Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following plaoea as under, subject: to the neceisarv alterations: — TUESDAY, JIiLT 24 For Northern Ports, and Westporfc, and Weet Coast, per Rotomahana, at 6 30 p m WEDNESDAY, July 25 For Northern Port* and Weetporb, per Waihora, at 10 30 a m. FRIDAY, JULY 27. For Northern Ports and Westporb, Austra lian Colonies (via Wellington), South Africa, CeyloD, India, China, etc, alto United Kingdom and Continent of Snrope, specially addretsed "via Suez," per Mokoia, at 10-30 a.m. Dv« Sydney Auguat 2nd, London September 11. For Australian Colonies (via Blufi), per express, to connect with Westralia, at 12.30 pm. W. H. Renkkk, Postmaster.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

(Trains Imyi Aihbarton daily for— OHRISTGHUROH—at 7.20 mm., 11 a.m., 3.16 p.m., 7 spm, (ezpreai) TIMARU—at 10.55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 12.54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m. Xraini arrive daUy at Athburton from— OHRISTOHUROH-at 10.45 ».m., 12.47 j p.m. (expraift), 8 p.m. QDIMARU—at 10.35 a.m., 2.55 p.m. DDNEDIN—»t 6.57 p.m. (exprais) SPRINGBURN-at 8.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases o! Moon for July.

SON

Commercial.

WOOL SALES

Oaltsd Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, July 21 The wool sales closed firm ab top prices. Of the quantity catalogued there were told for Home consumption 75,000 bales, for the Contingent 23,000, for America 2000, carried forward 159,000 There w»b strong Continental competition for merinos and Home oompetitioa for croßibrede' Compared with May the beat greasy merino and coarse orossbrsdt were unchanged. Other merinos and fine orosa bretis declined 5 per cent. The first aeries for 1901 will open on J f -ißhry 15th

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on Juy 20, 1900:—

Wha*t>— Prime milling Pearl .- 2s 3d „ „ Tuscan... 2a 4d „ „ Banter's 2i 2d Oata —Duns .. 1b 6d Danish is 6i Canadians Is 84 Sparrowbilia 1b 7d Barley—Malting, prime 2a Inferior Is 6d Peas—-Partridge, 2^ 3d Chaff—Good tatehe&f 47a 6d to 50* Gross Seed—Old pasture, 2a to 2a 3d New „ la 6d to li 9d The ab;ve are prices current paid to armers on track* at Ashburton.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET

The attendance at the Aehburton yards to day was tmall. The yarding was alto small The following are some of the prices :— Sheep—Merino wethers 7a Id to 13s 3d, crossbred ewes ap to 17s, two foth ewes 13s Id to 14s Id, wethers ap to 20s, stores from 13s lOd to 16s, crossbred ewes in lamb Us lid to 16b, two tooth wethers (backward) 8s 8d to lla, merino ewes in lamb 10* Id, merino wethers 5s 10d. Cattle—Fat heifer*, £4 2. £d to £5 ss, cows in full profit £4 61 to £4 17s. Pigs— Porkers, 23s to 25i 6d, baconers 36i 6d, weaners 5«.

BIRTHS

Habdib—Ab Ashburton, on July IS, the

wife of Chas D Hakdie of a daughter. CHRMTorHDRsoK. — At SeaYlew, on 15th inst, the wife of J P Ohbisxofhebson of a daughter.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1900. THE YOUNG PERSONS' PROTEC TION BILL.

The futility of Attempting to make people moral by Act of Parliament is generally admitted, and yet we find our legislators continually striving to accomplish tbia impossible task. The Young Persons' Protection Bill is one of the latest of those reforming schemes. It may, and doubtless wil],if it becomes law, have the effect of compelling boys and girls to keep out of the public streets more than they do at present. It may perhaps keep them at home. But, unless the home at least approxi mates to what it ought to be, little good is likely to result. Parliament may lay down the law as seems good to its members, but unless parents will help to enforce it—in spirit as well as in letter—it will not effect any reform in the direction it proposes, The evil this Bill eeeks to remedy lies deep how deep the Ohmtchurch Charitable Aid Board has recently given us an idea of, It would seem that onlji just beneath the surface of Borne sections of society lies the festering sore. Our social reformers say that if they can put down loitering in the streets, the evil will be removed. Boys and girls must not be permitted so many opportunities to meet after nightfall, and so on. This is all very proper in its way. But it only deals with the effect, and not the cause. Moral reform, to be of any use, should go to the root of the evil, and no Act of Parliament merely dealing with the effects of a cause can avail. Reform Must begin with the parents with whom lies the responsibility for the evil every body recognises and condemns. It is idle for them to deplore the disobedience ftnd depravity of their offspring. Let them cease to utter useless complaints, and set themselves resolutely to work to remedy the state of things, which is discreditable alike to themselves, «nd to the age they live | in. Let them try to make home a place worthy the name, so that their children may come to recognise that there is indeed "No place like home." Recreation is to the young, as aeces I atry m food or ilttp, If they cannot

1 get it at homo, they will seek it abroad , I and in bo doing, they often fall into evil conrses. The moral deducible from this is obvious,&nd parents should take it to heart, and the state should help parents to keep their children under proper control: but not by means of the policeman or the v female inspec tor." The tribe copy book maxim that " idleness is the parent of many vices" is too frequently ignored by those who are always complaining about the undutifulnees of their chil dren, »i well as by those fond and foolish parents, who allow their children to follow the dictates of their own inclinations without let or hindrance. Let the State provide plenty of techni cal schools, and offer prixea to the pupils. Let boys and girls be induced to attend these schools, and so pick up a knowledge of something that will be useful to them in after years* Let us encourage th* establishment of literary clubs. Musical societies, rambling clubi amateur theatrical clubs, anything in tact that will provide wholesome occupa* tion for the active mental faculties of the young. Then by degrees a higher intellectual standard will be attained, and the inducement to frame " Young Persons Protection Acts," and all such measures will bo longer exist. We have heard much, and have read a good deal, of what has been said in Parlia ment about juvenile depravity, con* tempt of parental control and so forth, but we fancy that if we have not actually suggested the remedy, we have at least indicated the cause. The remedy should not be beyond dir

oovery.

Local and General.

%* Interesting reading matter will be found on tha first and fourth pages of this issue.

Masonic—The Geraidine Masonic Lodge will hold their annual ball on September 13.

Wxathbb Fobhoast—Captain Edwin forecasts as under :—North to Wait and South West gala with rain ; glass fall, A Lesson Foa Parliament—The Mayor of Sydenbatn considers that more work was often done at the Municipal Conference in a week than is done in a whole session of Parliament.

Thb Christian—Mr Walter Bentley and the Douglas-Ancelon Company arrived by the express from Oaristohuroh to-day. As already announced they appear in " The Christian," at the Oddfellows' Hall to-night.

Hookit—The matoh Ashburton r Christ church drapers, which was to have been played in the Domain on Thursday afternoon, has been postponed, the Drapers being un able to bring a team to Aihburton until August 23. Ecchbe.—The members of the Ashburton Rifles have invited a team from the Guards to play them a friendly game of euchre, the proposed tournament to take plaoe early next month. The Guards will be there.

Bachelors' Ball —About 30 couples attended the bachelors' ball at Greenstreet on Friday in the schoolroom, which had been well prepared for the occasion; Re freshments were provided by Mrs A Clark and Mrs F Knox, tba table being neatly arranged Indian Famikb Fond—Yesterday Mr Ferriman cabled the ifth £100 to the Bishop of Bombay for this fund. The fund closes on August 15th. Intending subscribers should forward their amounts before that date.

Tmb Coal Output—The output from the Weutport Goal Company's mines last week was 5971 tons 15cwt; from Greymouth the Blackball Coal Company exported 1717 tons 4cwt coal, and the Brunner Company 2193 tens Bswt coal, 4 tons coke, and 10 tons lOcwt brickr.

Trafficking in Dredging Shabm—-The Council of the Churches (says ft Dunedln telegram) evidently contemplate taking up the question of tnffiin g in dredging and other shares, which ia considered to be as bad as any gambling. The matter w»» brought) op last night, but wat blocked, ai ib was new business.

Extension o» theDbih. Shbd.—Owing to the diffioulty experienced in moving the local companies about the shed, when over 40 men are on parade, the necessity for improved facilities has forcibly presented itself. We understand it is contemplated msmoraUsing the Goverment to extend the shed at least 20 teet, so that both companies may ere long expect to obtain a suitable area ia which to move.

Tbi Libutknanot of th» Guards —The election of a junior lieutenant of the Guards, to fill the vacancy canted by the resignation of Litutenant R M Cuthbertson, will take pl&oe on Monday evening nexo. Two oandi datet have announced their intention of oonceitiog the position, viz.—Private R Shearman of the Guards, and Mr A J TyrrelUßaxter, who for tome time held an acting-lieutenancy in the Patea (No I) Rifles. Voltjntbbrs.—There waa a very large muster of the Guards at the intpeotion parade laat evening, 57 being accounted for. Captain Sparrow waa in command. Owing to insufficient ahed accommodation filea were detached, and even theo only primitive company movements oould be exeouted. Lieutenant Niooll and the sergeants were responsible for the minor movement!. LO.O.F.jM.U.—The Secretary of the Loyal Ashburton Lodge notifies, that owing to the Hall being engaged for the baohelor'a ball on Friday evening next, the ordinary meeting Bight, the Lodge meeting falling on that date will be held one night earlier, viz, on Thursday evening, 26th mat. It hat been deoided to hold the Lodge's Annual Social on Auguat 22, and a atrong and energetic committee have the arrangements in hand, and it is their intention to make the social, in the matter of detail, equal to any th»t the Lodge has held in the past. Football—The following is the team to represent the Guards in the football match, Guarda v Rifles, on Thursday : F Clark, R S Shearman, D Grant, Lieut. Niooli (cap tain), H Moon.F Smith, D Leitob, L Niooll, Culverhouse, J Dorm, B Boyle, P Orr, S Dixon, A Catea. Emergencies, C Willie, W Schwartz, £ Burrows The following will repretent the Rifles Football Team— Baker, Stribbling, Pritohard, Oullen, Wilton (captain), Minnie, Hefford, Ohllds, Hillgrove, Hodgson, Nlohoils, MoElera, Smitheram, Collina, Clayton. Emergencies —Hoikins, Hardly, Simpson and McKay. Both companies intend joining in a smoke concert in the evening at the drillshed. Gddfxllowshif—The usual meeting of tho Loyal Nil Desperandum Lodge of Put Grands, waa held ia the Oddfellows' oham bert on Friday evening, Bro W Soal, Presi dent, in the chair. After the routine business had been transacted, a school was formed. The Secretary (Bro A Pateraon P G) oon ciuoted the examinations in the four minor degrees. Bro T Norgan PG, the P G's de gree. The President then took charge of the school, and gave valuable inttrucbions in the purple degree, The Secretary informed the Lodge that a candidate for the purple degree would be presented next lodge night, and i the necessary arrangements were made for receiving the candidate, and conferring the degree. Questions for the good of the order were theu taken, and a very pleasant and profitable meeting was brought to a dote in the way peculiar to Past Grands* Presentation. —At the conclusion of the parade of the Guards latt evening, Captain Sparrow, on behalf of No 4 section of the Company, presented Sergeant E M'Tigue with a handtomo travelling bag. In making the presentation Gaptain Sparrow spoke in eulogistic terms of the manner in which Sergeant M'Tigue had performed hit duties while attached to the Company, and he hoped ho would further gain dittinction in his advanced position In the forces of the colony. Sergeant M'Tigue, in replying, thanked the members for the present, and hoped they wouid oontlnue to Improve and pull together as pleasantly as'during his term of eel vice in the corps, and wished all farewell, etpeciaily his section No 4, with whom he had apent mauy pleasant hours. Sergeant M'Tigue leaves for Wellington by the afternoon train to-day.

An Ashburton Man in Johannes burg.

Mr Harold Herman, formerly a resident of AtshburtoH, who has been for aoonside - ab!e time a resident of Johannesburg, writes to his sister, Mrs D Zinder, under date sth Jane, and we have been permitted to make a few extracts from his interesting letter. Mr Herman was one amongst about a thousand Britishers who were permitted to reside in Johannesburg after the war broke out, over 130,000 other foreigners having to leave. Th< y wero treated well enough until the arsenal was blown up, when the Dutch gave them 30 hours to olear out. There was only one place they oould go to, and that was Lorenzo Marques, Delagoa Bay, where they all went, and then proceeded to Port Elaibsih, whare he was at. date of writing. Mr Herman was working in a gold mine when the war broke out, and he thinks that was why the Boers let him stay, as they wanted the mines kept going. If he had not been granted a permit he says he would have joined the Imperial Light Horse, as it was nearly all oomposed of Johannesburg men whom he knew. Mr Herman says he hioks his brother Edward wat taken prisoner by the Boers amongst some if Roberts' Horse, about Ist May. One opinion recorded in the latter before us is remarkable, if it is at all a general »ne, and thai Is that " if it had not been for the Colonial Contingents, and especially the loyal Africanders, Great Britain would never have won in this war." " A good half of the lives that have been lost were due to the hideous mistakes of some of the British officers. When you write next don't put * B.A.R ' on the iavel ope, because the Transvaal will be a republic do longer, Britain is su.e to annex "it, the same as the Free State. 1 While in Johan nesburg Mr Herman never saw an English paper. The paper printed there was in favour of the Dutch, and only published account! of Dutch victories, magnified a hundred times. "When General Butler made his third attempt to get over the Tugeia and failed, we all thought it was all over and the British would never suooeed in gettlig into the Transvaal. . . .1 was not sorry when they put) me over the border. They searched ma four times between Johannesburg and Delagoaßay, mostlj for papers."

Sporting.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP.

United Press Association-By Eleotrio

Telegraph Wellington, July 23 Advance has been scratched for the New Zealand Cap.

G.J.O. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING

Wellington, July 21 The following weights have been declared for the Canterbury Jockey Club's Grand National Meeting :•— N,Z. Grand National Btee*leohas», of 650 soys; three miles and a half.—Plain Bill 128, Dcmmy 123, Nor'west 1113, Blaok Dust 116, Blackberry 114, Roller 113, Morag 112, Kauri Gum 10 9, Kanaka 107, Dr Bill and The Guard 10 6. Dundee 10 5, Kaimate 104, Torpina 103, Dingo and TiliielOO, The Friar 912, Tataramoa and Straybird 98, Tally ho, Sylvanus, Apre mete, Firework*, Pipi, Jack, Pilot, Kowhai, Gorse.

N.Z, Grand National Hurplb Hahdi cap, of 500 sots ; about two miles—Cheva lier (late Cavalier) 128, Record Reign 12 5, Plain Bill 120, Hex 118. Nor'west 113. Roller 112, Marina 1013, Dundee 1012, Torplna 1011, Black Dust 1010, Ruama hung* 10 7, Hauriri, Light and The Guard 105, Woodland«r 104, Kaimate 103, Sui*: dial 102, Coeur de Lion and Derringcotte 100, Dr Bill 910, Hotu 97, Haydn, Bonnie d'Eau, Cora Linn, Sylvanus, Taplow, Paria, Voltigeur, Pilot and Halolon 90 ,

Winter Cup Handicap, of 300 soys; one mile—Record Reign 12 9, Sir Liunoelot 11 9, Crusoe 118, Conqueror 11 2, Djio Djin 111, Ruamahunga 1011, Bush Rose 109, Ben Farley Hod Nihilist 108, Goldspur 106, First Blood and Ideal 105, Strathnairn 104, Sundial and Laßting 10 0, Derringootte and Huku 913, Female Franchise 912, Scottish Minstrel 911, The Spinner, Bristol, Bloomer and Cameo 910, Vandyke and Phryne 98, Busannah 97, Indian Shot 93, Ruby Twist, The Miner, Spider, Lapidary s Sub Rosa, Daphne and Propsal 9 C

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Auckland, July 23 For 31 sections of King Country land there were 641 applications, including many from the south.

Two temperance canvassers were charged »5 the Police Court to-day for signing their namea aa witnesses to claims for enrolment on the electoral roll without having aeen the signature of the claimants written first. One, Frederick Mullin, was fined £2 and oosts; the other, William Richardson, a well known temperance leoturer, £5 And costs. Rjchardeon was alto reprimanded for endeavouring to turn the Court into a political meeting, and John Roaoh waa cautioned for interrupting the Court by applauding Richardson. A special Gasttte to-night notifies that permanent possession has been taken of the Midland Railway by the Government. Christgxukoh, July 23 £ At a meeting of the Building Committee of the Cathedral, the financial reports which were submitted were considered to warrant going on with the work of completing the structure* It was resolved to take the necessary steps preliminary to calling for tenders with a view to the inauguration of the work in the jubilee week. At Kaiapoi to-day, a man who had supplied a prohibited person with liquor was fined £10 and oosts. The acouaed had previemly been oonvioted of a similar offence.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting, adjourned from 9th insfc, was held laat evening* Present—All the Cotmoillora

FINANCE

The Mayor reported the bank balanoe to be Dr £714 19i 4d ; amount received singe iait meeting, £150 10« 8d

CORRESPONDING! Correspondence wat read aa follows: From Controller and Auditor General, returning balance sbeet duly audited From Secretary General Post Ofioe re town olook

From General Manager Railways re re moval of stationmaster

From Mr De Beer drawing attention to the clock towers condition Several Councillors stated that attention had frequently been called to the fact that the olook often missed striking altogether The Mayor suggested that the Postmaater General should be asked how soon the new olook tower would be erected

From F H Beckingtal*. applying for T S No .—Granted

From County Council re spikes on traffic bridge From Aahburton Fire Brigade announcing that Lieutenant R Doan had been appointed aenior lieutenant in place of Lieutenant Barber, appointed captain and inspector From Hampstead Town Board re culvert), alto objecting to oulverts in Cass and William street, as not being necessary at present It waa decided to point oat that tht culverts referred to were required From H Kingham, asking to have reserve adjoining his property Jeleared of gorst.— Referred to Reserves Committee

From A J Miller re half ooat ef fence between his property and the Council's From various ratepayera asking for altera tions to roll, all in order being agreed to From R F Lewis, applying for renewal of hase for five yeara—Referred to Reaerves Committee with power to aot, but only to let from year to year From Canterbury Agricultural College, forwarding sundry reports,—Received and acknowledged From the Health Commissioner, Christ church, announcing intention to visit The Mayor stated that Dr Sytae had already visited Ashburton, and had expressed himself highly pleated with its sanitary condition

From Reserves Committee Asking for extension of time re leties*—Granted knqinber's »h?o»t The engineer'! report wm read. Ib refnrii to iht foruttioM of Dobioa strttt j

I a patent street sweeper was now being I ] made; recommended that the footpath near • I Captain Coleman's be attended to 5 stated . that Mr Xi! worth wished the Council to take ) delivery of strong room door ordered some 1 time ago a« he was giving up business 1 It was decided that the matter of the strong room door should be left in the hands of Crs Scaly, Thomas, and Pauling The report os a whole was adopted inspector's re?»rt The inspector's report stated that the yards were all in fairly good order, those that had been wet were drying up § uickly. Had seen all the dootora and learned that there were no infeotious diseases in Ashbur ton at present

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE The Mayor gay« a resume* of that portion of the work done at the Conference of interest to this district:. The most important thing done was the consideration of the new Bill introduced Into Parliameut by the Premier. But as the Bill only came down late, there was no time to consider it, aod * committee was appointed for that purpose. Another point that would interest Councillors was that the insurance scheme adopted by this Oounotl was approve i of, and ordered to be printed. So also with regard to the ■ahetne for compelling adjoining local bodies to unite in forming a general Board of Health, which will be embodied in the new Bill. He (the Mayor) would gtv« a full report) of the Conference work at next meeting

LIGHTING Cr Thomas brought up she report of the Lighting Sub-Oommittae, and utated that. they had mot with * difficulty at (he start, its they found that exhaustive txperr. report! would float £35, which was more than the Sub-Uommitten felt justified fa expending without further authority. H« therefore asked for further Instruction*. He thought the expenditure should be incurred The Mayor thought the Sub-Committee had put the oart before the horse. They had to ascertain that the Gas Company would •ell, that the terms should be agreeable to the Council, and that the ratepayers would endorse the Council's action

Crs Scaly and Jones said the Company had offered the works

Tha Mayor suggested calling a public meeting to teit the feeling of tha rate payers Or. Davis favoured getting an altogether outside opinion upon the Gas Works. He was in favor of granting the £20.

Cr Pauling thought there was no use call ing the ratepayers together until they had something definite to put before them.

Or. Davison a«ked if there wat a definite offer from tht Gat Works.

Tha Clerk said that the Directors of the Gas Co, had said they would favourably oonsidtr an offer to sell at £9000

Or. Joliffee said that if a meeting of rate payer* was called another meeting would have to bt called to deal finally with tha matter t

The Mayor laid that would not be necessary. Or Jones thought that i! they called a meeting re lighting by gas they should be in a position to show the oost of lighting by eleotrioity. He strongly advocated electricity. He understood the eosfc of lighting Gore by that meaus was only £150 a year.

The Mayor.—No, £290 a year: 0/ Jones quoted other iostanon in the same direction.

Cr Willis agreed with the Mayor's suggestion to put the question of whether the Gas Company's Works should be purchased or the Borough shonld be lighted by eleotrioity, and get from them a straight out answer—yes or do. He saw no necessity for expending £36 until that answer had been given, and ha should vote against doing so. He thought the ratepayers had sufficient oonfidtnes in their representatives to trust them w'th the details of the scheme.

Cr Paul thought that the expenditure of £35 to get an expert opinion was very reasonable. He would not like to go before the ratepayers without definite information.

Or Thomas then moved that the expendi ture be autbodied. He thought it would be money well spend O Davis seconded. He thought all postible information should be pot before fche ratepayers Or Paul apoko in support of the motion. He did not assume that the ratepayer* would aocept either the proposal. Bat as they had gone so far he thought they should go on with th« matter. This town was growing rapidly, and the question of light in«r most be settled soon.

Or Jones also supported the motion. The Mayor put the matter in another light, and illustrated by a bnaineaa proposi thftt the ratepayers would probably aot precisely as a business nan would in wish ing. The motion was oarried, For : Ors Thomas, Paul, Pauling, Joliffe, Scaly, Davis, and Jones. Against: The Mayor, and Cra Davisonand Willis, QUESTIONS Several questions were disposed of, - Cr Davis wishing to know who was responsible for the fir trees on the road near the bridge. The enginesr was instructed to report at next meeting. NJSW BUSINIBS Cr Thomas moved that the plan of the new building should be oonsidered at the •ext meeting of the Council, whioh was ■ agreed to. Cr Willis drew attention to tbe disgrace ful state of the western end of Wills Strset, whioh was quite impassable. Cr Jonea eononrred,

Or Softly alto pointed out the condition of Eatt Street.-—The matter wu referred to the Work* Committee. VBNJDIM The tender of Mr Spiotr for £52 10a, for new formation of 22 ohains in Dohson •tree*, wm aooeptiod MMkVtJI OPfICIR Dr Bolger'a offer to undertake (he duties ef Health Offiaer for the borough was aooeptad, subject) to the usual conditions SINKING tITND I.OAN The Major eaid the Oommiuioseti had to invert the £50 to be paid into tho linking fund, and he thought the Council's own debenture wouid be the very safest invaitmenb they oould have Or Joliffe thought this a motto ingenious flan. (Laughter.| The suggestion waa approved of BALANCE 07 liOAK It waa deoided to float the balance of the new loan on the beat terms obtainable ACCOUNT! Acoountt amounting to £237 19s 7d were passed for payment, and the Council eat a DOMAIN BOARD. The Curator'a report atated the abatement of Mr Pauling that horaea are admitted into the Domain on Sundaya waa inoorreot. No horaet or oarriagea are, or ever have been, admitted on Bnndays. The Gurator alto atked inatruotiona aa to aaphalting (-he bioyole track. The olay waa now ready.and the work will be undertaken at toon aa the Sporta Association explained what alteration was required in the tra«k, Mita Sergeant:, of Rookwcod, had written offering farnt for the fernery

Mr Thomas urged that the work promised to be done on the bicycle track should be proceeded with as soon as possible. It was pointed oat that the weather was unsuit able for the proposed work, and aotlon was deferred.

The Mayor stated that a lady had preaented a "tame" wild duck to the Domain

The Board then adjourned

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Eieotrio Telegraph—Copyright HoNGKOK®, July 23

Responsible Chinese officials admit that it has been possible to communi cate with Pekin for three days, bat the telegraph officials were threatened with death if any disclosures in reference to the massacres were made.

Diplomatists btlievethe maintenance of secrecy ie designed to facilitate hi Hang Chang's negotiations to foiter international jealousies, enabling the Ooart to remove to Sian-fa, the capital of the province of Shen-»i. Property werth millions of taels wa» looted at Tientsin, also two official treasuries containing two million taels. The Japinue, British, and Amerioaa

officers restrained their men. They recovered a considerable quantity of loot, and compelled one civilian to disgorge ten thousand dollar*.

Korean troops had an encounter with Chinese on the Korean frontier.

July 24

Great Britain's decision to oo'd 3000 troops in Hongkong In readineis to ope rat o in the Yang t**e province has allayed the panic in Shanghai

Sydnky, Jaly 23

In reply to an enquiry for informa tion regard ng China, Sir Wm Lyne has rec» Wed a cable from tho Governor of Hongkong stating " Bishop Hoare informs me of tho safety of all Austra lasian mission*, including the Foochow missionaries."

Special reference to the Pckin mas sacres was made in (he various churches throughout the colonies yesterday; Mklbovrxi, July 2S

The secretary of the Missionary Society has received a message from Foochow that all is quiet, and mission aries have no appreheasion of da»g«r. St. PsraitnvM, July 23

An Imperial ukase proclaims a state of war in Siberia, Turkestan, and the Semiryechensa province in Bosnian Turkestan.

Hamburg, July 23

A strike of fitters aboard the trans ports here is delaying the despatch of the German contingent to China,

Transvaal War.

Boer Attack Repulsed.

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, July 23

The Boers, with four gnus, sur rounded and determinedly attacked the railroad near Heidelberg on Satur day. Detachments of the Dublin Fusiliers, Engineers, and Imperial Yeomanry repulsed them before rein forcements despatched by General Hart arrived.

A New Zealander (H T Hall) was slightly wounded at Bethlehem.

London, July 22

The Boers have wrecked a train con veying twenty-one invalids between Krugersdorp and Potchefstrom. In the engagement at Homankraal, Sergeant Maxwell was killed and Pri vate Gardiner wounded. Both wore Qoeenslanders.

In the House o! Commons Mr Wyadham anncmncd that 12,200 troops had been sent to South Africa Binca May.

Capetown, July 22

' In anticipation of reinforcements being sent to China, an additional 10,000 men are being raised in Cape Colony.

An employee of the Gape Govern ment implicated in the rebellion, has been sentenced to five, years' imprison ment, and two others to three years each.

Adelaidk, July 23

News has been received that Lien tenant Tnckwel), of the South Austra lian Militia, who joined Bethuen's Horse, has been killed in Zuiuland. London, July 23

Professor Watson Oheyne, of King's College, London, an eminent authority on surgery, in a lßtter,condemns the absence of independent transport for ths Army Medical Department in South Africa. He declares that the New South Wales field hospital has done the greatest amount of good work daring the campaign, and says the Medical Department would often have been in serious difficulties without it.

THE NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENTS.

United Press Asaoei&tion—By Electric Telegraph Wkllington, July 23

Amongst the members of the New Zealand Contingents who have joined the Police in South Africa are the following hailing from South Canterbury :—Private A H Wilkie, Ashburton ; Private W Clouston, Geraldine; Private Grey, Color-Sergeant E Harper, Christohuroh ; Private 0 W Eusor, Orari; Private H Bennett, Geraldine; Private J Henderson, Orari; Private 0 R Moss, Winchester; Private E Stone, Titnaru; Private 0 F VennoiJ, Orari.

The Premier has received a cable from Major Cradock stating that the following New Zaalanders died from enteric fever :~ Privates F P Brown, Timaru ; F Broome, Wellington; T M Freeman, Waimate (formerly of Ashburton), No particulars are given Piloher cables that Corporal Ptddie, of Brabant's Horse, has joined the Pretoria constabulary. Trooper L E Smith, of Strat ord, died of his wounds on May 6. Major J Rose waa wounded at Bankenkop on July 3. (There is no Major Rose known). Lance* Corporal II F Half was slightly wounded at Bethlehem on July 5. (This name evidently has been mutilated.)

UHRISTOHOBCH, July 23 Major J Rote, mentioned in Mr Pilcher'e telegram from Capetown, ia probably J Rose who was Captain of one of the companies of Third Contingent, but resigned his commission on the voyage to Durban. On arrival in Booth Afrioa he joined Robert's Horse as a private and was after wards promoted to the rank of Sergeant* Major for gallant work on the field.

A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.

A FAMILY ATTACKED BY BLACKS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrie

Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, July 23

Hilda Mawbey and Miss Kerz(the school mistress) escaped by the bed room window, and fled, holding each other's hands. After tomahawking the others, Jimmy and Joe Governor pursued and killed Mm Kerz Tkey then overtook Hilda through her fall ing into the creek. Mrs Mawbey, in her dying depositions, slated that ahe only saw Jimmy and another black named Jockey in the room. She heard the others outside.

The police are following the tracks, The three hlacki are showing gr.*at cunning in effacing their tracks by walking in each other's footsteps, When fired on some, miles from the scene, Jimmy raised his rifle, but did not fire, and is believed to have do ammunition.

The two Governors are notorious characters, and Jimmy is an ex tracker* Jimmy's wife states that the tragedy wai contemplated for some time. It wai intended to murder the Mawbeya, but the one who wai to do the killing arrived too late. The mur derers declared their intention of stealing the boraei, and going to the Govlburn river to kill three of their own people, who the Governors arer killed their father. Jackey and Porter offered great resistance to their arrest. At the inquest on the victims of the

murder by blacks, Albert Mawbe

aged ninp, gave evidence that he was awakened by hearing a black in the room. The man threatened to blow out his brains. He slipped out while Percy was being killed and ran to inform hit father.

George Mawbey, a cousin, aged thirteen, was sleeping in the same room, and heard Mrs Mawbey and the girls screaming. He followed Percy into the sitting room and saw two blacks. One killed Percy, He heard the voice of another outside, and recognised it is Jimmy Governor's, urging the other to dash out their brains, as he had had enough of the Mawheya. Witness ran to a bedroom and hid under the bed till the murderers went.

July 24 Two little children who were with Mrs Mawbey in her bedroom were not touched, and slept throughout the tragedy.

Grace escaped from the room, bat vu cut, down just outside. Mawbey, who was sleeping in another part of the selection, arrived ten minutes after the murders, The blacks evidently heard him coming, »sd cleared joat.

Stdwbt, July 28 Information reached town late to* night that an elderly crippled man, Alex McKay, had been killed by fcwo blacks at Sportsman's Hollow, on the road at Gassilis. McKay's wife wm dangerously wounded. The murderers are described as being identical with * the Mawbey murderers. They carried rifles and tomahawks, and had twe horses supposed to have been stolen from the scene of the tragedy. In the direction the murderers were reported to be making great excitement prevails and a large party of armed horsemen is in hot pursuit.

(Received Wakapuaka Jnly 23, 10.45 p.m, Ibis Office 11.40 p.ml

Stdkky, July 23 Mrs Mawhoy is dead. She stated that Jack Undurwood, the third black accompanying Grovernor, killed Percy. Mr Mawbey cays he was on the best of relations with the blacks, who wore fencing. They owed him a few shilling!, and h« refused to give them any more money till they earned it, bat allowed them rations, ,

Reoeived Wakapu&ka Jnly 24,930 a m Thie Office 961 am Stdmey, July 24 The report of the death of Mrs Maw* bey was premature, but she is in a very low state.

Received Wakapuaka July 24, 9am TfeU Offio#92o am)

Sydhby, July 24 At the inquest on the Mawbeys, Jimmy Governor's wife gave evidence to tha effect that she quarrelled with her husband the night of the murder, Jimmy Jackey Underwood big: Joe Governor and Jackey Porter good-bye, stating that he intended leaving the camp, but came back in about an hour. Jackey gaid he had killed three Maw beys, Jimmy and the other three hearing Maw bey coming, they all left ths camp.

Sudden Death.

United Press Astooiation—By Electric Telegraph

WELLiKGTOtr, July 23 A lad named Percy Webb died tuddenly bc-day on the pramiaea of Wilkint and Field, in whose office he wag employed. .The cants^ of death was luffooatioo, the remit of a sudden seizure.

The Dorcas Society.

The sixth annual meeting of the Ashbur ton Dorcas Society, was held in the Waka nui Road Board Office on Monday af teraoon. The chair was taken by the Rev. R A Wood tborpe M.A, who congratulated the society on the excellent work that had been don* during the pait year* After explaining some of the systems of charitable relief jn Engi land and other countries, he said that we needed in AshburtOM * small committee or bureau of charity, o«niisting,of represent** tives from all charitable funds in our midst, who might confer from time to tine with one another, and with the agent of the State Charitable Aid Board. By this meant we could prevent overlapping, and could render valaable assistance iv really ncoeeeit' ohs oases.

The repert of the Secretary (Mrs Alfred Curtis) shewed that the following ladies had joined the aooiety tiuriag the year* Mes* dames Davison, R Hart, Armer Orr, Main', waring, Tennant, Pickles, Tabutesu, and Miss Williams, and that one member had resigned. Daring the year 278 garments had been made, and 214 given sway to famiiiea in the district, and that bnniles of clothes had been sent to the Ashburton hospital, and the Chriitohuroh Female Refuge. The balance sheet was read by the Treasurer, Mrs Trevor, who stated that the total receipts for the year, including a bal' »noe of £23 la 2d fram the previous year, amounted to £46 16s Id. Of this sum £18 3a 6d had been expended in the purchase ef material, Ac, leaving a credit balance of • £28 lla 7d.

The report and balance sheet were adopted, and the following ofioers wm elected:—President, Mn Woodthorpe; Vioe-Priaidents, Metdames Buckley, Tho mas, M. Friediander, J. Orr, »nd Bi Fried* lander; Treasurer, Mrs Trevor; Secretary, lira A. Curbii; Aaaiitank Secretary, Miss Purnell; Visiting Committee, Meadansef Bland, R Friedlander, Trevor, and Brook; Buyara and work managers, Meadimea Max Friedlander, J Orr, and R Friediauder. Hearty votes of thanks were aooorded to bha Wakanui Boad Board for the nit of the. room j to the Secretary and Treasurer ; to Mesdames M Friedlander, J Orr, and R Frledlander, for their valuable help in cutting out and preparing work, etc, and to the chairman. A note wm received from Mraßuokley, expressing he? great interest . in the Society, and regretting her inability to be present at the meeting, aid promising a donation of two guineas to the funda of the Society. Bafore the meeting closed, two prizta, given by the Secretary, (Mrs A Cwrtit), were presented to the twemem* bera who had attended the meeting a mosfc regularly daring the year; a handiomely oar red tea tray to Mra Stephana, and * beautifully carved piotare frame to Miaa ■ Purnell. Mist Violet Pflraall WM the recipient of a very handsome gold bracelet* subscribed for by the members of the Society, aaa token of their appreciation of her valuable help in providing refreshments at the weakly meetings. After some disouasicn the suggestion of the chairman, with regard to the establishment of a small bureau of charity wag adopted, and Mra A Curtis, tho Secretary, waa appointed the Society* repre sentative.

SPRINGBURN.

From Oar Own Ooirtiponriint

During the latt ftw weeks we have had exceptionally mild weather for this time of the year. The nighti, although Tory cold with exceitive frosti, wen followed by bright and lunny day§, with now and then a lighfe breeze from the tjer'-wwt. On Friday night the wind from that) quarter blew muoh stronger than uiaal, until ib culminated in a very high gale, which continued until mowing. Then a change from the sott'-weit set in, accompanied with rain, ileet.and a elight fall of enow, which lastel until mi«l'd»y. The groiod wu covered, bat at «oon as tha mid-day tan brightened, tha mow very aooa disappeared, so toon th&fe in an hour or two none, except in iheltered ■pots, was to be ioen, W« were wore for*«*te thfta thoie Ufiia

THE A HbURTON ; TUESUAf, JULY U, 1900



'irss quarter 'all moon ASt quarter few moon

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D*te July 24 .. 25  26 „ 27 » 28 •» 29 >. 20 „ 31

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tNEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 6a Boy's Seige Sailor Suits from 7s 6d Boy'd Tweed Melville Suits from 9a Boy's Twred Norfolk Suite f-om 12 8 Bey's Sac Knicksr Suits from 18? 6d Boy's Covert Coa-e from Us 6d Boy's Tweed Overcoats from 6s 6d Boy's Reefer Jackets from 6s 6d By's Football Jew eys from 3a 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy's Sailor Tarns Is each FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE ©O TO THB NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING a FACTORY. "WK ACT STRAIGHT" IN SELLING HONDAI-LANKA TEA. *» rpHB PRICE IS THE SAMS"' IN EVERY PROVINCE OF THE X COLONY. WE don't sell Is 9i Tea at Is 3d, and 2a Tea at 2s in Danedin, and at 2a and 2s 4d in I imam and surrounding district!. Beware of these slippery modes of doing business. Ask for Pore Unblended Hondal-Laaka, and see the PRICE and NAME is on Packet AGENTS—Messrs Hibbs Bros., Methven ; Hardy and Co., Rakaia; Mesars Shannon Bros., and Johnston, Ohertsay.



Wm. Strange { ■*,£&-* } Thos. Cov.rd.le A TRIP TO TOWN Is not always PRACTICABLE. Consequently, MANY LADIES residing in Ashburton and District find it IMPOSSIBLE to visit the Establishment of STRANGE & CO. as OFTEN as they could DESIRE. Their annoyance is natural enough. EXPERIENCE has taught them that the big City Establishments, SUCH AS OURS, offer them THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, and the WIDEST CHOICE OF GOODS. But such Ladies can always SHOP WITH US BY POST, as HUNDREDS already do, because they know we are LARGE BUYERS, LARGE IMPORTERS, LARGE MANUFACTURERS. It is also pretty generally known now that WE BUY EVERYTHING FOR READY MONEY, and that we have a LONDON HOUSE which keeps us supplied all the year round, not merely with plain, every-day goods, such as are in constant demand, but with The Latest London and Continental Novelties in Mantles, Costumes, Millinery, Corsets, Gloves, Dresses, Dress Goods, Under wear, Children's Goods, &c. And Our Dressmaking Department closely resembles a West-End of London Establishment. Our flew French Dressmaker, MADAME BOITTEAUD, is acknowledged to be a TRUE ARTISTE. Her creations are the theme of GENERAL ADMIRATION; while our Miss Mazey (in charge of our second room) continues to give the atmost satisfaction to her numerous patrons. As Bespoke Tailors* we have acquired a HIGH REPUTATION. We* make Stylishly-cut Suit (splendid workmanship and material) from £3 3s. Those who prefer Heady-made Clothing will find our famous " ORIENT" BRAND CLOTHING (in all sizes), the NEAREST APPROACH to MADE-TO-ORDER GOODS in the Market find at about HALF THE PRICE. Furiaiisire we Supply Direct from our Factory to the People at Factory Prices. We also have a BEDDING FACTOEY (for supply of pure, sweet bedding), a WIRE MATTRESS FACTORY, and a, BLIND FACTORY (under the charge of those famous Blind-Experts, Messes. GEE). COUNTRY RESIDENTS, If you CAN'T come to town to see vs, you can always , « • Shop with us by Post. State your requirements PLAINLY in writing, ENCLOSE REMITTANCE, and your order shall be filled as PROMPTLY and SATISFACTORILY as though you had delivered it in person. POST FBEE ON APPLICATION. Estimates for House-Furnishing, Blind-Making, Bedding, Wire Mattresses, &c, Patterns of our LOVELY NEW WINTER DRESS MATERIALS, and our NEW SEASON'S SUITINGS, TROUSERINGS, OVERCOAT INGS, &c. (together with full directions for self-measurement), Posx-Fbee on application to



GHRISTGHURGH.



LARGE IMPORTATION of WALL PAPEBS. I HAVE last received (ex ».». Paparca) a Bhipraenb of the NEWEST IN PAFBR HANGING, to which I invite inspection. (Then papers are exceedingly rich in desiet and colouring. People desirous of decorating their rooms later on, may chose their Hangioga from the presont full Stock, and I will Ifcy them Aiida until required. J. WILSON, HOUSE DECORATOR, BURNETT BTBEET* Artists' Material Dep&t, _____ . _- RE-PLATED AND KE-fiNAMELLED Id al! Colours, iaoluding the LiTEST KHAKI, with SilTer and Gold Decorations, From 20s. OATES, LOWRY hB CO. ZBALANDIA OyOLB WORKS, Burnett Stireefc WANTED KNOWN—That w« hay jast opened oar final BhipEoent of heavy Fl»nueietl«B for this Season, and we K«pleMed to ny that ou bayers has teonred them at old Prices. §30 ';ht! valuti —MixoHSiL it (Corker.



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Walter Bentlej as John Storm in The Ohrlstian, to-night



Walter Bentley as John Storm in The Christian, to-night



Walter Bintley as John Storm iv Thi Christian, to-nwht