Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 1900. THE DECLINE OF EMPIRES.

The following fine passage concludes an admirable article in tbe Otago Daily Times of yesterday on the decline and fall of empires :—Through all the centuries of her descent Rome felt herself to be dying. Pathetically as she strove to hide, 6ven from herself, the unwelcome truth, it was forced upon her. Through all tbe days in which the shadows were lengthening about her she was a nation whose ideals were in the past. Her people thought of the age of Crear and Augustus as her golden age. Of all the presageß of approaching doom there is none more certain. It has occurred in the aonals of every falling Power. It has never yet happened to Britain. There are chapters in our history that can never be read without a fresh glow of patriotic pride ; but no modern Briton would allow any previous period of British history to be greater than the present. Britain has all her ideals in the i future ; her golden age i» ever on before. Rome was saturated with pes simism ; Britain is radiant with optim ism. The highest aspirations of Rome found expression in the sighs of: her philosophers. Ihe ideals of Britain have been voiced by Tennyson in " Locksley Hall." To compare the one with the other ia to compare the fading light of tbe eveuing with the brightness of the rising sun. The glory of Rome was as the beauty of autumn ; the glory cf Britain is as tbe opening loveliness of spring. If, there forp, decay is to visit British power by the same mean?, and to proclaim itself by tha same symptoms as those which operated upon the empires of Alexan der, Xerxes, and Cse3ar, then must night be far distant, for we are yet, as Robert Louis Stevenson would have said, «' a people of morning hearts and morning faces."

THE COMING WAR.

Ihe aspect of affairs in China is very serious—ao serious indeed as to leave very little hope of a peaceful solution The Dowager Empress, notwithstand ing the warnings given continues to countenance and favor the Boxers— who are little else than a band of badly armed ignorant men, whose opposition to a few well trained troops would be of the feeblest kind. It is not therefore any danger from this mob that causes alarm. It is tbe struggle for territory that is almost certain to ensue, for war once begun means the end of Chinese rule and a process c f colonisation or absorption of China by tbe Western nations. This difficulty even might be got over were it not for the Japanese and Kussian element These two nations cordially hate and distrust eacb other. Russia seems bent on securing Koree, and Japan as determined to kepp the Muscovite out of the possessions which she regards as her property. Both ! powers have been preparing for the struggle, and both are determined to stand fast. The Hong Koßg corres pondent of the Sydney Herald under date March 30, writes; "Russia is hurrying troops out in a most feverish manner; ship after ship drops into Singapore, coals, and passes on, avoid ing Hong Kong, and landing her men at Port Artiiur, Tailienwan or Yiadi vostock ; but when these same ships come into Hong Kong on the return journey, naught but a few invalids are on board. These shiploads of men who are sent out and have been coming for the last three or four years, are always called by the Russians reliefs ; but the strange thing is they never seem to relieve anyone. It cannot be that 99 per cent, of the men die, but apparently, that is what the Russians would have us believe. Japan has ail preparations made for the despatch of a large army corps over sea at any moment, and her flaet has been mobi lised and in commission for some time, while orders have been sent to Europe to hurry on the completion of the vessels building for her there. Our own fleet has, 1 hear, been warned, and orders have been issued for all ships te report both to the Admiralty and the Commander-in-Chief the arrivals and departures of all foreign warships, together with destinations, if known. It is said, too, th at the Admiral has been warned that war between Russia and Japan is liable to break out at any moment. This is not supposed to mean that our ships are to participate, but they would certainly be on the spot should occasion arise." It would seem that what the correspondent fortells is nigh at hand.

Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will be found Commercial and an article of importance to Local Bodies.

The Qrmazon—The Ormszin, which left Wellington to-day for South Africa, had on board 502 remounts.

Bishop Barry—Bishop Barry, ex-Primate of Australia, has been appointed assistant Bishop of London.

Ball and Concert. — The Wakanui Cricket Club is promoting a ball and concert to take place in the school on Thursday evening next, 21st inst.

Swimming—J H Darbyshire beat F C Lane, the Australian, by a yard, in the 150 Yards Midland Counties Championship. Time—l 50. —Press Association cable from London.

The Sunstroke Casus at Aldebbhot.—• Owing to the great public outcry in oonse puence of the death of nine soldiers from sunstroke at Alder-hot, Lord Wolsoley has ordered that htlmets shall replace forage caps on hot days.

Sporting—The Ascot Gold Cup, one of the most coveted of English races, was decided on Thursday, and was won by the Australian-bred Merman, owned by Mrs Langtry, with The Grafter, a Melbourne Cup winner, third. The local-owned Con queror, has been nominated for the Welling ton winter meeting.

A Saving to the Ratepayers—The postmaster, Mr Renner, has notified his Worship the Mayor to the following effect :— Sir, I am instructed to inform you thab all mayors are authorised to frank letters and telegrams on business of peace celebrations.

Chess—The first round of the tourney— one game each— was played on Wednesday, when the following won their games. Dr Hunter, Mr G Friedlander, Mr F Clark. Mr Reekie was present, hut his opponent being unavoidably absent, did not play. The match will bs continued ou Wednesday next*

Lectures by the Bishop of Chris 1 church—The Bishop of Christchuroh »s announced by advertisement, will deliver a lecture with limelight views at Longbeach, Watetton, Pagmhor and Lowoliffu during next week, and at Tinwald at some future date. Lingular Occurence on Board Ship —A cable fiom Melbourne on June 15, snys:—

Lingular Occurence on Board Ship —A cable fiom Melbourne on June 15, snys:— The Ru.'s;an Bhlp Earl of Zetland, which has arrived here, took fire in mid-ocean during a terrifio ga'e. When the crew were worn out with fighting the flimes, and were about to give in, a big wave came aboard and quenched the fire.

A Painful Experience—A very painful experience has been undergone by J->mes McThiilamy, a resident of Milton,"New South Wales. He lost his way in the moun tains, and wandered about for four days in terribly cold weather, and but for a magni fioent physique must have succumbed. Ha was discovered by a search party in an exhausted condition.

Our Boys lnd Lord KrroHENER,-~Lieu tenant Tucker, sates that before going to Bloemfon eln, he had an interview with Lord X tchener who gave him some valuable hints on scouting, and whom he mentions as a grand fellow, willing to do anything to help his fellow officers. After leaving Bioemfon tein, the Bough Riders are going to pin Lord Roberts' Column. They have been in two battles, and live on bally beef and biscuits.

Show Mangolds.—There is on view at the Canterbury Frtzen Meat Company's iffice,*" Arcade, a first-class advertisement for the Company's manures. It consists of some forty-six mangolds and four carrots, grow n with the manures manufactued at the Bellas' works. Some of the mango'dß measure no le • thab thirty-five inches in circumference, With » corresponding weight. The exhibit is displayed on a stand, and is worth inspeoi ■*•«• * 'V.' '">.

A Sad RETURN—The death in South Africa of Mr D^vid P^tton, of Mount Somers, was recently recorded in these columns. On Monday his wife is expeoted to arrive back at Mount Somers ffith her 7 months old baby. During the two yetrs that have elapsed since she left this district Mrs Patton has had some very trying experiences.

PRESBNTATION.—Mr G. W. Armitage, who has for tbe p*st nine years served aa account ant in the Bank of New Zealand, Tenraka, and who has been promoted to Inveroargill. was yesterday the recipient of a handsome testimonial from the burgesses of the Temuka borough, members of the Church of England, Caledonian Society, Rugby Union, Volun teers, and kindred Athletic Clubs, The deputy-Mayor, Mr T. Buxton, made the presentation before a number of Mr Acmit- Btge's frit ids and well-wishers.

Cultivator Trial-At a public trial of the new " Superior" flexible disc cultivator held on Thursday, at Mayfield, on the farm of Mr A. 1. Huston, a large number of far mers were present and were all surprised at the manner in which the implement sur. mounted all obstacles in the shape of large stones etc., tffioiently working the soil to a considerable depth, and giving gieat satis faction to all present, some expressing their admiration by giving orders. Messrs Booth Mac Donald k Uo., Ltd., will h*ve no c*ose to regret securing the New Z :aland Agency of such a useful implement.

The Boy's Mite —This morning, a little fellow about seven years of age, whose lines in life have certainly not, so tar, fallen in pleasant places, met in the street a gentle* man who is tiking much interest in the ludian Famine Fund, and handed him a psnnyin aid of the fund. Needless to say the he rt of the little fellow was rejaiced by having his penny accip'ed. To him that piece of copper represented more than a gold coin does to many an adult. On a rough estimate, if every child in this county donated one penny per week, something like £16 would oome iv for the fund evtry Saturday.

Willowby.—The monthly meeting of the Willowby B*rd of Hope was held in the tchoolroom on Thursday last.. Mr S S Chapman occupied the chair, and delivered an iuteresttrg address on ' Temperance," The Secretary's report of the last meeting was read, aod adopted. Items were rendered us follows;— Songs, Miigas Gertrude Chap* man arid L'?gie Pralley, and Mr Thorn a Wheeler; recitations, Misses Frances Mac* kay, Fdilh Watson, M Parish, aud A Liil j dialogue—" A choice of trades," by several young folks ; " A silly set," by Mis tee Aston (2), and Kenniitgton, both being much appreciated by the audience. The meetiug closed with the beneditian.

"OtrasELvES as Others See Us"—Our friends are generally tco polite to tell us our faults ; but they seldom fail to observe '.he fit and style ot our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that "appearance goes a long way.' An ill-fitting suit is uncomfortable, and an "eye-soro "to your friends. Don't risk it I If you ate a stranger here, the first well dreßsed cit;zjn you meet will gladly direct you to «' The Lsadiog Tailors " wher« you will always find a large assortment of " Up to date" suitings to select from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still Increasing business done by Messrs Craighead and Bkreyman speaks volume*. This firm has just imported probably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods tvar shown iv Ashburton, including a beautifal range if the new rain-proof Bsavers and Meltons for Covert coatß and Chesterfield overcoatß, both fashionable and durable.

Land Sales.

Mr F. Ferriman reports the following •ales of property ;— Oo account of—Mr L Rattray, house of five rooms and half an acre of land on Beach road ; Messrs J, T. Kilworth *Co., the Bridge Works, West Street j Mr James Baylis, Lots 32, 57, 134, 135, one aare at Hampstead j Mr Joseph McArthur, bouse of four rooms and quarter of an acre of land on the Alford Forest road ; the Mortgagee, T.S 552, 553, 571, corner of Bast and Cox Streets j the owner lots 62 and 63 with shop and dwelling corner of East Belt and Wakanui Road ; the owner the property at present occupied by Mrs Rickman ; also fifty-two acres of land at Hampstead.

NEW BRITAIN.

Shocking Story of Cannibalism

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.™ Copyright Sydney, June 15

. ■ *The New Britain correspondent of the Evening Aews supplied the fol lowing story of massacre and canni | balism under date April 20th :— i Last week several canoes containing Oape Oxford natives returning from a trading trip to Ralum, were attacked between Kabangah and Landip by hordes of Kabangah natives. The whole, totalling nine, were killed. The murderers took the bodies to a village and a fearful orgie followed. All the bodies were eaten. The scene was eight miles distant from a white settlement. Dr Schney, Imperial judge, with a posse of police, went to Kabangah, surprised tbe natives, and killed six and wounded two. They also took two prisoners. The party found quantities of human flesh hanging in the houses. (Received Wakapuaka June 16, 10 5 a m This Office 10 16 am) Sydney, June 16 The massacre at New Britain is con firmed from German sources. Several victims were captured alive aud dragged to the scene of the feast, their bodies were to provide; and clubbed and eaten. The tribe are notorious man-eaters. ;

DEATH OF MRS GLADSTONE

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright London, June 15 Mrs Gladstone is dead.

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT

Mi*s Coe, of Riverside, has received a let- I ter from her coufio, Trooper G S William?, of the Fifth Contingent. The letter is dated April 30, and written on the troopship Maori, which hod just arrived at Beira. They had dropped anchor half a mile from the shore, as there weie no wharves therr. They expected to get their horses landed in about a fortnight, as there were eight troop ships to unload before therr. The troopships cheered the New Zealandets frantically on their arrival. Two British gunboats were there to look after them, Beira was described as teeming with Kaffirs, and the New Zealanders felt the heat very much. The Maoi i lost only six horses on the trip. 1 bey had a splendid passage, with only one rough sea, namely, on Good Friday, when th«y had a heavy task keeping the horses on their feet. Fifteen were down at once. There was great rejoicing on board at again beating the Waimate on the run to Beira. They expected to remain at Beira for about three weeks when, in company with 8000 troops, they were to start for Salisbury, 250 miles inland. 1000 cavalry were expeoted from Bogland the next day. The New Zealand troops were not allowed to land at Beira, owing, it is alleged, to the amount of fever and the place being Portugeuse terri tory. The writer looked forward with much pleasure to reaching the front. He states he is banki g all his money, feels quite confi dent he will pull through the campaign alright, and fully anticipates meeting his Ashburton friends again,

Trooper Wilkin, ot the First Contingent, writing on the 7th May, on the veldt, six miles from Winburg, says s—" General Hamilton's oolnmn en'ered the town the day before yesterday. The co'umo met with opposition at a place cal ed Thaba Hill, and again near the Vet River. Tbe fighting extended for two days, and was rather fW? at times. The Boers shelled oor convoy, and our monnted infantry had a very heavy task to hold several kopjes commanding a nek through which the convoy had to pass. Que of our men, James Fahey, was wounded, the bullet pnssing through his liver. The Boars occupied a strong position on Tobo X.op, and the Gordons were sent to Btorm the position. They did nob succeed in getting to the top of the mountain until the second morning, when they found themselves surrgunded by the Boers, who called on the Gordons to surren. der, but the Highland leader ordered his men to fire on the Boers, which they did with good effect, killing several and capturing the remainder, including the oommmder, a German c»lled Brandt, who was wounded. When we were marching away from camp after the fight we met a Boer ambulance waggon coming In full of Boer wounded. Further along the road we caught up to a number of G rdon Highlanders mounted on ponies, which they had got from the captuied and killed Boers. They were in hieh glee, and nesr'y all were carrying dead tuik'ys which they had c- mmandeered from a Boer faim, The next fiaht took place near the Vet n'ver, but the B.ers made ft very poor stanrt, and a Dutch woman who lives near the Vet river told me that seven Boers galloped away after our men had fired a few shots. She said she called out to them, saying that if such men as thsy were depended upon to defend their country its chance of success was very slight. The retreating B ers shouted back thai the Boers were coming like locusts. Our column (General Hamilton*) has fought nine battles in 18 day,"

Interprovincial.

United Press .Association—By Electrio Telegraph

I Wellington June 15 The Congress of the Servedßoot 'J r»6V ! Unions of New Zealand, which has been sitting here, hai concluded. R.presents, tiveg were present from Auckland, Christ church, Dunedin, and Inveroirfcill. The main business was the revision of the Constitution, and several important altera tions were made. All rules renting to strikes and lockouts have been Bt'uck out, The Trades Council appointed a deputation to wait on the acting-Premier and urge Government to move f'r an amendment of the Conciliation and Arbitral ion Act in th c dirtotion of providing a penalty fcr breaches of clause 29 This clause provides that men shall not strike during the consideration of a dispute by the Board or Cour', at d employers shall not discharge men under such circumstances. The Council is moving in the direction indicated because, in Auckland, Mr Justice Martin had ruled that no penalty could be enforced under the clausei The Governor, by an order in Council, has confirmed the commutation of the death sentence on John Deightoo to imprisonment for life* Dunemn, June 15 The tutoresses' dispute which was before the Conciliation Board tome months ago, and a temporary agreement entered into pending expiry of award in Auckland dispute, came before the Board again today, when it was referred to the Arbitration Court. The Chairmiujaid it was useless to go over the matter again, as nothing had happened to alter the position previously existing, Invebcabgill, Jane 15.

The Supreme Court to-day sanctioned tbe sale of the book debts of the J O Ward Farmers' Association, Limited, to Joseph Geo ge Ward and Robert Albert Anderson, carrying on business at Invercargill as J G Ward and Co., for £600. with one account reserved*

In the Divorce Court a decree nisi was granted to Jemima Stuart Barclay against George John Barclay on the ground of deser tion.

SOCIAL COLUMN.

The matter contained in this celumn is paid /or, and is net necessarily in accord with the views advocated by this fafer.~\

THE RELATION OF THE BIBLE TO THE CHURCH.

A fermon preached in Westtninstrr Abbey on Sunday afternoon, April 29th, 1900, in connection with the Anniversary Services of the British and Foreign Bible Society, by tbe Rev Charles Gore, M. A. Canon-in- Pesid nee.

' And Jtsus came to them and spake unto them, Baying, All authority h ith been given unto Me in heaven and on earth. Go ye, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Gbost; teaching them to observe all things | whatsoever I command you: and 10, 1 am with you always, even unto the end of the world.'—St Matt xxviii. 18-20

The British and Foreign Bible Society, for which your alms are asked this afternoon, is a society which, hold ing aloof from any special connexion with the Church of England or with any other religious denomination, de vote! itself to the translation of the Bib'e into tbe known languages of the wor d and its universal diffusion. It has pursued this enter prise with a great enthusiasm,liberality, faith, and success for now near upon a hundred years. It holds an almost unique place in the efldions of those Ohritians who most love the name of Evangelical and Protrstant. Some of those who are listening to me this afternoon are, no doub*, !>y tradition and by personal conviction, fonder of the name of Catholic than of that of Ptotestant; but my o> j*-ct this titer noon is to show tint upon all Church men of what kind soever the British and Foreign Bible haß a great claim both upon your sympathy and upon your assistance^ And this is a right subject for a sermon to a congre gation like thip, in | art, I think, bf cause in times of r ligious controversy we bavti a special duty But also it is a fitting Btilj ct ofv,h:ch I speak to you this afternoon, because it brings us face io face with a question important for all of us— WHAT, FOB US, IS THIS FAftIILIAB BOOK, THE HOLY BIBLE? The Bible, then, is, first of all, the Book, or rather the LHvioe Library, of the Christian Church. Our Lord, I read in the prologue of one of the British and Foreign Fi'ile S&^'t'y's reports, our Lord left behind Him a two-fold legacy in the Bible and the Church, and it is not very difficult to see the relation which these two were to hold to one another. God first of all entered into covenant with a race, the race a< d nation «.f the Jkwb. He made that nation His Church, a sacr< d school of education in the knowledge of God and of the spiritual life, which was to diffuse itself ultimately to ell mankind, In the fullness of time bo k after book was written, writtr-n inside that body and in order to recall them to the memory of what God had done for thtra, and to stimulate them to a greater seal in corresponding with the purpo c of God through that ancient Church. In process of time our Lord Jesus Christ came in tbe flesh, rcfout.d<d thtt ancient Church upon a new basis?, with a new extension, and for an infinite duration —on a new basis, for the basis was the ftith in His own Person and Name. 4 Thou art Peter,' He said, • Rock-man, and on this rock '—that is, on the person con f< seine; My sacred Name— •on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of death shall not prevail against it.' ( n a new basis and for an infi nite extension—'Go ye into all tbe world j' for an infinite duration—~ ' unto tbe end of the age.'

When the Christian Church, then, first started on its career it had Scriptures. They were the Scriptures only of the ancient Church, tbe Old Testament. But besides these it had a personal teaching, that which is called in the Acts the doctrine or teaching of the Apostles, that which became the basis of the oral instruction of all tbe younger Churches, what is called in the New Testament the traditions which were to be handed down, WHICH WBBI TO YORK THB BASIS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE, look at tbe books of the New ■ Testament and yon will see almost at a glance that there is not one of them which was intended to give people primary instruction in the Christian religion. Every one of the books of the New Testament is addressed to those who were already instructed believers, in order to build them up into a fuller knowledge of what they already knew. Everywhere yon see that traditions assume something behind the books of the New Testament; nay, with a very little investigation you can find out with a good deal of exactness what exactly constituted the primary in struction given to all the Christians in all the Churches.

ThVy were instructed, first of all, as St. Luke suggests to us, in the facts of our Lord's life aod death and resurrec tion ; they were instructed in the meaning of the sacred name into which they had been baptized, the nsme of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; that is, they were taught what in substance has constituted our ApostW Creed. Then they were instructed in the mor»l duties of the Christian way and in the eternal issues of this human life of ours, this moral instruction and the teaching of the resurrection from the dead and of judgment. Lastly, they were taught THE MEAHING OF THE SACRED RIGHTS BY WHICH THBY WERE INITIATED INTO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE and sustained in it, the teaching about baptism, and the laying-on of hands, and about the meaning of the Com amnion of tbe Body and Blood of Christ You cannot read the books of the New Testament without seeing that the Christians of the first Churches were given first of all, an instruction in all the several Churches in matters , which, in fact, make up pretty much I what is comprised in our familiar Catechism. (To be continued.)

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Ihe lifting's Nek Tunnel Only

Mjghiiy Dam.tgeti

General Duller at Laing's Nek

Ihe Engagement at Erste Fab-

i it ken

The Enemy Flee Eastward.

I he Australian Troops.

The Flight of Kruger.

Tho Ministerial Crisis at the Cape.

(-old for South Africa.

Congratulations to General Duller.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. London, June 14 The damage done at Laing's Nek tunnel, when it was exploded by the Boers, is slight, June 15 General Buller has established bit headquarters at Laing's Nek. There was heavy fighting before General Botha, was driven from Erst* Fabriqan. The Boers were strongly posted with artillery on the kopjes behind the rocks. Tbe enemy fled eastward. The West Australians and Rew South Wales Lancers took * brilliant part in turning the Boer right before Pretoria. Lord Roberts, reporting Botha 1* flight from Frste Fabricken, says tbe occupation of Pretoria caused a number of Boers at Laing's Nek to withdraw. The occupation of Volksrust convinced the enemy that their rear would shortly be threatened. Kruger occupies a Baloon car. Be is manufacturing paper money and shipping away gold. Captain Cameron, of the Tasman- : ians, has recovered from his wounds. Corporal Daly, New South Wales, died of fever. Capetown, June 15 Sir J. Gordon Sprigg has been sum* moned to form a Cabinet, He is con sulting Mr Schreiner and Mr Rose Innes.

Sydney, Jane 15 One hundred thousand sovereigns have been shipped to South Africa. Mblboubnb, June 15

The Lieutenant-Governor has cabled' to Sir R. Buller 2—" Victoria, recog nising the immense difficulties and magnificent successes of your cam paign, sends warmest applause and congratulations for the deliverance of Natal."

British Prisoners Unsheltered.

Salutary Lessons for Rebels.

(Received Wakapuaka Jane 16, 9 15 am

This Office 9 43 am) London, June 15

Details from Frstefabrican show the enemy checked the cavalry on their flanks on Tuesday. Generals laii Hamilton and Oarew assailed and carried the centre, The enemy then retreated to a second and stronger position, which was evacuated in the night. Tbe action covered two days.

The prisoners at Novitgedacht are unsheltered, and are suffering terribly from the old, Seventy per cent, are unfit to bear the rigors of tbe climate.

Klerkßdorp surrendered to General Hunter on the 9th.

Several local rebels, who fought at Spionkop were fined £250 each in ad dition to the sentences of five years' imprisonment.

Promotions in Contingents.

(Received Wakapuaka June 16, 9.50 am, tTbis offioe 10.11 am) Melboubnb, June 16 Sir A Milner, in reply to the Government's enquiry, cabled that all promotions in the Colonial Contingents should be made through the Com* mander-in-Ohief with the Colonial Government's consent.

AFFAIRS IN CHINA.

Pekin Bailway Serioutly Damaged-

More Japanese WarsUpi for Taku.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Hono Kong, June 14 The force of marines working along the Fekin railway progresses very slowly. The damage done to the line by the " Boxers " is serious. The mission buildings have - been destroyed at Yunnan.

More Japanese warships are pro* ceeding to Taku. Two thousand Russian troops hare been landed at Taku, and two thou sand more have embarked at Fort Arthur.

The Chinese troops outside Pekin are entrenching and training th* guns on tbe American mission and Legation, and the British Legation. June 15 The last telegraph wire with Pekin has been severed.

The murdered Japanese Chancellor was killed while going to meet the foreign expedition en rout* to Ptkin.

General Mungfusiang and 10,000 Chinese troops threaten to defend Pe kin against a foreign expedition. London, June 15

In the House of Commons Mr Brodrick narrated Sir Claude Mac dtipdd's repeated energetic warnings that China would be held responsible for criminal apathy. Sir Claude Mac* donald and Vice-Admiral Seymour had been instructed to take in concert with tbe Powers any step in their unfettered discretion which they thought advisable to protect life and property. Great Britain and Russia had, agreed to support any Chinese authority capable of maintaining order. He stated that Vice-Admiral Sey mour commands the first expedition marching on Pekin, comprising 2300, including 900 British. The Govern ment was in complete accord with the Powers regarding the admiral's aoj tion.

Tho House received the statement with applause Mr Brodriak added that arrange*

THE^jASHBtJfcTON GtJAKDIAfc; SAItIBUA*, JUfrfel 16, U»0



PROCLAMATION OF PEACE! ■«-■ ——: :o:— ———— THERE is nothing more conducive to peace than to give the Ladies Goods at Bargain Prices. Then to tho thrifty and wise who want to save money, go at once and make y:ur purchases from GEORGE DUNCAN & Co., "THE PEOPLE'S DRAPERS," TANCAEU STREET, ASHBURTON, OPPOSITE ARHADE, JUST ARRIVED—Special Shipment of jtb lines ia Faced M«H«ns and Serge Dress Ma erials, 42 inches wide. f»«bionrvble colois. Now note the p»ice-4j lid the full Dress, better qualities at 6< 91 a d 8< lid 'ull Dress, worth doub'e ; come and spo > Job prices to clear Ladies' Capes and Jackets from 5< 9.1 upwards ; pricas wdl astonish | Ladies' Fur Necklets (apeoh! iitroha<e) from 2- 61 to 6a 61 Women's Black Cashmere Ribbed Hose, seam'esa feet, ls pair Whi'e Mus'ia.Apron (''mbroHnrv trimmed) Is and 1* 31, going quickly Ladies' Black Cashmere Gloves 6d pair ; Lawn Handkerchiefs Is 63 dtann NOTICfi 1—Oeo? ere Duncau «Sc Co, have got the reputation for Selling Colonial White BLANKETS Cheaper than »ny firm in Canterbury. Proof is the prices—Single Bads 13* lid pair, Double Bids 19* lid pair ; please note, cannot be replaced under 4s to 6a more per pur when our present stook is'sold out SHOWING EXTRAORDINARY GOOD VALUE IN THE FOLLOWING LINES, viz.- Colonial Flannels from I^| 1, FUi srleneß from 2| 1. We are the noted house for the«e Goods 2 Yule Wide FioeGrey T«*iU Sheetings from 10|d • „ .■ ■ , Unbleiched Linea Tabling lljd ; Art Muslins, in great variety, from 2Jdjwd QretoMWi 3$ 1; White ani Grey Calicoes from 2d yard ; Roller Towelling 3fd SPECIAL NOTICE FOR DRESSMAKBRS-Slate Linings from 3|i, Al value White and Grey Turkish Towels from 4f I, Toilet Covers from B|l, Antimaccessai" L&dieV Corsets from 2. 6d, Ldies* « hird wear" Umbr-Has from 2s lid Exceptional good value in Bah and Bed Rugs from 6s 6d Wh te Sitin aud Honeycomb Quilts from 4) 6d, Tapestry Quilts from is id Direct shipment of N'ttingham L%os Curtains from Is 6£d, lovely patterns, and at jvb pri 911 Reversible Cret >nne Curtains 6s 6d p*ir MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING-Note Prices CnsHuoga Tweed Trousers 7s 6d, New Sac Suits 32s 61, Boys' Kaicker Suits 13* 61 Mead Danun Overalls 3s lid, Mole trousers 5i lid, Persian C»rd Trousers 6* 61 ILWs Br )wn Cotton Drawers Is lid, Men's Merino do. 2* 6i, Limbswool do, special job Jin ,2i 9d, Cjlonial (Kaiapoi make) 3s 6d upwards ' T , „ , Fancy C>tton Shirts, Cols, Is lid ; Leather do. 2s 6d upwards ; Union do, 2s lid up ff»rd< ; FLnnel Underß 3s 6d upwards ; Kaiapoi Plaiding Drawers 5? 6i lira's Mkffi <rs from Is ; Samson Braoes ; Boys' 64, Men's Is M n*s Wool Knitted Sooke, double heels, ll|l pair; Men's Handkerchiefs 4£ 1 upwards NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING JACTORY. NOTWITHSTANDING the advance in Wool, we are selling our Sock of Winter Underclothing at last year's prices. MEN'S LW. PANTS from .. 2s 11. SINGLE IS from .. .. 4» 61 ILOTtt UHDBRB ™ .. 3s 61. CARDIGAN JACKETS .. 4,91 In our Boot Department we hsive a splendid Stack.of Ladies' Evening Shoes, also Walking Shoes and House Slipper*. WARM FKLT SLIPPERS, IN MEN'S, WOMEN'S, AND CHILDREN'S, MEN'S AND WOMEN'S GALOSHES FOR THE WET WEATHER. O a I I and Inspect. N.Z. CLOTBINX? FACTOEY. F. H BECKI G AliK, Managsr. Wm. Strange { "J^SSi"* } Thos. Covepdale 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 natural enough. EXPERIENCE has taught them that the big City Establishments, SUCH Ax. OCRS, oiler them THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, and the WIDEST ; CHOICE OF GOODS, But snoh Ladies can always S*i©P WITH lIS BY POST, j as HUNDREDS already do, because they know we are LARGE BUYERS, j LARGE IMPORTERS, LARGE MANUFACTURERS. It is also pretty * generally known now that WE BUY EVERYTHING FOR READY MONEY, and tluv'c 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 ami Ccntin&ntai Novelties in Mantles, Costumes, Millinery, Corsets, Gloves, Dresses, Dress Goods, Under wear, Children's Goods, &c. And Our Dressmaking Department cl« sely resembles a' West-End of London Establishment. Our new French j Dressmaker,' MADAME BOUTEATJD, is acknowledged to be a IRUJL j ARTISTE. Her creations aro 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, we have acquired a HIGH REPUTATION. We make Stylishly-cut Suit (splendid workmanship and material) from £'6 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— «&d-at about HALF THE PRICE. Furniture we Supply Direct from our Factory to the People'at Factory Prices. Weateohave 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). COUNTftY RESIDENTS, If you CAN'T come to town to see us, you can always • . , «;' * Shop with us hy Post state your requirements PLAINLY in writing, ENCLOSE REMITTANCE, and yoT order shall be filled as PROMPTLY and SATISFACTORILY as though you had delivered it in person. POST FB.EE ON APPLICATION. Estimates for House-Furnishing, Blind-Making, Bedding, Wire Mattresses, &c Pattekns 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-Fkee on application to CHRISTCHURCH. TO LET. j FOE SALE, U^ffiSaS *^ BUi^ account J^S-if *• Mortgagee. \J lags, adjMnwg in* *™£\j LLOCK# ~ ~ AORES j fc ood 2 2 Perches, fronting . _ , I «J (J the sea-beach near Kyle, with a small FOE SALJH building thereon, being R.S. 27962, A FARM of 265 Acres, Springfield I'*'^*' A District, Kara! Section 32643 mostly .^f^S^tlSSS^ .pplieation. in English grasses. For terms and partiou- r . . »rs apply to a w«bb I. BULLOCK, Ag«nt. **



i IT. BULLOCK.. _ pRIOE—J3I 15m per acre. A 43ac 2r. *20p. l43ac. Being R.S 29024, Wakanui Plains Seafield District. Estate of VV. A. Knapman, deceased; to close accounts: Full particulars furnished. T. BULLOCK, FOX SALE ~~ BUILDING Site, Wills Street West, being Town Section 1120, containing \ Acre. Eaßy Terms of payment Apply to T. BULLOCK ~ FOR SALE VALUABLE Town Section, near the Poßt office and Railway station, being No. 505, Wills street, containing J- acre, estate of J. Page, deceased. It is centrally situated, opposite Oddfellows' Hall. Easy terms of payment can be arranged. T. BULLOO BAKEKY AND SHOP. mO LET at a Low Rental. The Triangle _L Bakery and Shop, situated near the Railway Station and Post Office. Apply to 1? BULLOCK. FOB SALE 147 J{a acres', 147/2 RANGITATA Distriot being R.S. 26204 fronting the Road leading to the Rangitata Traffic Bridge, some distance above the Hinds station. Easy terms of Payment. T BULLOCK, ~~~ FOB BALE, "' THE unexpired portion of Appropriation, being about £170 repayable by monthly instalments without internet, in the Indus trial Building Society, and two shares. Apply to > T. BULLOCK to let; HOUSE of 6 Rooms centrally situa- ed in Burnett Street Apply to T. BOLLOCK Agent. - t7TTel\ - SUITE of Rooms, centrally situated in the new Victoria Buildings next Ar cvde, Burnett Street. T. BULLOCK. FOR SALE Building site on upoer side of Railway. f}Q"I —PBICE rrquired for Town Sec ofcrtJX. tion 1165. containing quirter of an asre fronting Cameron Street, West. For further particulars apply to T. BULLOCK MONEY. flid Lend on approved first-class freehold JL security, two small sums of £200 and £250 also £1600 T. BULLOCK, _____. _. NEW Dwelling houae of five rooms with verandah and scullery, centrally situated in Triangle, near Poet Offioe and Railway Station. T. BULLOCK. "~ KAKAIA. FOR" SALE, At a reduced price vz : - otjf&Uy) of the late W. Cox on account of tbe Public Trustee as follows :— Section 356, corner of Mackie and Ro! ---leston Streets, containing § Acre with small chop and dwelling, and two-roomed cottage thereon. ejection 354, adjoining, and part of 352, containing 1 Rood 20 Perches. On these are ereuttd two small shops and dwelling?. All let to tenants at a total rental of 17s 6d per week. Terms and further particulars on appli cation. T.BULLOCK Agent . fol~«ALli SHEEP COUNTRY 3018 AOKKS 3018 Some distance above Mount Somers Town ship, Ashburton Gorge, being RS. 31832, 318?3, 31834, and others all in its native state. Offers are invited for the purchase of the above. Easy terms viz : Small cash deposit bal ance by instalments, bearing a low rate of interest- Full particulars furnished on application. T BULLOCK y 5«• '. r-f\ • * .| P* *-- ~ ft CO *j >& ■ S "e»» rf 02 n " a® Q3 f—N < °* M □QQ S *h» W (^ o b ii < HH _ 8 * * fcf © flj ° JiO P go g tttI^NTED KNOWN—That I have a<T VV commodation for Lady Patients;— Apply Mrs Ainsworth, Ladies' Nurse, Eton street, Hampstead. Terms on appli cation. , MISS BESSIE SIMMONDS. MUSIC Seller and Teacher of tbe Violin, Musical instruments of evei, descrip tion VIOLINS a SPECIALITY. Musi . and Songs by every mail. First-class Quad rille Band. Burnett Street, 4 83 Opposite Publishing Company SHEARMAN BRO<; have large stock Loasbys Wahoo, Benjamin Gum, • Koolibah, aud Cinnamon Cure



Bubonic plague has broken out To leave a trail of death no doubt, A vile, detestable complaint, O'er which few medicines have restraint. Now if it were a cough, or cold, Though e'er so deeply taken hold, It could be cured with remedy Sure, Wm E Woods Great Peppermint Curs



An Old Settle. # —. fLABA, my dear," said her mother, "1 think we will have a cup of tea before we go out." •• Just the very thing mother," answered her daughter, as she rang the bell for the maid. " Make some tea, Mary, as mother and I have deoided to have a cup. Don't be long, Mary, for we have little time In fifteen minutes two cups of tea were brought into the sitting-room, but neither mother nor daughter oould drink it. Mary was summoned into the room, and was asked what was the matter with the beverage. She acknowledged that it had a foreign taste, but she could not account for it. The reason was discovered the next day. The kettle was one year old, and certain substances in it had corroded. And so it is with our system, but Bile Beans for Biliousness will regulate It. We allow the system to go too far without cleansing it, end when we get ill we wonder what is the matter. Biliousness is one of those complaintß we are apt to neglect, whereas a proper course of Bile Beans for Biliousness' wii put the liver in proper working order ; thus preventing the ducts connecting the various digestive; organs from becoming stopped up, and in this way prevent biliousness. Mrs C. M Smith, of 171 Cuba Street, Wellington (NZ.)i says :—" I have been a sufferer during the past twenty-five years. During that time I never knew what it was to feel 1 well. The symptoms ot my illness were loss of sleep ; for months I would remain awake all night, and I could not rest on my left side. I also suffered very badly from indigestion, heartburn, biliousness, and a feeling of great weariness. During the long period of my illness, I was attended by no less than eighteen doctors, not one of whom could relieve me. I also tried all kinds of patent medicines, but got no benefit. At last I was recommended to try Bile Beans, which I did, and I found that after I had taken a few boxes, I was beginning to feel quite a different woman. I now enjoy the best of health, and 1 have no hesitation in recommending Bile Beans to any person suffering as I was," Smoke New Venut



Smoke New Venui