PHASES OF THE MOON

May

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 1900. QUEEN VICTORIA'S BIRTHDAY.

Of a surety the beautiful prayer con taioed in the first verse of our National Anthem is beiug answered. Our noble Queen has now been spared to us for no less than 81 y( ars, and we join with all the millions of our fellow British subjects iv offering to our beloved sovereign our sincerest con gratulations. Of those born in the same year as our Queen—lßl9 —com paritively few are now alive, and fewer still have been vouchsafed, the magni ficent health and strength given to England's gracious ruler. Those who know, tell us the vigour of Queen Victoria's mental faculties is truly remarkable. Blessed with a wonder* fully retentive memory, she has taken a deep interest in everything transpiring on the continent, and today there is not a statesman living who has such an intelligent grasp of Euro* pean politics as Queen Victoria. Her graciousness and tact have won for her the undying love of millions of subjects who, having never seen her are yet willing to sacrifice their livee to uphold the honour of her name. As the years go by, the devotion of the British people to the venerable lady they are proud to call Queen increases, and to day they breathe, more fervently than: ever before, the prayer, " God Save our Gracious Queen."

THE DREDGING BOOM.

The Mercantile and Bankruptcy Gazette publishes a timely warning to those who may feel drawn towards the vortex of dredging speculation. It says :—We understand that Christ church is considered as now ripe for exploitation by company mongers, who hope to secure untold wealth through the medium of what they call dredging flotations. A year or two ago a small section of our people had some expe rience of what happens when tbe speculating craze takes hold. We had then an epidemic of Chicago, Asbestos, North and South, Colonial, and Foreign Annealing, Smokes, Eu reka*, and half-a-doz^n other ven tures of the same class. Hundreds of people put money into these concerns ; the promoters have the cash. Po far as the contributors are concerned, one at least is in goal, several are ruined, and hundreds depleted of the savings of years. Those who made the money can be counted upon the fingers ; those from whose pockets it was transferred—their name is legion. What happened then in a small way ia to bo repeated now in wholesale quantities, every bit of ground upon the West Coast, which by any strength of imagination can be thought auri fwrous and capable of being liftnd by dredges, has been secured by enter prising applicants, ninety-nine per cent of whom, intend to work the public, not the ground. The modus operandi is simplicity itself. The allot tee of the dredging area has paid ten pounds for fees and expenses in con nection with the acquirement of his claim. He calls in three or four friends, who together expend, perhaps, between them a similar amount, most of which goes for expenses in driving out to the land and refreshments en route. Later on, if the surface looks inauspicious, some pretence of work is done, euphemistically called proving the ground, and after this the claim is considered ripe for flotation. A pros pectus is got out, all sorts of statements are carefully circulated by the syndi cate, a little excitement is engendered, and the company is launched. Our friends rf the syndicate receive three or four thousand fully paid-up shares, ten thousand are subscribed for by the public, and as soon as the thing is fairly started, the holders of the paid op shares commence to gather in the profits. Their shares, fully-paid, are offered for ten shillings ; tbe subscrib ing shareholders have paid five shil lings, perhaps, in application and allotment fees, and cannot stand the competition of the others, who offer the same stock with no further liability for ten shillings per share. As weeks go by the prices weaken ; but, after all, when the time comes for the com pany to go into liquidation, th-^y have got rid of all their shares—not at their face value, but at an average of, per haps, eight shillings a piece. Not only has this -toney been lost to the persons who have become transferees of the shares, but a very large number of contributing shareholders have suf fered as well. This is no hypothetical or impossible state of things, but the actual history of companies *?e could name, as many people in Christchurch have found to their cost. It is not, of course, necessary to find that in all cases companies are floated in respect of properties that the vendors kuow very well are worthless, in many instances of company promotion there is fraud —actual and deliberate—and the pub lic never have a chance of getting back their money. Schemes have been in stituted for swindling, and have suc cessfully realised the expectations of the promoters, none the less because they have been framed under the Com panies Act, and have had apparently some tangible, but delusive founda tion. In most of the instances where advantage has been taken of the gambling epidemic, the company pro moters have believed, or said they did, that they were offering value for the money they wished the public to sub scribe, but they never take up contri buting shares. Ob, no 1 fully paid-up shares only! and these notwithstand ing their faith in the company as a good investment, they turn into coin at tbe very first moment. It is a pity that something cannot be done to restrict the nefarious opera tions of those who use the provisions of the Companies Act for the purpose of placing bogus investments before the public. Such proceedings are a fearful clog upon the development of our best industry, as no one possessing funds which he desires to invest can,

except under most exceptional circum stances, feel safe when associated with him are men who have no wish to remain in the company one day longer than they can help There are many dredging claims on the West Coast which in time will repay good interest on the moneys put into them, but who would c-sre to become shareholders in a concern in which a large portion of the stock is in the hands of two or three persons, who will, it is known, commence depreciating the value of all the shareß, by unloading those they hold upon the earliest possible occa sioD. We think that the Legislature should immediately alter the Act, so as either to forbid paid up shares being allotted at all, or in the alternative restrict their transfer for twelve months from time of the company's incorporation. It would be no hard ship to bona fide investors to pay vendors claims in cash, and if pro* moters were compelled, so iar as their stock in the; 1 company is concerned, to remain upon an equality with their co shareholders, one of the most potent means of swindling, and one of the worst checks upon the dredging industry would be at once removed.

Local and General.

.*** On the fourth page to-day will be found a short story.

To Poultry Farmebs—On the first page of this issue will be found some interesting hints to poultry breeders.

Indian Famine Fund. -^Mr Ferriman ha" received the sum of £2 4s towards this fund, the proceeds of a collection made at the Primitive Methedist Church.

The Qubbn's Birthday—The Guardian will not be published to-morrow, May 24— Her .M> j -sty't eighty first birthday. A notice re advertisements appears elsewhere. ) Shipping.— The New Zealand Shipping Go.'s s.s. • Wakanui' departure from Wellington is postponed till Monday, 28th inst. Passengers leaving Lyttelton on Saturday will connect.

Two Other Dairy Fxpbkts Resign.— Messrs J T Long and R W D Robertson, dairy experts, have resigned their Govern ment appointments to jmd private firms in the. dairy produce trade.

Boer Rifles—Trumpeter Johnstone, of the New Zealand troops in South Africa, has a collection of five rifles taken from the Boers at different places. They are of different) makes and styles, and the North Otago Times says he intends to briug them back to New Zealand with him.

Proposed Bacon Cubing Faotoky—Mr G. W. Leadley, chairman of the meeting appointed on {Saturday, asks those likely to take an interest in the above factory to communicate with him as to the number of j pigs they may be able to supply. )

Post And Telegraph Arbangbmknis.— On 1 hursday the P4th insfc*, (Queen's Birth, day), the Post Office will be closed. The mails closing at 6.30 a.m., will be despatched as usual. The Telegraph Office will be open from 9to 10 am., and 7 to 8 p.m. The Telephone Exchange wi 1 remain open as usual.

AAC and A.C. C_ub.—The Ashburton Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club are giving a grand concert on Thursday, June 14, an I following their usual custom of providing a really first-class entertainment, have spired no efforts to make this concert fully equal to, if not better, than those they have held in the past. Arrangements ara fully adv*noed, and as the Club has engoged the leading Ohristchurch and loctl musical taleot, a successful entertainment should result. A full programma will appear in our advertising cdumrts in due course.

The Growth of Mablbsbough—Mr C H. Mills, M H.R., for Wairau, speaking to a N. Z. Titties' reporter, said that the prosperity of Marlborough and its towns had reoently increased to a marked extent. Ia the towns the houses are all occupied, and rents have risen to an appreciable ex tent). The prinaipal cause of the improved condition of affiirs is the closer settlement which is taking place oo land acquired by the Government. There has been an aug mentation in the number of settlers, whilst a desire to secure land in the province i* draw ing many inquiries from a distance. The admirable climate of Marlborough forms one of ita most attractive features.

" A Vbry Mixed Lot."—A charming story survives tho departure of Lady Roberts to join her husband in South Africa. Amongst the crowd of friends who gathered to see her. off was Countess Grosvenor, wife of the Under-Secretary of State for War. Her eldest son by her first marriage has just succeeded to the Dukedom of Westminster, celebrating his rare good fortune by straight- Way going out to South Africa to share the per<ls and discomforts of the camp. "I am bo glad," said Lady Grosvenor, bidding the Field-Marshal's wife farewell, " that Lord Roberts has placed the Duke on his staff." " Yes," said Lady Roberts, " they area very mixed lot." This is a delightful example of what Dv Maurier was accustomed to record in the pages of •• Punch " as " Things One Might Have Put Differently."

Volunteers.—There was a very thin muster of the Ashburton gua-ds at tbe Weekly parade on Monday evening. How ever, some good company work was accom plished. Captain Sparrow was in charge of the parade. The physical class and recruits meet this evening for instruction. At the parade of the rifles on Tuesday evening, some excellent squad drill (Sergeant Dee instructing) was gone through, the detail matters being quickly nnderatood by the re cruits. A few company movements were executed under the guidance of Lieutenant A. Clarke. Captain Dolman was in charge. We regret to observe that Lieutenant Hayes, is yet too unwell to attend parades. The local battallion will parade to-morrow morning at 9.30, under Captain Dolman, when the battallion will fire the usual royai salute. As this parade counts as a daylight one, every nan should endeavour to be present.

News in Brief.

The New Zealand Clothing Factory have a replace advertisement in this issue calling attention to their stock of overcoats and winter underclothing, whioh we oall special attention to, as we are now experiencing such weather as makes warm clothing a necessity. Messrs Craighead _ Berryman have an opening for an apprentice.

THE LATEST. Australian

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy righ b

(Received Wakapuaka May 23,10.38 am, ThisOfhoe 115 am) Heavy Rain at Sydney. Sydney, May 23 Rain is falling in torrents and will spoil Mafeking day celebrations.

Transvaal War.

Promoted to bo Major-General

The March of tho Belief Column The Boor Attack Repulsed Eloff's Storming Party Defeat of the &nemy Mafeking Entered on Friday Capture of Bezels Boer Use of Soft Nosed Bullets United Press A«Bociation--By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, May 22 The Queen has promoted Colonel Baden-Poweli to be Major-General. The official report shows that the Boers attacked Colonel Mahon in the thick bush on the 18tb, and killed five and wounded twenty-four. The wounded included Major Mullins, of the Imperial Light Horse, and Mr 0. jT. Hand?, Daily Mail correspon dent, both dangerously, and Oaptaiu Maxwell, of the Kimberley Mounted Troops, severely, The Boers lost more heavily than I the British, Major General Baden-Powell reports that Eloff's storming party, 250 strong, before dawn on the 13th; rushed the pickets and entered the protectorate camp. A strong musketry demonstration was made simultaneously on the eastern front of Mafeking, and the western post enclosing, intercepted El off, the ' British completely surrounding him. Fighting continued all day. A portion of the Boers surrendered at night, and another portion was expelled under heavy fire. The enemy Iff t ten dead and nineteen wounded, while 108, including Blbff, nine officers, seventeen Frenchmen and many Germans were taken prisoners. The British loss was six killed and eleven wounded. Major-General Hunter reports that Oolonel Mahon entered Mafeking on the 18tb. The Marquis of Lansdowne, in the House of Lords, eulogised the splendid audacity of the relieving columns, and the courage of the besieged Great enthusiasm was shown in both Houses. The troops at Kroonstad greeted the relief of Mafeking with ringing cheers. Major-General Hutton captured two Bothas, Phiiiip and William, but not Louis, commander in-chief. He also captured a Oape rebel named Swaneo poel. i Washington, May 22 ' Oolonel Hay unofficially received and heard the Boer delegates', the interview lasting an hour. He then consulted President McKinley, and issued a * statement reviewing the previous effort to bring about peace, reiterating the Presidential deciaraiions that they must avoid entangling alliances, and that causes 3 and 5 of the Hague Convention rendered further action under the circumstances in* advisable, Mr McKinley feeling that the only course was to persist in a policy of impartial neutrality, and that deviation therefrom would be contrary to all American traditions and national interests. President McKinley told the Boer delegates that he felt his only course was to persist in the policy of impartial neutrality, London, May 21 Engineer Smith informed Lord Roberts that during the siege of Ladysmith, Erasmus, who was com* inanding the Transvaal Staats Artillerie in tho Transvaal laager outside the beleagured town, sent the Free Staters 12,000 soft nosed bullets for the Maxims. Transvaal National Bank notes have been officially declared legal tender. This is interpreted to foreshadow a fresh paper issue, owing to tbe heavy export of specie. Commandant Ollivier is stationed ' with a few followers between Senekal andLindley. It is officially announced that fifty riles and 3000 rounds of ammunition were handed to the Yeomanry between Boshof and Bloemfontein, and that 250 rifles and half a million rounds of ammunition were handed to Lord Metbuen at Hoopstad. Tbe Ruling Clique at Pretoria are unable to agree among themselves as to where they should next odovp. Although the Lydenberg district is not fortified, there is an enormous amount of railway rolling stock concentrated between Pretoria and Bossano Garcia, Vermooten, attorney, has been sen tenced to four years on a charge of treason in connection with assisting the Boer landdrost at Dordrecht. Adelaide, May 22 Yesterday was observed as a holiday in honour of the relief of Mafeking. During the afternoon the crowd found a grocer's shop open, and despite the efforts of the police smashed the win dows. Reinforcements of mounted police prevented the whole premises being wrecked. Melbourne, May 22 The transport Tropea passed Cape Nelson and signalled " All well."

The Relieving Column Drive 1500 Boers from a Strong Position

Commandant Eloff Disgusted

__ Contradiction

Received Wakapuaka May 23, 9.30 am, This Office 9 56 am) London, May 22 Renter's correspondent with the Mafeking relief column, reports the Boer leader, Eloff, was captured by Col. Hore and tbe police from head quarters of the Protectorate Regiment, after a desperate combat at short range. Many of -loft's men fled, and there upon the leader, disgusted, fifed upon them and then surrendered to Colonel Hore. Altogether 120 Boer prisoners were taken, including the French Count de Bremont, and a German, Yon Weios Colonel Mahon's relief column took twenty waggon loads of supplies for ward. The official report states Colonel Mahon entered Mafeking at four o'clock on the morning of Friday, May IS. On the previous day he encountered

fifteen hundred Boers in a strong posi tion nine mi'es from Mafeking. Afftsr a stubborn resistance, lasting over five hours, the Boers were driven from their defences, A detachment of Canadian Artillery, by forced nvircheaj arrived in time to valuably assist in the British triumph, A report has been received from Mariszburg, to the effect that the Boers have left the colony, and have abandoned Laing's Nek and wresked the railway, thereby delaying General Puller's advance The statement is contradicted that Kruger sent peace proposals couched in very humble terms to Lord Salisbury./

"Lest We Forget."

(Received Wakapuaka May 23, 10.15 a m | (This Office 10.55 am.) j LtMOON, May 22 The Daily Express, in an article entitled "Lest we forget," urges a' national monument should be erected to the dead officrs and men. It suggests a site in tbe Strand should be secured, and a gre*t edifice erected, the walls of which should' be a simple record of the names of dead officers and soldiers from whatever part of tbe Empire they come, and that the monu ment should be London's gift to the i nation.

AUSTRALIAN FEDERA TION.

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL.

BEAD A SECOND TIME AMIDST CHEEKS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright London, May 21 The House and galleries were crowded King Oscar of Sweden, the | Federal delegates, and many Austra 1 liana were present, and manifested the greatest interest. There was pro longed cheering in the Chamber when Mr Chamberlain announced, that a satisfactory agrrement had been ar rived at Mr Chamberlain acknowledged that thefonr delegates had exhibited the greatest consideration, resulting in a unanimous agreement, which hit Aus tralia absolutely free to adopt her own course where her interests were con cerned. The agreement gave the Imperial Government all they ever asked, with the enormous advantage that it was equally satisfactory to the delegates, who had written thanking him for so far accepting the Eill with out alteration. It was evident that Queensland arid Westrslia preferred the original amendment, .but the Government were unable to take sides in the matter, which could best be discussed and settled by the colonies themselves. He hoped tha Bill would pass unanimously, in the full convic tion th'it in securing Australian unity it did not impair Imperial integrity The metnbe;s of the House could con template the consummation of the great achievement without the slightest drawback to the pride they felt in the wisdom and patriotism of their Aus tralian kinsmen.

Tbe Oambr dge Liberals banqueted the Federal delegates. Mr John Morley prrsided, and said he hoped the federation settlemest wou'd leave no ragged edge. Mr Barton declared that the present difference was one of standpoint cnlv, and was c+pable of adjustment. Mr Dickson championed the Government-, and protested against the breaking of one, of the links with the Kmpire.

(Received Wakapuaka May 23,10 SO a.m, This Office 116. a.m) London, May 22 In the House of Commons the Oommonweath Bill was read a second time without division, amid cheering in all pirts of the House.

The Plague.

FREOAUriONARY MEASURES IN VICTORIA.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright BbIbVMI-, May 22 The fresh plague cases reported are— McMahon, a etoreman in the city, and a child residing at Ipswich. Bt_N-T, May 22 Brown actor, Dawes Point, and Ah Tong, city, are the latest plague patients, The deaths are .—The child Plant, Docksey and Munn, Launceston, May 22 The Waka'ipu has arrived from Sydney with the yellow flag flying* One of the crew, it is suspected, is suffering from the plague.

ROAD BOARD.

South Itakaia.

Ab the usual monthly meeting there were present—Messrs Holmes, Morland, H Harrison, Copland, and J Lambie. The Clerk took the chair, and asked the members to elect a chairman. On the motion of Mr Holmes, seconded by Mr Copland, Mr John Lambie was unanimously elected. Mr Lambie took the chair, and thanked the members for bis election, and trusted the Board would work as amicably in tbe future as in the past TENDERS Tenders for maintenance of water race crossings from the South road westward were opened, and that of John Quinn accepted. Gorse cutting, No. 1 contract, Henry Church; gorse cutting, No, 2 contract, John Quinn IHE CLEBK The Chairman said that before proceeding fnrther with the business, he would move that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the clerk, Mr Ox'ey, for his services during the pasb year, Mr Morland seconded the motion, whioh was carried, and duly acknowledged The dark's report was read and considered. His action in letting a five acre plantation bo Mr Elliott was approved Ha was instructed to see HartneU's trustees re completing exchange of reserve for an equal area of private land consented to many years ago ; to enquire as to certifi cates of titles for parts of rural sections 16215 and 22767 } to have a number of roads repaired, and to pub dowu some rough sumps; to open a gravel pit on the road through R.B 7135 and fence same off; to call tenders for shingling a portion of Winter road near the railway crossing MiAJSTATIONa. The chairman was requested to ask the Council to plant Reserve 3065. COBBKSrOHDENCE. Correspondence was read from the Return* ing Officer, that Messrs Copland, H. J* Harrison, and John L»nr.bie, were elected members of the Board ; Miss Stewart applied for some shingle on Baxter's road, j Tbe clerk said he had examined ib and could I not see that it was rtquired.—lb was resolved , to reply to Miss Stewart to that effect j Mrs Lewis wrote, accepting tbe Board's condi-j

tiont. for renting a piece of road ; the Ash burton County Council forwarded i.73 15s Id, subsidy for purchase of birds' «gp« ua\ heads j Mr Pholan wrote, asking h Bard to share the cost of repairs c7one to a leuoe. — ihecletk to report on came ; Mr Muli j.;an wrote, asking for guide posts at Pen darves aud L"dgorwocd's corner.—The*>ierk to reply that they were ready and would be areclsd in due cmrsa ; Mr C E F>oks supplied information te cost of asphalting footpaths —Received with thanks ; Mr Wilkinatn received permission to take sJ Un g on the ÜBa*! conditions j the County Roll was received and ordered to lie on the tab,* for inspection ; Mr Purnell wrote re sanitary by-laws. — Received ; the Min ister of Lands and the Commissioner of Uown Lands wrote, intimating that legisla tive power would be required before the reserves now in occupation of the Board could be vested, and th«« WM no time f or this last session. ACCOUNTS. Accounts for £43 3i Id were passed for payment, and the members met as a Ceme tery Board, and after passing aooouDts, adjourned.

The annual meeting of ratepayers was held at noon the sr,me day, and was very poorly attended, Mr Lambie occupied the chair. The clerk read tha advertisement calling the meeting. BALANCK-SHEKT. The balance-sheet for year ended Maroh 31, 1900, vii read, and, on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Haalett, was adopted subject to audit. The credit balances to commence tha Mir year with were—For General Aoconnt, £148 5* lld; Village Settlement Account, £117 lis 2d ; South Rakaia Cemetery Ac count, £15 15slOd. No questions were asked, and thewsual ▼ote of thanks to the chairman eonoluded the meeting.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Ooiied Press Association —By Electric Telegraph WiixiKOTOS, May 22 It is stated in political circles that Mr Ward will shortly make an important announcement in connection with railway management; Important concessions and improvements are said to be sending; while in certain quarters it is thought that a loan will be mooted. The Minister is also under stood to be favourable to the puronase by the Government of the Manawatu railway. Among the passengers on board the Mokoin, whioh is now coming np to the wharf, are Mr Rawlins, ex-M.H.R. for Tuapeka, Mr Arthur H. Adams, author of " Maori'and and other Verses," and Mr Goodman, eleotrioal expert. Mr Goodman ..who is the representative of the Wettiog house Eleotrioal Company, superintended the construction of a huge power house for the Sydney electric trams, and praotioally laid down the track for the whole of Sydney's electric tramways. He now comes to Now Zealand to supervise the construction of the Mornington to Roslyn (Dunedin) electric trsm system.

Two French professors from Paris, who are studying our political system*, MM. Roustan and Challaye, are at present in Wellington, where they will make a eta? of ten days before going on to Auckland, en route lot France, via Sydney,

The Cruise of the Trawler Doto

Wellington, May 22 The Government trawler Doto, which it on an experimental trailing cruise in Blind Bay, returned to Neleon en Saturday morn. ing. Mr Ayeon, the Curator of Fisheries, Stated to a Mail reporter than nowhere in New Zealand ia there a greater variety of marketable fish, including hake (a delicious fish), soles, floandera, John Dory, gurnard, teraki, red cod, blue cod, 'etc., numerous specimens of which were trawled up on Ihe oruiee. Mr Ayson experimented along the east coast of the bay to the Croixelles. He kept north of D'Urville Island to Nile Head ; then crossed to near the Farewell Spit, and zifzigged along the b»y back to Nelson. I he Doto was to le*ve again on Monday for the western coast of the bay, and go up to and around Farewell Spit. Mr Ay«on ia firmly of opinion that a well-equipped trawler would do excellently in Nelaou water*, and that a good many fishermen oould do well. The experiments were conduoted till water as deep as 42 or 43 fathoms was attained, hut the marketable fish were found oh it fly in more shallow water, about 25 fathoms.

According to the N.Z. Times, the Minister of Marine has arranged that the steamer Doto, after testing the grounds off Wac ganui as a trawling area, will try those off Patea. Afterward* she will test the grounds off the Tangaporutu river, in the North Taranaki Bight, In concluding her experi mental cruise, the Doto wil visit parts of the coast of the Aucklaodprovinoe. Areas off Gisbotne, and betweW that port and Napier, will be tested. It is considered that the results so far obtained, not to speak of subsequent ones, will amply justify the expenditure of the moderate sum of £500 which Mr Hall-Jones had placed on the Estimates for making these trawling experiments.

THE RELIEF OF MAFEKING.

Hark ! for the bells are ringing, For there's joy in every town ; To-day is Mafeking relieved, Thau shout for England's crown. Ring out ye belli of England, Ireland, Scotland, India too, Australia, and New Zealand, Are England's countries true. Cheer louder, and yet louder, For those across the wave; For soon will come the victory, And Tianivaal will be saved. Holtt the banners, oh ! my comrades, And wave it in the sky ; The Union Jack with colours true, For viotory, will soon be nigh. Light the bonfire brightly, Let the fltmes rise higher yet; For this eighteenth day of May, We never, never will forget. Gnns are firing in all directions, Banners too, are waving high 5 Pointing upwards to the Heavens, Waving, waving to thasky. And soon may peace be eofliing, To this bright land of ours; May our Queen for ever reign, In harmonic and peaceful hours. Ella Roberu; May 18, ISOO Bonytuoß

WINSLOW SPORTS AND RACING CLUB.

The meeting of this Club, whioh takes place to-morrow, should provide an enjoy able day's sport for the lovers of horse raoing and athletic«. The court* has a sandy sub-soil, and the moisture caused by the rain will quickly get away. There is every promise of a fine day to-morrow, and loyal subjects of Her Majesty can celebrate her birthday, enjoy an outing, andat the same time contribute to the support of the Ashburton Mounted Corps by attending tbe gathering. The following should run for* ward in their respective engagements :—» Maiden Handioap—Astonishment 1, Miss Ann 2. Maiden Trot—Braemar or Struan 1. Winslow Ctjp—Weazel 1, Gloaming 8. PvbmO-SS' Trot—Fairobild 1, Ishules 2. Pony Race — (Weazsl if start) Rock O'Shea. Ladies' Porsk—Wetzel, athletic. 100 Yna—T Tarboiton 1, J MoTigue 2, A Pitcher 3. 120 Hobbles—R Benniaon 1, J MoTigu* _ i 220 Htjrdus ~T Tarbotton 1, W Pilch* 2, A Smith 3. 440-W PHcher 1, H Holland 2*

TBE A HbUBTOtf GrtJARDXAH }. WEDNESDaf, MAY .3, 1900



First quarter Full moon Lasl quarter New moon

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c_j T"AT\ .2 f__^ *"**>■ '■ § a■ s _2 _^« rH 5~ 'r r*^l hj * ° = S J*, q P"H h^ at « » * ■ f^ o * o *** ■r—__h_v Mfin w i^T* Lmv \*__ fcj ■ ** W . a r O M L^j _■ *? !_■_( H 2 8 QJB "^ JD § * b*_| HH "'m" 8 <W8 -I £ [ *-y~ j ■ N r . «* P 1'™1™! § A 1 y —^ (_!__ • ' hr !m_h( ST. STEPHEN'S 0 H U R0 H, A»hburto_. ROGATION DAYS (Monday, Tuesday, and Wcdnesday)~-U a.m: Matins and Litany. THURSDAY : Feast of the Ascension. 7 30».m—Holy CommuaioD. }\%l •)—Matins and Holy Communio-. ■JjUp-m—Choral Eveneoßg and Set mon. FRIDAY, 7 15 p.m- Litany and Address SUNDAY AFTER A6CKNSION DAY, (May 27 ) 8 SO a.m-Holy Communion 11 a m— Matins and Sermon 3 p m—Dromore—Mr T A Gates Seafield—Tiits Vic»r 6 30 pm— Evening Prayer and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPE, MA. Vicar_ < Seiv Zealaad CLOTHING FACTOBY: WHY get wet when SEls will buy you a IWatebpeoof goat? We are showing a large Stock of Coats, all our own make and guarantied thoroughly Waterproof. We aUo have the Kteat shape Double Breasted Ohestet field Waterproofs, and if there i« nothing to suit you we wilt take your order and nial c you one. 150 Patterns to Choose From Tweed Overcoats jand Capes from 19s 6d. WILL KKKP YOU WARM & DRY. Covert Coats in Fawn and BUck. Good value. Now is the time for warm Under clothing. Sirs ■« vn Stock. Thb Labg' st in Town EIBBED LW, PAKT6 from 2s 114 Notwithstanding the advance io W«o!e we are selling at the sema prices as iasr. Sea=on havi g boaght before the riari en*_w Zealand - TLOTIIING FACTOKY. F. H. BHOKIJSaSALE, Manager THE RAPID LIGHTNING GLOSS THE OHLT RXLTABLB FHIRT POLISH IN THB WOBLD. TI/TRS MILLUR, of Dunedin, the Pro fessional Laundresp, says :—lt is the best 1 have ever used. It makes Shirt Ironing pleasure. .Wise Mothers and Sisters try it and save your strengtl, temper, and patience. Once tried, always used. Sild in tins at SHEARMAN BROS' & JOHN ORR & CO. 6.136 WE AbE>- Your inspection of our EXCELLENT TWbEDS AND OVERCOATINGS. Wo have now been in business 26 yeans ftnd still retain many of our fit. customers, which alone is proof 0 :our HONEbX WOBK Mcdonald & Go, Tailors, Ftc; Jubilee Buildings Burnett Street S*~H„ARMAN BROS, have Urge ttock Loasby's Wahoo, Benjimin Gum, Koolibah, and Cinnamon Cure. __ s _ KNIGH( , we buyerß of R , • kinds of Becond hand Goods. Adl oining Mks Khight's Boardinghouse. - tITITet"" SEAFIELD lIOAD. AVERY Convenient Accommodation Paddock, containing seven acres, laid down in grass. ', ______I_l_______ ALL Loasby's Preparations—Cinra on Cure, Koolibah, Wahoo, and Bep jamia Gom—at J T Coocff, Stortkeeper. EMPlYCrates for Sale suitable for Sheep Feeding. Only Is 6d eaob Fmtohfk Bbos., Ctah Supply Btore. NOSOCNER does an article of genuine merit meet with popular favour and approval than up springs a multitude of ipurioua imitations, "Pitfalls" set to ©atch the unwary. Hosdai Lanka Tba must be on packet and box to ensure the Genuine, Unadulterated article; sold by Jjsinterested grocers everywhere.



NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD j Tj AYE now landed their Third Winter Shipment of Up-tc-dale Drapery and Clothing, p„ chased for Ca^-h frrm the leading Manufacturer?, in m-ny cases at old prices, and in S'me oases at slight advances only. N<ittTHCOTE & H&FFOKD for t r>HK CORNER for Fur Necklets, in White Color ial Blankets, Grey and J Black, Brown, and White, 2s lld White English Blankets, all siz -a. ! to 17s 6d. NOBTHCOT. & HEFFORD for New j — Drees Mate»ials,a eplenuid variety, j rpHK CORNER for New Millinery, plain and fancy ; also Se gea and New J J. Stylish Hats, also Children's Face Cloths (htsa va'u ■in A^hhurton) | Millinery, all the newest goods. NOKTHCOrfi & HrFFORD lor j — —^ ~~ * Velv'iteet.s, all tho newest colours, ,; npHR CORNER for Far Trimming, Is, Is 6d. and 2^ 6d per yard. J_ Bead Ornaments, Buckles, and N~ -DRTHCOTE _ HEFFORD for gBM Setß' Blcuae Velveteiru, fancy stripes . _.„.,,,—. % . tT _ )tJ , . and fljral patterns, Is lld and 2i 6d per A NEW J a ariety of L,dißb Fascinators yat( j % r _T_L at 2g 9i each. \T ORTHCOTE & HEFFORD for New rPHE CORNER for Kid Gloves. 2a 6d, ll Season's Macintosh^, a splemld i 2a lld, 4s 9d, 6* 6i ; Suede Gloves lot, all the bast colors and shades, ai 2s lld j Fur topped, grand value, 3s 6d. moderate prices. —: — — — fi-mxnntvnw a rnrapnun * I I HE CORNER for Ladies' Combina- ORrHCOTE&HEFBORDforNew | tionß% Corsets, Merino aud L.W. Jackets in Black Fawn Brown, a _ derc]othing) our fading lines. Very and B v-, just fresh, 15* to 39a 6d. Sneclal NORTHCOTE & HKFFORD for — 7~7 ~ 7 ~ Ladies' Caoes and Mantles, worth THE CORNER for Dressing Gowns seeing, all prices.' JL and Morning Wraps. Our Men's Bay and Boys' for Oiothinsr, Cash Mercery, from and Uoots " The are noted Corner" for their of Cheapness, East Variety, aud and Stylish Tancred appearance. Street. NORTHCOTE & HEFFORD, CASH DRAPERS & OLOTdIBRS.



THE NEW DRAPERY. 5' A Beautiful ( EVENING DRESS WINDOW. SOMETHING NEW AND 0 HJA ST E. MITCHELL & TURNER. NOTICE TO FARMERS. E AfKE GASH BUYERS OF ■PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN ANY QUANTITY Pleaso takoyour Samples to the Mill .We can supply Oornsacks'at cost price, CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS. (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B. HOBART, Manager? 17th Mar-*, 1900. ~ SMOKE ONLY NEW VENUS _ PERFECT TOBACCO. €___R-!P_H»__*4—_—_—afl__—__————■—iMl__m_«n______________MHrM«qnMil___f DRESS AND FASHION. Grand Show of Winter Fashions and Advanced Novelties. ANDREW ORR T*S now exhibiting a Magnificent Stock of Highclasss Novelties, Winter Jackets, Capes, Costumes, Millinery, Macintoshes, Dress Fabrics, Corsets, Umbrellas, Gloves, Collars and Ties, New Dress Materials, Trimmings, Velvets Blouse Cloths, Sid Gloves. Gents' Clothing, Hats Caps, Ties, Gloves, etc. Ladies and Gents' Joots and Shoes in great variety. Blankets, Flannels, Carpets, Rugs, Linoleums, Floorcloths. Lar^e purchases have been made previous to the great rise in Wool and other Materials, Customers will get tbe full benefit. DRESSMAKING.—TaiIor jiade Coat and Skirt Costumes—beautiful fit. WATERPROOF CLOAKS ANDREW ORR has opened a Special Purchase of Ladies and Maid's Waterproof Cloaks &t LESS THAN HALF-PRICE. HDIES' 7s 6d, MAID'S 4a lld—FOR ONE WEEK ONLY. :o: -_ ANDREW ORR.



"For the Blood is the Life."— CLARKE'S WORLD-FAMED BLOOD MIXTURE is warranted to cleanse the blood from all impurities from whatever cause arising. For Scrofula, Scurvy, Ea zema, Skin and Blood Diseases, and Sores of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thous ands of testimonials. Sold in bottles, 2^ 9d, and lis each, by Chemißbs and Paten- Medicine Vendors everywhere. Sole Pro prietors, The Lincoln and Midland Coun ties Drug Co, Lincoln, England Old Kruger's a bit oub of reck'ning If he thinks he will wriggle scot free, No angels to him'll ba beck'ning When he swings by his neck from a tree. He'll get a bad cough in the open Exposed to the air, lam sure, Aud his hands '11 forever bo gropin' For Woods' Great Peppermint Cure.



The reliable Family Remedy Woods* Qreat^H Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Ool4s_^^H Is 6d and 2% 6d