Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit.. MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 1900.

The curious ghost story we recently reproduced from the Poverty Bay

Herald, und which described how a far

THE UNCANNY.

mer and bis wife, raiding in one of the coastal townships up there, were literally driven from their home by the uiystering and very alarming noises occurring in the houso after nightfall, recalls tho*e two very extraordinary books by Florence ;\larry.itt (whose death was recently cabled) " There is no death," and " 'lhe Spirit World." Both works contain several stories of a weird and wonder ful kind, and excited considerable attention at the time of their appear ance, a few yeara ago. But startling as are the narratives dished up by Miss Marryatt, they pale beside those un earthed by the London Society for Psychical Research, and which may be found in the Society's "Transactions." The recorded experiences of people in every part of the world point to occurrences for which there is absolu tely no accounting, save od the hypo thesis that " ghosts " do " revisit these glimpses of the moon," and that there are stranger things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in the philo sophy of " the every day young man,' 1 (to quote felicitous Mr Gilberr) and whose attitude regarding these psycho logical mysteries is generally one of contemptuous ind;ff rence singled with the profound scepticism and the den sest ignorance. To condemn as " rot," offhand, everything he cannot under stand ia characteristic of the every day young man. Invariably it happens that the more a man knows the more tolerant is he, th'j more inclined to investigate before he condemns, or even presumes to speak authoritatively. What says the Rev. Haweia (who a year or two ago toured New Zealand): lf Pace to face with certain alleged phenomena of an unintelligible charac ter, repeated experiment has at last placed one conclusion beyond dispute, viz., that it is unsafo to denounce what it is difficult to examine, but still more risky not to examine what we propose to denounce. The importance of ghosts, if they exist, ... is quite incalculable. I think it quite possible that by ascertaining the con ditions under which conamuoication may be had, and intelligently testing the mean<?, an increase of human faculty tn%y be acquired, and a new source of knowledge and power, perhaps a new world of spiritual attainment, opened up, which may raise our descendants in the near futura as much above us in the scale of life as we aro above the cave meu of the past or the bushwen of the present." Do not the above words find curious confirmation in an article recently going the rounds of the New Zealand press, and which described a system of telepathy or thought-trans f--renco existing among the Arabs and

also amongst certain Indian tribes by which thfso ignorant natives are enabled to communicate freely witheacti other over vast tracts of desert, thus the feats of the telegraph iaelf. But it must not be supposed that Mr Haweis is the only well known member of the cloth to admit the pos sibilities of psychology. In an " open letter" addressed to Mr Stead in a London djily, Dr Parker, of the famous O;ty Temple, avows hi& entire belief in spiritualism, but at the same timeques tions its utilify, "Of what use is it ?'' be asks—thus strongly overlooking the f jet that if the truth of spiritualism can once bfj demonstrated toj the satis* faction of the world, the doubts and fears, and often unbelief of tens of thousands regarding a future state will bo swept away.

The precautions taken by the various health authorities in Noumea, Adelaide,

and Sydney, where the bubonic plague has recently ap-

THE PLitiUE.

peared, seem to have been successful in checking its progress, or at least in proving that with such precautions pos sible, there is no occasion for panic, even although a cable to-day points to its arrival in Hobarfc. It is quite apparent that it ia a disease closely associated with dirt, and knowing this, every community can take steps to make the conditions for its reception and stay as unfavorable as possible. One important feature in connection with this pestilence is that it appears to break out first airaoagst rats, Its history since its arrival in the southern hemisphere indicates that the rodents are the first attacked. This being so, would it not be prudent to have immediate steps taken to get rid of the rats, or at any rate to take early means to reduce their power for mischief. We cannot well isolate them, but we might do something.

Local and General.

*»* On the firet page to-day will be found an article with reference to the war.

A Stricken GovEEbfOR.—A Press Asso ciation cable informs us that the Governor of Tasmania (Viscount Gormanaton} has been stricken with partial paralysis of the right side.

Bicycle!Accident.—Mr W. C. S. E!roslifß of Mayfield, met with a somewhat severe bicycle accident on Saturday lasb, his face being very much cut about, and his left hand injured. He was taken to the hospital on Saturdayjuighf, andjia progressing favourably.

Stung to Death by Bees—lt is stated, saya the JSfehon Mail, that a conple of horses, one of thesa a racer, owned by Mr Tasker, were stung to death by bees last week at Mobupipi. The animals were near a hive when the latter was accidentally upset.

The Otago Cycling Club's Sports.—The following is from the Press :—The Otago Cycling Club's Sports were held on Satur day. The weather was fine, bub a strong north-east wind was blowing. The atten dance numbered about 3000. The following local men were successful competitors. Otago Wheel Race, two miles, A. Huston, 115yda, third. Time smin I4aecs. One Mile Handicap, open to volunteers, O. C. Willis acr, Ashburtqa Guards, first. Time 2min olaec. One Mile Handicap, H. Holland 75yds first. Tima 2min 2153e0.

Visiting Excubtionists.—'The employees of one branch of the Woolston Tannery visited Ashburton on Saturday to the num ber of about 300. They spent most of the day in fcfee Domain, which owing to the fiae weather, enabled them to indulge in all kin is of amasemisnts, inoluding dancing to the strains of a band whiph played at inter vals throughout the day. Some of the visi tors however, rambled about ths town, while others by the kind permission of Mr. Bullouk, spent a pleasant Dime dancing in the large new auction rooms in Burnett Street. When the weather is fine, ib is difficult to imagine a pleasant outing for city dwellers fct»»u »trip to Aibburtop,

Genekal Jonathan Roberts —Jonathan Uobeits, weli-hnown throughout the colony for his dariug escape from ins Lyttleton G 01, was subsequently Sraoed to one < f the South American States, where he entored the army, and it is now reported that he his attained the rank of General. So s*ys the Wellington Pest

Wah Itkms—Vi ry little information has so far leaked ous as to the names of those who have sure and certain hopes of being members of the third contingent. But we hi»ve been informed that young Tovey (of lhe Aihburtou Rifles), who is known to be ..ne of tho b'jat bug! rs in Oauerbury, has a difinite assurance that ho will go.

Swimk Fever—According to the Wynd ham Fanmr, thore haa been a fresh outbreak of awine fever at the piggery adjoining M&tauia D-*iry Factory premises, the property of Mr J. B. MsoEwan. The herd numbered 300, and twenty-five had suc cumbed by Saturday last. The herd has boen isolated, and the stock officers are not without hope of saving a large proportion of the herd.

A Etc >r» Shipment of Books A tele gram from Messrs Gordon and Gotch, Wel lington, informs us that by the Ruahine direct from London arrived today, five hundred sets of the " Bncyolopw iia Bri tannict," twelve thousand five hundred volumes onsigced to the London Times New ZsUnd b arch.—Press Association tele gram.

An Interesting Discovery—An interest ing discovery was made the other day at the grounds of the Australian Museum, Sydney, the felling of a tree remarkably like the More'on Bay fig in appearance, resulting in the collection of a quantity of good rub ber. No one appears to have known that the tree was of that variety which yields rubber, and the discovery is interesting as showing that rubber can be successfully grown in New Houth Wale*.

A Bo R Tiup ~Away to the right, (says «n Auckland trooper writing to the New Zealand Herald) I was surprised to see a herd of cattle and a white horse feeding in a little valley, and although our eoouta repeatedly approached them they left them alone. Towards evening, when the firing had ceased a Boer rode out from behind a kopjo and unfastened the horse, which had been tethered. The whole thing waa a trap, the Biers watching from the neighbouring 103k clad kopj s, waiting patiently for some unwary troopers to ride uadnr their rifli munzles to capture and drive off the cattle.

A New Roote— A. London letter in the Biimingbam Daily I-ost aays:—l am told to night that capitalists and shipowners in the oity are di cussing a pioject for the establish ment of a system of rapid communication with Australia and New Zealand by way of Mexco, Ib is urged that Mexico offers the shortest and most direct route to the colonies named, and is not very much less advau t.ageoua for communication with China and Japan than the lines by way of Vancouver and S»n Francisco. The overland journey bpgins ab Vera Cruz, on the Atlantic side, And, ending at Acapulco on the Pacific, would be about 500 miles. The Fiji Islands are in direct line between Acapulco and Sydney, and the steamers would naturally make the?e an important place of call*

The Tridmfh of Love —A romantio illustration of the separation of lovers by the nail to isrms for the war in South Africa is provided from a Hertfordshire village. A Heaervi t was summoued to rejoin his regi ment, bat the summons came at the most interesting moment of his life. He was not only engaged to be married, bat the b<inns had been '• put up ;" in fact, the parson had got as tar as the "second time of asking," •snd the wedding belli were almost ringing There was only the " third time of asking" one Sunday morning, and then—the young man wai due next morning at Bedford to rpjiin hia regiment for She (Jape. But love laughs at Mara as well as locksmiths, and soon found a way. The couple were dpter mined to be wad, and by an arrangement wi h the clergyman they succeeded in having tho knot tautly tiod immediately after the Hervicp. It was not a fashionable wedding, bu could not have been moro interesting.

A Narrow Escape.—An incident which shows how necessary it in that the Govern ment should lose no timo in carryiug out its intention to fib Westinghouse brakes to the railway carriages on the North Island lines occured in Wellington on Thursday (says the Pvst.) A woman hod stepped on tho railway croseing near the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's warehouse, between Featherston street and Customhouse quay, when she heard a train whistle close by. Instead cf ruahing to cross the Una she stepped back, and the heel of one of her boot a caught in the double rail. An effort to wrench it out was ineffectual, ani she then started to unlacs the boot. The driver of the locomotive had done all he could to bring the train up, but it still continued to advance, Just when the engine was within three or four feet off the woman, almost i errifiad out of her life, stopped the process of unlacing, and succeeded in wrenching the boot free, leayiug the heel sticking in the rail<

INTERESTING TO ANGLERS.

Some little time back Mr Shury wrote to Captain Edwin for information to enable ang!ers to know the time of high and low water at the various estuaries of the Canter bury rivers. He received a reply, which Mr Shury has plaoed at our disposal. Captain Edwin's letter is we find rather too long to publish in full, but the following extracts will doubtless be found sufficient for the purpose Mr Shury has In view :— "I think you will have satisfactory results if you subtract) 53 minutes from Lyttelton high tide " to ascertain time of high water at the mouth of the Ashburton river. •' The tide at Akaroa is earlier than at Timaru, although the tidal wave comes from the south, but the difference between the times of the two places U very Blight, being only absub six minutes." " and is very probable that high water at eaoh of the rivers is also a little earlier than at Timaru. But as the time of high water at Lyttelton at full and change of moon would be 53 minutes later than high water at Akaroa or the mouths of the rivers, the deduction of 53 minutes will give about the right time." Captain ifdwiu adds' for the information of anglers a few other facts as under: —It would be low water about six hours after high water at the bare, but would be at a less interval inland. "If one cannot easily refer to a table a fairly good estimate of high water time can bo got by adding 45mins per day to the last available high water time." •• The tides are highest for about three days before and three days after full and new moon."

YACHTING.

United Press Association—By Eieotrio Telegraph—Copy right Sydney, January 27 Messrs Pittar and Hordern have arranged three races between Rainbow and White Wings, over a twenty two mile course, early next week.

January 28.

In the Royal Sydney Yachb Squadron's seventeen mile lime-by-Rating Race, the Bona, 39aec allowance, and the Rainbow, lmin 37« ec allowance, finished a dead heat). The Meteor, with 13tnin 3?3e0 allowance, finished third.

The wind was fairly strong, bufe uneveai The Bonn, though more than once interfered with by passing vessels, led for the greater part of the course. There was an exciting finish, The Rainbow, closing up fast, mac aged to make a dead heat of it with her time allowance.

THE RIVAL CABLE ROUTES

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-—Co py ris h t Sydney, January 28

The Premiers' Conference has coecludod. The Conference exhaustively discussed the Eastern Extension Co.'s Gape cable proposal?. Mr Lyne states the majority of the Premiers favoured (-he modified scheme submitted by the Company, but further information is rfquired on several points. Uutil this has been received, no final decision cm ba arrived at. The matter has been left over for ten days, when he will be advised of the decisions of the various governments, and will communicate with the Imperial authori ties.

One of the contemplated alterations in the original proposal is that the right to distribute messages Bhould not be given to the Co » pany till the Pacific cable has been constructed, Mr Lyne says the diecussion of the Con ference will in no w.*y interfere with the Pacifio scheme, and this weighed materially with the Premiers in arriving at their determinarioE.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for th« opinions expressed by our correspondents)

HARVESTING AND THRESHING OPERATIONS.

TO THE EDITOR*

Sir, —It; h»s become a practice with some farmers to thresh grain out of the e'ook, and if *uked the reason for doing co they reply bhat. they are afraid of web. Bub some do so thinking to save the extra cost of stacking If the grain is dry in the stock it ia desirable to secure a machine, but g-ainso threshed cannot make as sound flour as ib would if the wheat had sweated, or seasoned in stack; and if wheat is threshed oat of the stock and shipped at once it is liable to heat on board. Threshing mill owners are Justified ia charging a higher rats for threshing out of the etook, because if a shower of raia falls on the stocks ii may hinder threshing for two or three days; when, if ata ked, men are only hindered while the rain is falling. Again, men employed harvesting by the week complain of the long hours some farmers' expect them to work, especially threshing out of the Btook. There is surely a reason able limit for hours of labor. Some farmers place the limit from 7 am. to7p.m,» and this I consider fair for both sides. Smart men are worth a Is per hour and tucker during harvest. Having grown grain for a number of years I know whereof I speak, the labourer is worthy of his hire—l am, etc , Observer.

THE "STING" OF THE C.1.M.!

10 THE ED [TOR.

Sib,—lt is admitted by all thoße con versant with the life work of Hudson Taylor that many incidents of it read like romance, but sensationalism is con pieuous only by its absence. Wherefore, then, did your *€ in telligent comp.," of malice aforethought, mischiefnesa, or carelessness, in Saturday's issue, style " Tho Story of the O.T.M. (China Inland Mission" as "The Btiog of the 0.1.M. ?" Or was the reporter's script to blame ? Bub, by the pigtail of Confucius, 'twas verily most funny.—l am, etc, Chang. [ The P.D. is probably a pro-Ching and desires to hint at the heathen Chinee's opinion of the mission.—Ed ]

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Despatch From Gen ral Buller

Press Comments in Englaid

Further Reinforcements Pro-

posed

Boers Captured

.Reported Belief of Mafeking

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, January 27 The text of Sir B. Buller's solitary despatch in reference to abandonment of Spion Kop—which reads, "War ren's garrison, am sorry to say, I find this morning had in night abandoned Spion Kop"—raises scores of interpre tations.

Many fear that General Warren, in occupying the position, fell into a trap, or the possibility that the garrison was driven out.

Dr Leyds describes Spion Kop as a succession of hills behind each other. He expresses the opinion that Sir Charles Warren seized a subordinate ridge, but found it untenable. The newspapers agree that the absence of maps descriptive of the position is a great drawback. The enemy are receiving fresh guns, and entrenching the Tabumyama heights.

the Times urges that Lord Roberts should strain every nerve to reinforoe Sir Eedvers Buller, The journal says the Government must prepare fresh reinforcements to the extent which Lord Roberts demands,

The Morning Post recommends that General . Buller's force should be reinforced by 20,000 men. Six officers were killed at Spion Kop on Wednesday, including Oolodbl Buchanan Riddel) f of the King's Hoyal Rifles. Twelve officers were wounded. Eighteen men were killed and 142 wounded, while thirty-one are missing. Sir Charles Warren last Sunday captured 160 Boers.

January 28

The War Office notified that the casualties announced yesterday were General Lyttelton's, not General War ren'a.

It is not known if General Lyttel 0 ton's brigade was engaged at Spion Kop.

It is reported from a Transvaal source that Mafekiog was relieved on the 23rd inst.

The Siege of Ladysmith.

JRenewed Activity of the Boers.

Health of the Garrison Im proving.

Another New Zealander Killed.

Strong Representations by

General JBuller.

A Celebrated Scout Engaged.

Durban, January 26 Heavy firing waa heard at Lady soaith on Monday.

General' White is supposed to be making a diversion to assist the relief columns. The garrison's health is im proving. The Boers are pressing the siege of Ladysmith with greater determination, and-erecfciog more guns and strengthen ing the fortiicationsp

Six Boi-r camps are visible between | Ladysmitb and Potgieter's Drift. I January 27 j

A buoyant feeling exists. I adysmith is considered impregnable The town has a sufficient supply of wholesome food.

London, January 28

Trooper Harold Booth, of the New Zealand Contingent, was killed at Jlensburg on Thursday.

January 27

Vivid official despatches frojn officers commanding ab the front have been gazetted. From these it is gathered that Gene ral White wished at the outset to con centrate his forces at Ladysmith, but Sir W. F, Hely-Hutchison, Goversor of Natal, on political grounds resisted. General White therefore assumed the military risk of trying fco remain at Dundee.

Lord Methuen states he was unaware of the nature of the country round Modder River.

j Sir R. Bailer describes the awkward position existing at the battle of Oolenso. He says all the Boer visible defences we-e shelled without disclosing the enemy. He severely blaraea Colo nel Long, who commanded the artillery, for his impetuous disregard of orders when the situation was promising. Dealing with the question of scout ing, General Buller refers io Major- General Wood's capture of Zoutspans Drift as an example of the successful use of scouts and says he supposes British officers will ultimately learn the value of scouting instead of, as hereto fore, blundering iuto the middle of the enemy and suffering accordingly. Capetown, January 26

lord Roberts has secured the ser vices of Burnhatn, who, as leader of scouts, distinguished himself during the last Matabele campaign. [This is Captain Burnbam, late of the Bulawayo Field Force, wko com manded one of the companies in the campaign in 1896 against the Mata beles and Mashonag ]

The Operations Near Stormberg Junction.

The f eventh Army Corps

Dr c Leyds in France

A New Fouth Wales Prisoner

Enthusiasm in Adelaide

'Ihe tushmen's Contingent

Capetown, January 27

The patrols of General French and Gatacre have functioned at Steyns burg, midway on the railway connect ing Middleburg and Stormberg June tion.

The first portion of the Seventh Army Division has arrived at Cape town.

London, Jan. 27 Volunteers are acting as the Queen's guard at Osborne.

Paris, Jan. 27

Dr. Leyds was tho guest at President Loubet's diplomatic dinner. Sir Edraond Monson, British Ambassador in Paris, was absent.

Sydney, January 28

Lieutenant Dowling, of the New South Wales Patrol, wounded and captured at Rensburg, has cabled from Pretoria that he is being well looked after aud that his wounds are healing fast, The weather is fine for the All Colonies Anniversary Day Demonstra tions. They are chiefly remarkable for the patriotic addresses which the war has aroused. Adelaide, January 28 The Surrey, with the New South Wales and South Australian troops, sailed for South Africa yesterday morn ing- Trooper Oox, one of the New South Wales Contingent by the Surrey, died of pneumonia Waiapuaha, January 27 The Cable Company is advised that communication by the Mozambique and Delagoa Bay cable, which has been interrupted for over a month, is now restored, but there is an interruption on the West African cable, which has lately been carrying all the work from South Africa to England. This in terruption will entail some delay in the transmission of messages from South Africa, as the Eastern route does not carry work to England so quickly as the Western line.

The Spionkop Case.

The Liberals for Victory at all Costs

Thousands of Italian Volunteers

The Free State Farmers.

Boers Manufacturing Ammunition

Capture of Some BritisU Horse.

(Received Wakapuaka Jan 29, 8 50 a.m, This Office 9.45 a.m) London, January 28

There is uncertainty whether Sir O. Warren really garrisoned Spionkop after the engagement. General Gatacre holds all the passes in his district.

Lord Tweedmouth, speaking at Edin burgh, said the Jjiberals were agreed that the war must be carried to a decisive victory at whatever cost. General Riccioti Garibaldi has offered Great Britain several thousand volun teers.

The abdication of the Emperor of China imperils the opan door policy. The Imperial tutor is an anti foreigner, (Received Wakapuaka Jan; 29, 8.50 a.m, This Office 9.45 a.m.)

Oapbtown, January 28

Sir Alfred Milner has issued a proclamation declaring that the validity of the forfeiture of property in th 6 Transvaal and Free State subsequent to the ultimatum will not be recognised. The Boers are manufacturing twelve thousand cartridges and two hundred shells daily, ,

Received Wakapuaka Jan. 29,12.20 p.m This Office 12.59 p.m. London, January 28

General Buller reports that Spion Kop was too hrge a position for the British garrison to hold, The water supply was also deficient. When Colonel Woodrate was wounded his successor decided to abandon the position. General Buller considered a second attack on Spion Kop useless, the enemy's right being too strong, A force

of Boers report that they eurroutded a Equadron of Major Beihune'a horse, whose casualties numbered twenty, while fifteen were c&pmrcd,

Transports Sent For Australian Troops.

No Pro-Boer Weed Apply.

A Victorian Trooper 1m-

prisoned.

Received Wakapuaka Jan 29, 930 a.m, Thtß Office 10.9 a.m) Bydxky, January 29 . The British Government, despatched two transports from Capetown on Thursday to fetch the Bushmen Con tingent.

An effort was made by the labour conference to discues the war, but a motion condemning hostilities wag not received. Keilsen a tabor member addressing his constituents gave ex pression to pro Boer sympathies, and asserted that the colonial Cor tingent't loyalty was proportionate to the price paid for their services. Many of the audience quitted the building.

{Received Wakapaaka Jan. 39, 9.30 a.m, This Office 10 9 a.m)

Mklboubnb, Jan 39

A trooper of the second Contingent was landed at Albany for insubordina tion for refusing to be vaccinated. The Minister for Defence considers the offence trivial and that a few hours io the guard room would have been a suffi cient punishment.

Hie Evacuation of Spion Kop.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph.

Willing ton, January 29 The Agent-General wired last night con firming Harold Booth's death. He also states that Sir C. Warren retired south of the Tugela without loss, Spion Kop being difficult to hold as its perimeter was too large and the water deficient.

Letter from Major Robin.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Wellington, January 21 Writing to the Premier, Major Robin con* firms the statement as to stripping the uniforms of brass buttons and the officers carrying carbines. Everything bright is painted khaki and t c haversaaks are dyed brown. Although there has been some sickness among the horses they still had 230 available. Other corps have lost more heavily. They have had some trouble with the Buddies, and the boots were not good. Some are worn out already. He mentions a likelihood of their having to get helmets through the colonial troops being mistaken for the enemy. He speaks highly of the work done by Sergeant-Major Rogers and the sergeants, also by the shoeing smiths. The Utter are now shoeing the mu'e tesms.

News from the Front.

(Pskss Association Fphial).

Wellington, January 21 The Press Association special write! from Arunde! that aince his last letter they had had a quiet time. He describes the capturing of atray horses, most of which were useless, but are employed [to save the tcoop horses. Captain Ward gob a very good one, but the first time he rode out the wily animal broke away and disappeared* The New Ziiland horses still take unkindly to their feed, and many of them suffer from " cracked heel?." The contingent has been transferred from the divisional troops to the first brigade under Uolonel Porter, which makes them liable to outpost duty. Jfreah^troops and munitions of war are daily arriving, including such things as traction engines, steam pump, X ray apparatus, iron bridge in parts. On Christmas Diy, the Queen's message was received with great enthusiasm by all the men in camp. A short servico was held in the early morning and the rest of the day was kept as a holiday, there being a sort of spontaneous understanding on both aides that the day should be regarded as a "truce of God." Sergeant Hughes was instrumental in getting up some sports in the afternoon, which attracted a great crowd, especially a mule race of half a mile: In the JCO yards Trooper Cailaway was second. The mule race, which was an indescribable scene, was won by Trooper Waldie. In the tugrof-war the New Zaalanders woo a heat against the ICth Hussars, but for seine reason did Dot pull again. The final was won by the Royal Horse Artillery. (The proceedings wars suddenly put a atop to by a terrific dust stotm, through which one could not see three yards, •* Oa eventually reaching my tent (says the correspondent) through flying blankets, rubbish, and stampeding horses, I found everything buried an inch deep in sand, An eye-witness assured me he saw one tent sent fifty feeb in the air* Plum puddings and other delicacies were sent from all parts of the Empire, and everyone fared well this Christmas day. Un Boxing day, Dr Burns, who everyone thought had re turned to New Zealand, rejoined, his services having been accepted by tho Imperial authorities. We are going to parti with our slouch hats, the colonial troop* and especially ourselves, are to easily mistakes for Boers that the General has requested us to wear helmets and so avoid being taken for the enemy. On the field of battle some serious mistakes have already occurred. Lieutenant Neave of Canterbury having received a commission in the Yorkshire Regiment leaves for De Aar to join to-mor row, and Sergeant Hughes ex-Captain and Adjutant) in the New Zealand Volunteers will be promoted to the vaoancy. On the 27 h, rain came at last, and made the camp clean and fresh. This day Major Robin received » cable stating that a second Con tingent was to sail on January 15. We were all delighted to hear it, and at once started speculating »t to its strength and composition. We have heard no word of poor Bradford since he fell into the hands of the Boers on the J3th. One of our war cor respondents has had' an attack of scarlet fever and will return to New Zealand When convalescent. He caught it in Naauwpoort. We have no serious oases of illness here. Ca the 28th a terrible hailstorm came on with stones as big as marbles. Mules and horses were stampeded, and rushed wildly round the tents. Fortunately ours were well secured, and as several men turned out most praiseworthily, and stood by their beads, very few got loose. Owing to the gutters round the tents being blocked by hailstones the tents were flooded, and when the sun melted them everything was drenched. The Boers are reported to be leaving their posi tion on Taiboßcb laate, in front of our out posts. A reconnaissance in force is to be made to-morrow, in which we are tjo take part ' "

The Third Contingent.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio . Telegraph Wellington, Jan. 29

Gov^nmenb has finally dicided that the Rough Riders shall go in the '* Knight Templar." The Undaunted will take cargo as originally intended. The Templar is a ma oh larger boat than the latter and it specially adapted for carrying horse*, Cap tain Daniel (superintendent for the Union Company) leaves for LjtteSton to-day to superintend her fitting up. The Premier hat expressed the opinion that it would be r mistake to tend money Homejtbat is being subscribed to the Pat* riotio fund. He thinks the colony should keep control of it in its own hands, and ao save a lot of trouble in future. Besides, he points out that an allowance thought ample at> Home is inadequate in New Zealand. He favors putting the whole subscriptions in common trust, and then settling how much should bo sent to England, and how much retained here. He also wants to see more nurses sent, as the six who have gone are f uite inadequate to look after New Zealand's 600 or 700 men.

Auoklaicd, January 29 One hundred and two AuokUud men bars volunteered for the third contingent, Sigh* teeo of tbwi wiU prcrid* tb«U own hortM;

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN ; MONDAY, JANUAKi 29, 1900



itMn—*.* .l UlJ| || ■,-.,. , „.„„. ,-„ ii-.ri.r . --'ifi-.r----,-' "- ■ -- I BE NOT DECEIVED BY OTHER HALES, v BUT REMEMBER THAT THE SU M M 1"-": R CLEARING SALE AT "THE CORNER' 7 is GENUINE, « AT E ARE OVERSTOCK ED IN ■Cowols, Flannelettes, Dre»a Goods, and Clothing (Men's and Boys'). To make room for NEW GOODS these shall go to you at Cost Price for Spot Gash. ALL REMNANTS AND SUMMER GOODS AT NOMINAL FIGURES. Our Word is Our Bond. NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD



1900. HARYRBT. 1900, HARDLEY BROS. "TjATE TO HAND A FIRST-CLASS SCPPLY OF Harvest Requisites. Tea Cans, Billies, Buckets, Meat Dishes (Enamel or Tin), Plates, Pannioans, Knaves, Forks, Spoons, etc. HAY FOBK"' of all trakeß. Al&o Engine Lubricators, Taps, and Packing of all detentions. OIL FF.EDKRS in ]«rge quantities. HARDLEY~~BROTHKRS LAY HOT AND COLD WATER on to any House, at rcat;on»b'e prices. Estimates Gitejt. BItYOLIS Repaired, ai,d Firel-class TVorknmshlp Guarantee 1. MOVING SALE. OPENING ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12m Iwbt NEW BUILDING READY. STOCK TO BE CLEARED. p_ mm rilHB FOLLOWING LINFS ARE SPECIAL THIS WEEK — Val Lace 4|in wide, Is 6d a dozen ; 300 dozen !a«e to be tle*red •Small Women's Cashmere Hose, fashioned, heels and tsep, 2 pairs for Is fid Women's Black Bibbed Hose, fashioned,, heels and toes, Is par pair Women's Black Bibbed Hose, Is 6d ; Is gd, Is 9d ; to clear at la 3d Boja* Scotch Knitted Hose from la per pair Boye' Boalyn Koicked Hose from Is per pair ; Grand Line Printed Crepons, 10|d and Is, now S|d Costumes from 4s lld Lace Ourtains from Is lid Large Whit© Striped Towels, 6d A Pile of Art Muslins from 3|i i MITCHELL & TURNER. I



J. WILSON, BIGN-WtiirEK. LARGE STOCK or wall papers, WINDOW GLASS, MJXBD PAINTS, PICTURE MOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, Ac. BURNETT STREET, oppouito Mail Office Telephone 65 THE ABIEL CONFECTIONERY. rpHE REFRESHMENT ROOMS for the reception of Ladies are now completed. Fruit Salad, 100 Cream, Summer Drinks, and all the latest Fruits in season at the Misses Paces' New Shop, lately occupied by Coojkb Bb' s, East Street, next Craighead & Berrymun. 1 90 Tor this week. QP&UIAL Lines Prints at 3Jd per yard. Special Lines F riots at 4jd per yard. Special Lines Prints and Zyphers at 6^d per yard. Special Line Press Material, ueual price Is ;5s lid Dress Length, Big I me F ample Corsets, prices from 4s lid to iOs t)d, to clear at 2s 1. d per pair And many other tempting Lines in all d partments. ASHBURTON DRAPERY COMPANY. New Zealand CLOTHING FAGTORY Stocktaking Peductions. Tremendous Bargains. HARD ar.d Soft Felts 7a 6d, 10 6d, re duced to 13 aid Is 6d. Straw hats, la 9d, 2s 3i, all reduced to Is A few odd lines in Shirts reduced to 2s 6d Boys' Tweed Cups, reduced to 3i Biye' Paper Collars Id per box Men's T.efl, Is 9d, 2a 6d, reduced to 6d and Is Men's f^ac Suit*, Good Lines, 23a 6d Boys' Sac Suite, 25s 6d, reduced to 19a B>ys' Washing Suits, 4s 6 i, 3s 6d, reduced to gs 91 Boys' Alpaca Coats, 7s 6d, 9a 6d, reduced to 3j 6d and 4s 6d Men's Tweed Trousers, 6a, 7a 63, 9i 63, etc., BOOTS! BOOTS BOOTS C&ivas Tennis Shoes, 5s 6d, reduced Io 2a 6d Women's and Children's Booth and Sices reduced about half. We must clear out these odd Hnea to make room for New Good, etc. CALL IQABLY ! AND GET FIB teT CHOICE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, ¥. H. BEOKINGSALK, Manager. bootsTboots Gigantic Sale Now On I~UST arrived and opened up a grand assortment of up-to-date BOOTS AND SHOES FOR THE HOLIDAY AND SUMMER SEASON Special Lines Women's Button Shoes 7s 6d Women's Kid Lace Shoes, only 6s lid TAW GOODS IN 3REAT VARIETY. itrong School Boobs from 5s 6d, Good Bluchers, nailed, 5a 6d. LARGEST STOCK IN TOWN TO CHOOSE FROM. *""""""" REPAIRS done Promptly and at Moderate Charges. . FRED NOKES. CASH BOOT SHOP, Next Doqc JBank of New Zealand, BAST STREET, &SHBURTON. WANTED KNOWN — Northsotb & Hbfford will give you New Goods at Startling Cash Prices at their ClhabinG Sits,



TO THE DEAF.-A rich iady, cured of her Deafness and noises in the head by Dr Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, has Bent £1000 to his Institute, so thab deaf people unable to procure the Ear Drums may have them free. Apply to Department, N V The Institute, "Longoott," Guaaersburry London, W England. Keating's Powder destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all ether insects, whilsc quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. Jb is perfectly clean 1 in application. See the artiole you purchase ,is "JKeatjngs," ie, with the signature Thomas Kkatino on each tin, as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. 'Bold in tins, 6d and ia'each, by all chemists. ' j For Children's Hacking Cough {lake Woods' Great Peppermint Gure—!• 6d ausi . 2» 6d