BIRTH.

| Coaws-On March 16, at Ashburton, the wife of Rwhnald F. Cowrie, of a son. I i

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1900. DELAGOA BAY.

["he action of the British Government a sending to South Africa some 30,000 men within the next few weeks md asking Australia to provide a force jf 2000 more men has given rise to a very great deal of speculation on the part of those who are carefully watch ing the progress of events in South Africa. A writer in the /Faimate Advertiser, who appears to be speaking by the book, says that: —To under stand tbe situation clearly, it is neceb- Bary to go back some ten or twelve years. About that time a Colonel McMurdo obtained a concession from the Portuguese authorities to build the railway from Delagoa Bay to the Teansvaal frontier. Colonel McMurdo formed a company to work this con cession, and the railway was started. Before it was completed, however, Colonel MoMurdo died, and the Portuguese Government then repudiated the concession and confiscated the railway. The com pany appealed against this action, j and the matter was referred to arbi- I tration. An Arbitration Court was formed at Bern?, in Switzerland, and although it has been in existence for over nine years, no award has yet been given, and tbe shareholders have not, up to the present, received a penny of their capital back, or anything in the shape of compensation. Some two or three years ago, it was stated on good authority in Johannesburg, that Mr O J. Rhodes had bought out the largest of the shareholders, and the matter thus became practically an Imperial one In recent papers received from Natal, it is Btated that the decision of the arbitrators (known as the Berne award will be given within tbe next two oi three montho. It is practically certain that under ths award the shareholder! will get from £1,000,000 to £1,500,00 C compensation, and the cost will bring the amount up probably to £2,000,000 As is well known, Portugal has nol this sum, and to obtain it she wil probably have to part with some of hei colonies. Great Britain would be quit« willing to give her the money foi Delagoa Bay and the adpeent territory There can be little doubt that an agree ment has been arrived at betweer Great Britain and Germany, by which in the event of Portugeuse East Africs being sold, the former Power shall have tbe territory up to the mouth of th< Limpopu, and Germany tbe territorj north of that. France will, however strenuously oppose the transfer oi Delagoa Bay to Great Britain, and wi! have the assistance of Russia, and thui serious complications may arise li the event of war, the Indian frontiei would certainly be attacked by Russia and it might be very difficult to senc 1 troops from Great Britain by means ol the Suez Canal. The British Govern ment forseeing this are concentrating another 50,000 troop in Africa (where they can hardly be needed for the purposes of the present war) and from there they can be transported to India in a fortnight- It is significant that such a large number of fcransports art being kept idle in the South African ports at the present dose when they are in such request elsewhere. The colonial troops will probably be used after the war as military police, a work for which they are peculiarly fitted, and the only regulars r« quired in South Africa will then be the garrisons in the chief towns. In support of this theory is the fact that the Imperial authorities are offer ing the colonials p*y at the rate of 5i per da?—a far higher rate than the regulars are pftjd- Witn over 100,000 troops within a fortnight's sail of India, and her magnificent fleet, Great Britain can defy any powers that try to prevent her acquiring Delagoa Bay, or attempt to dictate terms with regard to the settlement of South African affairs at the conclusion of tbe war.

Local and General.

•— — * # * Ok the first page to-day will be.fouac Commercial. Tjib Fbisco Mail.—The Alameda with bhi Frisoo Mail which has arrived ab Auckland, was delayed two days In a hurricane in the vicinity of Apia. Volwntkeb Qvehcoats. — The Guardt have jjst received their new overcoat! .completed by Messrs J. Ballantyne and Co, at exceptionally shorb notice. The coats arc serviceable ones, with pockets and oapes, and are each marked with the owner's name. The Departure o» R©_Gft RjD_»s-~The railway arrangements in connection with the departure of the second draft of New Zsaland Rough Riders from Duoedin, next week, are notified in our advertising columns. A train for Duoedin passes through Ashbur ton ab JO 5 p.m. on March 23. W*W Likelt—l learn from Essen, says the Berlin correspondent of the Daily Ntws, writing on Januaryy 22, thab Messrs Krupp have stopped the maogfaoture of ahetts for England, owing to the prohibition issued by the Government. On the other hand, ib is stated that the Italian Government has ordered war material to the amount of about £2,000,000, and the papers here express a suspicion that ib is acting is negotiator between Krupps and the British War Office. A Policeman in W^b Pawt—The war (says the Daily Ney/s) certainly goes to the root of the social fabric. The other day tb* Old Bailey was startled out of its propriety bo see in the witness-box a Cameron High lander in full war paint. And what was he there for ? Why, he was a polioeman reser vist off to the front in an hour's time, who had just dropped in to run his last job in for twenty months. Even the Common Ser geant let his emotions get the better of him, raised his wig in air, and called for bhree cheers, in whioh the jurymen, the bar, and the press joined with fervour. It sounds like oomio opera. The Ltttelton Dbkdgb—The Lyttelton Harbour Board's dredge Manchester arrived at Auckland on Monday. She left Liver pool on February 6th, last year, so she must have pub upa record for length of passage. She had bo refit at tsaeenstown, and changed captains there ; was repaired at Gibraltar ; docked ab Malta; aud changed captains again at Colombo. The dredge, a second band one from the Manchester Canal, cost £21.250, and the trip oub will have cost £7600 or £8000 more. A CI.EVEB Costrivancb- Mr J. Jenkins, of Dunedin, has constructed a " poupee " in the form of a young lady dressed In the latest fashion aod operated by electricity. She (or it) " bows gracefully, and glides oub into the centre of the room, turns to each one present, bows, turns round her head, moves her eyes, and moves with facility either forward, backward, or side wave. So naturally Is all this performed (says the Otago Daily Times) that if it took place on a public stage a great majority of the audience would only with difficulty be Be«.uaded that the figure was nob a teal live lady/ -

| EXCURSION TO ObAKI AND TIMABW. —An | excursion train leaves Ashburton for Orari and Timaru ab 1018 am on Saturday, con- j I veying ' passengers to the Oaraldine St. I Patriok'a Day Sports. Particulars of timea j ' and fares are to be found elsewhere.

BROWN'S FARM SHROPSHIRE FLOCK.

DISPERSION SALE

The most important sale of purebred Shrop- 1 shire Down sheep ever held in tha oolonioa took place on Tuesday, when the Brown's | Farm flock was dispersed by auction at the homestead, Ashburton. This dock was built up with great care and expense by Mr G. G. Stead, and, together with the farm, was sold by him and his co-partner in the property, the Hon. J* T. Peacock, to a syndicate last year, and the latter are now realising on tbe estate. The foundation of the flock was laid with eww putoh&sed from Mr T. E. Upton, Sherwood, and rams from Mr J. Grigg, Long* beach, and Messrs Rowley and Hamilton, Inveroargill. Two rams were afterwards imported from the flock of Mr J. Beaoh, The Hattons, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, and when Mr Stead visited England in 1897 he purchased at tho Royal Agricultural Show at Manchester two ram lambs bred by Mr P. L. Mills, of Ruddington Hall, Nottingham. There was a very large attendance, and the principal buyers were Sir Geo; Clifford, Stoneyhurat; Colonel Fox, Hawarden; 0. W. Reid, Eldersiie ; J, 0. N. Grigg, Long beach; G. L. Black, Akaroa; Monkbon, Waverley ; and the Acton Estate, Rakaia. The arrangements for the sale were very satisfactorily carried cut under Mr J W Rogftrs. Tne following were the results : — 10 two-tooth ewes at B£gs and 20 ab s£gs Sir George Clifford, 20 at B£gs J W Rogers, 10 at 6as and 10 at 3gs James Stringfellow, 10 at 3gs F C Herbert (Albury), 20 at 2||i Acton Estate, 150 at 2gs Monkeon (Wave: ley). 10 four-tooth ewes at 4§ga Sir George Clifford, loat3gs James Johns, 10 ab 3gs Colonel Fox, 10 at 2|gs D Mulholland, 10 at 2£ga and 10 at 2£gs 0 W Reid, 80 at 2g* G J Black, 11 at 2gs and 59 ab l£g* A Chamber lain. 10 six-tooth ewes at 2|gs, 10 ab 2£gs and 20 at 2gs O W Reid, 10 at 2Jgs J W Kogers, 10 at 2£gs W A Nixn>, 10 ab 2£gs O McCi'lnm, 10 at 2£s?s W Buley, 10 at 2gs Acton Estate, 10 ac 2g« W Andrews, 10 at l|gi F C Herbert, 10 ab l£ga James Johns, 10 at l£ga and 111 at l£<s G J Black. 40 eight-tooth ewes ab l§?s E Keltand, 40 ab If gs O W Raid, 100 ab Iga T Belcher, 60 at £> J McCarthy, 40 ab 3gs W H Rule, 40atfgs W A Nixon. 60 lull mouth and aged ewes ab |gs J Mc- Carthy, 110 at fga J Belcher. 15 ewe lambs ab 3|gs H D Vavasour (Blen heim), 15 ab 3£gi Sir George Clifford, 30 at 3gs Colonel Fox, 100 ab !,?• C W Reid, 40 ab lga J O Amyes, 20 ab Iga J Ward, 180 at Iga JON Grigg. Imported six-tooth ram, Conqueror, 40^a, Colonel Fox ; imported six-tooth ram, Gold Medallist, 20gs, James Johns 120 ram lambs at 2|g«. JON Grigg. 1 two-tooth ram at 16|ge, 1 at 6gs, and 1 ab 3Jgs, JON Grigg; 2 at 6*gs, D Mul holland ; lab 4|?s, Aldridge ; lab 4£gs, 8 4ga, 2ab 3£ga, Acton Eatate ; 1 ab 4£<p, R Smith ; lao 4Jgs, F 0 Herbert; lat 6gs, J Stringfellow. 1 four-tooth ram ab 14jja, G Vucetwch ; 1 ab lOgs and 1 ab 7±ge, C W Reid ; 1 at s£ga, J O Amyes ; lat 4|^s, A Chamberlain ; 1 at sga and 3 ab 4<j^s, Monkton; 4ab 3|gs, 2ab 3Jgs, sab 4|gs, Acton Estate; sab 4£gs and lat 4|gs, J Lambie; lat 4gs, F C tleibert; 3ab 3ggs, S Ross ; g at 4ga, T Morland ; 2 at s|gs, JON Grigg. 37 four, six and eighMooth rama sold at l|<s to 2gs. 40 ex'r* prime fat Shropshire wether lambs at 15s 91 and 260 prime ab 14a, J C N Grigs; 540 halfbred Shropshire lambs, prime freezers, 13s 3d, J Dowle •. 255 half bred Shropshire store lambs, 10s Id, J C N Grigg; 296 four-tooth halfbred ewes at 15s 6d, R o*kleigh ; 276 merino wethers, 8s 3d, JON Griggs

News in Brief.

The Ashburton Drapery Company have a replace advertisment in another column. Mr G. Marriott Watson, has removed to new ( scea, "Victoria Chambers, entrance next Mr Guy's (saddler), Burnett Streeb. Measrs Northoote and Hefford notify that '* The Corner," will be illuminated this and

UNEMPLOYED DIFFICULTY IN NEW SOUTH WALES.

Proposed Measures by the Government.

United Press Association—By Eleotris Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, March 14 . Tbe Government will shortly appoint a Board to deal with the unemployed. It is proposed to separate them into three clashes, viz, skilled artisans, aged artisans, and old persons unable to work, and habitual loafers. Efforts will fee made to secure the employment of the first class at their own trades. , The second class will be employed on the " butty-gawg " principle, with seven shillings per day as a wage basis, while any sirplus will be accommodated on a State farm. Loafers will be sent to a penal farm and compelled to work for their living.

ST STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

A confirmation service was conducted by the Right Rev the Bishop of Christchuroh in this church last evening. There was a large congregation, the oharoh being well filled. There were some 13 youths and 25 young women candidates who had b*en prepared for the rite of confirmation by the vicar, the Rey R A Woodfchbrpe, MA. Entering by jbhe main door they f)ldd to their seats near the altar raits, while the congregation joined them in singing hymn number 291, " Oft in danger oft in woe.'' After devotional exer cises the candidates were addressed by the Bishop, and were then presented to him by the Vicar, and received the ribe of confirma tion; His Lordship afterwards preached an impressive sermon, in whioh he briefly re viewed the rise'and splendor of many, gabions who, failing to grasp their opportuui ties and perform the work God desired of them, had been swept away bo make room for others. It was the same with individuals as with nation*. The great cause of wrecked lives was turning out of the path marked out by the Almighty and taking a lower level. He earnestly pleaded with the young people before him to avoid such shipwreck fry humbly and faithfully walking in the footsteps of the Guide who would conduct them in His own right way to fullest victory. The singing of % hymn and the of the benediction concluded an impressive service ______

INTERPROVINCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Auckland, March 14 Re the Sydney cablegram of the arrest of Holloway. From inquiries made it is stated the accused was formerly a clerk in the Public Trust Office, Palmers!on Buildings, named Edwin Holloway, aged aboub 24. Holloway is supposed to have left Auckland in the Weatrt-lia on the sth insb. It is understood a police officer leaves for Sydney on Monday next. Ab a meeting of Healbh Officers, the Mayor aod Chairman of bhe Harbor Board, ib was decided to call oa the public bo destroy vermin, and the sanitary inspectors would prosecute if sanitary matters were dis regarded. The Governor and Countess Ranfurly leave to-morrow for Dunedin to attend tbe send-off of the Fourth Contingent. Na? iib, March 14 Seventy names have been sent in for the proposed new rifle corps. It is also proposed to establish a cycle corps. March 15 Ariti Pua, the Maori woman, who was attacked by her husband, Ropaba, with aa sxe on Monday lait, died it tha hospital this moraipf

Wblmngion, March i 4 The Patriotio Fun 1 Committee* meb this afternoon. Ib was reported thab the neb total amoun' reoeived was £6236 9a 3d, of wh*ch tho . otnmittee some time ago allocated £3000 as followe—filOOO to the "soldiers and sailors of the Queen " fund, fiICOO to the refugees fund, and £1000 to the New Zealand Contingent*. Of the balance of £3256 now in hand the committee resolved this afternoon to remit another sum of £1000 to tha " Soldiers and sailors of the Queen " fund, and to add £2000 to the New Zealand contingent fund, leaving a balance of £256 9s 3d. Five temperance candidates have been , nominated for the licensing tleotiocs. The old commibteee excepting, of course, Mr E. W. Mills, deceased, have also bosn nomina ted, besides which are a couple of other aspirants to sib on the Hoensing bench, the latter being, like the old committee, of the moderate party. The quickstep competition in connection with the Band Contest waa decided to-day. Ten bands took pare, and marched' through the town to the Basin Reserve, where a fairly ! large crowd bad gathered. In the absence of Code of Melbourne, who Is nob yeb out of quartntiue, Mr C D Mcintosh judged the musical portion of the display, various local volunteers acting similarly in the military. The following U the result, points for military work and music being given:— Palmerston North, military 48, music 60, total 108; Wanganui, military 48, musio 59, total 107; Wellington Garrisen, military 43, musio 60, tobal 103; Nelson, military 37, music 65, tobal 102; Pebone, military 45, military 57, total 102; North Easb Valley (Dunedin), military 41, music 60, bosal 101; Woodville, military 42, music 68, total 100; Jupp'e Band (A'aliiogboD), military 32, musio 52, total 84; Mitchell town (Welling ton), military 30, music 49, tobal 79; Naval Institute (Wellington), military 21, music 48, total 69. The Premier has been requested by the Wellington Hibernian Society to convey their hearty congratulations to Her Majasty the Qaeen on her proposed visit bo Ireland, I and also to wish every success to the British arms in Bouth Africa, and to express their apprec'ation of the concession that has been extended to the Irish soldiers of allowing

them to wear the ehamaock on St. Patrick s Day. The Waikare, from Sydney, when passing Farewell Spit, signalled all well. She has gone into quarantine. Chbistchoech, March 14 The foundation stone of the new Agricul tural and Industrial Hall was laid this after noon by the Mayor of Christchuroh with the usual ceremony. The hall and offices are expected to be finished by October, in bime for the Canterbury Jubilee Exhibition, which will be held in it. Invbboaroiil, March 14 At the Irish Athletic Sports to-day the Sheffield Handicap was won by G. McKitt rick, a local man, 17yds; 0 Kane, 13|yds, second. G Harris (14yds) and J Russell (16yds), divided. Time—l3sec». There was a strong opinion that Harris was second. The Flying Handicap, 75yds, wos won by Harris, McKittrick second. G Sutherland competed in the mile and three miles bicycle races, winning the former, bub was beaten by Murie (240 yds) by half a wheel in the other. The track is nob a good one and Sutherland was heavily handicapped.

COMMERCIAL

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET. Stock of all classes was freely yarded at the Tinwald Yards on Tuesday, and the attendance was large. Young sheep, and those in forward condition, sold ab high prices' Tbe demand for the class of sheep mentioned was strong, hence the high prices obtained. The sale of cattle and pigs was spirited. The following is a summary of prices obtained:—Fab lambs 12s to 12s 6i and 12s Bd, fat crossbred ewes 13s 6d bo 14s Bd, freezers (a really good line) brought 15b 6d, old store sheep did nob meeb with much competition, and the greater part of the entry passed in. Catble—Fab cattle sold ab rates on a par with .hose ruling ab last week's sale, heifers bringing up *o £5 10*. and steers to £5 15s. The store pens were well filled, and yearlinga sold at prices up to £1 18s, two year-olds £2 12s 6d, cows in profit from £3 up to £5 15s. Pigs—Competition was decidedly brisk, and sows in pig real sad up to £3 ss, and slips 18* 6d

Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd., report upon the live stook market for the weekend ing Maroh 14, as follows :—At the Tinwald Yards on Tuesday laab the usual weekly sale was held, the entry being made up princi pally of ewes and forward store lambs, with a few lines of fab lambs and freezers. Prices for young sheep were on a par with late rates, bub eld sheep were hard to quit, even ab a reduced rabe. Fab lambs sold from 12s Id bo 12s 2d, and an exceptionally good line made 13s 7d. Ewes sold from 12s to Ms 6d, and forward sbore lambs up bo lis ,9d. The totals yarded for the day consisted of 11,766 sheep, 9 rams, 91 cattle and 15 piga, of 1 whioh our entry waa made up of 4216 sheep (including 827 in conjunction with Mr I>. Thomas and 368 in conjunction with the New Zealand Farmer's Cooperative Associa tion), 19 cattle and 1 pig, and the following are the prices realised :—ls fab merii o ewes 7a sd, 73 fab crossbred ewes 10a 2d, 31 fab .crossbred ewes 8s 10J ; 31 fab halfbred ewes 9j 6d, 422 fab lamfcs 12s 2d, 50 fab lambs 12a Id, 74 halfbred ewes 14i 6d, 171 cross bred lambs 8i 93, 630 merino ewes 5b 6d, 219 crossbred lambs lis 91, 172cro3sbred ewes ss, 88 ewes and wethers 13a 6d, 178 halfbred lambs 10s 6d, 277 merino ewes 5s lOd, 656 orossbred lambs 10a 6d, and 368 ewes and wethers 15s 3d.

THE PLAGUE

Sydney, March 14 A man named Kelly died at his residence after two days illness. After death the cause was found to be plague, Dovey's father and family have been quarantined, and have developed the symptoms. An unknown man called at the hospital to-day, suffering from plague.

ST. PATRICK'S SPORTS.

The following are the handicaps for the principal events at the St. Patrick's Sports to-morrow (Friday) :—

Ib will be observed bhab the combined entry of cyclists and athletes is one of the best that could be obtained in the colony. The inclusion of Sutherland, Barker, A. Ralston, and Ken. Lewis, constitute a splen did rear division, Grant, Council, and the Saver Bros., are also worbhy riders, while looal requirements will be attended to by A Huston, 0 C Willis, and H Holland. Re garding the Sheffield Handicap, a better class of athletes have never stripped for con test in Ashburton since the days of Hulston and Hunt, and excellent times should be recorded. Recognising the valour of the boys from the Emerald Isle, now in South Africa, the looal tradespeople have unhesi | babingly decided to close their premises for I the day, and all considered, there is every i indication of a large attendance. —————w——» ' As usually treated a sprain will disable the injured person for three or four weeks, bub if Chamberlain's Pain Balm is freely applied a complete cure m»y be eff cted in a very few days. Pain Balm also cures rheu matism, cuts, bruises, and burns. For sale by AsKivaiQN Qrw Conr4«? |

CTCLIKO IVENTS

ATHLBTIO IVENTB.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Lord Roberts's Advance

General French's Movements Seizure of the Railway Near Bloemfontein The Siege of Mafeking Lisease Paging in the Town Sufferings of the Inhabitants The President Overtures for Peace Great Britain's Refusal Courted United Press Association—By Electric _j3._; Telegraph—Copyright. Oapetowk, March 13 The tunnel by which the Boer pri soners attempted to escape from Simonstown was 25 yards long, and almost completed. It was excavated with tin dishes and cups, the debris being placed in sacks. The conspiracy was revealed by one of the prisoners turning informer. London, March 13 Mr Uarte, the well-known sports man, who was serving with Lord Kit chener's hone, was killed in the engage ment at Driefontein. In order to assist the commissariat Lord Roberts ordered the capture and killing of stock during the advance. During his progress eastward Lord Roberts found many deserted Boer farms flying the white fl*g. In all cases he ordered that nothing should be touched. Considerable opposition was olered to General Frensh'a occupation of the hills commanding Bloesafontein, Lord Robert* is marching with cavalry and a brigade of mounted men to reinforce .bim.

The British have occupied Boshof, Barkly East, and Aliwal North. Major-General Brabant entered the Free State, and occupied the hills after a sharp fight. There were twenty casualties. The Boers at Lobatsi are retreating to fceerest. Typhoid and diphtheria are raging in Mafeking, and the sufferings of the women and children are terrible. The garrison are eating bread made from forage. The water supply is foul. The papers promised by Mr Balfour includo a telegram from the Presidents, in which thsy state that Great Britain's prompt rejection of the Boer peace pro posals proves that the existence of the Republics as independent States will 1 no longer be tolerated by Great Britain. ' There are indications that Great Britain's refusal of the Boer overtures was courted by the Presidents, with a yiew to stiffening the rank and fjle of the Bqers, among whom there were symptoms of vacillation.

Statement by Lord Salisbury.

Basis of the Boer Demands England's Reply Not Prepared to Grant Inde pendence He BiitistT Militia Desecration of Grayes by tlj.e Bpt>rg Lieut. McCartney Recovering Suggestion by Mr Beeves United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, March 14 Lord Salisbury, in the House of Lords, and &r Balfour, in the House of Oommons, read the telegram from the Presidents. They declared that in order not to wound the feelings of the Presidents, they withheld the details of the overtures. The basis was inde pendence of the Republics and granting of an amnesty to participants in the war while tbe advantage was with their side in occupying defensive posi tions in Natal and Cape Colony. Lord Salisbury, in replying to the message, contrasted Great Britain's respect for the Conventions entered into with the disregard shown for them by the Transvaal. He referred to the suddeu and insulting ultimatum, and vha wanton, devastating invasion I

of British territory. For many yean tho Transvaal had in secret made vast preparations of a military character aimed at Great Britain, and had en tailed the Empire in a costly war, and the loss of thousands of precious lives. This calamity was brought about because Great Britain had acquiesced in the existence of the Republics. Great Britain was not prepared to assent' to the Independence of either State, This announcement was received with cheers. The Howe Rulers cheered the Pre sidents' telegram The majority of the Peers and the members of the House of Commons warmly cheered Lord Salisbury's des patch. Tbe Liberals listened to. the an nouncement in silence, but admit that the demands are preposterous, and are to be interpreted as an appeal to Europe. The Loan Bill was read a second time by 268 to 2*. Sir W. V. Har court endorsed the measure. Mr Fischer, Secretary of State for the Free State, and Mr Wolmarant, of of the Transvaal Executive, are at Delagoa Bay. The remainder of the British Militia will be embodied for tervice during the month of May. The Daily Mail states that some rebels who were opposing the British troops in North Gape Colony, re opened tbe grave of an Australian, Trooper McLeod, searching for loot. On open ing the adjoining grave the searchers found the bodies of six Boers, and hurriedly closed the gravo r»nain. Lieutenant McCartney, of the Royal Fusiliers, who was wounded at Pieter's Hill, is progressing favourably. Mr Reeves suggests that if a Com mission is sent to South Africa to study the question of federal settlement, Canada and Australia should be repre sented. March 14 Hensman, a Westralian, who was wounded at Slingersfontein last month, has died ef bis wounds. A Blue book has been issued dealing with the seizure of the German steamer Bundesrath at Delagoa Bay. Lord Salisbury blamed Count Hatzfeldt's abruptness and unfounded imputations. He inttanced tbe seizure of the British vessels Springbok and Peterhoff by America in 1813 as precedents. Lurran, March 14 Messrs Fischer, Welmarans, and Weasels are leaving Delagoa Bay for Europe on a peace mission. Sydney, March 14. The Government have proclaimed St. Patrick's day a public holiday, as a tribute to the gallantry of the Irish regiments in the Transvaal.

Baden Powell Gives a Gentle Hint.

A Plan to Locate Boer Prisoners. Received Wakapuaka March 15, 9 5 a.m 1 his Office 950 a.m London, March 14 Colonel Baden-Powell has warned Commandant Sayron that unless he ceased using native soldiers around Mafeking, he will direct the Becbuanas to raid the border districts. After the buttle of Driefontein, Pre sident Steyn fl<»d to the north. The railway is working to (thirty miles north of Kimberley. Sir A. Clark, Agent-General of Vic toria has unofficially suggested to the Imperial Government the desirability of selected Boer prisoners and their families being sent to Australia and Canada where they would have a chance to study representative insti tution,

The Death of Major Eddy.

(Received Wakapuaka March 15, 9 30 a.m, This Office 11.11 a.m, Stdkky, March 14 Major Eddy met his death defending a position near Hobkirk's farm, the Boers feinting retirement. Lieutenant Tremerne occupied the extreme point with twelve men on tbe left while the Wiltshires and Australians attending them were attracted to a frontal attack. A party of Boers out 4 inked Taemeroa and got within ten yards before they were noticed. Tremerne ordered a volley then a rush for tbe horses, but Boers fired, and out of twelve men only one got away. After Tremerne was taken prisoner he asked his wounded comrades whether they blamed him for not surrendering, they exclaimed, «• Fo, Australians must not surrender." An order to Tremerne to retire was sent, but the orderly was shot one the day Major Eddy was shot, immediately after sending the order for the retire ment.

Later Details.

(Received Wakapuaka Maroh 15,10.5, s.rn T $his Office 10.40 a m| Si'DKßy, March lg. In connection with the death of Sergeant Hansman, of the Westraliau Contingent, from wounds, it is related that Krygger, bis comrade, bravely attended to him while he lay wounded in the line of fire, the bullets splashing all round. Private Conway, while assisting him, was shot through tha head.

United Press Awopiatton—By Eleotrio Telegraph. Wiu.wqtqKi March 15 Major Robin informs the Premier that tea men of bh* first contingent are ill and have been invalids. Ise does nob give their names. Government are considering a recommendation by the Agent-General thab an agent be appointed at Capetown to look after parcels sent bo the contingents, and watch over the interests of this Government generally.

The Fourth Contingent.

Wellington, March 14 The following is a lisb of the officers of the Fourth Contingent. No. 1 Company, Otago and Southland, Captain Fulton, Lieutenant Nioolson, McDonald, and Keddell. No. 2 Company, Otago and Siuthiand, Captain. Harvey, Lieutenants Tubman and Bauuhop. The third is nob yet appointed! No. 3 Company, Wellington, Captain Pringle, Lieutenants Elder, Collins, and Ross. No. 4 Company, Cptain Walker, Lieutenants Thompson, Johnstone, and Arthur. Lieut. i Commander Dravey goes as an extra officer. The appointment of a commander of the whole contingent is nob yeb divulged. Napikb, March 14 Great preparations are being made to give the Fourth Contingent an enthusiastic send off. Lieutenant Ross wis presented with a case of silver mounted pipes. Many other i members also received presentations. To night a monster baique-, ia being given by I the cibis'ns to the men in the drill shed, a [ iarge number of ladies being present,

THE AflflBUKfON CrOABMAN j THUKSDAf, MAKCH 15. 1900



|-mile. 1-mile.

2-mile. 3

3 mile

Sutherland, G scr tor Bftlston, A 10 20 Barker, A R 10 20 Holland, H 30 45 Lewis, Ken 35 65 Huston, A 45 75 Willis, 0 0 45 75 Rirkwood, T 45 95. Metc»lfe, G §§ 95 Orr, J 55 85 Oonnell, R 60 110 Wright. EJ 65 110 Saner, Fred 65 120 Symonds, F — — Williams HL 75 120 Grant, J 75 130 John, E 80 135 Sjuer, G 85 140 Ohrisben<en, T C 90 145 Wood, BO 9) 145 Patter ion, J — 145 Major, J 95 150 Wiiliami, F O 100 170 Jacobi, TG 100 170 Robertson, W 100 170

scr 40 40 85 100 135 ISS 165 165 165 17Q ]85 190 200 250 265 275 275 285 300 300 300

BOr SO 50 100 158 170 170 195. 205 213 280 2^o 235 285 350 ?60 360 360 390 390 390



Shk|firld Handicap (135 yds). Qavidsoo, J.« •• tor Murphy, J .. «• sor O'Doooell, H ..', .. 4 yds L»very,J • • .. 4 Miles, F ... ..5 McNiooll, J ... .- 5 Bridges, 0 .. .» 5 Moore, J R .. .. 5 McTigue, J .* .. 6 Jertnan, 3 •• •• 6 Benhatn, BE •• ..6 Meharry, W •• •• 7 Birob, J T •• •• 7 Fschney, 3 .- ..8 Plunkett, J F .. •• 8 Miiliohamp, H •• .» 9 Warburton, P •• .. 9 MoTigue, E  ..9 Fitfjenld, W .. .. 10 Baton, W .. .- 10 Huston, W — ... 10 BrankiD, J .J .. 10 Fdwoetfc,  .. 11 Spring, F .. .. 11 Jphnstone, R •'* •• 12 Majir, Q .; .. 12 Nolan, T .. .. 14 440 Yards Handicap Dmdion, J " ' .. .. tor Murphy, J .. .. Bcr O'Donnell.H .. .. Byds L&veryVJ •« .. § Weharry, W .'. .. 10 Pet,F .. .: 10 Benham, EE .. ..12 Moore, JR •• •• 12 Sardiner, 8 .. ..12 Fcphney, tf .. ..14 Birch, .... 18 Brftnkin, J ... .. 22 Eaton, W " 't 32 ttpTigua,, B  ..22 Brit PS «r*ld. W ?; ..22 Suston, W t» 3 Spring, F .. .. 28 tfolan, T .. ..32 VlcGee, J » ..32 fohnston, R • • .. 35 Smith, W ... ,-35



FOR SALE PRIVATELY; I AM now prpp^red to treat privately for the unsold poriien of Mb ISAAC SAR- j • SKT's property, comj rising :— j Lot 2.—Knox's Farm, containing 246 acres \ or thereabouts Lot 3 — Gree'nstreet's Farm, containing 150 ' acres 1 Lot 4 —North Riv* r Farm, containing 81 } acres. E. W. HANMER; Lord Roberts HAS considerably reduced tho number of Boers during the past week. This „ the talk of the town, and so is the f »ct that the down Btudio have reduced the firice of fist class Photography. Cabinets rom 7« 61 per dozen for the month of March. COME AND SEE OUR Brilliant Victory IN HIGH-OLASS PHOTOGBAPHY. MITCHELL, BURNETT STREET. 3_l PUBLIC NOTICE. DATES, LOWRY AND CO TTTTE HAVE now taken over larger premises in the Jubilee Buildings, thus making our Ashburton branoh the largest Cycle Worka in the District. Bnormone Stock of NOVELTIEB aod AOJESSORIES just to hand. GATES, LOWRY <fe 00., Burnett Street. _ "TuWHIYN OWEN, M'O.S.M. CERTIFICATED TEACHER. LOCAL Rei resentative of the London College of Music, and of the Musical | International College. ! ORGAN, VIOLIN, MAN DOLINE, SINGING, HARMONY, AND COUNTERPOINT. The new term will commence January 22nd. Intending pupils kindly communicate early. » ' ■—— ■■ ■ '* i ■ . 3 h_j W_* r^ Q § O *—■•' Ed § r_ Wo r-ri § £ : gi^_ *— " ■*"' l M O m ° _*M 1 3 Ja' 2 HO * H < 3 § gg New Zealand CLOTHINGFACTORY "TTTE HAVE STILL A FEW STOCKTAKING BARGAINS. Left on hand which we have determined to Clear out, during the next fortnight, after which we shall be opening our. WINTER SEASONS- GOODS. OCME AND SEE TPESE LINES. Men's Grained Cookhams 21s for 16s 6d. Men's Crup Cookhams 26i 6d for 21s. NOTHING BETTSR IN THE MARKET. I Boy's Seal Leg Shooters 8i 6d for 5a 6d Girl'd Grained Leglets 8s 6d for 6s 6d. Girl's Kid Lsglets 7<j 6d for sa. Girl's Glace Kid Shoes 7i for 4s 6d. Only a few odd Siz-ss in above Lines, so Come at once and secure them. For other BARGAINS sco Windows and Door, as we have not space to enumerate all. JNIGW _SEA__AJNI> CLOTBING FACTORY. F. H. BEOKINGSALB, Manager PHOTOGRAPHY. HALMA & 00. PHOTOGRAPHERS, Sau>oebs" Boildisgs. ONE D an Highly Finished Oahi net Puotos for 6s, for the month of March. DONT MISS THIS CHAKOE "' OvjMß EARLY. STUDIO at S unde-" Buildings. Note the Address, and do not be misled.



TO ARMERS, CONTRACTORS * OTHERS A. SIMPSON, (LATE OF REID AND GRAY'S.) BEGS to announce to the inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding dis tricts that hehascommedced business as a SHORING & GENERAL BLACKSMITH, and hope's by good Workmanship and Moderate Charges to merit a share of public patronage. All kinds of Implements mado and repaired Horses shod in the latest approved style. Corns and other diseases of iho feet cured. A first-class Wheelwright kept on the Premises. Note the address, — „ _ WAFANUI X >AD, Nearly opposite the Central Hotel. 3 u« KcTaLuOKN "nopes by^aelTinJlor a lew weeks at-and in Borne oases btk>w Wholesale Prices to make more room. Several ca-jea New Goodß bought at large discounts will be included, so that customers: may rely on getting genuine bargains at this j gale* i



TPE lOK ARE CURED AND THE SCEPTICS LEFT TO WONDER. i, TIE POLYPATHIA MEDICAL INSTITUTES OF SYDNEY, ADELAIDE AND MELBOURNE. Permakrnt Zealand Branch Ohbistchurch. «*TpRE wisest, best educated, and moit enlightened 1 JL people are daily becoming concerts to 10*® I aew principles and methods whioh are supported by uch over«wht>lming evidence, sustained by the public, who have had an opportunity of testing tho re"iwk *ble success of the Pujcypathic System. Ihelr wonderful success has Bpread like wildfire through an enlightened community, and amongst those who had given up all hope of ever being well again, ana they are by hundnds availing themselves of the Polvpathic System of treating Chronic Diseases, which has proved to be the surest, aalokert,ana most reliable means of cure ever offered an •*"««? people. When sick is the time we need the best advice and treatment. Therefore we Bay—lnform yourselves, you who are eick, and write to the l*OM pathic Institute, it yon cannot call, and accept proofs of the mysterious skill—moreconvlncingithan words—that is possessed by the Polypaths. Po_ypatby Cures with certa'nty where the old methods fail. Epilepsy Fits, Cancer, Piles (hither to considered incurable previous to oar new system), They treat all Female Ailments by the Polypathlc Method, which does Jaway (with ill examination and all local treatment' %i?y ri£d!!£!.to impres, a P ,n all men who are suffering that they have the iutlv celebrated Hindoo Remedy, so well and favourably known in the Old World is the " AntiAgnesh*! Tabloid Mathod All desiring to test th«* systtmiJtfiH have such opportunity. . mmmmmmmm^ THOUSANDS CURFD ANNUALLY BY CORRESPONDKNCE). Write for Quei-tion lis', envcl->pin« Stamp for Reply. PO.i YPATHIO MEDIOaL INSTHUTK. N.Z BftANCH, CHRISTOHURCH OONSUtTATIONSJU'REE. ST. PATRICK'S SPORTS AND CONCKItT _.BU ON MAItCH KJ«li., 4 ND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR USUAL CUSTOM NORTHCOTE& HE! I^'lil WILL MAKE THEIR FIEST AUILMN AND WINTEK ILLUMINATED DISPLAY OF New Goods Just Landed, <( (X ss Papamii" & "ss lonic.' Our Premises will be Lighted op throughout the Kvenr g s of MAROi 15th. and 16th. thereby giving all our Patrons and Country Clients at opportunity of viewing the Show at "THE CORNE R." SMOKE ONLY NEW VENUS M k. QUEEN ught. A PERFECT TOBACCO. New Zealand Iwaiice Gonpiif. ESTABLIS h"¥d° '"^l _. 18 5 9 CAPITAL^ONE MILLION. THE PBEMIJJB AND"IFeALTHIEBT COLONIAL COMPANY, NOTED FOB PROMPTNESS AND MBBRALITT PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES— £400,000. FIRE AND IdARINR RISKS ALSO,,— RISKS ON GROWING CROPS, XHRBSHING MAOHINKS, *0., AOOEPTED AT LOWEST TORRENT RATES E W HA.NMBR ASBNT



' OSBORN COOMBE, PIANO TUNER 4 EXPERT (Late of London), IS NOW IN ASHBURTON for busi ness, and will remain in the district until 23rd inst. —ORDERS may be left with MR tLEWELLIN OWEN at his Musio 3!;udio, Arcade Chambers. Ashburton, or ab Commercial Hotel. WAR, WAR, WAR.-New hob Qm tingent Bab Bands and Ties all NORTHCOXH & HEFIOBO'S. " IMPOHTANT NOTICE. THE attention of Subscribers and Clients is again directed to the Accounts lately sent out from this Office, for it is scarcely necessary to say thab the very heavy addi tional expenditure incurred since tbe com mencement of the War, in cables, &c, renders it absolutely necessary thab Money should be got in without delay. We trust our Clients and Subscribers will give their prompt attention to this patter. ASHBURTON PUBLISHING COY., Feb. 2M9QQ. i