MARRIAGE.

Dawson~Maw.—At Flemington, on May 24, inst., by ihe Rsv. James Skinner, M.A., CHABLE9 DAWBON, son of Andrew Dawson, E-q., of Waterton, to Char, lotth Maw, daughter of Geo. Maw, ls.cq. of Southbridge, N.G

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MAY 28, 1900. PHYSIOLOGY OF DEATH.

Professor Nothnagel, of the Vienna University, delivered ft lecture recently before the Society of Tienna Authors and Journalist! on the iubji?ct of dying The principal object of the lecture was to prove tt at death, in nearly every case, and with only very rare excep tions, is pain!em. The learned lecturer started from tat thesis that a man dies nearly alwayi from the cessation of the heart's action, whatever the primary or secondary cauie may have bten; whether the wearing oat, first of the nerve cells, afterwards of other groips of tissues, and, finally, of the muscles, whick alone can be described as natural death from a scientific point of view, or whether the heart ia paralysed and brought to a standstill by acute or chronic disease. In both cases the congestion of the cells and tissue sets in from the want of oxygen. Th« sole exception is poisoning with prussic acid, in which case the whole body is dead before the heart ceases to beat ; the process in all other cases being the reverse. The main question, the lecturer argued, is : Does death, as distinguished from previous illness, Cftose physical pain and anguish ? Fortunately, he declared, ifc can be said with a great amount of certainty, on the strength of observation and scientific deduction, that, whatever the fear of death—which is merely a physical phenomenon—dsath itself is practical* without pain ; because, in almost every imaginable case, conscious ness ceases before the heart ceases to beat, that is, before death. In order to feel pain, the painful irritation—in the case of gunshot wounds, for instance— wusfc have passed from the spot on the skin to the bruin , and it has been proved that, if th« wound is fatal, the action of th* bullet is more rapid than the njefiiage to the brain announcing it; consequently, such death it painless. It has baen f requf n' ly observed on the battle field that blood was running for some time before pain* was felt; or that the wounded man dropped down with out knowing at first why. Death by burning, perhaps the moat horrible of all its forms, is rendered painless at an tarly stage by suffocation ; which also alleviates the pain of many who die from disease, the shortness of breath and the yearning for air, though pain ful enough, being relieved by suffocation at the moment of death. In cases of acute feverish disease*, the poisonous action of bacteria works so depressingly on the nervous system that, with full consciousness to the last moment, apathy sets in, rendering it a matter of indifference to the patient whether he dies or not, That ia to say, the derire of life gradually sinks to vanishing point, and death is physically and physiologically painless.

Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day will be found news in brief, and on the fourth page the initial columns of a story.

A Convent for Oamaru.—The foundation stone of large convent) buildings at Oamaru was laid by Bishop Verdon on Sunday, in the presence of a large numbtr of people.

Tmb Railways.— The Fost hints that certain important changes in the conduct of the railway service of the colony are contem plated by the Government which will necessitate the creation of new offices, and be the means of advancing some of the senior officers of the service.

A Wise Precaution—Mrs Steyn, the wife of the President of the Orange Free State, has been in Scotland since last sum mer. It is said that her husband put his private fortune into the keeping of a London bank before the war broke out.

Interesting Trophies.—A Canterbury lady has received from her brother, serving in South Africa, some trophies in the shape of ostrich feather tips, a Dutch prayer book and catechism, a lover's letter to hia best gitl, and a dooument, apparently marriage lines, as well as a half sovereign with two holes in it, which was sewn on to a Dutch man's pair of trousers for a brace button.

They Will Get Butter.—According to an Auckland telegrnm, aertral accidents occurred in the football match, Waittkauri v. Paeroa, on Saturday. Five of the Paeroa players were injured. One received an injury to his leg, another had his forehead cut) open, another a couple of ribs fractured, a fourth had hia nose broken, and a fifth was rendered unconscious for some time by a blow on the head.

Ovr Responsibility.—At the Baring Fquare Church, on Sunday morning, Rev. Thos. Fee read, with visible emotion, Rev. J. J. Doke's references to the Indian Famine, which appeared in our columns last Satur day. Mr Fee urged his congregation to giva the subject serious consideration. Some snemberß of the ohurch had decided to con tribute a given turn per week until the dis tress oame to an end, and he trusted the number of such would be increased. The offertory taken up a fortnight since was praiseworthy, but the responsibilities to assist suffering humanity in India would not cease until the famine came to an end. Mr Fee referred to the subject also at the even ing seivioe.

Paper Money at Marking—The Mafe king correspondent ot the Cape Times, writ ing on April 4, says:—" I reported a month back that silver being scarce had been sup plemented by the issue of one, two, and three shilling notes. The natives are now hoarding gold, so that it has become neces srry to issue tea shilling notes printed by letterpress in green, Colonel Drew prepared (he block, and Mr Rlesle, host of the Mafe king Hotel, engraved it. One pound notes have been produced by photography from a sketch by the Oolonel. Silver photo paper being scarce, Captain Greener, Chief Pay master to the Garrison, prepared ferro prussiate paper. Therefore these notes have «, blue tint, but the effect is good* By the aamo method we have also produced three penny postal stamps, with the head of Colonel Badeu-Powell in the centre. Men tioning thia reminds m« that) an enterprising philatelist gob an application through to the postmaster for the supply of the surcharged tampi »• bftre bwo Hiicg,"

A Pai bcjl Accident—A peculiar and painful accident happened lately to the youngest child of Mr Ryan, of Waihao. She somehow managed to get her hair caught in the wheels of a chaffoutter, and was whirled round. A part of her hair was torn out, her ear wa« tlit, and her collarbone broken.— Meriting Fost.

Indian Famine Fund—At the Baptist Sunday School yesterday, the scholars donated 21s to the Imiian Famine Fund ; the Young People's Class donated 241. A strong appeal to the congregation waa made, morning und evening, by the pastor, Key. W. Lamb, who read the letter which ap peared in Saturday's Guardian, and urged ln» congregation to give towards tha fund to the utmost of their Ability

Pbesektation for Mb Pilkinoton.—ln oon&ection with tho retirement of Mr B. Pilkington, atationmaster at Christchurch, a representative meeting of railway employees was held! at the Christohuroh station on Sunday morning, for the purpose of taking steps to suitably thow their Appreciation of Mr Pilkingtou's past services. Ib waß de cided that a suitable mtmento be presented to him, and a strong committee waa formed to oanvass the various departments with a view of making the presentation a thorough ■uooeis.

A Pkesbnt Fob Genhbal White -—The women of the Bailor district, says the Wat Coast Tiviis t purpose making a presentation of a white oasket to Sir George White, the defender of Ladysmith. It it described as boing a beautiful piece of work, reflecting the highest credit ou the designer. The casket, whioh ia of silver, with % handsome solid gold horseshoe en the top, and a green stonfl shamrock set in the midst, is very chaste, and bears the following inscription on the face:—" Presented to Sir George Stewart White, G C.8., G.H.C.I, G.O 10 , V C, by 650 women in the Bailer district, New Zealand, as a memento of your gallant defence of Leidysmith, during th« Trautvaal War.—Westport, Maroh Ist, 1900." On the reverse side there is a neatly engraved " Row, Shamrock and Thistle placed be tween' fanoy gold pillarc. The inside ia lined with red plush. The horseshoe ia made of Waimangaroa gold.

SPRINGBURN.

(From Oar Own Correspondent.)

BELIEF 07 MAFEKING

Springburn in common with other parts of New Zealand waa jubilant at the news of the relief of Mafeking. Although we have had no experience of war, many not even had the privilege of seeing a soldier dressed ia kharki, yet at the came time we can imagine what anxiety and privations that gallant little band under Baden-Powell must have endured while tuocessfully keeping the Union Jack flying overhead for seven months against such overwhelming odds. We are not connected with Aahburton by means of the telegraph, and had it not been that some of the residents had come from town that morning, by road, and brought tho j >yful news with them, we would not have known anything about the relief until the arrival of the Athburton Guardian in the evening. However, word soon spread, and the feelings of the residents were shown in many ways ; £Lga were flying from houses, tree-tops and the j-ost offices at Spricgburn and Staveley ; the shrieks of engine whistles were heard during tho afternoon ; at night a number of the youths met at the Staveley store with doubk-btrrelied breechloaders, and fired off cartridges for upwards of an hour ; and last, but not leaet, was heard the " coek-a-doodling " of Driver Mclntyre as the evening train approached. The chair man of the school committee granted a half holiday in celebration of the joyful event, and on Wednesday morning before breaking up, the scholars sang the " National Anthem" and " Soldiers of the Qieen," and gave three rousing good cheers for Biden-Powell and his garrison.

WINTER.

The month of May is usually very mild at, or near, the hills* This year it openad wiih almost spring weather, but as the days crepb on, the weather changed. For up wards of a fortnight wo had almost cor tirmous rainy days or nighte, accompanied* at intervals with sleet and snow, until at last the ranges are covered with a deep coating, and are now likely to remain so for the rest of the season. These last few days have given ub a few hourß of warm sunshine, and very severe frosly nights Feed, bo far, has b en fairly plentiful, and stock are in good condition, and no matter if the winter ia a litfc'e long and revere, they will pull through without any difficulty.

AMUSEMENTS

Our football club is now in a very pros perous condition, thanks to tho able manage ment of the committee. The members are quickly getting into good form, and in their matches against Ashburton and Glentunnel on Saturday next aud the following, they ahould g'vs a good account of themselvesl, Judging by their present form, they should just about come off victorious. Much interest centres in the Glentunnel ma'en, which is an annual aff*ir, for last year Springburn beat them (the pick of four clubß) by eight points to nil, and that on their own ground, A dancing class is held in She Staveley Hall every Friday evening, and is well patronised. The management is all that can be desired, as the committee spare no pains in teaching the beginners how to "waltz"

Much attention is now paid to the shoot* ing of hares in this district, more especially now that the game is very remunerative. Hares are very thiok, and some " sbooterß " claim that they can net seven to nine shilliegs a day This appears " too true," but) if so, io certainly pays better than hard work.

A TJJRY POPULAR WEDDING,

Last Wednesday there was celebrated in the Staveley Hall, one of the prettiest and most popular weddings ever held in the district. Long before the appointed time, the hall and every available space was crowded. The ceremony was performed by the Rsv. Hi ¥9 chase of Mount Somers, and the oontrae'ing parties were Miss Charlotte Elizabeth Hitchell, daughter of Mr W Hit ohell of Springburn, and formerly of Glen tnnnel, and Mr George MoFarlane, son of Mr Andrew McFarlane of Alford Forest. Both families are well known, and vary highly respected throughout the ABhburton county. Miss Linnie Hitchell, sister of the bride, acted as bridesmaid, and Mr George Sandrey of Ohristchurch, as beet man. The bride looked charming in a well fitting oos tume of cream silk, prettily tucked and edged with a deep cream fringe of silk, and orange sprays together with the orthodox veil and bouquet. She also wore a pearl and topaz brooch the gift of the bridegroom. The travelling dress was a handsome blue costume, trimmed with light blue silk, with large fancy gilt edged buttons, and toque to match. The bridesmaid's dress was a very pretty costume of silk striped material, trimmed with narrow cream baby ribbon and lace j a becoming hat trimmed with chiffon and ribbon to match. She also wore a gold band initialled ring, the gift of the bridegroom After the ceremony the party drove to Te Mahanga, the residence of the bride's parents, where about cwo hundred and fifty sat down to a most invit ing breakfast. Here the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given as well as those customary on such a festive occasion. In the drawing room were quit* a number of beautiful, useful and costly presents from friends far and near, Among them was a beautifully bound volume of "Church Praise," presented by the members of the Springbum Presbyterian Cburoh Committee in recognition of her services, as organist in the Church. The bridal party and guests were photographed on the lawn by Mr Mitchell of Ashburton.

THE LATEST. Home and Foreign.

United Press Association—By Elootrio Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka May 28, 920 a.m* This Office 952 a m)

Appalling Accident at British Guiana. London, May 27 A terrible catastrophe occurred at Britiih Guiana. A steamer was swept over the Snmatumas cataract and everjbody wai drowatd,

THE PROPOSED BACON CURING FACTORY

The ar-journed meeting of those interested in the establishment of a bacon curing faotory at the F.iirr]eld Freezing Works, was held in tho rooms of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Arcade, on Saturday afternoon. There was again a good attendance. Mr G W. Leadley, chairman of the oommittee, presided, and reported on behalf of the com mittee appointed to inter view Mr Waymoufch, that they had placed before him, the wishes of the farmers on the subject. The interview had, however, been a hurried one, as Mr Way mouth had to go to Danedin, and noihing dsfinue wan arrived at. lie had] assured the chairman, however, the Freeing Company would do its best to meet the farmers in the matter of starting the factory, provided there was a guarantee given as to the number of pigs to bo available each season, to allow of the Company ereo'ing a building in proportion to tho requirements. Mr Waymouth hud also promised to meet the farmers at Ashbnrton on Tuesday next. Mr W. Harding spoke to tho same effect. Judging by the statements made by Mr Waymouth he (Mr Harding) thought there would be no difficulty in getting the company to make the neceanary provision. The Chairman said the Company would meet the farmers and provide all th« necessary facilities for the factory, buis they must have positive assurances of support. Mr D. Thomas urged that the pressing necessity was to make provision for the piga now in hand rea'ly for killing. There might be a substantial rise in the price next year, and then the farmers who gave guarantees thi« year might be put in a false position. There were a great m%ny farmers who had pigs fab now and had to keep on feeding them owing to there being no market, and this was a very serious lots. Could not arrangements be at once made to send those pigi to Belfast to be cured and held for a rise? If the farmers who now had fat pigs had to sacrifice them ib would be a very serious loss to the owners, and possibly nexb year the price would be up. He thought they might make arrangements for these pigs going to Belfast this year, while the committee got guarantees for next year.

Mr T. M. Jonts said the Company was not curing at Belfast now, and had made use of the buildings for enlarging the freezing works.

Mr Thomas asked why the Company was not curing at Belfast now.

Mr J. Malcolmaon said 16 was because the farmers would not support the works. It was no use asking the Company to pub up a building and provide all the facilities and then have it* left on their hands. The Company had to study"fche interests of the shareholders and wanted something for them. Mr Waymouth would be passing through Ashburton by express from Dunedin that (Saturday) night, and a committee could see him, give him a!i the information they had, and state their requirements, whsn he would lay ib before the directors and be prepared to give a definite answer next Saturday if required. (Hear hear.) Mr Harding said a very partial canvass in a limited area had resulted in 1260 pigs being guaranteed.

Mr Thomas said he was satisfied they would be safe in saying 5000 pigs annually. The trouble was that if the price went up outside the farmers wcuM not pupport their own factory by sending pigs,to it. Seyeral ut those present concurred.

Mr Lead ley said that if the farmer* looked at the matter in that light they were not taking a fair and broad view at ail. The pig growers represented only a small number of shareholders in the Company, and it was not right or reasonable that they should ask the Company to put up buildings to cure their b»oon, and then, if Homebody outshi* offnred them 6d per head more for pigs, they should take it. lie w.v, however, satisfied the factory would be supported.

Mr 0. Raid said he took ib the guarantee! were for the future; it was rather late for tbU year. If the Belfast people would cure all the pigs ready for markeb at the present time it wouM gist over the difficulty. It was only reasonable that farmers should guarantee a certain number of pig* would be sent. He was sati fisd if farmers did this and had the factory established in this district they would do away with much of tho present fluctuation in the pig market and would have a sort of guarantee for securing 3^d to 4d per 1b for their pigs, The lamb market was now prebby welt assured, thanks to the fre> zing works, at 10s or over, [Mr Thomag—"A good deal over"] and something like that would be the reuu'fc of establishing the bacon factory.

Mr Harding said the principal he had been canvassing on was for the future. The people who had given him lists had quoted their lowest. If given tome inducement they would double their figures. He had obtained guarantees for 450 pigs j'lat before he came into the meeting, and the district had not been half canvassed.

Mr 8. Brown supported the guarantee to the Freezing Company. Farmers had had to sell as low as 2d per Ib, but the factory would overcome that difficulty, Mr Moies urged that Mr Lewis, who had won an excellent name as a bacon ourer, should be given charge at the works, and allowed to sell for the farmers.

Mr Leadley said his experience of the Belfast factory was entirely satisfactory. He had sent his pi#s there, they were cured and the Company had held till the market was suitable, and had then secured him a satisfactory figure. He was satiified far mers would get fair and honest treatment. He mentioned this as a set off against some statements made outside.

' Mr T Rollitt was satisfied they could get a satisfactory number of pigs guaranteed. The distriot should be thoroughly canvassed. He supported the guarantee. Mr Harding said Mr Waymouth had stated, if a guarantee of about 200 per week were obtained, the Company would erect a building in proportion to the judgment of the Committee, as to what might come in,

Mr Maloolmson said, the Company wanted a three years guarantee, so that if the pig trade fell off, they could use the building for othtr purposes. It was mentioned that Mr J. Grigg had about 20,00 pigs per year to dispose of. He would support the factory, and do his best for it, but was quite satisfied the Company would require a guarantee. On the motion of Mr Thomas, Messrs Doherty, Brown, Leadley, Harding, and Reid were appointed a Committee to inter view Mr Waymoubh, as he passed through by the express that evening, and to make special enquiry, as to dealing with the pre sent supply. It was also decided to hold a meeting at the saleyi»rds on Tuesday next at 2 p.m., and a farther meeting in the Agricultural and Pastoral Association rooms, on Saturday next at 3 p.m., to hear the final decision of the Company. On the arrival of the express the oomtnit tee interviewed Mr Waymouth at the rail way station.

Mr Leadley detailed what had been done at the meeting in the afternoon, and handed to Mr Waymouth the list of guarantees, showing practically 2COO pigs. He also stated that 5000 per year might safely be taken as an estimate.

Mr Waymouth asked what was wanted ; did the farmers want the Company to erect the building, supply hot and oold water and air, or just supply thn building and lease it to the farmers ?

Mr Leadley said the meeting had not been very clear oa that point, they would have to consider the matter.

Mr Waymouth pointed out the curing treason lasted for practically six months The 5000 pigs represented say, 200 per week for that time,

Mr Leadley asked what prospect was there for dealing with the pigs now ready for killing; could the Belfast works take them ?

Mr Waymouth said the Belfast works oould not touoh them ; the buildings erected there had been used to increase the ! freezing apace, there were no convenience* there now. He advised the deputation to try aad arrange with tha Farmers Co-Op tative Association which was curing at present. Mr Waymouth further said, Mr Glass, the Freezing Company's engineer had all the plans and specifications of the Belfssfe building at Belfast. He (Mr Waymoutb), was going there on Monday, would get those plans aad all particulars, and would meet the committee at the Ashburton yards on Tuesday, (to-morrow) when he would be in a position to give them some facts and figures. He would no doubt be abla to give them the Company's decision by Saturday next. The deputation thanked Mr Waymouth, who continued bit journey by the express. I

The Plague.

PROSPECTS IMPROVING IN SIDNEY

THE RECORD TO DATE.

United Press Association—By Kleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. Sydney, May 27 The plague record to Saturday ie 248 cases, 89 deaths, 76 discharged Seven cases recovered. Last week there were six death*.

A fresh case is reported, Henry Brown, of Wooliahra.

Brisbane, May 26

The fresh cases are Victor Ondegar, lumper, at Cairns, and' Martin Trei sider, of Rockhampt.on.

Cairo, May 26 The plague has broken out here.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Talegrvph. —Copyright. London, May 25

Sir William White, Director of Naval Construction Department, has resigned owing to ill-health and critic ism of his work.

Speaking in the House of Commons with regard to the petition, Mr Cham berlain said in view of the gradual enlargement of representation a* pro vided in the new Redistribution of Seats Act, he saw no reason to justify Imperial intervention.

TJie Appeal Court reversed the decision of Justice Sir William Grant ham, in the case Francis Times versus Oarr, in which the plaintif applied for compensation for the seizure, at Mus cat, of a consignment of arms manu factured at Birmingham, and alleged to be intended for a Persian Gulf port, whence they were to be taken across the country to the Afridia, who were then in revolt The owner of the arms thus obtains compensation for the seizure.

May 26

Lieut. R, F Scott, of the battleship Majestic, has been appointed to com mand the Antarctic expedition inaugu rated by the Hoyal Society and the Royal Geographical Society. Paris, May 26

An officer of the Frtnch army, hav ing communicated to a politician the contents of certain War Office docu ments relating to Dreyfus, with the obj 4ct of re-opening tho case, defended hie action on the ground that it was a political matter. General de Gallefet, Minister for War, dismissed the.oilcer, and characterised his offence as a crime, Niw York, May 26

The men who dynamited a lock on the Welland canal were found guilty and were sentenced to imprisonment for life*

Hongkong, May 27 The Powers have represented to the Tsung H Yamen the necessity for sup pressing the bands of rebels locally knowa as " Boxers " who for a con siderable tima have raided and ter ro'i&ed portions of north-eastern China.

Melbourne, May 26

A man named Radcliffe, was assist ins; a Customs officer to gauge spirits in a vineyard at Ararat. The spirits took fire, and enveloped Radcliffe, whoso eyes were destroyed, and he was otherwise horribly burufc. Bis case is hopeless.

Launceston, May 2%

The nature of the disease aboard the Wakatipu has not been definitely deter mined yen.

Sydney, May 27 Mr Warren hae informed the New South Wales and Victorian Postmas tars-General that the Eastern Exten sion Oable Company and the Govern ments which have already signed the Oape cable agreement, after careful consideration, cannot see their way to cencede the amendments asked by Messrs Orick and Watt.

AUSTRALIAN FEDERA TION

THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

United Preia Aisooiation—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Loxbon, May 25 Sir Fowell-Buxton, late Governor of South Australia, in a letter to the Times, warmly defends Ohief Justice Way against Mr Kingston's charges that he was influenced by base sordid motives in his action against the appeal clause, in the Federal Bill. Mblbourmi, May 27 The Premier disagrees with Mr Lyne's opinion that the Federal elec tions cannot possibly be held before February next-. He thinks they can be held about November,

COMBINED CELEBRATIONS IN SYDNEY.

United Presi Association—By Eleatric Telegraph—Copyright)

Sydney, May 24 The rain ceased this morning, and the weather was glorious for the post poned combined Mafeking day and Queen's Birthday celebrations. The streets were packed night and day, and there was a repetition of the previous Saturday's outburst of enthusiasm.

A review: was held at the barracks. The massed bands played a patriotic programme. In Queen's square and the barracks imnienae crowds cheered the Queen and Baden-Powell. The bands subsequently paraded the streets. Great enthusiasm was shown, and there was. a lavish display of bunting in the city and harbour. The national colours wer« universally worn. At night the Queen's square, Post Office, Town Hall, banks, newspaper offices, and numbers of business places were brilliantly illuminated, tome designs of Biden-Powell and Mafeking being much in evidence, and being most effective. .

News in Brief.

Mr D. Thomas will sell in tbe Aroade under bill of sale, on Saturday, horses, har ness, and farm|implements.

I Id our advertising columns will be found 1 particulars of a clearing tale of musical instruments, about) to be held by the Dresden Piano Company through taeir representative Mr William Stevenson, at Mr Henry Stephenaoß'a Auction Booms. The Company are determined to clear the stock of pianos and organs to make room for fresh shipments, and are satisfied they will have no difficulty in doing so, at the prices and terms they are i offering. An opportunity is now offered to families, of securing a piano or organ at a I low rate, i

TRANSVAAL WAR.

The British Across the Vaal

Itetreat of the Boers

Free Staters Abandon Strong

Position

Splendid Marching: By British Troops

I Laurel Wreath for Baden- Powell

United Pre»n A» B ooiHOion~By Eieottio Telegraph—Copyright

London, May 25 Enteric fever is raging at Vryburgi and many deaths hare occurred. May 26 The retreating Boer forcm have retired beyond the Vaal.

Twelve hundred Free Staters at the Rhenoster river deserted their defences, which extended for eleven miles, covered by thirty guns. It is officially stated that Lord Roberta's vanguard crossed the Vaal near Parys on Thursday, the Bo«rs retreating.

General lan Hamilton has reached Boschbank, near Hindliqae'a Drift. The British ecouta are at Viijoen's Drift.

The British troops »re marching wonderfully. General Hunter's force covered forty-fire miles in thirty-four hours, and the Highland Brigade did thirty-eight miles in eighteen hours.

General Snyman ia entrenching his force at Bultfontein, ten miles east of Maf eking.

Botha disbanded the Italian com mando for insubordination.

Colonel Bethune attributes the dis aster to Captain Goff attacking an entrenched commando without rein forcements.

A servant accidentally shot Lieut, Roberts, nephew of Lord Roberts. The shot ir.f icted a severe wound in the kn«9. The lieutenant was at the Modder river at the time. '<

Eleven thousand troops embark for Sooth Africa in Juno.

Thirty thousand veterans applied for enrolment in the Royal Reserve Bat talion.

Portugal has removed the embargo up«n foodstuffs for the Transvaal. Colonel Tnnbridge, a Qaeonslander, commands the second regiment of the bunhmen at Marandellae, comprising Queenslandors, Tasmanians, and South Australian!?.

Beokbn Hill, May 27 The Mafeking Relief Com nit tee have decided to present Major General Baden-Powell with a laural wreath, made of silver raised on the Barrier.

The Boers Entrenching at Majub a

Schreiner and the War Memorial.

Free Staters Surrendering or Going Back to Their Farms.

(Received Wakaponka May 28, 9.20 am, This Office 952 am) London, May 27 The Boers are fortifying a Bemi« circle from Majuba to Pongwana. Six guns are visible. There are indica tions that General Buller is advancing with a view to turning the Boer position at Laing's Nek via the Buffalo river. ■ v ■ Scbreiner opposes the proposal to build a hall to perpetuate the names of the heroes who fall in the war, and predicts the nation will eventually deplore the war as neither necessary or ' inevitable.

Louis Koch, a Fres State magistrate, surrendered to the British. He in formed General Buller that ail the Harrlsmith and Vrede burghers have returned to their farms.

Martial law has been proclaimed in Rhodesia.

Durban, May 27 William Begbie, arrested on sas picion of oaasing the explosion at Johannesburg, and charged with at tempted murder has been acquitted. Beiiia-SI, May 28 The Premier received a cable from Major-General Baden-Powell, announc ing the relief of Maf eking. He says: " I am most grateful for the invaluable assistance of the Queenslanders under Captain Kelly, who made a record march through Rhodesia to help us."

Another Death from Fever.

Auckland, May 28 Sir Alfred Milner, oabled the Governor that Sergeant J A. Brook died of enteric fever at Blaemfontein on May 25. [The late Sergfc Brook wu, previous to joining the First Gontinqenfa, a member of the Hawera Mounted Riflas.]

TIE ASHBURTOtf (SrUAeBlAm MONDAY, MAY 28 VM



ii & ««' ji o UJ ft •* '5 *" 8: *-\ ■^ w \ A & HH r 3 ■ : £g © f") EH J • , H W"" 1 " s|g Ph <© 00*0122 New Zealand CLOTHING FAOTORY WHY get wet when Sis will buy yon a WATERPROOF 00AT1 We Are thowing & large Stock of Coats, »ll our own make and guaranteed thoroughly Waterproof. We also have the latest shape Double Breasted Chesterfield Waterproofs, and if there i» aothiug to iuit you we will take your order and make you one. 150 Patterns to Choose From Tweed Overcoats and Capes from 19s 6d. WILL KBKP YOU WARM & DRY. Covert Coata in Fawn and Black. Good value. Now is th« time for warm Under clothing. Skß Cra Stock. The Labgfst] in Town RIBBED L.W. PANTB from 2s 114 Notwithstanding the advance in Wools fr« are Belling at the sama prices at laac Season having bought before the rice* OLOTHING FACTORY. ft H. BEOKIJSGSALB, Manager] MRS JOHNSTON ffiBAOHBR of the Pianoforte and Hinging. H'»ve!ock Street. J. WILSON, BIHNETT STREET. T HAVE jnST TO HAND a very large variety of MIXED PAINTS | Very Suitable for Painting Drays, Traps, | Kitchens, Interior and Exterior of Houses, Bso. A. AGEft ARCHITECT. ABOADK CHAMBERS, ASHBURTOK. Tt you want a NEW HOUSE, or Altera fcionß, or Newest Style of Decorations, 00N8ULT MR AGER Call and see tba NJsiW FIBROSE BLIND, Imitation of Venetian, ab half the price. 5 191 TO LET SEAFIELD ROAD. A VERY Convenient AcoommodafcJon Paddock, containing seven acres, laid down in grass, g. FERBIMAN. S^HaKAEMAN BROS, h»ve large stock Loasby's Wahoo, Benjamin Gum, Koolibab, and Cinnamoß Cure. _ E™ *~S7 KNIGHT are buyers of al • kinds of Second hand Goods. Adi oihlsg Mbs Knight's Boardinghouse- EMHTYOrntes for Sale Baita'ale foe Sheep Feeding. 0% is 6d each FIKtOHMt Bbos^i C*Bh gapply Store. N~~ O SOONER does an article of genuine merit meet with popular favour and approval than «P spring* » tnolbitude of ■purious imitations, •• PiTIALts" set) to oatoh the anwary. Hondai Lahka Tba moat be on packet and box to ensure the Genuine, Unadulterated ABTICtB; sold by gcooere every wbayai __ ltmnam rrr " "Smoke New~Venni "j



Wm. Strange { "iSgZf* } Thos. Cowrdri. A TRIP TO TOWN Is not always PEACTIOABLE. Consequently, MANY LADIES residing in Ashburton and District iind it IMPOSSIBLE to visit the Establishment of STRANGE & CO. as OFTEN as they could DESIRE. Their annoyance is natural enough. EXPERIENCE has taught them that the big City Establishments, SUCH AS OURS, offer them THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, and the WIDEST CHOICE OF GOODS. But such Ladies can always SHOP WITH US BY POST, as HUNDREDS already do, because they know we are LARGE BUYERS, LARGE IMPORTERS, LARGE MANUFACTURERS. It is also pretty generally known now that WE BUY EVERYTHING FOR READY MONEY, and that we have a LONDON HOUSE which keeps us supplied all the year round, not merely with plain, every-day goods, such as are in constant demand, but with The Latest London and Continental Novelties in Mantles, Costumes, Millinery, Corsets, Gloves, Dresses, Dress Goods, Under wear, Children's Goods, &c. AjmJ Our Dressmaking Department clsely resembles a West-End of London Establishment. Our new French Dressmaker, MADAME BOUTEAUD, is acknowledged to be a TRUE ARTISTE. Her creations are tlve theme of GENERAL ADMIRATION; while our Miss Mazby (in charge of our second room) continues to give the utmost satisfaction to her numerous patrons. As Bespoke Tailors, sv-e have acquired a HIGH REPUTATION. We make Stylishly-cut Suit (splendid workmanship and material) from .£3 3s. Those who prefer Ready-made Clothing will find our famous "ORIENT" BRAND CLOTHING (in all sizes), the NEAREST APPROACH to MADE-TO-ORDER GOODS in the Market— and at about HALF THE PRICE. Furniture we Supply Direct from our Factory to the People at Factory Prices. We also have a BEDDING- FACTORY (for supply of pure, sweet bedding), a WIBE MATTRESS FACTORY, and a BLIND PACTOBY (under the charge of those famous Blind-Experts, Messrs. GEE). COUNTRY RESIDENTS, If you CAN'T come to town to see us, you can always « t * Shop with us by Post. State your requirements PLAINLY in writing, ENCLOSE REMITTANCE, and your order shall be filled as PROMPTLY and SATISFACTORILY as though you had delivered it in person. POST FREE ON APPLICATION. Estimates for House-Furnishing, Blind-Making, Bedding, Wire Mattresses, &c, Patterns of our LOVELY NEW WINTER DRESS MATERIALS, and our NEW SEASON'S SUITINGS, TROUSERINGS, OVERCOAT INGS, &c. (together with full directions for self-measurement), Post-Frbe on application to GHR/STCHURGH. a. M. JONES. , H. M. JONES. STATIONERY BOOKS. ACCOUNT BOOKS. QKA f\f\f\ ENVELOPES, imported direct. Commercial Envelopes £O\J >. \J\J v f f rom 3 8 6d per 1000; 5000 at 3s per 1000. ' Boxed StaJonery, latest stylee, from 6d, 9d, Is, ls|6d, 2s box, PIANOS ORGANS. The Best Valae obtainable in the Colony for cash or on terma. Organs from ICa per month ; Pianos from 203 per month. One payment only required at time of purchase. MUBIO, LATEST SONGS, & PIECES. BICYCLES. BICYCLES.| A thoroughly well bmlt, strong well finished, up-to-date Lady's or Gentlemen's Machine, guaranteed, for £14 10s, for one Month Only. j H. M. To NES, I LAMPS, LAMPS. LAMPS. New Designs. New Burners. "T\7E have just opened op the finest and moat bcauUfnl aseoiiment of TABLE LAMPS ever offered to the Public of Aehburton, and invite Inspection. These are all genmne English Goods, selected by our Mr Ooliins when in London, and are not only splendid value, bnt are of chaste design and ooiours, and are ornaments in themselves. We have also a line of OIL STOVES, all sizes, Including the celebrated VERITAS Lamp, which is not only a splendid heating Stove, but is the best embellisher Oil Stove ever imported into the colony } also, the INFERNO Oil Stove, which will boil your ketfcle with lightning speed.' This ia the most effective Oil Stove ever evented, and will consume less oillfchan any othtr Stove placed on the Market. Come iffid see oar new designs for 1900, W. H. COLLINS & CO., REMOVED TO MITCHELL & TURNER'S OLDJTKEMISES, TANORKD STREET^



04T£S, LOWBY m CO. FOB Gas Lamps, 15s Each. , Shipment of Bells and Carbide Just to Hand. OATES, LOWiiY AND CO, Burnett Street.



ANNUAL HORSE SALE. ♦ Clydesdales. Meiisrs Wright, Stephenicn and Co. re* port as follows '—This important fixture, held under the autpiaaa of the Otago Agri« cultural and Pastoral Association, in oon section with its winter show, commenced to-day (Friday), when, m customary on the first day, only Clydesdale mares and geld ings, colts, and fillies were offered. The attendance was a record one. Oar large saleyard was crowded from end to end, buyers being present in great numbers from Canterbury, North and Central Otago, Clutha, and all parts of Southland. Th« number of horses forward, too, far exceeded the entries at any of these annual sales, and the quality generally was good—in some oases bordering on nrst-olass. The leading breeders on the Taieri Plain, famous as the home of the Clydesdale in Ocago, were well represented by the following, viz:—Meesrs Robert Charters (Ury Park), John Nimmo (The Grange), Samuel Yonnj (Allanton), Webster and Oallandar (Oohtertyre), James Gow (Invermay), Mrs James Brown, and others; whilst other districts were repr«> sented by Mrs K. B. Ferguson (Waitati), J. and W. Diaok (Tumai), Alex Bannabyoe (Matsnaka), Alex Kilgour (Goodwood), Robt Stayen (Tumai), etc., etci The *ale itself was a complete success, as may be judged from the fact that of the 118 horses booked no less than 91 changed hands at highly satisfactory prices* la mares Messrs [Webster and Callander easily topped the market with their fine rising three-yesr-oid bay filly by the Eldenlie stud horn Crowa Prince at £68, at which price the passed int the hands of one of the new settlers on the Barnego Estate, Mr Thomas Gifford, late of Macraes. Next in value came Mr Samuel Young's five-yearold bay mare by Kins a' the Clan's, purchased by Mr William Gar diner, of Papakaio, at £60. Following Mr Young's mare oame Mr X B Ferguson's handsome mare Blossom, four years, by Graigievar, sold to Mr Geo. Rhodes at £51 10i. Three rising three year-old fillies, by Wallace, King of Quality, and Lord Lyon respectively, changed hands at £50 apiece; and a large number of good term mares Were disposed of at from £40 to £48. In geldings, pride of plaoe was taken bf Mr Robert