Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1900. Local and General.

•»* On the first page to-day will be found an article entitled "The Colonies and the War."

Newspaper Holidays—Journalists, prin ters, and those connected with newspapers have very few holidays unless they are Sucky enough to get away from their work on special leave. Bub at Easter time they do get a temporary relaxation, as Good Friday and Easter Monday are holidays for tho evening papers, at any rate throughout New Zealand, consequently the Guakdian will not be published on either of those days.

School Elections.—The annual meeting of householders and election of committees take place on the 24th inst.

The Auckland Election—Mr J W Small announces his candidature for the vacant city seat as a labour candidate.

Thb Upper Ashbtjrion Road Distrmce— We aro requested to direct attention to the fact that the polling place for the Allenton ward is the schoolroom, Allenton, and not the Canterbury Mills.

Volunteers.—-There was a fair muster of the Guards a» the weekly parade last even ing. The eomp.my wore marched out to the op<n, and preparatory to the encampment, exercised in guard-mounting under the supervision of Captain Sparrow, and although perhaps perfection was not attained, dis cipline was observed, and the men should benefit by the instruction. Afterwards a few company movements were gone through.

The Thiad. —We have pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of the April number of the Triad. This popular monthly furnishes iti readers with a fund cf useful information, and as an educational factor ia doubtless doing good work all over the colony ; its circulation being, we believe, a wide one. The illustrations In the number before us ars excellent, and a mußio supple ment is given, which will no doubt prove interesting to those musically inclined. An interesting prize competition is announced, information aboub which may be found in another column. The Triad also gives (he name of prize winner in a competition just closed.

The Easter Holidays — Messrsi Fried lander BroF., U. Thomas, TheN Z. Farmers' Co-operative Aasooiation, and E. XV. Han mer notify that their stores will be closed from Thursday evening, the 12bh inst , to Tuesday morning, the 17th inst A strong effort is being made to get the retail traders to close for the same time. The efforts have been fairly successful but, it) is understood one firm haa not, so far, fallen in with ;he agreement. If the dates mentioned above are adhered to by all s numbers of employees will be able to get away to the volunteer encampment and elsewhere. 16 is to be heped the suggested arrangement will nob be frustrated through one firm standing out against ir.

Ashburton A.C. & A.O. — First-class entries have been received for this Club's sports on Easier Monday as under:—Yfalf mile bicycle handicap, 13 ; two mile bicycle handicap, 10; 3 mile bicycle handicap, 11 ; two mile Easter handicap, 13 ; 1 mile club bicycle, 8; 100 yards flat handicap, 14 ; 220 yards flit handicap, 13; 440 yards fl*b handicap, 10 ; 880 yarda fl it handicap, 8; 1 mile fl»t handicap, 9 ; 120 yards hurdles, 3. Messrs Lynskey, half mile champion of New Zealand ; Simpson, one and three mile New Zaaland champion; H. Amos, Alliance Champion of New Zealand ; O*tes, Rodger, Penticost, and several other good riders from Ghristchureh will be present. Slow bicycle race and youths fl.*t race have been substitu ted for running long jump and high jump. Post entries.

Wellington Slums —The Premier, th Post says, was Bevere on the Wellington municipalities on Thursday, when Bpeaking to a deputation from the Harbor Board and shipping on the subject of sanitation. He said ib was a wonder the pestilence had not been in Wellington long ago when he re flected upon what had been brought under his notice in regard to the filthy condition of places immediately surrounding Wellington. If things were allowed to go as they had been something serious would happen. Re ferring to the question of insanitary build ings, Mr Seddon said the City Council should take some risk i» endeavouring to purify the city. It was nob a time to stand upon ceremony. Ab for slums, he would have a way of dealing with them put before Parliament next session.

I Impokting Pooltby. — Breeders and fanciers in New Zealand should read the fallowing extract of a letter from Meaara Clarkson and Ross, of Ghrist> church, to the N.Z. Field (Wellington) :•— "On the arrival of the steamer in Welling ton an individual boarded her and asked to see the man in charge of the fancy poultry on board. On being referred to the steward he asked the latter whether he had any eggs 1 from them, and said he would be willing to buy tiny he had. Now it happened that the steward had about a dozan and a half eggs, eleven consisting of Wyandotte and Leghorn eggs, and the balance being from a pen of Minorcas. On hearing thia the individual above mentioned offered two guineas for the eleven Wyandotte and Leghorn eggs, but said he did not like the black birds and did not want their eege, showing that he knew something of fowls, as that was the only pen in which the cockerel was penned separately frow the pullets." The writer goes on to say that the above discloses & danger that dofH not usually enter into the calculations "of importers of purebred poultry.

Ashbortos Baptist Church—On Sunday last, at the Ashburton Baptiab Church, special services were held in connection with the anniversary of the Sunday School. The interior of the building was very prettily decorated. These floral decorations, and the happy faces of the young folk on the plat form, presented an exceedingly oheerful contrast to the prevailing gloom outside. Special hymns were sung by the scholars at all the services* la the morcing the attend' anoe was only fair, owing to the rain. A sermon was preached, specially to the young, by the paßtor (Rev. W. Lamb) on "Samuel's call." A good number were present in the afternoon to hear the scholars and choir render the beautiful service of song " Woppa, the waif," unflfer the able conduotorship of Mrs H. Steel. Much credit is due to Mr Steel, the superintendent of the Sunday School, and to Mrs gtesi, for the manner in which the various pieces rendered The soloists were Mrs H. Steal, Miss Ta..it f Miss A, Mcllroy, and the lllissea Olaridga, The two latter touched many hearts with their rendering of "The child's prayer." The instrumentalists were Mr W. Hyde and Master A. Claridge. Mrs and Miss Claridge played the accompaniments. Mr Colee read the connective readings very effectively. There waß a large pongregation in the even ing, when Mr Lamb pre«.ohed from Joshua asuv, 15—" Ohoose you this day isrhom ye will serve." Mrs H. Steel sang, wiih much pathos, the solo " Remember now thy Creator jo the days of thy youth,"

Valedictory Social—This evening, the Rev R Taylor, who has conoluded his pae iorate at Ashburton, will be entertained at a forowel! social at the Wesleyas Church.

Next Sunday the Tinwuld Wcsleyan Sun day ir'chool Anniveraay will be held, morning service by Mr H M Jones, and the evening by the Rev J Joroy (the new appointed minister for Willowby). Special singing and music by the children. Collec.ions in aid of the Sunday School.

Prospkctino—During the last few days the representatives of a Chrisiohurch syndi cate have bean prospecting at the head of the Rakaia Gorge. 1 hey returned on Mon day wi&h samples of whab are considered to be payable gold found in Canterbury, and steps are to be immediately taken to form a company for working the land— Press.

Jijst in Time —A horse harne&sed to a gig gob awi*y without its winkers this morning, and becoming frightened was jast getting intoa gallop, when Constable Eude seizad its throat strap—all that was left on—and al though it plunged about a bit, he succeeded in holding on, and led it into a yard with out anything being damaged.

Football—The annual meeting of the Springburn Foothill Club was held on Wed nesday evening when upwards of forty mem bers and intending members were present). The election of officers resulted a follows :— President—D Cameron; Vioe-Presidents— H Sharplin, F Powell, W Hitehell, E Her ring, A E Peache, G E Goldsmith, D Mc- Leod, A I Gillman, D Syme, C Knlghb, Jas. Stephen* Club Captain —S Johnston ; Vice- Captain—D Fergus ; General Committee— W Moses, A Grieve, ft Brown ; Selection Committee — S Johnston, D Fergus, W Moses, A Grieve, B G.ilman; Uon, Secretary and Treasurer—L J McGregor, A letter was received from the secretary Ashburton Football Club promising to arrange a match with Springburn at an early date. The sec retary was instructed to make the necessary arrangements. It was decided to play a practice match ou Saturday, the 21sb inst., between teams selected by the oaptain and vice-cap bain*

The Walter Bentley-Do*«las Anoslon I Season. —The company supporting Mr Wal ter Bentley and Mr Douglas Ancelon are considered to be the strongest that has visited New Zealand for many yeara. Miss Ada Woodhill, who is the leading lady of the company, has already made a great reputa tion in Australia as one of the finest emotional actresses that has ever visited the colony. Possessed of a charming figure and great power?, Miss Woodhill is considered by the Sydney press to be the coming actress of the age. Miss Lynn Lyndaay, although only on the stage a short time, haa gained for herself the highest credentials. Miss Kthel Hunt, Mise Ivy Garrick, Miss Ethel Locking, and Miss Amy Ohappell were specially engaged from Messrs Williamson and Musgrove on the disbandmen 1] of the famous " Sign of the Cross " company, and Mr Orlando Daly, Mr Johnson Weir, Mr Roland Stavely, Mr C.

Daniels, Mr Syd. Kearry, Mr F. F. Gailougher, Mr E. B. Woodhouse, Mr Ernest Hannell, and Mr Edwin Hales, are ftl! arista of atandine. In the hands of these

capable artists "A House of Mystery " will

be played on a soale never before attempted here. The scenery for this play haa baen

specially painted from the original models at the Drury Lane Theatre by the cele brated scenic artists, Messrs Spong and Stenninga. Already a large number of reserved seats have been engaged for this performance, and intending patrons are advised to secure their seats at once to avoid disappointment.

Collie Dog Trial—Tha Methven Collie Club Trials were held on the sth, 6th and 7th inst, on the same ground as oo previous years. Owing to the wet weather, only two classes were completed by Friday night, and the third and fourth were run off on Satur day, Mr D Fraser judged the first two days, and Mr J Gordon the last. The fol lowing are the results : - C ass I—Heading & bringing back about 500 yards, F Gray's Bruce 1, C J Johnstone's Cherry 2,-C Macrae's Nell 5, J MoLonnan's Way scored 4 points ; 15 other entries. Class ll—Head ing, br ntjing bock and yarding, W W Wright's Corbie, 20 points 1, J McLennan'a Rap and R R Pollock's Toff 19 points each, 2; C J Johnston's Cherry 18 points. These were the only ones to yard. There were 14 other etatriefo; Ches Ifl—Hunt away with slew, R R Pollock's Clyde 22 points 1, W Po'. look's Toy 19 points 2, C J Johnstono's Fly 18 points 3* Class IV—Sheep to be driven through two seta of hurdles and yarded, R R Pollock's L#e 27 points 1, C J John stone's Bp&rk 25 points 2, C J Johnstone'a Clienie 23 points 3. Splendid work was dDiie all through in this class. W Wright's Oorbie fail d to induce tho Bheep to enter the pen, gaining full points otherwise.

THE SYDNEY-NEW ZEALAND CABLE.

On Tuesday the Hon. J. G. Ward received the following cable message from Mr W. Warren, general manager for Australia for the Eastern Extension Cable Company : — "In view of the heavy loss of over£6ooo per annum which the company has suffered since April, 1895, under the amended guar antee and agreement), and that agreement ex piring at the end of the present month, the company is not. prepared to continue; It would, therefore, be glad to know if you are willing to revert to the 1892 agreement, by which one quarter of the loss was borne by the company, or whether the rate ia to be raised in lieu of a guarantee 1 "

To the above the Hon. J. G. Ward sent the following reply :—" Warren, Melbourne. Respecting .guarantee. —In reply to your cable of April 3, I cannot but express sur prise at its contests. In view of the posi tion of traffio, as compared with the guar antee, your request conveys the impression that, with the receipts closely approxima ting £20 000, the guarantee is asked for in order to ensure a oontinued contribution from New Zealand and other colonies, even though the traffic receipts amount to £20,000 a year. As a guarantee of £20,000 was deemed by your company in 1895 as suffi cient), it is extraordinary that, in the face of your having abandoned the duplicate cable Eubsiiy of £32,000 a year, you should now, aek for an increased guarantee of £6000 for the Sydney-New Z ialand o&ble. 1 find that the total traffic receipts to your com pany over thia cable for the twelve months ended January last amounted to about £18,574, and for the last year ended January 1899, they were £17,047, an increase in round numbers of £1500 for last year. If thia rate of increase was maintained for the current year, which is more than probable, the receipts should be over £20,000. Were the traffic a failing one I could uuderatand the company's request for a further guaran tee, bat in view of ihe fact that the receipts are fast approaching the amount guaranteed, lam unable to understand why you should now aek not only the renewal of the existing guarantee, which, upon the revenue returns appears unnecessary, but one for an addi tional £6000. I am not prepared to agree to any such request, and you will be good enough to kindly accept thia a3 my reply declining. —J. G. Ward, Postmaster- General."

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT AT WHITE CLIFFS OPAL FIELDS.

I Discoveries of high grade parcels of stone ab the White Ctiffi Op»l Fields (N.S.W.) have lately been numerous, and each fresh development has been awaited with interest. One of the residents there, Mrs James Wig ney, has been vary fortunate although previously she has had much trouble to bear. Ever since she was seventeen she has been ailing more or less. Damp. feet brought on a severe cold, headaches, and terrible pains in the body, in rhe shoulder blades and ao> rose the small of the back. A continuous gnawing ache in her thigh and leg gave her further trouble, and the state of her lungs demanded medical attention. Several doc tors were consulted. They said she was suffering from ißfhmmation of the lungs, I sciatica, liver troubles and indigestion, her hagking cough, dry burning skin and quick breathing alarmed all those about her. Neither the doctors' medicine nor the many patent remedies, which Mrs Wigney used, proved of any use. When his wifa was at her worst Mr Wigney porßuaded her to use Dr. Williams' pink pills. A fortnight after commencing them she felt an improvement ! and a week or so later the cough abated. After that Mrs Wigney improved rapidly and was soon rid of all her troubles, pneu monia and sciatica included. " I have found Pr, Williams/ pink pills all that) ii claimed.

for them," she says, "and they have ma<!e me so well that I wa^ never belter than I am now. After what.l suffered I can appreciate good health." For all cheat and lung complaints Dr. Wlilliams 1 piuk pills are unrivalled ; they have also cured thousands of c*sea of neuralgia, rheumatism, aleoplesE ners, loss of appetite, scrofula, eczsma, erysipelas, paralysiß, results of early excesses, ft vers, influtf zj,, meisleß, irregularities, ladies' special ailments, eia. Sold by chemists and storekeepers, and by the Dr. Williams'Medioine Co., Wellington, N.Z-, three shillings per box, six bexes sixteen and sixpence, post free to any address.

THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.

ITS APPEARANCE IN WESTERN

AUSTRALIA.

United Preps Association—By Eleotrto ■ Telegraph—Copyrighb Sydney, April 9 There were fire fresh cases of plague to-day. One (& Chinaman) died in Stephen Street, which is largely popu lated with Asiatics. His case was a very violent one.

Two of the latest victims were employed by a large printing firm in Oaatlereagh Street.

Up to to-day there have been 92 oases of plague and SO deaths.

Other fresh cases of plague are: — Kate Mulvihill (in Sydney Hospital), who resided in Sussex Street; Vaug faan and Tooms, both of Woolloomool loo ; and Munro, North Sydney. The last-named three were employedjn the city. ~"

Stephen Street has been quarantined, also the printing firm in Oastlereagh Street.

Two fresh cases of plague have been reported. Bullock died in his home in Tempe and Hennwjsy, efflicted at Chippendale. (Received Wakapuaka April 10,1-20 a.m. (This Office 9,50 a m) Perth, April 9 Two c&ies of plague have broken out here. One, a wharf laborer, died.

Wellington, April 9 It is probable that the whole of the Polynesian Islands will be proclaimed in fected, as there is » danger of the disease from some of the proclaimed islands reaching those which have not been proclaimed, and thus reaching this colony. It is not intended to declare Victoria an tnfeoted territory at present, no oases of plague yet having occurred among the population there. It is believed that Govern ment will, in addition to ships being moortd a certain distance from the wharves, insist upon fumigation. The question will be difcusaed in Cabinet on Tuesday

Mr Gilra'h, who has returned from Syd ney, confirms the reports of the insanitary condition of the Sussex Street locality in Sydney and the wharves in the vioinity. He adds that at first rubbish was carted to Moore Park and foasickers allowed to pick it over. He insists on rata being largely responsible for th« spread of the disease, and he also saw instances of oats who had eaten rats contracting it* He considers it particularly desirable to get rid of rats from our wharves, and prevenb them passing to and from ships.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not bold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents]

SPORTING DOGS.

10 THE EDITOR. Sir, —I saw in your advertising columns an advertisement for aloat "Sporting Dog," I have aeen lots of dogs in my life, bufc have yet to bo able to distinguish a dog by that name. Is he Retriever, Clumber, O>cker, Pointer, Setter, Greyhound, Foxhouod, Deerhound, Staghoand, Harrier, Beagle, or a hundred others. Gefc your advertiser to put in anothor advertisement, and be more explicit-.—lam, fee, Canis,

HORSE-SHOEING MATERIAL.

TO. THE EDITOR. Fir,—ln your issue of last night you stated that the material connected with the iboaing trade had, during the last twelve months, risen in price to the extent of thirty p?r cent, and in consequence the farriers had raised the prices of shoeing from yester day. You are slightly in error in regard to this matter. The facts ara as follows :— The price of material has risen not thirty, bub sixty per cent, and is still on the rice, and will very soon reach a price that has not been known for the last thirty years. The local farriers made a slight rise in their prices at the beginning of February, but the Ohristchorch shop? made their rise from yesterday, and from a printed price list just received you will see thab their charges sre fixed afe about! twenty per cenb above the tariff adopted by the Ashburton shops, and this, notwithstanding the fact that iron hera ooat 20a per ton more than in Chriatchurch. In justice to the local tradesmen thia cor rected information ought bo be made known* Thanking you in anticipation—l am, etc, Secretary Ashhurton Blacksmith Association.

[The item published by us referred to the Ghristohuroh tradesmen and their prices, —Ed.]

THE PRINCE OF WALES.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph.—Copyright. London, April 8 iVteert, who was arrested in connec tion with the attempted assassination of the Prince of Wales, is an anarchist, and the police consider Sipido was his ' too). The latter's parents, who are respectable people, hive petitioned the Queen and the Prince of Wales to forgive the misguided and repentant youth,

THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO IRELAND.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, April 9 The Irishman has been suppressed for publishing a seditious article.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleofcr'ie Telegraph-—Copyright London, April 9 Bernard Abrahams, a solicitor, and Alfred Paget, a company promoter, were sentenced to six and three months' imprisonment respectively for conßpir ing with others to obtain a certificate of naturalisation by fatae pretences Sydney, April 9 The visit of the squadron to Auck land has been delayed until the end of the month, awaiting relief crews. The Northern Chief, from Kaipara, had a narrow escape from being [struck by a waterspout at the Heads. It burst within 25ft of the vessel. Hobart, April 9 Mr Borcbgrevink received numerous cable messages from scientific societies, including one from Sir Clements Markham and Professor Neilson, of Christiana University.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Ashburtoii

The monthly meeting of this oommitte was held laafc n'ghb. Present—Mesßra W Craig head (chairman), R MeOallum, D (3 Stock, W J Silcock, H M Jones, G Medding, R S Bean, T J Phaup and F Steel. MNANOrAIi The balance at the Baok waa shown to be £3* Is 5d in credit. CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence was read—From the Board of Education, advising the committee that the new miebress at; the side school, Miss Barr, would take charge on May Ist. Stating the Board could not see its way dear to alter its decision re moving the .hird standard from the Allen'on side school. Fixing the date of the general meeting of householders for April 24th. headmaster's bepobt The headmaaoer reported that sickness was keeping down the attendance. The number on the roll was 417, and the average for the four weeks 384* The third standard children from Allenton had now been attend ing the echool for several weeks, bub were very backward in their tbiidstandard work. The Inspeotor, Dr Anderson, had visited the school and expressed himself well pleased with what he b»w of the work done. Some new desks were required for Standard I. It was deoided to apply to the Board for the desks. SPOBTB CATHERINE The headmaster also asked for the pat ronage of the committee at an athletic sports gathering to be held early in May. The meeting wae being held for the purpose of developing a love for athletics in the chil dren, and to provide the grounds with a few I requisites, Mr Meddins explained the idea was td hold a sports gathering in which all the schools might combine for the purpose of fostering athletics* AIAENTON BfBOOIi ,;The mistress of the Allenton sohool re ported the numbers, boys 35, girls 37, total 62, with an aveiage attendance for Maroh of 56. EXTRA PUPIL TEACHERS. Replying to a question by members, the chairman said the school was not entitled to another pupil teacher, the children from Allenton not having increased the attendance to an extent; sufficient to warrant it. THE TRUANT OFFICER The truant officer, Mr Williams, wrote saying declining health compelled him to relinquish his duties, and he had therefore forwarded his resignation to the Board of Education, and asked to be relieved at once. Members thought) Mr Williams had done his work well. It wai decided to write to him regretting the oircudistances thar, necessitated his re tirement. REPAIRS TO DRAINS The special oomtmttee appointed to carry out eomo repairs to the concrete drains reported what had ben done. A tree grow ing cose to one of the drains was destroying it, as the roots were under the concrete and * were breaking it up. They had therefore had the tree r«moved.

Mr Silcock thought it was a bad precedent to establish, for two members to cut* down a tree without consulting the rest of the oom mittee.

The other members thought tha committee had done right in removing the tree. The effect of the roots on the concrete had been discussed before the committee was ap pointed, and they were quite within their rights in removing it. A resolution was carried approving of the oommittee's action.

AIXKNTON SCHOOL FENCES

Mr Meddins as one of the visiting com mittee, said tho fec'oss at tho Allenton school were full of gaps that required atop ping. Mr Phaup said, while dealing with the fences, an extra gate should be pub on Allen'a road. It wps decided to recommend the incom ing committee to repair the fences, and put up the gate mentioned. AN INSANITARY CLASS EOOM. Sir Seel thought is about time they took steps to destroy the old p^rt of the school For some time ho had wondered what ailed one of hi 3 children, and he now found that quite a number of children, taught in that portion of the bni'.ding, Sb 111 were suffer ing in the same way. He be!d it was the duty of the committee to take aleps, to have such an insanitary portion of the school pulled down, and at least a couple of rooms built in its place. He moved & reso lution to that effect.

Mr Phaup seconded the motion. This thing was constantly being brought up. When a person could eheeb home cases like those mentioned by Mr Steel, it was time the committee took action. If the Board would not move in the matter, the incoming committee should close the place up t

The chairman said, this was no new com plaint, the thing had frequently been before the Board.

Mr Jones suggested, that the opinion of a medical man be obtained, as to the condition of the rooms.

Mr Meddins said, it was well-known the floor rested on the ground, and there was no ventilation.

Mr Steel's motion was carried unani mously. It was decided to grant the caretaker at the A lien ton school 15a for the extra work entailed by the political meetings, held in the school at last election. The com mittee received 30s from candidates. SA9TIR HOLIDAYS It was decided to close from Thursday evening, till the following Monday week. ACCOUNTS Aocounts amounting to £1418s Bd, were passed for payment. Messrs Phsup, Bean and Medd:'ns were appointed the visiting committee for the month, and the meeting terminated.

WESLEYAN CHURCH, ASHBUR TON.

At) this ohuroh, on Sunday morning, the Rev K. Taylor, who ha« been appointed to take charge of the Woolston circuit, con cluded his pastorate in Ashburton. The rev gentleman reserved bis farewell address for the social to be tendered to him on Tuesday. On Sunday evening, the Rev 0 E Wil- Hams, of Fiji, conducted the servioe, which was is aid of the Foreign Mission funds, The Church was crowded. A strong ohoir, under Mr E Undrill, sang one or two appro priate authems. Jonepha, a converted Fijian, and a teacher in the Church there, gave a short and interesting summary of his life. As he speaks only the native language his talk was interpreted by Mr Williams. One of his earliest recollections was playing with his brother and some of the children of the Rev Mr Lago, the missionary who bad taken the gospel to Fiji some 50 yean ago. The children were all playing in a large shed when a heavy storm came on, the lightening struck the plase and killed the brother of •Tosppha; The rest of the children were carried ftwa>y unconscious but eventually re covered. Later on he and his father were caught in a storm while oub in their canoe, and were capsized. For three days and three nights they swam, pushing their canoe for the land, until they eventually got to ■ reef. During the whob of that time they had only green bananas to live upon. On another occasion, a storm caught them with a canoe full of men, of whom eight were drowned* Josephs and hia father and two others had to swim between thirty and forty miles to land. On still another occasion he waa swimming with a party of natives when he was seized with an illness. By some means he w*» left in the water, and several hours afterwards w»e picked up for dead, but efforts to resuscitate him proved suc cessful. Jostpha went on to say that these mariculous escapes from death made a greab impression on his mind. Why had he been spared when the others perished. He thought this matter over a great deal, and on reaching the age of discretion resolved to devote hi« life to the service of God and to the missionary work. He had offered for the New Britain Mission each year, but so far the funds were not available to send him Josepha concluded by pointing out that It was not his duty to teach his hewer*. The gospel had gone from here to Fiji, This w»9 tho root, Fiji the branch. IPhis w»s * white race, the Fijian a blaok one, and the blacks were not equal to the whites. They were the elders and ha ft mere child, bub he would urge them to send the goipel to the islands of the Pacific, and to provide the funds whereby mi««iooftrie» and teacheri might bo

sent to the lalancU where the peopla were abil! sunk in darkness um\ savagery, amHiad never even heard the name of Jesus Christ;. The Roy 0 B Williams preached a telling sermon in aid of Foreign Miesio s, speaking from Acts 26. The missionary work conf ines osd by the apostles was being carried on in the mission fields of to-day. Ib. j disciples had been sent info ail lands, but 'or some tima after tho efforts of the early Christians misaioaary enterprise had languished and almost died, but again it had tprung into vigorous life. There was a tendency dot* days to act the Homo missionary work against the foreign. The hea'hen at Home were, however, heathen from choice, while hundreds of thousand? of natives in the fair islands of the Pacific had sever beird the sound of the Gospel. The great ques ion the heathens were asking the missionaries was "Why have you been so long in bringing to us this Gospel, yon have had so long 1 The speaker went on to detail the belief of the Fijians which bora a strik ing resemblance to the orthodox Christian belief of a Creator and Saviour, He spoke of the awful darkness and degradation 'still ruling over many islands of Polynesia, simply because the people of Australia »nd New Zealand were content to Bit down and allow these people to remain in their dark ness. The neglect of the sick, the sacrifice of children, the strangling of the aged, the utter absenoe of family life and the degrada tion of woman amongst the savage races were spoken of in graphic language. He compared this state of things no those islands where the gospel had taken a complete hold upon the people. Shere the land was at peace. There was an abundance of fool and the people were happy and most easy to govern, If the British Government was wise it would lend out hundreds of missionaries and pay them. Amongst the converts Sunday was sacredly observed as a day of rest. No fishing boat went out on thac day. If a boat were «eea out one could always rely upon It being the boafc of a white man or a Hindoo. The Fijian religiously cast his anchor on Saturday even ing, no matter how far from home, and kept it down throughout Sunday. The speoker gave many striking instances of the results achieved. Men like Joseph a could be nene out and kept for £10 a year. They had numbers of such teachers ready to go but no funds to pay for them, He urged upon his hearers to provide the funds. He wenb to Christian homes and frequently saw three and four bicycles on the verandah of a Yftlue of say £75. He went inside and saw a piano worth say £50 or £60, bub while the owners were willing to surround themselves with the most expensive luxuries, they could afford little or nothing to take the gospel to heathens who would gladly accept the light of the gospel were it brought to them. The services were continued last evening, when a good congregation was present, Sir W. Hi Collins occupied the chair. Most interesting speeches were delivered by Bey. C. E. Williams and Joeepha. A collection in aid of the Foreign Mission Funds realised a fair sum.

A Sixth Contingent Probable.

United Frees Asaooiafcum—By Electric Telegraph

Wellington, April 9 Though the various departments con terned will say nothing about the matter, I have good reason to believe that the Govern ment have made up their minds to Bend a Sixth Contingent of 100 men and 200 horaei to South Africa at an early opportunity, A hundred of the horses would probably b« remounts for the First and Second Contin gents The Government} will probably arrange to send berth men and horses by the Kumara.

THE FEDERATION QUESTION.

United Press Association—By Eieotrlo Telegraph—Copyright Adelaide, April 9 Mr Holder has been interviewed with regard to the position of the Federal Bill. He said it was noil; a question whether the colonies would accept this or that amendment but whether the will of the Australian people, legally ascertained, should prevail. " '

INTERPROVINCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Wellington, April 9 The Gothic, which- arrived yesterday, brought for several Banks In the coloay silver and broDsa bullion valued at £50,70(5. The rainfall, which began on Thursday, registered, until 9.30 this morning, "6,28 inches, which is almost equal to the average for April for the past thirty yearp. The droughb has completely broken up. The WainuiOmata reservoir is ovet flowing, while the Karori reservoir has filled. No damage is reported in town.

By the Gothic a consignment was received of aboub twenty patridgeo, nino plovers, three homing pigeons, and four canaries The pigeons and canaries are for Ohristchurch fanciers. Five of the plovers died on the passage.

Auckland, April 9 D. J. Kirkpatrick (49), late Registrar of Electors for the B*y of Inlands, was found drowned, fully dressed, in a portion of the Kaw&kawa River, known as the junction. Deceased was highly educated, and was deeply respected. He was born at Belfast, and was a colonist of twenty years standing, for some years having been a storekeeper and gumbuyer in a large way at the Bay of Islands. He was a married man, and leaves a family.

At the inquest on the body of Alfred Driver, a verdict of death by prueslc acid, taken while in a state of temporary insanity, was returned., Dr Lewis, health officer for the port, by a trap aooident got his collar bone broken, and was severely shaken. Mr« Lewis escaped injury. ' Chsistchurch, April § The report submitted by the vainer at the meeting of the City Council shows the pity valuation, as revised by the Assessment Court, to ba.£220,891, an inoreaie of £14,095 for the year. During the past two years the increase has amounted to £23,578.

COMMERCIAL.

The Aahburton Agency of the New Zealaisd Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on April 9. 1900:- Wheat—New. Prime milling Pearl „„ 2s Id „ „ Tuscan... 2sldtogssd v „ Hunter's 2s Oats-^Duns .„ Is 7£d Danish .„ Is 1H to Is 8d Canadians , m Is 9d Sparrowbills Is B£d Barley—Making, prime, 2s to 2s 2d Inferior Is 6d to Is 9d Peas—Partridge 2a 3d and 2s 4tf Chaff—Good oataheaf 40s to 45s Grass Seed—Old pasture, Is 9d to 2s New „ 1b 3d to Is 6d The above are prices current p»id to farmers on truoks at Ashburton.

"THE TERRACES" CLEARING SALE

A most successful clearing sale wis helril at v the Terrace's" yesterday, of the live and dead stock, the farm having been soldi by Mr Somerviile to Mr P. O. Threlked. The attendance of farmers was large from all parts of the country. The sale commenced at 12 30 with the implements, and was con cluded aboub 4 p m., everything being cleared. The horsesdid great credit to the way in which Mr Rosendale (the manager), had got them up for sale, and averaged over £45 a head. The following are a few of the prices obtained : — Implements. — Harrowß, £2 to £2 10s j grubbers, £9 59, £1110s, rollers £11, drays £7 5s to £g 103, binders £4, £5 to £15, sheep feeders £2 10s.

Horses.—Fay mare £35, her foal £15, bay gelding £47, bay gelding £49, bay geld ing £44, bay mare £49 10s, hack £6 10s, twc-year-old filly £42. Cows.—Cows £4 15s to £5 10s, two-year old cattle £3 2s 6d to £3 8s 6d.

Pigs—Baconere £2 6s to £2 16a. Sbbbp. — Four-tooth ewes 16a 4J, fall mouthed ewes 12s 6 i to 133, two-tooth ewei 13a 3d, four-touth wetheri (Fat), 16a %i\

THE ASHBUETOK OtJARDIAN j TUEBDiiY, APBIL 10, 1900



N.Z. LOAN & MBROAN'ILBJ /.GBNOY ' oomfany,;.lti>. FOUK Qreat Bread Winners. THE HERCULES NICHOLSON CULTIVATOR. Leading Farmers' verdiot ia—" Absolutely the beet Cultivator ever sold in the Colony." ••FARMER'S FAVORITE" ALL STFEL DRILL Fitted with Roller hearings and New Turnip and Rape Fed. "HINEMOA" POTATO DIGGER Coat of machine saved ia three acres of Potatoes.) SPALDING-ROBINS ROTARY DISC PLOUGH 60 per cent Bayed in coat of ploughing. We ask farmers to inspect our machines for the Autumn Trade. ffiHE N.Z. LO\N AND MERCANTILE AGENCY CO., LIMITED. E. G. STAVELEY, Manager. SOLE AGENT for Aehburton Districts: DAVID THOMAS. 3J267 FOR iHB MOStS^ONLY. B. F. DAVEY, 25, Tuam ftreet, CHRLSTCHUiCM ~|V»NLARGING Photos, 12 x 10 worked in JJJ Indian Inks, and Framed iv Gilt 22 x 18 for £1 Is. Water colourß £1 5% oik £1 l(k I have been delivering thousands of photoa in New Zealand ?or the last six years, and have given every satisfaction. We can select a photo from any group cr make any alteration. I will guarantee thepe to be aB good as the ones I have bson delivering for £3, and will last for ages. Don't forget) to bring along your photo at onca. Send them along to my Address a? above. Orders ro aeived by post or otherwise. Should you require one copied from group, kindly place X (a orosB) under the one you wished copied. ■ The photos are workrd by i he best artistu in the Australian colonies. This will last tM latMay. 3 12



FSTAEUSHED 1874- McDonald & Go, •X'AIJL.OJ3 Sr* 9 j "D EMOVED to See cur Samples 'jrTJBUjKOIi! 10-mparo our prices Rutnttt Street. YVecau'tbe bra* 3 255 THE New Zealaad CLOTHI*G- FACTORY Tg N:,W SHOWING A LARGE S'JOCK OF Winter GoodU Men's S.c Snifa .. 21s, 25', 29i 6?. Men's Tweed Trousers 7- 6«, 8- 9<. 9< 6.1 Men's Covert Coats .. £9. 6J, 39-6 !, 52 6d Boys' Covert Coats from .. .» 14s Boys' Reefer Costs'from .. .. 6*6:1 Boys'S'ilor Snita from .. ». 7- Boys'Norfo!k Suits from  .. Ils6d SO dt sen Serge and Tweed C«p*. The largest varipty in town. SO dozsn Soft Felt Hatp, newest shape?. White Shirts 5s 6d, 6s 6d, 7a 61, 8 6i, 9*61 A new line of short fronted White Shirts. New Tics, Braces, Gloves, Mufflers, Collars, Umbrellas, Wool Shirts, etc. Ladies and Gentlemen's Watkepkoof Coats, Made to Order. A large variety of Patterns to choose from. JNESW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOJRY. $. H. BEOKINGBALJE, Manager



ST. STEPHEN'S OHDROH AshburU-c. I Seivlceß for MONDAY, TUESDAY, and j WEDNESDAY in Holy We<k. [ 7.30 a m~Holy Communion 9 a m—Children's Service 10.30 a in—Morning Prayer 7.15 p m—Evening Preyer and Fcrmon 8 j.> m-Choir Practice, on Wednesday MAUNDY THUR^D -Y. 7.30 a m—Holy Communion 9 a m—Children's Seivice 10.30 a n—Morning Prayer and Meditation 7,15 p m— Kvenirg Prayer and Sermon ••The I'ie.titutloß of the Holy Sf.crnmen»." (Iho Communicants are re quested to attend this eervicp. It will fee of >ho nature of a preparation for the Easter Connnuuiou). GOOD FRIDAY 8.30 a m-—Lifciny and Meditation 11 a m—Mi'ins, Ante-Communion, an>.l Sermon 2 45 p m~Ciiil''rer/a Service and MeiHta tioiu : " The Man of Sorrows." 7pm '-Evening Prayer and Sermon EASTEH EVEN. 7 30 a m—Holy Communion 9 a m—Muroing Piayer EASTF.R D\Y (April 15). 6.30 a m—Hoy Communion 8.30 a m—Holy Commuuion 11 a m —Matins, Holy Communion, &nd S-rtnon 2.45 p ns—Children's Service 4 p m—Hoiy Baptitm 6,30 p m—Choral Evensong and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A.. Vicar jTT. de beeb", WATCHMAKER & JEWELLEB, HAS JUST RECEIVED a Choice Col lection of STERLING SILVeR & E.P. WARE, SUITABLE FOR WEDDING PRESENTS, ETC., ComprifcinE Specially Selected Articles, both Useful and Ornamental. Not huving Window epace to display the above Goods, INSPECTION INVITED. To these interested in RACING, TROTTING, CYCLING, Etc I have just received a Special line of STOP WATCHES, IKCMJDING SPLIT SECOND CHRONOGRAPHS—A wonder in Watch construction. Hunting and Open-face High-class CHRONOGRAPHS. Also, a New lino of two Dozen, «< The Oonswltatioii" Nickel Keyless STOP WATCHES. Priob 20b« Thi3 ia a far superior time-piece to any thing of the same class yeb offered to the public. A full stock of all other classes of Gold and Bilver Watches on hand, afc prices to salt) everybody. | For the Latest Novelties in Gold and Silver Jewellery, inspect Window display. Silver Charma in endless variety from Is each A new stock of Spectacles to hand. J. V. DE" BEER, WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER, East Street, Ashburton. N O T I U JfiT" ALL BOOK DEBTS owing to The Ash burton Publishing Co., Ltd, as at Ist April, 1898, have been placed in my hands for collection. All Accounts not settled by the 14th April will be SUED FOR, without further notice. DAVID ZANDER, Commission Agent, Tancred Street), Asbburton JMarch 22,1900. WeNTED KNOWN—Removal of the old established firm of MITCHELL & Turner, from oKi premises in Tancred Street to New Shop iv Burnett Street.



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EAST H. M. JON ES. *TREET BICYCLES. BICYCLES —BICYCLES^ rxATING EECEIVtD A SHIPMENT OP THE FAMOUS " ARENA " CYCLES, I am prepared to offer these Machines at a very Low figure to securo quick Sale and Prompt I eturns, THESE Cycles are Well-Made, Up-to-Date, Strong, Rigid, Light and Eaay Running, and fitted wi-.h Morgan and Wrighb Tyres, and equal to ai>y £20 in the market. These Bicycles are offered afc the very Low Price of I £IQ CASK. TERMS OAN BE ARRANGED. I TU-IS ia an opportunity to secure a well-bnilfc serviceable Machine afc Bed-Eock Prices, I am prepared to indent those Oyclep, Ladies' or Gentlemen's, a a lower price lERMS ON APPLICATION. ORDER EARLY FOR NEXT SEASON. Agent for Miiner and Fhompson's Organs and Pianos. M. M. JONES. ■



NOTICE TO FARMERS. abb GASH BUYERS OF PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN ANY QUANTITY Please take your Samples to the Mill, We can supply Oornsacks ,at coat price. CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B. HOBART, Manager. 17 th March, 1900. 3 1



MltS JOHNSTON j ____ rpEAOHfiR of the Pianoforte and Ringing. ILivelock Street. TuwFtLYN OWEN. M-C.S.M. CERTIFICATED TEACHER. r GOAL Representative of the London JLJ College of Music, and of the Musical International College. *»[ANOFORTE, ORGAN, VIOLIN, MAN DOLINE, SINGING, HARMONY, '■ AND COUNTERPOINT. ! I The new term will commence January ; 22nd. Intending pupils kindly communiaate i early. OSBORN COOMBE, PIANO TUNER & EXPERT ■ (Late of London), VISITS Ashburton and surrounding Dis trie's every four months—viz, March, Juiy, uud Novembe 1". ORDERS m&y be left with AIR LLEWELL\N OWEN at his Music Studio, Arcade Chambers, Aehbtu ton . or at Commercial Hotel. MISS M. BICHAJRDSON, mEACHEE OF PIANO. Apply Belt Road, Alieuton. Terms on application. First term commences on lab February. 1 & R. T. CLARK, GRAIN AND PRODUCE BROKER. Tancbed Street, (Next McCanell Sr Compton'b Stables.) AGENT for Bi'lings and Knowle'a Spray Tumps and Famous Insectioidesi Spray Pumps, complete .. £2 Knowles' "Sweet Nicotine" 2s per bottle. „ Kill 'Em Quick la 9d per bottle.  Paris Green 2s 6d per Ib. „ Helaboro Powder 2s per lb. INFORMATION GRATIS. > It cannot be said of the American Blight ! That to the Orohardisb it gives delight, So Spray it well without compulsion With French "Keboskne Emulsion." j The cherries and pears are covered with slugs, The Vines are infested with naughty wee Bugs. But never say die, have you not seen There's death in the tspray of " SWEET Nicotine." The Aphis black and the Aphia green Are the very worst pests the peach has acea. They allow neither fruit nor tree to grow, Then why notgive ♦• Sweet Nicotine " a show. Your fruit trees will soon be nothing bub stumps If you've not; got the sense to via "Knowles' Pumps." , The San Jose Scale is coming your way, And your cry then will be "Let us Spray," •• Let us Spray." i If you wish to destroy the San Jose Scale Put a pinch of Saltpetre on the tip of his tail, One of fine Charcoal, another of Sulphur, Touch with a lighted match—Oh, Lor. ! What a buster ? Catch hold of his throat and open his throttle, And dose him with " Bordeaux " out of a bottle, When he's swallowed a pint or a quart at the most, He'll be dead as a nail, or quail upon toast The larva of the Codlin Moth Is more destructive than the Goth. So take my advice as soon as he's seen Give him a spray of " Paris Green." We have pests by the millions, Which give us the Dumps. They are coming in Billions, Thank " CLARK " for his Pump*.



MISS CABBON. rjIBJACBER of Pianoforte and Organ. JL For termß, etc., apply ab Residence Corner of Wills and William Streets near Wakanui Boad East. "ZKALANDIAS" at the FRONT STILL BOOMING. ffIHEY are Bimply marvellous. For Speed, JL Rigidity, and Comfort they oannot be beaten. Beautifully enamelled in fancy colors Gentleman's £31 Ladys £S£. A large Btock of Latest Novelties to hand. Lamps from 4s 63, Graphite for chain from 6d, Too Clips from Is 6d, Dunlop outfits 9d, Elastic anklets 2a 6d, Fancy handles from 2a. Inspection invited. OATES, LOWRY AND CO, Burnett Street.



VISIT Hgrthcote and Hbfjfobd's for your Autumn apd W Jnetr Millinery. See windows. Smoke New Venus j