Tommy in Hospital

By Dr Conan Co* le

Tommy is a groat man. I went to Wynberg yosttrdny end saw him in Various st«*#rß o! mutilation and tor tart', and I titke my hat off. to him. Heroic he is, in his unostentatious patience and persistent sense of humour. One poor fellow s 1 ot through both optic nerves—home hope of sav ing the left eye—p'acid and quiet. "The ballet that went through me, lir, hit General Knox afterwards," says another proudly, " Yes, sir, my corps did very «*ell at Paardeberg," laya a broken Canadian. Another man has a bullet through the brain, Mid they shave of! the brain as it protrudes. He will recover all right. He can only move one side of hia fa.cc, but he laughed gleefully with that side when I mentioned Hector Mac Donald —he being a Highlander. Another Highlander was woundfd at Magere fontein, 'healed up, and had just come -back wounded again at Paardeberg. The coincidence seemed to amuse him. 11 Yes, sir, the bullets is all over you. If once you begin to mind them in action you might as well not be there at all." "The bone is healing, sir, I can hardly hold myself, I feel so pleased about it," One poor fellow was cryir c—bis sciatic nerve had been ploughed up by a bul et, and he had neuralgia day and night Nature will in timt» accoma.odate itself. ''Lan cashire FusiHere, Bir," siys another. " We lost 470 men out of 900—only five officers out of twenty left, and a captain in command. lies, the Inuie killings lost more than as." A band outside strikes up " Soldiers of the Queen," and those who can move hobble out of the tent?, and the others brighten and sb up in bed. Poor toldiers of th« Queen !

The Longest Sieges of the Cen tury.

If one compares the siege of Lady smith, which lasted from the second of November to the second of March— four months-—with some sieges in the campaigns of the 19th century, it Appears very insignificant. The longest »!eg« of the century was endured by the town of Richmond, which was defended by the Confederates for 1,485 dsya, that is over four years, Beba«topo!,: in the Crimean War, held out for eleven months under General Todlebenj, and Gordon defended the towo of Khartoum 300 days against the attacking Soudanese. In the Crimean War the fortress of Kars, which is now Russian, was defended with fifteen thousand men against forty thousand infantry and ten thou sand horse-soldiers, from the 18th of June, 1885, to the 29th of November, and wag only forced to turrender through hunger. According to the duration of the eif go, Ludy&mith and Kimberiey come next. Cf other long i sieges three occurred during the Franco-German War. Paris was besieged 131 daye, Beliort 105 days, and Metz 70 daye. The siege of Plevna ended after 94 days with Osroau Pacha being taken prisoner, Lucknow was besieged 87 days, and the Italian port of Gaeta 77 day?.

The explanation of the reason why ao few 1 poople are killed by bombard ment during a Bioge is that a shell or bomb v quires about fifteen seconds to roach the besieged town. Consequently it is easy for the besieged to get under cover. The most accurate shooting was mide at the bombardment of Alexandria. For every cix shots there was one man killed. The German troops at the bombardment of Paris in 187Q-W1 required 1,028 shot 3to kill one man, at the siege rf Mfz'eres 643, Straaburg 648, Belfort 1,666, Verdun 4,700. At th© siege of Longwy, with 30,000 shells nobody was killed. At Sedan there was one killed to about every 26 shots. This high figure, however, was due to the close fighting, and w»s not caused by the bombard-

ment. The German losses were also very considerable.

A Gold Mine Under Pretoria

It i« believed in Berlin that the British Government will transfer the seat of Government to Johannesburg. There are many reasons why this is. likely to be done, not the least import - ant being the comparative unhealthi ness of Pretoria, which lies in a hollow- When the value of property by the removal of ths Government has been ■efficiently lessened, the powerful syndicate which has been formed in Berlin will buy up the entire city if possible. The ground on which the Volksraad stands they are especially deeircus of acquiring, Jf all that is s^id be true, th« precious mineral reposing under the Boer Parliament Assembly is far richer than any of those on the Band. President Kruger became aware of this when the builders were at work on the foundation. The President so dreaded the rush which would take place, and the pressure which would be put on him to turn Pretoria over to the gold minors were the facts to transpire, that he took the id oat extraordinary precautions to enshroud the matter in secrecy. But It oozed out, and it is said here that he confessed to Mr J B Robinson, of London, the great mine owner, that Pretoria was literally one vasts mine of gold.

PUBLIC EXECUTIONS ABOL ISHED

The Spanish Legislature has recently made an important reform In the nmuner of inflicting the last penalty o£ the law. The execution of criminals is no longer to be carried out in public. Moreover, condemned criminals are no longer to be exposed to the morbid cariosity of people in search of a seDaation in the prison chapel twenj our hours btfore execution.

rT 'E^A'HpUBTON THUBSDAt, JULY 26, 1900

Printed and published by Alfbed Josh Tyrrell Bixteb, of Wills nbtmh wwit y for the IV prietors, Bobbbt Bill tad Henev Adam Mackay, at their Printiaff Office, Buroetfc Street, Ashburton, THURBDAY t JULY 2§ t 1900



NOW IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY— Reduced prices in Colonial Blankets (best quality made), 5* to 8j pair leea than Chriefccharch firm?. < For Single BBds 181 6d, now 13s 6d pair Double Beds 249 61 for 19. 6d Extra Large giz-a 32> 6i for 27s 9d pw English do, three-quarter s:ze beds, 10s 6d for 7a lid Double do 16s 6d for 13j 61, 14; 61 for 11s 9d. Bush and Bed Bugs, Colored Blanket?, all afc proportionately reduced prices. Colonial Flannels, White, Pink, and Shet land, ntSfl up Stripe Flannelettes from 2|-i, Pink and Scripo Twill Fianneilette 4f 1 up Art Muslinß 2|i up, Crolonnes 3|d up, Raversable Cretonnes, double width, 9| 1 up Linen Tablings (special value) ll£d up, Turkey Chintz 4£d up State Silisias, Al value, 3|l up, Grey and White Calicoes 2d up Special value in 2yds width Grey Twill Sheetings S§ j, lljd, up, 800 16^d Colored Ooanterpanos 2% ild up, White Satin and Honeycomb do 4i 6d up Bamaley Crush Towelling 3|l up, Brown wad White Turkish Roller do 6-H up Clearing at half original prices, Ladies' Jackets and Cape* Direct shipment (extraordinary value) Lico Curtains ab 1< 61, la lid, 2* 6J; also 3yds long do 3a 3d, 4a 6d to 5s 6d ; M do long 3a 6d to los 6d



FOR HALE ATA. LOW FIGURE, TjIRKEHOLD Town Section No 55, haviD(? Jj about 82 feet frontage on Wesb Stree' and running back a depth of about 2 shams, on which is a commodious Grain Store, I erected on massive concrete foundations with concrete cellar; former'y occupied by Misses Kilworth & Son. The store covers exactly half the section, haviDg a space for another building alongside of the same dimensions For terms and full particulars apply to T, BULLOCK, BUILDEKS will find~it to Fheirlidvantage to'get estimates !or Ironmongery from Harpley Beds-



Iceland Fjsh Fob London—A [D»Du>h company has purchased sixty trawlers of the laid up Short Blue flest at Yarmouth aa the nuoteua of a fleet to exploit the Iceland grounds for the London market. Borne fctesm trawlers have also been purchased at Grimsby, and oibera are being built. It is intended thac the trawlers shall work around the Iceland coasts, their catch being ice. packed at Ssndjs'jordo and forwarded by iwiffc steamers to London and Kul', Coal d ffiouioie? have been overcome by the dit coveiy of gas coal a few yards bal. w the frUifaoe in the vicinity of the oompany's hfl«dqu«rHfr«,



MELLO ft' 8 ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE THE LEADING BOOT SHOP, TS the Most RELIABLE House .'or GOOD AND CHEAP BOOTS. 0 aim Is to give jon the best value for little money. HONESTY ia oat Polio Wo wil' Dot Guarantee you an article unless we know it will give yon every Satis, action. One Trial is all w® ask—Our Good? Sell themselves. «■■»•«■»*»•— j. MELLOE, TANORBD BTRFF ASHBU*n\~>N



Study Economy and Buy for Cash from GEORGE DUNCAN & Co., "THE PEOPLE'S DKAPEBS," TANOSED STREET, ABHBURTON, OPPOSITE AROADE. f^i EORGB DUNCAN & Co have DECLARED WAR AGAINST BIG PROFITS, and are VjT encouraged by former successes to further please their numerous Customers by selling All riasses of Drapery, Men's and Boys' Clothing and Mercery At Lowest BEDROCK PRICES, and do a maximum of trade ab a minimum of profit. Undernoted prices will convince the most sceptical that for QUALITY and PRICES we CANNOT BE BEAT. All Goods fresh and new.



Special shipment, a job lot Faced MeUon Dress Materials Note the prices- Win wide, all useful colore, S|3, worth la 3d yard; 42n wide, ll£d, worth la 6d yard Full Dresßes for 4a 9J and 63 6d Colored Velveteens, reduced prices, Is 3d, Black do Is Several useful and good lines Black Cast* mere (all wool) Black Figured Dress Materials afc greatly reduced prices Ladies Hemmed-3titcher! Handkerchiefs, 4 for la ; Lawn do Is 6d dr z Ladieh' Fashionable Collan s^, Cuffa 6d, Muslin Aprons 10.v"i, Holland do Is 3d Fur Necklets 2* 6d upwards, Corsets Is lid and 2s 6d upwards Ladies' Black Cashmere Hose Is Men's and Biye' Clothing, all made from Colonial Tweeds- Men's S B Sao Suits, latest styles, 27a 61 upwards; Tweed Troti»ers 7a 6cl ; Mosgi«l Saddle Tweed (extra good) 12? 6d pair Boys' Knicker Suits 10j 6d up Men's Printed Moia Trousers &i lid, Areiaa Cord 63 6d, Denim 3s 7d, do Jackets 3s lid Lar/29 variety Braces, Collars, Ties, Belts, Caps, &c, &o. Colouial Knib Sox lljd



No one pressed to buy. AH Goods marked in plain figure?. Note Address—Tancred street, next to UndrilPs, Cabinet Makers,



BELFAST AND FAIRFIELD FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST TjlOR TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURE can bo macb for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. MANURE CAN BE SUPPLIED IN 1 Owt. or 2 Owt. SACKS Orders received b/ OTE&IIQm^AJNDJEfiII, BROH, Li raited., DAVID THOMA.S, OR TJt-iiD ss.'z*. farmers c;o-t.»x- j>jiijE«A. rJi'iVEs i» SSOCIATION OF CA«TIfJRB UitY, Limited., CANTERBURY FKOZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PBOPUGE IiXPORT COMPANY. LIMITED, 8 80 F. WAYMOUTH Secretary.



"THE IKGIF-NEUK with routh o'bannocks and bairns." —Dean Ramsay: ADD TO THIS TO PERFECT YOUR COMFORT, A PLENTIFUL SUPPLY OF HONDAI-LANKA CEYLON PACKED TPA. Just as it comes from the Ceylon Factory Pure as the Lily, Fragrant as the Bose, Genuine as the Thistle,



I TOLKT NEW Dwellitg house of five rooms, plastered, with verandah, centrally situated near the Post) Office and Railway Station, g> BULLOCK^ FOB. "IJALE AT A REDUCED PRICE. i C\f\ ACRES at Alford Fores<\ being R.S »U 22038, situated on Wiaterelow Run. 3£i&s lOn—The owner has authorised the acceptance of this figure for a prompt sale. T BULLOCK Agen&,



Wm. Strange { "CS,"* } Thos.Co.epd.le A TRIP TO TOWN Is not always PRACTICABLE. Consequently, MANY LADIES residing in Ashburton and District find it IMPOSSIBLE to visit the Establishment of STRANGE & CO. as OFTEN as they could DESIRE. Their annoyance is natur^ TT ®n°u^ EXPERIENCE has taught them that the big City Establishments, SUCH Ab 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, <fee. And Our Dressmaking Department :-.losely resembles a West-End of London Establishment. Our flew JJj?ch' Dressmaker, MADAME BOUTEATJD, is acknowledged to te*™Vh ARTISTE. Her creations are the theme of GENERAL ADMIRATION; while our Miss Mazey (in charge of our second room) continues to give the utmost satisfaction to her numerous patrons. As Bespoke Tailors, (ye 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 front our Factory to the People at Factory Prices. We also have a BEDDING FACTORY (for supply of pure, sweet bedding), a WIRE MATTRESS FACTORY, and a BLIND FACTORY (under the charge of those famous Blind-Experts, Messrs. GEE). COUNTRY RESIDENTS, If you CAN'T come to town to see ns, you can always • « • 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 OH" 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-Free on application to w GHRISTGHURGH. SMOKE ONLY NEW _ w _VENUS k PERFECT TOBACCO.



GREAT WINTER SALE (For 31 Days) COMMENCING FRIDAY MORNING. JULY Bth GBEAT REDUCTIONS IN~GENE£AL & FANCY DBAPERY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS. Splendid Opportunity for Cash Purchasers. ROSLYN Blankets from 16a 9 d English Blankets 8s 6d to 12s 9d Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers, Colonial, 10s 6d to 12s',6d Men's All Wool Kaiapoi Trousers 53 6d, 6s 9d, and 7s 6d Men s Waterproof Coats, sewn seams, greatly reduced Ladies' Jackets, Capes, and Mantles half price 60 Maids' Macintoshes at 4s 6d; Ladies' 7s 6d Black Cashmeres from Is 6d per yard Grand Stock of Ladies' Corsets much under usual price Navy and Black Serges, all wool, much reduced Every Article in Stock largely Discounted TAILORING DEPARTMENT.—Having secured the services of a fikst-class cutter, Suits now made from £3 3s, perfect fit. DRESSMAKING.—Thia Department is giving every satisfaction; fit and style, at moderate prices.



ANDR E W QRR. GUNS. ~GUNS. GUNS. Cartridges Cartridges! Cartridges. Shot, Caps. Wads. BEFORE Buying any of the above Sporting Requisites call on " THE PEOPLE'S I RON MONGER," who has a splendid selection of Guns, etc., by all the best known makers. i TO Builders' and those aboab to build I have in Stock a Choice Assortment of Tile and other Register Grates, Ranges, Mantelpieces, and all builders Ironmongery ab t Lowe«b Prices, TOOLSI TOOLS! TOOLS' I have an immense Stock of Carpenters and Mechanics' Tools, all of the very best makes, and warranted, at prices which are now recognised as the Standard Bedrock hardware Prices in the Ashburton County. *arREMEMBER THAT MONEY SAVED IS MONEY EARNED & BUY FROM G"H/rT7 IT\T\T"TVTC?lT\T\T"TVTC? \ ehe people's practical iron • IVXJDjUXyXIN O, / MONGER, Burnett Street. Agent for Cleveland and Imperial Kover Bicycles*



Hew Zealand-InsßPance Coropaiij. 38TABLIS h"¥lS 0 ' L w \8 » 8 capital^onF million. THE FBIMIKB AHD*~wiALTHIKST OOIGMAt COMPAKY NOTED FOB PROMPTNESS AND MUKRALITV PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES— FIRE AND "MARINE UISKS &LSO,— RISKS ON GROWING IM7PS, rHRK HlfiO MAOBI^KS, *c., ACCEPTED AT LOWEST TORRENT RAT EW.HAiSMHIR AGENT ~" - 28.000. ~~ Co.>fciaar 11111111 l Ran^es IN USE IN THIS COLONY THEY BURN LIGNIfE, TRUE GOAL OR WOOD UP TO 2ft 6in NO SETTING~EEQUIKED. With Stove Fipe can be worked out in thp open. SPLENDID BREAD BAKERS. With Cast Iron or Copper Boilers. The Copper Boilers are large and Tin-lin«d insld« REPAIRS ARE A MINIMUM. Made in all sizes, single or double ovens. High or low pressure boilers Sold by ail Ironmongers, from whom Catalogues can be obtained, or from the maker H. E. SHACKLOCK, LTD., SOUTHEND FOUNDRY, Princes Street, DUNEDIN.



1900 WINTEE 1900 A SEASONABLE HINT TO THE PUBLIC. TRY MITCHELL AND TURNER I for BLANKETS, TRY MITCHELL AND TURNER for best value is FLANNELETT3 TRY MITCHELL AND TURNER for LADIES' JACKETS, each one a Novelty TRY MITCHELL AND TURNER for all kinds and sizes ef kaifcted UNDERWEAR TRY MITCHELL AND TURNER for DRESS GOODS and DRESS MAKING TRY MITCHELL AND TURNER for MEN S and BOY'S CLOTH ING of every description. GKAND NEW PREMISES IN BURNETT STREET.



GOOD NEWS FROM THE FRONT. Uruger learns that the British mean to get Justice for all in South Africa. WE HOPE the People of Aahborton have learnedjthat we give Justice to our Customers in all our numerous lines.' We have juat landed, per the as " Whakatane," the fineßt assortment of Brass and Iron BEDSTEADS ever landed in Town. Latest ityles and designs. Direct from the Manufacturers in Birmingham. Oali early and see for yourselves. Aboat 100 Bedsteads to choose from ; all sizes; all prices, BEDDING of all kinds kept in stock and made on the premises. ; We hive also just received a choice Bhipmeat, per the a s Rangatira, of TAPESTRIES, SERGES, PLUSHES, UTREOHT VELVETS, ORETTONES, Etc , for Furniture, And having secured the services of a Firsfc-clasg, Upholsterer (late of Mel bourne), we are prepared to make New and Repair OM FURNITURE in up-to-date styles, at lowest prices, on shortest notice. Linoleums, Oilcloths, Rugs, Mats, Matting, Carpets, etc, just opened. New patterns, grand designe s per s s " lonic' At the request of numerous Customers, we have imported a choice assort ment of OILCLOTHS for Dados, which have fust opened up in splendid order. Cell and inspect them. For Bedroom Ware, Dinner and Tea Ware, Fancy Goods, Pictures (framed and unframed), Photo Frames, Vases, etc, see our stocks before buying elae wJ ere, Pictures framed in latest styles. Largest stock of Mouldings in Town to choose from. Colonial, American, and Austrian Chairs, Folding Chairs, Camp Stools and Wicker Chairs, Bamboo Tables, and Flower Stands with fancy stand and hanging pots, also a few Bamboo Over mantles. Bamboo Cornice Poles, al' sizes and prices Duchesse Tables and Chests, Washstands and Wardrobes, kept in stock and made to order in any design. Perambulators, Go-Carts, Children's Chairs of all kinds, at various prices. LIBERAL DISCOUNT FOR CASH, AT T. H. UN DRILL & CO., CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, & UNDERTAKERS, TANCBED STREET, opposite ASCADI.



!'HK DAINTIEST LITTIE WHEEL THAT EVER WAS"! * The Rambler." HAVING Bold oat of my old stock of these superior Bicycles, I hays asc o ened up a fresh eoasignmenfe of the LATEST PATTERN " RAMBLER" SPECIAL LIGHT RACERS, ROAD BAO&RS, & ROADSTERS ia all Izes and all fitted with the eret lasting G & J detachable Tyre. •• x«k kambler; h AJM> INSPIOI THE STOCK. | Price Easy, Riding Ewy. Machines the Strongest on Earth. ACCESSORIES IN STOCK. OTHER MAKES FITTED WITH G A J TTRESi D. THOMAS.



Fruit Trees and Foies. mH£ nndertigned having the largeatitook A of FRUIT TREES and ROBES is New Zsaiand, beg* to offer them to the public afc the following prices— APPLES, on blighfe-proof utocki, 2yrs oil, 6j per dozen; 3yr§ old, 9s per dcz j 4yw old, 12iperdozj5yri old, in fall bad and bearing, 16« per doz. PLUMB, 2yr. old 6« per doz; 3yra old, 9 per doz ; 4yr« old, 12e per doz; Syn oli 99^ 02"' 6y™ old»18t P«r doss« ROSES, Hybrid Perpetnali, 5s per doz; „ Tea Scented, etc., 8a per do» SEEDLESS GORSE, Pfenta 10.p*r 100: £4 per 1000; Cutting*, 20« per 1000. Unknown correipondenti mmt send ft remittance with their ordere.



Catalogue! and prioes of Frnit and fornt Trees and Ornanwnt*! Shrubt of all deaorlp tion forwarded on applioation. ROBERT GLBAVB, Naraeryman and Seedsman, Invercargill, N.Z. Eitabiithed 1868.



S. H, GEAVES, SHAREBKOKBR AND FINANCIAL AGENT, 186 HEREFORD STREET, OHRISTOHUROH. RELIABLE Information on Dredgia Stocks. Correspondence Invited. OoDta : Bedford McNelU's, Morelng and Ueal's, A.8.0. Code (foartn * Edition. MR ALBERT ROBERTS, Aihbnrtoo Representative Telegrapmio A ddress : GSAVES, Chd&tchurch. 3 21



LOOK UHBAP WINTER FIRING, NEW MOUNT SOMEBS GOAL. OUTPUT b»a Trebled daring tht h twelve months IT IS USBi) EVERYWHERE. This Oorl in the Best and Cheapest BttMs vnd Household Coal in the market. ! Uied In the Woollen Factory and Oantt i oury Flour Milii. GIVES SPLENDID RESULTS WRITE FOR PRICES G. T.'PABK, MOUNID BOMERS. ... .^-.. -:-..»,-■.-. r . . . 7 r A CAKO. A Brknck Office haa been opened by tfit nndenigned »i Missße Niooii Bros., Bml Street, where they will o»rry on pnotlo* ta B»rriiteri and Solicitors. MAUDE & HABMAN, Bolicltora, Ohrlitohore^ Money fcoJLend »t Lowe»t]Ourrent Rutee on Freehold Security, No Proountlen *cc» MAUDE t HARMAN, 12 48 Aihburton.



THE RAPID LIGHTNING GLOSS THI ONLY BKLIA&ME SHIKT POLISH IN SHE WORLD. lICRS MILLER, of Dunedin, the Pro fessional Laundress, says ;—lb it the best I have ever used. It make* Shirt Ironing ft pleasure. Wiie Mother* and Siltera try II) and rare your strength, temper* and p*tirao* Onoe tried, always nwd. Sold in Tim at SHEARMAN BROS' & JOHN ORB k CO. 5 18 MURGATJROYD BROS. WOOL BROKEBS & FELLMONGERS Christchubch, Auckland, Patba, mo. BEG to inform the FARMERS AND BUTCHERS of the Aihburton Di«. triet that they have decided to Eitabliih a WOOL & SKIN COLLECTING AGENCY IN ASHBURTON, and in furtherance of this object hive ap* pointed Mb C. E. Kendall at Buyer, who will be in constant attendance at the below addreas, prepared to Purchase for Cash, BHEEP SKINS. HIDES, ROUGH FAT. TALLOW, HORSE-HAIR, Etc, At Highest Rates Current. MDRGATROTI) B?OS., NEXT RULE'S BUTCHERS SHOP, Burnett Street, Aahburton.