SECOND EDITION Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations: — MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 For Northern Ports, Westport, and United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, etc. (9peoiftlly}addrea«?d) ( also parcel post porcel», per Tarawera, ro oonneot with Kuinura, at 6.30 p m TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 For Northern Ports, Australia, India, Ghino, Japan, South Africa, Mauritius, Straits Settlements, also United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, via Brindisi (due Sydney November 6tb, due London December 9th), and also British Columbia, Canada, United States of America, via Vancouver (due Vancouver November 29tb) per Waikare, at 10 30 a m jgFor Northern Ports, Westport, and West Ooatt, a'se Australia, United Kingdom, Con tinent of Europe, United States of America, e'c. (to oonnect with {Vaikare at Welling ton), per Rotomahana, »t 6.30 p m

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for October

BUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Astaburton daily for— OHRIBTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 am, 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m {express) TIMARU—at 10.55 a na, 3.50 pm DUNEDIN—ab 12.54 p m (express) SPRINGBURN~ab 4,25 p m

Trains arrive daily at Ashbarton from— OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 *m, 12.48

p m (expreas), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 a tn, 265 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.67 ptn (^preaß) SPRINGBURN-ab 9.45 a m|

Commercial.

LONDON MARKETS.

The London Agent of the aHodated Farmers Co-operative Companies, report! under date September 22 as follows !— Wool—The list of new arrivals for the fifth series of sales for the current year to open on the 9th prox, was closed on the I4bh iaiit., the prescribed quantity (250,000 bales) having been reached on that day. The last vessels in time for the tales Hie. —"Nairnshire," "Tekoa"

There has been very little private enquiry recently and although in the woollen and worsted industries employment ia slowly improving, g^innert'and dealers continue to display gee**l reserve and oautioo. Pro ducers ssy that they cannot turn ojpt material at rates whichconaumers are generally willing to pay, and in view of the largely unsettled efate of affairs there ia little or no disposition to arrange transactions on anything like extensive lines, The position is not at all relieved by the resent numerous wool fallures in France, or the extraordinary condition of ; the Cotton Trade. Probably thfse Jihinga have no direct effect on the woollen tragta here, but at the same time, they cannot fail to have a depressing effect. Choice Cross bred *nd Merino woolb are regarded with the gieateab distrust, for although values are nominally firm, uwrs regard them as more or less artificially maintained and as relatively too high. " Good medium Oroßjifcreds atlll crow in favour owing to their abundaiseoi low prices, and the absence of violent fluctuations; WHEAT.-Whh fairly liberal uuppliei and falling markets in America, the month opened with weak prices, bub values have steadily improved since, with a good trade for foreign and Colonial wheat, which are now quite Is per quarter dearer. English ; wheat? la not by any means freely eftuad, I and our mllUirs are d:reotlng thdr attention to New Zealand ttauripthm The quantity of wheat and $our afloat to the United Kingdom is now estimated at 2,375,000 quarters, as compared with 2 115 o#9 quarters last year, and the quan tity on passage to thp Continent up the total to 3,315,000 against) 3,420,000 quarters in 1899 In Australian wheat on passage, th« 'Rojalgoveroign' from South Australia, 9753 JSSTafa. W B/L, w« soldat 31l oil fc> United Kingdom Io f »ndfor«h> ? .

' menb in September, Ootober, a cargo of I 11,060 quart era of Victorian, by iron tailor, * was placed at 32 jo i f to United Kingdom, and 5000 quarters in parcels for October, November shipment at Sis 9d o 1 f London. On spot the value is 33s per 4961bs ex store. New Zealand paroeii for London have been sold on o i f terms at 29s and 29* 6d,. aooording to desoripbions comprising the parcel, and the present value is about 6d par quarter ovor these prices. Ex store new lung berried is worth 32s and 32* 6d, and short berried 31s and 31s 6d per 4961b* 8o far at tbe coming year is concerned, we shall require at least 25 million quarters, and this quantity we shall only get with difficulty. The United States will not be able to send tis quite so much as in the year just ended, while supplies from the wheat growing prairies of Canada, where they had good crops in 1899, must b« very small. It is, again, hard to see where the deficiency from these two countries can be met from other sources. It is, therefore, perfectly justifiable to expeot higher prices for bread stuffs in the new cereal year upon which we have just entered. Oats are somewhat dull of tale, and 3d easier in consequence of large supplies, There are no New Zealands on the market at present, but some 1724 sacks have recently arrived. Ordinary Bluff are worth 25s and 265, and Canadians 27a and 28s per 3341ba. Duns 18s and 19s per 3361bs ex store Frozbn Meat—There has been a much better feeling on the meat market daring the past fortnight, and all classes of mutton are stronger, the demand being specially marked in the case of small Canterbury sheep which are quite 4d per stone dearer. Heavy and medium carcases are also somewhat less difficult to sell, but there are many more offering th»n of the lighter weights. Best Canterburys are now making 2«6d and 2s 7d per stone of 21bs on the market, and second quality 2* Id and 2s 4dL Bydaey and Melbourne sheep have also improved to the extent of 2d per atone, large and small carcases making 2s an-i 2s Id, the. latter being also the price for River Plate sheep. New Zealand lambs are also meeting with a better enquiry at higher rates, but light 1 carcases have still the preference* Present values at Btnithfield are 2s 10i and 3s 2d per stone. Frozen beef has ndt been in such strong request, but values aie firmly main tained, fores being Id per stone dearer, viz— 2s Id and 2s 2d p«r stone, and hinds 2* 8d and 2a 9d. Four months have elapsed since our ports were closed against live animals from A> gentioa on account of the presence of foot-and-mouth disease in that country, and the effects are becoming increasingly apparent in the diminution of our imports ef live cattle and ebeep for food. There hai been some slight expansion, as compared with last year, in the shipments of cattle from the United States and Canada, but far from sufficient) to make good the diminution in the supply from the River Plate.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit.. MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1900. THE NEW POST OFFICE

This plans of the new Ashburton Poet Office, now on view at the present office, are not exactly what we bhould have expected. From a professional stand point—that of the architect—they are certainly quite a wo k of art ; and even looked at with a view to the convenience of the public and the staff, there is nothing to find fault with. But a moment's examination of the plan of the buildingby any resident ol this town who | has had some experience of our old fashioned nor'-westers, shows that a very serious mistake has been made. We refer to the position of the main entrance, which faces East Street. That entrance will, in business hours, be represented by two swing doors opening itffco ih<? public office, and right in front of which people writing out telegrams will have to stand. Any person who may have had occasion to visit the present poßt and telegrnph offices on Saturday last must have observed how — notwithstanding that | neither of the outer doors open I directly into the offices"—the swing ! doors were continually blown in, and I dust was deposited over everything. i Even papers on the desks and counters were blown about, What then may ! be expected should the arrangement on I the plan of the new building be carried : out ? We trust that the postal authori ties will see their way to correct this defect in the pistol before it ia too late. Another feature seems to us to be a peculiar arrange merit, We refer to the intention to have part of the upper portion of the new building fitted up as offices for letting to private individuals. We cannot understand why the Post and Telegraph Department should ge into basinet! of this sort; in fact we are sure that the public will consider it a moat extraordinary arrangement even under the peculiar governmental system of New Zealand. Are we to assume that the authorities intend patting up shops on the balance of the property ? Many people are speculating about , what is to be done with that. This I office business certainly is suggestive anyhow. We sincerely hope that the Postmaater-General will have the plant altered with regard to the poaition of the main entrance. Should the present idea be carried out we venture to say the authorities will be responsible for a good deal of strong language in the time to come. Is the Postmaster? General prepared to face the anathema of an entire generation 1

Local and General.

The MAiLS.—An Australian mail via the Bluff arrived on Saturday night,

Crops and Fkbd—Occupiers of light land in the oounty have promise, so far of a good season. The frequent rains of late should give the crops a good start. The growth of feed up to the present has been very satis factory. Raid ON A Chwsse Dkn—A .Wellington telegram states that the police raided a Chinese gambling den in Haining street, and made twenty-nine arrests for fan-tan playing. A Niw Whip.—An eleotne whip for borees has been invented; Itgifes the hofse, we are assured, an electric shook, whioh not only accelerates bis pace, but improves his constitution.

The Veldt Ga#B'—A correspondent has discovered that the people who have "•11y been •• at the front" come home with a peculiar expression of the eyes. To South Africans it is quite understandable. It is the veldt gaaej the uneasy, anxious, searching look of a man who expects an enemy in every bush.

BiHEinwa.— Shearing will commence on several properties this waek, but will not be come general untpi after the Ohriatohurob Show. TheSaleyards Company%ere to start operations today and continue during the week, but the ram will now delay shearing for a few days.

Military Afmintmeht —It is rumoured that Lieut-General Sir HML Baadle now serving with the forces in South Africa will succeed Sir William Butler in the command qI the western division England.

I F«oo» Athiatio AsseoiATioH.—A South > Canterbury Schools' Amateur Athletic Associ* I ation was fotmed In Timaru on Saturday, on ! the lines of the Auokland and Cbrietohuroh Associations. It was decided to hold a sports mebting early in December.—lt ici satisfactory to note that the example set by Aehburton ■ in this direction softs nine months ago is J being generally followed, Ourßots ai IHH Fbon*—Dr Gnnan Doyle, \ the grsat novelist, who was ab the front in South Africa, gives his impressions of what he saw there, and in these brilliant pen and ink skctohes the colonial* figure largely. Extracts from this famous writer's article, " A Glimpse of the Army," will be found on our fourth page, Clearing Sale—Mr Rosendale'a auction ab his farm, Graham's Road, Tinwald, will take place on Wednesday next, when nbeep, hacks, dairy cows, implements, harness and furniture will be cleared. The sale will be held by Messrs Friedlander Bros., and will commenoe at 12.30. The Weather—A heavy Nor'wester pre vailed on Saturday afternoon, and in the evening it blew with great force. Bright' flashes of lightning lit up the Western sky with great brilliancy, and the flashes were very frequent, suggesting a heavy storm In the ranges. This morning early rain set in from the sooth, and has every

appearance of oontinuingt Personal—Mr David Zander, who has lived in Aihburton almost from hii youth upwards, left for th» north by the 11 a m train this morning. In spite of the weather > several friends were present to sea him off. We understand that although Mr Zander has purchased a business in the North Island, he will be paying ocoassional visits to Ashburton for some time to come. Mr Zander's family acoompanied him.

Wanxio An Owhbr.—The formal annex' atios of the Transvaal has raised a curious legal point, In the Transvaal Court at the Paris Exposition there is an exhibit whiok is supposed to be the property of the Tranßvaal Governments, bat as the Republio has ceased to exist, and the territory has been incorpor' ated in the British Empire, the question arises—To whom does the exhibit belong

To Anglibs—As soon as the Aehburtoa River is 6b the looal Acclimatisation Society will turn out 10,000 more Rainbow trout. This will make 25,000 which have been liberated in the Ashburton during the last three years. The Society has completed the purchase of the seotion at the month of the river and Intend erecting for the accommoda tion of anglers three small yards for turning horses into. The cook house is now finished.

The Reduced Passage Farbs.—The Rail way Department (says the Fast) is highly gratified with the results of the traffic conse quent on the redaction of fares. The now fares have now been in force for about four

months, and the traffio returns for that period for the whole colony shows that 220, 000 more persons were carried than during the a orresponding period of last year. The increase represents about £1800 in fares. Opbning Croquet Season—The Commit* tee of the Croquet Ciub wjre somewhab unfortunate in opening the present Beaton during the prevalence of » nor'-wester. How ever, a good number of those interested collected at the Domain on Saturday after noon, when several games were played, and the season duly opened. Mr Denshire, president, and the secretary! Mies Graham, proved themselves energetic in controlling the arrangements for the afternoon. The Committee, comprising Meadames Trevor, Purnell, Davison, Wroughton, Miss Ada Bell, Messrs Denshire and Makeig provided afternoon tea in a well sheltered nook . adjacent to the croquet lawn, where ample justice was done to the choice and liberal refreshments provided on behalf of the Club. Following the tea, several photographic groups weie taken, after which a presenta tion of a handsome gold bangle was nude on behalf of the Club by the chairman, Mr Den shire, to the hon; secretary, Miss Graham, who has acted is that capacity for the last two seasons. Mr Denshire expressed the appreciaiion of the Croquet Club for Mies Graham's valuable Bervices, and the kind manner in which they were performed, after which Miss Graham suitably replied. Personal.—Mr E Nordon, who has been appointed representative in South Canter bury of the Lyitelton Times Co, received several very complimentary testimonials on leaving Auckland of the goodwill an<l esteem entertained for him fn that city, His many Auckland friends commenced by tendering him a iarewell complimentary benefit, Fuller's Bijou Company assisting in the function, the principal representatives of the Athletic and Cycling Clubs carrying out the 1 arrangemenes. Aday or two later the Foresters (Court 6945) placed oh record their appreci ation of the services Bro Nordon had rendered to the Court and Order, and arranged for a send off, which was carried out most successfully, a presentation being made. The farewelllng was continued by the members of the Ponsonby Masonio Lodge, who presented Bro Nordon (senior warden) with a beautifully illuminated address, which we have been permitted to see, and ib is undoubtedly a work of art, and is some** thing Mr Nordon will be proud of, apart ' from the expression of feeling ib is intended to represent* Judging from all these evi dences of goodwill, it would appaar that Mr Nordon Is a very useful citisssn, and we are pleased to welcome him back to Ashbur ton.

A Rkminpeb—We with to remind thoie who may require new suits &o, "before te Show," that we have already opened out a large variety of New Goods for the Spring and Summer seasons, comprising the most ♦* up to date "best quality worste suitings, &o, imported direct from the manufacturers. For a number of years we' have always had such a " Rush " of orders just before the holidays, that we found it impossible to execute all by the required time. We would therefore respectfully nrge all our friend (beth old and new) to kindly call and favour us with their esteemed orders as early as possible to prevent disappointment, and oblige Cbaiphbad £ Berryman, the leadiug (Tailors and Outfitters, Aehburton

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

Hongkong, October 26

A thousand Germans, Russians, and French from Tien-tain have gone to Hiang-ho Paoti, in order to protect the lines of communications against the Boxers!

The French Consul at Hankau hag secured Imperial protection for sixty Italian missionaries, in the Shensi distriot.

The Allied columns, after converging at Footing fu, continues it march to Ohing-ting-fu, where there are many European missionaries and engineers. October 27 The Emperor, in a decree, recognises Tung-fuh-slang as guilty of a great crime. M.'Bichon is convalescent, During the removal of powder from a magazine westward of Mukden, a Chinese infernal machine exploded, killing twenty-six Cossacks. London, October 26 The Times states that Ohing and Li Hung Chang have communicated an edict asking the Ambassadors' to indicate what officials are deßerving of punishment, and what form the punish* ment shall take. October 27

The Berlin correspondent of the Daily Newt states that Jtho Southern Viceroys have sought and obtained a promise from the Allies of assistance Against the Court, and that Admiral Seymour proceeds to Nanking and Wuchang to confer with them,

The Breelong Blacks

CAPTURE Of JIMMY GOVERNOR.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, October 27 Information has been receivad stat ing that Jimmy Governor, one of the fugitive outlawed Breelong blacks, has been again wounded, and this time was captured by his pursuers Jimmy robbed the hut of a settler" named Wallace. Wallace located his camp, and a party of sett lers watched till morning, and called upon the fugitive to surrender, but the latter bolted An exciting chase followed. Jimmy Governor received a shot gun wound in the back, but the injury is not serious, He congratulated his captors, and said the police could not catch a new born calf Jimmy had a Winchester rifle, but

it was jambed. For the last three weeks ihe lived chiefly on honey. He is in a very weak state Joe left him on the 17th, and is hid ing about fifty miles from where Jimmy was captured October 28

Jimmy Governor made a long state ment;, in which he declared that the Mawbsye were murdered because they were always taunting his wife that she had married a black fellow. He said Joe shot McKay and Fitzpatrick

The police narrowly missed captur ing them several times. They were tired of being out, and intended to surrender

Transvaal War

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright. London, October 26 The women combatants at Jagers foin are being removed to Oape Colony for punishment- Aytoun's Qaeenslanders captured two field cornets and a number of waggons at Pienaar's river. The Boers held Philippolis several days. The Yeomanry and Nesbiti's Horse expelled them, inflicting losses. Forty-three English cavalry, chiefly Scots Greys, Hussars, and Dragoons, were captured outside Philippolis in the engagemention the22nd. October 28 The capture of the cavalry at Philip polis wait the result of an ambush. General * Barton scattered De Wet's force at Prederickstad, inflicting heavy loss, and capturing prisoners. Barton's Royal Scots and Welsh Fusiliers displayed distinguished gal lantry at Frederickstad. Thirteen were killed, and 28 wounded. Ths enemy abandoned 24 dead, 1 wounded, and 26 captured. Three Boers, who fired treacherously after they held up their hands, were eourt-martialled and shot. Twenty of the wounded assailants were oath-breakers,

General Methuen, Colonel Douglas, and Captain Errol, dislodging and scattering Boers in th<i vicinity of Zeerust, captured 39 Boers and 20 waggons . Three hundred Boers unsuccessfully attacksd Jacobsdaal. The garrison, con sisting of Capetown volunteers and Highlanders made an obstinate resis tance. Fonrteen British were killed.

Theie is great indignation in Caper town at Free Staters having destroyed a section of the railway northwards of Norval's Point

Over one thousand Boera opposed General French's march, fighting and sniping daily A number of Natal rebels exploded a culvert and raided and burned Waschbftnk Station. They tried to destroy New Wasehbank, but Dundee troops arriving, the marauders disap peared in the hills at Glencoe Six thousand of all arms represent ing Great Britain participated in the ceremony at Pretoria, proclaiming the annexation of the Republic The scene was an imprestive one, The Basuto chiefs were present, and tendered to the Governor their expres sions of loyalty to the Queen The Standard announces that the annexation of the South African Re publics will soon be notified to the Powers

Lieutenant N L Calvert, of the 6th Dragoon Guards, haa been killed near Bethel

It is reported that ex-President Steyn is at Fouriesburg, which has been proclaimed the capital A gale and fog delayed the arrival of the Oity of London Imperial Volun teer! at Southampton from the Cape, and the reception is tp be held on Mon day The streets were thronged to-day, and there was great disappointment at their non-arrival Brussels, October 27 The Government threatens to expel Kruger if he prolongs his sojourn in Brussels

INVALIDED NEW ZEALANDERS

SUCCESS OF A N.Z. OFFICIAL

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph

Wellington, Oct. 27

The General of Communications cables to the Premier that the Dslphic lefb Capetown for New Zealand on October 23rd with the following invalids : — Sergeant Sykes, Privates Aitken, Martin, Robertson, Knapp, Barnes, Knudson, Holden, Kirwin, Mont* gomery. " A private letter reoeived in Wellington shows that Mr C. J. Sanderson, one of the New Zealand Agricultural Department's veterinary surgeons who went with our troops to the Cape, has been promoted to to the rank of captain, and reoeived an appointmesb hs Publio Veterinary Offioer to the Transvaal Constabulary. He has also been commissioned to write a report on the best methods of dealing with animal diseases in South Africa, and has opened up a labo* tary at Pretoria. His salary ia £f SO a year. From what he oan sea at present Mr Sander son thinks he will be made P.V O to the whole of Natal ab a salary of £1000 a year. He was getting £250 in New Zealand. He thinks there ia likely to be a big demand for ftozm meat in South Afrioa as the war has •imply exterminated the herds, and before the war the Transvaal oould nob produce enough to feed itself

Lord Salisbury.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph LoxDON, October 27

The Standard states that Lord Salisbury retains the Premiership and portfolio of Foreign Affairs.

Arrest of Sipido.

United Frees Association—By Electrio Telegraph

Paris, October 28

Sipldo has bf en arrested here and extra dited to Brussels, He haa behaved latterly as a militant Anarchist.

CABLE NEWS.

United Presi Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

New York, Oct 26

Aford, the teller of the First Natio nal Bank, has absconded, His defal cations amount to seven hundred thousand dollars,

Manila, Oct 27

The American troops failed to storm a strong position at Narvican, and retired, leaving four killed and nine wounded. The Filipinos lost 150.

CYCLING MEMS.

Where punctures caanot be detected ley sound, at d there ia no water at hand, thoße who smoke have another agency by which a puncture may be found. After having taken the valve to pieces blow two oir three moutbfuls of smoke into the inner tube, then put the valve together taking care not to let the smoke escape. Inflate the tube slightly, and a thin wreath of smoke will immediately denote the leakage. Thia remedy is very simple; and ' can be applied by any smoker, and never fails, no matter how small the puncture may be. A prominent English rider, who for several years was amongst the front rank of England's racing nun, after yeais of experiment, has finally returned to a low gear and a moderate crank-length, find now uses 63in gear, with 6sin cranks. With this combination he finds, with the freewheel to relieve him of excessively rapid pedalling down hill, and to give him an invaluable and momentary respite at times, that he is well suited. Even with such a low gear there is no diminution of the length of his average day's ride, whilst bis condition at the end of a ride is in favour of the conservation of effort and movement which the combination affords. Taken right through, there is an inclin ation of the thinking wheelmen to reduce their gears.

The leather of the saddle may ba kept soft and at the same time preserved by the application of a little soft soap on the under side. This Is especially beneficial after a rainy ride, the water having a tendency to harden the leather, The habitual nse of effective mudguards will have no use for this information, for the mudguard? not only keep the saddle clean and in good order, but area distinct advantage with respect to the appearance of the enamel, as there is very rarely occasion to clean the mod off the tubing, which process, no matter how carefully the operation is perfo:med, almost always I results in the enamel being scratched to a I greater or less extent. The chain, too, is »lso saved from the dirt that the front wheel would otherwise have thrown upon J It.

THE SIEGE OF THE LEGATIONS

A Graphic Account

The Melbourne Argus of the 20th inst publishes a narrative by the wife of a leading Customs official of the siege of the Pekin Legations, from which the following are extracts :

We women had to sefe to work as hard as we could on sand bags, for thousands were wanted. Tho barricades and bomb proof shelters all seemed to I need sand bags, and we made them ac if our lives depended on it, and »b we made them men filled them, I have been asked where we got the Btuff to make so uis»ny sand bags, and truly it was wonderful how we got hold of such quantities. Our volunteers and soldiers bad already begun to make: nor ties, braving the bullets and shells,, and had brought ia all the contents of j the foreign stores and also of a tailor's shop at hand, so we had yards upon yards of material from these sources, ' All kinds of looted Ohineso materials began to pour in 4 too, from a variety of sources, and among them costly Ohiuese embroidered robes were all turned indiscriminately into sand bags for our protectioD. Tne people gave up their tablecloths, curtains, carpets, sheets, spare blankets, and even their clothes to the common cause. One house in the Legation alone produced 300 sand bags in one day, and the others in much the same proportion. I once inquired of someone who ought to know what had been the largest number of the enemy that surrounded and attacked us at one time. He told me he thought 8,000. It would seem! that such a number as that attacking a small body of people like ourselves must of necessity have WIPED US OUT,

lin a very short time No doubt if onr fortifications had not been so strong we should have been destroyed, and more especially if the Chinese had succeeded,, in getting their big guns on the city walls, which commanded the Legations, as they tried hard to do, but oar men (mostly Germans and Americans in this case) were tip there before them, and gallantly held at one time the whole ex tent of the city wall commanding the Legations The holding of *' Fu" across the road was also A GRAND FEAT

This wad quite a large area to defend, and, of coarse, we had very few men to hold it—mostly Japanese, helped by Italians and uolunteera. For the first weeb the Chinese seemed to keep gain ing gronnp here. They set fire to the buildings in the grounds; they made rushes and sudden attacks, yelling horribly the while 5 but though our men sulered badly at times v they held on, and we reinforced them again and again from the little main bancf of defenders, »nd towards the end of the siege, though the enemy actually had got hold of the greater part of Fa, still the part that we held we had rendered bo very Btrong by dint of trenches, barricades, etc, that the enemy could advance no further, and our position in the end wai stronger than in the beginning. Every inch of the Legation wall itself was strongly fortified—the very tiles that paved the courtyards and the verandahs had to be pressed into the service. One of THE MOST AWFUL DAHGHBB '

threatened u« when they resorted to

undermining us. Ihty bad fprang one or two mines in the French Lega tion after having gained part of it. These had been followed by sorties on the part of tho French, in which they drove back the enemy with great slaughter, but much waa done by the successful explosion of these mines. Ihe other Legations suffered infinitely more than ours, the French, perhaps, most of ail, but none lent themselves to defeat in the same way as ours did, The writer thus describes

TMH BELIEF OPERATIONS Thr troops on the road to rescue us heard deadly firing and hurried on, but in the morning's silence they thought all was over, and hastened, as they thought, not to rescue us, but to avengo us. Not till our signalmen were seen on the city wall did they know that it was not too late, yet the silence really meant that we had bafikdonr foes, who were worn out. At about 2 am, a new sound brought our hearts to our mouths in sheer

exaltation, for it was as the music of the spheres, The Maxima of the allied troopt outside were firing—yes, and close too. The suspense waa almost unbearable. Hastily we women threw on any kind of wrap, and went oat to listen to our friends protesting with suck effect through these powerful mouthpieces against the treatment we had so long endured. All next morn ing the roar went on, and came nearer, until our outposts descried the foreign soldiers actually in the streets, Scarcely a quarter of an hour later I saw a tu mult of people rrnning, and heard the sound of the distant cheeri

"the troops! th* troops !' I heard close by, and ran grasping just in time to join in cheering at the first Sikhs ran headlong across the lawn. A more dramatic scene could scarcely be : imagined. They had made superhuman efforts to reach us in time, and had succeeded not a bit too soon.

▲ DEADLY MIKE was discovered. It had been brought to a head right under the Legation, with gunpowcer and fuse ready, Bat for oar stubborn resistance we should have been blown up that night. Bat we kept them occupied too well, The danger had been intense, but it was now no more, even though the enemy I attacked us again after our troops arrival. They, however, killed and wounded two of the Sikhs.

TEE NEW POST OFFICE

An inspection of the plans of tb« proposed new Post and Telegraph Offices for Ashbar ton shows that) ie a general way they have been prepared with an eye to the public con venience. The staff havt not been over looked, as the arrangements for them are fairly good. As we have already mentioned, it ia now definitely settled that the building will occupy the south-west corner of the Posh Office premises, one front facing East street and the other Cameron streeti The former will be 84 fact outside measurement and the latter 66 feet. The height of the building to the roof will be 28 feet, while tha tpex of the main roof will be 40 feet from the ground. The top of the clock tower is to be 70 feet; above the footpath, and the w clock itself 50 feet up. As the tower will, we believe, carry a flag staff, the town will

be able to make a show on great occasions. The walls are to be t<{ brick, faced either tvilh cement or Mount Somere stone. The inside of the building on the lower storey is apparently well arranged. The public office is roorry end lighting ia welt provided for, and both the instrument room and the telephone exchange ate well lighted »nd ventilated. The centre rooms are lighted by good sizad skylights. Lavatories and other conveniences are provided for, bat the drainage is apparently to be carried to a c*Bßpool, an arrangement which will pre sumably be altered. There are to be seven rooms upstairs, not for the officer in charge, as our representative imagined, but to be I*6 aa office!'. There is one serious defsot in the plao, which is thai ib shows the main entrance exactly facing the nor'-wcsfe, with nothing to keep out the dust, wind, etc., but a couple of swing doors. Comment on this is needless, and doubtless representations will be made in the proper quarter, ao that an alter&tian may be made; We leara that the building ia expected to be completed ia about) eight months.

SPORTING.

RICCARTON TRAINING NOTES.

United Press Association—By Bltotrie Telegraph Chbistchuboh, October 29

The strong north-west wind on Sunday and during the night made the tracks fast. Glenogle, who ran seven furlongs yesterday in .1.32£, wm walking, and Cannie Ohlel, who ran a mile ia 1.49 on the plough, did •toady pacing, but Somerled, who galloped a mile and a quarter with Djin Djin yester day beat him in 2.16| this morning, and the Oup hone was scratched for the Gup later on. Miia Dalavel and Oavalieria went twice strongly and Gienaladal galloped a mile in 1.49 ; Dundas doing medium pace. Tortalla and Advance wen then senfe a mile and a half, and the paoo wai well regulated, tb« tirsb quarter in 28secs, half 53|, six furlongs. 1.20}, mile lil±> roaD(i ia 2128 i» fa" distance 2.40§, a sound work gallop. After Malatna and Military had covered a mile at a good threequarter pace they ran home over the four furionga in 51£. Casablanca and la ran three furlongs down the back part; The Shannon and Indian Queen did medium pacing; Boreas was sprinted several furionga, Materoa and Falmea galloped a mile and a quarter strongly, coming home the last half mile in 52§ sees. Gobo did steady work; Warbeok and Whirlwind each strong exercise. The Spinner finished fait dowß the straight- At the end of a round Benzoin, who is improving, did long work; Cora Lino, with the wind behicd her, galloped half a mile in 4ssees, which was nearly equalled by Cavalry, Calibre and Peerage in company. After Ham had galloped a mile and a half, running over the last mile assiated by Skirmisher in 1.4*, and Hermoia had put in a useful spin over several furlongs, Ostiak and Sentry finished together and knocked a second off Cora Linn's time, covering half in 488608, the jumper Long Tom and Cameo taking three seconds longer. Fashion and Whitney got ovwa mile together in 1458ec8, the last half taking them 51Aseca. Ideal went twice round at half to three quarter pacej St Denis and Nihilist e-»oh did better than three quarter speed gallops over about) six furlongs. StrathnaSrn covered about two miles running straight home over th« last five furlong*. Renown and Paphos can tered a mile and a half, and the 1 former ran home the last half mile in fronb in SOjecs. Transport and Cherrystone did hix furlongs round the back in 1.19, the mare in front.* Large numben of otbers were working both before and after breakfast), bat nothing special was recorded, 16 has again started; to rain The latest New Saaland Cup quotations are : -Tortulla (favorite) 3 to 1, Malatua 4k to 1, others unchanged,

SCRATCHING.

Chbistohubch, October 29 Djin Djin was scratched this morning for the New Zealand Cup,

THE ASHBURION &BAfc lAN: MONDAI, OttlttßtiJl- 29, 1000



pirst quarter 'nil muon ;ast quarter Jew moon 'irst quarter

2 8 41 am 9 0 48 am 15 9 21 pm 24 0 7 am 31 7 48 pm



Date , •ctobec 27 " i :: io

•»

Rites 4 50 4 49 4 48 4 47

Sets 6 36 6 33 6 39 6 40



MONEY. jOO £\f~lbr\ TO Laa(J on freehold Be oQfCOKJxJ ourifcy, la Sums to ami) borrower!. 0 W PURNELL, 10 158 Bolloitor, Montgomery » Bulldiagg 4Oongb Onre, Wahoo, Koolibah and Benjamin Gam go to Ashbubxon Dbdo 0). NATIONAL MORTGAGE * AGENCY 00. OF N.Z, LTD. TIMARU IMPROVED FARMS FOR SALE. 530 acres Rangitata, 250 acres Claramonti, 250 aores Waitotiß, 200 aorea Waihao, 250 acres Kingsdown, 1000 a ores Otaio, 500 acreß Totara, Aod others of various steer in South Caster* bury Improved Farms for lease, with right of puroh»ae 1170 aores Fairile, 605 acres Totara, and 265 aores Totara Also unimproved agricultural and grazing farms of various sizes on the Rainoliffe and Levels Ettates, and two well improved Station p opertiea of 7000 aoreß each OWING to a great increase in bußineis we have arranged for extension of premises, and to avoid removing aod storing a lot of our Stock, will hold a Genuine Olearin Sab For One Month, previous to ] the build rs aommeucing operations. This' is an opportunity rarely met with of obtain- ! ing New and Seasonable Drapery and Cloth Ing at Greatly Reduced Prices.—Bobbsi AiLOoas." _ j SPECIAL DISPLAY Of SPRING FASHIONS New Dresses, New Millinery, New Hats and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs Maaline, etc. NEW GOODS AND NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS, YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPECT. ASHBURTON DEAPERY CO. "WILSON'S SHIPMENT OF BEAUTIFUL, N W ARTISTIC Mil PANS. je^gg^^t • T^IRECT from i fco bßnd° The con- I Jl^^yi^Sß PAPERS with —- —rw" trio B6&SOQ. or tin© year to cleante end refresh your homes, and you cannot do better than have a Paper covering over your wails at onoe. You have & complete change at email expanse. WAREHOUSE, BURNETT ST. P.O. Box 16 Telephone 65 A. AttRR AKCHITECT ABO ABB OB AMBERS ASHBURTON. TF you want» NEW HOUSE, or^Altern tlons, or Newest Style of Decorations, CONSULT MR AGER. Call and see the NEW FIBBOSE BLIND Imitation of Venetian, at half the price. GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT. Established 1870. BYERY POLICY GOARANTSBD BY THE STATB, The two prime reasons which haTe led to the extraordinary bonuses ■which this office has been able to declare have been its ECONOMICAL. MANAGEMENT and its BE MAKKABLY FAVOUKABLB MORTALITY EXPERIENCE. " T7ie Australasian Imwrmce and Banking Record" Bays,—"lt [the N.Z. Government office] possesses the splendid advantage of operating In perhaps the health last country In the world." To this, coupled with rigid care in the selection ol lives, has been due the unprecedented^ low rate of mortality which the office has en joyeS. Year by year the actual deaths have fallen fax short of what was anticipated, ana the funds thereby saved have all gone to swell the profits, which at the valuation in 1896 (for three years) amounted in GASH to £225,000 Sterling. Present Funds amount to over THREE , MILLION POUNDS. Annual Income exceeds £300,000. J. H. BICHABDSON, " ■ 3] Commissioned. FOB SALE. (CHEAP.) r\ 00DW1LL af i-9»ae (Perpetual) of 640 Acrea firab o!asa Sheep Country, well fanced a^d watered, with good bouee of 4 kwmks. Sttck can be taken over at v»!u&. tion. E. W. EANMER.



Bar {gains In BICYCLES. Highest Quality, Latest Designs. For One Month Only OATES, LOWRY k GO,, Zealandl* Cycle Works, Burnett Street), Ash' burton, with the view of popularising the Zealandia and Atalsnta Bicyoleß in the Ashburton District;, have decided to offer 20 Cycles at the following very great reductions in price for one month only. Lot 1 — GENTLEMEN'S ZKALANDIA ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80 gear, (Twin Roller chain, Westwood «teel rims, Dunlop tyres, Brook's saddle, enamelled buck with gold liaes. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 10s. 12 montht guarantee* £, 0 b 2—LADY'S, 22 inch frame, 66 gear, adjustable handles, spring seat) pillar, flexible saddle, Wettwool steel rimt, Dunlop tyres. Regular oath price £20. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. 3 — GENT'S ATALANTA LIGHT ROADSTER, 24 Inch frame, 80 gear, Brook's 828 saddle, We»twood ateel rims, Dunlop tyrea. enamelled black with gold lines. Regular oaih price £21. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot) 4-LADY'S ATALANTA, 22 inch frame. 64 gear, leather gear case, Brook's saddle, Weatwood ateel rims, Dunlop tyret. Regular cash price £22. Sale price £16 10s. 12 months guarantee, LotS - GENT'S LIGHT ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80 gear, Kelly adjustable handlebar, Sager flexible saddle, Westwood Bfceel rims, Dunlop tyre*. Regular cash prioe £20, Sale price £15. 12 months guarautee. Lob 6-LADY'S ZEALANDIA, 20 inch frame, 63 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, Brook's latest saddle, enamelled dark green with gold lines and decorations. Rejrular cash price £22. Sale price £17. 12 months guarantee! ot> 7 - GENT'S ATALANTA ROAD RAOER, 24 inoh frame, Twin roller chain, 84 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold lines: Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16. 12 months guarantee. ofc B—LADY'S, 22 inoh frame, 68 gear, adjustable handles, spring seat pillar, Flexible saddle, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, enamelled maroon with gold lines, Regular cash price £20. Sale prioe £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 9-GENT'S ATALANTA, 24iQohframe, Twin Roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood rims. Dunlop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold lines. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 12 months guarantee. f-,06 10 — GENT'S ZEALANDIA ROAD RAOER, 24 inoh frame, twin roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood steel rlirs, Dunlop tjres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black. Regular cash price £21: Sale price £16 10s. Also,— 10 other high class BICYOLES, similar to the above EASY TFRMS OAN BE ARRANGED. All the above Machines are fitted with Dunlop Tyres and Westwood Steel Rims. Rbmkmbeb the Sale is fob One Montii Ohly, flffiUOM & CO- Largest Makers of Cyc'ea in New Zealand. Aabburton Branch, Burnett Street— W- A. SCHWARTZ 00 Manager; ESTABLISHED 1879. F. FERRTMAN, LAND & ESTATE AGENT, LICENSED LAND BROKER; FOR SALE—Brick House, on | acre, Nelson Street, Hampsfcead, within easy distance of the School, and in a direct line with the Railway Station; a Bound Investment for the prica required, £220. Cash « term, p FERRIMAN FOR SALE, Ashburton Suburbs—B acres 32 perches of land, possessing ample frontage on good roade, with substantial buildings, consisting of a good 6 roomed House, Shop, Workshop, excellent Stablss, and Cow Sheds; firat class orchard well supplied with water. The land ia well . i tu.«al.r.«bd l vl,i.n pMRMMAii FOR SALE—S4 acres at Allenton, a very desirable block of good laod, capital frontage, and well watered F FERRIMAN FARMS FOR SALE— 84 acres, capital investment, would let to pay 8i per cent on price required 500 acras, £10 per acre, within 2J miles o Railway Station 600 acres #■,«.■ Several Blocks of Good Sheep Country FOR SALS WINTER'S ROAD, ALLENTON, / An Opportunity to Erect) Your f Own House I HAVE been instructed to Soil Lota 24 and 25, containing one Acre iitaated as j above. The Piles suitable for a new house and ala a chimney with fire plaoe arc already on the Land, as ia also a pump with abundant supply of water. The only other thing necessary is a Carpenter with timber and iron to make a comfortaole; home F FERRIMAN TO LET EAST STREET SOUTH , , \ SHOP available for immediate occupa ■ tiOQ F FBRRIMAH_ PERPETUAL LEASE FOR BALE at Hinds—An exceptionally favourable opportunity of securing a comfortable home, with 44 acres of good grazing land; small yearly rental. Inspect this property before " foe^aleT™"™"^^ .BAVELOCK STREET. WEBT. mOWN SECTION 1171. A ■pleadid X opportunity of securing a building site ia the favourite portion o^^W



SANDER AND SONS EUOALYpT ' EXTRACT J Under the distinguished patrona^ of His J Majeaty the King of Italy, as per cominunioa-' tion made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs through the Consul-General for Italy, at Melbourne, March 14, 1878. Awarded diploma at the Amsterdam Exhibition, 1883. \ Acknowledged by Medloal Clinics and Universities all over the Globe. There are imitations of Euoalypti Extract m the market, products of simple' distillation forming crude reslaons oils. In order that) these orude oils may not be taken, OUR PURE VOLATILE EUGALYPE EXTRACT, which is recognised by the medical division of the PrusslanGovernmen to be of perfectly pare origin, as pa Information forwarded to us through th Consul at Melbourne, Maroh 2,1878, w bate:—' It is proved by testa by the Medloal Olten of the Universities at Bonn and Greifswald ■Prussia, andreported by Dr. Sohuhs.Professor ol! Parmaeology, at Bon, and Professor Dre Messier, Direotor »f the Medical Olinics at Greifswald, that only products that are saturated with oxygen aad freed «f acids, resinous and other substauoes, adherent to primary distillation, will develope the sanative qualities proper to the plan, Allorude oils, or so called Eucalypti Extracts are to b« classed according to the named Authorities, among the turpenelnes, whioh «c abandoned long since as an Internal medicament. These orude oils, or io oalle Euoalypti Extracts, are discernible :— 1 By their deficiency in pungent odour— whioh our product, the only genuine Euoalypti Extract develops most freely through tf>s surplus oxygen. ; 2 By their alcoholic thin and mobile appear* ance being reduced in specifia density through tne presenoe of adds. A By their taste, the result of the contracting tendency of resint and tennates. if these orude oils, so-c lied eucalypti extracts, are applied by mista t* in oases of oroup, bronchitis, diphtheria, internal snflamations, dysentery, etc., the con sequences are most appalling. For lafety lake ask always for SANDER & SON'S EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. — SamJturri, Victoria, Australia „«_,_ SANBEB & SONS. B*] jjiiifw jilpi iy'^ltlili il Prom This Oats NELSON moate * co/sl CELEBRATED PURE TEAS WILL BE PACKED AS UKDZR : I *our »o. Jitst will ).e No-J 2/a *•: ;; I:: lit ;; :; :: i 2/2 *wi'w Tariff— Champion Bikhd, %• per lb. " "00 11 1/8 » » "°° 1/6 I *No'te-N0.4, No. 3 &Champion are new Blends. I __ jn INTRODUCING OUR I We do so with confidence, knowing It I to be the finest quality procurable at the price. I ASK FOR OUR TEAS I HAVE NOTHING ELSE. j All other Brands not mentioned are reduced



Pebsghaj>—Mr N Oates, of the well | known bicycle firm oi Qajjes, Lowry k Co., returned ob Friday from a trip 60 the' Old Country and the Continent. He hat brought with him two motor cart, in one of which w« expect aim to visit Aihburton soon. Smoke New yenus



TESTIMONIAL FBOM OLD ENGLAND • I consider Chamberlain's Cough Remedy the beat in the world for bronchitis/ says Mr Wm Savory, of Warrlngfcoo, England 5 It has Bated my. wife's life, the haying been »' martyr to bronchitis for over six years, being most of the time confined to her bed She U now quite well;' Bold by iihburton Prog Company.



CONSULTING OPTIQIAN Mr Ernest M. Sandatein, DBOA!, FS, MO, who has lately returned after «ix years' speoial study in England attd Con tinent, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary, artificial light being used. Doctors' pre- Boriptioni prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Oashel Street W;, over M Sandetein, jeweller, ChrlstohuEob. 950 to i, 2 to 6 daily.



NOTICE.— The rapid Shitb Globi is ho eaßily used that a obild can gloas collars and shirts, and give them tbo appear once of new—John Orb & Go and Shkabman Bbos "' '



A WORD to the wise—Try the rapidly lightning Shirt Gloss, it nevtt fails— Shearman Bros and John Orb & Co are to Agent*