, and 18 head of cattle.

In the butohers' sheep pens a very sparse occupation of only 15 peas was brought forward for trade requirements. In the cattle market tne prices obtained by the following firms—Messrs D Thomas, N.Z. Farmers' Co-operative, Fried Under Bros., and E W Hanmer— were as follows ;—Fat heifers, £6 Isj and £4 ; steers, £6 15s ; cows £6 7s 6d and £6 ss.

In the store cattle department, heifers made £3 7a 6d, springers from £4 2s 6d to £5, cows in profit realised £2 5j to £4 2<J 6d, yearlings £2, calves 203. Iv the butchers' cheep pfns, Briedlander Bros obtained 15^8', 15< 10 i, and 16 10d t al! crossbred wethers, medium sortp.

Mr D Thomas offered three pens of merino withers, which changed hands at 9s lOd to 10s 2!, crossbred wethera tola by the same auctioneer bringing 15s Sd to 16 10d. For four crossbred wethers the Farmers'Co op. realised 22i, anl another una.il iiue of six brought 20j 91. A couple of lines of trecA'rs, of about 100 each, offered b> Frienlander Bros and D Thomas, were passed in at 163 91 and 18j respectively. The bidding in this clkss of fheep, in sympathy with the Home markets and also the closing of the Fairfield works, was very slack. A line of station merino ewes, to Umb early in September, was sold by Friedlandor Bros at 12J. Merino ewea 9) lOd ; two and four tooth forward sheep offered by Friedlander Bros were passed in nt 14s 6. A Hoe of sound mouthed cross bred ewes offered by D Thomas passed ia at I6a9d

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1900. THE RELIEF OF THE LEGA TIONS.

The news cabled on Saturday of the relief of the foreigners shut up for so long in Pekin, is the best we have pub lished for many months. We may presume that this time the news is true; although the very cirsumatantiftl accounts of " the Pekin massacre " which startled the world a week or two ago seemed to bs reliable enough. Yet subsequent events have shown that all the vivid descriptions of the horrors of that affair, were pure invention— Chinese invention of course: Looking back over the accounts of how the whites in Pekin were said to have been massacred, how they rushed out and died fighting, lather than be starved to death; how the children were carried about impaled on the ends of spears; and how JSir Koberfc Hart shot himself rather than fall into the hands of the Chinese, will all be found in the news paper chronicles of this historic period. Ifc must be confessed that, much as we have been able to see of official Chinese duplicity, canning, and treachery in our past dealings with the Government of that country, the attitude taken up by the Celestial Empire on this occa sion, appears to be more inexplicable thpn anything done in the past We confess that knowing the vast resources of China, and remembering the fearfa! treachery those in power are capable of, we have grave doubti whether this trouble ia settled. We aro assured— presumably on reliable authority — that the Legations are actually re lieved, and every man and woman throughout the world will rejoice. The late prisoners are now under the protection of their (country men in the enemies' capital. But they are only a comparatively imall body of whites all told, in the midst of hostile miUione,and we shall feel very thankful when they are safely out of it all. There are symptoms of intematiorinl com plication a already, and it is to be feared that w« nhali have no sooner disposed of one trouble, than we shall be confronted by another, and a greater one. For if a great war be tween the Powers should come out of this Chinese business, who can foresee the end ? However, as to the relief of the Legations, there must be a univer sal feeling of gratification that they have been saved from the hands of the Chinese, who have already given us some idea, of what might have been expected, bad the besieged whites been captured. We look forward with

interest and expectation to a detailed account or their experiences, during the many weeks of their imprisonment. A book on the subject would certainly meet with a phenomenal sale We should like some information v% to the actual condition of the relieved foreigner?, their state of health aud so forth. After their experience, tlere should be something to tell about this.

Local and General.

• # * Interesting reading matter will be found on the first and fourth pages of this issue.

Rakaia-Methven TBAINB.—The ordinary train service fur Thursdays will be run on August 30th, viz, the 6,50 a.m train Methven to Raka'.a, and the 12.20 p.m Rakaia. te Methven.

Promotions.—ln a circular just issued to the Ashburton Mounted Rifles, the following promotions appear by order of the officer commanding: — Corporal Morrison, to be acting Bergeanl; Troopers Sannders, Beekett, Johnston and Stewart, to be acting-Corporals.

Lictore—The fifth leoture of the course on^ English literature will ba delivered by the Rev. R A Woodthorpt, M.A, in 8t Stephen's schoolroom, to-morrow afternoon at 3.45 pm. iho subject of fcha lecture i* " Oariyle, the man and hia menage."

Returning New Zealandsrs —Trooper Edward Willis who writes from the con valescent) camp, Bloemfonteia, under date July 11th, eaya that he, and other ionlided New Zealanders are slowly working down to Capetown on their wny home. He says the hoßpitala at Johannesburg bad to be relieved, to make room for new arrivals.

Thb Press directors of the Frees Association lave had »n interview wich the Premier re the agitation concerning the entrance fee, etc, with the result that a proposal hat been made to reduce the fee in certain cases. The directors addressed & letter to the Premier, pointing out the expenses the Association ha» gone into to build up the service.

South Canterbury Hounds—The first meet was held at Holies'oa t>n Monday, 13th. A hare was started early, bat was lost in a plantation. Another was started shortly after, and after a run of five miles led to a kill* A windy day befiled the hounds on the seoond occasion of the meet) at ChaineyV A hare was started, and after forty-five minutes of fast poing, was caught. Another was captured after a fifteen minutes' tffbrt to elude the hounds. Tha hound* displayed great form on both oooasiona, and area well trained and well bred lot, and altogether will leave a very good impression bahind them.

Vomjntebbs.— Thirty-three of all ranks were present at the ordinary weekly parade of the Guards last evening at the drill shed, under Lieutenant) Nicoll. The company was exercised in company formations, in* eluding decreasing fronts and fl»nk forma tions, by Lieutenant Niooll ; in sem: battalion drill, by Lieutenant R, Shearman ; in physical drill, by Sergeant D, Grant; firing exercise, by Sergeant C. Paroy; manual exerciae, by Sergeant J. Dona ; and the sword-biyonetexeroiße by Color-Sergeant Schwartz—-each of which were very credit ably done. On Thursday afternoon all members are requested to attend at the shed for the purpose of proceeding to the range for rifle practice,

"Ourselves as Other She Us."— Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults; but they seldom fail to observe the fit and style of our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that " appearance goes a long way.' An ill-fitting suit) ia uncomfortable, and an •• eye-aore "to your friends. Don't risk it! If you are a stranger here, the first well dressed citizin you meet will gladly direct you to •• The Leading Tailors wher« you will always find a large assortment of • Up to date" suitings to seleob from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and etill increasing business done by Messrs Craigiieao and Bhkbyman speaks volume?. This fi.-m haa just imported ptobably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods ever shown in Aahburton, including h beautiful range of the new rain proof Beavers and Meltcia for Covertooats and Chesterfield overcoats, both ashionabla and durable.

INQUEST.

The following concludes our report of the adjourned inquest :-- Elizabeth Kthel Miles, employed at Mr Coleman's, stated she waa at that residence during the four months that Bessie C! erne us was there. She had not been bold and did not saappot) aho was encienta. The day she took unwell, at four o'clock in the afternoon, the mother complsined of being unwell. At six o'clock she became very bad, aod at aeven went to bed, and getting worse, asked the patient if a doctor should be Rent for, and she agreed* Was not aware what was really the matter until after the doctor had gone away. To Sergeant Barlow—l he girl stated since the former inquest), to her, that the ohiid was not) expected. Cautioned by the Coroner, Bessie Clemens stated the birth occurred by accident. She did nob expect the birth so Boon ; she had intended to go to a home in Chrlstchuroh. The jury returned the following verdict: —" That in accordance with the medical evidence, the death of the child was caused by suffocation," and add as & rider— " Taking into consideration that this was the second child, the mother deserves censure for not having taken steps to obtain medical or other assistance before th« birth took place."

The Fatal Fire at Waimate

An inquest upon the fatal burning acci dent of Waimate, whereby John Richard lost hia life, was held on Saturday. Thomas Richard, father of deceaeed, said that he last saw his son alive on Thursday about 1 p.m. Deceased was then workiDg In the shop When witness lefb deceased said he would go to Morven that afternoon. Witness never again saw deceased alive, Saw the body removed ; it was feund on the site of the office which was within the building. Trade accessories were kept in the office. A Rochester lamp stood on the office desk, whioh was like a table, deceased often worked late at night with the books ; he was bad with a cold lately, but had recovered. Carbide was kept there, but was out of stock. There ware in the shop two oases of kerosene, and kerosene was in the brazier. There was a guage attached to the brazier, and pressure was up to 60ibs to the square inch. This would make a loud noise if the brazier exploded. Witness heard from others that deceased went into the factory to write a letter that night. Deceased had a key of the front door. The back door was looked from the iniide, Deceased was 26 years of ago. The plant and stock ware insured for £300 in the Alliance office. Had no idea how the fire originated.

Other evidence watt taken bub no important facia wore elicited, and the jury were unanimous ia bringing in a. vordiofc that deceased, Johu Richard, died from the effects of suffocation mused by mnoke and gases from the burning house, and thub there was no evidence to chow how the fire originated.

The Plague.

United Press Aaoooiatioa—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright, ToWNSYItLE, August 20 The following cases of plague are reported : — William Hansen, John Burke, Francis Hepworth.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tke usual fortnightly meeting of the above was held last avenintf. Present —The | Mayor (Mr H fc'riadl&nder), and Messrs D j Thomas, J Diviaon, H M Jones, E J P&ul, H Willis, J Soaly, H Davis. i fINANOEI. I The debit: balance at the bank was shown . to be £645 19a lOd. Receipts, £83 7a 3<l, made up %s follows ;—Revenue rates, 1900, i £40 Si, rents of reserves £13 10?, licenses . (wholesale) £20, library account 11s, asphalt ing refund £7 lla 3d, bridges and culverts £1 10 j. } eORRISrONDBNCE. Correspondento vra; read as follows .•— From County Council, asking if use would be required of steam road roller,to ".osb about £3 108 per day,—To be answered in the affirmative From Shecnd, Masnn & Co, enclosing bill of lading, etc, for Fire Brigade plant.— j Received. Letter from S Potter re lease of reserve 773.—Resolved to ofifar for lease by tender.

From N Fitzgerald, applying for extension of contract for shingle,—Granted. From Sergeant>.£arloW, respecting removal of gorse fence, and requesting that time tor removal be lengthod,—Some Councillors were of the opinion that the Government should not be treated differently from private indi viduals, but the Mayor stated it was only a temporary delayi A motion that the request be granted waa eventually carried. engineer's report. The engineer's report was read at follows r

Works Committee.— As there was no quorum of the Works Committee present at the meeting called last week, we have to ask for an extension of time for the Committee to reporb on the several questions referred to them.—Granted.

Formation.—The West street formation is on the point) of completion KB regards ihe earth work; the metalling will be com menced in a day or two. The contractor asks for an extension of time, on account of being unexpectedly delayed. The work has been going on lately in a satisfactory manner. With respect to the Dobson street formation, the contractors are making good progress.—Approved. Foreman's Cottage.—Tho building is now virtually completed, and I have certified for a further progress payment to the contractors, leaving a small balance for contingencies. Asphalting.—We beg to suggest that I arrangements be made for the supply of tar I for the coming season, Many of the foot paths are getting dry enough for forming. Labor Gang —The men hare been engaged in carting clay to Domain, oarting cement to the Council yard, metalling and forming streets and footpaths, watering streets, making and repairing culverts and bridges, attending to water supply and other main tenance work,—Adopted. I ASPHALTING j A discussion took place with respect to | procuring tar for asphalting, and it was eventually moved that the engineer be instructed to ascertain what quantity of tar i can be obtained in Christcharch or elsewhere, and probable cost ot same* ! inspector's report. The inspector's report on sanitary aud other matters was read, and.was of a favor able character. A complaint of Mr P H Cox, te a shed occupied by Messrs Nicoll Bros, was held over. FIBB BRIGADE UNIFORMS The new Fire Brigade uniforms were submitted to the Council, and met with general approval WORKS COMMITTEE After some of the Committees had apolo gised for delay in reports, Or Scaly, in apologising, as chairman of the Works Committee, strongly complained of negligence iv the matter of sub committees. The Mayor also commented on same. Cr Thomas stated thtt sufficient notice was in some oasrs not given to Councillors. BOKOTOH LOAN Applications for the purchase of debentures were received, and it waa decided to go into committee upon this matter.

THE CEMENT QUESTION. A protracted and lively discussion on the Mayor's action In connection with a recent purchase of oemsnfa took pUco, and eventu ally a motion by Cr Jones, that a sample of the cement ha forwarded to Dunedin for testing, was lost after considerable comment by Councillors, and this was followed by a motion by Cr Ihomas that half a oatk be despatched to Lincoln college to be tested, which was adopted. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £250 6? 2<l were passed for payment. On the motion of the Mayor that the account of Friedlander Bros, of £55013s 81, be passed in payment for cement, further discussion eneued, and Cr Thomas moved an amendment that the account be hold over until the result of tests be made known. Cr Pauling supported the amendment, which wan catried cm the voices. RESIGNATION. Councillor Pauling wrote that at he was leaving the district) ha had to forward his resignation as Councillor, and the resignation was accepted by the Council with regret. Cr Jones moved that a vote of thanks be passed to Cr Pauling, who had been a regular attendant, and had given municipal matters special attention. Crs Davis, Pool, and Thomas supported, and trusted Cr Pauling's new occupation would prore to the benefit of himself and family.

The vote ef thanks was carried unani mously, after which Cr Pauling suitably replied to the good wishes of the Council* DOMAIN BOABD. The Council then sat to consider matters affecting the Domain. A letter was received from the Sports As sociation with reference to their agreement for next term, which brought up a motion by Cra Scaly %nd Paul that the Council defer reply until a decision be arrived at as to the proposed future operations of the Board, and the expenditure of same.

On the Mayor pointing out that) this was not a reply to the letter of the Association, it was decided to reply that) the Domain Com. mittee would meet the ftssooiation on Monday nexb at 7-30 p.m. The Curator, Mr W W Smith, applied for an assistant in domain work, which wa« granted. He complained that) the horse lawn mower required a new blade, which bad been promised for over two yean. Cr Scaly pointed oat that the Council should insist upon the importer! making good the breakage in this machine, which had occurred ab the time of its arrival in Ashburton.

The Curator asked for the use of a horn regularly for domain work, fend also for 150 young trees, all of which were agreed to, members speaking in high terms of the work of the Curator. This was all the business.

THE BALLARAT FIRE.

Discovery of the Victims. United Frees Association—-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright MELBOURNE, August 20, J emkia'e house was a rambling build ing. One of the sons ducorered the fire, and assisted his father and tome othtra | to escape by a window in their night [ clothes. It was believed all were safe. Mrs Algie waafonnd with aa eleven months' infant clasped in her arms, and a two-year old child lying at her feet. The other victims are ;•—Taornaa Jenkins, aged 24, Stanley, aged 9; Lina, aged 21 ; and Cordelia, aged JJ The girls had managed to reach tha! paseago, where they were blocked by I some perambulators. The sont were apparently asleep, their bodies being found in bed. The cause ia a mystery. The dwelling burnt out. The damage to the store is small,

Interprovincial.

! United Press Association—By Eleotrio ) Telegraph -Copyright 1 Wellington, August ?0 i The Postmaster-General has received j messages from the Poatmaatar-Generala at . Hobart, London, and Pietermaritsburg, : congratulating him on the introduction of the universal penny postage. The last named says' —'* Natal will reciprocate. We ! cordially congratulate you on this forward step." } Erqniriea made in commercial circles,

Wellington, go to show that it is the con census of opinion that the candle and match industries muetgo to the wall through tariff alterations, but some of the merchants do not anticipate a collapse of the salt, cocoa, and orffee manufactories, though it te admitted they will be more or less hampered. On the other hand, the manager of one of the large mercantile houses in the city takes & view that the remission of the duty on salt, eoffae and cocoa, must praotioally kill the local product. The managor of the New Zealand Candle Factory, at Kaiwarra, statea that) unless the Government rednces the duty oa paraffin by Id, ot restores the duty upon candles, the industry will be unabta t» exisfe in New Zealand. The , manager for Messrs B Bell and Co,, manu facturers of vestas, states that it will be quite impossible to carry on the industry in New Zealand without the duty. Two city mercantile houses have received often from a Holland firm to supply matches ab a price beyond all hope of local competition. With regard to the remission of the kerosene duty, and tho reduction of the duty upon tea, there appears to be comparatively little dissatisfaction in meroantile quarter!. The Conciliation Board has started to hear tho dispute filed by the Tailors' Union. The log placed before the Board contains about 1900 items, tvboub a quarter of which are in dispute. There is a general increase of rates asked for, amounting to about 2£ per eenfc over existing rates. An attempt to settle the log by a conference between the masters and men was abandoned.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Eieotrlo Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka Augnst 20,8 45 am, This Office 850pm Hon« Kong, August 19 M. Bezaure, the French Consul- General at Shanghai, has given orders for landing two battalions of French there. The French Government announced that when its SOO Marines are landed in Shanghai they will be under the command of the senior international officer commanding the oity,

A thousand Russian troops have landed at Physong Ying, on the frontier of Oorea.

The Emperor of Corea has sent a message of sympathy to the Allies, and presented them with 3000 sacks of flour and 2000 boxes of cigars. Received Wakapuaka Aug 20, 10 50 pm, This Office 11 25 pm) Hong Kong, August 20 The Russians carried Ohlunga Pass, Manchuria, after great bloodshed, owing to General Rennenkampf sur rounding the Chinese flanks and rear during the night. The Russians cap tured four Krapp and many other excellent guns

The American and Italian advices from Taku state that telegraph com munication with Pekin is interrupted.

M. Delcasse, speaking at a banquet lat Foix, recommended the Allies to persevere. He clearly limited united j aim?, as avoiding exclusive dennnds. London, August 20 Renter's St Petersburg correspondent states that the Russian newspapers, reflecting the opinion of an immense majority of the empire, recommend Russia to refrain frcm further common | armed intervention in Chin*, and limit | herself to the protection of the frontier and the 'Maochurian railway. Sydnkt, August 20 The Herald's Tokio correspondent states that Japan is thoroughly opposed to the partition of Ohina, although several politicians believe that the partition is inevitable. The Emperor's ; reply to the Chinese Emperor's despatch j is that Japan is committed to moderate civilisation and cannot entertain a racial appeal from Ohina, although fully sympathising with China's difficulties. The Press thor oughly endorse the tone of the reply. The old "idea that Japan should head the yellow race alliance, arrayed against Europe, is scouted, notwithstanding that the conservation of the integrity of the Chinese empire is considered all important. The Japanese Press is much disquieted at the reference to the position in Korea, and hold that this year will decide ( whether Korea will be Russian or Japanese, The latter's fleet is fully organised and ready for action i Hong Kong, August 20 \ 1 After the landing of the Indian troops, 150 French marines ware landed at Shanghai. J The Emperor of Korea has Bent a massage of sympathy with th« Allies, and presented them with 3000 sacks of flour and 2000 boxes of cigars,

Eight Americans were wounded in the fighting on the 15th. General Chaffea entered the Legation grounds that evening.

JCtord Roberts telegraphed :—" The army in South Africa congratulate thtir Indian comrades at Fekin."

Prince Yung detains the Dowager Empress in the loner Oity of Fekin, which the Allies are bombarding. Fighting is in progress in the streets. Rear-Admiral Bruce cabled from Ohsfoo that, according to Japanese reports, part of Pekin is in flame*. The Chinese are making a last stand in the Inner City. London, Aug 20 Lord Salisbury refused to negotiate with Li Hung Obang until the foreign Ministers reach Tientsin or the way thither is clear of Chinese troops.

Transvaal War

United Press Association-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapnaka August 20, 845 a m, This Office 3 50 ptn) London, August 19 Three British killed and forty-three wonnded in General Hunter's action at Spitskop, chiefly amongst the Highland Brigade.

General Kitchener's chief casualty in the operations against Dp Wet was a severe grounding of tt>e hand and arm of Lieutenanfc-Oolonei Delisle, com manding the second corps of mounted infantry. Private Dawes, »f Quffntland, bat died of enteric,

(Received Wakapnaka Auetmt 20, 1050 pm* This Offioe 11 20 p in) I ONDON, August 17 The army received with acclaim the proclamation issuei by Lord Roberts, | declaring that whereas the leniency offered to the Boers had been un»p predated and used as a cloak for resistance, and whereas there are bo means of distinguishing combatants and non — combatants oathbreakers j hereafter will be punished by death, imprisonment, or fine. AH burghers ■ in the occupied districts, unless they have sworn the oath, will bo regarded as prisoners of war and transported Buildings harbouring Boer spies will be razed. Burghers who are asking for protection after surrender do not consider the proclamation harsh, inas much as it is calculated to check Boer vengeance.

General Baden-Powell holds com mand of the N«k.

Ds Wet sent a £Ug of true to demand General Baden-Powell's surrender, as a trick to gain information. Finding the garrison strong, De Wet marched northwards. General Baden-Powell is shadowing him.

The British Government faai ap pointed a commission to inquire into the cause and prevention of enteric fever.

Five British, patrolling near Krugers dorp on Wednesday, were attacked from the {arm of a Boer who had taken the oath. One was wounded and captured, and his drains were beaten out. His body was riddled by bullete. The farmhouse was afterwards burnt. Twd arrests hare been made.

Casualty List.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Christchuhch, August 20 The Premier has received the following cablegram from the High Commissioner, CipetowQ, dated 19.h August: —Captain Harvey of Balclutha, No 10 Company, Fourth Contingent (mcther, Mrs Harvey, Oam&ru); Trooper MaoDougal, No 15 Company (?), Otngo Section, Fifth Contin gent, from Palmers ton South, (nexb of kin Mr W MaoDougal, Fort William, Scotland) —were killed with Sir P Carrington's ferce on 16th August. Captain Fulton, No 9 Company, Fourth Contingent (nezb of kin Mr B Fulton, Union Bank, Napier); Lieut. Collins, Wellington, No 7 Company, (father, Colonel Collins, Wellington); 1408 Corporal Alexander, Auckland, No 8 Company, Fourth Contingent, (mother, Mrs C Alex* ander, Mount Eden, Auckland); Sergeant Hickie, late Police Station Dunedin, No 9 Company, Fourth Contingent, (next of kin, Mr J D Hickey. Mill Street, Cork, Ireland); 112 Private MoCauley, Balfonr, No 10 Company, Fourth Contingent, (next of kin, Mr JJ McOanley, Portobello, Dunedin); 1375 Private Vincent (or Vimen), Westport, No 10 Company, Fourth Contingent, (oexfc of kin, R Vincent, Greymoutb); McCorfney (probably Private McCirfney) Wellington, No 7 Company, Fourth Contingent, (mother, 1 Mrs S L MoCarfney) Bridge Street, Nelson); Private Sutherland (thrco Sutherland* in this Company, not known which is intended) are severely wounded, the laet two danger ously wounded atOttoshoop on 16th Auguat. Patersen, New Zealand Contingent, severely wounded at Wonderfountein, on 16th August.

Wellington, August 20. The Governor has received the following cable me stage from Capetown, from the Gene, ral in charge of communications :- " Nomes of invalids, New Zealand Contingent;, who sailed for Melbourne by Wileonni* on the 16th August) — Private John Wright (Second Contingent), Hamilton, Waikato; Private | Arthur Morris {Second Contingent), Wai kukn, North Canterbury j Private Giorge Mitchell Fiiat Contingent Balclutha. The Governor of Victoria has been asked to make arrangements for shipping the New Zealandera."

Sporting.

SOUT3 CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB. Tan following are the nominations for the Spring Meeting :- Hunters Hurdles, of 25 soy ; l£ miles Mainstay, The Whip. R>x 11., Hunting don, Ta Kooti, Crash. Spking Huedi.es, of 50 soys, one mile^ and a half - Zithet, Pipi, Fly, Ilex, Ejector Skipper. Maiden Platb, of 30 soys ; six fdrlongs —lodine. Clyde. Sara, Sunroae. Terrapin, Galileo, Folly, Pad us, Harinua, Cup, of 110 eovs ; one mile and a quarter—Suzannih, Nihilist, Conqueror, Dandas, Spider, Proposal, Fulmen, Aber crombie, Vandyke, Straithnaicn, Sea brook, Shorts Handicap, of 35 soys; four furlongs—St Denis, Romanoff, Groldspur, Corusa, Snnroae, Warring ton, Edelweiss, Lidy Medallist, Tsaritea, (late Czarina), Gladys 11., Bristol, Ben Farley, Paladin, Grandshot, Tie Orphan. Handicap Trot, of 30sovs • one mile and a half—Narraganaett, T>by, Young Berlin, Bask, Pretoria 11., Katipo, Llttla Archie, Miraohs Jack, Kimberly, Mist General Power, Braemar, Dora, 'Jackoo, lonic, Wildwood, Lexington, Royalwood, Tim, J aliafl, Ngatimaru, Van WUka.

Wbiieb Handicap, of 40 sove ; seven furlongs—-Nihilist, Bloomer, Bex 11., Phryne, First Blood, Speculator, Corusa, The Spinner, Abercrombie, Tsaritsa, Van dyke, Ejector, Cameo. Flying Handicap, of 50 «o?s; six furlongs-—St * Denis, Dundas, Phryne, First Blood, Vanilla, ISidelwelas, Jupiter, Gladys 11., Bristol, Ben Farley, Belli gerent. SECOND DAY Hunters' Hurjmle?, of 25 soy» j one mile and a half—Zither, Mainstay, The Whip, Te Kooti, Rex 11., Huntingdon, Crash.

Handicap Htjbdles, oi 50 soys; one mile and a half—Zither, Rex 11., Pipi, B'ly llfcx, Ej ctor. Skipper. Gladstone Handicap, of 25 snvs j six furlongs lodine, Sara, Sanrose, Terrapin Galileo. Folly, P»dau, Hurinua Rhodes Slkmobial Stakes, of 100 soys ; one mile—Siizinnnh, Nihilist, Con queror, Uundas, Phryne, Spider First Blood, Proposal, The Spinnar, Jfnlraen, Eidelweisa. Abercr«mbie, Jupiter, Van dyke, Ben Farley. Strafchnaore. Seadown Handicap |of So sots; fire furlongs—Romanoff, Goldepur, Oorusa, Warrington, Vanilla, Eldelwelts, Abor Tsaritea, Gladys 11., Paladin, Bristol, Grandshot, The Orphan.

Stewards' Stakes Welter, of 60 soya; six furlongs—St Denis, Bloomer, Rex 11,, Phryne, Speculator, First Blood, Ooruaa, The Spinner, Abercrorabie, Lady Medal list. Tnaritsa, Vandyke, Ejector, Cameo, Belligerent. FARB^iSLL Handicap, of 40 aovs j seven tarlongs—Olytie, Nihilist, Phryi»e, First Blood, Eidelweiss, Jupiter, Ben Farley, Stralthnalrn, Seabrook, Proposal.

News in Brief.

The N.Z. Poultry snd Bee Supply Com poay hare just landed a supply of the celebrated American Cypher Incubators. The meeting of those interested in the formation of the Tlnwald Sports Club is further postponed until Tuesday, 28th inst. The National ll^orrgag* and Agency Company, Timarn. will sell at Tattersali's yards on Saturday next, on account of Mr J B Wareing, 10 horse*. Mr Ohas J Styohe notifies bis clients that he hat removed to more commodious office* j ja Buroetb ibrettt ]

THE CEMENT QUESTION.

The matter of & reef-nt purohsae of 750 cafks of cement, whic!i we>e pn cured by the M-iyor f»r ihe Borough Council's wosfo', without/ obtaining the consent of the Gou - c\\ as ft whole came up again ut last night's meetin". Councilor Jorseß ictioduced lh« master by moving that, samjiu so» th-> com en I be despatched to Duuedin for tbe purpose of being totted. The mover deprecated the iioUon of bis Worship, and ins.ist.ed the Council should have been <oosuhed, and that he had commute '< a, broach of ihe Act. Th Mayor admi ted that he had perhm a . cone behind the Act. If, however, he o aid by aoHns! fchue, save the raUpayers £71 3a 71, he did not ears how many Acts m'ghfc bo ((.forced - he would still 'have taken similar action. (Laughter from Councillor Pauling } Courioillor Pauling may laugh, bub I affirm he backed me up in * similar matter, treat ing upon loan money, in which they had distinctly gone behind the Act, and Ooon cillor Pauling had supported him. He did not know what Oouuoillora were there for if they did not perform such thing*, bo long as they were legal. Ha said that he mi quite wilting to roiign to-morrow, nod le»r« hii action in the bauds of the ratepayers to decide whether he had done rightly or wrongly. Councillor Paul pdinted not that the section of the Borough Council Act reai that "No contract exceeding the tan of £20 be made except in onus of urgent necessity." Bat) hit Worship had shown that thif was an urgent matter,Jand he had alia comuited Councillor* Thomai, Daviaon and Scaly, as had been proved at the last meeting of the Council. He had consulted all thnge it was possible to get ab during the short tims ab his disposal, as Ihe occasion was pressing. Councillor Paul continued that the Mayor had clearly consulted those members of the Works Committee who were available, and after the very full discussion which had taken place ab the last Council msetiDg, confirming the Mayor's action in the pur chase, he objected to a. resumption of the debate brought about by a side issue, and through influence brought) to beat from sources outside the Oouocif.

Councillor Jones considered a mistake wu perhaps made in not sending a man to inipeat the cement at Lyiteltcn, and before it was despatched to Ashbnrton. Councillor Pauling admitted he was not ■> financier like his worship, but he contended strongly that the matter of the purchase, should have been submitted to the Council as a. whole, on the matter of principle. He maintained it was no matter of urgency and so for as the printed circular of testimonials re cement on the table, they could be got from anyone, and he thought were of little value. He challenged the Mayor to produce any local man who hsd used the cement satisfactorily. He denied the fctalement of the Mayor that £70 had been saved to the Council, and pointed out that the cement would now requite to be held for another year and thereby incur interest acd other expenses as the quantity was beyond the r. quirementa of the Council. [The Engineer being appealed to by the Mat or, replied that be expected to u?e 750 casks by next) January] Councillor Paulisg accepted this explanation, but said that ratepayers like himself, thought the cement would not be used in the time. [Che Engineer again pointed out that during four months' work at one t'tne 1000 casks had been ussdj. Councillor Pauling reiterated that the Mayor had undoubtedly overstepped the mark in not consulting the full Council oa the pur chase and had no right to purchase such a quantity without the sanction of the whole CounoiL

Councillor Davis pointed oat that the Mayor was opening a door for any number of illegal acts. He affirmed that by using the telephone, the Mayor could have consulted almost the whole of the Council, and be would further aßk the Mayor straight out, whether he had applied to three councillors for sanction before or after he had aotsitlly bought the cement. He urged that a full meeting of the Council should have been called.

The Mayor at this point interrupted say ing, that) Although he bad allowed a great amonut of latitude in this discussion, he regretted that members had gone completely outside Ihe subject at issue,

Councillor Scaly affirmed that the quality of the cement was undoubted.

Councillor Willis stated he was not pre sent at the meeting when the purchase had been formerly discussed. He had left) tha Council before this matter was dis caused at the laab meeting, so would like to say a word or two. The Mayor declined to allow any discus* eion on what took place at the last meeting Cr Willis: Perhaps his worship will kindly tell me what I may say. (Laughter) Continuing, he said that Cr Jones had missed the point of the matter. He (Or Willie) was sure the Council would trust a good deal to the judgment and business knowledge of the Mayor, but in this case a great principle had been violated.

The Mayor here angrily interrupted and refused to allow Or Willis to-proceed. The latter, however, said he had made hii point and eat down.

The Mayor s Yon have taken ft mean advantage. (Laughter)

Cr Thomas considered that a good deal of animus had been imported into tht dia* casaion, SDhe Mayor had come to him before he bought the cement At this point, a Councillor asked if Cr Thomas was in order, but he continued thud the cement had already been tested in Ash' burton, and further ha had been astnred by a good man (Mr Tucker), that it was first class cement, and even this last wesk he had been further assured of this. He wonld however for one, favour the motion to have the oement tested, which was a simple enough matter, and be was satisfied the proof would be satis • factory, but that part of the motion to send the oement so far away as Eunedin, was simply ridiculous, and he and Councillor Scaly stated their desire to see i* tested at Lincoln College,

The ftLyor here wished to know if Councillors applied this fame principle of betting ail round, and enquired why they did not ask for a teat of Portland cetneafe when it had been purchased. Did they nob think that o«ment vied in such large workt as breakwaters, &0., was sufficient proof of its quality ? Councillor Pauling arged that the cement be teated by a properly qualified tetter, who had a machine for the pnrpoae, Or Willis here wished to move an amend* merit, but the Mayor refined permisaion on the ground that this Councillor had already spoken to the motion. Or Jones, in replying, stated he had nothing to do with anybody else, and he condemned the Mayor's action Id incurring auch a large item aa £500 odd on his own responsibility. He contended that the cement should be tested before the rate payers 1 money be expended. Cr Scaly deprecated all this diacossion as irregular, and he considered that member! to be in order should give notice of motion first of all to rescind the confirmation of the Mayor's aobion at last meeting, and members could then reopen the matter, bub at present he objected to the diacuision being continued.

Cr Jones' motion that the cement be »nt to Dunediu for testing was lost. Cr Thomas then moved that half » cask of cemenb be sent to Lincoln College as a sample for testing by that institution. Or Paul esquired what position the Council would be in as the result of this test, and coniicUred thert would be no fiaality in the matter. The Mayor here interjeot<d that if the cement had come from Scgtlaad or Ireland, this discussion would not h»ve occurred. Councillor Scaly said the Council would have to pay for the cement whatever might be the result of the test. Councillor Thomas affirmed the Council would not be bound to pay for the cement if it were nob satisfactory. So far as he was concerned the AJayor on first applying to him had given his assurance of the quality #f the cement. He was at the same time con* vinced the test of the oement would turn out satisfactory—but he was willing that it should be tested. The motion of Councillor Thomas to send a sanip'e of the cement to Linsoin College was eventually carried. La er, on the motion of the Mayor that the accrmt of Friedlander Bros, of fiSSO 1$» 81, for crineßf, bi passed for payment several C'unoillora wished to diaousa the matter, but the Mayor insisted upon taking 1 a slraight ou« vote. Councillor Thorns^

THB ASBBURTON GtJARDiAM; TUESDAY, AUGUST Si. 1900



Firat quarter Fall muon Last quarter New moon

D H M 4 4 16 am 11 9 0 am 17 11 16 pm 25 5 25 [>tn



Date Auguib 21  22 „ 23 „ 24 „ 25 „ 26

Ri°ca 6 49 6 47 6 46 644 6 42 6 40

Pete 619 5 20 5 21 5 22 5 23 5 24



rjIHE VEEDIOT 01 PRACTICAL RIDERS IS IN FAVOUR OFj Absolutely Best Built in New Zealand. GENT'S £21 _LA_DY'S £22- BURNETT STREET. r";* s_ __ »NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING_FACTOEY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 6s Boy'd Serge Sailor Suits from 7b 6d Boy'a Tweed Melville Suits from 9* B.y's Twffd Norfolk Suitß f om 12s Boy's Sao Kn'cker Sulrs from 18s fed Boy's Covert Coa'e from 14s 6d Boy's Tweed Overcoats from 6s 6d Boy's Reefer Jackets from 6s 6d Boy'a Football Jerseys from 3a 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy's Sailor Tarns Is each FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. f ' I 20 21 22 23 24 ONLY ONE WEEK LONGEST REMEMBER AUGUST 25th LAST DAY OF GREAT WINTER SALE STABTLING RBDUCBraSTIFGrENBBALA FANCY D RAPE BY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS. Splendid Opportunity for Cash Purchasers. ROSLYN Blankets from 16a 9d English Blankets 8s 6d to 12s 9d Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers, Colonial, 10d 6d to 12s'6d Men's All Wool Kaiapoi Trousers 5* 6d, 63 9d, and 7s 6d Men c Waterproof Coats, sewn seams, greatly reduced Ladies' Jackets, Capes, and Mantles half price 60 Maids' Macintoshrs at 4s 6d j LRdieb' 7s 6J Black Cashmeres from Is 6d per yard Grand Stock of Ladies' Corsets 'much under usual price Navy and Black Serges, all wool, much reduced Every Article in Stock largely Discounted TAILORING DEPARTMENT.— Having secared the services of & first-class cutter, Suits now made from £3 BSj perfect fit, DRESSMAKING.—Thia Department is giving,every satisfaction • fit and style, at moderate prises. ANDREW ORR. SEEDS. SEEDS. SEEDS. 1900. - - SEASON. - - 1900. Nimmo and Blair's FAMOUS STANDARD SEEDS VEGETABLE SEEDS FLOWEK SEEDS 3d. PER PACKET. Id- PER PACKET. NIMMO AND BLAIR'S SEEDS GROW, FEW EQUAL. NONE BETTER; ALL THOROUGHLY TESTED BEFORE USING SENT OUT. OIiDER BAHIjY - - And have your Seeds in hand wheu it is time to bow. CATALOGUES CAN BE HAD ON APPLICATION. FLOWER SEEDS in one hundred varieties This Hsu includes the most hardy varieties as well as the,showiest, and each packet contains more than sufficient Seed to plant in an ordinary garden. SOW THEM AND YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANY DTBAPPOINTMENT. SHEARMAN BROS., GROCEES, IRONMONGERS, WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, Makhex Hoitsk, Aehburton,



mONKING'S Linseed EmuUion, which X hsis come to stay in Asbburton ssa otrtein cure for coughs, coldi, and all chest complaint*, Sold by »11 local ohemiits and ] grocen I» bottles, la 6d aad a 6d. 2^ " "KERNARD & WHITE, City Pork Shop, Havelock Street, HATE just opened New Business in the Pork Line. Small goods of all d«Borfptlotti always on band. The public •re specially invited to call and inspect Pork Sausagen, (fresh.) Daily eaeb buyers ©f dairy f«d Pork. 8 10*1 AT Mrs AlCorn's Sale—A large lot of Jackets and Capes juafe bought at great redaction! will be offered much under usnal prioea to make room fot the Builders. , Aiio all her Dress Goods. A choice variety, Kb prices from Is pep yard double width, Flannelettes, Calicoes, Pinafore and Dress Muslin* ail much reduced to clear. i i FOR SALE— Galvanised Iron Fquare Tank*, al«o Corru&aled Iron Tankn, I from 150 galloni to 1000 gallons—Apply j



iiARGK IMPORTATION , OF WAJLL P APISES- I HAVE wife received (ex «.». Pmparca) & Shipment of the NEWEST IN PAPER HANGING, to which I invite inspection, "These paper* are exceedingly rich in desist and colouring. People desiroas of decorating their rooms later on, may chose their Hangings from the presont full Stock, and I will lay them aside until required. J. WILSON, HOUSE DECORATOR, BUBNETT BMBET. Artieta' Mater &1 Depefc. jNew Veous



TO THE DEAF—A rioh lady, oared of her Deafness and Noises in the Bead by Df Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, gave £500 to his Institute, so that deaf people unable to procure the Ear Diums may have them free. Address No. 667 d. The Nioholson Institute, Lougcolt, Guunerabury, London MOLASSES for Cattle and Pig Feeding by the Cask or Hundred weight. Get our quotation before buying elsewhere. ~- Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores, Smoke New Vernia



DANOBR OF GOLDS AX.D LA OIUFFB The greatest danger from colds and la grippe id their resulting in pneumonia Jf roisonublo care is used, however, and Chamberlain's Cough Remedy taken, all danger will be avoided It will euro a pold or ao attack of la grippe in less time than an; other treatment It is pleasant and safe to take ffor Bale by Ashburton pwg Company SSmolke New Venus ,