SECOND EDITION EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for September

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails olose for the following places as cinder, subject to the necessary alterations: — THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 For Northern Ports, Westport and Aut. tndian Colonise, par Botomahana, at 620 pm FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 For Northern Ports and Australian C'.)lonlea, also South Africa. India, China etc., United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, specially addressed via So?z (doe London Nov 11). via Wellington (due Sydney 3rd October), per Westralia at 10 30 a m For Northern Porte, Wesfcport, Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, also United States, Canada, eto, United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Franoisco, per Takapuna, at 630 pm. Money orders 2pm; ] registered letters 5 pm. Due London Oct 31.

Commercial.

United Press Aaeooiation—By Eleotric

Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Sept 26, 9.18 am, This Office 8 20 pm) 1 ondon, September 25 Wheat at Mark Lane is quoted 6d dearer oa the week Sydney, Sept 26 Wheat, chick 2s 2d to'2s 6^, milling 2s 9d. Flour, £6 to £6 10a, Manitoban £11. Oats, prime New Zealand feeding 2s 2d to 2> 3d. Maize, 2s 9d to 2s lOd. Barley, host feed 2s to 2s 2<i. Bran and pollard, 7|l each. Pass, Prussian blue 3» 2d to 3i 31. Potatoes, Circular Heads &h 10*. Onions, Victorian £9 to £9 10a. Batter, dairy B|3, creamery 9|J. Cheese, New Zealand prime loaf 6d, extra large sid, medium s|d. Bacon, New Zealand rolls 6d, flitches 6d.

{The above quotations are thoie ruling between merchant and retailer, and do not represent the el'.ghtly lower values obtained by * recognised broker).

Melbourne, September 26 Wheat, 2s 10} d. Maiza bought for China at 2a 6|d. Potatoes, £2 to £2 10* Adelaide, Sept 26

Wheat, 2s lOd, Flour, £6 15a. Oati, Algerian 2s 3d to 2s 6d, atout white 2s 6d to 3i» Bran, 9d ; pollard, lO&d

BURNSIDE MARKETS.

Dunkdik, Bep!-ember 26

Burneide market:—Fat JOatlle—l6s head were yarded, the bulk good to prime quality. Bidding was fairly good at the start, and improved an the sale proceeded, but fell away toward tbo close. The 'average prices are about 5s per head lower than last week's. Best ballooka £9 to £9 10i, extra weights up to £11 17s 6d, eood£7 15* to £8 15s, best cowi and heifers £6 to £8, extra weights to £9 17s 6d.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET,

United Frees Aneociation—By Electric Telegraph

Ch«istohdbc», Sept 25

The entries of cattle and pigs at Adding ton to-day were about up to the average of the lastfaw weeks, while the sheep were rather better represented than they hare been lately. Oattlh—l4l head of fat cattle were yarded, the quality being generally good, while some linea were extra prime. A line of 21 steers, sent from the Mount Palm Estate, were taken for freezing, two at £13 12a 6d, two at £12 15», and seventeen at £12 ss« Among other Sines were nine steers which brought £8 15a to £9 17s 6d, and five whush sold at £9 17a 6d to £11 10s. The ordinary run of prices was—Steers £6 to £9 17a 6d; heifers, £5 to £7 15s and up to £8 16s, for extra good; cows, £4 5t to £7 12a 6d, and up to #10 15s for really good animaU. Beef was wortfa per 1001b practically the same aa last week, 22s jbo 2f>* ior prime, and 18s to 21s for medium to good. Dairy cattle were rather dull of sale, the average range of prices being £3 to £5 10?; one first>olass cow bringing £8 12k 6d. Ths entry of store cattle was rather small and the prices showed an improvement. Yearlings, mixed sexes, £1 11s; two year old heifers, £2 14s to £2 17a; three year old heifers, £3 5s to £4 12s 6(1; dry cows, £210s to £4 15s. Bhesp—The fat sheep pens were slightly better filled than last week, and the quality of the entry was gene;ally good. The sale opened briskly, and though fche prices eased a little about the middle of the sale, they picked up again, end the market closed firm. Freezing Bheep brought from 19s to 22a, heavy weights up to 255, other sorti 17s to 18s id, ewes from 16s lid to 22s 6d, merino wethers 14s Id to 19a, merino ewei I3s to 15s 2d. About 1300 store sheep were yarded, the bulk being hoggete and wethers. Good lines sold we!!, the principal sales being 161 hoggets at 14s 6d, 44 at 12s Id, and 265 wethers at 15s 8d to 15a 9d. Fat iambs numbered %boub 50. The pricei werahardiy aa good as those obtained last week, the range befog lOi 6d to 15s lid j

Pigs—A good entry of pigs came forward, but the demand was not; so keen as last week, and both . baconsr* and porkers showed a reduction! Baooners brought from 26s to 365, and up to 42- for a few choice hetvy weights, rqual to 3d to 3|<i per lb; porkers, 18s to 265, equal to 3£4 per lb; stores up to 17s 6d, i*ud suckers and weaners up to 9i

GERALDINE LIVE STOCK MARKET

The live stock sale at the Geraldine Farmers' yarda yesterday was well attended, and there was a fair entry of Bheep, the prioos being up to late rates; There was a good entry of cattle, which brought) very satisfactory prices. Bfceers i old at £5 17a 6d, store steers and heifers 303, 35% p-nd 39e; fat oowb up bo £6 10s ; yearling* 30t; springing oows £5 to £5 12s 6d. There was no sale of pigs. After the ordinary sale Messrs Mating and Shullorasß held a successful horse sale. There were 55 horaes entered, of whi"h 41 wore sold. Draughts fetched £21, £25, £26 1O», £27, £35, £40 10i, £42, £43; light horses sold at £13 10s, £16 10s, £16, £24, £25, and £26 ; older horse* ranged from £4 to £9 9s. On behalf of Mr Ben CGohrane, the stallion Young Guy Fox, vising four years, was sold to Mr O. Scott Thomson for 38 guineas.

TIMARU WOOL AND SKIN SALE.

The usual fortnightly tale of wool and akini took plaoe yesterday. The catalogues were heavy, and a good sale resulted, bul prices were if aaytihing easier than of late. Butchers' skim, crosubreds, sold at Is 7d, lc 9d, 3s, 3s 4d, 3s 6d, 3s 91, 4i 4d, to 4i 8d ; batchers' halfbreds, 2s 4d. 2s sd, 3s, 3s Id, 3* 6d, 4<s, to ss; farmer*' crossbred tkinr, 2s 8<?, 3s, 3? 2d, 3s <H, 3s 6d, 3i Bd, to 2s 9J ; farmers' halfbred skint, 2s 3d, 2« 9d, 2s !od, 3s, 3s 3d, 3s Sd, 3s 6d, 3s lOd, 4s, to 4s 7<\ ; cropebreds at per Ib, 3| tn 4d ; merino, 3§d, Ad, 4id, 4fd, to sd. Wool.—Trimming*, 3^d, 4d, to 4£d ; scoured do. to 511 : dead wool 4£d, 4f d, to s£.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

" Concerned "—We do not publish anony* mous letters, unless the names of the writers have been supplied to the Editor

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1900 THE MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

We referred in a recent article to the inconvenience caused to the people of this county by the Stipendiary Magis trate being non resident in Ashburtcn. We have since noticed that the Hon. Major Steward has asked the Minister of Justice, whether any memorial had been received from the residents of Waimate, respecting the public incon venience experienced! in that district from a somewhat similar cause, and suggesting a re-arrangement of the duties of the Stipendiary Magistrate at Oamaru or Timaru. The Minister pro mised to look into this matter, and if necessary, to remedy the alleged in convenience. It is, therefore, an oppor tune time for us to again draw attention to this subject, so far at it affects this district. We may mention that since oar last article was written, another case hai been brought under our notice, showing how the present arrangement militates against the interests of the public. A person was expected to leave the colony without having fulfilled certain monetary obli gations imposed upon him by an order of the Gourt; and the creditor applied for the necessary legal document to ■top him. He was, however, informed by the Oierk of the Court that he would have to wait until the Stipen diary Magistrate came up, seme three days later. Meantime, he has reason to believe that the party got away from New Z aland. We could mention many other instance! to show that the convenience of the public is not consi dered in the arrangement of the business of the Ashburton Magistrate's Court; and we trust th*t when the Minister of Justice looks into the matter he has promised to investigate, he will take into consideration the propriety of making a change in this district as well as at Waimate. The increase of the population of the whole country eeems to as to warrant a somewhat larger expenditure by the Justice de partment in this locality than hereto fore. We have not the figures before ua with reference to the number of cases dealt with in the Magistrate's Court here, but in view of the great increase in the general business of the place, it is only reasonable to conclude that the volume of Court business has proportionately increased; It might be found a good arrangement if a Stipendiary Magistrate were to reside in Ashburton, and visit Rakaia, Meth' yen, Mount Sonaers and perhaps Geral* dine, We commend this suggestion to the Minister of Justice and hope, be may see bis way to carry it into effect.

Local and General.

% # Interesting reading matter will be found n the first and foarbh pages of this issue

Wbather Rkport —Captain Edwin fore CMta I—' West to soath west and loubh ga'e; ginsM n«e ; indications of rain.'

Fief—A two-roomed cottage at Allenton, was burneif down at four o'clock this morn ing, We are informed that ib was the property of Mr Steel, of Alford Forest Road.

The Will Gase,—ln tb« Supreme Court Chrittohuroh, yesterday, in the ease of Brown| v Brown, il was arranged that Mr Joynt should move for judgment at a later date, and that tbe legal points should then be argued.

Thb Small Gbaih Baas.—All the grain stores at the Bluff are busy transferring the contents of the ordinary sacks of oats into 801b bags. This is in consequence of the acceptance by Southland merchants of » large order which is to be delivered in the smaller bags. These are being imported from the other side, and are coming to hand by every steamer. The shipmtmt will be taken away early in Ootober by the steamer The Needles.— SenMand Timts*

Accident—A girl named Bridget Collins met with a serious fracture of the left leg yesterday at Rakais, and was brought to the Hospital at AshbprtoD. She was driving in a spring cart with two children in her charge, when the horte bolted. The girl thoughtfully dropped one of the children'opt and the other followed suit, but althoug the children escaped, the girl in jumping out herself was no£ so fortunate, and received a fracture of the leg,

Frssknvatioh — Last) evening in the Oherteoy library room, Mr Tom Doig was presented with a lamp, set of carvers, and pooket book by his friends. There waa a large attendance, and in making the presen tation Messrs Todd and Scarlett referred to the good qualities of Mr Doig, and tbe respect in which he was held in the district. Refreshments were served and the health of the guest drnnk. An hour or two were spent in song t etc, and after giving hearty Oheeis for Mr Doig the gathering dispersed. Mr Doig has lately sold his threshing plant and taken up Mr Lungley's late farm at Dromore.

U.A.OD.—A very enjoyable social was heH in the Orange Hall on Wednesday evening by the Success of Ashburton Ladiss Lodge, when about forty «ompl«s graced the floor. Danoing wai kept up with great spirit to music supplied by Miss Simpson (piano,) and Messrs Leitoh and Terris, (cornet and violic). During the evening songs were rendered bj Muses Aslettt and Stock. Mr Harper made a very effioieut MO. and krpis things going nicely. Tho catering which was in the hands of fche Misses Huff»m was excellent. Every body present seomed to enjoy themselves thor oughly, and a vnry pleasant) evening was brought to a close in the small hours of the morning.

Horse Parade—A horse parade, under the auspices of the Geraldine and Temuka A. & P. Association, was held at Geraldine yesterday, in Mr J. Turner's paddock adjoining the domain. The weather won unfavorable, but there wt»s a fair attendance of breeders and others interested. The parado was conduoted by Mr Shollorass, of the firm of Maling and Sballorasa, and Mr A. W. Gaze, the Beoretary of the Association. There were only two draughts entered, vie, Mr James Bell's 'No Surrender,' by King of the Vanquishers, dam Rose, by Strath noon, 6yrs, and Mr W. Keen's 'Prince Charlie,'—Sir Arthur Gordon by Young Banker,dam Princess Mary, by Prince Royal. The thoroughbred olass was represented by Mr W De'Reczy's « Deloraine, 1 by Border man—Nancy ; Mr P. Burkes • Hanlan,' by Oadogan-~ Waterwitch ; Mr W. Keen's 1 Marlborough,' by 8t George—Farewell; Mr Guy McDonald's •TeKooti, 1 by Apre mont—Ruby. The hackneys were Mr W. I. Ashby's • Kxehange,' by Alerton—May, by Digby tirand, 3yrs} Mr W De'Rensy's •The Mute,' by Orpheus—Dora, by Ban dor*, 3yrs. Mr PD Petrie, of Rangitata Bridge, also showed ' Lord Kobertt,' » nice little pony by • Darkest Afrioai

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

ATROCITIES IN SOUTHERN CHINA

BUTCHERY OF NATIVE

CHRISTIANS

THE MURDER OF MISSIONARIES

London, Sept 24 1 The Chinese at Kumohuk, on the Weat River, in southern China, fired on a boat load of native Christians. The women in the boat ware dragged ashore and butchered. Melbourne, Sept 26 A cable has been received from the China Inland Minion, announcing that Miss Henys, cf Adelaide, and Messrs Dandand Barnett, of Tasmania, together with seven others, presumably English workers in the miaalon field, have been killed at Kiangeu.

TUAN'S POLICY.

Hong Kong, Sept 26

Tuan and Kangyi are absolutely controlling affairs in China, and are substituting their followers for pro foreign functionaries.

Li Hung Ohang predicts prolonged negotiations, anticipating a divergence of views amongst the Allies.

The American troopa with the ex ception ot 1600 left to guard the Legation, have been ordered to return to Manila.

THE ENGLISH ELECTIONS

SEATS ON CHALLENGED.

IRTBH PLEASANTRIES,

United Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Sept 24 Earl Cirringtot has issued a manifesto to the electors of the Eastern Counties, in the course of which he states that a strong patriotic Government is wanted. The foreign Governments were friendly when the Liberals were in power, but they j have been so disagreeable during the past | fire years that British interests were sacrificed in Tunis, Madagascar And Siam, and the Ministers had to be vigorously : ridden with apurs by Lord Roaebery in order to compel them to stand firm during the Fashoda episode. Referring to the Boer war, Lord Carrington asserts that Britain's honour in South Africa was only | laved by the soldier statesman Lord Roberts, by the brave, uncomplaining, Unequipped British troops, and by the grand response of the colonies. Lord Brassey has Issued a manifesto on ; behalf of the Imperial Liberal Council, which sixty Liberal candidates endorsed. He declares that the Government) whioh cairied through the South African war could not be said to hare failed. He hold? that broad minded Liberals recognise Mr Chamberlain's services to the Empire, especially in connection with the establishment of the Australian Common' wealth*

Mr Gtaachan, In a letter to his const!• toenta, mentioned his consistent desire to keep the administration of the navy free from party politics. The Daily News suggests that Mr Ooßchen holds equally strong opinions as regards army administration, and there* fore wishes to dissociate himself from any attempt to place army reforms on the levels of a party cry.

London, Sept 26 A hundred and seventy-four Unionist and forty Radical eeatg are unchallenged. Messrs O'Brien and Healy, speaking at Loath, from different enda of the same platform, abased each other for three ottra* Receiver! W&kuDuaku «spt 27, 90a m, Thli Office 9 46 a m London, Sept. 26 Mr Gosohen shortly retires from the Admiralty. He denies any differences with his colleagues, On the contrary they are in entire accord.

Mr Chamberlain received an enthusi astic reception at Oldharo. The Liberal party, he asserted, was a collection of internecine factions. When certain people encouraged Kruger at a critical moment to resist and give Joe another fall, no Liberal Imperialist from Lord Rosebery downwards, said a single word to help Government, and 99 convince Kruger that the country was united in its demands. Behind Kruger were people upon whom the guilt of the war fell equally with Kroger

Mr Wyndlnin, speaking at Dover, admitted that the forces needed for South Africa were miscalculated at the outset, but denied any unpreparednesa of tbe a?my inasmuch as 213,000 men with innumerable guns were lent in the briefest time, .Government was alert on tbe question of army reform. Say en millions were now being apent on modern guns and coast defence

CONSULTING OPTICIAN

Mr Ernest M. Sandstein, DB 0A 2, FS., M,O, who has lately returned after tiz years' special study in England and Con tinent, nifty be consulted on all case* o defective eyesight. Daylight not neeeisary, artificial light being used. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Oashel Street W., over M. SandstaiOi jeweller. 9SOtol, 2to 5 daily. 9 305

Hospital Drainage.

The following is the report of Dr Byrnes on Hospital drainage, read before the Board on Tuesday :-

The Chairman, Ash burton Hospital Board. Sir, —At the request of Borough Ooutici 1, I visited the Hospital. The principal defect I found in the sat.itary arrangements is the discharge of all liquid aewage into a boulder eeespl?. THe Method has of course been very generally adopted in rural districts ; but it is quite unsuitable in a town. I saw the three pipes which had been rank near the cesspit, In order to test the water ; and I was told that no contamination of the water had been observed by chemical analysis. It ie, however, recognised that wbila positive evidence of contamination yielded by analysis ie very valuable, negative evidence of the absence of contamination is much less valuable, since water may be affected at one time and not at another. Also water may oontain disease gerrrs, without appreci ably altering its chemical composition. Besides the risk of contaminating the wells for » considerable distance, the continued application of sewage to the same piece of ground inevitably produces an extensive growth of fungi, of many different kinds, some of which fill the air with the germs of diphtheria, tonsillitis, ulcerated throat, etc. It is. therefore, imperative that no cesspits of this kind Hb allowed to exist in any borough. There seems to be some difficulty in connecting the Hospital drain with one of the aide channels. If so, I recommend that the sewage be irrigated over tho large grass paddock adjacent, where the Hospital cows are gra-ed. This would, , however, necessitate either div ding the p&ddook into three ccpal parts, to be irrigated and graced alternately ; or else a second paddock may perhaps be j obtained. The irrigation would greatly improve the grass, and there would be no risk at all of its affecting the milk, provided one month of wet weather, or two months of fine weather, be allowed to elapse between the cessation of irrigation and the commencement of grazing. For a full description of the method of irrigation, I beg to refer you to the Chairman of the County Council, whom I have requested to forward, for your perusal, a report of mine on the drainage of the Old Men's Hon>e. I am certain th*t the method therein described will prove eminently satisfactory at the Hospital. Urinal.—This Is not trapped, and is offensive. I recommend that wherever possible, open concrete channels, or open glazed tile drains be substituted for closed drains. If the Board will not onsent to an open drain leading from tho urinil, then the closed drain must be trapped and ventilated at its connection with the urinal. The Wardsman tells me he has to use Jeye'd fluid constant? in the urinal. This alone shows how bad things are.

Closets.—These would be improved by a four inch ventilating pipe carried up the outside wall and ending in a torpedo cowl. The position of the window impells most people te shut them in cold weather. The closets were very unpleasant at the time of my visit. Closed Drain—This is a three inch earthenware pipe, which, the gardener informs me, is broken and dilapidated. It is about two chains long, receives all the h"uee waste water, and discharges into an open concrete channel leading to the cesspit. This drain is devoid (apparently) of either traps or ventilators, p.nd is very unhealthy. I recommend that it be taken up and removed, that an open glased file drain be substituted, and that a etna'! fl >w of water be constantly maintained the whole distance from the urinal onwards

Kitchen Sink,—The waste pipe leading from the link to the drain is nob trapped, and leads directly Into the above defective closed drain.

B^thn—The men's bath has a trap, but it is badly constructed ; ib has no screw plug tc allow rf its being cleaned, whicb in most inconvenient. The only reason for this was the economy of sixpence or a shilling. The trap, howe/er, might as well have been omitted, for the bath waste pipe fits loosely into the dilapidated drain, so that the sewer g&s may enter (he house without being arrested by the trap. This Is bad workmanship. T^e Staff Bith is not trapped an all. The Isolation Bah Is said to be trapped, bub the trap, if it exists, is covered up. All the waste pipes, as far as I could ascertain, are devoid of ventilators.

Fowl House.—This requires a concrete or asphalt floor. It would improve it to make an opening In the north wall, and cover it with wire netting, in order to ventilate the fowl house, which smells rather close on account of its low roof. A small bone mill la wanted for grinding the bones lying about Register of Cases Admitted.—l find that the book in which the admissions previous to July, 1888, are registered, is missing. The Matron, Wardsman, Dr. Trevor, and Mr Mainwaring all tell me they do not know where it is. The information therein contained is the most valuable record of the health and medical history of the town

In conclusion, I beg to pay that if X can be of any use, I shall be happy to attend any meeting of the Board at which you desire my presence.—l am, e*e , W. H. Svmbs, M.D., Health Commissioner for Canterbury.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright.

DESTRUCTION OF BOER ARTIL LERY.

(Received Sept 26, 8 pro.) London, September 25

The Boers, before evacuating Kama tipoort, destroyed a " Long Tom," a 98-pounder, and a Oreuzot gun. Genera! Barton captured 1600 cattle, 1000 sheep and 17 goods waggons sear Krugersdorp.

KRUGER A CAPITALIST AND A THIEF.

DESTRUCTIVE ATTEMPT DEFEATED viLjroßN & de"¥eip stjll to THE FORE.

Received Wakapuaka Sept 25, 10 60 p m, This office 12 27 am Capetown, September 26 Mr Spragg, in a speech in the Gape Assembly, stated that Kruger was not only a capitalist but a thief, for he had stplen the monies of the Republics. The speaker hoped the Portuguese would compel him to disgorge his spoils. London, Sept 2,6 An attempt to destroy the railway at Roodeyal Spruit was defeated and a waggon load of dynamite waß captured. Viljoen, with his commando, followed the Selati railway, intending to effect a junction with De Wet.

The newspapers are urging that it is Portugal's doty to secure the State documents in Mr Krugcr's hands. The locomotive* found at Barberton •re valued at half * million,

PARLIAMENT.

United Press' Association—By Electric Telegraph

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Wellington, September 26 Tha Couucil met at 2 30. The Law Amendment Bill 1900 (Hon H Feldwict) a; d Cycle Board's Jiill (Hon W 0 Walker) were read a first time. Mr Beeves moved that in view of the inability of the Governors of Victoria College to obtain a suitable site for the ißifcitotioa in the oity of Wellington, one should be procured in the city of Nelson. After defca'e the motion was carried by 21 votea to 13. { The 0, imina! Code Act 1393 Amendment Bill wae recommitted and pasted. The Testators Family Maintenaoos Bill was read a third time and passad. The Shop's and Offices Bill was taken in Committee, aad clause 28 was amended to provide for offices and wholesale houses observing a half-holiday on Saturday, pro. Tided that) where th» oooopier of any office hat given notice uudsr seotioc 23, if he elects to close on the statutory closing jay, the half-holiday shall be on that day, any thing is this ieo ion notwithstanding. The Council rose at 5 p m On resuming the Council went into Com mittee on the Shops and Offices Bill. Clause 38, subsection 5, was amended by 11 votes to 10. The clause was intended to exempt assistants id hotels from the operation of weekly holiday clauses, assistant! in eating houses and restaurants, whether connected with an hotel or nob, to come within the meaning of the clause A new subsection was added, providing that all assistants ill hotel bars shall have one half holiday each week on such working day as the occupier may think fib On the motion of Hon Mr Bigg a olance was added, providing that, in the event of | another day than Saturday being appointed as the closing day by the local authority, j any shopkeeper shall be entitled to close on Saturday in lieu thereof, on giving notice to the I&Bpector of his desire so to do. The Bill was reported as amended.

The Post. Office Bill and Government Railways Bill passed their first reading. The Council rose at 9.45

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, September 26 The House met tit 2 30 p m The Counties Aob Amendment, Electoral Act Amendment, Gaming dob Amendment, and the Workers Bight of Appeal Bills were read a first time.

Replying to questions, Ministers said that the Government would, as soon as possible, sf nd the Government Geologist to report at to the advisability of putting down a prospecting bore for coal at Dobioni As to the question of amending the Land Act, that Crown tenants may reserve milling timber on their sections and not have to fell it to do their Improvements, Mr Duncan said it was competent for & settler to apply to the Land Board, and if cirenmatanees warranted, they had the power to authorise such reservation.

That the Post Office Bill would contain a provision to enable trustees to make deposits on behaif of beneficiaries ia the Post Office Savings Bank. That the decline in the birth rate from 1891 to 1899 was not peculiar to this colony, but, according to statistics, wm general in several parts of the world. That Ministers had every reason to believe that the Technical School Bill wonld be passed thl« session, and that it was proposed to place on the Public Works Estimates pro vision for the building of such schools. With regard to the qaention whether Government would communicate with the Governments of the various dependencies of the Empire, and the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a view to <h« establish menfc of an Imperial trade Zollverein, the Premier replied, that next session he would introduce a measure dealing with the Rubjeot. That the amount of claims under the Old Age Pensions Aot this year would amount to £200 000, and in view of that f?cb the proposal to increase the pension to ten shillings oould nob be adopted. While Mr Seddon believed that) there was more danger to the well being of the young of the colony from gambling than from drink, the Government could not introduce a measure this session to suppress gambling, but hoped to deal with the evil next session

The Government Railway! Bill was farther considered in Committee

Clause & was amended, on the motion of Mr Ward, to bbc effect that all the persons now in the service of the Department, and who were in the service immediately before tha 28th of January, 1889, shall be in the same position with respect to their right to superannuation or compensation allowance, as if subsection 3, of section 4, of the Government Railways Acb, 1894, were nob repealed The Bill was reported with amendments, read a third time, and passed The Post Office Bill wai committed, reported with amendments,, read a third time, and passed

The House adjourned at 5 30 p m The House resumed at 7.30 p m Mr Seddon moved the seoond reading of the Private Industrial Schools Inspection and Industrial Schools Aot Amendment Bill. In a long sptech he referred to the disclosures in connection with the Stoke school, and trusted members would maintain the tradi tions of the race for fair play, and say nothing that would rf fleofc upon fcb.o Roman Catholic creed The Government wece prepared to accept a certain amosnt of blame, but the blame lay with the Kelson Charitable Aid Board, who had the school under its nose, and had permitted such a Btate of things to contißne. All private industrial schoo's would come under the Bill.

Mr Pirani complained of the Premier occupying fifty?seven minutes in landing the Roman Oath olios and besmirching the public schools, while he deyotad only three minutes to the Bill itself.

Mr HallrJoneg said the Government bad been endeavoring to improve the Industrial Schools, and he believed that of all systems the cottage home wag the most suitable, and the Goveu ment was working in the direction of establishing that system The debate on the private Industrial Bphoolfl Inspection and Industrial School* The House adjourned at 10 o'clock. Act Amendment Bill w a continued. A urxrn ber of member* took part, but nothing of public interest fc.anspired. Mr Seddon in reply said the debate, in his opinion, had sot tended to elevate the House in the opinion of the oountry, at anyrate, as far as some members were concerned, whose sole object had been to bring the adminis tration into disrepute in connection with the matter. The limit of two yean, over which the Stoke enquiry should be held was fixed by Government in the first instance, because they wern told that that period would suffice, and when an extended period was asked for they at ones agreed to five years. Whey popular clamour ran high, and sectarian feeling was aroused, that was the time for a strong man tc sea that justice was done to a minority. That was a policy that ever actuated his public life, and whatever the consequences might be, be would continue to so act. The question was nor a party one, and he deprecated such sin important subject being to treated. ■ ' The motion for the second reading was carried 40 to 4.

The Speaker complimented members on the fact that although the debate was on a very serious subjscb, and one in whiok a great deal of heat might have been engen dered, he had not once been called on to check a member* The Home rose at 5.10 » m.

SUPREME COURT.

United Proas Association—-By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright.

Niw Plymouth, Sept 27 The Supreme Court opened to-day, There were ten eases *nd tjrjie bills were brought jp in all but three. Harold Noseby for assault was sentenced to 9 months; Joseph D, O'Brien od lir charges of »ceiling from Strat ford post office, two years on eaqh charge the sentences to be concurrent j Doyle fetiaa Franklin, two years for breaking and enter log.' _^____^_______

WITH CARRINGTON'S FLYING COLUMN.

THK BE TREAT 10 MAFtfEIBG

AN ASHBURION TROOPfcR 1H A TI Hi 1 CORNER. It will be remembered that the cable grams referring to the movements of General Oarrington early In August created a good deal of anxiety. One of th< m received hero on 9th August was &s follows:— *4 The garrison at Elands R;ver| holding Zeerost on tbe Ruetenburg line, was attacked on the 4th- General Oairipgtnn's force, consisting of Yeemsr tj ; and Australian and NewZaaland Bnshmen with two fifteen pounders,went in relieve thorn. For two days heavy firing w»i heard) and it is believed the garrison retired to Zeerust. Genera! Tan Hamilton reached Rostenburg on the sth " We are now enabled through the kindness of Mrs Hefford, of this town, brother of Sergeant. William Hefford, of the 4th N.Z Contingent; 'to give the following interesting extracts from a letter jaafc received from him, dated Mafekmg, August 11th. fcergeant Hefford was in charge of one of the fifteen pounders in General (Harrington's Flying Column, and they ha-J just reached Mafeking after a -ten days' march from Elands Hirer. A LIVELY TIMB The column seems to have had a very lively time of it. The ball opened by an attack by the Boers on August 4, .'* Oar gun being ordered to the front, off we went and fired a first shot at a clump of trfces, and oat rushed a whole pack of Boers, scattering in all directions." After going on with their march a large body of Boers hanging about, they 'started to fire at all the trees, stone walls, and other cover that we could see on their extended front, which covered a long low kopje in front of us and ib was very laughable to see the Boers jumping on to

their horses and clearing out as we sent oar shells into them. THE TOH BECAME SJEBIOUS Bat the fan and laughing soon stopped when their btg gems and pom poms started on us and tore up the ground all around us and made us keep on shifting out positions till we got the position of their 12 pounders, whloh we noon knocked oub of actioi*, but the pom-poms gave as some trouble, and one time we were going at full gallop to take up a new poiltfon, which Paget's horse had left, when we saw a perfect shower ot pom-pom shells tearing up the ground, and we jaat bad time to turn rightabout and take op a position. The target being pointed oat to as at 39100 yards, for afceut 60 minute* we pounded away ab their pom poms and soon saw ona knocked over. AS UNPLEASANT FXPEKIENCK

Bat In the meantime the shells were falling like rain around as, and It ia marvellous how we (lodged them. And what with these and the roar of oar guns it was enough to make » fellow feel queer. The ordite is also stif ing, As soon as these gems were silenced, we could hear the ping of the Manser bullets and see that they were striking the pound all around us. I don't like these, they are so sadden. We can hear the shells a long way off, and can also see them coming towards ns< We had a man of our gun (Corporal Robertson) wounded by one I ... A VERY TIGHT CORNER As the Boers were trying to outflank as on both sides we retired after firing at them, and took up positions in the rear while oor ammunition waggons passed* and at times it looknd as if we were going to get a doing, and be cue op, but by the assistance of our pom-poms we got into an old Boer entrenchment) and held ft until all our wiggons t;Ot past, and we were let dewn the steep side of the kopja with the drag ropes. It took about 40 mer to each gun.' . . . We eventu ally got ooc after killing a lot of the enemy. As we were galloping away across the veldt to reach our column the trail pin of our gun (No. 4), which was the last, came out and the limber went on behind the team, leaving my mate and me sitting cm the gun seats yelling like fury to the fellows on the limber. The Boers were in sight behind, and we were just thinking of firing our gun and cutting onr sticks, when oor mates missed the gun and came back. We scon limbered up, and were off at top, and as it was getting dark the Boen stopped, and after reaching our laager, which, in the meantime, had been entrenched and fortified, we camped for the rest of the night. THE FIGHT CONTINUED. We were up at daybreak, and Stood ready for action, and as the loera were taking up a position to cut us off, we started for them, and soon heard shots fired in front. We started ab full gallop to. th« left, and soon had our guns sweep ing the iefb front, . . and w» presently had them going like scalded eat*. We then had a great go at the right front and flask, and with the assistance of the Australian Bushmen, who rush to the front like madmen, and fight like demons, we roused them out in front. We then started at a crowd half way np the kopje on the left, and we blazed into them and killed 34 of them, and we were pleased when we saw the rest cutting away. Qnr little Major tfing out "Hurrah" when the right was clear. . '. . We took up several other positions facing likely looking places, but the Boers had ha« enough of our 15'poundera. $HS BELIEF OF 2SBBUBI We had to travel by moonlight to Zeernst, which we reached afc 2 a m ©n Tuesday, 76n» «nd stayed thete all day. , We started for Ottoshoop with all the garrison and English residents, and after staying there the nipht, we Iflft for M&feking with them. The Boers rushed at Zeerusfc, and got in just an we left). The two guns of the 38th Battery had to get oat at a gallop, and we had to face round and threaten the enemy. We get t hem out all right t hough. At Ottoahoop we formed a great convoy of all the English,, which included six road traction engines, the whole reaching for seven miles But as the country from there to Mafeklng is nearly level, we were safe. THB BISPARITY IN FORCES. We have been told that the Boers who attacked us numbered over 8,009, and that it was their main force. We had only 700 in action on Sunday, sth, and 1200 altogether on the way back. Sevwal times the staff thought it was all up with us, as the Boers kept showing up on sll sides. But! we were always too sodn in getting ay»y before they <mpld gefr thefr big guns "into position, - and we always cepo possession of the main road. At anyrate we did what we were wanted to do."

Sergeant Htfford states, In a letter to his slater, that the flying column was too late to relieve Colonel Hoare, who was hemmed In on the other side of the kopje, where the fighting began on the 6th.

THE ASHfeURTGfI GDABDIAIT: THDESBAT,^SEPTEMBER 27, 1900



Firrt quarter Foil moon Last quarter New moon

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September 27 28 29 30

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G. MEDDINS, "THE PEOPLE'S IRONMONGER," Opposite Arcade, Burnett Street. ! JUST OPENED LAWN MOWERS. LAWr MOWERS. • New Easy, 1 •P. and N. • Philadelphia,' • Oarbint,' etc. , GARDENING TOOLS & BFQUI6ITSB OF EVERY DESCRIPTION INCLUDING Spades, Hoes, Rakes, Digging and Weeding Forks, Trowe-a, Hedge Shears, Syringe*, Watering Cane, J.R Hoae Pipe, etc DAIRY UTRNSILS & TINWARE —Churns, Milk Pant, Skimmers, Patents Milk Buckets and Strainers, Batter P*ts »nd Moulds, Billeye, Panakine, «t,o HOUSEHOLD & BUILDERS IRONMONGERY in eedlesi variety REGISTER GRATES & MANTLE PIECES RANGES ™~R ANQF y. Foott'g, Orion, Zoalandia, Challenge, Champion, etc. Ih* CHEAPEST SHOP in Aibburton for any of the above; My Motto it * Small Profra sod Quick Returns/ THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY TTAVB 9. few Job Lines thrown oat at Stocktaking, which they art Selling »t GREAT REDUCTIONS Man's Hard and Soft Felte Is 6d, Is'lld and 2a 6d Ladies Sailor Straws reduced to Is Brown Moleskin Trousers reduced to 53 111 Men's Best Crap Corkhams 26? Sd for 19a 61 Women's Oanvaa Sboea reduced to 3s 6 i Childrra's Oanvas Shoes redaeed to 2b 61 Men's Silk Ties reduced to 6d and Is N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, F. H. BECKINGSALE, Manager. MABTRRPIECE OF SKILLED WORKMANSHIP ABE BDILT WITH Narrow Tread, Overhanging Sprockets, Patent Fead Tube, Head Loo Butted Tubing, |in or lia Roller Chain, Any Gear, Any Height Frame. ONE PRICE TO ALL £21. j GATES, LO WRY & CO. ZffiALANDTA CYCLE WOKKS BURNETT STREET. (ja den Took Garden Tools OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Lawn MoW'-j-b .Lawn Mowers Cheaper Than Any Cther House SPaDE?. FOBKS, TROWELS, RAKES, [HOES. SCYTHES. Fowl Netting Fowl Netting 10,000 YARDS JUST LANDED COME EARLY AND SECURE IOUE REQUIREMENTS W. H. COLLINS & CO,, IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER AND C^AL MERCHANTS AGENTS ROYAL INSURANCE 00. GOOD NEWS TO ALL GOOD NEWS TO ALL GEORGE: DUNCAN & CO ;"READY MONEY DRAPERS, TANORED STREET, ASJHBURTON BEG to intimate that they have secured a lease of those centrally situated Premites now occupied by them, and are now opening a large and well selected Btock of GENERAL DRAPERY, which has been imported direct from the Manufacturers in England, and will be Bold for Ready Money at ROCK BOTTOM PRICES. We subjoin » few quo*atioDß, but remember that Quality is the True Test ok Value, and nothing is oheap which is not good. We ask you to compare our value and yon will ab onoe acknowledge that, we are THE CHEAPEST DRAPERS IN ASHBURTON. Oar motto 1b Small Fxpk-ses, Small Profits, Quick Bbtubhs. Only a few Bargains. No room for more—Lace Curtain*, lovr-ly designs, targe sizes, value unequalled, la 6Jd, 1« lid, 2« 6d, 2<i lid, 3s 6d, 4a 63, 4* lid, 5s fid, 6s lid, and 7s 6d { New Prints, large choice of patterns, 2f'i, 3fi, 4f-i, 6d, 6|l : Galateas from 6d; Pandoras from B§d; New Dress Materials for spring wear, from Il|d to 2s 6d ; 33-in Stripe Flannelette 3sd, 4|d, s§d, and 6|d ; Wide Ribbons usually Bold Is 3d, job piece 6d j Special Purchase Bibbed Black Cashmere Hose 9d, usually Is 3d. A trial solicited. 9



GOOD NEWS GOOD NEWS <•__ I CHEAP CASH SALE. JHEAP CASH SALE. For One Month Only HAVING secured more commodious Premises in Burnett Street, X have determined to quit as much stock as possible to save Expense and breakage in removal. Those in want of Cheap literature, Sta tionery, Fancy Goods or Toys cannot do better than make their purchases while th« Sale lasts. Every article is reduced Books and Fanoy Goods slightly soiled to be Bold very cheap ; 100,000 Envelopes must go. Splendid Chanoa for Business People to replenish their Offices with Stationery. DON'S) FORGET; & DON'T DELAY. Come Early & Get a Good Pick A- H- WILLIAMS, Bookseller, JStatloner, &o. TANCRED STREET. 9 232 MISS W SIMPSON, Teacher of Pl»no forte, Havelook Street, Ifiaib Bait wishes to notify that she h»s ft fiMt-cbss Quadrille Band available for Danoei, Wed ding parties, Concerts, and Sociala. F<n Terms k etc.. apply to D. LEIfJH, Burneb Sbreeb. 'Jll_ |7 17 Smoke New Venus



{THE RAPID LIGHTNING GLOS EHB ONI-Y KELTABLE SiHET POLISH IN THE WOItM). Tl/TRS MILLER, of Dunodin, the Pro feasional L^andrees, says :—-It is the best I have over used. It. makes Shirt Ironing a pleasure, Wise Mothers and Siaters try It * and save yoar strength, temper, «nd patience Onoe tried, always used. Sold in Tins at) * SHEARMAN BROS' & JOHN ORB & CO. •2 H UNDBIIX .. H ONOBIMi T H UNDBILL & CO FURNISHING UNDERTAKERS^ (EANORED STREET, ASHBURTON EVERY REQUISITE ON HAND. Polished Coffins a Specialty. A Choice Assortment of Artificial Wreathe la Stock. —- Private Address, Peter Sbreet, directly behind.Oddfellows' Hall; also care ef Mr T. Andrews, East Belt.. 2 H" ARDLEY BROS, Asbbu7ton, eapply windmill and stand |for £12, Well ukisg ao moderate rat b._ . ALL Loasbv's Preparations—Cincamon Care, Koolibah, Wahoo, and BsßJaman Giro— atj IQoooh Itoce eeper 1?



fired Feelings Due to Climate. The weather is often very trying. The blood becomes filled with impuri ties and the nervous system is greatly weakened. One awakens in the morn ing just as tired as at night. Mr. John Dryden of Coolgardie, W. A., vends with his portrait the following: "I go about the country a gnat deal and Euwc w encounter v«ry trying weather. Whea mj system ia run down hj the peculiar 4a> pMMing climate of ours I always ***• AVHPS Sarsaparna It takes away my tired and depressed feeliaf* at once and builds up my system in every mxj. As a blood purifier and nerve tonic I believe it to be the best medicine in the world." To get the best results from Ayer's Sarsaparilla you should take Ayer's Pills also. They cure constipation, biliousness, sick headache, and dys pepsia. Prepared by Dr. J. C. Ayer It Co., Lowell. Man., ti.&X niHOBB who desire a convenient house JL and ur-to-clate, should consult Hard x*ky Bros., for «cd supply of hot and cold water



BUILDERS will find it to their advantage to get estimates for Ironmongery from Habdley Bboß.



I A Reminder—We wish to remind ail ! who may require new suits &c, ** before the Show," that we have already opened out a large variety of New Goods for the Spring and Stammer seasons, cogiprisjng the; most "up to date " best qualilj^'worsted suiting*, &<s, imported direct''from the manufacturers. For a number of years we have always bad such a*• Bush V of orders just before the. holidays, that we found it impossible t<? exsoute all by the required time. We would therefore reipepimUy urge ail flur friend, (both old and new) to kindly o»l! and farour us with th"ir estefiped orders a» early as possible to preventddisappointmen t and oblige Cbaighsad & Bbbbyman, the ieadiug Tailcre and Outfitteri, Aihimrton



Braoke New Venm