PHASES OF THE MOON

Marsh

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1900. THE WAR-AND AFTER.

Those pessimistic persons who groaned so loudly over the early reverses of the British troops in South Africa, talked about "the decadence of Kngland," »nd tearfully declared that ««'Britain's sun had set," and that sort of thing, are probably feeling better now, that the neck of the war is broken, and Kruger is pleading for peace—" with honor" preferred, but if not peace, —peace at any price, The afore said prophets of woe forgot, or over looked, or had never heard, that Eng land suffered some terribly hard knocks in the Crimea before she turned the tables on her foes and emerged, as she is now emerging, triumphant from the fray. The pity is that we should bave to pay ao high a price for victory iv the Transvaal, and that so many valuable lives and forty millions ot treasure should have already be^n sacrificed in asserting our rights, when, but for tho blundering and misplaced sentiment of those in authority, both prior to the outbreak of hostilities and tor some time after they had begun, the struggle might have been a com paratively bloodless one. Let us bt> thankful, however, that England is at last taking a firm stand and has peremptorily refused to allow the Boers to retain their independence any longer. Ohamberkin's speech, cabled a few weeks ago, in which he declared that England would stand no more nonsense and that the fight must be to the bitter end, undoubtedly saved the Ministry. The Eaglish people, mad dened by the apparent inaction of the Government at a critical moment and the constant reverses, would not have tolerated things as they were for another week. But although public feeling was soothed for the time by the introductioa ci sterner measures, the despatch of Lord Roberts to Africa and the sending ot an adequate force to the scene of the conflict, a day of reckoning must come, when the war ia over, for those who are indirectly responsible for the deaths of thousands of gallant fellows, who, by|rights,Bhould bealive and well to day. For twenty years have these treacher ous "Christiana" been laughing in their sleeves at the fatuous policy pur sued by Gladstone and his colleagues in giving into them and in concluding an inglorious peacv, whose bitter fruits Britain is just now tasting. That England should, during all these yeari, have remained in absolute ignorance of the fact that the Boers were plot ting to throw off her yoke and possess South Africa, is simply impossible. What was the War Office about, what was Wols«ley, Commander-m-Chief of the British array abou^, that they should have had no inkling of what was going on in the camp of Kruger and Co. ? The preFent war promises to result in several mighty change?, Is it too much to hope that one of them will be the re-construction of the War Office, and the placing in competent hands of a department on whose proper administration the honor of England so largely depends 1

Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will bo found a report of the cricket match, Melbourne C C v. New Z'aland, which waa continued at Chrißtchurch yesterday.

'Fbisco Mail—The Aehburton portion of the 'Frisco mail arrived by the express to-3 ay.

Handsome Dahiias—Mr T. Pitb had on exhibition at Messrs Craighead and Berry man's to-day, two very Qne stands of cactus dahliaß. The blooms formed quite an attraction to the passers-by this afternoon.

The Shooting Season. — The shooting season for native game only In the county of Ashburton has been fixed from 31sfc Maroh to June 30.—Wellington Press .Association telegram.

News Fbom Fiji — 1 Sydney cable re ceived toriay states that news from Fiji reports a hurricane ab Windward Island One island was visited by a tidal wave ten feefc high. Seyeral trading vessels were wrecked, and much damage to property was done.

Annual Inspection—The Rtjbs and Guards are reminded by advertisements, which appear in this issue, that the members of both companies must parade at the drill shed on Monday evening to be inspected by Lieut-Colonel Gordon. Bottles, knapsacks, etc., bo be warn.

The Fxpress Delayed—The north ex press was half an hour late arriving at Ashburton to-day. The delay was said to be caused by the late arrival of the San Francisco mail at Lyttelton.

Cycling.—At the Auckland Cycling Club's Ch mpionahip Meeting on Wednesday W. Ti"rney wop the half and two mile cafih ch»mpionßhiuß, while W Tierney and E. Reynolds rode a d,a«d be^ in jbhe one mile. The amateur obampfonstiipg—one and three m i| e —were won by W. Reynolds, The above riders all rode Rudge-Whitworth cycles,

Glad of Mobe New Zbai/Anbbrs—ln reply to a message from the Premier, inti mating that further contingents world shorilv be despatched, Lord RobT's cabled from B!oemfontein thab he would be very grateful for further assistance from New Zealaad, and hoped to gets tho New Zsalan dcrs to the front—Press Association tele gram from Wellington

Kxondyke—The men working in con nect on with the County Onuncil water works at Rangitata Gorge (Klondyke), having 6t}ished the contract, held a concert and dance in Mr Welsh's boarding-house on Wed nesday evening iftfjP* After a very enjoyable evening had bee-' spent in songs, speeches, ka., a dance was indulged in. Although no ladies were present, the men chose parteners between th»mselve?, and made the best of it. The men arrived hero by the Mount Somers train yesterday morning.

Cleabing the Decks—lt appears that the handicapper for the St. Patrick's sport?, Mr R J. Henry, having a suspicion that the performances sent in by sevoral of the running competitors in yesterday's eporti were sadly incomplete, book the initiative to test the competitors. When ib was observed that the committee had pub War burton to the test, and he declined to face the music, throe others who had intended competing, showed the white feather, and immediate!v " t ekked " The Exeoutfveare to be.complimented for the aotion they took, Ib will go a long way towards clearing the decks of those money hunte/e, who hare hitherto traded on the game.

As usually treated a sprain will disable •he injured person for three or four weeks, but if Chamberlain's Pain Balm is freely applied a complete cure may be effected in a very few days. Pain Bilm aleo cures rheu matism, cutß, bruises, and burns. For sale by Asaptf&TOX Dvw COMF4??

ST PATRICK'S DAY SPORTS.

Patrons—Hie Lordship Bishop Grimes, and Messrs GAM Buckley, E G Wright, and J MoLachlan MHK; President—Rev Father O'Donnell; Vice-Preaidenbs— Hie Worship the Mayor (H Fried lander Eeq), and Measri John Lambie, M Lagan, H b - Drummond, J O'Grady, Denis McKendry, W H Dardis, D Thomas, J Mullan, C Reid, and Joseph Scaly; Committee— Messrs M Lagan, J Mulltvn, W .Shearman, P Cookson, S Maddern, W P Daly, ¥ Coopoc, M. J Burgeas, R Henry, Jame W Ibob, and H vioSherry ; Hon Treasurei —Mr L Hanrahan ; Hon Secretary—Mi D McDonnell. The Sb Patrick's Day Sports, which took place in the Domain yesterday, were an doubtedly a very great success. A strong uor'wester made things somewhat unpleasant in the early part of the day, and a shower caused a postponement for a few minutes, but after that the cloude dispersed and the day was an ideal one. The arrangements made by the committee were excellent. Tke running events, up to 135 yards were gob off on a straight ran, the runners being taped off. The hurdles were up, and all the gear for bhe jumping, vaulting, hammer throwing, etc., was on the grounds in their respective places before the sporta statred, and conse quently there was no confusion. In both the oyoling and athletic events the fiaißh.es were extremely close, and the handio uppers are to be congratulated on bringing the men so well together Mr R J Hmry deserves a word of praise for his handicapping in the cash events^ The same gentleman aiao acted as starter during the d»y, and invari able sent his fields away on even terms. Mr H MoSherry at the result board kept the public well posted and rendered our reporter much assiotanoe. Messrs F Gurus, D Zander, and G Jeseon filled the onerous poai t,ion ef timekeepers with muoh ability. I'ho eport provided was of the best. Cyoluts like Sutherland and Ken Lewis would »*traot attention anywhere and their performance* were watched with the keenest) interest. la the running events J Dividson proved himself an exceptionally good man. A pleasing feature of the gathering was •• no waits." In epite of the little stoppage by the rain the events were got off well up to time, The competitors in one heat were scarcely off the track before those in another were on. The public fully appreciated the smartness which was only secured by the energy of bhe officials. The Committee have a really capable man in Mr D McDonnell. The officials one and all threw into their duties an enthusiasm before which failure was impossible, and they have every reason to be satisfied with yesterday's gathering. The attendance of the public was no doubt affected by the boisterous weather, bub in spite of that it was large, no less than £51 12s being taken nt the gatea. The brass band from Burnham, under Bmdmaßt«r F Crez3 was on the ground and enlivened the proceedings with their excellent music, l'he skirling of the pipes by Pipers A McKay and J Wade, and the presence and dancing of several Highlanders in full costume added much to the enjoymen*. Mr Flower bad the refreshment booth and appeared to do a good business. The following are bhe results :— Half-Mile Bicycle Handicap, firsb prisj £2 10s, 2nd £I—First heat- E J Wright 60yds 1, G Saver 85yds 2, T G Jicoba 100 yds 3. Sutherland made a big effort to get on terms with the leaders, but the distance was too short to allow of hia doing so. Time— lmin saeo Second heat—E O Wood 90yds 1, A Huston 45yds 2, F G Williams 100 yds 3. xTime—lmin 4seo. Third heat—H L Williams 75yds 1, CO Willis 45yds 2, J Orr 55yds 3. Willis had the misfortune to have his tyre burst just as he was about} to start, and thus had to ride a strange machine. He succeeded, however, in scouring second place. Time—lmin 69e0. Fourth heat—G Metcalf 55yds 1, J Major 95ydB 2, F Saver 65yds 3. Time—lmin si«c. Firsb half semi-final—Wright 1, Huston 2, S&uer 3. Time—lm n 6sec Second half Bem:»fiual— Wocd 1, M<- jor 2, H L W.lliams 3. Time —lmin 3| cc. Final—Wood 1, Wright 2 Hu ton 3, Time - lmin 6§Bec. 100 Yards Handicap (amateur), first prize £1 10s, 2nd 15a— W H Amos 7yds 1, 0 May syds 2, J Lynskey scr 3, This was a splen did race, the three placed men finishing all in a c'uster. Time—llsec Sheffield Handicap, 135 yds; lsb prz9 £10, 2ud £3 ICa, 3rd £1 ss, 4th 10s—First hea*—-P Warburton 9yds l s J McTigue 6yds 2, J Livery 4yds 3. Time—l4sec Second heat—R Johnston 12yds 1, W Meharry 7yda 2. The above two were the only starters, and they merely ran the distance. Time— 14£-ec. Third beat—J T Birch 7yds 1, W Eaton 10yds 2, F Miles syds 3. Time— 14fc>ec. Fourth heat—J Davidson ecr 1, T Nolan 14yds 2, E MoTiguo 9yds and J Brankin 10yds dead heat. Tbia was another capital finish, the men being ail in a cluster. Time—J43CG. First hevt semi-Saal—- War burton 1, Johnston 2, La very 3. A close finish. Time—l4seo. Second heat semi final—Davidson 1, Nolan 2, Birch 3 The men beat the p;stol badly except Davidson, who from ecratch ran a big race, and got borne in the excellent time of 13J sec. The performance was especially good as the race was run against a nor'wester on a grass track. The three placed men finished all in a bunch Final—Warburton 1, Davidson 2, Nolan 3, Johnston 4. Time-13|ieo. [At the conclusion of the first heat in which he competed, Warburton was requested to interview the stewards, re his perfor mances, and make a declaration relating thereto. This we understand, he declined to do, and in justice to their handicapper, (Mr P. J Henry) the committee declared his wins null and void. Subsequently War burton interviewed the haudioapper and made a statement to the effeob that he had committed an error of judgment, and re nounced all claims bo the stake.] One Mile Bictclb Handicap, first prize £3, 2nd £1, 3rd 10*.—First heat—G Suther land ecr 1, T Kirkwood 95yds 2, G Metoalf 95yds 3. Great interest was centered in the performance of G, Sutherland. When three quarters of a mile had been traversed he had hie men well in hand, and on the bell ringing weoti to the front and won easily, lime — 2.24. Feooad best—H L Williams }20yds 1, ROonnall HOyds 2, CO Willis 75yds 3. Time—2 18. Third heat—Ken Lewis 65yds 1, B J Wright 110 yds 2, J Grant 130 yds 3 The greatest interest was taken in the riding »f the veteran, Keu Lewis. When the bell rang for the last round he was lying handy for a rush. The fvo last men rode wide and Lewis attempting to take bhe inside running was blocked, aud remained so till at the far aide of the course, when an opening oocurred and he was not slow to take advantage of it. It watt late in the race, however, and Lewis hid to per>al all he knew bo catch the leader?. Riding hard on the outside he got on even tnrjap a few yards from home and a magnifi cent- finish resulted, awheel separating all three plaped men. The win was a very popular one. Time—2l7£. Final heat—G C Willis 1, E Wrightg, T Kirkwood 3. This was a well contested finish. Willis from the 75yds mark had got command of his men when half the distance was traversed. At the far side of the course in the last lap he was lying handy for a rush, and riding with great judgment vrenb to the front. The men, all in a bunch, rounded the corner for home, bub Willis maintained a tr ft* the best of the deal till over the line. The win was a decidedly popular one. Time—2 19g. Boys' Bicycle Race, Handicap (undnr 16), half a mile, first prize 10s, 2ad sa—F Amos 1, L H L*gan2, T Thomas 3. This was an interesting race with an excellent finish. Young Thomas stuck to the leader with great pluck, bub the superior strength of young Li-gan enabled him to get up and secure second place a few yardß from home, Amos rode a good race, as the time indicates. Time— l ls. St Patr cut's Wheel Race, two miles; first prisp £12, 2nd £4, 3rd £1 lQs—Firsb heat—G Sutherland scr 1, Ken Lewis 100 yds 2, A Huston 135 yds 3, G Meto*lf 165 yds 4. Some ten of those figuring on the card faced the starter for this evenb, and with such giants as Sutherland and Lswis competing the public looked for a good race, and they got it. From the start the two champions went in chaee of the leaders. They ateadi y wore down the field, and taking oharge when it suited their purpose held their own fairly comfortably, moat of the men finishing in a bunch. Just after crossing the mark i the last time round P H Symonds had the/ Misfortune to fall, bub although considerably bruised he was cob seriously injured. Second heat— Jamee Orr 165 yds 1, V Kirkwood j 165 yds 2, A R Barker 40yds 3, J M^j >r 285 yds 4 Eleven competitors figured on the card for this event and moat of th<;m started, and very little divided th» four •planed men. Tim«~443§. Final ba»t«t

Sutherland 1, Kirk wood 2, Huatrn 3. A splendid finish.. Time —4min 4G3to. Thrbh Mile Bicyclb Handicap, first nrizi £3 10s 2nd £1 10s, 3rd lOi—Kei. Lewis 150 yds 1, Q .Sutherland ecr 2, T Kirkwood 195yda 3. Fifteen out of the w nty-one entered went to the poat, and the race was full of interest. The limit men very nearly lapped Sutherland, nnd the ability of the to pull up the handicap was questioned by m*ny. From ihe start it wa« aeen h«> me-int making a big try. Ken Lewis quickly overbau'ed Willis and the two puced e.teh other* When seven laps had bf en covered Lewis and Willis were in tlv lertd forcing the puce, and Sutherland rapidly I overhauling the whole cavaioade. For the last lap but one, Willis led into the straight, with Lewis and Sutherland in the order named. The two champions soon after took command, and 150 yards from home the whole field who were lying together in a hunch, m 'de a desperate rush for placed. Kirkwood and Huston wrested third and fourth places respectively from Willis, but were unable to get on terms with the leaders and a splendid finish resulted as above, amid cocihidernble excitement. Time — 7min 32sec.

120 Yabbs Hurdles, first prize £1 10a, 2nd 10a.—First heat —Lavery 10yds behind sor 1, E MoTigue 10yds behind ecr 2, B Johnston tor 3. Time—2oaeos. Second heat—J McTigue 14yds behind tot 1, W Huston 9ydt behind sor 2, W Fitzgerald 7yds behind scr 3. Time—2lsec3. Final heat—E MoTigue 1, J MoTigue 2, Huston 3. lime—l9J. 250 Yaeds Handicap (Amateur), first prize £2, second £1.-0 Friedlander syds 1, M J Lymkey 2. Time—27J. W H Amos and C May were the only other atartare out of eigh ton the card. Friedlander and Lynskey ran olean away from the other two who gave np the chase. Lynskey caught Friedlander 20yds from home, bub Fried lander was game to the last, and stalling off his opponent, won the orenb by the merest trfle.

440 Yakds Handicap, first prize £2 10s, 2nd £I.—J Davidson aor 1, R Johnston 35yds 2, J Feohney 14yds 3. Time—s4seo*. Out of some 21 on the card about a dozeu faced the starter. AH got away well and the limit men, streaking for home, made the pace a o'loker* Davidson, however, was not to be denied and running,very strongly won the event from scratch in the excellent time of 64aecFi Ihe performance was loudly

applauded, Vaulting With Polb, first prta-* £1, 2nd 10s—W Fitzgerald (Sin handicap) 9ft 4in, 1, W Foußton (6in handicap) 9ft, 2 ; G Munro 3. Fi'zgerald vau'ted well. Munro three tim?a got nicely over the winning jump, but hia arm touched the bar each time and brought it down. Wrestling, Maiden (Cumberland Style) first prize £2, 2nd 10s—Brophy 1, O'Grady 2, Robertson 3. Quite a number entered for this event, which took a long time to decide. Brophy'a win was very popular Open, (Cumberland style)—K Brophy 1, J B*ird 2, J Brophy 3. 'ihis was another event which took a long time to decide and again the win was popular. Throwing the Hammer (Handicap), first' priz» £1 5% 2^d 10a—K Brroughs, with 6ft handicap, 91 fo sin, 1 ; Munro, scr, 91ft lin, 2 High Jump, (Handicap), first priza £1, 2nd 10s—D Dal ton, 2in handicap, sft 2£in, and Raines, IJiu handicap, sft 2iin, dead hea" ; Munro, sft, Z, Running Long Jump (Handicap), first prize £1, 2nd 10s—J McTigue ecr, 18ft 9in, 1; RDalton Sin, 16ft Sin, 2; W Fi'zgerald 12in, 16ft, 3. Putting the Stonb (161b), Handicap, first prize £1, 2nd !os~Munro, 43ft 6in, 1 ; Raines, 39ft lin, 2. The winning throw was a very fine one and was heartily applauded, Iris?JJit« t first prfzs £1 10s, 2od Ids- John Lynch 1, J Fi'zgerald 2 Sailors' Hoknpipb, first przs £1 10s, 2ari Isi—R Curry 1, D McKechnie 2 Highland Fling, first pr «9 £1 103, 2nd £15i—J McKechnie 1, D McKer»;e2

A Foursome Reel took tha place of the Sword Dime , first }r'z-r£l 10b, 2nd 15s— D MoKeohnie I, J McK<ohnie 2 Fire Brigade Competition (Five Men Manual), priza £s—lhis competition at tracted much attention and was won by a team comprising Messrs Dorm (2), W Kidd, E Burroughs, and T Barber in the smart time of Itnin 37§secs. R Oowan'a team were second. Tmo Mci Manual, przi £I—ln this contest R Cowan had the pleasure of turning the tables, and with W Kidd ■eaurtd first. Time—36Bec«

The Concert.

A very large audience assembled ab the Oddfellows' Hall last evening on the occasion i of ths St. Patrick's annual concert, in aid of the Convent school, the hall being densely packed. A large number had to content themselves with standing room. The com mittee had prepared an excellent programme of vocal and instrumental item?, and the applaues which greeted the varioua per formers' efforts was ample proof that the committee'! labours were in uniscji with tbe , desires of the audience, and ihoy were evidently on the best of terms with each other. Mrs Donald McLean, M.8., opened the programme with an overture, whioh introduced many favourite Irish airs, and at the same time gave that lady plenty of scope for the display of her abilities. She received a heari y round of applause. Mr Snodgrasa was singularly happy with his song, " Philip the Falconer." The 6t f Patrick's ooneert has, for the pact ten years, had a repreienta <ive of the late Mr John Henry's family among its vocalists, and indeed, would be robbed of much of its pleasure were it other* wue. This year, Mrs Mitchell, Southbridge, stepped in the broach, and her appearance wai the signal for applause. She chose Moore's ' The Meeting of the Waters," a \ »ong particularly suited to her voice, which retatns all its sweetness and richness of tone, She received an undeniable encore, and responded with her favorite " Kathleen Mavourneen." The audience were then treated to some excellent national dancing by the Misses T. Devane, Lagan, Cullen, and Fit^erald (four pretty and Btylishly-dressed maidens), who were partnered by Messrs A. Fitzgerald, M. Fitzgerald, D. Fitzgerald, and H. Lagan, and their exposition of the Irish dance—High Oaul Cap^-was given in | a manner highly creditable to their teacher, »nd as only representatives of the Emerald Isle can. The wee boy Cullen (violin) and his sister, Miaa Cullen, (piano) supplied the music. Miss Kathleen Orr gave the genuine "Wearing of the Green," to an evidently delighted audience, and she had to respond to an enthusiastic enoore, MrJ. B«cge s'fine tenor voice was heard to great advantage in " I Trust You Still/comparatively speaking, a new song to an Ashburton audienoe. Mrs D. McLean's piano solo *' Savourneen Deeliah," was an artistically executed col lection of gems, which the audience were not slow to appreciate. Mrs Johnston gave a beautiful rendition of Trotere's " Asthore." This lady was in exoellent voice, and the manner in which she marked the soft) passages, coupled with perfect enumeration, was a treat to all. A hearty encore was her reward. The appearance of Mr Donald McLean clad in Highland cos tume, was the signal for applause, and the manner in which he went through a couple of Scotoh dances, was worthy of his county, and certainly of men many years his junior. When Mr McLean, who has only lately recovered from an illness, had ceased, the audience heartily app'auded him. The first portion of tie enter tainment 'was brought t> a close by Mr R,^ Treston, who supplied the comic element in ig Oh I The Soldiers of the <^aeen," a capital song, with a nice swinging chorus, and one well adapted to a voice of the nature possessed, by Mr Treston. He was vocj erously encore f, Miss Richardson acted as accompanist), for the majority of the singers m a very satisfactory manner.

The committee! hie year departs 1 from the usual custom, &qd, thanks to the assis tance of the Catholic literary Society, were enabled to produce an entirely diff arent second part to their programme. The mem bers of the sooiety, who have made auoh pro gress under the direcioa of 54r W, Bowden, realised the oonviotion that they could with confidence and credit, produce a suitable piece before a scrutinising audience. The f»roe they choae for Uvb evening, " O'Galia ghan on his last Legs," was admiarably ad apted for the occasion, and as id is someyea'i Bince the late Mr J. J Kennedy, perhata the best delineator of Irish ohtraiber the colony ever|saw produced the farce in Ash* burton, the character and situations were fresh to all but the oldest of the adii'b por tion of the ftttdieoae, The character of

U'Callaghan, a very hard one to delineates not necessarily from the aooent required, but on account of the immense quantity of matter to be absorbed by memory,was well placed in the hands of Mr D MtDonnell, wjo made a clever substitute for Dr Banks, and the man ner in which he " resu-feicated " his patients, and his lucid address on "Gumpar&tive An ofcotny," fairly convulsed the audience. Mit Mbncague, the old love of O'Callaghan'e was a character which admirably suited Mist B. Nevin. This young laiy possess firss class elocutionary ability, and an unassuming and natural manner, and is typical of the true Irish beauty. These gifts naturally assisted ihe p ;rtrnyi*l of the character. Mr J. s. Healy was at home aa Rivers, ie , aa an interpreter of the age and language necessary, but was just a little too easily deceived by-, the unscrupulous OC*Haghan. Miss M. Madden, "Julia,'' was a very pleasing iiri] personation, and was evidently appreciated by the audience. Her hearty response to •• Arrah kiss your father," in a flirt with O'Calbghan elicited great appla 1.10. Mr V, Haorahan, assumed the c aracter of "Ch&rhß," whose wings bad keen n'nt?ed by Julia, and was a very good dupe, but paid heavily for it. Mr T. Nolan, the genuine Dr Banks, met with a splendid reception both by the audience and his wife, from whom he had been separated for some yeare. The dual characters of Mrs Banks and Betty, war* done full justim by Miss A. McDonnell. The useful, but necessary, characters of John and Thomas, as valets, were associated with the names of Messrs D. and J. Morinrty, and their first appearance in fall evening dress was as acceptable to their juvenile friends as their clear voices and precise actions were to ail. Altogether, the Society are to be congratulated on the manner in which they staged the farce, and the mem bers generally on the way in which they sustained their various part*. The farce concluded, a highly sutfigsful concert was brought to a close.

At the conclusion of the evening's enter tainment, the Very Eev. Dean O'D»nnell returned thanks to the many who had con tributed by their assistance to the evening's enjoyment). He said it would be invidious to individualise, bat he desired to express his thanks for the fact thab Mr Donald McLean, who last year had been prevsnted by illness from assisting at the annual con cert, had been restored to health, and had again came forward and lent material atttis bance. The reverend gentleman then re ferred to a letter which appeared in the Guardian, te the holiday, and said he could only interpret the large attendance that evening aa a protest against the aspersions the letter contained. Concluding, he thanked them on behalf of the Sisters of the Convent, and hoped they would all er.jny prosperity and health, and meet many times to celebrate the 17th of March

LICENSING COMMITTEE ELECTION

la reference to the forthcoming election there Deems to be some misapprehension as to the intensions ot parties, and we have thought it worth while to make a few in quiries, and have ascertained from good authority that the candidates nominated by the prohibition party (with the exception of Mr Friedlander) are pledged to resist any transfer or issue of new licenses in the electorate, to refuge conditional licenses, aod to close the hotels at 10 p.m. instead of 11 as at present. Mr Hugo Friedlander is standing as an independent member, is strongly against granting any license in the vicinity of thn Freezing Wo; ks, and is not disposed to grant licenses beyond 10 o'clock, but on all other issues will hold a "fiee hand." We have also interviewed the majority of the present Licensing Committee, and have ascertained that they have no in tention, if elected, of granting a license for a public house utFairton. Ou other questions they will endeavour to aot in the interests of the community in the future as they have done in the past.

Property Salbs—Mr T. Bollock offeree! by auction at the Arcade to-day a number of town properties in the estate of Joshua Page, deceased. The following were sold viz: — T 6504 containing quarter of an acre front ing Wills Street and Wakanui Road, Eisfr, opposite the Oddfellows" Hall, £150. T 8 235 containing quarter of an acre fronting Cameron Street wi;h small cottage etc, thereon, £200, Mr Henry McKlrea being the purchaser. Other properties were passed not reaching the Executor's limit.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Free Staters and Transvaalers

The Breach Widening President bteyn's Flight *' Banjo' J Paterson to the Fore Lord Eoberts Jintertained by Steyn's Brother Boers Recommended to Con clude Peace Checking Joubert's Advance The Bailway Blown Up Approaching Junction of Four Forces A Daring Deed Preventing the Destruction of a Bridge

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright* London, March 15 The breach between the Free Staters and Transvaalers is widening.

March 16

The Trausvaalers protested against the surrender of the 3ity and threat ened to bombard it.

Many of the inhabitants declare that if President Steyn'g intention to flee had been known beforehand, he would have been shot.

On alonday the Guards marched twenty-two hours continuously, and then had two and a half hours' sleep.

Forty thousand men were moved and fed like clockwork, also eighteen thousand horses were attended to.

Mr " Banjo" Paterson, the Sydney Morning Herald's war correspondent, was the very first to enter Bloemfon bein. He guided Mr Fraser to Jjqrd Robert?.

President Steyn's brother enter tained Lord Roberts, and described the fugitive as a nonentity.

The Union Jack 13 everywhere dis-r played in Ploemfontein.

The Daily Telegraph cabled the newg of the capitulation of Bloemfontein to its correspondents at the European capitals, and it made an immense impression. The Boers are being recommended to conclude peace on the best terms obtainable.

General Gourko, the Russian mili tary attache in the Transvaal, hai cabled to the Oz*r that he was per* fectly amazed at the energy in action and endurance of the British Infantry.

Major Hunter Weston, with ten engineers, traversed the Boer lines daring; the night, and cat the telegraph line and exploded the railway north of Bloemfontein, thus frustrating the arrival of Joubert with three thousand reinforcements,

Joubert ii now at Braudfort.

Statement by Mr Balfour

An Offer From America

London, Maroh 16 Major-General Gatacre, with 40(0 troopa at Bethulie expelled theßjttrs, who are retreating northwards. Major-General Pole-Carew, with 2000 Guards and two guns mounted, entrained at Bloemfontein, and passed Bethany unopposed, H¥Jo|qß General Gatacre and Major Geuerat CUmente, the latter with 8000 men, and Major- General Brabant with 8000.

In connection with General Gatacre'i advance on Bethu ie, British officers faced the enemy daringly, and removed the connecting wirei, rendering tha nriues placed under the Bethulie waggon bridge abortive.

Oaptain Grant, of the Engineers, extracted the explosives from the holes in Bethulie bridge, Major Shaw, Lieut. Popham, and some Derbyshire heroes removing the wires.

In the House of Commons Mr B&l ---four said America, in response to re quests from Presidents Steyn and Kruger, bad offerbd Great Britain her friendly aid in the interests «f peace. Lord Salisbury, while thanking Ame rica for her friendship, intimated that England bad no intention of accepting intervention from any Power. This statement was received with prolonged Ministerial cheers.

Paris, March 16 M, Delcasse, speaking in the Senate, said Lord Salisbury's reply to the Pre sidents' overtures, precluded interven tion. His speech at the Guildhall declined beforehand either arbitration or conciliation.

Statement by Mr Chamberlain

The Siege of Mafeking

Construction of a Dynamite Gun A British Sergeant-Major Degraded The Boer Prisoners at Hmoni town A Cunning Device Sir Charles Warren's Division Londow, March 15 Mr Chamberlain, having regard to the threats to wreck the mines at Johannesburg, stated that President Kruger had been warned at the outeet that he would be held responsible ior any uncivilised actt. The engineers at Mafeking have constructed a dynamite gun, with a range of 1800 yards. Sergeant-Msjor Looney, of the Com* missariar, has been publicly degraded, and sentenced to five years' imprison ment at Mafeking, for stealing rations. The Boer prisoners at Simonstown were the recipients of water melons, containing messages, showing How the plotting for their escape was being carried out. Five transports have been selected to convey the prisoners to St. Helena, H.M.S. Niobe escorting them. Lord Mehuen, at Boshof, seized guns and seventy thousand rounds of Ammunition. The burghers' wives are anxious for their husbands' return from the fight ing-

Eight engines and much rolling stock were capturcu at Bloemfontetn. 'Ihe war loan has closed. About five hundred millions have been offered. London, March 16 Sir Charles Warren's division had embarked at Durban for Crpetown, but has now been ordered to rejoin Sir Redvers Buller,

Latest News.

(Reaeived W»kapo»ka March 17, 950 a.m, This Office 10 40 » tn) London, March 16 General Frebyman, who has been appointed Governor at Bloeinfontein, has issued a proclamation directing the burghers within a radius of ten miles to disarm on pain of forfeiture of their ptoper y. ' ■■ . The extraordinary cordiality of Lord Roberts' reception is attributed to the relief from the Transvaalers* violence.

Prior to the flight of Steyn, a mass meeting of burghers accused Steyn of cowardice and selling the country, and decide d to discontinue the war,

The Boers are n a Bog at Warren ten j fifty miles north of Kimberley. Mafeking was safe on the 9th, The defenders seized the Boers' advanced trench.

Lord Roberts, addressing the Guards, said he regretted the mistake which prevented him leading them into Bloemfonteiu after their arduous inarch, and promised to lead the Guards into Pretoria.

The popularity oE the Field Marshall with the troops is ever increasing. All are willing to work until they drop from exhaustion.

Three officers of the South African Light Horse penetrated westward into the recesses of the Drakenshergjmoan* tains, sighting the enemy's laager In Tan Reenan's Pass. They report the presence of two commandos in the Pass with four guns, Sydney, March IT Letters received from Australians, prisoners at Pretoria, show they are well treated.

V: <HM ASfiBCRTOU atJAEDIAN..' SATURDAY, MABCfi 17, 1906



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FOR SALE PRIVATELY. I I AM now prepared to treat privately for tha unsold portion of Mv Isaac Sab ©skt's property, comprising;— L«t 2.—Kuox'b F&rm, containing 246 acreß or thereabouts Lot 3 — O-^natreei's Farm, containing 150 ■■'.«' ta Lot 4—North Riv r Faivu, contvining 81 &01'6S. ft. W. HANMER. LLWILYN OWN, M«I\S.M. OBKTIFIOATKD TEAOHKR. LOCAL Repr-eentative of the London Oillega of Music, and of the Musical International College, KANOFORTE, ORGAN, VIOLIN, MAN DOLINE, SINGING, HARMONY, AND COUNTERPOINT. The now term will commence January 22nd. Intending pupils kindly communicate early. . m" H , • a kj £ £j o S a o £To *o <! I, J j I - m New Zealand OLOTHINGFAGTORY "T¥7E HAVE STILL A FEW STOCKTAKING BARGAIN- 1. Left on hand whi.h we have determined to —Cle«? out, during the nexfe fortnight, after whiah we shall be opening our. WINTER SEASONS GOODS OCMB AND 9EE TFESE LINES. Men's Grained Cookhims 2ls for 16a 6d. Men's Crup Cookhams 26 < 6d for 21s. NOTHING BftTTfiß INT THK _— MARKKT. <r^ ■ *~ "Boy's Sea!-ij9glS'nooters 8^ 6i for 5a 6J Giri'o Grained Legleis 8s 6d f r 6s 6d, • Girl's Kid L-.glets 7* 6-1 far 5?. 6;rl'B Glace Kid Shoes 7^ for 4? 6J. Oaly a few odd Siz>a in above Lines, ao Come at once and Becare them. For other BARGAINS sco Windows and Door, as we have not space to enumerate all. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. _ ¥. H. BKOKIJS'GSALB, Manager PHOTOGRAPHY. HAL MA" & CO. PHOTOGRAPHERS, Saunoers' Buildings. ONF D.s-n Highly Finished Oahi net Puotos for 6a, for the month of March. DON'T MISS TBIS OaAN OB COME EARLY. STUDIO at B<unde-" Buildings. Note the Address, and.do not be misled, PHOIOGBaPHY. npO COMPETE WITH THE IJMES. For 14 Days odlv b One Dozen Highly Finished Cabinet Photos FOR EIGHT •* SIX. Don't Misa This Chahce. All work guaranteed. Note vddreea D Jones, Tho Photographer, Rubottom Htudio, Moor> gtree . THE tHOW Si ASON PRIZE 'POULTRY. OWING to the number of u«w houses receiir.lv erected in tho neighborhood of tho Pelham Poultry Y^da, rendering poultiv keeping there u.eor,V3Dieiit, Ihe Proprietor i» prepared to a t I cheap the whole >toek, including Exhibition Birda, FrißJ Winners, Young Birds, Etc. For p»riwu:ars a Pi Jy the Gcabwak Office, or at the PELQAM POLLThY YARDS PifITKR STREET,ASHBURTON. Smoke JNew Venus



TO ARMBRB, CONTRACTORS ft OTHERS A. SIMPSON, (LATE OF REID AND GRAY'S.) B> GS to announce to the inh ibir.anta of Afchburton and surroandiitg dis rricts that hehasominedc.-d b BHOKINH & GENERAL BLACKSMITH, and hopes by good Workma .ship and Moderate Charges to merit a share of public patronage All kinds of lu.pl. mmtH mad« and repaired Horses shod m the latest approved style. Corns and o-her di ß e»B«sof !he feet cured. A Bist-o ass Wheelwrigh' kep*. on the Premises. Note the address,— i WAKASUi X »AD, Nearly opposite the Central Hotel. 3 32 luTaICORN hopes by Selling for a few weeks at and in some caees beiow Wholesale Prices to make more room Several cases New Goods bought at large disc juots will be included, 80 that customers may rely on getting gemsine bargains at this Sale.



THE MOK ARE CURED AKD THIS SCEPTICS LEFT TO WONDER. 1 THE POLYFATHfC MEDICAL} INBTIIUTES OF >Y!».NrV, bELAIDE AND MELBOURNE. Pbbmawbnt ISbw Zealand Branch Ohristchubch. ' -rik nHHE wisest, best educated, and moßt enlightened jk **" J%s£S^\j* -*- people are daily becoming concerts to f those i i^^i^^^^^^^^^k^^t ntlW P riuc 'P^e an<3 methods which are supported by .-such over-whelming tividenoe, eastained by the public, i^^w&^^^^SSni *ho have had an opportunity of testing the remark fe^J^^^^^B^^^ -hie euccess of the Polvpathio System. Their i^^^^^^^^^S^^^ wundeiful success has sprtad like wildfire through *X enlightened community, and amongst those who *jj jjs^J^^MJ&OESM* had given up all hope of ever being well again, and /^ they are by handrtda availing themselves of the ' f /BS^b^^^^^^ Polvbaihic Systbh of treating Chronic Diseases, \fl|£lejjg|sS&BHßPs. which has proved to be the surest-, quickest, and jij|s|[lH»llHsH[S!]|fT^ mi st reliable means of cure ever offered an afflicted people. When eick Is the time we need the best g|Sß||!>MJsfflfflKfffflflDK ddvice and treatment. Therefore wo say—lnform Ig£|^^HJ{S§pK^££- x ourselves, you who are sick, and write to the Poly . pathic Institute, if you cannot call, and accept proofs of the mysterious skill—more con vlncingthan MBBhHWCSWEat words—that is possessed by the Polypaths.o|Hsl njßyßH^gßJ^^Btft Polypatby Cubes with certainty where the old (|jg|[yj{||a|Jß||HJMH methods fall, Epilepsy Fits, Cancer, Piles (hither nFmßitt^l£ I!SEE£S3LM'Pto coasidered incurable previous to oar new system), "**'" z^j^^fH*^_^__P^ Early Consamption, etc | They treat all Female Ailments by the Polypathic Method, which does [away^ with all examiiiation and all loo+l treatment*. They a'nod<sire to impress upon all men who are suffering that they hare the iust >y celebrated Hindoo rtcmedy, so well and favonrably known in the Old World *s the"Antl Agnechal Tabloid Method," All desiring to test the sysUena will have such opportunity. THOUSANDS CURED ANNUALLY BI CORRESPONDENCE. Write for Question list, enveloping Stamp for Reply. £pP PO' YPATHIO MEDIC 'L INSTITUTE. NZ. BXA.NOH, OHRtSTCHUROH CJo n s tr h x a t.i^o n s . I 4' eJb'b . ST. PATRICK'S SPORTS AND CONCERT ABU OIN JMLA.I€.OH lrtth., 1 AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR USUAL CUSTOM NORTHCOTE& HEFFOHD WILL MAKE m/E IB FIEST lAUTUMN AND WINTER ILLUMINATED DISPLAY OF New Goods Just Lauded, CJ ex ss Papanui" & '(ss lonic." Our Premisee will be Lighted up throughout the Evening's of MABOH 15th, and 16tlli thereby giving all our Patrons and Country Clients sn ; opportunity of riewing the Show at "THE CORNE R." SMOKE ONLY NEW VENUS dark. QUEEN LIGHT. A PERFECT TOBACCO. New Zealand Insnrapce Company. SSTABLISHSD' — - 18 5 9 CAPITAL^ONE MILLION. THE PBEMIKB AND WEALTHIEST COLONIAL COMPANY. NOTED FOB PROMPTNESS AND LIBERALITY PAIP-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES— £400,000. | FIRE AND 'MARINE RISKS AXiSQ,— RISKS ON GROWING CROPS-, ■ fHBWRHING MAOHMSB, Ao., ACCEPTED AT LOWEST TORRENT RaTKS KAV HANMER ; AGENT



OSBORN COOMBE, PIANO TUNER & EXPERT (Late of London), IS NOW IST ASHUURTON for busi ness, and will remain in the district) un'il23rd in»t. ORDERS may be left with MR LEWELIAN OWEN ar his Music Studio, Arcade Chambers. Ashburtoa or at Commercial Hotel. WAR, WAR, WAR—New Lob Con tingent Hati Bands and Ties ab VORTHOOTB & EfEFgOBP'S. _ ~~IMPOttTANT MUTIOB. '11 HE attention of Subscribers and Clients JL is again directed to the Accounts lately »enb out from this Office, for it is scarcely necessary to say thab the very heavy addi tional expenditure incurred since the com mencement of the War, in cables, &c, renders it absolutely necessary thab Money should begot ia without delay. We-trust our Clients and Subscribers will give their prompt aUenlion to this matter. ASHBURTON PUBLISHING COY,, Feb. 24,1900.



Amekblev, Deo ?, 1899 [Copy] Messrs Craighead Ahd Bbbryman Aahburton, Dear Sirs,—Could yon make a suit at once. I am sorry I forgot to order it sooner. The, last one is still wearing, it fitted beautifully, ! and has given the greatest satisfaction, If y ju have time to make one for my son at Geraldine, I will get him to ride up on Satur day to be fitted. If there is not time to send patterns, I will trust you to choose for me, something like the last.—Yours truly, far The original letter as above from a we known gentleman and many others of equally high compliment may be seen »t oofi offioe— Craighead and Berryman, th« Leading Tilors and Outfitters For Indigestion, the best remedy is undoubtedly Norton's Camomile Pilla They can confidently w recommended as being mild in operation and abwlately free from injurious drags Acting at once as a splendid tonic and a gentle aperient For nearly ]00 yearn tney bave pro'cd rnequalled for Indigestion, Uysrapsia, sick Headache and all Liver and Stomach eomplaintß Sold in bottles, Is lid, 28 3d, and.lls, by al' Medicine vendors throughout the world . The great eucoess of Chamberlain's Co oil Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy tattw I™*** ment of bowel complaints has made it standard over the greater part of the oivilutd ' world* For sale by Ashburton Drug G«.