DEATH.

Djgby.—At th'o Cowrty Hospital. Jamjsm iSitAnBACil Peptimcs. eoventh "sou oMI.o Sato Mr John Digby, of Birch, Essex, Kng lund, in his 60th jear. STHiNfIFiCLLOW.—At Tancred Street, Ash burton, June 9, 1900, KiLfcßN I ily, i dearly beloved youngoßt child of H. i»nd J. H Si.ringfellow, Tarn, Ashburtor. Aucd 6 montt>p. I H.~-~ ■- a.'. Ji i.» —inrnni— mi—mnmm— —HW^ [ V^' " ' ■•■ ■■■•— * ~~" '"" "~~" "~ ~" " "*

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 1900. BOGUS NEWSPAPER.

At a fairly early stage of the; history of journalism, bogus editions of news papers tha_t bore an web resemblance as io type and outward fbrba generally to the genuine issues, have been used by cunning commanders rs a means of deceiving an enemy. Wellington actually had with hibi in Spain the full plant for producing forged copies in exact renenahlanoe to the French Moniteur. Further, be took e«re.thftt prisoners should be captured by the enemy with dofl ear.'d specimens of these in their pockets, wh<m be in vested. Badujos. Of course, each paper contained false new* relating to disasters to the French arms, and pat ticularly dwelt on the sudden death of Marshal Soult, who was expected, by the French to be marchina; to the rt li<f of the place. The utter defoat of Marmomt, another general from whom help was expected, was also announced. Napoleon the Great varied the device in many ways. It is known that he took care sometimes that hia _owa lead ing officers, serving at such distances as nob to be able to obtain authentic news, should be deceived entirely by bogus newspapers. But it was chiefly defenders of besieged towns whom he meed them upon. But the tables were turned when the strongly fortified city of Mayenee was aotually wrested from the French solely through bogus Pari sian newspapers distributed among the defenders hy the infesting Prussians and Austrians. The defenders had reached certain extremities, but they still had some chance, vrhea they got possession of sham newspapers, and then at occe surrendered in despair. Bven so lately as the siege of Paris by the Germans, bogus papers wjers used that weia one mass of sham news, but which bore an exact resemblance to the ordinary issues of the journals they represented.

Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will be fouad luterprovincial.

Invalided New Zealanders.—^A tele gram from Auckland »tatoß that the invalids arriving by the Westralia will be welcomed by the Mayor, and played into the city by the band, and probably some speeches will ba made.

The Transport OBMAZAN.—The Ornnznn is expected to leave Lyttelton for Wellington to-morrow. She has a quantity of produce to stoip still, and the borees will be put oa board the last thing before she eaiia. The horse fittings ara completed.

R.O.P.V.—Whea the news thai) Lord Roberts had entrred Pretoria was posted ab the Poab Office, Lyttelton, the signal flUgs for the Btearner Lincolnshire were flying. Thsso were K.O P.V.,. and some parsons made them ineau " Roberta Oonie to Pretoria, Victorious." A.A.C-&. A.C. "■ ■ ■ Moose—The four moose turned out by the Hokitiki Acclimatisation "■ Society at the head of the Hokitika River, have paired, and show every sign of liking their new home. Ib ia expected that In time the moose will come through to Canterbury by way of bbc Rakaia Gorge. i

Exposure of 'Growing PtANTS.^-Prb fetifcor Johannsen, of Copenhagen, has pub lished a pamphlet on the exposure of growing plants to the vapour of ether, which kills the leaves aud promotes the development of the buds after the plant is removed fcom the tsther. His experiments were chiefly made on lilac.

Otago Dock Trust—Th9 Djnedin Dock Trust, finding that the freezing chambers are nob able to provide the accommodation asked for by customers, wi'h the result that the work was going elsewhere, on Thursday approved of plans for the extension of the works. The pressure abpresent is due to fahe rabbit export industry.

Cricket— A cablegram from Melbourne states that Harry Trotfc, the cricketer, has been completely restored to health,—Mr Stoddard (states a London cablegram) scored 221 in a match Middlesex v Somersetshire, ab Lords, on the occasion of Hearn's benefit match. He purposely allowed himself to be stumped.

Boeb War NEWB.~The following is a. sample of Boer " official" news, and ap peared in the Natal Mercury of February 5 : "On the 26th of January the landdroeb near Boshof, Barkly West, read publicly a tele gram just received, which rao. thus:— ' Roberts ia a prisoner, Buller has been killed, 9000 British killed, and 7000 taken prisoners, also 48 guns,'"

Bonfires.—The town of Salem, in the Amerio.m State of Massachusetts, holds the world's record in the size of bonfires. Every year, on the 4th Juty, are built two giant pyramids of 4000 barrels each, one on Look out Hill and t he other on Gallows Hill, which stand sentinels outside the town. So tre mendous ia the heat thrown out when the big pyramid is ablaze, that whole oxen are roasted at a distance of 100 yards.

Frozen Pork.—A Btart ia being made in the Hnwera district in the export of frtzan perk. According.to the. Hawera Star,'■ Mr' H. White has arranged to send Home aeon siderablo number of pigs, if the local market remains favourable, in order to test the Home trade. About thirty were seat forward to the Waitara works last week, and it is hoped others will be sent to, say, the number of 500, during the next few months The pigs to be sent are to range at about 601b to 751b.

Ereotiom of Abattoirs Reoommkndbd— At the meeting of the Levels County Coun cil on June 6, Dr R S Reid reported oa the slaughter-houses in the county that supplied Timaru with meat. The killing-h»us9B and those in which the meat was kept, he stated, wero as clean as the nature of their con struction and the appliances at hind would admit, but were nob what buildings should be when human food was killed or kept In them. It was agreed to invite the Timaru Borough Council to instruct its Abattoirs Committee to confer with the Council at the letter's next meeting.

The Charge Against a Policeman.— At the adjourned inqueat concerning the death of Alfred James Boonetra, held at Auckland on Thursday, the jury returned a verdict that there was no evidence to show how he received the injury which caused his death. They added :—"The jurors wish to expraas their sympathy with Constable Fin nerty in the unfortunate pcs:tion in which ho has been placed in fulfilment of hie duly, and in their opinion he leaves the inquest without any blame or stain on his charaocor."

False News.—The Birmingham magiß fcratas dealt smartly with the first,ie»ae brought before them of crying false news in connection with the war; The nuisance has been aa great in Birmingham aa elsewhere, but the police have been slow to take action. William Smith wus soiling Sunday papers, and called out " another British reverse. Lord Roberta taken prisoner. Bioemfontoiu in danger," A police constable who bought a paper, and found no such news therein, arrested Smith, who said he did nob kuow what wob in the paper, and the magistrate aent him to gaol for fourteen days.

Pkicb of Coal at BLOKinFOtfTEiN.--Ift 1 some coaimentki oa a copy of the Bloemfootetn Ftidnd, ft Nelson pftuer says:—"Oue »fl vortisoment shows thatooal was procurable in Bloomfbnteia at * lower prioe thau it i« obtainable at in Nssison to-day." AiiOHWBiMORAIi.—A repreaentative of thi« paper Imh boon shown tho design of a re markablcs hautisom'; privato residonce about to be ertotetl in Ashburkou. 'She design will be on view in the window of Mr John WUboh, Burnett Street^ to-morrow.

A Find of Ambebgbis—l he Napier Her aid reports that Mr Qh«N Taylor, of, tho vV#titeifn Spit. oti'Batiird»y fourid a large quantity of umbergriß (from spermaceti ■whale).on.tho,buaoh there, uo doubt thrown up by thn reoLnt heavy aeafl, Mr Kooles. choir.ist, tested tho amttergrin, and i<;uud it to bo the geimioe arlielo. Aa ambergris, whi' hi» much used in perfumery, is worth about £6 per otmce, Mr Taylor's fiod ib a very v*lu>blo one.

Tub Waggons For the Contingent^— Our correspondent with tho Heoond Contin gent, after animadverting in his last letter on tho'transpoit troubles, concludes:—"ls was a v»st mistake not to faring waggons." For some reasons waggons which were in tended for South Africa were nob Bhipped, and two or more repoae in trucks at Lyttel ton, where they have rrmained sines the departure <f H^e last contingent from that port. Their size and khaki colour make thorn conspicuous objeola in thoir darker surroundings. The footings of th« Contin gent ore not likely bo be mollifiad should this khowledga reaoh them.- Pros, >■

Grand Concert, Thursday, June U

Tun Ykabb Pro&bsss—A. Wellington telegram statoa that) the (iht'etd of giatimtioil comparUous contrasting 1890 with 19Q0 have bach iswied by the Rogißtrar-Gcneral. Tho population of the colony is shown to have increased from 626,658 to 756,506, fx elusive of Maoris, and tho privato wealth (eß'imated) from £142,631461 to £217 587,181, giving £288 par heat now as against £228. The value of land with im pt*vem»t»t% inor«al««l 24 7 p«r o«nfci. the deposits in the Post Office Savings Banks from ;£2,441,876 to £300,371, and the Customs revenue from £1,641,395 t =£2,042,002.

Thb BtOEMFONTBiN " Fbiend."—A copy of the Blocmfontein Friend t after it ha«l been

taken over by Lord Koberta and the war ' correspondents, has been received at this office. A large amount of space is taken ! up with the proolsmatibns of the military, j One proclamation atatea that in future no | persona are to b« allowed to ride exocpt offic rs non-commissioned kffioere, and men of the Imperial Axmyf tSncl those connected with it. Those transgressing this rule are to have their horses confiscated This it signed by Lord Roberts, »nd dated 30th April. Then there are a number of notices signed by ...6-.. F. Pratymao s the Military Governor. Among these are the following : —'• All passes will in future be charged for at the rate of 6d each." " Any person found damaging or removing a proclamation or notice wiil be punished with, one month's imprisonment, and hard labour." No empty house is to be occupied by any person, and no furniture is 10 be removed from any house in Bloemfonteln without orders from the Military Governor." Another notice from the Military Governor reads thus .— "As the following offences are becoming frequent, they will be punished severely in future:—Persons who are in the street or away from their own homes after 6 p.m (9 p m. on Sundays) without r>asß6B permit ting them to be out; persona who refuse to comply with the fixed price of goods for sale co soldiers ; persons who do noc comply with an order of eviction; parsons who refuse or make any difficulty about showing their passes when they are demanded of them;?per6ons who sell or supply or pro cure liquor for solniera ; persona who b*»11 adulterated good*?*"'

FEDERATION

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL. *■

Uni.ed EfCfß Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyright london, June 6 Mr Farton. is confident that Mr Chamberlain, will adhere to the com^ promive which was made with the knowledge of Queensland. Mr Barton hopes that the Bill will be assented to on June 28, and the federation com mence on January Ist.

Perth, June 7

The Legislative As3ombly passed the third reading of the Federal Enabling Bill.

CABLE NEWS.

United Prosa Association—By Bleobrio Telegraph—Copyrighb London, Jun« 6 Leprosy in Cuba is alarmingly on the increase. Sir William Wairond, speaking at Tiverton, stated that the dissolution of Parliament would not be immediate. Berlin, June 6 Commenting on the Australian protest that the meat inspection legisla tion recently passed was prejudical to the Australian tinned meat trade in Berlin, the Post states that any attempt to influence the inspection ought to be resisted as foreign interference with domestic affairs. , Sydney, June 7 The Government, in reply to a cable from the Colonial OiSce, states that they are prepared to carry out the scheme recommended by the Pacific Oable Committep, and urge that the work be carried out with expedition. ' A vio'ent gale is blowiog on the coast accompanied by heavy rain. Three and a half inches of rain has fallen in Sydney since yesterday. Melbourne, June 7 The death is announced of Dr. Wild, scientist of the Challenger expedition, . \ , Hobart, June 7 ■ The prospectus of, the Aerial Naviga tion Company haa been issued. It is to be formed to construct airships under a new pate&t, and the irst ship will coat £5000.

To-Day's Telegrams.

United Press Assoeiafcion—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

Nafjm, June 8

Superintendents J. G. GKlbert, (Napier) and E. Smith, (Christclu'roh), will attend the Paris Exhibi'ion m representatives of the Now Z ahnl F<ro Brigades' Aunolwtioa, provided Government promts* to place £250 on the estimates, to defray the expenses.

11 Fob this Blood is sin Lifk."— CLARKE'S WORLD - FAMED BLOOD MIXTURE is warranted to cleanse the blood from all imparities from whatever oause arising. For Sorofula, Scurvy, Ec zema, Skin and Blood Diseases, and Sores of all kinds, ifca effects are marvellous. Thous ands of testimonials. Sold in bottles, 2- 9J, and lla each, by Ohemisba and Paten- Medioine Vendors everywhere. Sole Pro prietors, The LiNooiJN akb Midland Coun ties Dstra Co, Lincoln, England I ' ' | Smoke New Venus j HB KNOWS WHBEKOF HB WRITES. j,, : An editor prints his paper to give his patroua the news of the day and for the ijnoney there is in it. Ha ia, preiuajid^.-tQ |aow of what he writes, aod he,ge^ejrttll| does. When he writes as hi do?*..ln*, the Leader Courier, Osceola Mills, Pa, withoub fee oi hope of reward, that ' Chamberlain I*] Cough Remedy aots magically, and we have found none bettor in our household. If you ] have a cough, try it, 1 it) may be aocepted as ' an honeat expression, worth? of credence; For sale by Ashburtoa Drug Company

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Duke of Norfolk Injured

Shelling the Town

Two of the I'orts Damaged

A Speedy Surrender

Retreat of the Enemy

Rejoicings in (ireat Britain

Message From Lord Salisbury

Ihe Queen Oratified

The Flight of Eraser

Commandeering the (Sold

The Occupation of Johannesburg

The First Man to Enter the Town

United Press Assooiabion-r-By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright

. London, June 6 A force of 25,000 British troops hemmed in Pretoria. Lord Roberts cables that the occu pation was most satisfactory. He was much more enthusiastically re ceived than he expected. . Lord Roberts reports that the Grena diarß lined the square. Bufc few of the cavalry and mounted infantry partici pated in the march past, being occupied outside.

During the operations in front of Pretoria the Duke of Norfolk, who is at the front, had hi» right hip dis located through his horse falling. He is progressing favourably. , ; . ihe British shells damaged, two of the forts of Pretoria.

The Krupps alone answered, and when the Howitzer shells roared over head and dropped in the suburbs, Pretoria capitulated.

The men under the command of Generals Botha and Pc la Key retired sullenly, but in good order, in the direction of Lydenborg. Thousands of 1 hem took an oath to struggle to the bitter end. There were great rejoicings through out Great Britain over the occupation of Pretoria, but no mad enthusiasm- June 7 The Marquis of Salisbury cabled to, Lord Roberts :—" Earnestly congratu-' late you on this crowning result of your strategy and the devotion of gallant soldiers." The Queen has expressed her gratifi cation at the occupation of Pretoria. Mr Bennett Burleigh states that Kruger removed two millions in cash to Middleburg. The officials have not been paid their salaries for May.

Major Karri Da vies was the first to enter Johannesburg. He acted asi spokesman, heading two other officeri, who were sent to demand the uncon ditional surrender of the city. Genera' Sir A. Hunter and Major General Baden Powell are marching on Pochefstroom. Lieutenant-Colonel Oarew, of the 7th Hussars, who previously served under Sir F. Oamngton in South Af run, commands the first brigade of the Rhodcsian Field Force, consisting of the New South Wales and Queans land Bushmen. General Hutfcon, northwards of ' Johannesburg, captured a three-'"ncb Krupp and two British gun e*rmge«. The latter were loct at Oolenso. Sir Frederick Oarrington, with the Australian Bushmen, is operating in the north, Colonel Plamer's force fill ing in the gap. The Australian Bushmen ats Maran dellafc cabled birthday congratulations to the Queen, expressing their lore and loyalty. The force displayed extra ordinary enthusiasm on the 24th. Tho Boers at Laing'a Nek are quies cent. ! Since their isolation, the rebels in the Ficksburg district are anxious to secure terms. } Three hundred men who surrendered at Lichtenburg have been tent to Try burg Sydney, June 7 Tn reply to the Minister of Defence, Sir A. Milner has cabled that nothing is kn«wn of the reported disaster to the Australian Horse, and h« believed there was no foundation for the report.

Steyn Threatening British Communication.

(Received Wakapuaka June 8, 8 57 a ia, This Office 950 am)

London, June 7

Steyn, from the east of Kroonstad, telegraphed strong disapproval of Kruger's premature departure. He commands a strong force and threatens the British communications. The Boers claim that a portion of the railway south of tho Vaal has been destroyed. The British prisoners are being removed to Movitgedacht, an unhealthy spot in the Elands Valley. The Boers are making a stand at Hatherly, about eight miles east of Pretoria, where it is believed Botha commands eight thousand. Capetown, June 7

A Conference of Africanders at Graaf Reinet resolved to boycott British business and support Africander traders. Indications are already mani fest that the Bond is organising to boycott British goods. Hofmeyer, the leader of the Bond, is on his way to Europe.

LETTER FROM MAJOR JOWSEY.

Under the heading of " Wepener, Orange Free State, April 27ch, 1900," Major Joweey writes as follows: — , . » We took parb yesterday in the relief of Wepener, after fighting two battles by the way, I am at present attached to the colonial division under General Brabant, We are 1000 mounted men, 2000 infantry and 8 cum. The Rough Riders have had two Irories killed, with a few narrow escapes among the men; A ehell dropped within eight yards of me, smothering a horse which was stand ing next) me, but fortunately did not burat, so no harm was done. It was the first shot fired at us from the cannon and it made us jump—it was so unexpected as we Jv^ftftJUl!Sfen the gun, and could nob locate it after it had been Sred. However, we immediately took cover, and were soon .engAtjed with our small arms. At the end of |hf ft|hi the enemy Wai in full retreat, aud .wtfipSsseii straight on to Wepener, where our troops had been having a bad time. I S|n|'jifeilgirdered to go we<b to Smithfiald, under General Hart, taking with ue the Malta Mounted Infantry, so my command is increased. I know them pretty well, as they acted under my orders for three Sayo. They are irregulars, 150 strong. The Royal R flee

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

Threatening Attitude of Japan.

OtsifcadPrsKß Associfttion—By Eleoirio Telegraph,—Copyright. Hong Kong, June 7 Japan has assumed a tlirdatening attitude, and is mobilising her fleet.

The Plague.

United Press Association—By Bleotric

Telegraph—Oop> right London, June 6 Advices have been received that the plague has broken out in Mauritius. BRISBANE, Juno 7

Two fresh cases of plague are reported,namely^ John Thompson and William Campbell—a boy afc Rock hampton, and a boy at Townßville. "'■■■■ ' StfiNEYj Jund 7

The fresh cases of plague to-day are —Mrs Cook, of Redfern, and* child named Russell, of Pyrmont.

ROAD BOARDS.

Itangitata.

A meeting of the Board was held on Thursday, May 51. Present—Messrs Har per, Turbotton, Kellook, Taj lor, and Del low*

CHAIRMAN

This being tne fir&t meeting of a new Board, Mr Harper was unanimously elected chairman.

CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence was road from the Chief Surveyor on H*ke:to roads ; the Receiver of Liud Revenue wrote, advising pay ment of £125 15s lid t«a- the Board's oredit ; referring to a road roller, the Oounty Counoil wrote stating that a aommitfcee had be.n appointed to ob lain information on the subject ; from Mr F Peter, m»king oomplaints against the clerk ; the Coldslream Road Board wrote asking thU Board to r>sy on? ■hft'f coit of a level crossing, i>oulh of Hiiiiis township.—An estimate of tho coat to be obtained ; Mr W J Doyle wroie, drawing ' the Board's attention to a <Urigerous ford, near Mr Bal'iantynee, end asking that pr-r of Moorehouse road be formed.—Tenders were ordered to be called for this work. AN IKTKETIBW Mr k J Pe*r&c interviewed the Board in support of his claim for stripping shingle pits.—Granted ■ , . . GOTIS* ON BOATJS Applications to plough os; m* is to destroy gorse, were granted or». condition that the portions ploughed !>•? left fi? for traffic, and to the satisfaction of the overseer. BATES Ihe obrk was instructed to add ten per cent to all rates remaining unpaid after June 21, 1900, and to take legal prooeedinci to recover all rate* re.m«<Bieg urpud after that date. RKFAIBS A number of small repaid we a ordered to be attended to. ACCOUNT! Accounts amounting to £87 3a 5d were passed for payment, and the Hoard ad journed.

Special Engagement of Mr P. Hockley, Christchurch

AIFUJCS IM CillNt.

An Engagement Commenced

Timorous Action by America

Troops Ordered From Manila

United Press Association—Bf Electric I Telf graph.—Copyright Honu Kon« June 6 Tientsin ie defended by volunteers, under the command of Major Higgs, late of the 16th Lancari?. A secret decree prohibits firing upon the "Buxers" Lonbon, June C Th« Exprest and Daily Mail state that two thousand Cossacks hare besn •rd*>r#d to P«kin, to raakß reprisals for the recent encounter, in which several Oossackt were wounded. Th« Times urges the British protec tion of the Tientsin railway. The Powers hare lauded additional marines Washington, June 7 The authorities at Washington, learning that the Chinese situation had become worse, g»*e Mr Conger, American Minister at Pekin, plenary powers to protect the Legation, the Consulates, and American interests. Mt Oonger is hastening reinforcements up the Peiho river by the light draft gunboat Helena, Troops have also been ordered from Manila to Tientsin. Ho9«X9iw, Jane 7 Tkere are indications that a change of dynasty at Pekin ii inevitable. The damage done to th« railways by the rebels has already reached a million pound*. The Pekin railway bridge has been burned. BBBiiiK, June 7 Admiral Terpira, Minister of Marine, during a debate on the Navy in thi Reichstag, said that event! in China showed the necessity for mort warships on foreign service. Received Wak»t)«aka June 1, 8.67 am, This Offiae 9 SO am) LoNDtN, Tune 4 The Standard states that Britain and France agreed upon the course of action to be pursued in China. HoNa Kong, Jane 7 The Tsung-Li-Yamen assured Japan that Russia had been informed that military assistance was unnecessary,' as China is able to suppress the disturb ance. A strong Imperial edict has been issued, censuring the cowardice of the troop*, and directing the Viceroy Chiti and the Comimnder-in-Ohief to suppress the Boxers. .

The Payment of Threshing Mill

Employees.

Unite i Press Association^ By Kleotrio Telegraph Intekcakwll. June 7

A case which has been watched with in terest was concluded in the Supremo Conrb to-day. Noah Koan sued Robert Fleck for £1000 for tha loss of a leg caused through a defect in the threshing mill owned by defen dant. The mill had been a hand-feeder, bob was altered to a self-feeder. The aperture through which the power operation was j carried on was not boarded over, and the i danger of this opening had been pointed out to defendant, and admitted by him, but insufficient protection was provi ded, Kean, who was working on the mill,: was leaving the deck when he slipped into ' a hole, and had his leg pulped by the thresh ing dram. Legal points were raised during I the case, the most important: being the question of employment. Ie is the custom i for the security of workmen's wages for the farmer engaging the mill to pay the hands direct, giving the balance to the owner of the plant. Mr Sim (Dunedin) contended that It was the farmer in this case who was liable, and thab Fleck was only an agent. Twelve issuaa werd submitted to tha jury, afd ..their findings wero in favour of the p|aintiff, to whom wat awarded £500 dam ages, a stay of jadgmenb being granted for. t|ree weeks to enable the defendant to move, I| is said that this, question of who is liable for payment of threshing mill hands fre quently crops up in the district), »nd an authoritative aettlement of the poinb » muoh desired,

and the Mr Has will be tho ouly mounted men with 2000 infantry and 6 guns, 'the Hough kiders did nvelt in front of the Boers, and weracomplimented by General Brabant.

WAR JOTTINGS.

Two rebel*, named Van der Walt and Booyecn, have been sentenced by court*

martial-at Naauwpnort to ten years' it»d

live years' penal oervicudo respectively. Neither of the prisoners was a ringleader,

and it ia therefoie expected that; these i-eti le: ces will have a moat salutary effect.

Holii sentences were confirmed by Lord Roberts.

A true atory is told of the experiences of he firat liaifdizin of Clements' scouts who

got across the Modeler River. They were busily digging a nice little shelter-trench, when a Boer st- pped up to them from be hind a rock, and e»id :—" That's not right; you've gob the earth and stones upon the wrong side." They reached for their rifles ; he did not attempt to untiling hi«, but die covered his mistake aud jumped into the river. A small volley overtook him, and he was shot in the thigh and leg. Than he was | fiihed out of the river, and conveyed to a British field hospital, where he declares he will give no more lessons in making field trenches.

'M.A.P.' telie au anecdote about Lord Roberts that brings out very happily, the delightful manner in which be always says the right thing. Some time ago he inspected the Corps of Commissioners at Chelsea Bar* racks. He espied a man in the ranks wear ing the medal for the north-wast frostier of India. "Bobi " walked up to him, pointed ito the same medal on his own breast, I grasped him warmly by the hand and said : " I am delighted to meet an old comrade S" The Fisld-marshal entered into conversation with his brother veteran for several minntes, and afforded the latter a topic for talk for the rest of his life. The nurses who have gone from Sydney to nurse the wounded in Africa have so far not repented. One nurse, who has sixty-five patients under her care, ir amassing ejuite a collection of things, the British snldieia often pouring the contents of Boer farmhouses at her feet. Dutch Bibles, buttons, and badges form the greatest portion of her museum, as she calls it. The s»me nurse relates how the paused a man in the street soon after the relief of Ladyamith. a bent, broken down, old man, " Don't you know me, nurse ?" he said, in a feeble voice. " Well, I suppose you were once my patient," she said. *' But iam sorry to say I don't quite remember " 'Patient? MonseDse! I'm Lieutenant X ." In was Lieutenant X , whom the nuree then remembered as a fine young man of about thirty, but couldn't recognise in the igure btfore her, which seemed that of a man between fifty and sixty. The slightest noise w»s sufficient to make this man almost "jump out ot his skin," so unstrung were all his nerves. Picturesque details have been received of the visit of Sir Ellis Ashmsad-Bartlctt to the kraal of the Queen of Swaziland. The dusky monarch tßmmened an indiba, at which all the principal chiefs were present. Sir Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett received a great Native welcome, being greeted as Silomo |le champion, fir Ellis Addressed the in daba, and his speech was interpreted sen tence by sentence. He urged the chiefs, to stand np for their rights, and never te yield np thiir caves and mountain fastnesses to the Boers after their final retreat. The Qiten thanked Sir Ellis for hie words of wisdom, but at the same time camplained that England had neglected her. On the other hand, the Transvaal Government took particular care that their version of passing events was dearly laid before her. Sir Ellis said he was sure that representation had only to be made for this stale of things to be quickly reotified.

Correspondence.

We do uot bold ohm^'ivfe responsible for opinions expressed by our corro^ undents

THE CLEANING OF WATER RACES.

TO THE KDITOB.

Sir, —Few ratepayer* had euy idea of tho County Conncil trying to nuke seen an im portant change without giving them any ch*.nco of exposing thenuelves on the 4uee tioa. Now, tir, some of the ratepayers thought that tho new system of cleaning water races to be adopted by the County Council, was that those who have had their water free and the Coonoil haa cleaned their races and \ given them fords, and bridges, eto, all these years, that now they were going to pay the rates for a while, and let those who have been paying go free, and perhaps have their water races cleaned out also. 1 think the best system is, that every o»e should pay rates for their water, and clean out their own raoes, then we should find that & muoh smaller rate would do. I chink very 'ew bare any idea of the number of miles of races running through large properties in this county, and no rates ac cruing from them. I had thought there was only one large estate exempt, bat I fipd there are qnibe a number of them, I think the majority ef ratepayers would object to the oontraot system, aa shown by the large petition from the Longbeaoh district,—l »m, •tc, W. T. Lxll. [We have excited a portion of our corres pondent^ letter which made too great a demand on our columns. We cannot devote more space to the reports of County Council meetings. Everything dealt with is men* tioned, and the deoisioM arrived it recorded. The Committee's report on the subject of cleaning water raoes was, at we stated, held over for consideration at next meetiag, and of thit postponement) the Longbeaoh peti tioners have been notified.—Ed.]

THE ASHBURION GtJABDIAW : FBIF-aY, JUNE- 8 lfcOd



BABE CHANCE " OF SECUKXNG FIRST-CLASS < HMO OR ORGAN. GREAT CLEARING SALE OF PIANOS AND ORGANS, THB DBbFDSfiN PIANO COMj?ANTd CLEARING SALE At their Asbbarton Agency, Mr Henry Stbpmbhson's Auction Rooms, IS STILL FROCBEDIISG GENUINE WHOLESALE PRICES FOH CASH! OR ; ' 08 OUR EASY HIRE SYSTEM— PIANOS FROM 20s MONTHLY. ORGANS FROM 10« 6d MONTHLY. OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN PROPORTION. {TEN TRARS GUARANTEE given with every Pi*no, Organ or Ha'an 1 i« " Sold. GJ&EAT PROCESSION. THURSDAY HOLIDAY. PL &GS — All Kinds KIBBON?, I -OBBTTES, LAbYSMIFH HANDKBBCHIiiFS, WAR MAP HANDK&KCHIEFS, LADIES'? BADEN-POWELL BAOV, E&D, WHITE, & BLUE CUFFd & COLLARS A N D R E W ORR. l&IOOTING SKASON, 1900. - ■■-■ (jriins and Ammunition. B¥M SHIPMENTS NOW OPBNED TP. A Large Assortment, at prices to suit all buyers Sum, Kynoch, and Club Cartridges; Powder, Shot, Cafs.^W/.ds, *nd Oabtridgk Casks. LAMPS. IT*M PS. LAMPS. TI7K HAVE JUST REOSIVED A HOIOE VARIETY OF TABLE LAMPS, HANGING HALL LAMP* 3, HANGING PARLOR L \MPS, SMALL BEDROOM LAMPS, Which we aro offering at very low prices, A Large Stock of LIMPWARK always on h*nd. HARDWAHB AND HOUbBHOLD FURNISHINGS, We have a full stock of the above lines, including Buckets T&ble Cutlery Fenders and Fire Irons Saucepans Spoons and Forks Electro Plate Ware Nails and Staples Brnshware Bnamelware Ploogh Shares Lubricating Oils Etc, etc. At Prices to suit the times WINES a¥'°D SPIRITS. All Kind.® and Brands of SPIBITS kept in CASE and BULK. Whiskey, Brandy, Port, Mierry, Australian Wines, etc. English and Ooloniai JBottied Ales and Stou<\ GROCERIES at' Wholesale Prices. Orders by Post despatched with punctuality. Goods delivered daily "SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, WIFE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, Bcksetc Street, Aahburton, New Zealand CLOTHIHG FAGTOKY) fe txami «o WHY get wet when Sis will buy ' fc -| HH you a j CTI a s mr o WATERPROOF GOAT? 1! &•«• S ■"l& ** * J S O We are ahowing a large Btook of OoatP, Ws^ ft 2 2 * T"^ - »U our own make and guaranteed thoroughly lLj \—\ * V d n S^/ Waterproof. . p*~^ r-» »»«.-§ '„  r> 0( « k| We aUo have the Utesb ohape Double '^^^ Q^ i^ Brea'trd Chesterfield Waterproofs, and if ■ _ -j B r^"^ there ?p nothing to suit you wo will take fy^ r^ W$Q L^ your order and make you one. r"""! Oq. Q MH 150 Patterns to Choose From |^ qq w s fei W T^-jeed Overcoats and Capes Q^ H ° y/s ; from 19s 6d. " Q H, fe^- 1 WILL KREP YOU WARM & DRTT. S = = Q^ W Doverfc Coats in Fawn »nd Black. Good iJ w § Q l^ P^ ralue. Now i» the time for warm [Under- r*"~™i, o , S»e Ous Stock. Tna Largest] in Town , " h „ H » RIBBED L.W. PA3SITS from 2s lid T"~) £4 a rlj Notwithstanding the advance in Wools j- -* .<q M'Jg p*Ji W* Me seliiog at the same prices as iaer w^J § '^J HH Season h»?iog bought hetore the riaßi p^*~" ' § ft ) —. OIaOTHING EACTOBT. ffl - . GO F. BL BBOKINGSALB, Manager



W. BRYANT,/ BAKER, ASttBUBT ON, } I\7IBHKS to notify to the Public that he has taken over his H?.W PREMISES in theJl^angU^^hJ^JK^n ;: _ JL?-- 3 Frank Curtis. Wutohmaker, & jr©vro*f«**- WEDDING PBBBKNT3. \ VERY Choice variety in Electroplate HL and Sterling Silver, including » beau tiful lob of Doultou ware, etc, at prices to ouit the times. INSPECTION INVITED As 'usual my stock of Gold Rings and Brooches, Oluirma, Muff Chains. Watohes, etc., is the largest andj.besb selected in the diatilor. special room; for choosing if REQUIKED. Wedding rings and keepers 18ofc, of my own manufacture 1 make a special line of, and are well worth inspecting being far and away better finished than tho ordinary artiole, and ousting no more. Ii will pay you to call and sue thorn. Your old gold, rings, etc, re-made in the s*me style and fluiah at nominal oo»b. Wedding rings altered in slzk without out ting while Waiting, by spe cial MACHINERY. Silver wntohea from 30a upwards, a ful stock of i*o< tier »>'•«.«■*» WtuJtlrmmsi,- eto, always on baud. Spactaolea specially flitted lor reading a! night. Spectacle fisting by my system is not guess work, glasses being fibted to suit the aight perfectly in every case. A speoial room for testing. Glares from 2a 6.1. Test iug free. Repara as usual, neat, prompt, %m\ reason abie. Silver charms ia great variety from 1 upward?. J. WILSON, JJOUNETT STREET. I" HAVE JTOT TO HAND a very larg JL variety of MIXED PAINTS Very Suitable for Painting Drays, Traps, Kitohens, Interior and Exterior of Houses, Eto. ~~ TO THOSE WHO ARE ftot ri keir Own Landlords, \\F **ent w'itn f°r * cask "' ? de-posit, you may become yonr own landlord, and then the weekly Ronta! y >v are at present paying would leave something every week to go towards redlining the purchase money, As an example—A house for which a tenant pays 7 • per week could in all probability be purchased for £160. .This,.by keeping the weekly rental pnid for 14 years, would ; leave the property fully paid lor ; while if | a tenant remains In the same house for ] tha same time without arquiriua the f-e - hold, and continues to pay the 7a pei week rental, at the end of that time he wilt not own one foot of the timber oi which the house is builb The fo'lowing are a few of the Proper' ties I have on try books for sale : — \A comfortable Dwelling, situate ir Burnett Street, the property of Mr Johr Newman, together with J acre ot land, planted with fruit tree 9. This property adjoins Dr. Hunter's residence, and as Mr Newman has recently purchased s larger h >use, this Is for immediate sale. F. FERRIMAN. A well built house of 7 rooms, situate in Poter streec, together with acre of and. There is also a detached wash-house 'with copper and tank), workshop, and bathroom, F. FERRIMAN. SMITH'S ROAP, NEmERBY. A house of 5 rooms, together with £ acres of hnd. This ia an opportunity seldom offered to those, working afe the Frer-zing Works Giving the workman the privilege of keeping a horse. F. FERRIMAN. A house of 6 rooms with scullery, \ acre of land, situated on the Wakanui Koid, within easy distance of the centre of the town. F. FERRIMAN Half acra of Land on the Beach Road, upon which is erected a comfortable house of 5 rooms snJ scullery. The land is well stocked with fruit trees. F. FERFIMAN. Four Acres of land atTinwald, situate on Carter's Terrace, upon which la erected a Dwelling House of 9 rooms, detached washheuse, dairy, etc. Also convenient stabling, consisting of 4 loose bcxes, trap houae, and chaff-house F. FJERRIMAN. A capital Building Site, situate on the North West Town Belt, containing one acre, beirg Lot 71. F. FERRIMAN A Farm of 320 Acres, situate within easy distance of tha Fret zing Works. The property is wpII fenced and watered, and is for immediate sale. F. FERRIMAN. CAPITAL BUILDING SITES IN AITKES & GREY STREfcTS. I have for Sale a block of 5 Town Sections, admirably adapted for building purposes. ; :■. ■ T0 "LET ; SEAFIELD ROAD. A VERY Convenient Accoramodatior /iL Paddock, containing seven acres. laid down in grass. "■£ f F. FERRIMAN. % F, FERRIMAN. EMPTY Creea for Sale BBuitanle foi Sheep Feeding. Only 1 6d eaob, Flexohkb Baos., 0«h Suppy Store.



Special Engagement of Miss Lilian Smith, (Jliristchurch,



EX4MPLES Or FORTITUDE. —_—,—^— > Kruger and His Thumb. The Boer President is universally regarded as a " bough nnk " to crack, and even Britain may wall exercise caution in dealing with a man of the iron will exhibited in a story toid by a contemporary. The Boer President, whilst shooting one day, had part of his thumb blown off. The surgeon advised amputation of the arm, but Krugsr eaid no. Then he suggested remov ing the hand, but Kruger objected, and the " Cut off the top of his thumb," surgeon threw up the case. The patient thereupon sharpened his knife; and with siugu'ar fortitude, out off portion of his thumb, and the wound healed. Here is another example of fortitude—a local one. Mrs 8. Crisp, when seen by a Sportsman reporter at her mother's residence, 10 Belston Street, Footsoray, said that some time ago Sb Vitas' dance attacked her. Her hands and limbs trembled involuntarily, her movements . were beyond control, her face twitched. She was always weak aud languid, although under tnediaal treatment. Bub one day, after reading an advertiiemenb, she tried Dr William^' pink pills. Greab benefit re sulted from one box, and, continuing with them, she was cured. i?ome time after she was shucked with apoplexy, asthma, and - consumption. One aide was paralysed, and ghe could not move, and though, despite all treatment, eh* did not improve, she never complained, but ail through bora up with singular fortitude. Then wondering.whether J)r Williams' pink pills would qure her, she tried them. She felt better two weeks 'after commencing them.. .Gradually the paralysis left her, the cough abated, she . -. became stronger, and/by. .continuing th« - pills r<?r -Vt v perfect -b.ea£th\,.... i*his k-ij.l of "narrative" is' constantly,rev f . curri"g; for there is hardly a town where' there aro not some people, once suffering invalids, who have been restored to health by