Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1900. THE TREATMENT OF DRUNKEN NESS.

A few years ago, it wae flat heresy to characterise chronic drunkenness as anything but a disgusting vice, which must be punished by fine and imprison ment. Here and there a pressman ventured to dissent from the commonly received idea, but his voice was as that of one *vho cries in the wilderness. So far back as fifteen years ago, the writer ventured to express his conviction that to treat the confirmed drunkard as a criminal, was as cruel as lit was futile. And teetotalers waxed wroth. Bat, quite recently, Or Ool quhoun declared, in the course of an address delivered before the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, that in his opinion drun kenness was a disease and must be treated as a disease, if any good was to result, adding, "no gaol sentences bhould be permitted for drunkenness alone. It would be as reasonable to send the epileptic or the consumptive to gaol, as it is, to send the habitual drunkard there." Such an expression uf opinion coming from an experienced medical man, should be hailed with satisfaction. The medical profession should have been the first to discover and make known what De Oo.'quhoun has just declared. A year or two ago, them died in England a woman named Jane Oakebread, & notorious character, with a record of something iike 300 convictions against her for drunken ness, and the greater part of whose life was spent in gaol. No sooner was this woman liberated than she got drunk again, and wae once more committed to prison. And yet the unhappy creature was no fitter sub ject for the gaol than the consumptive or the epileptic, to quote Dr Oolquhoun once more. Jane Oakebread, is, hap pily, poor soul, dead. Death, under ail the circumstances, was the best thing that could happen to her. But there are plenty more afflicted as she was afflicted, who are sail being regularly committed to gaol every few weeks, and that not in England alone. Such cases are conatantiy occurring a good deal nearer home. ShsJl we, in the face of such evidence as Dr Colqu houn has collected, and as must be in the possession of most medical meu with general practices, persist in brand ing, and treating as criminals the wretched victims of disease % In the name of humanity and common-sense let us urge on ihe establishment of inebriate hospitals, where the drink cursed may be scientifically treated, *nd have the terrible craving which tortures them eradicated. A hundred years ago the iusane were fastened by iion chains to the walls of the dungeons in which they were confined, and treated like wild beasts. We are deeply shocked when we read in the twentieth century of such b<*tbarity, I* uot our method of treating diplomatics to day almost as barbarous?

THE SENSATIONAL DESPATCH.

There has been a good deal of specula tion jd all the colonies us 10 whit inipht bo the meaning of the despatch secret and sensational which all the colonial governors - except ours apparently — have received.' Various suggestions tiave been made aa to the probable reason for the action of Mr Chamber lain in this matter, the prevailing idea being that the toeasage had some reference to the attitude of Kussia. We think, however, that the explana tion will be found to have reference to the cablegrams published else whet c, stating that the leading papers in Paris, Vienna, Berlin, and at Petersburg, deuaand the inteiven tion of the Powers to preserve the independence of the South African republics. It strikes us that Mr Oham beriain, with the tact for which he is famous, has decided to take the colonies into hie confidence with regard to the meeting of any Berious international difficulty in the future, and as -aj very serious difficulty must arise, if j the powers attempt to interfere with Britain in the settlement of the South African trouble, possibly Mr Chamber lain is endeavouring to find out how far the colonies are prepared to go, in supporting the Mother country, in resisting any sort of outaide interfe rence If this be so, then it is by n< means impossible that the Boer war may be followed by one of far greater proportions, for that the colonies one and all, will agree to stand shoulder to shoulder in backing up the Empire's right to settle up with the Boers in itfa own way, the events of the last few months have abundantly proved, And wHithb solid and assured support of every part of her vast dominions, and the almost certain support of America in case of war—Britain may well kepp a resolute front, aad defy the world ia arms.

Local and General.

*»* On the finst page to-day will be found Commercial; also an advertisement from Mr D. Ihomas with reference to properties,

Milk For Durban—Among the cargo of the Undaunted, for Darban and Capetown, are 2000 cases ot preserved milk, shipped at the Bluff.

Eisps School Congest—The annual con cert of the Hinds school takes place on Friday next, when the prizas won by the scholars will be presented.

A Teooper Injured.—A young man named Orr, one of the fourth contingent, was thrown from his horse yeaterdsy and badly injured. His recovery is hopeless,— frees Association telegrum from Napier.

Alleged Inokndiarism—According to a Napier telegram, the Tneatre Royal there was found on fire twice, in different parts, yesterday. Incendiarism is more than sus pected.

School Excursion to Sttmneb —Nearly eight hundred persons took parb in the schools excursion to Sumner on Thursday. The day was beautifully fine, and the outiog proved a highly enjoyable one

Thk Mouth of tub Ashbuhton.—lt does not seem to be generally known that the enclosure at the mouth of the Ashburton is not open to the public. As a matter of face the land is rented in the names of A H Shury and 3 M Cambridge. Those in the babi;, of going down and occupying the ground might as well make a note of this. There are also private paddocks at the mouth of the Rakaia which people occasion ally trespass upon. There ia a 50 acre reserve close by on which anybody can o»wp»

Held OvKß—OwiiJg to pressure on our »pace, correspondence and other matter is unavoidably held over.

Body Found—The body found floating in tha Bay at Dunedin, was identified »« th*t of William Perry, aged 62. He was married and living with his family. An inquest will be held this afternoon.—Press Association telegram •

Personal—Mesarts H. M« Jones and S v * Chapman leave Ashburton this evening, en route for the Methodist conference at Auck land, to which gathering they have beea appointed delegates.

Lonobeach Flower Show—At the pro menade concert after the Longbeach Flower ShowJ Mr J. Werren sang " The Abßest- Minded Beggar " (Sullivan's setting) to the usual shower accompaniment. The sum of £1 3a lOd was picked up. Accident at Auckland—Three men, N. Western, J&a. Harris, and John Burgoyne, fell forty feeb into the Calliope Dock from the stage of the steamer Manapouri. Bur goyne was slightly injured, the others very seriously.—Press Association telegram.

Tennis—-The following players will repre sent the Baring Square. Tennis Club in their match against the Trevor ton Club next Thursday, March 3, commencing at half past two:—Misses Baker, Dixon, Lowry, and Potter, Messrs Dixon, Fowke, McCly tnont, Potter, and Purchase (2).

Suited thb Children —The Hinds eohoo! children shared the holidays consequent upon the defeat of Crooja and the relief of Lady smith. Mr Sheldon, maßter of the main school, and Miss Newman, mistress of the side school, released them, and the children cheered the Queen, the Generals, and others, and eaog the National Antbem.

B ire at SfRiNGBURN—The house of the poundkeeper at Springburn was nearly des troyed by fire last night, about twelve o'clock. Fortunately, a son of Mr Fergus the poundkeeper, saw the flames before triey had got a good hold, and with the assistance of the neighbour!), mostly members of the railway staff, the fire was subdued, although considerable damage was done. The origin of the fire cannot be traced, as no one was in the houB« at the time, but the rata have the credit of it.

Notes on Chkesbmakikg —We have re ceived from the Department of Agriculture, Wellington, a leaflet, compiled by Mr J. A. Ruddick, Dairy Commissioner, entitled *' Seasonable notes on Cheesem&king." As the season advances and the milk becomes richer, a slight modification of the process of cheesemaking is necessary, in order to secure uniform results. The leaflet before us, sug gests the modifications needed, gives hints as to salts, and salting, and a remedy for the excessive loss of fat in pressing. The defect of weak, open bodied cheese, consequent on faulty manufacture, is also dealt with.

Thb Hospital Boabd. —The following notice of motion has been tabled by Mr Hugo Friedlander, for the next meeting of the Hospital Board : —•• That the resolutions carried at the meeting of the Ashburton Hospital Board on February 23, viz.: • That tke words master and matron £150 be struck out, and matron inserted at £100 per annum,' be rescinded, and in lieu thereof ' The recommendation of the Hospital Com mittee as per minute of the 19th December, 1899, b9 approved of,' also that the resolu tion '.That a Secretary be appointed at a salary not exceeding £20 per annum,' be rescinded."

Seeve Him Right—Oa Thursday even ing a "gentleman" of pro-Boer feelings, who had '• drunk not wisely but too well " on emerging from a house of entertainment on Eaet Street, made use of lurid language against the British, and "Her Most Gracious' in particular- A local "Bookie "stood it for some few minutes, and ihea ''offered the odds " that he would knock the pro- Boer into a cocked hat, inside of five seconde, he didn't want to see if his offer would be taken, but "smote,"and the prc-Boer went down, and as often as be rose went dowu again. Then the onlookers asked if he had had enough. The pro Boer admitted th« soft impeachment, but the onlookers fearing his conversion te be only skin deep, com pelled him to sing •' God Save the Queen " He got as far as the second line, and said be knew no more, but he was encored on thoa'a fcwo lines far oftener thaa even the greft fe3b ainger could boast. We may say ha w<*s kneeling on the road all the "oonoert " if one can so call it.

The Bubonic Plague.

United Press —By JSieo' riu Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, March 2 On the arrival of the Mararoa a man named Walker, living at Annandall, was quarantined. He is supposed to be infected with the plague. Brisbane, March 2 Sydney has been declared a plague infected port.

Sydney, March 2

A man named Walker, living at Annadale, has been quarantined. It is supposed to be a case of plague.

The man Madden has bean found to be suffering from plague. All the cases have been traced to Sussex Street.

Received Wakapuaka March 3, 9.40 a.m, This Office 10-14 a.m Noumea, March 3 One or two cases of plague are reported daily among the Kanakas. These casea were mostly fatal, beveral Europeans also died during the week.

THE WAR FUND.

CRICKET.

MELBOURNE CLUB v. CANTERBURY

Christchubch, March 2

The cricket match between the Melbourne Cricket Club and Canterbury began at) Lancaster Pa>k to-day in beautiful weather. Canterbury, batting first, scored 93 (Wigley 27, Bim3 10, Fowko 10 not out, and Robert sou 13). Trumb'e took six wickets for 25 runs, and Gave four for 25. When stumps were drawn Melbourne had scored 195 for three wickets (Graham 101 not our, Trumble 55, and Mailler 28, being the principal scorers).

A MYSTERIOUS DESPATCH

Melbourne, March 2

The Age indicates that Mr Ohamoer lain'B secret despatch to the Premiers asks for mote Australians to be sent to South .Africa, in view of the Afrikander Bond's threatened attempt; to foment a rising

Mr Chamberlain has cabled to Mr Lyne that he will consult the War Office to see whether the secret despatch can be made public.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Auckland, March 2

So far as can be ascertained Government have not received the sensational despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies alluded to in the Australian cables.

Amberley, Dec 7, 1899 [Copy] Messes Crakjhkad And Bbrryman Asnburton, Dear Siro,—Could yon make a suit at onca. lam sorry I forgot to order it sooner. The last one is still wearing. It fitted beautifully, and has given the greatest satisfaction. If yju have time to make one for my son at Greraldine, I will get him to ride up on Satur day to be fitted. If there is not time to aend patterns, t will trust you to phooae for me, something like the last.—-yours truly,

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The regular meeting of the Asbburton County Council was held yesterday morning. Present—Messrs C. J. Harper (chairman), K. G. Wright, J, Lambie, M. Stilt, J. Johnston, H. Friedlander, S. S. Chapman, and G A. M. Buckley.

chairman's statement.

The Chairman'sstatement was as follows:— The Treasury informed this Council that the rateable value of the Ruapuna subdivision No lat the time the loan was granted was only sufficient for a loan of £4555, but as the j current rateable value has now been increased to £47707 sufficient for a further loan of £455, a certificate to that effect will be required before the additional sum can be remitted. This matter has been duly attended to.—The Minister of Defeaoo has been written to bringing under his notice that the Easter encampment of the southern volunteers has never been held in this county and looking at the liberal manner in which this county has subscribed to the patriotic fund and the support it has rendered to the equipment) and force of the Third Contingent the Minister has been asked to consider favourably this oonnty's claim for such an encampment,—The Colonial Secretary his been asked to gazette Messrs William Kennedy, the Ashburton pouudkeeper, and William Bryans, clerk to the Rangitata Road Board, as inspectors of slaughterhouses. ! These appointments complete the inspection of slaughterhouses in this county. engineer's beport.

The engineer's report wae read as follows : Ruapuna Water Supply from Rangitata Gorge—Several of the workmen left for harvest work daring the month, and con siderable delay has been occasioned in the working up of the rough bottom, by reason of the influx of water from the b dea and bo'torn of channel, more especially after reaching the river level. A few days, however, will suffice to complete that excavation now. Recently some fu-ther slips have occurred on No 3 and 5 contracts, and so ma of t>he men now at work on No 1 contract, will on its completion be sent to clear these next week—l go to the grouud i again early in the week, to arrange some fiaal details, and will bs able to say definitely what day the water can be turned on. Ashburton Rangitata Water Supply—A few days ago the excessively hot and dry weather, caused a very considerable lowering of the rivers, and a little shortage in races at the lower end of the system, but the intakes were at onca adjusted, and wing dama made to suit altered conditiou of river, and a very full supply has now been let in from the South Ashburton river. Some of the occupiers have not yet completed the clearing of weeds out of their races. I have instructed the rangers to have this done at the occupants' expense without further delay. Hinds Gorge supply was barely reaching the lower end for a few days, and Limestone Creek was almost dry. Ashburton-Rakala Water Supply — The lowering of the North Ashburton river has rendered necessary the bringing out of a larger supply from the south branch, and this was done for the purpose of keeping up the Winchmore main, and Wakanui district supplies, which had begUT to fali nff A n°.w sluice and culvert at inlet of E r«ce at Mr Hardings, ha? been provided. The large cuivert at junction of roads in Methven township will shortly have to be renewed. It is about four chains in length. The recent winds caused several blockages in a number of the races. These have alt been cleared now, and-most of the races are iv fair order. County Plantations —I have ordered the materials necessary for repairs of fencing in reserve 2673, Westerned. County Bridges—The repairs necessary on Taylor'a Stream bridge, consisting of the renewals of several longitudinals, corbels, and two piles, will be commenced on March 7, and the closing of the bridge during these repairs has been advertised. Tenders are caled for to-day for the painting of river bridges at Upper Rangifcata and Digby's. With regard to the Ruapuna supply, Mr Wright pointed out this was the first attempt to take water for irrigation purpose) out of the Rangitata at a difficult place. The other efforts had always been at easy points. Members thought the public should have & chance of baing present if they so wished, as it was an interesting occasion. Mr Wright said the Council did not put the ratepayers to a great expense in looking after their interests. It was a duty, how ever, to be present on this occasion. The trip could not be done in one day as a. good deal of ground had bo be gone over. It was deoided to make the visit on B'riday, March 23, and to stay at Mount, Somers for the night* Mr Friedlander said he had received a good many complaints re fcha supply of water in the Wakanui district. He drew the engineer's attention to one or two cases. The engineer expUined the matter to the satisfaction of the Council I Mr Latnbie drew attention to Ibe tamper ing with water races now so prevalent. He mentioned a bridge, a plank about 12 feet long, which had been carried away entirely. Mr Chapman drew attention to the faob that E. Williams, Waterton, had a race running along both sides of a small paddock, and had to pay for the double length. He thought it a hardship th%t might be remedied. The Chairman pointed out that there was a resolution on the books that where a race was duplicated through an owner's property and he received no additional advantage the seoond race was not charged for Mr Wright pointed out that in the ease under notice the previous owner had applied for the second race After some conversation it was decided to look into the subject of duplicate races FINANCIAL

Accounts amounting to £305 9a 4i were passed for payment COBRESPONDEKPE

! The Ooldstream Koad Board wrote asking j tho Council to pay one-third of She total coat of closing the road at Ealiog, including the the cost of any fencing necessary. The Board was unable to say at present what the total oosb would be Mr Friedlander moved " That when the (Joldstream Road Board furnishes the Council with the total cosb of oloaing the road the Council would favourably oonsider the matter."

Mr Wright seconded the motion, which was carried

The Returning Officer, Mr J T Tayler, wrote stating that the Aehburton County Council had been appointed the local authority to control the licencing election, to be held about March 21 or 22. Should the Council desire to reduce the number of polling places they were invited to mike suggestions. The Council was also asked to recommend a date

The Chairman said that 22 polling place* had been used

Members thought this number could be considerably reduced The Chairman aaid he had that morning gone through the list with ft gentleman who knew thp diatricts thoroughly. He detailed eleven places that might be struck out. The coat of the election last time had been £94 I'A-s 6d, which was a decide! tax on the rate payers. By reducing the polling plaoeß the cost might be reduced nearly one half Mr Chapman urged that Fkmington be retained, as there waa a large population there

This was agreed to ! It was decided to recommend that ten places be struck out, and that March 22 be the day for holding the licensing election Mr Conyere, manager of the Double Hills station, Snowdon, asked for a subsidy for repairs to the Black Hills track It was decided to grant a further sum of £5 towards the work, in addition to the £5 previously granted Mr R S Blston wrote, asking for an ex tension of time for painting the bridges at Bakaia Gorge and Taylor's Stream. —As some repairs to the bridge at Tay lor's Stream would necessitate the re moval of the hand-rails, an extension of one month was granted

The Council's solicitor, Mr Purnell, sub mitted an agreement with Mr Cameron t'e water races

The Chairman and Messrs Wright and Friedlander were appointed a committee to confer with the Council's solicitor as to the operation of the instrument The Tinwald Town Board, at the request of a number of stock drivers and others, ask«d for certain stock bridges to be widened.--Agreed to Similar applications with regard to bridges jn the Winsiow, Longbeaob, and Graham's atetriot were also dealt with Tip aernldjnt County Co^ooil wrote ills*

ing to be supplied with about 40 bushels of poisoned grain

The Council had no poisoned wheat to sell. It waa decided to give information as to where it could be obtained

A lotier from Mr Harrison, Hackthorne, te the present ayatem of keeping the water races clean waa received, and consideration deferred

WATER FROM RACES

The Rev H. Purchas, Mount Somers, wrote asking that the contractor for their new church at Mount Somers be allowed to take water from the main race for the concrete

As a branch line some quarter of a mile long was necessary, the Council thought it an undesirable deviation to make at) the present time A jaumber of trifling water race concessions were left; in the handa of the Engineer to deal with

Mr W. Wilson, Mayfield, was granted permission to take water for hia dip provided the supply were taken by means of a calico hose

SLAUGHTERING LICEKSH

Mr P. A. Saunders waa granted a license to (slaughter cattle on R.B. 35790, May field

TENDERS

Three tenders were received for painting hand-rails at Digby 'a and Upper Rangitata bridges. That of Mr R S JElston being the lowest, was accepted

THE COUNCILS RANGKR

The Rangitata Road Board forwarded the following resolution, passed at their last meeting :—" That the present system by which the water race crossings in the upper part of this road district are let to a con tractor, who is also ranger for the same district, is unsatisfactory, and the Board requests the Council to make a change." Mr Wright thought it was time such an arrangement were brought to a close. He did not think it in the interests of the rate payers, that one man should be both con tractor and inspector—contractor in o»e part of the district and ranger over a larger district

The Chairman said that up to the present time the arrangement had worked fairly well. When it was entered into the Council were not in a position to pay a ranger. Sinoe then the work htd greatly increased, and he thought, with Mr Wright, it was time a different) arrangement wore made. The races had muttip'ied, and it was time they had a second ranger

It was mentioned that at present the ranger received £150 per annum, which included maintenance

It was finally decided to give two months notice to the present ranger to terminate his contract with the Council

The Engineer was requested to make amended specifications for the rangership and for the maintenance of the County races

DEPUTATIONS

[The report of a deputation from the Ashburfcon Domain Board appears else where.]

Mr Uharles Doherty, chairman of the Tinwald Town Board, and Mr E. Sounders, waited on the Council, as a deputation from the Tinwald Patriotic Committee, and asked that on the date of the demonstration there (March 8) a traction engine, drawing a number of trucks, be allowed to cross the Ashburton bridge, conveying school children and others from Ashburton to the demon* stration.

Ib was pointed out that ib was purely a question of safety. If the engine were a light one, the trucks not too numerous, and the speed not excessive, there would be no difficulties raised

After discussion, ib was agreed to accede to the request, subject to the by-laws and to the instructions of a reliable officer of the Council, who would bo sent to pilot the engine over

The next meeting was fixed for Friday, April 6, and the Council adjourned

RANGITATA RACE MEETING

President—Mr A J Hawdon ; Vice-Preei dents—Messrs S Rae, T Fraser and W Ashby ; Judges—(hor3eevenU)Mr 0 Scott Thompson, {athletic events), Messrs T Rae, F Perhi.ni and J VV Pye ; H<»nd> cappers—-(horse event*) Messrs B R Mc- Donald and A 0 Watson, (athletic events) James Lorgolly and J Heney; Starters— (horsa events), Meesrs B R McDonald, (uhletic eveats) A Gr McDonald ; Clerk of the scales—Mr J Bryan; Cleikof the c->u:B3— Mr J W Aehby ; Treasurer—Mr R D Petrie; ffou Secretary—Mr G H Patrick. The annual meeting of the Rangitata Sports and Racing Glnb was held at Aruodel oa Tt.nraday. The weather wan glorio.iS, and the attendance the largest) for \ carp. The racing track (half a mile) was in epiendid order, and hag been much im* proved since last yesr, the sharp turns which had to be negotiated with some care being done away with, while the track was ploughed and harrowed, so that horses could keep their feet better than on the grass, 1 he racing on the whole was very good, and the public seldom have the pleasure of wit nessing such contests on country courses. In three of the galloping handicaps the winner did not win by more than half a length, which says a good deal for the Club's handicappers. There was one pro test during the day, the rider of Aiderßhot in the Arundel Cup alleging that Actor had crossed htm, but the Stewards, after taking evidence, unanimously dismissed ib. Mr B R McDonald was applauded during the day for his excellent starting, and the way in which he got the field away in the cup was worthy of any starter, the officers of the Club worked hard to make the meeting a Buccese, and the Secretary, Mr G H Patrick, is the right man in the right place. Mr R D Fetrie, of the Bridge Ho f,ei, must be con? gratulated on the way in which he catered \ for the public. The luncheon which was i provided would be bard to beat anywhere, and the young ladies who attended the table had a busy time. The meeting passed off without tin accident of any kind, and was voted by one and all to be the best ever held ab Arundel. The following are details of the pacing:~ Maiden Trot, of 6 soys; H- mile. Mr V Bull's g g Pretoria, 128eo "(Owner) 1 Mr J Lorgelly's blk g 1 ransib Royal, scr (Ovvner) 2 Mr 3 Cusack's b g Jaoko 159 ec (Cotton) 5 Mies EmmersoD, Bluestone, Vixen, and Ladysmith, also started. Pretoria sion caught Jacko, and giving him the go by, established a good lead, and although Transit Royal made a bold bid to overhaul him, he won easily by 50 yards. Time—4.s9 Fabmers' , Plate, of 6 soys ; one mi?p. Mr T. Cotton's (ns) b g Actor, list 61b (Cotton sur) 1 Mr.G W Hardwick's b m Soubriquet, llsb 2lb ... .. .. (Owner) 2 Mr H Sharplin's oh g Inchcape, list 61b (McConaohte) 8 Little Tim, Pansey and Fanny also started.

From a capital sfcarfc, Actor and Inehcape raced for tbreequarters of a mile when the latter was done wish, and Soubriquet who had been lying handy put in her cairn, but could not get on terms, Actor running home a winner by half a length. Time—l.sß Pekl Fobest Teot, of 7 soys ; 2 miles. Mr J Aoglan's b m lahuler, 15-sec (Owner) 1 Mr H fcharplin's br g Rambler, llseo

(Sharplin jut) 2 Mr W Hay Smith's br g Gillie Riabach, 15sec '-■', t , .'„ (J Smith) 3

Myra Tracey, Jock McQ tilla, Young Berlin, Ladysmith, Yeb, Pretoria and Jaoko also started. Jaoko led for half a mi!c, when Ishuleb and Rambler caught him, and the race 'vaa betwean the two, but Ishulet, who trotted very steadily, having too much pace for Rambler, won by 5 lengths. Time —6.9

Arundel Cup, of 8-80V8 and cup j 1& mile Mr T Cotton's (ns) bg'Aoior, lleb (2'b

penalty) .. .. .. (Cotton enr] 1 Mr F B Wightman's c h Aldershot, llsb 7fb .. ♦ (Demuwh) 2 Mr R D Petrie's b h Telemeter, Hat

(Hardwick) 3 Little Tim, Pansey, and Perkioette also started. After one break away the field were sent off in line, Perkinette making the running for half a mile, olosety followed by Telemeter and Aldershot. At the end of six furlongs /Telemeter and Aldershot were in front, with Aotor lying handy, third ; I about three furlongs from home Actor put in a determined run, and although Alderahot stuck to him gamely he could not get up, suffering defeat by a neck. Time—2.s9.

Hack Race, of 5 apvs ; lix furlongs Mr G W Hardwick's b m Soubriqueb (Owner) 1 Mr J Patterson's b m Surprise (Davey) 2 Mr J Bull's eh h Grand Cross (Cotton snr) 3

Lord Hopetoua and Fanny alio •twted. Soubriquet) jumped off witn th» Ind n4

held it to the finish. Surprise'and Grand Cross close up. Time —1.25 Hurry Fcurry, six furlongs Grand Croat .. •• (Cotton jur) 1 P^naey .. .. .. (O'BneD) 2

Perkinette .. .. (Daveyj 5 Won very easily. Time—-1.26 Consolation Trot ; one mile. Young Berlin, Bsec .. .. (Cotton enr) 1 ,7nek McQuilla, scratch .. . .(Ownu.) 2 Rambler, 2sec  .. (Sharpliu jar) 3 An exciting race. Both homes broko a few yards from the post, bnt Berlin being quickly steadied won by a length. Time— 3 10

ATHLETIC EVENTS. 100 Yards—Johnston 6yda 1, Harris 3yd» 2, Moore ser 3, Ibell alao iao. -Won by a yard.

220 Yard;— Murray scr 1, Moore 4yds 2. Jobn»to& also started Old Mens' Race—John Henuy 1, |T Tilson2

THE ASHBURTON DOMAIN

Deputation to the County Council

At the meeting of the County Council held yesterday, Messrs D. Thorn** and j. H. Pauling attended at a deputation from the Domain Board, and asked the Council to make a grant towards the maintenance of the Domain.

Mr Thoma«, who acted m spokesman, thought the Council was nob doing its duty in the matter. The Domain belonged totho county, not to the borough alone, but to far the borough had been spending the whole of the money necessary for the maintenance, with the exception of the £25 granted lait year. Ashburton had the beat appointed Domain in New Zealand, but the Bmrd hud been spending something like £150 per year above the receipts, and had nothing liko a sufficient income. They would not like to see the Domain deteriorate now, but the Board thought they really could not continue to carry on as at prrsen*. The income would always be smaller than the exdeoditure. The Council fm the major body. The public came from Ur and near and used the Domain, and 'he Board now asked the Council to assist in the mamten* ance.

Replying to the Chairman and Mr Wrighb the deputation said a board formerly bad control of the Domain, but the financial difficulties were too great, and they resigned. Since then the Borough Counoil had been constituted a Domain Board. The receipts ab present were about £100 from Athletic clubs and some £70 from grazing, A charge of two guineas was also made to outsider* using the grounds for picnics, but the most of this was spent clearing up again. Mr H. Friediander, quoting Iron the Borough Council's statement of aooouats for 1891, said £193 10* 2d was epenfc upon the Domain for that year

Mr Thomas said what was sought was an annual contribution"

The Chairman did nob think the Council could make an annual grant unless they had some representation. The ratepayers womld never put up with that Mr Thomas said the Board would be most pleased to have such representation Replying to Mr Johnston, Mr Thomas said there had never been a charge made to a school until lust week, when the Springburn school was charged £2 2?. The Board nude that charge because they felt they must get money from somewhere

Members thought there should be do charge made to schools within the county Mr Thomas explained that the charge was made to pay for the cost of cleaning up again after the picnic The deputation having withdrawn, Mr Wright moved— 11 Thab the County CouDcil make a grant of £25 to the Ash burbou Domain Board for th a present year, it being stipulated that no charge be made for admission to the Domain of school children within the limits of the County." Mr Chapman seconded the motion, which was carried

Mr U. Fried lander, being the chairman the Domain Board, did nob vote

EUROPEAN SITUATION

Tie War in South Africa-

Jealousy of British. Sucoesses.

Demand forXatenreation.

United Press Association—By BUotric Telegraph—Copyright London, March 1 The newspapers at Paris, Berlin, Vienna and St Petersburg demand intervention to preserve the indepen dence of the South African Republics, hut the Governments are not respon sive,

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electti Telegraph—Copyright Berlin, March 1 The German warship Tachsen i« .ashore at Kiel. London, March 1 The proposal of Mr J. JI. Lewis, M.P. for Flint, to redqcc the miner*' day's work to eight hoqr?, wm rejected in the House of Commons by 199 votei to 1?5. 'L>

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Rejoicings in London,

Great Enthusiasm.

How the News Was Received

at the Cape,

The Disloyal Government Com*

pelled to Move

Joubertfs Intentions

Cronje's Laager

Sufferings of tile Bdeifs

Boer Prisoners Kindly Treated

Cronje's Blunder

United I'reßß Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph,—Copyright. Orocje's camp at Koodoosrand was a scene of pollution owing to the carcases collected in the Bhallows of the rivers. The Boers welcomed the deliverance. The trenches were real underground dwellings. Twelve British prisoners in camp were taken. They were sheltered. An appalling bombardment at the capture of Pietger's Hill, preceded a terrific conflict. The Boers were bayoneted, and it was the mast des perate incident of the campaign. The Ladysmith relief caused great excitement among the British. Bells were rung and the London streets were crowded. Cheers were given in many Stock Exchanges. ' . " " Soldiers' private letters received in England indicate that during the attach on Spionkop a British provision convoy passed into Ladysmitn. If this is confirmed, it explains Bailer's action. ' London, March 2 There were great rejoicings and unbounded eathgiUim at the relief of

TUB i.-HBjj.TDR i GOAfcttfAN SATURDAY, MAKCH 3, 1900



Amount acknowledged P. Cox balance ■end-off Fund J Bsnnison, junior ...  Henry B Funge ... ..

£538 15 8 4 12 6 5 0 5 0

Total

£543 18 2



THE SfcTOGE-WHITWOBTE LINE. _ __^ „ Mr JEZncinisr Cy«li«t,-Yoo have had hard luck lately paying out lots of entry fees and travelling expenses and getting no return. Notice how the riders of Ku.diE'e-'WSiit^vOi'ttiS have been faring. At the 1900 N.Z. Championship Meeting Dine oat of ten Championships fell to riders of the Rtjdgk-Whitworth. Did these riders ever meet with such phenomenal success on any other wheel ? Ask them how the Rudge-Whitwobth Etood on the bumpy track at Wellington, and they will tell you that their mounts were full of life when the iiaai struggle came. The Rudge-Whitworth haa only been on the path a few months, yet it aow stands ftlone as the racing man's wheel. Art you satisfied to be an "also started," or will you lead on a Rudge- Whitwobth ? Mr •HVourlst,—You want a wheel that it nob too heavy but strong enough to carry you over bumpy streets and rough roads, and »fc the Bame time, can ahow pace when the going is good. The Budgs- Whiwokth answers this description. What Is England's experience 1 The battle of the high-grade wheel haa ended in a complete viotory for the Rtoge-Whixworth, which is now right on top in the Old Country. Come and inspect the 1900 Model. I am BOLE AGENT for Ashburton for RUDGE - WHITWORTH & TRIBUNE BICYCLES. All Kinds of Machines Repairfd. BICYCLES t>N HIRE. STOCK OF ACCESSORIES. 2?. D. Johnston, BURNETT STREET, Next Orange Hall. ' CBKRTSEY SPORTS. IMPfiOV&D PROGK&MME FOH "171 ASTER MONDAY, APRIL 16th. OPEN HORSE & ATHLETIC EVENTS Programmes issued in a few days. 2 100 JOHN SHANNON, Secretary. Lord Huberts HAS considerably reduced the number of Boers during the past week. This it the talk of the town, and so is the fact that the Clown Studio have reduced the prioe of first class Photography, Cubinets from 7a 6d per dczen for t he month of March. COMfi AND SEE OUR Brilliant Victory IN HIGH-CLA3B PHOIOGBAPHY. lILL, BURNETT STREET. 3 12 I k< s K^ S Lmeo »e8 "Z Ja *» iv jok. « .-! 5| s g 3h r_ s £ -r: «a » < I -93 ° H ■ § 2 New Zealand CIOTMKC FAGTOeY XI7 E HAVE STILL A FEW bTOCZTAKISG BARGAINS. Left on hand which we have determined to Ciear out, during the next fortnight, after whioh we shall ba opening our. WiM^-R SEASONS GOODS. OCME AISD SEE TDESE LINES. Men's Grained Cookhams 2is for 16a 6i. Men's Crup Cookhams 26? 6d for 21a. NOTHING BETTER IN THIS MARKET. Boy's Seal Leg Shootern 8* 6d for 5n 6d Giri'a Grained Leglels 8s 61 f r bi 6d. Girl's Kid L^gJets 7s 6d for s^. Girl's G.'ace K<d Shoes li for 4^ 6d. Only a few odd Sizes in above Liaep, so Gome at once and secure them. For other BARGAINS see Windows and Door, as we have not space to enumerate nil. JNISW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAGTOXiY. F. H. BROKINGS ALB, Manager "~ MISS CARSON. nilM/HER of Pianoforte and Organ. X for terms, etc., apply ftb Residence, Corner of Wills and William Streets near '



FOR BICYCLE ACCESSORIES GO TO OATES, LOWRY AND CO. THE LEADING CYCLE DEALERS. OUR Repairs are done in a neat and workmanlike manner. All work guwantaed, and charges reason able '



- «s»4 k-PFPJAI PROFFRRIQNh* VISIT TO ASH BURTON, l£ Wf tEI TO-DAY, 3rd, from 9 a.tn, until 5 p.m. t^m^^^^^^^Km GRANGE'S COMMERCIAL HOTEL. BBS I iSI c P°tyPatiMe Medical DNEy« MKLBOURNK, & ADELAIDE. sliwß§l Paja^m PhR-W Where more Capital is Invested, more Physioiana 3ra! g& in iSXs Mpfrffil Employed, more Patients Treated, and more Cures wi: 11 IPPKI? Eif^f H Made titan by any other System in the World. Hfcj BpP*Jr ■*- JSCz-rlz£S/a fesF Corner Latimer Square and Gloucester Street, *_^^_ --~z£~- Chrißtchuroh. FEEE TREATMENT^ FREE TREATMENT. CO^i:UfTATION, ADVICE, AND ABSOLUTE TREATMENT OF ALL CUR\BLE DISK ARKS FRKte OP CHaRGE, MEDICINE ONLY TO BE P^ID FOR. Their Patients are nambered from all parts of tho World, and ho remarkable has keen their success that one pauses in wjnder at the superior qualifications of a man who can FROM A STRICTLY SCIENTIFIC) KNOWLKDGB OF 'CHE S'IBUCTURK OF MAW, TELL DISEASE AT A GLANCE, WITHOUT ASKING QUESTIONS, LOOKING \T THE TOKGUE, OR FEELIN3 THE PULSE. If yonr case is then prosionnced Our<u>'e, Medicines only t-o be paid for, SURELY A GOLDEN OPPORT UNITY, SMOKE ONLY NEW VENUS b «k. QUEEN LIGHT. A PEBFECT TOBACCO IMPORTANT TO FARMERS & THEIR WIVES. OUR GREAT SALE WILL CLOSE On SATURDAY Next, February 2 Uli IS TiIE|?MKAS rn\lß Special Inducemmjis wII be Given T O OLK A R ODD LINES REMNANTB. &o. MITCHELL <& TURNER'S A Most Strengthening and livigoratliglriliic ■Talccs out impurities from the blood, brings back an appetite for Rood food, imparts strength to the nerves, gives energy and power. Ayer^s Sarsaparil.la Mrs. h. Kennliigton, of Station St., Petersham, New South Wales, sends us the above portrait of herself, with the following letter : v- #<-i ! "I have used Ayer's Sarsaparilla and have found it a wonderful strengthen ing and invigorating tonic and restorative. . ; ' "Sometime ago I caught a severe cold and an attack of rheumatism fol lowed. I suffered terrible pains, could not eat or sleep, and feared I might be come a helpless invalid. f "I did not obtain any relief until I was given a prescription for 'Sarsa parilla.* My husband took it to a chemist, who said, 'Try Ayer's.' / " I noticed a decided improvement from the very first, and I was soon able to do my work again. I know of several people who owe their good health to this great medicine." C These remarkable results are not due alone to the sarsaparilla in Ayer's Sarsaparilla. They are due to the combined action of many ingredients. No other sarsaparilla contains'the same medicines. There is no other earsaparilla like "Ayer's." This is why the people call it . f .,* "The World's Greatest Family Medicine." ■ *f Ayer's " cures. You know this. You have to experiment with others, and you can't afford to do that. For removing impurities from the blood, for making thin blood become rklj and life-giving, for restoring strength and vitality, and for building up the nervous system, there is but one medicine: The It Removes Depression. Ayer's Pills Act on the Liver, more Bile is Secreted?



IMPORTANT NOTICE. fTIHE attention of Subscribers and Clients X is again directed to the Accounts lately sent) out from this Office, for it is scarcely necessary to say that the very heavy addi tional expenditure incurred since the com mencement of the War, in cables, &c., renders ifc absolutely necessary that Money should ba got in without) delay. We trust our Clients and Subscribers will give their prompt attention to this matter.. ASHBURTON PUBLISHING COY., Feb. 2#, 190 Q.



«2T The original letter as above from a well known gentleman and many others of equally high compliment may be seen at out orBoe—CBAIGHBAO and Berbyma*?, the Loftdiog Tailora ic4 Qutfibtwi ;