Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 1900. THE DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER.

The overwhelming majority with wkich the Bill legalising marriage with a deceased wife's siiter has at last passed its second reading in the House of Lords, ensure! the satisfactory solu tion of a very regrettable difference between the marriage laws of the United Kingdom and of the British colonies. Such a measure has re peatedly passed the House of Com mon?, but has hitherto failed to puss the Upper House, in spite of the per sonal support of the Royal Princes, Its dofeat has been mainly owing to the unflinching opposition of the Bishops. It is well known that of ail the English-speaking world, the United Kingdom haß long stood alone in refusing to legalise this marriage. It is not so generally understood that as a result of this refusal, such colonial marriages are not legally recognised within the United Kingdom, That is to say, property there would not pass to the child of a deceased wife's sister, colonially married. Such an incon gruity, prejudicial to the fellow-feeling which should exist throughout our nation, bids fair to be speedily removed in the h&ppiest manner. The influence of the Australian Federal delegates has been by agreement cast into the scale on behalf of the Bill. Its mover Lord Strathcona, has been closely identi fied with the Canadian Dominion, having recently raised and equipped a corpi of Canadian volunteers for South Africa at his own expense. Mr Cope* land, the new Agent-General of New South Wales, has been ably putting forward the case for the colonies in the 1 London press. We may be sure that these influences have not been thrown away upon the House of Lords, whose' almost unanimous acceptance of Lord Strathcona'a Bill may be taken as a graceful recognition of the desirability of making Imperial law conform to the reasonable requirements of the entire British people.

Thh Oelbbbations—The AotiDgPremitr, the Hoa J G Ward, interyiewed, abated that he thought the celebration* in connection with the declaration of ptace,., should be postponed till distinct confirmative news respecting the annexation of Jfche Transvaal was rtoeiv«d.

In New Zealand we are continually lamenting the lack of reapect ou the part of young people PARENTAL for their parents, CONTROL IN and the failure of CHINA- fatheis and mothers to properly control their children. In this connection we might learn a great deal from poor old Chins*, though we are accustomed to look upon that venerable nation with contempt, rs being behind the times, which is another exhibition of colonial want of respect for age, A gentleman, now in China, in writing to a friend at the Thaaies, states :—" A mother baa great power in Ohina,.both by law and custom, over her son or sons, whatever their ages or rank may be. As show ing to what extent the reverence is carried I may mention a case which occurred quite recently. The Ohineie head of the Chinese Engineering and .Mining Company and Mining Bureau, is named Chang-yen-mow, and he is a mandarin of very high rank. On the 4th of this month (February) his mother died, and Chang, in accordance with Chinese customn, immediate!*' resigned his official positions, theie including the Director-Generalship of i Mines and Railways for the province of Chili. The Fekin authorities re fused to accept his resignation, ordering him instead, to mourn sincerely for his mother. This he U now doing, having bought a coffin costing 3000 tasls (about £150), and hiring 20 or 25 musicians to raise an uuaarthly row around the house day and night. He has, moreover, to weep for two hours a day on his knees, and generally show his sorrow for his loss. The tuneral is fixed for March 27, and promises to be a most gorgeous affair. A Chinese father has also legal power over the lives of hit children, no matter what their ages may be, a power, however, which happily ia not often exercised. But a little while ago a case occurred in this region in which the victim was over 40 years of age. He had stolen a quantity of material from the iron works and decamped, leaving his parents and uncle to bear the con sequences. The authorities fixed a limit of three days in which th« stolea goods were to be returned and the honest old father was in th» greatest distress. At the end of the second day, however, the prodigal returned, but waxing abuaive and refusing to divulge the whereabouts of th« things in ques tion, his father and uncle bound him with ropes and drowned him at dawn. The lolditrs came to arrest the household, but seeing the dead man lying th«re returned to report that justice bad been appeased.' 1

Immense quantities of osprey, bird of paradise, and peacock plumes were dia posed of by auction SALE OF at the London Oom- PLUMAGE. mercial Salerooms, Mincing Lane, re cently. The sale called up a strong protest from the Society for the Pro tection of Birds. The magnitude of the trade, which involves the whole sale destruction of rare and beautiful birds, imy be ganged by the fact that the catalogue of the auction comprised ninety-seven packages of osprey fea thers, 14 packages of peacock feathers, 5870 birds of paradise skips, 1G52 Ira peyan and 4rgus pheasants, 331 pac kages of skins of various birds, and 25 packages of pelican quills, besides a large assortment of feathers and skins of owls, jays, parrots, kingfishers, bee ectera, tanagers, and humming-birds. This traffic tho Society for the Pre vention of Birds denounces as deplor* able. An official of the society stated that the sale represented but a fourth of the annual trade in the feathers of rare and beautiful birds, and furnished sorrowful evidence that, despite our frfforts, the work of destruction con tinued. In the case of the birds of paradise the number sold, 1113 skins, were those of females, which went to prove that the wales were almost extinct, and that the traders had to kill the female birds to meet the demand. Of owls, an immense number had been slaughtered for military purpose?, one firm alone cataloguing 16,000 of these birds. What could be done to check this deplorable state of affairs? Nothing, but enter a fresh protest, and- make more strenuous efforts to win the fashionable public to the society's side,

Local and General.

V On the first page to-iay will b« found Commercial.

Tub Fourth Contingint—The Hon, the Acting-Premier received a cable last night from Major Francis, stating that the Fourth Contingent had been ordered to march for ward from Marandellas in a few days. All the members Of the Contingent were well. Marandellas is situated about thirty miles from Salisbury, in Rhodesia.

The Fon. J. McKenzh.—Lasb night's OatnaruMail B&ya i— "The Hon. Mr Ward visited the Hon John McKenzie on Tuesday. He found him rather better, and he appears to be slowly improving, as he ia now able to leave his bed and sit up occasionally. But the pro es3 of recovery mast be tediously stow to one who has .been acduttonied to such active «ervioe in the interest of the State and who ia anxious to get to work."

The Napier Mystery.—-The evidence adduced at the inquest on the body of the unknown girl, aged about twenty years, found in the inner harbour at Napier, did not disclose the slightest shadow of identity. The body bad not a stitch of clothing on when discovered. The meidcal testimony showed that the girl was enceinte, A ver dict of " Found drowned " was returned. The case is shrouded ia mystery.

Souvenirs of raa War—The Timaru Hetdd says s The Misses Beiges showed us last evening a parcel of " curios" received by post from their brother, Trooper Hedges, of the first New Zealand Contingent. Chief among them Is one of the Queen'i boxts of chocolate (the first to reach Timaru), three Kruger silver ooina, and some odd* and ends picked up on battlefields—leather matohbox, sovereign case (empty !), and some bits of brass work, including part of some gun mechanism. The chocolate box is, as has often been stated, a very neat article ; the coins are well, struck (one is a •• 2£ shilling piece"), the rest are probably souvenirs of interest to the sender. SON OT AN OHIO MERCHANT fURED OF CHRONIC DIARRHOEA. My son has been troubled for years with chronic diarrhoea; Some time ago I per suaded him to take soma of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Rsmedy. After aging two bottles of the 25-oent size he was cured. I give thi* testimonial, hoping some one similarly »«iQted may read it and be benefited—Thomas 0 Botriß, Glenooe, Of For sale by Ashburton Drug Company The reliable Family Remedy Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Ooughi and Colds— Is6d and 2s 6d Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, 1 never fail for adults or children Smoke Few VeausJ

Football.—The following will represent j. the Springburn Football Club in the mach • against Glentunnel Club, at Glentunnel on \ Saturday:—A. Grieve, Woode, Moses, GilWri, Fergus (2), Hicks, Goldsmith (2), Chapman, Johnstons, Baird, Burgcst, Sharplin (2),

Catholio Litibary Society.—The nsaal

j weekly meeting ot members of this Society i took place on Wednesday evening. There > was an average, attendance, and Mr M. Moi iarty occupied the ohftir. One gentl-

man huvin g been elected to membership of the Society, and other routine brsinnss transacted, the pi ogramme tor the evening which took the form of aa •• Editor's box," was proceeded with As is ueual this pro-, gramme was the means of bringing forth various matiers of public intereat, the question of " When should we celebrate Pretoria Day" coming in for special attec tion. The mealing, which jheked none of

the enthusiasm shewn on sooh otofttione, was brought to a close in the usual manner. Th« programme next Wednesday evening will be "Trial byjjnry," and as the Society have deoidsd on making it an open night there should be a large atten dance of members and their frietd*.

Departure of Mr Gjorgb Hutchison, M.H.R —We (Ftess) le»rn from \ $ private but authoritative source, jthai Mr George Hutchison, M.HR,, has definitely decided to return to South Africa, and is making arrangements to leave New Zealand next month. His resignation of the Pa'e» seat may therefore shortly be expected. Wuh Mr Hutchison's depirtor* New Zealand will unqestionably lose one of its ablest, public men. There was no more trenchant debater in the House of Representatives, and the Government will no doubt breathe the more freely for the absence of such an unsparing critic in the next Parliament, although the position of parties is such that they probably think IK4y cam afford to be indifferent to criticism. Tho letters which Mr Hutchison recently contributed to onr colamns showed him to be possessed of ooosiderble literary as well as forensic ability. He will fiad a wider scope for his powers in South Africa, and no dcubr will be heard of as making his mark io bit new sphere,

An Entebprisino Fish—The clearing sale of the Dresden Company's pianos and organs is still proceeding At Mr Henry Stephenson's auction rooms, and although a considerable number of instruments have been sold, there are some very good bargains still obtainable. To meet the rrquirements of the sale a number of pianos and organs have arrived from Dunedin and are now on view. The terms of payment on this occasion are, we understand, exceptionally easy, and bring the purchase of an instrument within the means of anyone requiring one. In secur ing a full warranty for ten year* with every imtrumant, purchasers' interests are made thoroughly secure. The Company are de serving of much credit for their enterprise, acd the tale, now proceeding, will no doubt be satisfactory. It is nowadays a necessity as well as a pleasure that the young folks should have a muitoal education, even if only in a limited degree. Music in the home has a most refining effect, and h&s kept many a family together with happy results in life.

Commercial.

ASHEURTON STOCK MARKET

Mr David Thomu repir s u?on the live stock market in the Ash burton County for the week ending June 6th. On Tuesday, at the Tinwald Yards, the usual weekly sale was held. There was a fair attendance of farmers and others, but their bidding was slack, and severallots passed afe auction, but found buyers privately after the sale. The yarding was made up of several l^nes of merino wethers, with a few pens of lambs and breeding ewes. Some good freezers were entered, and the msprity were passed, but in some cases were sold privately. The butchers' pens were over supplied, and prioes slightly easier than the previous week. The totals for the day consisted of 5383Bheep, 43 pigs, and 49 cattle ; my e»fcry comprising 3148 sheep, 3 pigs, and 5 entitle, whuh Isold at the following pricss: —48 crossbred ewes Is\ 20 merino wethers lls Id, 5 merino ewes 10s 6d, 13 crossbred ewes 13s 6.1, 14 crossbred ewes 13i Id, 34 crossbred ewee 13a 3d, 18 lambs 10i lOd, 49 merino wethers 83 6i, 11 crossbred ewes 17s sd, 51 msrino wethers 8s sd, 44 crossbred ewes 121 BJ, 40 crossbred ewes lls 3d, 63 crossbred ewes 12-, 39 crossbred wethers 16s, 77 crossbred wethers 16s Id, 100 crossbred ewes lls, 98 orosibred wethers lls 4J, 104 croastired ewes 9s lOd, 105 crossbred ewes 13s 7d, 48 lambs 9s 6d, 200 merino wethers 9s, 319 lambs lls 9d, 150 merino wethers 8s 6d, 196 iambs lls 10d, 170 merino ewes 8s sd. 1 fat heifer £4, 1 heifer £3 12s 66, I realer 18), 1 springer £2 2s 6J, 1 oow £1 2s 6d, 3 ptga Ta.

On Thursday, May 31, at the Methven yards, the usual monthly sale was held, when the attendance was above the average, and amongst them a number of buyers. This sale was considered one of the beat held at these yards, and the entry also was a little above the usual quality. The feature of the market was several lines of good freezers, which sold from 183 Sd to 19a 6d. Several lines of breeding ewes fetched very fair values, viz. merino ewes 8a lOd to 10a, cross bred from 10a 5d to 14s lid. Nearly all lots were cleared at satisfactory prices to vendors. The yarding totalled about 5500 sheep, 23 pigs, and 12 cattle; my entry being made up of 2737 sheep, 19 pigs, 2 cattle, and sundries; which I sold at the following prices :—ll merino wathers 9s lOd, 27 crossbred wethers 13a lid, 41 lambs 13s, 11 lambs 8s 4 i, 49 crossbred ewes 14i, 174 merino wethers 6s, 203 crossbred ewes 14€ lid, 198 merino ewes 8s 10d, 369 merino wethers 6a 2d, 173 crossbred wethers 18i sd, 344 merino ewes 8i 9d, 40 merino ewes 5s lid, 59 crossbred wethers 16s 3d, 58 merino ewes 10*, 66 crossbred ewes lls 2d, 181 ciossbred wethers 19s 6d, 63 crossbred ewes 12s 4d, 67 crossbred wethers 16a Bd, 72 orossbred wethers 16», 10 pigs 8s 6d, 2 pigs £110 a, 7 pigs ss, 2 cattle £5. Sundries ab market value, . ' ■

Interprovincial.

United Preas Association—By Electric Telegraph Ltttbmon, June 6

Mr Gi L&measoD, M.H R. forLytteltoD, was entertained at a social gathering to night. The Hon. J. G. Ward, responding to the toasb of the Ministry, said the present railway reductions should be allowed a fair trial for six or twelve months, at the end of either of which periods, if the railway re- TBDue showed sufficient elasticity, further reductions might be made. He announced that id was very problematical whether the Hon. John MoKenzie would be able to retain hie portfolio, or even to appear at the coming session. He said- he had just received a telegram from Major Francis stating that he and his men were well and expecting to go to the tront. Ha believed the Minister of Defence would bringdown proposals for improving the defences that would receive general approval. He thought the coming Parliament) would have to ! ditouss questions of far wider import than former ones, such as the representation of the oolony in tha councils of the Empire. He thought New Zealand should t>how that it wanted federation of an imperial charac ter. He advocated an independent British Pacific cable ; the continued acquisition of land ,for settlement; cheap money, cheap ocean' freights, and making, reads .and bridges to open up undeveloped country. Mr Lauronaon was presented with an illuminated address.

ARIEL BICYCLE CLUB

Annual Ball

, After missing one year, the members of the Ariel Bicycle Club held their sixth annual ball in the Oddfellows' hall last night* The gather ing was an unqualified aue.ess, over 100 oouples being present. The Committee entrusted with the arrangements consisted of the Captain (Mr A A Orr), the Secretary (Mr D McDonnell), and Messrs H Mileotn, S Madden, E Thompson, P Oookson, W F Daly. The hall was profusely decorated with evergreens, pot plants, and flags. A feature of the decorations was the Club's banner, draped with evergreens and scarlet. The floor was in splen did order. Music of first class quality 1 was supplied by Mr Fox (piano) and | Mr Derry (cornet). Mr J Reid made aa efficient M.O. A supper of unusual excellence was prepared by Mrs L Hanrahan, whose efforts were much appreciated. Danc ing was kept up with great spirit till well into the following morning.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Aesoolation—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, June 6

The French warship Eure vi*iteri Maliicoilo, in the New Hebrides, to punish the murderers of a French trader. The natives had vanished, but their villages were bombarded. Perth, June 6 Religious bitterness has been created through several leading business men participating in the toast of the Pope and the Queen, proposed by Bishop Gibney at; a church function. Clergy men of other denominations have pro* tested against the Pope receiving precedence over the Queen. New York, June 5 Mr Brown-Potter has obtained a divorce from his wife, the actress, on the ground of her desertion. Serious tramway riots have occurred at St Louis. The strikers cruelly maltreated th« drivers and passengers, and stripped several women. A thops , and a meed citizens have been enrolled to subdue tbe rioting.

VOLUNTEERING.

Four sections of the Ashburton Mounted Rifles paraded at the drillsh«d last evening for instruction in foot drill. They acquitted themselves very creditably. Trooper T. F. Gibson, acted at instructor.

Tuesday'! parade of the R flag tended to further emphasise the necessity for increased drillahed accommodation. In order to ac complish oompaoy movementa files were de tached, »nd eren thea the guides were ham pered. Under present conditions battalion movement! are out of the question, which, of course, ia disadvantageous to the rffioers. The chief speaker' at the complimentary banquet to Mr Laurenson, at Lyitelfcon last evening, spoke in the d rection of the neces eity of improving theoondition of our Volun teer corps, and equipments. Mr G. W. Rus sell, M.H.R , aa a represent ive of the people, vu prepared to sonc ion the expenditure of one, two, or even three mil Hoi a for obtain ing the beet weapons that science and n.on**y could produce.—Mr Mclutyre urged the issue of free railway passes to Volunteers.— Speaking in regard to the free railway passes, Mr W<ird said he was only too anxious to carry Voiuutoera for nothing to any paint they deired to go. All he wanted waa for the Minister of 1) f"noe tn authorise it. He suggested that ufl ivp'oo should be brought to bear in the proper dir> colors, that we might have tbe nucleus of a gor>d standing army—that we could have men masted at any point at whi-h they could be placed by the railway which was s«;ch a credit to thin oountry We knew now what our power was with a few men properly or ganised, and ife would be the duty of the authorities of this oouuiry to see that the defence system was placed on a better basis, and the men muat be batter,treated than had been in the past* The Minister of De fence, when he returned, would bringdown proposals to Parliament which would com mend themselves to the people of the coun try.

la order to assist to bring to bear loflaaDC* in the proper direction, (oob f irgetting the capitation grant and increased accommo dation at the local driilshed), we would sug gest a meeting of the local companies, and Mounted Rifles, or representatives, ab an early date, to discuss the matter.

WAR JOTTINGS.

The Q,neen's gracious action in bestowing upon Lady Roberts the Victoria Cross which was awarded to her il'-fated «oa is not altogether un quo. The first caae of the kind was during the (Indian Mutiny, when the fuse attached to some powder bags placed at the gate of one of the enemy's forts P'oving intffacUia', an officer coolly held his lighted cigar to the explosive, and, wiih the gale, was blown to pieces. Another posthumous bestowal was that conferred upon Lieutenants Melvill and Coghill, whose heroic behaviour with the colours at lsandhl wana is still fresh in the memory. Corporal Lloyd, one of the prisoners cap tured at the ambush at. Sauna's Post, made hit f scape voder most daring sircumstancet, and cotinna the statement that many Free Staters who tubmitted have taken up arms again. The prisoners were not treated well by their captora, who stole their horses and accoutrements, and also abused them.

The London.School Board told those of their employees who volunteered for the front that in the event of any vacancies occurring after the war they may be rs appointed "if fit." No provision is mad for the men's wives, though the Board save from £20 to £30 on each man by engaging substitutes at lower salarie*.

On Mejuba Day the 2nd Middlesex were advancing when Lanoe-Corporal Bagater found he had been shot through the haver sack. The bullet went through a tin of dubbin, hia towel, and his Queen's chocolate box, and dropped harmlessly down behind him.

Russian newspapers are openly rejoicing at what they regard as the oontinusd dis comfiture of the British la South Africa, and oounsel intervention to put an end to the war.) ,

"If you can't defend as, why don't you let us defend ourse'ves !"—The Bishop of Zululand says this is what the Natives have been asking since the Boers began to loot so many districts in the most wanton man ner

1 At the opening of the Good Templars 'Grand Lodge Conferenca at Southampton mention was made of the manner in which teetotal soldiers at the front were oonduot ing thnmtelves. They were maintaining their pledges, notwithstanding the special temptation attaching to tae arduous nature of their work.

The Queen has sent the following message of oondolencs no the death of Colonel Roy ston, the late commandant of the Natal Volunteers :—" lam deep'y grieved to hear of the death of Colonel Royaton, and sin cerely sympathise with the people of Natal in the ( loss of a gallant and distinguished officer, under whose command the Natal Volunteers have rendered such signal ser vice to the Empire. Please convey my re spectful condolences to Mrs Royston." Colonel Dartnell, chief of the Natal police, has been appointed to the vacant com mand.

Magisterial

ASHBU RTON—TBURBD A Y.

(Before C. A. Wray, Eeq., S.M.)

DRCNKKh'Nis—John Leary who had been twice convicted of drunkennes during the pa»t six months was fined 20a or 48 hours. . Civil Cass—Shannon Broe. (Mr Marriott .Watson) v R Pluck, £8 9a Id, judgment by default:

A Reskrved Judgment—la the case 0 Baker vG W Lead ley, Hi 3 Worship read a lengthy 'decision, and gave judgment for plaintiff for £4 without costs.

PATRIOTIC VERSES.

There's a dear little Isle Far, far o'er the deep, Watched o'er by brave soldier* Whi'e others do «l*ep. May the King of all nations His watchful eye keep, March on my brave comrades And drive the foe bsck, And fight for the colours, The old Union Jack. Wave on ye proud banner, Your colours unfold, For thoas that once loved thee Now lie dead and cold ; Then shoulder to shoulder, Push home the attack, March forward my boyi, And drive the foe back ; Be true to tho colours, : The old Union Jaok. Ashburbon, June 5. Smoke New Venni

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Commandant De Villiers.

Disaster to the Australians.

Nc Particulars to Band,

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Oopyrighb London, June 4 Commandant De Villiers, who was wounded at Linlry, is in the British hospital at Seneka).

Sydhbt, June 5 The Speaker of the Legislative Ai sembly has received a cable annoanc ing that a serious disaster befell ft party of the Australian Horse on the 2nd inst. The Government has cabled for details

A British Reverse.

Lord Netkuen Routs the Boers*

(Received Wakapuaka June 7, 9.36 an, This Office 10 15 a m)

London, June 6 Tbe Boers hare captured Colonel Spragge's Yeomanry Battalion. After a brilliant march Lord Methuen completely routed the Boers* Lord Methuen hopes the Yeomanry will soon be released.

The Surrender of Pretoria

Lord Roberts Befeses an Amis-

tioi

The British Friionin

(Received Wakapuaka June 7, 10.5 a.m

This Office 10.55 a.m) London, June 6

Lord Roberts has wired that just before dark on Monday evening the enemy were driven from most of theiri positions arouad Pretoria. An ofEcer was sent to demand the surrender of the town. Botha replied, proposing an armistice for the purpose of sett* ling the terms, but I replied that the surrender must be unconditional. Botha then informed me he had de cided not to defend the town. The troops advanced next «torning and met the principal Boer officials carrying ft flag of truce, and bringing tbe intima tion that Pretoria surrendered uncon ditionally.

Some of the British prisoner! have been removed, bat the majerity art still at "Waterval. Those I have seen are looking well.

The Disaster to Colonel Spragge's Battalion.

Lord Roberts' Despatch.

Methuen's Splendid Action.

(Received Wakapuaka June 7, 9 45 am, This Offioe 1020 am)

London, June 6

Regarding Colonel Spragge's Bat talion, which led to General Bundle's engagement, Lord Roberta telegraph*: " I rpgret to report that the battalion was compelled to surrender on Thurs day to a very superior force. On hearing that the battalion was attacked, I ordered Lord Methuen to hasten to its assistance. Lord Methuen received the telegram at nine o'clock on Friday morning, and marched 44 miles in 26 hours, and attacked between t*e and three thousand Boers. • For five hour* a running fight was kept up, the enemy being completely routed. I trust the Irish Yeomanry will soon be released."

The newspapers, commenting on Lord Methuen's feat, eulogise this splendid march and fine action. The seriousness of the situation arose from the menace to the cotpmnnicationf, inasmuch as the Highlanders and Clements' Brigade had I>een sent to assist General Bundle. Moreover, the dariug nature of, Lord Roberts' main advance is rendered more conspicuous by what has transpired.

(Received Wakapuaka June 7,10.20 am, This office 11.15 am) Four hundred and Bixty-four of Colonel Spragge's battalion were taken prisoners. General lan Hamilton's casualties while fighting his way towards Florid* were 24 killed and 114 woanded. The majority were Gordon Highlanders.

THE POLICY OF CLEMENCY.

FREE STATERS REAPING A HARVEST

Mr A. B. Paterson ('«Banjo ") the apeoial torrespondent of the Sydney Mnning Hgrtii and Melbourne Argus, in a letter from Bloemfontein, writes:— Thic war it being ran * great deal too much like a oricket match under the new rulei lo suit our people, We have fought our way up here through the Free Staters, who have done their beat to •hootoe, end all the way along they hare been treated witfe the utmost deference and oonrteey. Not a hair of their head* has been touched, not a blade of grass on their farms injured. Oat soldiers have ridden on tottering, worn-out horses, past kraals fuil of fat, well-fed serviceable horses belonging to the enemy, and bare not been allowed remount*. The soldiers have been made to pay, and pay highly, for every fowl and duok that they got from the cottages, and now arosrod Bloemfontein the following extraordinary state of things exists :~-At all the farms |hi women are in poes ssion making batter and selling it at famine prioes to the troops, while the farmer—the head of the house-^ia •way in the laager trying to shoot his wife's best customers. The war, with all itf attendant horrors, is the very beat thing that has ever happened to the Free Staters! They have lost very few men compared with what we have lost. They have suffered no damage of any kind ; and now that we are in full occupation of their country, they an literally making fortunes out of us. BiWILDKBEO TBADBBMEN. True, at the homesteads one does not see muoh of the head of the house. He is the " Absent-bodied Burgher," to parody Kip« ling's famous lines, ant? it must be rather cold and uncomfortable camping out on those hills, as the nights are now getting chilly ; but, then, our men are all camping out, too, and camping out in most unsuitable thin khaki olothing. In the towns, all thai storekeepers have sold right out of every thing at double prioes. The Bloemfontein barber, a fat old Gorman, is kept so hard at it that he shaves e*oh customer in about three swipes of thewazor, and yells, " Next" before the victim has got the tears oat of his eye*! The Bloemfontein tailors have bookod so many orders that they have simply, lost all control of their work, and have gol into an absolute state of ohaoe. The offioen, < and officers' servants, oome in and wrangle among the olothing and carry off whatever, they can get, with the result that the Earl.. of BomethiDg-or-other's pants are oaptared. by some wretched militia captain, while §, staff offioer's coa} with its gorgeous red. collar goes to a''lieutenant in the Army. Service Chr; s This causes a lot of Motion,' bat the Bloemfontein tailor sees that he gets. paid, no matter whether the clothes go to. bhe right owner or not. The whole business Di the town is going on twice as britfcly aj

THE ASHM7RTON GPA&DIAtf ; THtRS'W?. JUNE 7/IMO



BARE CHANCE OF SECURING FIRST-CLASS PIANO OROEGAK GREAT CLEARING SALE OF PIANOS ANT) ORGANS, THE DBEBDSSN PIANO COMJfiNI'i CLEARING SALE Afe their Anhborton Agency, Mr Hbney Stepmenson's Auction Rooms, IS STILL PROCEEDING GENUINE WHOLESALE PRICES FOR CASH! OR ON OUR EASY HIRE SYSTEM— PIANO 3 FROM 20a MONTHLY. ORGANS FROM 10a 6d MONTHLY. OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN PROPORTION. TEN YKARS GUARANTEE given with every Piano, Organ or Harmonium Sold. GREAT PROCESSION. THUESDAY HOLIDAY, "P L A[G S — All Kinds IBBOSB, ROSETTES, LAbYeMITH HANDKERCHIEFS, WAR MAP HANDKERCHIEFS, LADIES 1 BADBN-POWELL HATV, BED, WHINS, & BLUE OUFFd & COLLARS ANDR E W- 0 R R . .""SHOO'IING^SEASON, 1900. (juns and .Ammunition^ NEW SHIPMENTS NOW OPENED UP, A Large Assortment, at prices to suit all buyers Fleys, Kynoch, aud Club Cartridges; Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads s and Cartridge Oases. LAMPS. lT'm PB. CLAMPS, TTTE HAVE JUhT RECEIVED A OHOIOE VARIETY OF TABLE LAMPS, HANGING HALL LAMPS, HANGING PARLOR L4MPS, SMALL BEDROOM LAMPS, Which we are offering at very low prices, A Large Stock of L&.MPWARE always on hand. HARDWABE AND HOUbBHOLD FURNISHINGS, , We have a full Btock of the above lines, including Buckets Tfcble Oatlery Fenders and Fire Iroo» Saucepans Spoons and Forks Electro Plate Ware Nails and Staples Brushware Enamelware Plough Shares lubricating Oils Eto, etc. At Prices to suit the times WINES AND SPIKITS. Ail Kinds and Brands of SPIBITB kept in OASE and BULK. Whiskey, Brandy, Port, Sherry, Australian Wines, etc. English and Colonial ; JBott!ed Ales end StooA GROCERIES at Wholesale Prices. Orders by Post despatched with punctuality. Goods delivered daily .. SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, WIIS'E & SPIRIT MERCHANT!?, Burnett Street, Ashbarton, wmm t" ii ■ii mi 11 in in» iiMwiiiim»i i 11 unr-i n t';it> ir-mrr nmmrM"-"—r—M—■—»>—mi >n New Zealand . • CLOTHWC FACTOBY a fe; WHY gtt wet when J3IS will buy rg ) ' • .* shH joua H S ■ s «•§ M waterproof ooat? * M We are showing a large Stock of Coats, AM tf MI J!^ all our own make and guaranteed thoroughly Lj ) ) —. ?, H $ M W.,.rp,0. ( . *Hp ■ , We aleo have the latest shape Double Lj Q w v" ~ r H Brea'trd Chesterfield Waterproofs, and if """^ mn £? y^H there in nothing to smt you we will take *$ (Sift your order and m*ke you one. r""^! C^ '* a 160 Patterns to Choose From [**) r/) w -t^ pE^ Tweed Overcoats and Capes fs i—| ?■ a Ph from 19s 6d. HH g g WILL KKEP YOU WARM & DRY. g . . ii H Covert; Coats in Fawn and Black. Good § Q HH ralue. Now ia the time foe warm |Under- P^^ i. § H», . Mini- <J m "» fil S»e Cub Stock. Thh LABGist; w Town "Ing h V RIBBED L.W. PANTS from 2fl lid T 0 "^ 3 F6 ■ W Notwithabanding the advaaoe iv Wools » na «^ W - S-- a^ we are selling at the same prices as la»» i^J N ,*2 On Season having bought before the rise; O W fj — Cv «^ ioP OLOTHING FACTOKY. W ?. H. BEOKINQ k SALE, Manager



W. BRYANT; BAKER, ASHBURTON, IRISHES to notify to the PnbHo that he has taken over his NEW PREMISES in the Triangle, Aehburton. 5 233 MOTHERS! Have you delicate children whs art always taking cold and sub ject-to croup? If co, try Tonking's Linsted Emulsion, which will cure where all other medicines fail. Sold by local ohemiuils and grocers in bottles, Is 6d and 2s 6d. 3 246 OATtS, LOMYMDCII FOE Gae Lamps, 15s Each- Shipment of Bells and Carbide Just to Hand. OATES, LOWRY AND CO, Burnett Street. Frank Curtis, Watchmaker, & Je-iveli'er. WEDDING PRESENTS. \ VERY Ohoioe variety in Electro-plate oL and Starling Silver, including a beau tiful lob of Doulton ware, etc., at prices to suit the times, INSPECTION INVITED As usual my stock of Gold Rings and Brooches, Charms, Muff Chains, Watches, i etc., is the largest and besb selected in the district). SPECIAL ROOM FOR CHOOSING IF ! REQUIRED. Wedding rings and keepers 18ot, of my own manufacture 1 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 sue 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 01AL MACHINERY. ' Silver watches from 30s upwards, a ful ; stock of Rotfier«vn», Waltliams, etc, > always on hand. Spectacles specially fitted for reading at " night. Spectacle fitting by my system ib not ' guess work, glasses being fitted to suit the 1 sight perfectly in every case. A special ! room for testing. Glasses from 2a 6J. Test ing free. I .Repairs as usual, neat, prompt, *nd reason able. Silver charms in great variety from Is upward?. 1 '" '' " — " ' ,wmmm^ my \ - J. WILSON,  ! BUssKETT STREET. J : I HAVE JPST TO HAND a very large •■ variety of 1 MIXED PAINTS Very Suitable for Painting Drays, Traps, Kitohens, Interior and Exterior of Houses, Etc. 400 Gallon Tanks for Sale .pam- O ted and galvanised), at Fletrheß Bros. Cash Supply Stores,



E. T. CLARK, GRAIN AND PRODUCE BROKER, * .{ GENERAL CORN AGENT. Tanored Street, Ashbwrton TAM Agenb'for Messrs D. and W Gib!V Sheep Dips and Disinfectants, U?e Gibbs' Sheep Dip for disinfecting your back houses. Asa tin, mixed with water, wil dißinfect your prembes for 2 years. '1 his is { the cheapest Disinfectant you can use Lsr^e ' quantitiea have been shipped on hoard the New Zealand Troopships It is being used extsasively on fche wharfs in Wellington, Auckland, Lyttelton—with good reeultn. 1 »m Agent for the Petaluma Incubator, the most euocessful machine used in America Orders booked for machines to arrive in July. To ensue success in poultry farming for the export trade you must use these machines to get early chickens. If you want your maohiuei here by July you must order now. Orders booked now for breeding stock for the coming season* The success of the Poultry Export Trade depends on tho QUALITY. To get quality you must use pure bred stock. Order now for next season. - I am Buying Agent for all classes of Merchandise in the British, American, and Continental Market. Indents a specialty. Get your goodsdireot from the manufacturers and save money. A FEW ARTICLES YOU SHOULD USR s Use Gibbs' Sheep Dtp U.ie Richmond and Co, London, Gas Stoves Use Henry Wells' Oil Co (London) Oils for machinery Use J Hollis and Sons' Bicycles, " The Hollis," easy terms Use S McCausland (Belfast) Field and Garden Seeds Use Murchison's Sonib Exterminator on Californian Thistles Use Knowles (Melbourne) Spray Pumps in the Orchard Use Knowles (Melbourne) Inseotioides on American Blight Use Preservati? for preserving batter Use Petaluma (America's best) Incubators -for raising chickens Us* Kemp's Sheep Branding Liquid to brand your sheep Use Jadoo Fibre to grow Pot Plants Use Clark's Calf Feeders to rear Calves Use Normal Powder Company's Cartridges when out shooting ; Use Norton'a Egg Preservative to preserve Eega Use Kempthorne'i CrurKd Bones and Poultry Spice in the P-altry Yard tj . . . .: isjsjsj' TO THOSE WHO ARE Not Their Own Landlords. WHY Pay Rent when for a caeh deposit yon may become yonr own Landlord, and then the weekly Rental you are afc present paying would leave something every week to go towards redlining the purchase money. As an example—A houae for which a tonant pnys 7s per week could in all probability be purchased for £160. This, by keeping the weekly rental paid for 14 years, would leave the proper) y fully paid for ; while if a tenant reimins in the same house for :ho same tithe without acquiring the fre • hold, and continues to pay the 7s per week rental, at the end of that time he will not own one foot of tho timber ot which the house Is builb. The following are a few of the Proper ties I have on n>y books for sale :— A comfortable Dwelling, situate in Burnett Street, the property of Mr John Ntwman, together with J acre ot land, planted with fruit trees. This property :idjoins Dr. Hunter's residence, and as Mr Newman has recently purchased a largsr h' uae, thies is for immediate sale. F. FERRIMAN. A well built house of 7 rooms, situate in Peter ♦ treec, together with acre of !and. There is also a detached wash-house with copper and tank), woikshop, and bathroom, F. FERRIMAN. SMITH'S ROAP, NSTHBRBY. A house of 5 rooms, together with 5 acres of hnd. This !s an opportunity seldom offered to those working at the Freezing Works. Giving the workman j the privilege of keeping a horse. | F. FERRIMAN. A house of 6 rooms with scnllery, \ acre of land, situated on the Wakanui Koad, within easy distance of the centre of the town. F. FERRIMAN Half acre of Land on the Beach Ro»d, upon which is erected a comfortable house of 5. rooms and scullery. The land is well stocked with fruit trees. F. FERPMAN. Foot Acres of land atTinwald, situate on Carter's Terrace, upon which is erected a Dwelling House of 9 rooms, detached waehhunae. dairy, etc. Alao convenient stabling, consisting of 4 loose bcxes, trap* house, and chaff-house F. FERRIMAN. A capital Building Site, situate on the North West Town Belt, containing one acre, being Lot 71. F. FERRIMAN A Farm of 320 Acres, situate within easy distance of tha Freczmg Works. The property is wpII fenced and watered, and le fot immediate sale. F. FERfcIMAN. CAPITAL BUILDING SiTES IN AITKEtf & GREY STREIsTS. I have for Sale a block of 6 Town Sections, admirably adapted for building purposes. T O "LE T &EAFIELD ROAD. ] A VERY Convenient Accommodation ' rV. Paddock, containing seven acres, j laid down in grass. -3 F. FERRIMAN. " j F. FERRYMAN I notioeT" j |\TR CHARLES CECIL WILLIS has j been appointed Canvasser and Collector k for the Ashburton Publishing Company J I (Mail k Guardian.) 1 0 HiiNRY WILLIS, « Manager. g Ashburton, 20th April, 1900. 0 , „ _, r MRS JOHNSTON " t! rpEACHER of the Pianoforte and h Singing. p Havelock Street, r<