Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 1900. Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day will be found pastora! news, and on the fourth page a abort story. .

A NucmxT—A nugget, weighing 61oz, and valued at £240, was unearthed by a miner Darned John Boyd at Wedderburn, Victoria.

A Pauper Lunatic—A pauper lunatic oaused much interest by his behaviour in the Police Court, Adelaide.. Letters were read, in which he stated his intention to build a mansion costing £40,000, in Tasmania, and ordered 100.000 bottles of beer and other refreshments for % final spread.

Buying Liquor—lt may not be generally known that section 134 of the Licensing Act, provides that ii any innkeeper receives in payment for any liquor supplied in his licensed premises anything except current money, ho is liable to a penalty.

Gable Copu —Berna notifies that British Adminiatration advises that " Mercitur Code," second edition, enlarged and revised, with first supplement, has been deposited with the authorities at Aden by the Nether lands Administration. This code may now be used generally for telegrams to and from Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, British and German East Africa, Mozam bique, and Loreczo Marques.

A Pitiablk Case—A woman between sixty and seventy years of age, bedridden with rheumatic gout, has been found in Chrietchurch living in an old three stalled stable in a very dirty yard, with a kerosene tin for a stove. The woman says that her husband makes a poor living by gathering bottles. Foj their shelter they pay 3a a week. Asked why they did not apply for charitable aid, she said her huibaad had done so, but got nothing.

Ashborton Moomtbd Corps —Members of this corps oan be enrolled by attending be tween 2 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday aext an the office of Mr A. A. Fooks, A road c Chambers. On Tuesday evening, at 7. 30, a meeting will be held for the election of officers and the drafting of rules. The members will meet for drill on Thursday night. Matters in connection with the corps are proceeding in a manner that must prova very satisfactory to the promoters.

Our Boys—The third New Zealand Con tingent, which contains more Aahburton representatives than any other except the fifth has not been long getting to work, A cablegram published in this issue states that the New Zealand Bough Riders under Major Jowsey, have reoelved their baptism of fire and have experienced the greatest pleasure regarding the sensation. It is satisfactory to see that no casualties are mentioned.

The Elephant Soorks Again.—lt is not a wiae plan to take undue familiarity with an elephant. The Taranaki Herald reports that during the detraining of Fitzgerald's Gircus in thab town, a local re ident was regaling Jumbo with biscuits, but, tiring of the pastime, he decided to sco if the animal could disariminate between hard road metal and cake, and with that object handed the elephant a fair sized pebble. Retribution swiftly followed such icquuitiveness. Jumbo drew up his trunk, and bringing it found with a sweep, landed the offender »n unmerciful Samsonian thump on the cheat, spread e&gling him on the ground.

Cashomo Litbbart Society — Notwith standing the inclemency of the weather there was a large attendance at the usual weekly rreetiug of the Catholic Literary Society, held on Wednesday evening, Mr L. Hanrahan ocoupied the chair. The pre liminary business having been disposed of the programme for the evening, which took the form of a ' Social evening,' was proceeded with. Daring the evening some excellent songs and recitations were rendered, aud a member of the Society considerably en livened the proceedings by an exhibition of his phrenological powers, during which a couple of members had their " bumps' read. A moat enjoyable evening was brought to a close in the usual manner.

1 A Bio Drink Bill—The drink statistics show the consumption of alcoholic liquors in the United Kingdom last year prove that in spite of the spread of temperance there is no diminution in the national consumption of these beverages. On the contrary, the consumption is increasing. In 1899 the people of the United Kingdom spent £162,163,474 upon spirits, beer, and wines, being £6,169,455 more than in the preceding year. This expenditure is equal to £3 19a ll£d per head of the population, or for each family of five persons £19 19s 9£3. It is : robably no exaggeration to say that during the century that is drawing to a close the people of the United Kingdom have spent nine thousand million pounds upon intoxi cating liquor*.

A Terrible Plant.—Among bhe plants of this earth, probably Done posses* stranger properties than the talaratoh of Mexico. Its toxic effects are as remarkable as those ascribed to tha fabled waters of the Lethe, only they differ in that instead of destroying the memory of the past, as the Lethian por tion was supposed to do, the talaratoh works a destruction of the memory of the things to come, and does not effect the memory of the past. The victim knows no more of time but that which was in the past before he quaffed thia strange and awful deoootion. The physical functions are ia no wise dis« turhed by its administration, but the mind henoeforth becomes no longer receptive, and passing events are cot noted by it, no record being made in the realm of reason as to what transpirea. The victim of ben lives for years after having become "talaraohed," but aU ways lives in the past. Past delights are mostly dwelt upon and conversed about. Sad, indeed, is the case of a member of the royal family of Mexico, a relic of the days of the Empire, who for years has been a vic tim of the effects of this wonderful drug* She was poisoned with it by an unfaithful Bervant, and to-day lives in strict seclusion, still in her mind the proud possessor of ali the privileges of her departed nobility. There is in Texas a plant of a similar species, known < as the loco weed, which, when eaten by horses, always renders them insane, but pro-1 duoing no impairment of body. I

" OtJBSELVFS AS OTHERS SKE Us."--Our friende are generally too polite to tell us oar faults; but they seldom fail to observe the fiu and style of our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions^ must bear in mind that "appearance goes a long way." An il'-fitting suit is uncomfortable, and an •* eye aore "to your friends. Don't risk it! If you are a stranger here, the first well dressed oitfzsn you meet will gladly direct you to f* The Leading Tailors" where you'will always find a large assort ment of "Up to date" suitings to seieob from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Craig head k Berryman speaks volumes, This firm has just imported probably the finest stock of new Seasons tailoring goods ever shown in Ashburton, including a beautiful ' range of the new rain-proof Beavers and Meltons for Covert coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both fashionable and durable. ALL Loasbv's Preparations—Cinnamon Cure, Koolibah, Wahoo, and Benjamin Gum--»t J T CtoGff, Storekeeper, ,

Wedding.—A pretty little wedding took place in the Presbyterian Churcn yesterday, when Mies Mary McConnel!, daughter of Mr Jcbn McOonnel!, Bighbank, was married to Mr Arthur Stewart, son of Mr Peter Stewart, Seaview. The ceremony was performed by the Rev G B. luglia, There was quito a large party at the church. Ihe bridesmaids were Miss Grace Stewart, sister of the bridegroom, and Alice and Ella Orotnie; Mr Hugh MoConuell acted as best man. After the ceremony the party ad journed to the Orange Hall, where the wedding breakfast was laid. A dasce took place in the hall at night, the festivi ties being continued till well into the following morning.

Gallant Resopb of an Oswigeu —Tuesday night brought news to Wellington of a very plucky action on the part of a native of Greymouth, Mr John Andrews, eldest son of the late Mr H. Freeman Andrews, formerly collector of Customs at Greymouth, and ab Auckland. Some time bick Andrews left for Canada, and became a member of the Canadian Contingent for South Africa. During an engagement against the Boers, one of the officers of hieaection was wounded, and Andrews, with two companions, under a hot fire, went to their officer's assistance and removed him to a place of safety, Andrews being shot in the leg. Andrews is the nephew of Mr J F Andrews, of Welling ton, one of Mr Seddon's private secretaries. Trotting Club—The business people o* Aehburton have fully awakened to the fact that by .closing their places of business on the day of the races, they not only benefit themselves and the club, but encourage the breeding of a better stamp of hotses. Yee- I terday two well known trotting enthusiasts !-of the AshborttmTrotting -Glub waited on the;tr£de,speople, and one and all agreed to close from noon on May 4, the date of the aforementioned club's autumn -meeting* I The secretary of the Ashburton club informs us that he has received the acceptances of a number of Christchurch horses, and the local owners ib goes without saying will pay up to help this popular club, who race on Friday, May 4.

Regulation in Birmingham.—A striking article in a recent issue ot the Birmingham Daily Past gives some remarkable faots in proof of the. growing sobriety of that large city. The police returns show that the ar rests for drunkenness during the five years ending 1874 were 19,193 annually; but during the five years ending 1899 they were only 4768. This great decrease was not the result of less vigilance od the part of the police, for last year they made no less than 101,723 visits of inspection. The writer gives this as one cause of the decrease. Another is that during ten years 200 of the worst houses have been shut up, and many illicit drinking dens suppressed. The dwelling places of the people nave been im proved and old rookeries pulled down. There has been deeper interest shown in physical recreation. Excellent work, too, ho a been done by such societies as Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Police-aided Cloth ing Association, and the Food and Hotter men6 Association; Splendid work also of a persuasive, as opposed to a coercive, character has been done by such men as Dr Ryle, who has just) retired from the bishopric of Liverpool, and the Rev Charles Garrett of the Wesleyan Mission. These excellent results would doubtless have been still more pronounced had the Ine briates' Home Act been brought into opera" lion and judicious oare exercised over men who hadl lost all power over themselves.

Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, never fail for adults or children. Prioe, la.

CYCLING.

United Press Aesociabion—By Eleotrio Telegraph Christchttroh, April 25

At a meeting of the North Canterbury Centre of the League of Wheelmen tonight cases of alleged stiff running and team work at recent race meetings were brought up, and i£ was decided to call upon Holland, Barker, Kirk wood, Ken Lewis, and 6 Sutherland to show cause why they should nob be suspen ded. The centre granted three guineas towards the expenses of sending a representa tive to Paris,

A LITERARY CURIOSITY.

The following was contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle by Mr W. fl. Denning. The reader will see that each line is a quotation from some one of the standard authors of England and America. The com pilation is the result of laborious search among the voluminous writings of thirty eight of the leading poeta of the past. The number of the line refers to the author :— 1 Why all this toil for triumphs of %rx hour 2 2 Life's a short summer, man's a flower. 3 By turns we catch the vital breath and die; 4 The cradle and the tomb, alaa, so nigh. 5 tTo be ia better far than not to be, 6 Though all men's livea may seem a tragedy ; 7 Bub light cares speak when mighty griefs are dumb; 8 The bottom is but shallow whence they come.

9 Your fate is bat the common fate of all; 10 Unminglad joy a here no man can befal. 11 Nature to each allows ita proper sphere ; 12 Fortune makes folly ita peculiar care. 13 Custom does not often reason overrule ; 14 And throw a cruel aunahine on a fool. 15 Lire well; how long or short, permit to heaven ; 16 They who forgive moat shall bt moat forgiveni 17 Sin may be olaaped so olose we oannot see ita face; 18 Vile intercourse where virtue has no place. - 19 Then keep each passion down, however dear, 20 Thou pendulum betwixt a amilo and tear. 21 Her sensual snares tab sensual Pleasure lay, 22 With craft and ektil to ruin and betray. I 23 Soar not too high to fall, but stoop to [ rise; 24 We masters grow of that which we desi li 3 25 Oh, then, renounce that impious self esteem ; 26 Riches have wings, and grandeur is a dream. 27 Think not ambition wise because 'tis

brave; 28 The - paths of glory lead bat to the

grave, 29 What ia ambition ? 'Us a glorious

cheat— 30 Only distinction to the brave and

great. 31 What's all the gairly glitter of a 32 The way of bliss lies not on beds of

do.wo. 33 How long we live, not years, but actions. tell— 34 Ihat man lives twice who lives the first

life well. 35 Make, then, while yet ye may, your God your friend, 36 Whom Christians worship, yet not com-

prehend. 37 The trust) that's given guard, and to yourself be juat; 33 For live we how we can, for die we ■ : must. 1 Young, 2 Dr Johnson, 3 Pope, 4 Prior, 5 Sewell, 6 Spencer, 7 Daniel, 8 Sir Walter Scott, 9.Lon«fellow, 10 Southwell, 11 Oon grieve, 12 Churchill, 13 Rochester, 14 Armstrong, 15 Milton, 16 Bailey, 17 Trenoh, 18 Somerville, 19 Thomson, 20 Byron, 21 Smollett, 22 Crabbe, 23 Mansinger, 24 Chevley, 25 Beattie, 26 Cowper, 27 Bir Walter Davenant, 28 Gray, 29 Willis, 30 Addison, 31 Dryden, 32 Francis Quarles, 33 Rogers, 34 Herrick, 35 William-Mason, 36 Pitt, 37 Cana, 33 Shakespeare.

News in Brief.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, will sell by public auotion on Mr A. McArthur's farm at Flemington, to-morrow (Friday), 160 aores of first-class land, divided into two blocks of SO acrea each ; also sheep, horses, cattle, p'gs, implements, etc.

THE PLAGUE.

FIVE NEW CASES IN SYDNEY. TWO DEATHS.

United Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, April 25 Five fresh cases of plague are re ported to-day.

The names of the cases are:—Fred Norrip, or Red fern j Timothy Maher, who died in an hotel in Sussex street; » child named Branch, who died at its home; Fred Basraan, of Waverley, and KUie George, living at Guildford, and employed in the city. Sixteen patients have been removed from the hospital to the convalescent ward.

United Press Association—*By Electric Telegraph Wellington, April 25 Though the bubonic plague has been found in rate on the Auakland wharf, the Flora, from Auckland, discharged and took in cargo here as usual. This has given rise to some comment. One correspondent in to-night's paper urges that it is oriminal , that energetio steps are not being taken to prevent all boats from the port in this colony affected being allowed on any pretense at the wharves. «If, he adds, "it be neces sary to use precautionary measures on cargo from other ports in Australia and Tasmania besides Sydney, how much more is it in the case of Auckland; and if one or two rats have only been discovered, who can nay that scores more are not similarly affected ?" The j Flora yesterday went South. .--.■-... Only 760 rats have been taken to the deatruotor here in response to the reward offered by the Olby Council. A statement is made on good authority that two rat", apparently diseased, were recently pot overboard from one of the coastal steamers.

Counsal, at the instance of Berhampore residents, has served notice on the City Council, stating that unless the erection of the plague hospital is discontinued, the Supreme Court will be asked to grant kn injunction. The Newtown residents are also protesting against the hospital being erected in South Wellington. Dr Fyffo has been appointed the Sanitary Commissioner for Wellington, and the powers delegated to him and to Drs Symes, Roberts, and Torranoe, for Christohurch, Dunedin, and the Bluff, are published in a special Gazette. In accordance with the suggestion of the Sanitary Commissioners, two hospital nurses will receive special instruction in plague treatment from Dr Mason.

The Colonial Secretary has requested the Commission to survey various Harbour Board regulations in force in the colony, and make recommendations respecting them to the Minister, bo that they may be made uniform in their operation.

THE AUCKLAND ELECTION.

A Stormy Prohibition Meeting.

United Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph • Auckland, April 25 There was a very stormy meeting of the Prohibition League lasb night and a vote as to whether the League would support Mr Richardson or Mr Hobbs was declared by the chairman carried in favour of the for mer. Pastor Ball, the secretary, was asked to publicly notify the result, and said he positively declined, and tha executive were largely with him in this matter. The meet ing lasted till eleven o'clock. The proceed ings were disgraceful, rowdy, and bristling with personalities.

THE CRESWELL CASE.

United Press Association—By ElßCtrio Telegraph,—Copyright. Sydney, April 25 The Royal Com mission on the Tich borne case reports that the evidence is insufficient to enable them to declare Cresweli to be the lost Tichborne. In their opinion he is Greswell. ! The Cow mission recommend that I Oreswell should be released, as he is sufficiently sane to be handed over to a guardian. One of the Commission appended to his report his objection to the man's release, on the ground that it was intended to take him to England and make him the pivot of fresh liti gation.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

Lowcliffe.

At the annual meeting of householders held in Lowcliffs school on Monday evening, April 23, Messrs Emerson, Prenderghast, Robs, Gray, and Willia, were re-eleoted un opposed to serve as a committee for the en suing year. At a meeting of the committee afterwards, W Wills, senr., was re-elected chairman.

Dromore.

The following were elected members of the Dromore School Committee on Monday evening:—Meaara Jamea Allen (ohalrman), J Blaokburn, S Wilson, W Syme, T Langley, W Clarke, and P Hanrahan

COMMERCIAL.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

United Preaa Association—By Electric. Telegraph—Copyright Btdmxt, April 25 Wheat—Chick 2s 3d to 2s sd, milling 2% 8d to 2a 9d. flour £6 5» to £6 10a, Mani toban £9 5a to £9 10s. Oats—Prime New Z«aland 2« 6d, local 2a 2d to 2a 4d. Maize —Prime 2a 6d. Barley—Cape 2a 3d to 2a 4d, English 2a 6d< Bran lid; pollard 10£ d. Peaa- Pruaaian Blue 3a 3d. Potatoes—Tas manian£3. Oniona—Prime £3 10a. Butter —Fineat creamery 10d, dairy BJd. Cheese-— New Zealand s|d to fjd. Baooa 5d to 6i (The abort quotations are those ruling between raerohanta and retailer, and do not i represent the slightly lower values obtained by a reoogniaed broker) Melbourne, April 25 Wheat, firm at from 2s 6Jd to 2a 10 i. Flonr £6 10a. Oata—Algerian 2a 6<J. Bfaizi 2a sd. Bran, firm at la 2d; pollard Is Id. Potatoes £2 7a 6d. Oniona £2 7a 6d Adblaidk, April 25 Floor, £6 5a to £6 10s. Brae, lid; pol lard la

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Chhistchurch, April 25 GDhe entries at Addingten to-day were 2300 fit iheep, 1500 fat lambs, 5500 store sheep, 380 oattte, 481 pig '• Fas Cattlb — There were 165 head, inoluding a few lines of really good steers. Bidding showed more animation, and an improvement of 5s per head for better sorts. Beat steera £7 to £8 12s 6d, others £5 5s to £6 10a, heifers £4 to £3, oowa £3 17a 6d to £6 10a. Per 1001b good to prime bsef 16) to 18s 6d, other sorts from 13a to 15a. Fat Sheep—The yarding included some prime wethers and a better olaas of ewes than : of late, and bidding was brisk. Freezers more than held their own. Good ewes showed a rise of Is to Is 6£ per head. Extra heavy wethers 19s to 2ls 6d, freezarg 16s to 18s 6d, lighter down bo 15s. Extra prime heavy ewes 16s to 18s Id, prime 133 to 14a 6d, medium 11s 6d to 12a 6d, inferior down to Be. Merino wethers 11s 3d to 15a.- Fat lambs— (The entry included a number of very good quality, which were eagerly aought after for export. There was a slight) improvement in prices for this class, beat 12s 6d to 14s lOd, others 11b 6d to 12s, shorn lls 3d to 12s. Store sheep—The bulk of the yarding was wethers. The better olasees of these showed a further improvement. Forward lambs and good breeding ewes were also in demand, forward wethers 14s 2d to 15s 2d,notso good 13s to, 13a 7d, backward and weedy 9s 7d to lls. Fairly forward Chatham Islanders for air week* gracing in Canterbury ioM

at 13a 7i, others just off the boat 9 54 to 9) lOd, v few rather better 12-, mixed two tooths 13s 5d to 14a 6d {or forward sons, 10a lid for backward, good eoand breeding ewes 13s 3d to 14s sd, fairly good 10a 71 to lls, aged from 7s 6d to 9« Sd, Lambs—Good lambs 10s to lls od, and weedy down to 6a 8d

Figs—Pigs nmt a better demand for nil classes. Bicoaers from 30s to 353, equal to 2|J to 3d per 1b; porkers 24a to 30s, equal to 3id to 4d, stores 12« to 23s 6d, and suckers mnd weaners 3s 6d to 6s.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

I Messrs Friedlander Bros V Ltd., report up on the live Btook market for the week end ing April 25, si follows:—The usual weekly sale was held at the Tinwald Yards on Taes day last! when there was an average atten dance of farmer* and others and also a fair yarding of stock. The entry w.as made up principally of store ewes and lambs, prices for these being up to late rates, and a eood olearanoe was effected. Butchers' aheap told well almost the whole of the entry changing hands, crossbred ewes making from 10s 6d up to 13b 6d< The entry for the day waa made tip of 7419 sheep, 86 rams, 47 cattle, and 63 pigs, of which our entry consisted of 3988 iheep (including 640 in conjunction with Mr D Thomas) 25 rams, 14 cattle and 8 pigs, and the follow leg are the prices obtained :— 20 fat merino ewes 8s 4d, 60 fat merino ewes 8s 3d, 21 fat lambs Hi sd, 27 fat cross bred ewes 12a 9d, 26 fat half bred ewes 13s 2d> 58 fat halfbred ewee 13s si, 517 crossbred lambs 12s 2d, 198 crossbred awes 9s Id, 69 merino ewes 5a 9d, 96 crossbred lambs 8s 2d, 98 crossbred ewes 8s Id, 158 crossbred wethers 9s, 374 merino ewes 4s 6d, 686 merino ewes Ba, 367 orossbred ewes and wethers 13s 6d. 100 threequarter-bred lambs 11s 9d, 325 halfbred lambs Us 9d, 114 cross ; bred ewts lls Id, 194 halfbrtd lambs lls lid. In rams 6 Lincoln rams fgu, 13 Lincoln rams lftu, 2 Border Leicester rams Igu. In cattle, 2 fat steers £5 7s 6d» 2 fat steers £5 ss, 3 fat ■teers £4 15s, 2 fat cows £4 17s 6d. In pigs 1 aow £117s 6d, 6 stores 375, 1 boar ijgu. On Saturday Ust, in conjunction with the New Zealand Fanners' Co-operative Associa tion, we sold Mr A A Jamieson's farm on the Bsaoh Road, consisting of 190 acres, to Mr M Miller at £23 10s per acre. During the week we sold privately 5 English. Leicester rams 3igs, and 15 Hampshire ram lambi £2 2s, 3 ram lambs £1 Is.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS

Business in the grain and produce markets shows no improvement, and, if anything, there has been less operation than during the previous week. Merchants are fully stocked, and awaiting tbe arrival in port of the expected vessels to relieve the stores. At present operations are confined to local requirements, which are soon satisfied. The following are current prices paid to farmers, f.o.b. Lyttelton, for direct shipment from country stations aud free of com mission, except wh. re otherwise specified :— Wheat—Hunter's 2s2d, pearl and velvet 2? 3d, and Tuscan 2s 4d o<*ts—Canadian 1b 9d to Is lOd, short feed Is 8d to Is 9J(J, Duns and Danish Is 8d to Is9d

Barley—Prime matting,- 2s 3d; discoloured Is lOd to 2*, delivered

Potatoes—Early Rose and Beauty of Heb ron 22a 6d ; Derwents, April-May delivery, 20s, country stations

Onions—2oa at country stations

Oatsheaf Chaff — 40s to 455, at near country stations Hay—£s 5s to £3 10s, delivered ; primest baled, £4 10a to £5, f.o.b

„ Grass Seed—Byegrass, farmers' lots Is 3d to Is 9d, prime heavy, 2s 6d to 3s f.0.b.; cocksfoot, new, 2|d to 3d at Lyttelton.

INTERPROVINCIAL

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Auckland, April 25 The British Commissioner, Mr Thomson, arrived at Tonga, in H.M.3. Porpoise, on April 9. He presented . the King with Queen Victoria's giStß, including a portrait ■ f her Majesty and a eword of honor. The British flag wbb hoisted, and a protectorate proclaimed. Chbistohurch, April 25 At the adjourned meeting of the Canter bury War Fund Committee, the suggestion of the Government that the Committee's gift of 150 horses should be tor the benefit of the New Zealand Contingents in South Africa, and that horses should not be lent to the Imperial authorities to apportion as they pleased, was agreed to after some discussion. News has been received from Waikari I that on Sunday, during the absence of Mr Kennedy, Tony Boyd, a colored man, believed to be insane, threatened to shoot the Misses Kennedy, who took refuge in a n?eat house, where they remained for some hours till the man left for the hills, still retaining his gun. Constables Roach and Costin, with a large searcti party, were out from Monday till to day without finding the m»n. At a meeting of the Health Conference, formed by the delegate! from the City Council, boroughs and Road Boards, a motion was passed affirming the necessity, pending regulations, for the establishing of a Board composed of representatives from the various local bodies within the Drainage Board area, to carry into efftcl the provisions of the law with regard to public health* At a meeting of the Hospital Board to-day Dr Hall, who has been action ■■ locum tentns for some time, was appointed assistant house snrgeon. The House Committee reported that during the past month th« Stipendiary .Magistrate had committed to the Hospital for treatment a person suffering from the effects of drink. Borne year* ago the Board had protested against such oases being sent to the Hospital, and as the Minister of Justice is expected to be in Christchuroh shortly, the House Committee was author ised to interview him on the subject, The Secretary of the honorary medical staff wrote that it was the empbatto opinion of the staff that the present operating theatre was out of date in structure and appliances, and urging on the Board the necessity of erecting a new theatre in a proper position, and fitted according to modern requirements. The House Committee was instructed to enquire and report. '

FEDERATION

United Press Association—By Eieotrio . Telegraph—Copyright London, April 24 Mr Chamberlain's despatch to the Governors of Australia, under date April 5, dealing with Federation, has been published. The newspapers con sider Mr Chamberlain's propoied Supreme Court of the Empire would solve the only serious difficulty in the way of Federation. The Chamber of Commerce gave a dinner to the Federal delegates. Mr A. G. Sandeman, president of the Chamber, presided. The other colonial representatives included Lord Strath cona, Canada, Sir Horace Tozer, Sir Julian Salomons, Mr Fysh, Sir Alex ander Cockborn, and Sir David Ten nant, of Cape Colony. The delegates were accorded a grand reception. All the speeches delivered during the even jing were in eulogy of the patriotism of the colonies during the present South African campaign, showing that neither the Motherland nor her daugh ters were willing to stand alone. Mr Dickson said he hoped that the Com monwealth Bill would pass the Imperial Parliament during the present session. He considered that otherwise it would be most unfortunate for the Kmpire, as, if the Bill were delayed, the ardour of the Australians might cool. He hoped that all the existing ties would be main tained and strengthened, Mr Barton justified the pardonable tenacity where with the colonies claimed the right to interpret a constitution which they were entitled to make. In that respect he claimed equality for all British sub jects wherever they resided withia the Empire. Mr Deakin said that the Bill favoured the development of tbt

Empire's commerce. Mr Kingston dealt with the question of defence. Mr Barton con ends that the news pipers are not justified in their inter pretation of a previous cable message giving the decision of the Premiers' Conference, The reply really implies the strongest objection to disturb the mandate of the referendum, and a desire to secure the passage of the Bill unaltered. There is a strong financial and city influence working to | prevent the Colonial Office consenting to the placing of any restrictions on the right of appeal.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

The Advance of the Reinforce ments.

The Missing Dragoon Guards.

Unltad Prt« Association—By. Elsotrie Telegraph—Copyright.

London, April 25 Generals Pol«-Oarsw and French reached Tweedpluck, fire, miles Booth of Leeuw Kop oa* Monday, with little opposition. Heliogram messages were exchanged, with General Bundle. The missing Dragoon Guards, with the exception of two, returned safely/

Lan Hamilton's Division on the Move.

The British Division Capture Bm ral Positions.

Boen Cut off Northwards

Wepener Holding on Still

Lord Roberts and Dutch Journal*-.

Mafeking Besiegers reinforced.

(Received Wakajpuaka April 26, 9-35 a.m, This Office 10,15 am) London, April 25 Tan Hamilton's division, of which the Colonial Brigade, under Colonel Huttoo, forms part, advanced east wards from Bloemfontein, and occupied the waterworks. As the Boers held the neighbouring hills, Major-Qenerals Smith, Dorrien, and Hector Mac Do nald have been despatched to support Hamilton.

Maxwell's 14th Brigade, belonging to Tucker's division, moved eastward from Glen siding, eight miles north of Bloemfontein, and seized the hills covering the Kranz Oraal and Waggon bridge over the Modder river. This movement cuts off the Boer retreat northwards, that point being under cover of heavy shrapnel fire from four guns.

The Boer forces engaged in besieg ing Wepener, yesterday, made a deter mined attempt to storm Dalgety'a northern position of the garrison. Ihe Oape Mounted Rifles and other South African troops successfully repelled the Boer attack.

Lord Roberts prohibited the cir culation of the Dutch - Afrikander organ, The Qntland, controlled by Hofmeyer, leader of the Bond.

It is reported that Snyman, who besieges Mafeking, has been reinforced by Boers from Natal, also from dis tricts to the south of Mafeking.

The Enemy Everywhere Defeated.

Major Jowsey's Troop Under Fire.

Rough Riders Delighted.

Reoeived Wakapuaka April 26, 10.15 ft.m This Office 11. a.m)

London, April 25

As a result of Hamilton's advance eastwards, the enemy were everywhere defeated, and retreated eastwards to wards the Basutoland frontier.

The New Zealand Bough Riders, received their baptismal fire, while making a ciever flanking novement on Sunday at Boesmankop. The colonials expressed great delight at participating in the action.

40,000 Boers Enveloping Roberts.

Mafeking Despondent.

Received Wakapvaka April 26, 10.40a.rn This Office 11,8 a. m) Lokbon, April 25 It is stated that forty, thousand Boers art enveloping Roberts, under De Wet and Cllivier. The residents of Mafeking are re ported in a despondent condition. They are now dependent on oaten bread made from husks.

The total casualties of the garrison at the end of March were 368;

The Boers are so numerous in the Wepener district that it took them two day* to cross Oaledon rirer.

Wepener Relief Column Advanc ing

British Successes

Received Wakapnaka April 26, 2.38 p,tn, ThU Office 2.60 p. m London, April 25 The relief columns are steadily ad vancing to Wepener. Lord Roberts reports that Colonel Fole-Oarew occupied Roodekape. The enemy's loss was heavy, General French compelled the Boeri to evacuate their position at Dewets torp.

WAR ITEMS.

Twelve newspaper correspondents have now been killed, wounded, invalided, or have died from disease linoe the waropened. The Bow prisoners who have arrived a« Simonstown «rt miserably clad, wd appear to be worn bat. Two of them are over eixfcy yean of age. Fifty officers and men have been de ■patohed from Capetown to Walfitch Bay, where it) is reported that Boer munitions are being landed. The army boot contractors in Korthamp> tonahira have received some large aapple mental orders, whioh will keep them very busy for many months to come. A consignment of 42,000 woollen outfits has been ordered from a firm of Berlin manufacturers by the Transvaal Government, Cloaks for the army are included in the consignment; A striking illustration of patriotism has jast been afforded by the volunteering for active aervioe of twelve Brothers of the community of Bb. Philip of Neri, attached to the Oratory, Brompton. From a private telegram received by General Maodonald's brother, it appears that the General wai wounded by a ballet whioh ' entered near the knee, and worked its way out |ast below the hip. It then ptnetratt4

THE ASHBUHTON ; TfitIRSDAY, AI»RIL 26, 1900



FOR SALE, WAKANDI BOAD. WHY PAY RENT WHISN £65 will purchase a three roomed Cottage and about a quarter of an acre of land. Cash or terms aa required. This property will readily let for 5a per we k. Compare thia with £65 deposited in any Bank, apart from the fact that yon become a freeholder, and entiiUd to a vote on all local matters. E FBBRIMAN FO^T^Alle. WHY allow your wife to strain her wrista when los will buy one of these Wringers. P. FEfiEIMANi PORTABLE SWJng"WATER BARROW. i Prevention is Better Than Cure. riIHT? few cases of TyphoH in Ashbuiton Borough and Suburbs afford no ground for JL a ' scara." but it is on yby v ing reasonable precautions that the dread scourge. can be.kipt wl lvn bounds. In view of the subject being referred to in the public] journals, it may b» of service to-reprint an extract from an Issue of the " Nineteenth Century " of last year, in which special reference is made to Diphtheria, bat which applies with cqu 1 force to Typhoid. The writer remark i that the latest epidemics in Russia swept away nearly all tf»e children in some villages ; and in Prussia, no less than one-tlx fh to one-fourth p> r' of all chi'dren dying in the age of from one to fiv"e years sucenmbod to Diphteria, and the same proportion prevailed in Western Earope as well. Kien interest is boing taken In the experiments of the French Doctors. Root and Terser* ; bufc Diphtheria, like Anthrax Cholera, Typhoid, Malaria, and other kindml complaint* is due t> an affection of the body by ebecial bacteria, caused by theifflivi* rising from drains back yards, and premises generally, into and upon which dairy ami kitchen slope have been thrown. Without an affection by bacteria ' or the poison which they s-crafe, thsir is no diphtheria. The Portable Wash Barrow ia just the one thing indispensible in the direction of perfecb sanitary rrrftngements, By its use a two fold bonefifc is derived. The fever and diphtheria hreeding agencies are remov d, and wh* is otherwise a siurce of terror becomes an absolute gain, by conveying the wash to pig trough or ro the garden. The Portable Barrnws can be put to various kinds of use, and bbey are so admirably constructed that, with them, a child cm do work which oJherwi&e requires the strength of mature years The cost is comparatively small. Possession^ one becomes an absolute means of sweetness, comfort! and profit. P. FEEKIMAN. "GKOR(iE DUNCAN & Co. " T)ESPECTFULTjY announce that the? have Opened those centrally^ situated Premises: in] Tancred Street, -Ashburton, lately occupied by Mr L P. j Williamson (next .Undrill's), where they will open on "Saturday, 14th April," AS EEADY MONEY DRAPERS. WE BUY FOE CASH and thus secure all Discounts, The Lowest Prices and best Markets. WE SELL FOR CASH and thus avoid all losses artsiug f rom Bad Debts and the expenses of tbe Credit System. WHY should the G ish Customer p*y for other peoples bad debt*. By dealiDg with us they avoid doing so, j Flsasb Call k Inspect Our Stock. No One Pressed to Buy. 475 j mm\i\ft yu^-j***smmaMmmmnmtmMWMMm Mini hit mmiiw i ami iiumjm Mmmumm maramgMirinwiii j NOTICE TO FARMERS. abb CASH BUYERS OF PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN ANY QUANTITY Please take your Samples to the Mill] We can supply Oornßackß™al cost price. CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B. HOBART, Manager 17th March, 1900. i,.— - 111111n11 innuin nii»■ 11 m iinmnmwMimm ill umiwiim■ 11imiii—wwi— mmmm u—ji_. ____^. BELFAST AND FAIRFIELD FREEZING WORKS . MANURES, ARE THE BEST TJK>B TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURE can be mad? for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. BATISFACTION GIVEN EviBYWHERE LAST SEASON. MA SO RE CAN BE SUPPLIED IN 1 Owfc. or 2 Owfe. SAOKS. Orders received b/ £'RI3KOI.A]NJOJtL:tt BROS., LLmlt«<s., DAVID THOMAB, OR THE N.Sfc. B'A.K.MERS CO-OPERATIVE A SSOCIA TIOIV OF CAIS TEBB UIB.Y, X^lmitecl., CANTERBURY FROZEN MEAT AND DAIRY PEODUOE KXPORT COMPANY. LIMITED. 8 30 F. WAYMOUTH iSeowt»ry.



J. WILSON, SIGH-WJRIIEB. LARGE STOCK WALL PAPERS, WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS, PICTfI REjMOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &o. BUFNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Telephone 65 ESTABLISHED 1874. MoDONALD & Co,, 'XVVJIJL.OJRS, jDEMOVEDto See oar Samples «JCTJBIJLi£2£: Compare our prices BBul I clings, Burnett Street. Wo oau'b be beat 5255 " __^ Pj auk Curtis. Watchmaker, & Jeweller, WEDDING PRESENTS A VERY Ohoioe variety in Eleotrc-plate -U- and Sterling Silver, including a beau tifai lot of DjuUoq ware, etc , at prices to suit the times. INSPECTION INVITED As usual my stook of Gold Rings and Brooches, Charms, Muff Chains, Watches, etc., is the largest and best selected in the district. A SPECIAL ROOM FOR CHOOSING IF REQUIRED. Wedding rings and keepers 18ot, of my own manufacture I make a, special line of, and are well worth inspecting being far and away better finished than the ordinary article, and costing no more. It will pay you to call and see them. Your old gold, rings, etc, re-made in the same style and finish at nominal cost. Wedding rings ALTERED IN SIZE WITHOUT OUT. TING WHILE WAITING, BY SPE CIAL MACHINERY. Silver watches from 30a upwards, a full stock of RotJherams, Waltliam», etc, always on hand. Spectacles specially fitted for reading at night; Spectacle fitting by my system is no guesa work, glasses being fitted to suit the sight perfectly in every c&se. A special room for testing. Glasses from 2s 6d» Test* ing free. Repairs as usual, neat, prompt and reason able. Silver chirms in great variety from Is upwards. s • I I O «■ N S as j ° 2 sr 3 *Qa f § s jzj 8 : M - 3 i tf £> 1 p .P 1 W THE New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY TS NOW SHOWING A LARGE STOCK OF Winter Goods Men's Sao Suits .. 21s, 25a, 29s Del- Men's Tweed Trousers 7s 6d, 8s 9d, 8a 6d Men's Covert Coats .. 29a 6d, 39s 6d, 52s 6d Boys' Covert Coats from .. .. 14s Boyß* Reefer Coats from .. .. 6s 6d Boys' Sailor Suits from .. .. 7s Boys' Norfolk Suits from ..  11s 6d 60 dozen Serge and Tweed Caps. The largest varloty in town. 20 dozen Soft Felt Hats, newest shapes. White Shirts 5a 6d, 6s 6d, 7s 6d, 8a 6d, 9a 6d A new line of short fronted White Shirts. New Ties, Braces, Gloves, Mufflers, Collars, Umbrellas, Wool Shirts, etc. Ladies and Gentlemen's Waterproof Coats, Mads to Order. A. large variety of Patterns] to choose from. INEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H. BEOKINGSALB, Manager 4 Cinnamon Cure, Wahoo, Koolibah or Benjamin. Gum go 2 Ashbgbton Drug Co. \



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH ABhburton. Chil ren'e Service—Daily, at 9 a m THURSDAY—The Annual Meeting of Parishioners in the Schoolroom, at 7 30 pm FRIDAY—7 15 ptn, Litany and Addrass. 8 p m~Choir Practice On Friday Evenings the Vicar will give a course of Meditations. Subject: " Studies of the Mind and Life of our Lord." SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. (April 29.) 8.30 a m—Holy Communion 11 a m —Matins, Litany, and Sermon 2.30 p m—Children's Service 4 p m—Holy Baptism 6 30 p m—Evening Prayer and Sermon The Offertories, throughout the day will be given to the Church Mission Fund of this Diocese. R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A.. Vicar



Unequalled and Invincible, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Ooughß and Colds, 1b 6d and 2s 6d Smoke New Venus