Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1900.

We are in receipt of a letter from the Press Association special correspondent with the second con- NEW TO THE tingent, which we BUSINESS. cannot see our way to publish in view of the demands upon our spaco for matter much more interesting to our readers than pages of stuff like the following ;— " The men wear blue trousers and canvas shoes on board." "At meal times the men enjoy tnetn selves." " Bear is given in limited quantities," and so on descriptive of the manners and customs of the second contingent. The only explanation we can find out for the style of letter handed us as a • Press Association specials' is that it has been written by a youDg lady correspondent, as it is

quite of the style of a young lady's journal. Possibly the co-respondent may be of the male persuasion, but if

so he is very new to the business. It is

very certain he has never seen—let

alone heard—a sub-editor when tele-

grams that are useless come to hand.

As the Boers seem to be fond of pick ing up ' specials' it is consoling to think that the Pfesa Association representa tive with the New Zealand second

contingent may have an opportunity of describing the manners and customs

of the Boers Descriptive writing of that kind is evidsntly his forte.

THE ASHBURTON ROUGH RIDERS.

The magnificent; send off given to the Ash burton section of the third Contingent yester day was a eight worth seeing. Indeed it is pretty safa to say that it was a Bight the like of which very few who witnessed it can ever hope to ccc again here. It may ba that some few of the youcger members of the vast crowd assembled in the Oddfellows' Hall and afterwards in the streets of Ashburton, may a£ some future period of their lives behold scenes equally in«piriDg to the descendants of the cocquerora of India. But never again is it likely that such strong enthusiasm will be shown on the departure of New Z^alanden to war, as was dbplayed In bidding farewell to our own brave lads who left us yo3terday for the front, It was a very happy thought of those gentlemen *ho with His Worship conceived the idea of specially sending off our own section of the Contingent with every mirk of good feeling and honour that uould be bestowed upon them. There are many lessons to be learned from this event— which marks a red-letter day in Aahburton history, chief among which is the splendid feeling which not only pervaded the people of this district, and more especially o! this towD, in striving to do equal honor to every momber of the Ashburton section, no nutter whether his relatives were wealthy, or poor and humblo. This treatment will go a locg way to make good comrades of the men— comrades to begin with who will stand to gether as comrades to the end. That is & nobly sentiment, and has prompted some of tbo grandest deeds that have made our soldiers famous in every age and clime. Then again the conciousness that they go forth with the confidence, warm sympathy and keen interest of those they leave behind them will go far to keep them straight in the path that should be followed by every brave British soldier. When they know that we are closely following them and watching every step in their career, they will have a Btiil stronger incentive to dis. tinguish themselves than even their own courage and entbusiastio patriotism has sup plied. We venture to say that the cheering words of His Worship the Mayor, the kindly advice of Mr Harper and the Rev Mr VVood'horpe, and especially the burning words of Mr Buckley will long dwell in the hearts of " Our Boys."

Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will be found reports of the Addington stock market and the annual meeting of the Westport Coal Company,

Personal —The genial stationmaster at Ashburton, Mr J. T. Parsons, is at present away on a welt earned holiday, the first in two years. His duties here are bang taken by Mr Brownell, relieving officer.

The School Excursion—ln consequence of ilie contingent) excursion, the echoois' excursion has been postponed for about a fortnight. The exact date will be advertised, and any tickets already issued will be avail able for the later date,

Ball at Sunnysidk.—The member for Ashburtou yesterday sent the following wire to the Premier ;—" Projected public patriotic ball at Sunnyside Asylum is an outrage on pubic feeling. Hope you will prevent it taking place.—J. McLaciilan "

Master Bakers Association—At a meet ing of the Master Bakers Association last evening at Chrißtchurch, a resolution was carried"that in the opinion of the Master Bakers of Canterbury, the proposed union of the various New Zealand mills, would be to the advantage both of the millers and bakers.

A Famous Lecturer.—-The Rev. Charles Clark, the popular lecturer is on his way to New Zealand for a farewell tour of tbia colony. He broke his journey at Melbourne and preached in b lie Town Hall there, ia aid of the Patriotic Fund. The collection amounted to £67 10a. Mr Olark arrived ab Dunedin by the Monowai. Mr K. 8. Smythe is his manager.

Cable Interruption.— The Cable Com pany is advised of an interruption of the English land linen, owing to very heavy snow storms, in consequence of which there has bsen some delay in the traffic to and from England for the last two days. Thia accounts for the non-receipt of the usual batch of English and South African press messages, as only one wire is working between London and Porthcurnow—landing place of cables from South Africa.

Government Bonuses —The Government is offering a bonus for the discovery and working within the colony of a deposit of marketable mineral manure. If found on crown lands the bonus is £500; if upon private lands £250. A bonus ol fourpence per It) has long been offered for the first 100,000!bs of retorred quicksilver produced in ifaa colony. £1750 ia offered for an im proved fl»x dressing machine and £250 for a process for utilising the waeto products of ( tbebemp,

Thh Public Trustee.—The BBbates of thirty-nine deceased persons were placed ( in the hands of the Pubic Trustee for 1 management during last mouth. ' A Good C'ollioxion—The Pollards can claim a record for the collection following the singing of "The Ahsenl-T)inded beggar." This was fnt np at Christchuroh on Satur day eight, when Mr Pauli's appeal on behalf of the war fund resulted in £28 33 6d being \ raised. A number of ladies of the company I protected the baritone by collecting silver ■ from the dress circle in tambourines. ', Poap Works Destroykd—The Flora soap i works at Peione, were totally destroyed by fire, about cix o'c'ook this morning. It j originated in the upper storey, aud h^d a i firm hod when discovered. Couple of boilers ! wre r»v d, md there was a Email salvage : from the caudle factory work?. The In : Buraroea were :—Rui!dmgß plant and stock, Petone works in United £2600, and in Guardian £2100. Both offioea are largely ■ reinsured.

Borough Improvements—THo work of channelling, kerbing, grading, and otherwise I improving the footpaths of the borough, is | being rapidly pushed nn by the Counoil, A I large number of men are at work under Mr j Blaokler, the Foreman of Works, and already j the appearance of the town is improving ! rapidly. The rain falls alike on the just and ! the unjust, and during the approaching win '■ ter, the opponents of the loan w.ll enjoy clean and dry footpaths equally with those who battled so hard for the carrying out of ; the improvements. | Cherts ky Sports - Great preparations are being made at Chertsey for the annual ' sports on Easter Monday, April 16. The j programme, which will be Issued shortly, has { been revised and will include open horse and j athletic events for substantial stakes. ; Several improvements to the grounds will I materially assist to make the mooting far J and away the best yeb held there. Chertsey | sports have always been noted for their 1 " S°«" a°d the coming meeting will be no j exception. Some friction with regard to backing horses occurred last meeting, but this difficulty has oeen gob over in the in terests of the patrons of the epprts.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Appalling Death Rate.

more Troops for South Africa.

Seventy-Five Thousand More Men

Wanted.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph. —Copyright. London, February 13 The following is r Press correction of the cable re Kimberley's death rate : whitrs 80 and natives 138 per thousand. The infantile death rate is appalling. Two thousand troops sailed from England yesterday.

Canada offers to release the First Leinster Regiment, which is doing garrison duty at Halifax, and to replace it by the local militia

London, Feb. 14 Ten thousand recruits have offered themselves since Christmas.

The correspondent of The Times at Capetown recommends that Great Britain should despatch another 75,000 men

Capetown, February 14

The Boers sent Lord M«thu;n four teen hundred refugees from Windsor ton

The Disaster to the New South Wales Lancers

Received Wakapuak* Feb 14, 10-45 a.m This Office 11.50 a.m) Melbourne, February 14

The disaster to Dowling's force of New South Wales Lancers is believed to have been due to some neglect in taking special precautions when patrol ling in the enemy's country near Slingersfontein. When the Boers, in strong force, made their appearance the Australians attempted to take refuge on the neighbouring hills but found these were also occupied by the enemy, so they tried the effect of retirement in skirmishing order. By all accounts they made a gallant but ineffectual stand, and it is certain they did everything they could. The enemy tired volley after volley, and of twenty two men only six reached the camp.

The Agent-General Cables.

Wellington, February 15 The Agent-General cables that there is nothing fresh from the front.

The Attack on Ladysmith.

Further Particulars*

(Received W»kapaaka Feb. 14,11.10 a.tn This Office 12 50 pm,) Melbouenk, February 14 The following is from the Argus special:— The Boer assault on Lady smith on the 6th January saw the first important break in the monotony of the siege. Daring tbe night a party of about 4500 Boars maie an attack on a picket at Caesar's O*mp Hil! just over the river at the bottom of the town. Oar men were driven back by superior numbers, contesting every inch of the ground. The Boer front extended from Waggon Hill around the fUts on the near side of Oscar's Cam p. Their advance was supported by their big guns on Umbulwana. Fortunately, a squadron of Imperial Light Horse that was handy, relieved the picket by a dashing charge. Oar naval gun and the artillery shelled the enemy beauti fully all along the ridge of Caspar's Oamp and drove them back slowly but surely to where the Gordons were lying in wait. The Highlanders got among them with the bayonet, doing some splendid execution. Maxim and Nordenfeldt guns speedily added to the terrific din. Oar artillery which had been brought into action at a distance of abont 500 yards from the town had a very hot time from the Umbulwana guns, although, fortunately, the casualties were extremely few, Gradu ally the Boers were driven into a somewhat limited space at the Csesar's Camp Hill, and the fighting grew hotter than ever, our artillery being advanced as the enemy retired, and doing good work. Contrary to ex pectations, the enemy contested the ground with the utmast determination and a dogged obstinacy and courage not usually associated with the Boer nature. But despite their most stubborn efforts, thpy had to give ground although they made a capital fight. Towards midday firing slackened all along the line and for a time things were quieter. Our men were so mancpuvred that early in the afternoon the Boers were driven into a piece of donga torn country, whence they could not retire without exposing themselves trem.Qßd.9ply. The Gordons, tbe

Manchester, and the Rile Brigade, which by this time had come iuto action, were waiting at a distance of about 80 yards to receive the enemy with shot or bayonet as circumstances might dictate, while the Dragoons and Husaara were thrown further into the field among the thorn country, ready to swoop down should any attempt at retreat be made. While the Boers ware in this predicament the most terrific rain hailstorm we have had this j season broke over the scene of strife and the position in the dongas must have been anything but enviable To add to the discomfort one of our batteries of artillery had been moved into a position commanding the dongas, and shell after shell was dropped with admirable precision right among them, In addition rain fell so heavy that the actual support of the Umbalwana guns could no longer be given them and th ir plight becama truly pitiable. Having in fehis way cornered the enemy our men kept potting away as fast as opportunity offered, the artillery pounding them with shells at a pace to marvel at. About five o'clock the rain descended co fast that very little fighting was possible, although a scattered and irregular rifle fire was kept up all through the night. At a quarter to six the rain cleared and the fight was renewed with great vigour a'l through the evening until darkness

rendered further firing a matter of random chance. The firing, however, was continued, and our men were etilt awaiting the issue of the enemy from their unhappy position. Unfortunately, our casualties were heavy, although we had comparatively few killed.

Received Wakapuaka Feb. 14, 5 p«tn, This Office 8.54 p m.

Melbourne, February 14

The following are additional par ticulars of the attack on Ladysmith. As darkness fell on Saturday night the Boers retired in a direct line with the neutral camp, rendering it impossible for our men to fire in that direction, so they escaped with fewer casualties than would otherwise have occurred. Our forces remained in possession of the position for which such a determined struggle had been made duriug the fight. The Gordons, under the leader ship of General lan Hamilton, made a couple of eplendid bayonet charges at Waggon Hill, which had a tremendous effect on the enemy. At Caesars Camp a company of the Manchester were outwitted by the enemy through the use of the white flag. A party of Boers climbed to the summit of the hill under a white flag and, of course, our men did not fire. Ho sooner had the crest been gained than the enemy poured in a withering fire, inflicting heavy loss on the Manchester!. The captain of the company and several men were taken prisoners, and remained in that predica ment until Captain Carnegie, with a company of the Gordons, rushed to their rescue and drove the enemy ofi with great loss. The border Mounted Rifles also came in for some swindling, a party of Boers shouting out to them not to fire, as they belonged to the !■ town guard. The border Mounted Rifles unfortunately did not see the mistake until tco late, a rattling | volley be;ng sent among them Oa Sunday morcing the battlefield presen ted a dreary spectacle, although dead Boers were lying shoulder to shoulder with the dead .Englishmen. The dead were being brought into town for burial. The Boers had not yet sent to remove their dead or wounded. One artillerymen who had his left knee blown away and left arm mangled remarked as he was being taken to the hospital that they " had managed to scratch him a bit this time." All the wounded were very cheerful and the majority will pull through all right. On Wagron Hill alone the Boers loss may be estirnatod at 150 killed or severely wounded. The fight a'l through was the most stubborn of the campaign. Fighting" was practically going on with out cessation from one in the morning until eight in the evening. The attack is supposed to have been made by the Boera who retreated before Buller from

Oolenso. (Received Wakapuaka Feb. 15, 9.45 am This Office 9.50 a.m) Melbourne, Febuary 15 Continuing, the Argus special writes

Sir Obat'les Warren started early in the morning to secure Trichardt'a Drift. After a great deal of firing, and progress slow, gradually the British pluck told its tat. The enemy fell bask on another kopje, and then the attack recommenced gallantly when ever the enemy were observed taking up a fresh position. The field batteries poured in showers of shrapnel, and the rapid movements of the guns, fol lowed by accurate shooting, must have distressed the enemy throughout the day. The Boer defence was almost entirely with rifles A few shells from their piece of heavy ordnance fell harmlessly by. Our casualties were 379, there being but few killed, the great preponderance being slight wound?. The Boer loss is unknown, but must have been very high, as their killed and wounded were seen as they were carried away. On Sunday, at 3 p.m , a great battle was proceeding, along the range to the rear of Tabamyana Bill. At 3 a.m, the brigade left their bivouac to the north of Trichardt's Drift, and marched to Three Tree Hill kopje, half way up the high range, alongside the road leading past the north side of Tabam yana, and meeting Potgieter road to Ladyamith „ Later on one other brigade moved on, and in conjunction with half the brigade attacked the Boer lines with batteries of field artillery. Meantime a tremendous bombardment was proceeding in the centre, and on our right; and left. Every inch was stubbornly fought. Our troops gal lantly captured the position and several other ridges, which they still held when darkness fell. This left our fore3B in possession of the commanding kopje, and they took shelter behind the boulders. We fought the enemy with their own tactics. There is a good supply of water amongst the hills, which proved a great luxury.

THE ASHBURTON ROUGH RIDERS.

A Splendid Farewsll to Cur Soys-

When Ashburton is Oiled upon to par- I form a function, ahe is usually credited wit.li | carrying it ouo in ft manner commendable to both town and country, and the carrying out of yeßterday'B proceedings, in connection with the aenil-cff to the Aahbur ton portion of the Rough Riders Contingent, was no exception to the rule. When it was df finitely announced that volunteers from the district had b?en accepted, £Fi« Worship the Mayor, assisted by members of the Patriotic Committee, promptly instituted the initiatory measures for entertaining and fareweling "Our Boys." Mr Porcy Cox, with other enthusiasts, made a somewhat haity canvass of the town and oouotry, and their efforts were so successful that it was at once decided to obtain the permission of Major Joweoy to allow the local members to visit Ashburbon, and give the oicizana an opportunity to bid them farewell in » man ner expressive of the general feeling towards them. The leave was promptly granted by Major Joweey, and it be mentioned here, that this officer has already succeeded in winding golden opinions from the men, who are to be under his command. Most of our boys arrived by the early train, and were at once oarried off by their relatives and friends, to pass the last hour that would be possible in the home circle. The time available for this was all too short, and very soon the boys in Kharki were exchang ing parting words with old associates, and not seldom were they to be seen carefully guarded by fair friends, who for this time at least seemed as if they could not make too much of their absent minded ones, so soon to ba absent in body also. At one o'clock the contingent and their , relatives were in viced by Mr 6. A. M. Buckley to luDc'a, which took place at the Commercial Hotel, and at which a few toasts were pledged in ohampagne, and Mr and Mrs Buckley'* good wishes conveyed to the members The Ashburton Brass Band headed the procession of volunteers from the drillshed, which started at half past two, and at East Street were joined by the large concourse of spectators which had congregated, and all made their way to the Oddfellow's Hall, the

eoene in the streets, the principal buildings in which were decorated with bunting, being both animated and imposing. On arrival as the Oddfellows' Hal', ib was at ODce seen that from the immense crowd of people a record attendance would be presect, and such proved to be the case, fully 700 being in the building. On the stage were seated the " boys in kharki," their arrival being the signal for loud cheering. They occupied the front seats, Lieutenant F. G. Tucker in the centre. The Patriotic Committee and officers of the battalion of local volanteers were next in order, and Volunteers at the back, while prominent citrzens occupied seats near the winge. The Entertainment Committee—His Worship the Mayor (Mr H. Friedlander), and Mesara P. H. Cox, C. W. Purnell, H. Gar ner, H. M. Jones, Wm. Leggett, A. M. Morrisaey, P. Ferriman, and Dr. Hunter had provided a thoroughly patriotic pro gramme of musical items ; while the decora tion of the h*il, which was carried out by Messrs Wm. Leggett, A. M Morrissey, W. Schwartz T. Hanoox, and Ai J» Tyrrell- Baxcer, was very becoming for the occasion. Lines of bunting were led from the centre of the hall to the stage, ani at the back por tion of the stage hung the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes. The table and chair occupied by Hia Worship the Mayor, were neatly decorated with flaga and patriotic emblems, the latter the gift of Mrs EfSe Willis, On the drop-scene of the itage were hung two large placards, printed in national colors and adorned with rosettes, bearing the word 3 ; " Good Luck to Onr !<oys," presented by the proprietor of the Mail aud Guar dian. The orchestra, uuder Mr H. A. Gates, supplied the overture, "Soldiers of the Queen," and it \y*s rendered pleasingly, and was an appropriate opening to the proceed ings. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, aud seated near him were Messrs G. A, M, Buckley, 0. J. Harper, D. Tharrus, D. Oamoron, Rev. A. Woodth-rpe, M A., and J, McLachlan, M.U.R. His Worship apologised for the absence of Messrs E G. Wright and D. Morrow, and read the fol lowing letter from Rev. G, B Inglis:-— Christchureh, Feb. 14, 1900. His Worship the Mayor of Ashburton. Dear Sir,—l regret exceeding'y than an engagement In Christchuroh prevents my beiDg in Ashburton to-diy to bid God-speed to " rut own boys," who ire proceeding to the seat of war in South Africa. I admire as much as anyone their pluck and patriotism in volunteering for the service of the Em pire, and feel sure they will worthily main tain the apiendi 1 reputation already won by New Zaalaudera at the front. I hope they will enrrge unharmed from all the dangers and chances of war, and come home again to toil us their adventures and experiences in the field. It is a distinction to Ashburton that one of our own citizens hat the honor to rank among the officer?, and we will all wish very heartily that the Contingent may never have the misfortune to go without its " Tucker." I am sure that our brave fel lows will do their duty manfully, and show to the world that the men of the Third Con tingent are as daring and resourceful as any who have taken up arms for Queen and country* I would have appreciated the honour of shaking hands with eaoh of the men from Ashburton, and of assuring them that in common with all New Zealand, I shall follow their movements with the deepest interest. May He who holds our lives in His hands protect them in the hour of danger, and bring them safely home again.—Yours very sincerely, — Geo. B. iNGLIS. His Worship would offer the apologies of the Committee for any shortcomings. At first it was understood the Contingent would not leave until the 20th, but the 17bh having been finally decided upon, lefb but a short time for preparations. The Committee had hoped that Thuradiy would have been available for the function, but His Excel lency the Governor having decided to review the Contingent on that day, there was again no alternative but to decide upon that day (Wednesday). He was pleased to see such a large gathering of both town and country people, which was convincing proof that they were prepared to do tbeir duty to Queen and county ; and more, so, when it was remem bered that they had assisted to send twelve of the flower of our youths to fighb for us (Appkuse). As he wished to say a few worcfa later, he would not delay the proceedings, but would call on Sergeant Schwartz to sing j 11 The AbaentrMinded 8.98 gar."

The sergeant was heartily applauded, and repeated the lasb verse. Mr 0. J. Harper, chairman of the County Council, said the last words of that song, " The Absentrmioded Beggar," conveyed more meaning than anything he could say. He represented in a large manner a county which had responded in a most generous maaner to help to equip the contingent), and he tendered them his thanks, That day was no ordinary one in the history of Ash? burton All had met there to take farewell of lads broughb up amongst us, who were going forward to serve Her hlajasty the Queen. (App'ause) Ie was bard for him to say much, as one dear to him was going with them, but he had his duty to pertorm, and had braced himself up to say a few words. Thoae lads were now members of the Im perial service, going forward to fight her battles, and he hoped they would be spared to return to us, and he was sure the welcome on their return would be greater than their farewell that day. They must be brave and do their duty, and above all obey their officers. If they were nob brave lads, they would nob ocoupy the positions they did.

Oa behalf of the people of Asbhurton he implored them never to forget their duty to their country, whether on ship, in camp, or the field of battle, and never to forget to put their trusb in God. He again on behalf of Ashburton bid them farewell, and hoped they would do credit to Canterbury. The thoughts of the people would follow the?r footsteps, ani they would try and put up with their loss. In conclusion he hoped I the Lord would protect; their going out and coming back. Mr Harper, who was visibly affected, then resumed his seat amid applause. i Mr W. Brooking them sang " The British Lion." Mr J. MoLachlan, M.H.R. for the dis. triot, said that only a few minutes were allowed each speaker, and he would be britf,

He concurred with all that Mr Harper had said. Mr Harper had a son &oing, and those par°nts who were sending eons away to gain peace with honour, were undoubtedly giving much to the empire. That day marked an epoch in the history of Ashbur ion. The effective fighting forei of our contingents, too, waj small as oompared with the tff ct on the Dutch eettlers in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. But \ when they saw wa were sending more men and horsea, the moral effect would be very great." He was too old to go, but from a boy was a fighter. Were he physically fit, he would have liked to go. At any rate (hey would assist Great Britain in Beonring peace with the ftoere, and he wished tht-m well, and a speedy return to their native land. (Applaus-.) Mr Kathleen Orr sang "Sons of New Britannia," for -which she was heartily encored, but bowed her acknowledgment. The Rev. Mr Woodthorpasaid he gathered from the attendance an indication of the sentiments that were inflaenc ng the people throughout the empire, cf which we were part. We were at the crisis of our history, on the eve of great changes. We were now at the height of our power. Great Britain'! intentions were universally misrepresented and misunderstood. We were «f one mind that day. Oar feelings were drawn to gether, feelings of loyalty. He referred briefly to the opinion of conquest by Sir John Seely, the eminent historian. W« were fighting under one flag, with one people, one destiny, and one Sovereign. We were fighting for equality of oitissanship and privi lege, and were determined to uphold these ideals. The recent efforts put forth to pre serve the supremacy of the British arms, were the reason of our Bending our young men, and colony after colony were joining to assist in evangelising that great expanse of land. We should follow those lads with our prayers. He was sure they would uphold the honour of their country, and the dignity of the colony, and show what Can terbury could do. As representative of the historical church of centuries, he bid them farewell, and hoped God would be wiin them and blest them. (Applause ) Mr G. A. M. Buckley--wha revived an ovation on rising—said how liule w« knew of coming events bix months ago. We little thought then that Ashburton men would need to fight the battle of our Queen, Some unkind continental critics of our Empire had said we had neglected oar force*, bat while we were increasing our territory, the fact remained we were increasing our forces

too. Events had proved that we could rise and take onr p!aoe~rise in hundreds, or if required, thousands, and even millions— (Applause.) It was pleasing to bo able to give the lie direct to the false sentiments voiced by some newspapers, in New South Wales in particular, that the colonists traded on feeliuge. No such ideas existed. As he looked at the large audience present, what a variety of feelings prompted them to come forward. There were many there wh< se sons were being taken away, but all hener was due to them. The latter were leaving their homes and their friends, and were to miss many comrades' faces, and more especially those to whom they were near and dear. We could not say what events may come to pass in the future. He (the speaker) hardly knew how to address the lads. His heart went out to them. (Applause.) He was sure they would do their duty in battle, and remember those who sent them, and who would so faithfully watch their doings. He counselled them to follow the orders of their officers, and con* eluded by saying that were he an officer, those were the lads he would wish to be associated with, (Laud applause, cheer*, and v He's a Jolly Good Fellow," started by our boys and taken up by the audience right heartily.) His Worship the Mayor said Mr Buokley was truly a jolly good fellow. He had only juab then heard of one of Mr Buckley's last and moßt noble actions, and it would be a very agreeable surprise to all. Mr Buokley had generously gone to the expense of insur ing all the Ashburton Contingent) lad* for £250 each. [Cheers were here called for Mr Buckley by Lieutenant F. G. Tucker, and heartily given.] It would be necessary for each man to state to whom the cum, should any one of them meet with miafortuae, be left. He hoped that contingency would not ari c, but the details would have to be gone through. (Applause.) Mr I£ersal Bang " England will see it Through," and was encored. His Worship the Mayor said there could not be any question now as to the British nation's duty in the present war. We had ail been vicing with eaoh othar, to do our very utmost in this direction. Addressing the members of the Contingent he said :— Ycu my young friends, from among the hun dreds who have given their mite, have choien the nobloet gift men can offer to their Queen and country, and that is yourselves. Eagerly you have responded to the call of duty, your only anxiety having been the fear, that you might be rejected. 1 hat you are all brave men, goes without eayiog, If you were otherwise, and less loyal, you would have thought twice before offering yourselves as targets, to such excellent shots as the Boers are reported to be. You are going to support a good cause, you are going to fight for racial (quality. That you wjfl give a good account of yourselves, everyone in this large audience is confident. Bub let me ask you never to forget, that while the British flag is the herald of might, ib also represents mercy—it is the symbol of meroy. Cherish, therefore, do revengeful feeling. Be magnanimous towards those who are our enemies for the time being. Let me draw your attention , to that beautiful picture, in which at one of the late battles, a Boer had shot several of our men, when a Highhwier at last gob at him with the point of his bayonet, " Kill me, said the Boer, I am satisfied to die, now that I have shot five of your men." But the Highlander spared fail life. That, my friends, I call the greatest vir tue, a soldier can possess. Noble acts like that have helped to make England great. Eollow them, and the Great Protector will be with you. (Applause). His Worship then presented, on behalf of the residents of the Borough of Ashburton, each of the contingent with a purse of sovereigns. Those present to receive iv person were:—Lieutenant F. G. Tucker, Sergeant Walker, Troopers B. H. B Upton, E. Willis, C. Smith, W. H. Lowe, O. Robers. J. Heasley, W. Gill, H. C J: Harper. Trooper O. Lusk was unavoidably absent, and Lieutenant Tucker took charge of his purse, together with those for Troopers A. H. Wilkie and E. Bennetts, who ! are already ab the front. The following additional presentations were made by His Worship :— A pair of field-glasses to Lieu? tenaEt Tucker, from his friends and associ ates in' Aehburfcon, accompanied with an address as follows:—Ashburton, Feb. 14, \ 1900. To Lieutenant F. G. Tucker, NZ. Rough Riders* Dear Sir,—A few of your personal friends in Ashbnrton are desirous of

making you a small present on the eve of your leaving for aptive serrice in Sooth Africa. We, the undersigned, therefore beg you bo acoepti from us the accompanying pair of field-glasses, which we trust will Be of service to you —Yours faithfully—D Grant, W Palmer, J Shearman, H A Flower, C Campbell, A J Muller, J Friedlander, M. Bruce, R Shearman, E Gee, A Field, W Shearman, and R M Onthbertsbn.—Also a pair of field-glasses to Trooper J3. "Willis from the staffs of the Ashburton Mail and Guabdian. Trooper E. Willis was also the recipient of a silver matchbox from Lieu tenant Tucker. Each present was suitably engraved, and all the recipients were heartily applauded. At the conclusion the local "Tommies" tang " Soldfera of the Queen." The following gifts were forwarded for the use of the members:—From Mrs J. Pearson, | Waterton, socks ;also sooks from Mrs Alfred Curtis, Tinwald ; (from a lady, anonymous) a housewife for each. Lieutenant F. G. Tucker, respondiog for the troopers, said words failed to express sufficiently his thanks for the valuable and useful present*, and they would never forget the manner in which the townspeople bad

treated them that day. (Cheers) Mrs Johnston Bang, with much tSeeh, "Ordered to the fray," and the audience demanded an encore, Mr D. Cameron (Springfield) aaid ib afforded him great pleasure to be present to say good-bye to the young fellows going away. He took great interest in the doings of all young colonists who went) Home to study, and many cam a out on top, and he hopsd our soldiers would do to also. He wished them in She name of the County, and especially the Methven district, a hearty farewell. They (the contingent) were small in numbers, but good, and formed » part of the Empire. He hoped they would tU return safe, (Applause),

THE AtJBBUJUTON GUARDIAN t THURSb*?, FJBBSUAItY 16, 1900



1900 GREAT AUSUAL SALE — OF — DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS, WILL COMMENCE SATURDAY, JANUARY 20. ANDREW ORR. H. M. JONES. STATION E3K V STATION JBK,Y, ACCOUNT BOOKS, ACCOUNT BOOKS, FANCY GOODS, FANCY GOODS New Shipment) now opeDinp up Irom London Houses. A LARGE and Well SeleotedgStock of Goods for all Departments, imported direct from leading London, American and Japanese houses, consisting of BOOKS, STATIONERY, TOYS, FANCY GOODS, LEATHER GOODS. Fancy China, Glass and Electro plated Ware, Clocks, Vases, Nic-nacs (suitable for CHRIBIMAS and NEW YEAR Gifts. BIRTHDAY k WEDDING PRESENTS. BOOKS—Excellent Variety of prize, reward and presentation Books. Historical, Biographical, Scientific, Poetical, Travels, Novels, and various Bindings. Bible?, Hyronß and Prayers, (various styles) Church Praise, Wesley'a >:ymns. STATIONERY—PIa'n, Fancy and Commercial Paper, Envelopes, Boxed Stationery, Whits and Tinted 61 and Is, Specially put op for me by Marcus Ward *nd Co , of London A.I. values. Rftpoluic, vellum. Linen and Bank papers ruled and plain. LEATHER GOODS—Purees from 6d to 20a. Wallets, Card and Letter Cases, Lidies' and Gentlemen's Dressing Cases, Hand Bags, . , Pencil Cases. Companions! FANCY GOODS—Photo Frames, Screens, Woriibcxes, Inkstands, Vases, Ornaments, Clocks, Albums, Essies, Baaekets, Glove & Kerchief Sets, Cabinete, Trays, Flower Stands, SpiH Bonls Teapots 6d each, Vases. Ornaments too numerous to particularise. BASKET WARE—Open and Closed B»<in Lined, all sizea and piicea from 6d up, lOYS—A Great Variety of Wood, Tin and Rubber mechanical Toys, form Horse and Carts, Barrows, Go-carts, Tea Set?, Boats Watches Balls, Cubes, Blocks, Arks, Puzz'es, Skittles, Musical T»y Rattles! Steam Boats aud Engine?, Magic Lanterns, Microscope, Prams and Tricycles, and 1000 articles from Id up. SEWING MACHINES—The Anchor Machine, well finished and up-to-date, good machine, hand and Treadle from £410s to £9 10a. Makes a splendid present. JPlild^OH and OBGAWS From lOs per month lowest Cash Prices. IRADING STAMPS GIVEN TO CASH PURCHASERS. H. M. JONES.



OUR COMPLIMENTS TO LADIES I4KSIDING IN THE COUNTRY, And we beg to remind them that our GREAT ANNUAL SALE OF ENTiaE EXISTING STOCKS (including Balance of our Lovely Summer Goods) IS NOW ON! NOW ON X¥TE ARE PROUD TO THINK THAT THE FIRM OF W. STRANGE & CO. is as highly thought of in the Country as it is in Town, and our particular desire is that LADIES RESIDENT IN THE COUNTRY should participate in the benefits offered by this Great Sale ? Those Ladies who cannot spare the time to come to Town for this Huge Sale are invited to SHOP WITH US BY POST! Which is the easiest thing in the world. All you have to do is to get one of our Catalogues (we will send you one post free on application), see what we have to sell, make your selection, write down your requirements, enclose remittance to value of goods (P. 0.0, Postal note or Postage Stamps will do) and Post to us as soon aa possible and we pledge our word that if the above simple directions are followed, we will execute your order immediately on receipt of your letter. And, as we naturally desire to retaiD your cot.adence and keep your custom, you may be quite sure we will be as careful in selecting the goods you ask for as if you were present in person at one of our Counters. THIS IS A TEMPTING SALE Full of delightful surprises for Buyers who may reckon on getting Splendid Value for their Money in Dresses, Dress Goods, Dress lengths, Robes, (\>Btumes, Mantles, Jackets, French Millinery, Gloves, Sunshades, Cottons, Woollens, Men's and Boys' Clothing, and Hundreds of Other Lives. >v M> FOR A CATALOGUE. Well illustrated and attractively pre tmn-H, »». will be sure to please you. May be had post-free on application. Come up for the Sale by all means if you can, but, if you can't why then SHOP WITH US BY POST! Wp have Hundreds o! Post Customers, Why shouldn't you be ona, too? W. STEANGE k CO.* OHRISTOHtnaOH.



Harvest Supplies. T^K HAVE JUST LANDED, ex Paparoa, R*kaia, and Aotea, NEW SUPPLIES OF ENGLISH EARTHENWARE, GLASS AND CHINA. Every line up to date, and at lowest Cash quotations. Eiglißh and Americaa FRUIT JARS at |lowest prices in Town. Queensland Pure Dry Cane SUG\R 701b Bags Us. ■ Only dry Sugar should be nacd fof | Preserving.



Two and Three Prong Forks, Binder Whips, Rein Oord, Oil Cane, Reaper Oil, Raw and Boiled Oil, Castor and Cylinder Oil, la any quanti y. 51b Boxes Pure Ceylon TEA from 7b 6d each. b i c yTI c s. In BICYCLES we can offer the^best, value in the Colony. We build Machines to order from Genuine B.S.A. parts* We are also' Agents for ColumbUs, Hartforda, and Lovell Diamonds. Quotations on application. CAKSON & Co., GROCERS AND*IRONMONGERB, Importers of Bicycles, Hardware, Glajß and China Tancred Stkbbt and Arcade, Ashbnrtcn.



g . • O* D rr j sj2=— «b < <sj r™"i ° & « »H __v< J. WILSON, BIGN-WKirEK. LARGE STOCK OF wall papers, WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS, PICT¥RE,MOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &c. BURNETT STREET, opposite.Mail Office



Telephone 65 New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY Stocktaking Beductions. TrerLendous Bargains. HARD and Soft Felts 7a 6d, 10 6d, re duced to Is and Is 6d. Straw hats, 1b 9d, 2s 3d, all reduced to Is A few odd lines in Shirts reduced to 2a 6d Boys 1 Tweed Gaps, reduced to 3d Boys' Paper Collars Id per box Men's Ties, Is 9d, 2s 6d, reduced to 6d and Is Men's Sac Suitp, Good Lines, 23s 6d Bays' Sac Suite, 25s 6d, reduced to 19s Boys' Washing Suits, 4s 6d, 3s 6d, reduced to 2a 91 Boys' Alpaca Ooats, !■> 6d, 9a 6d, reduced to 3* 6d and 4a 6(1 Men's Tweed Trousers, 6a, 7a 6d, 9a 6d, etc., BOOTS! BOOTS BOOTS Canvas Tennis Shoes, 5s 6d, reduced to 2s 6d Women's and Children's Boots and Shoes reduced about half. We must cloar out these odd lines to make room for New Good, etc. CALL JUAJEtLY AND GHGT WIR&'JC CHOICE INIT.W ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOftY. F. H. BEOKIJSGSALIfi, Manager i mo COMPETE WITHjTHE TIMES. For 14 Days Only, One Dozen Highly Finished Cabinet Photos FOR EIGHT & SIX. Don's Miss This Chance. All work guaranteed. Note Address IX Jones, QCha Pbotogrftjpberfjßobottom Studio, Moore Stntb «



ST. STEPHEN'S OHCJROH; Ashburton. | Iv aid of the Chu-oh Building Fund. A LECTURE ON ' " EGYPT." WILL BE DELIVERED in the Schoolroom on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20. I AT 7 30 P.M. BY TJJE jVEN. ARCHDEACON HARPER, M.A. j rIIHE Lecture will be illustrated by mag- J_ nificent LIME LIGHT VIEWS, the originals of which were taken by the Arch ! deacon during his recent travels in Afric». Ti; kets: Is each ; Ciiiidren half price.



'• For the Blood is the Life "— CLARKE'^ WORLD-FAMED BLOOD MIXTURE is warranted to cleanse the blood from all impurities from whatever cause arising. For Scrofula, Scurvy, Ec- Z2m%, Skin ausd Blood Diseases, and Sores of all kinds, ita effects are marvellous. Thous ands of testimonials. Sold in bottles, 2* 9d, and 11s each, by Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors everywhere, So!e Pro prietors, The Lincoln and Midland Ooun- Tlics DRUG Co, Lincoln, England,