BIRTH.

Snodgirass,—At Roromiko, m April 18, th« wife ef MitJ. of a son.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1900. THE CAMP AND THE CANTEEN.

The muddle, and the resultant hubbub, over the canteen at the Easter encamp ment, near Timaru, has brought the whole question of a canteen for these annual gatherings of our citizen soldiers prominently before the public. Rumour, has it that a csrtaid Timaru publican p&id a handsome price for the privilege of running a canteen at the camp, and that, when he had almost completed his preparations, the contract be had made with the authorities was can* celled by them, and the canteen handed over to a OhrisUhurch publican, free of charge, to compensate him for losses made in connection with some previous catering for th© Government. As to the truth, or otherwise, of this story we are not, at present concerned. We wish to ask why the authorities allow a cantetn at the camp at all? We assert that it does an incalculable amount of harm. Nearly 2000 men, moat of them young men, are brought together for their annual training in military work. They are full of youthful bouyancy, the holiday, the freedom from restraint, and the out door life, raise their spirits to the very highest, and they are ready for any frolic that may come to band. No one finds fault with this, quite the reverse. But into the very centre of this scene of life and vigour, the authorities

introduce the blighting influence of the canteen. We use the words blighting; influence advisedly, for many a young fellow traces his downfall to the temptation that met him in his first volunteer encampment. We assert it is absolutely criminal that the authorities should place such temptation in the way of our young soldiers They cannot claim that the canteen is necessary. Our volunteers go into camp to be trained as soldiers, and Generals like Lords Wolseley, Roberts and Kitchener, men whose achievements as soldiers ace the admiration and the envy of the known world, and who oupht, above all men, to know, declare that the Britisher is a vastly better soldier without the canteen than with it. In every body of men there are those who have become accustomed to stimulants, and who would not care to go anywhere for four days without them. But such men would make their own arrangements for these as they do for their other requirements. But there can be no reason for thrusting the temptation to drink under the nose of every man in camp. To be of real service to this colony our volunteers must be men able to do j their campaigning without requiring a horde of camp followers at their heels, which they certainly could not have on active service. Many an excellent volunteer sacrifices his annual training, and stays away from these camps, because of the rowdyism that frequently goes on at them. It is well known that the "smoke concert," which takes placa in camp on Easter Sunday night, too often resolves itself into a mere revel. Not so very long ago one of these gatherings terminated in a

deplorable scene between two officers,

the result of which was that one of the smartest and most popular

officers that * ever donned Her Majesty's uniform in Kew Zealand had to leave the service. At tho same camp another popular officer complained most bitterly that

tho one great drawback to the Easter

(mop was the excessive amount of i drinking, The same officer, in order i to escape the Sunday night, carousal went to bed early, but was literally dragged out by his bro her officers and in the early hours of the following morning was brought back in a state of excessive intoxication. We are not in j favor of Prohibition by any oieai!S, far j from it, but we do claim (hat a Govern' : raent, which notifies a policeman, that i one alight lapse from strict sobriety, renders him liable to instant dismissal, cannot consistently take charge of our young soldiers for four da*B and then force upon them the temptation to drink. The canteen is not necessary, it is a source of extreme danger, and the authorities have no right to thrust its dangerous influences upon the un seasoned young fellows who are devot ing their tiraß and energies to perfecting themselves in military duties.

Local and General.

• # * On the first page to-day will bo found an article on England's Isolation ; and on the fourth page a short story. The Auckland Seat—Five candidates have been nominated for tho Auckland City seat, namely, Messrs Holland, Witheford, Hobbs, Richardson, and Sma 1). St. Gkokge's Day—A suggestion has been made that all should wear a rose on Monday next, St. George's Day, in honour of tha I occasion

Sale of an Estate. — The National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand, Ltd, havedisposed of thewell-known homestead of Taipo Hill Estate, together with upwards of 100 acres of adjoining land. The pure! aser is Mr W L Philp, of Dunedin. The Chbss Championship.—A Wellington telegram says—At the Chess Tournament! Barnes is now leading, being half a game ahead of Maaon. The seventh round began tc-night). The game between Barnes* ex*

! champion, and Cieland, champion, appears < to be in favour of the former. | A Fair Pamplh.--1 Bplendid speoiman of 1 a young New Zsalander is thus referred to by the Rangitikei AdvocaU :—" A son of Mr Grieve, of Kimbolton, who is bub eleven years of age, but weighs 10 stone, and measures 37 inches round the chest, attracted a good deal of attention at the patriot c sports on Wednesday. The boy is strong and healthy, and growing faat." " Finished Tbadksmen—" The honorable members of the Lower House," eai i the Hon. Mr Twomey, ppeaking at Chrislohurch on Thursday nigh^ " are only political appren tices. We in the Council are the finished tradesmen, and have to take up the Bills sent to us fmm the Lower House and polish them into shape. After the, work is done by us, they are fit to be taken up by the judges and iulmiuistared a<i the law of ihe country." In A Hurry.—When the merchants of London realised that an all round increase of taxation was to be^proposed to provide funds for the war, they|pthed the Custom House to clear dutiable goods out of bond before the tax should be levied. In two days no toss than £2,225,000 was paid in Customs duties, whereas UDder ordinary conditions the payments would have been only about £160,000 A Last Look —An admirable instance of

' cheery stoicism ' is found in the loltar of a private in tho Coidstreams describing hia experiecces in the battle of Modder River : —' I happened to find a bit of looking glass. Ie mide a rare bit of fun. As it, was paeßed from comrade to comrade, they said, ' Have a 1 >BtSook *b yourself, my boy, and bid your-: self good-bye.' The laugh went round; Then * Advance !' and we were at; ib a^ain. Certainly, as General Buller said, ' The men aro splendid.: ©Inquests —At the inquesb at Dunedln concerning the death oi Margaret Kuox Simpson, widow, who died from irjaries received by being knocked down by a Roslyn trim car, fche jary retimed a vardieb of accidental death, and that no blame was attachable to anyone.--—At the inquest at Roxburgh regarding the coach accident, a verdicb was returned that the capsizing ot the coach was oauaed by the cap of the wheel unr.erowing and the wheel coming off. A rider was added that all similar axles on licensed vehicles should be fitted with a pin through the point of the axle and the cap. Oablb Message fhom Major Robin.— A Wellington telegram states that the Premier has rectved a cable message from Major Robin, Bloemfontetn, thab Saddler Aitken, wounded in the leg, haa recovered, and is now at Capetown, A native, who has escaped from the Boers, reports that 17 of our men who were captured, ate well. The Second Contingent is expected to join Major Robin this week. Lieutenant Chay tor, of Blenheim, is ill of fever. Lieutenant Lindsay has obtained a commission in the 7th Dragoon Guards. ItoCoNTEMFT or COURT—The Wairfcrapa Star of Tuesday says :—At Court this morning a defendant ia a case, when * witness was being examined, ejaculated •♦ Rot "to an answer. His Worship severely reprimanded the defendant, and oautioned him not to make a remark during examination. Later on the defendant called out " It's a lie " to another statement, and Mr Northoote again reprimanded him and threatened to convict him for contempt of Courb if he spoke again, This did not have the desired effect, and the defendant again called the witness " a liar," when the Magistrate ordered that a summons for contempb of Court be issued against the accused, a^d, from fche evidenoe given, a charge of assaulb will be brought against him.?

Snapshots —Rome remarkable snapshots of the war are being made in Paric. The French photographers h&ve collected some old horses and guns with some supers from one of the Paris theatres, who are made up as Boers or Englishmen asjoccat-ion demands, the Boers being distinguished by their long whiskers and the Englishmen by their uni form 9. Imitation breastworks have even been built near Paris, and these are stormed by the supers, while the photograper takes his pictures. One single bit of truth ia the picture of a ford; It shows a big, tree at the left in the foreground, with a shallow river behind, and a few cowe and sheep wading to the further shore. Whenever our forces have crossed a rivor anywhere, this picture has been used to illustrate the exact place of crossing, All these counterfeit pictures are much more dramatic than the real ones, which md a far less ready sale.

A Unique Operation—The physicians in one of ihe chief hoßpttals in Philadelphia are aboub to attempt a unique operation in removing the tattoo marks from a sailor who was recently landed there by the British ship Centurion. He is the most tatbeed man in the world, the whole of his body, includ ing his face, being covered with curious de vice?. He shipped on the British steamer Kurdistan, going to the West Coast of South America, and while going through the Straits of Magellan the captain, anchored, and the men went on shore* The sailor, parted from his companions, was captured by Patagoniang, who, instead of killing their oaptive, tattoed him with all sorts of designs. One of the figures on his breast olosely resembles the signs of the zndias, while on his back is a winged lion almost identical with that of Assyrian sculpture. How the native* con ceived a picture which was supposed to br long only to ancient Babylon and Nineveh is an interesting problem.

Don't Cough—Belief can be obtained im mediately. Use KEATING'S COUGH LOZENGES—weII known as the utterly un rivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly recom mended by the many eminent physicians. They at onoe check the cough and remove the causa—without any after effect; the most delicate oan therefore take them* One Lozsnge alone gives ease—one or two ab bedtime ensures rest, Sold everywhere ia tins 13j<I each,

ASIittUKTON HEOU'iKTRD COUPS

The following interesting letter sent by Mr U A. M. Buckley to the Winslow Rasing Club has been courteously handed to us foi publication: — Lrtgmhor, Aal burton, April 14, 1900. Hon. Seoretary Winalow Racing Ciub.

Dear Sir, —I have beea away from home, or your letter would have received attention before this. I was very pleased to hear that your Comaiitfcee proposed to aid the loca! mounted corps. I can assure you it will be very welcome. A mounted volunteer corps is, of necessity, a mere expensive undertaking than an infantry corps The Govorcment capita ion grant dots not nearly covet the necessary expenditure ; and a considerable expense devolves on the troopers. It is posed to run this corps on more economical lines, aa regards the troopers, than is the case in other mounted corp?. Id the GY 0 , for instance, the expenses almost debar any but well to do farmers or their sons from being members. To giva all the young yeomen iv this district a fairjohance to became members of a mounted corps, expenses have been oat down to a minimum!as far as the troopers are concerned. Bub to make it smart and efficient—in fact, we hope a crack corps— funds must be found in other ways. We must look for help in the donations of honorary members and sympathisers, and therefore the kind thought of your Club Will ease the burden of those on whose shoulders the bulk of the expenses must fall, and you einiiy on its boing most gratefully accepted. I am personally grateful that you should think the mounted corps worthy of en* couragement. Until now the young men in country districts have had no chanoe to become volunteers, being too far away from town to join the infantry corps. It was mainly in their interests ihab the corps was initiated, A little ditcipline and military training is a fine thing for any young man and apart from the training the corps has its social advantages. The yearly encampment brings together farmers or their sons from the Rakaiato the Rangitata and from the bills to the tea, men who would otherwise never meet, and it) will encourage a good fellowship throughout the county, which will leave its mark in years to come. Again let me thank you for your kind thoughtfulnsis, and assure you, on behalf of the Finance Committee of the corps, that it will be most gratefully received. •

FEDERATION.

IKB COMMONWEALTH BILL.

MR CHAMBER LAI S'S DESPATCH,

United Pres* Association—By Elacirio Telegraph—Oop* right Perth, April 19

Sir John Forrest, speaking at the Australian Natives' Association, said that no one had been more misrepre sented on the question of federation than himself it had been his life long aim, and what he desired was very near at hand, and, if conceded, there would be a united Australia. He was surprised at the stand taken by those who had been foremost in the fight for federation. They were demanding from the Imperial Govern ment, at the revolver's point—" This is what w« want, and we shall have it." Melbourne, April II

Mr Chamberlain's despatch to the Premiers, with reference to the reten tion of Privy Council appeals in the Common wealth Bill, has been received. He reiterates the arguments, that to do away with appeals would seriously impair the unity of the Empire. He states that at present, there are two Courts of Appeal, and the House of Lords Judicial Committee of the Privy Oouncil has proposed to fuse them into one, and inske provision to appoint a permanent colonial representative therein. He concludes, "it is felt that the Court's* prsstige would be much weakened if appeals from Australia were not allowed, and its value ss a new link, drawing the bonds of the Empire closer, would be weakened just at a time when the dtßire for a stronger union has been strongly mad* manifest"

1 he Premiers' Conference opens to day. Interviews have disclosed a loaning towards granting the West Australian concession?. Though fede ration is the only subject billed, it is understood that the Cape cable question, and one or two i other subjects, will be discussed.

At the Premiers' Conference Mr McLean, the chairman, lengthily dis cussed the question of appeals to the Privy Ooancil. Westralia's proposed amendment and New Zealand's action were alto touched npon.

A cable message was sent to Mr Barton asking for certain information. Pending the receipt of this nothing, definite wag done. The information is expected tomorrow, and the Premiers will then, it is understood, be able to arrive at their decision qaickly.

From what could be gathered, the feeling was *in favour of meeting the wishes of th« Iwperial authorities as far as possible, so long as the rights of the people who voted the Bill into existence were jealously guarded. Stress was laid on the fact that the Imperial Government could, if it chose, alter the Constitution, and the federating colonies could only stand and look on, a fact which w&s pointed out in Mr Chamberlain's despatcn to the Premiers.

I Another report states that the Con ference will probably unanimously .decide not to raise any objection to the Imperial amendments!. London April 19 The Times urges Australian states men and people to recognise the wisdom of the argument of the Imperial Government with reference to appeals and the application of the Colonial Laws Validity Act to the Jaws of the Commonwealth. Tt considers Mr Symons is influenced by parental pre judice in favour of the appeal clause.

The Cable Question.

United Press Association—By Eleot>rlo Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, April 19 ! In reply to Mr Orick s enquiries, Mr Warren states that the cable receipts for the last quarter made a reduction next year to 33 6d per word absolutely assured, and there was hardly any doubt that the receipts would be such as to ensure a reduction to 3s in the following year.

THE QUEEN.

Proposed Visit to Belfast Aban doned.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

London, April 18 The Queen, fearing the fatigue, fore goes her visit to Belfast. The newspapers commend Her Ma jesty a decision to remain in Dublin, which is a neutral city. The Queen's birthday will be cele brated in London on May 23, and else where on tho 24th,

TRANSVAAL WAR.

A Eebuff f©r Mr Fischer

)üblin Fusiliers Going Home

Lord Roberts' Censures

Probable Important Changes

Mafeking Well Last Week

Beinforeements lor Plumer

Advance of a Small £ocr Force

Tne Prisoners at Pretoria

A Lack of Trucks

Sickness in tke British Army-

United Press Asaoelatlon—By Bioobtlo Telegraph—Copyright Berlin, April If A semi-official announcement from Berlin intimated that it would be useless for Mr Fischer, the Transvaal peace envoy, to visit Berlin. The First and Second battalions of the Dublin Fusiliers have started homewards from South Africa owing to their depleted ranks. London, April 19 The withholding of Lord Roberts' censure on Sir Charles Warren and Sir Redvers Boiler for a month, and its publication now, is considered to be an immediate prelude to further impor tant changes. The Standard says that after Lord Roberta' censures the Government eught to act.

The German press insists that the recall of Generals Buller and Warren is the logical result of the censures. Mafeking was well and resolute on the ll'h inst.

A hundred mounted police have lfft Salisbury to reinforce Oolonel Plumer's column.

Three hundred Boers are approaching Smithfield, about forty miles north east of Bettiulie

A hundred and fifty prisoners are ill at Pretoria.

The want of trucks is delaying Lord Roberts' supplies. There are two thousand patients io the field hospitals at Bloerafontein suffering from dysentery and enteric fever.

Received Wak&puaka April 20, 9.10 am, This Office 9 50am London, April 19 A report from Delagoa Bay states that a email force of Boers is marching through the Zoutpansberg district to intercept General Oarrington'a Bho deaian force.

The Lion and His Cubs.

That grand old lion Great Britain must roar with pleasure and smack bis old lips as he sets' how the proud young cubs are hurrying out to his help. From every corner they conre—-Canada, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, New Zealand end Coy lon all at the front, with more of the breed to follow.

Oh yes ! We're bound to win in the long run, but ihs terrible sacrifice of life is awful to think about. This time ib is a war of right venut oppression, and this time it will be seen that " might is right." The Boers are evidently the degenerate sons of a good old r^c, bu*"' they are bay—everyone says so.* Now, laa ness is repugnant to every true Britisher; he only tolerates ib in the very poor and the very rich With the last it'e called !t l«iaure," with the former " idle ness." Now, the Boeia are most abominably idle. They tell lies, too—everyone knows that Britishers and New Z^alandera don't tell lie>3. Oh, no ! Except; in, say, gold dredging ventures; then it's only "pure optimism." Again, the Boora don't drink Hondai- Laoka Tea. That's the result) of pure ig norance. If they knew about ib they doubt- Ices would.

But perhaps it would be after all an un suitable beverage for them ? For, first, M'KetzVs pure Ceylon Hondai-Lanka Tea is clean, absolutely clean, being manufac tured by machinery in Ceylon; second, it will do its work by proving its exquisite quality and showing its high value if you give ib a chance ; and, third, there are no lies told about it. As a really tip-bop tea, »ich snd syrupy, ib just can't) be beat. Ibs the kind of tea yonr wife can pour out to her friends with the certainty of its being appreciated. Now, don't, pray don't, say very "severe words "became yon started to read aboub lions and landed in tea. Many a man has found himself in hob water {that's where tea ends up) when he started oub with " lions," and yet get through all right. As the patent medioal circular says: 11 We want to help you " (and ourselves, too by the way), and we can help you to a tea that can't be beab in New Zealand for right down quality and value at the price. And don't forged this ; it is positively unblended; you get all the original strength and flavour in M'Kenzie'a Hondai-Lanka Ceylon Tea.— Sold at J. T. Cooch's.

THE PLAGUE.

PREOAUTIONS IN BRISBANE.

A FREE DAY IS SYDNEY,

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. Brisbane, April 1 9 . The Board of Health has decided that it is unnecessary to obtain a plague expert from India, as there are plenty of competent local men. The cleansing of the whole city and suburbs is being pushed on as rapidly as possible, and the bonus for rats has been renewed. Sydnby, April 19 There was no fresh case of plague to day—the first free day since March 16, ; The Government has been advised that twenty thousand doses of plague i serum were despatched from Colombo on the 14th instant. (Received Wakapuaka April 20, 9.10 a.m This Office 9.50 a m) Sydney, April 20 The Board of Health expert has succeeded in discovering the bacillus of plague in the stomachs of fleas taken from rats.

Dunjedin, April 19 Reports appear to have bees circulated in the north that a case of plague had occurred in Danediu. There is not a vestige of truth in the report* Telegrams were received yes terday from Timaru making inquiry, and to-day from Christohurch, aa to an alleged cate in Dunedim Evidently some person going north is working up a scare. The Mayor thinks that Dunedin is the mosb unlikely oentre in the colony to be attacked. Wbllingtok, April 19 The City Council sab for several hours to night, and preventive measures againsb the introduction of the plague were discussed. Id was decided that within thirty days from the publication of a notice which will shortly 'be inserted in the newspapers, no fowli

i Bhould be allowed to be kept within the city boundary, except in the case of dealers, auctioneers, etc , *n 1 then only in crates for a period not exceeding a jven days. A few days ago a well know citizen called at the Central Police Station (<mja the Wel lington Post) and represented th.it shrimps oaughb in Sydney Harbour—where largo ! numbers of fish, ineludiug shrimps and prawns, died recently from the effects of (Uainfeotanta that; have been poured into the harbour from the city sewers—-were being sold in Wellington, and that steps should be i taken to prohibit the sending of further I shipments to this city until the p'aguo baa i been stamped out of New Sonfch Wales. The police at once forwarded to the City Oou'ioil a report embodying the oompUint, and Mr j Ui'yle, Inspector of Nuisances, was iaatrucked to make enquiries into the matter Mr uy u h? Bnow reported to the town clerk ; that he fa ads that the majority ef the Bhrimps come f ro m Newcastle, and are .hipped to Wellington via Sydney. He it noable to uoertaio whether «ny that ar« offered for salei in Wellington were oaaght in Sydney harbour. .

WEDDING BELLS.

There was a very large gathering yeater* d»y afternoon to witness the marriage of Mr C. W. Seymour, eldest son of Mr Seymour, dentiat, Chriatohuroh, with Miss Beatrice Denshire, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W. B. Denshire, two of the oldest) and moat esteemed residents of the Ashburton district. The newly-enlarged church was filled with friends from all parts of the country; The ahrr, chancel, and choir stalls were beauti fully decorated with a wreath of white and autumnal flowers and evergreens. The vicar (Uhe Rev. K. A. Woodthorpe, MiA.) wastht officiating clergyman, and the choral poitlou of the service was conducted by Mr H« A. Gates, with Mrs Glaridge (supported by a small orchestra) at the organ. A merry peal rang out at the close of the marriage service, after which a very latge number of invited guests were entertained in a large mat ques on the lawn in front af the residence of the parents of the bride. The Hon. W» J. Steward, M.H.8., proposed the health of the newly-wedded pair, Mr Seymour, June, (the bridegroom's brother), that of the brides maids), and Mr C. W. Purnell that of the parents of the bride. Mr and Mrs Seymour left on their honeymoon trip by the after noon train south, and the railway platform was crowded with their friende.

The Siege of Ladysmith.

(By Chas. W. Puknili,) Why doth winged Fame, with pinions like the morning, A starry wreath reposing on her brow, With sudden light the sombre world adorn* ing, A vision splendid, gleam upon at now ? What deed of coble worth doth the proclaim, Her voice resounding through the hearts of men ? i■. • ' ' Hath she but wandered from some orb un travelled Remotely gliding through the ssther vast, Where beings dwell, by man'? defects no* tramelled, 1 heir bodies moulded in Titanic oasti. While o'er their conteals, waged on. Jwd, in air, Fame aits and rales, the chosen arbiter ? Not Buch the cause,—'Where Afrio laud up* rises, &nd_ sweltering lies beneath the ardent "" sun, The thrilling sound of furious battle rises That swells and sinks, ere yet the rictorj^s woo, Fat-t hurtle through the »ir (he mi* Biles dread, The bursting »he!l, the fatal cone of lend. Encompassed round with hills on bills em* banked Lice Ladysmith—a close beleaguered to wd, Ujion the heights its eager foemen ranked Expectant on their promised prey look down ; - Full soon, they deem, the priz-i shall be their own, . They leap the hwvesb ere the teed is EQWD. Day after day the cannon Sims and thunder, Upon the town fast falls the deadly rain, But British guns respond with their own thunder, And peal for peal they answer back again, Their fire co fatal that ofttimes the Boer Declined the contest and will fight no morn. Yet strong battalions in time may crash the week, While bravest men by numbers are sub dued, And as incessantly war's olam'rous surge did break And roar around bhe bourg'a wide ampli tude, It teemed thab soon the icemen's legions fierce Must through the British lines and ramparts pierce. And Famine, too, of gaunb and pallid seem* ing, Stalked through the town wibh slow and tottering tread, And by its side a ghastly vision creeping. Disease "that fertile springs from laok of bread And a« the weary days and months passed by These fell companions roamed more visibly. Bob, Io ! relief awaited like Spring's coming When dreary Winter long has held its sway. - Reached Lady smith one morn, and quickly flying The Boer vanished silently away. " Then from the realms of Britain, vasb and free. Uprose the people's voioe, cxulbingly. ■ ■ * • * Long as men shall honour valour, long as men shall greets the light, Long as feats of martial bravery one suffrages shall claim, Mea febaU weave the name of, Ladytmith with the name of galUnb White, And extol the band of heroes whom he led to endless fsme. Ensanguined wiih the blood of those who fell When for their country fighting manfully, Tne place where these heroic deeds befell A hallowed spob to Englishmen shall be j The glorious spirits of the brave who died Shall haunt the region of their mundane fate, Their memories, grateful to the nation's pride, The soil of Ladyemith shall consecrate. — Canterbury Times.

The Antarctic Expedition.

United Press Association— -By Eleotrio Telegraph—Cppyrighb

Received Wakapuaka April 20, 9.10 a m, This Office 9 50 a.m) Hobart, April 20 A thanksgiving service was held in the cathedral on the return of the Southern Cross. A Launoeston paper saja that it has leaked oat since Borchgrevink's return that black whalei are plentiful down south. The explorer's vessel practically dropped on the home of the black whale in latitude easily accessible to steam whalers,

THE A6HBUBION OOABDTAN : FBILiA*, APRIL 120, 1900



J. V. Dtt BEER, I WATCHMAKER & JisWETXEb, HAS JUVT RECEIVE > a Choice Co! ---lection o? STEBLSMC SILV'cR & E.P. WARt SUITABLE FOB ' WEBiIIKG P E-ENTM, i ETC., | Ooropdin? Specially S^lec'ed Articles, both Useful end Ornatnent&l. ; Not having Window spaoa lo display the ab~>vn Goods, INSPECTION INVITED To thf'39 interested i« RACING, TROTTING, CYCLING, Exc I have ja-b r?e;ived a Special line of STOP WaTOHBP, isomiping SPLIT SECOND (JH.KONOGRAPHS—A wonder in Watch construction. Hunting and Opon-face High-class CHRONOGRAPHS. Also, a New line of two Do-im, ♦« I lie Consultation *' Nickel Keyless STOP WATOHES. Prioid 20a. This ia a fir superior time-piece to any thing of the same class yob offered 10 the public- A full Htock of all other classes of Gold anfl 8-lver Watches on hand, at pricea to suib everybody. For the Latest Novelties in Gold and Silver Jewellery, insptct Window display. Silver Ghartnß in endleiss variety from la each A new a'.ook of Sp?ctaelss to hand." J. V. DEBEER, WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER, Kasfc Street. Ashburton. _ ESTABLISHED 1874. McDonald & Co., TAILORS, T> E M 0 V E D to J See our Samples •JITJ3I£-IS-6- Compare our pricea Burnett Street. We oau't be beat 3 235 . r Ed 1^" o 1 O- Om -t <« «_cj w •< r j m a _ eg _ « O r~ > ■ :jr f;F —■ ~2 1 , ! ~\ >^< ( <j <i -^ J Piank Curtis. Wutchmaker, & Je^v^ller, WEDDING PJSESENTS A VERY Civioe variety in Electro-plate and S'etling Silver, including a beau tiful lob of Doulton ware, elc , at prices to suit the times. INSPECTION INVITED ' As usual my stock of Gold Ringa and Breeches, Charms, Miff Chains, Watches, etc., is the targeet and best selected io tho district. A SPE lAL RO->M FOR CHOOSING IF REQUIRED. Wedding tinea aDd keepers 18cfc, of my own manufacture I matte a special line of, and are w-ell worth inspecting being far and away better finished than the ordinary article, and costing no more. I' will piy you to call and see them. Your old gold, rings, etc, re-made in tha Bitm style and finish at nominal cost. Wedding ringa ALTERED IN SIZK WITHOUT OUT TINCi WHILE WAITING, BY SPE CHL MACHINERY. Silver watchns from 3(b upwards, a full B'cck of fSoilier^-itw, "W^altliain.®, etc, always on hand. Spectacles spocially fitted for reading at night. Spectacle Suing by my system ia no gue^a work, glasses being fitted to suit the Bight perfectly in every case. A special room for tea'ing. Glasses from 2i 61. lest ing free. Repairs as usual, neat, prompt and reasat; able. Silver chirms in great variety from Is npwards. - _ - __ j _____._______________ LLtW-ILYH OWli, M'V.S.M. OBKTIFIOATKD TEAOHER. lOO^L Representative of the London j College of Music, »n<3 of the Musical International College. lANOFORTE.ORGIN, VIOLIN, MAN DOi.INK, SINGING. HARMONY, AND COUNTERPOINT. The new term will commence January 22ad InteDdingpupih kiudly communicate early. MU; 310 Seller aid Teacliot'of the Violia. Mui)Ci»! ins'rumenrs of avflry 'Jrj-crip tio- VIOLIN-: m sI'KCIALITY. Music an-' SfiMtfH by - very imv. KirH-f;l.*t: Qaad r»J.e Bdod. : Uarnatt Street, 483 Oppoaite Publiahing Company, j



OSBORN COOMBE, PIANO TUNER & EXPERT (Late of London), | VISITS Ashburton and surrounding Dis* trio! s every four months—viz, March, July, and November. ORDERS may be Mb with MR I LLEWELLYN OWEN at- his Musio Studio, Arcade Chambers. Aahbnrton , or at Commercial Hotel. I MHS JOHNSTON ! i i ——— I rsfIKACHSR of the Pianoforte and ! i i Shifting. \ Haveiocfc Stfeeb, TjlO" TASTW and D^fiign, we NoBTHOOT •JU and Heffobd's Windows before buy 1 icg your Autumn and Winter MiUinary,



GEORGE DUNCAN & Co. T> kSPECTPULLI announce that they have Opened those centrally situated Premises in Tancred Street, Ashburton, lately occupied by Mr A. P. Wi.liatason (next Undrill's), where they will open on "Saturday, 14 th April n ~ AS BEADY MONEY DRAPERS. WE BUY FOR CASH and thus secure all Discounts, The Lowest Prices and best Markets. "WE SELL FOR CASH and thas avoid all losses arising from Bad Debts and the expenses of the Credit System. WHY should the Cash Customer pay for other peoples bad debts. By dealiog with us they^atoid doing so. Please Call & Inspect Our Stock. No Owb Pressed to Buy. 475 NOTICE TO FARMERS. abb CASH BUYiER S!>" o1? I PRIiME MILLING WHEAT IN ANY QUANTITY Please take your Samples to th« Mill} We can supply Oornsacks^at cost price, CANTERBURY, ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B, HOBART, Manager. 17th March, 1900 Wi. STEANGE J Sole Partners and) Thos. CuYEKDALfc ( Proprietors, j W." STRANGE & CO. FT AYE pleasure in advising Ladies resident in f.o country that their first of J.mt Arrived ! Autumn Ji»t Arrived Just Arrived ! &> W imt<»r J'"t Arrived Jmt; Arrived ! tSooclsJ.' Just Arrived ! Have juafc arrived. Theae useful, boauiifu), novel and tempting lines were etrpped to vi direct from our London House, 139-141 Wool Esohvuge, E C, and comprise Fashionable, A. JHLos* FaahionaMe, Useful, «i Useful, Novel, Attractions. Novel, All Prices ! AII ¥fvim\\ The new goods, expressly designed for Autumn and Winter wear, include nob merely a grand aesorimenb of plain, every-3ay stuff, such as aro in request all the year round, bub The JNOV KLTIES! The Latesb INOVKJI-'C'IKS I Latest Londono.nd NOVELTIGB! London ana Oontinentol NOTBLTIIC8! Continental Novelties I Novolbiw 1 i.e., Novelties in Dresses and Dress Blouses, Maufc'es, Jackets, Costumes, Gioves, Corsets, Underclothing, Sunshades, Macintoshes, Promenade>nd Evening Dresses, Opera Wraps, and Well worth Heaps of Well worth Gaming 50 JPretiy Coming to Town 'A'lxinjgrs ? Town fco Sec! *o See;! Buti, suppose you can'b ,oome, that you live too far away, thab you can'b Bpare the time for a trip to town—what then 1 We will tell you I Good Advice? Get Get fc Gxid Advice? O, Catalogue! Good Advice 1 €7o,talogfue ? Geb a Good Advice ? Catalogue 1 | They're juab oat;, and will give yoa, In a very attractive form, some acoount of the new goods. Having gob your Catalogue read it carefully, make your selection, write to us telling us plainly what you want, enclose remittance to value of goods, and Hundred-j of %llOt> An Effective I Ladies do t With US Plan. Hundreds of ?>y Fomtl An Effective Ladies do ! • Plan. N.B.—REMITTANCE! MUST ACCOMPANY ALL LETTER ORDERS. , Wo will send you juab what you wanb, and selecb the goods for you as carefully as you ould do it for yoimelf i you were present at the counter. W. STRANGE M CO., MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS, & FAMILY DRAPERS, CHRIS; CHURCH.



FINAL NOTICE. NOTICE ia hereby given thab owing to the Easter holidays, the limit for the time in which the Accounts of the late Ashburton Publishing Company, Limited, must be paid, ia extended to SATURDAY nexb, April 2t. All Accounts not paid by that date will be SUED FOR, without further notice. D. ZANDER. ~~~f~O L ET~ WAKANUI ROAD TTQU3E of 6 Rooms with attached Soul jO_ lery, Copper built in, together with A an acre of land. F FERRIMAN. WANTED Known—MßS Chrisxeksen bega to announce that she has taken over the premises lately occupied by Mrs ' Rainey, in Taocred Street. She has vacan cies for a few more Boarders-—ladies or gentlemen. The house will be under the supervision of Mrss C. Chbistknsen, who i will also take in dressmaking and .plain j swing. 3 229



N.Z LOAN & MERCiNIILE AGENCY COMPANY, Ltd. FOUB Great Bread Winners. THE HERCULES NICHOLSON CULTIVATOR. Leading Farmers' verdict is—" Absolutely the best Cultivator ever sold in the Colony." "FARMER'S FAVORITE" &LL STEEL DRILL Fitted with Roller bearings and New Turnip and Rape Ft-e'. HINEMOA" POTATO DIGGER Cos!) of machine saved in threej acres of Potatoes.) SPALDING-ROBINS ROTARY DISC PLOUGH I 50 per cent saved in coat of ploughing. 1 We ask farmers to inspect our machines for the Autumn Trade. THE N.Z. LOAN SAND|;MERCANTILE AGENCY CO., LIMITED. G. STAVELEY, Manager. SOLE AGENT for Aahburtow Distriots: -"""~ DAVID THOMAS. 3 267



THE " New Zealand CLOTHING FAOTOBY TS NOW SHOWING A L&RGES3OCK ! OP Winter Goods Men's Sao Suits .. 21s, 25', 29s 63. Men's Tweed Trousers 7a 6d, 8s 93, 9s 6d Men's Covert Coats .. 29a 6d, 39d 6d, 52s fid Boys' Covert Coats from .. •• 14s Boys' Reefer Coats from .. .. 6s6d I Boys' Sailor Suits from .. .. 7* : Boys' Norfolk Suits from .. .. Ils6d 50 dozen Serge and Tweed Caps. The largest variety in town. 120 dozen Soft Felt Hats, newest shape?. 1 White Shirts 5s 6d, 6b 6d, 7a 6d, 8i 6d, 9a 6i | A new line of short fronted White Shirts. New Ties, Braces, Gloveu, Mufflers, Collars, Umbrellas, Wool Shirts, etc Ladies and Gentlemen's Waterproof | I^Coats, Made to Obdeb. A large variety of Patterns] to choose from. ?LOTiiING FACTOBY. F. H. BKOKINOSALK, 'VLanager



[ many Thanks to til " I wish to express my thanks ' .. * manufacturers of Chamberlain's ,Uo' l Cholera, and Diarrhoea Remedy, for amtiag put on the market such a wonderfal mcdi cine," lays W W Massingill, cf Beaumont, Terse, fLliere »re many thousands of mother! whole children have been taved from attacks of dysentery and cholera in fantum who must also feel thankful. It i« for sale by Ashburton Drag Company Smoke New Venn*,