Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1900. THE ASHBURTON CYCLING TRACK.

Thb entries for the sports gathering, to be held in the Ashburton Domain on Monday, under the auspices of the Aahburton Amateur Cycling and Athletic Olub, are such m must give considerable satisfaction to the pro moters of the gathering, and will un doubtedly attract a large number of visitorß from all parts of the county. The public D imam is, of itself, a most charming place to spend an afternoon and, in addition, the preparations made by the Olub for the convenience and comfort of its patrons are excellent What about the track 1 It ia, Just noviA in splendid order and we trust it may remain so till after Monday, but—>alas that " but " a few hours rain on Mon day morning would, owing to the clay formation, make the track not usable. This is a serious consideration, and we think the time has arrived for the Olub to make a very strong effort to have this doubt eliminated from their calculations for future gatherings by converting the track into a really first class one, well banked and asphalted. The sum required to carry out the work is a small onp, and with the exercise of the necessary energy could be raised at short notice. The Domain Board could, with every fairness, be asked to subsidise the amount raised. Cycling sports perhaps 'more than any others benefit the centre where they are held. The people are attracted and a love for an exceptionally healthy form of athletics is fostered. This in turn fosters the cycle industry, thereby providing a livelihood for quite a num ber of people. The money spent by tho visitors would form a handsome return for the small outlay on the track and the promoters of the gatherings would go about their work with more heart and confidence if they realized that a shower of rain held no terrors for them. Let the members of the Club be up and doing and we venture to prophesy they will meet with every support.

A MOMENTOUS QUESTION.

Federat on is coining. Very soon now will this colony be face to face with the problem— (t To be or not to be," and be forced to decide whether she will throw in her lot with the union or stand out, and play a lone hand The other colonies profess to be indif ferent as to what New Zealand may do, but seem to be convinced that if we elect to stand out we shall be making a uaistake which we Bball regret ever after. That was the view expressed by ex-Premier Reid, of Few South Wales, during hie recent visit to Christchurch ; that is the view held by every one of the Australian premiers, "Tf you know what is good for you," they say, in effect, to this colony, " You wil join the Federal Union. But please yourself. We can spare you better than you can spare us." But that is very much open to question. JSew Zealand's position in the Australasian group ia unique. She baa a better climate than any of the other colonies. She hag an abundant rainfall and consequently a fruitful soil. Her cereal crops are the finest this side the line, the mutton is superior to that of "Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, or even Tasmania. And her frozen meat industry (already assuming gigantic proportions as compared with the out put of a few years ago) is but in its infancy as yet. It has been urged that if New Zealand refuses to federate she will do so at the cost of having her wheat, ht-r oats, her potatoes, her cheese, and other things shut out of Australia. Can Australia afford to shut them out ?We think not. De pend upon it, if she does exclude them and seeks, in this way, to penalise little New Zealand for her independence. Australia will be the greatest suf ferer. Remember, if we part with our independence, we become but, a small and insignificant part of the Australian Commonwealth Our affairs will no longer be in our own hands. They will be administered for ua in the Federal capital, twelve hundred miles or more distant from these shores. And, if we discover hereafter that we have made a mistake, and have sold our selves and our independence for an imaginary benefit, there will be no remedy. We cannot unfederate our selves. The step once taken will be irrevocable, immutable. Aud that is an extremely graveconsideration. This colony, as everyone who has lived in it for any length of time, and has watched its progress and development must know, has a mighty future before j it. It's resources are immense. As ] the years roll on, and those resources are gradually developed and expanded, as its export trade grows larger and larger, as its industries and manufac tories increase and multiply, so its wealth and power and influence must grow. Are we then strong enough to play a lone hand, to reject the invita tion to federate and to stand alone 1 Federation means in return for a few real benefits, and a great many pro blematical ones our effacetnent, in a sense, our utter annihilation. If we decline to federate now ? there will always be & possibility of our being able to do so later on, if it seems good to us. But if we do federate, the union must be eternal. To employ; in ' another sense the words rendered ; famous by Bjnller the other day, '• theri&mU be no going back,"

Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will be found Commercial, and on the fourth page the first column of a short story. Volumsehs—The local Volunteers will for the encampment by special train at 11 30 to-night. AsiiHURTON Rifles—Mr B. Simpson, of ! the i\ahburbon Rifles, hue bten appointed bugler for that corps from April 12. Personal.—Mr 8. Siundpr«, editor of the LytUlton limes, and several of the staff officers for the encampment were passengers ior cho South by express tc-day.

Important Land Sale.—Thn well known Barford instate ia to come under tho hummer at the Arcade on Saturday, May 5 when Messrs D Thomas and Pjuu and Co, as joint agents, will offer it for sale.

Hocsa Suugkon For Thb Hospital,—At the meeting of the Ooopitul Board this morning, four applications were read for the position of house surgeon, Dr Trevor was re-appointed by a largo majority, mem bers recognising his long and faithful services at the institution.

Sub-divisional Land Salk—Attention is directed to the important aalo ab the Arcade on Saturday, 28th, when Messrs D. Thomas and Mutson and Co. will offer for sale the well known " Brown's Farm," containing 3764 acres. The property will be out up into blocks of 150 acres and upwards.

Good Fkiday.—There will be a Children's Service of Bong at St. Stephen* Ohuroh to morrow afternoon ftl 2.45 pm Children of all Sunday sohools wili be cordially welcome. In former years the children's service oa Good Friday has always been Weil attended, and no doubt to-morrow large numbers will avail themselves of the service.

An Unuswal Spbotaoub —The unusual spectacle of a swarm of been in a shop was witnessed by people who passed along Willis street, Wellington, last Thursday. The beea fco«k up their abode amongst the goods displayed in the window of Mr F Martin's pork shop.

Ihb Walter BENTi.KT-Dotrar.Aß Anob% hoa Season.—To-night we are to leceive a visit from Mr Douglas Anoelon'a Company. '• A House of Mystery," is to bo staged here for tbe first time. This drama is one of the modern olasa of pl»ya, ao popular with the theatregoers of the present day, full of witty dialogue, powerful situations, and splendid comedy. It in now enjoy ing an eight months' run at the Drury Lane Theatre, London. The play will be staged here on exactly «he same elaborate scale as in Sydney, and Aahburton theatre goera have a treat in store for them. The doors will be opened at 7 o'clock, and the performance starts ab 8 sharp.

Memorial Service at thb Christ- OHtracii Cathedral— i he Ohristohuruh Press s&yn: From the choir to the porch the Cathe dral was a living mass of people on Tuesday night, when a memorial service was held for those who have fallen in the South African war. The Bishop officiated, and he was assisted by Canon Harper and the Rev. W. Dunkiey. The organ waa strengthened by several brass instruments, and the result was that the musical portion of the service was splendidly given. The Bishop said the special prayers for the occasion from the floor of the Cathedral, and proclaimed a short interval for ailenb prayer, commending those fighting in South Africa to the heart felt petitions of the worshippers. At the conclusion of the service Mr G F 1 Tendall played Handel's solemn " Dtad March," all tho congregation standing reverently. Throughout the service was a solemn and impressive one, and the congregation was probably one of the largest the Cathedral has evor held.

Millions of Them.—The best story of the war is this one : —' Krnger, eesing the number of English arriving at Capetown, telegraphs to an agent, in London to know if there are many more men lefb in the metropolis ' Millions of 'em,' wires back the agenb, 'Then try Manchester,' telegraphs Ootp Paul. The agent goes to Manchester and tel. graphs that there are thousands apon thousands of men still in Cottonopolis. Another wire is dispatched from Pretoria, 1 Try Wigan j I hear the colliers are devils to fight.' The reply of the agent is short and sweet, He got to Wigan jab as the colliers were coming up from the pit, and he wired, ' Stop the war at once; they are coming up from—(the bottomless pit) here eight at a time.— lndependent Eckt.

The Cai'Tosed New Zeaiandebs — Trcopt r George Ralph Miller, captured by the Boers with sixtean other New Zealanders, is a son of the (Speaker of the Legislative Council, the Hon H J Miller. Prior togoiDg to the front young Miller was engaged with his brothers sheep-farming in the Pahiatua dial riot, and before that was employed in a bank at Wellington. Ib appears thab it was Trooper E Palmer, of No 2 Company, who was captured by the Boers, with sixteen others, at Koornspruit. Miss Palmer, of Otakia, sister of the trooper, has received intimation from the Premier that her brother is a prisoner. Trooper Waldie, another of the men captured, was employed ab the Hillside Workshops, and his mother resides ab South DunediD, He is a member of the Central Mission Young Men's Club of Dunedin.

The Easter Cam?— The Timaru Herald says {—The Easter volunteer camp, oh the Levels, estate, was on Tuesday evening approaching something of ship-shape form, aod is expected to be complete to every detail by to-night) for the reception of officers and men. The camp is situated about midway between the racecourse platform and the Levels flag station, on (the Fairlie- Timaru line of railway. By road from Timaru the Bite is about eighb miles distant), too far to walk from towo, bub on the other hand, an easy drive. Situate, however, as it is, so handy to the railway, townspeople hope that trains will be run out and in, ou the holidays, bo that full opportunity will be given to visit a camp that promises to be very large. The main entrance to the camp is off the Pleasant Point Road to the westward. The boundary to the Bouth of the paddock Is a plantation, aed the tents for the infantry are being pitched on the top of the down, their line running aboub east and west, The men of the First Infantry Brigade, consisting of tha North and South Canterbury infantry corps, will be located south and nearest to the plantation,

LARGE FIRE IN SYDNEY.

Seven Firemen Injured by an Explosion.

United Press Association—By Eleotria Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka April 12, 9 45 a.m, This Office 10.50 a.m. Sydney, April 12 A large fire this morning partially destroyed Love and Company's, tea merchants. A falling wall and ex plosion injured seven firemen, one, a man named Foward, seriously. The contents, valued at £24,000, were destroyed.

THE PRINCE OF WALES

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Brussels, April 10 The bullet fired at the Prince of Wales by Sipido measured half an inch. London, April 10 The Prince of Wales thanked the Federal delegates for their congratu lations on his recent escape.

The Cable Question.

Melbourne, April 11 A cabled precis of the Facific cable report, emphasises the damag* likely to accrue to the revenue to be derived from the Pacific cable if the proposed agreement with the Eastern Extension Cable Company is to be carried out

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Aii Interesting Interview.

Mr L A. Nicoll, of the firm of Niooll Bros, •'nHt S root, returned from London on Satur day last, and on Tuesday courteously granted an interview bo a representative of this paper, j Somo cvvo years ago the firm went; into the I fr< zen meat and wool export business, and j it increased so rapidly as to necessitate a , member of the firm going Home to psrfect their arraignments for handling and distri bution. Accordingly, Mr L. A. Nicoll Bailed by the Rakaia in August last and reached London early in Snpipmber. He renewed ! his acquaintance with a typical British fog I in the Channel, where his steamer had one or two narrow escape* of being run down. Mr Nicoll was extremely pleused with the cure taken of the meat cargo by the officers of the Rakaia on the passage Home. Seve ral tlmoa during the twenty-four hours, flay and nigh*, the temperature of the frecziug chamber was taken by the chief refrigerating engineer and the chief engineer of the Eakaia, and every morning the captain per sonally took the temperature for his own aitlsfaotion. Arrived in England, Mr Niooll went straight at the task before him.

The method of handling the frozen mutton when unloading the steamer, occupied his first) attention^ Stories had been rife in New Zealand of how the meat was pub into barges in the full glare of the sun, or exposed to the rain, was trampled over by the bargees, and otherwise damaged. He found these a myth. He found the steamers went into the docks on the river, and the work of discharging was pushed on with all speed, every hold being operated ab once. On the land side a patent elevator, something like a huge paddle wheel, revolved on its axis. Ib reached well down into the hold, and KB each Jloab or ledge paused, a carcase was placed on ib, and was thus carried up bo a shoot, down which Ib passed to the railway trucks waiting to carry the meat into the provinces. On the other side of the steamer were the barges for tonveying the meat) to the 000 l stores on the river side. The cargo was put into bheae by means of sling*. Large awnings oovered everything and pro* teoted tbe meat from either eun or rain. Mr Nicoll was much impressed with the completeness of tho'arrangomente, and with the cleanliness and dispatch with which the meat) was unloaded. He visited the dooke several times, saw a number of cargoes unloaded, and followed the meab bo the 000 l stores on the river side in London, where the name complete arrangements for hand ling were ab work, all under cover. The cool stores, by the way, are enormous structures, covering a great extent of ground, and are capable of taking in several shipments ab a time.

The firm's agents In London are Messrs Oetzes and Gerritsen, and these gentlemen laid themselves out to show Mr Nicoll the working of the frozen meat) trade in England. As a matter of fact, he practi cally followed the meat from* its arrival at the London docks, to its appearance in well cooked joints on English dining tables, Messrs Oetzes and Garritsen, who are most enthusiastic about the Hew Zealand meat trade, and push it most energetically, took him through the Smithfield Market, and introduced him to the leading salesmen there. These men are also keen on the trade, and their verdict was that New Zea land mutton was steadily and rapidly grow ing in public favour. The prejudice against ib was passing away atnongab all classes, and the big West End houses now ordered it regularly. So much so, was this the case, that the termination of the London season appreciably reduced the demand. Trades men now-a-daya found it) a good thing to advertise New Zealand mut ton, but the trouble was that too frequently Argentine aud Australian was nold as New Zealand, Hitherto, the prejudice against the mutton was found to be strongest amongst the working classes, but this wan steadily breaking dowD. Away down in Cardiff, stores had been opened for the Christohurch Meat Company, for the exclusive sale of frozen meats, and a splendid business was being done arnoagab the Welsh miners.

Before leaving New Zealand Mr Nicoll had, like many others, heard stories as to the mismanagement of the trad?. He went Home, however, with an open mind, pre pared to see and hear for himself whab was actually going on. Mr Bothwick, ft gentle man taking a large share in the industry, remarked that) New inlanders apparently looked upon the meat salesmen as a pack of rogue?. He denied the impeachment, bat admitted that a few unprincipled retailers still sold the mutton as best English, Scotch and Welsh.

While in Newcastle, Mr Nicoll sent his relatives a few lambs for Christmas. Before bhab they had held the idea that New Zealand lamb was not worth eating, but their views were completely changed, and they admitted they had never before tasted such kmb.

In London he also received great assist ance from Mr Galloway, the London manager of the Garistohurch Meat) Company, whose position has since been taken by Mr J. Randall. These gentlemen he found thoroughly well poste ■', and extremely keen in their business They impressed the visitor as men who were working more to advance the interests of their employers and of the trade generally, than for a salary. Mr Niooll visited the pro visces and found the Christchuroh Meat Company was pushing the industry there mosb energetically; the business was still small, but the way was being paved for a very large trade. The wanb of regularity in shipping the meat from New Zealand played havoo wlbh the market. Supplies were at times allowed to get very low and then sud denly a number of cargoes would arrive ab oace, completely glutting the market and causing a < slump' in prices. No market could hold firm under such circumstances, and regular shipments, arriving week by week, was a crying necessity.

Mr Nicoll anticipates an early return to London. The firm's business is growing so rapidly that the presence of at least one partner in London is almost imperative- Should he go ib will be purely as the repre sentative of the firm of Nicoll Bros., with full liberty to take on any business they think proper. During his visit Mr Nicoll demonstrated he was thoroughly conversant with the New Zealand part of the trade. Such experience ia of immense advantage to a salesman in dealing with the clients in London, and as a result Messra Oetzea and Gerritsen have proposed that he go Home and take charge of the whole of iheir Australian and New Zealand meat business, the latter being placed with tbe firm here. Replying to questions, aa to damaged meab, Mr Niooll said the system w»b that when a claim was made the insurance companies sent round their expert who assessed the damage, and the insurance companies paid in accordance with his award. The chief assessor to London ab the present time was Mr Hindle Smith, a gentle man well known in New Zealand, where he was ab one time an officer in the employ of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, With regard to the firm's wool busi ness, a strong point is made of the Con tinental trade, where a good connection is being worked up. The firm are praotioally buying wool here for the English house to distribute on the Continent. j

From frozen mutton and wool the talk drifted to general subjects. The most striking theatrical performance in all London Mr Niooll thought was that of "King John," by Mr Beerbohm [Free, ad Her Majesty's theatre. "San Toy," a new comic opera at Daley's Theatre, near Leicester Square, is said 60 be a marvellous production.

Before going home Mr Nicoll declared his intention of keeping to his New Zealand attire. He found, however, this was impossible. A New Zealander ia tweed suit, etc, could nob meet the business men of London, and he found himself compelled to don the regulation dress of black ooat and top hat. One ex-Ashburtouite who while here, always appeared in a brown or grey suit and wide awake hat, was met in London immacu late in broadcloth with lavender coloured pants, top hat, aad|gloveg. He was almost unrecognisable. During his visit Mr Nioell found London stirred to its depths over the war. Although a few papers had attacked the policy of Mr Chamberlain the peo pie were with him 'to a man, Mr Nicoll never heard one person, in train, on steamboat, or in the hotels cay one word against Mr Ghamberlairfs policy, it was msit popular. He met with quite a number of New Zealandera. She New Z aland Pwaa Agency h* found of grsat

assistance. Mr Robicsoa, who minagGs tbiß institution wuh great tact and ebiU, asked him to make a strong point of aJvisiug New Zealacdera going Home to e*'l there. The office was at their dispcß'l for the transac tion of business, or for meetings, etc, and M? Niooll found it of thegrea'eat convenience. Mr Helnrioh Yon Haast, son of bit Julius Yon EUast, is co be found there. Mr Nicroll returned by the Whakatane, a new steamer of some 6000 tone, specially fittod up for the frozen meat trade. The voyage was her maidet; one and wm practi cally uneventful Captain Su'cliffs, a gentle irau v'eiy well known in Aebburton, was in command. He asked Mr Nicoll to remember him to his old Aehburton friends. MrNiooll h%d a d-iy ashore at Chpelown. There waß great rejoicing there, newt of the relief of Ladysmith and the capture of Cropje having just been received. The Beoond Jvew Zea land contingent had arrived and passed through the day before. The Cape people were greatly impressed with the quality of the Mew Zealand horses which, on all Bides, were declared to be the beet that had arrived there. Table Bay was a sight never to be forgotten, over 200 transport vessels being anchored in the Bay.

SPORTING.

C.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

United Press Association—By Eleatrio Telegraph CHBISTOHOROH, April 11 The following final payment! ana accept* ancea have been received : — VIKAIi PAYMENTI Gr«at Eastbse Handicap, of 500 bovb; Beven furlongs. Benzoin .. 9 4 Jupiter .. 8 5 Dnndas ..9 2 Paladin ..8 5 Jabber ..91 Briia .. 613 Mftlatnn .. 813 St. Denis .. 6 11 Glenogls ..8 9 Corusa ..6 7 Ben Farley ..8 9 Great Autumn Handicap, of SGO soya, One mile and a half. Malataa .. 810 I Ben Farley .. 7 9 DJinDjin .. 8 41 Skobeloff ..7 6 .Bewnin .. 8 1 i Huku ..7 0 Daadai ..8 0| CHAMPAGNE STAKES, of 500 BOVB; «ix furlongo—Oannie Chiel, limeae, Phooka, Military, Pampero, Formosan, tiara

ACCEPTANCES I Kildabe Hubdles, of 120 soys; 1% mile— i Dundee 121 3, Pensioner 9 7, Epsom Lad 9 0 Welter, of 150 soys ; one mile—Nihilist 913, First Blood 9 12, Female Franchise 9 11, Garmor&n 90, Pbryne 8 13, Suzannah and Cameo 811, Scottish Minstrel 810, Abercrombieß9, Hermosa 88, Sequin 87, Gold 8 0 .'...' I Rtjssie? Fi,ate, of 150 soys; five fur longs—Field Rose 85, Melita, Whirlwind, Cavalry, Lady Killer, Plevna, and Apollo? 8, Terrapin 70, Sara and Flame 612 Sockbden Handicap, of 100 soys; 1| mile—Dundas 8 13, Paladin 83, Huku 7 13, The Spinner 74, Seabrook 73, Garmoian 7 2, Peerage 6 9, Sequin 6 8

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

Owners and trainers are reminded that nominations for the Ashburton Trotting Ciub's Autumn Meeting, to be held on Friday, May 5, close with the Secretary (Mr R J Henry) on Saturday next, 14th, at 9.50 p m, at Devane'a Hotel

INTERPROVINCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Christchoech, April 11 The Committee of the Health Gonferenoe met to-night to discuss the matter remitted to it by the conference laat week in connec tion with tha appoiutmenfc of the Health Officer and the constitution of the Board of Health. After a loog discuadpn it was resolved that the Committee, having in view the appointment of a public Health Officer, ia desirous of ascertaining from Government what stepa (if any) it proposes to take during the coming session in regard to the public health. Ab the meeting of the Charitable Aid Board to-day, Mrs Wells moved that the asm of ab least sixpence a week should be given to each inmate of the homes under the Board's control. The motion was seconded fro forma, bub was rejectedl without dkcas sion. The Board instructed the Charitable Aid Committee to bring up a special report on the subject of illegitimacy. The charit* able aid lev* on the local authorities for the ourrenb year Amounts to £5334.

At a meeting of the Drainage Board today the Works Committee submitted a report approving of the engineer's scheme of the extension of the sewers by 38 miles 18 chains in the existing sewage area, and 15 miles 3 chains outside the present sewage area The Committee recommend that connections should be compulsory, and that the sum to be borrowed for the work should not be leas than £60,000. The Board deferred con sideration of the report to nexb meeting

COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

Messrs Friedlander Bros., Limited, report upon the live stock market for the week ending April 11 as follows:—The usnal weekly sale was held at the Tinwald Yards on Tuesday last, the entry being not quite so large as has been the case recently, between six and seven thousand sheep being yarded. Prices for good store sheep showed an improvement, especially in forward lambs, these selling from lls 3d up to 12s 9d, and bidding for other lots was rather brisker than has been the case recently, consequently a good clearance was affected. Oar entry for the day consisted of 2785 sheep (including 323 in conjunction with Mr D Thomas), 20 rams and 4 cattle, the whole of which we succeeded in disposing of ab the following prices:—26 fat crossbred ewes 10a 3d, 37 fat crossbred ewes 9a Id, 14 fat wethers 13s 9d, 19 lambs 10* sd, 50 fat ewes lie 4d, 42 fat crossbred ewes 9a 9d, 97 fat crossbred wethers 15& 7J, 53 crossbred ewes 12s, 71 merino ewes 7s 2d, 112 crossbred ewes 8s 6d, 324 crossbred wethers lls Id, 319 crossbred wethers lls, 523 orossbred lambs lls 7d, 74 fat hilfbred ewea 10a 10d, 189 crossbred lamb 11b 3d, 769 crossbred lambs lls 3d, 179 crossbred lambs 10s, 72 crossbred ewes 13s Id. In cattle—l fat heifer £5 ss, 1 fat cow £4 123 63, 1 springer £4 2< 6d. lv rams—3 Shropshire rams l£g, 2 English Leicester ram« 2g, 5 English Leicester rams 2g # 6 Border Leicester rama 2g, 2 Border Lsiosster ram 3 Ig.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

United Press Association—By Electr *"' Telegraph* Ohbistchurch, April 11 Entries ab the Addington market comprised 1160 far, sheep 1000 fat lambs, 8200 store sheep, 430 head cattle, 687 pigs. Cattle — The 150 head of fat cattle included very few really good steers and prices for this class hardened slightly, with rp flange in other sort?. Prime beef 17s to 19s per 1001b, other 13s to 16?, Best steers up to £8 17a 6d, others £5 to £6 17b 9d, heifers £4 10a to £6 10s, and cows £3 to £6 10s. Store cattle—With thn exception of some backward condition animals from the West Coast the entry was mostly cows and calves. Six year old bullocks £4 to £4 19a, ! three year old steers £4 Is, two year old steers £2 11s to £3 12s 6d, two year old heifers £3 !oa, oighteen months to two year old heifers £3 Is, three and four year old mixed sexes £2 17s 6d, store oows £110s to £3, calves 12a to 13s.

& Sheep—.bat sheep—Some very good lines of freezers, and fair to good quality trade ewes were yarded. A better demand was experienced for all, and prices firmed. Heavy weights, wethera, sold up to 18s, freezars 16s to 17b, 100 lighter sorts 15* 4d to 15r6d, best ewes 12s to 15a sd, inferior ewes §s bi to 12s 6d. Fat lambs—A small entry, which did not contain many prime lines- Freezing buyers appeared anxious to secure suitable lots and as a result the market hardened for those of freezing quality, prices were 12s 6d to 14s Bd, others 11s 2d to 12j. Store sheep—A' mixed yarding contained about equal proportions of {wethers, ewes, and lambs. All better classes met with a good demand. (Che late rains helped to harden the market, by improving feed prospects. 800 forward wethers brought) 14s Id to

J4s 31,800 four ard six to th wethers 14t 3d, 1000 four tooth wethers 12s lOd to 13s Id, and two tooth wethers 101 6d to 12s Bd, forward l«mbs 11s 6d to 12s 51, not so go d 10i 3J to 103 Bd, weedy down to 6s lid, two tooth ewea 12* Id to 13s 4d. Mixed Hneß— Two, four, six, and tight tooth ewes lla4d to 12s lOd, full mouthed twes 10s to 11s Id, und aged ewes 7s 5d to 8a lid, full mouthed uierino ewes 10s4d. Pigs.—There was a large yarding, includ ing several lines of heavy weights- The market was decidedly easier. Stores wer« difficult to quit, baconers 27s to 35a, equal t» 2d to 2|d per U j porkers 20e to 27B | equal to 3£d ; stores 9a to 18s, and euskeit and weanera3s to 6s.

THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA.

proposed Visit to Germany.

United Press Association—By Eleatrio Telegraph—Copyright Vienna, April 10 The Emperor of Austria, accom panied by Oount Goluchowski, Minu ter of Foreign Affairs, pays a visit to Berlin on the occasion of the majority of the Grown Prince of Germany, to whom the Austrian Emperor stood god father. The Auatro-German newspapers dwell on the coming visit aa a fresh proof of the consolidation of the friend | ship alliance between the two countries.

THE TROUBLE IN ASHANTEE.

Unitti Press Association—By Eleotrlc Telegraph.—Copyright London, April 10 It transpires that Sir Frederick Hodgson, Governor of the Gold Com*, sought to obtain possession of the golden stool at Kumassi. Hence the collision with the natives. The chief■ are loyal, and the disturbance wm confined merely to the tribesmen. Peace is imminent.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electrics Telegraph—Copyrights LoNDtN April 10 The death is announced of Pereival Ball, sculptor. Sydney, April 11 Daring the fortnight ending Sunday there were seventy - eight cases of typhoid fever and cix deaths. At the Agricultural Show the cham pion prize for the blood stallion was won by Oorreze, with Oscillator (New Zealand-bred) second.

THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka April 12, 9.45 iim, This Office 10.50 a.m) Albany, April 12 The Bunbury case is not plague.

All Australia Declared an Infected Country.

United Preai Association—By Eltctrio Telegraph Wellington, April 12 Government consider there ii no menu of detecting passengers who have travelled overland from infected places to their port of departure, and have therefore declared Australia an infected country, and all vessels from there will be subjected to a rigid quarantine. As Fiji, Samoa, and other itlands are taking steps against the introduction of the plague, no restrictive action will be taken against those places.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Auckland, April 11 Mr William J Napier, M.H.R. for the oity, has sent the following telegram to the Hon J G Ward, Commissioner of Customs, Wellington:—" Auckland interests would suffer seriously if Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, were proclaimed infected ports, as the plague precautions make such a step wholly nn necessary. The islands are clean, entirely free from plague, and have medical health officers. Our fruit trade would be mined by quarantining the Island vessels, hope you will not take bo serious a step as to proclaim above named Islands. His Excellency Lord Ranfurly ib anxious that eveiy precaution should be taken to keep the Bubonic plague out of New Zealand. To day he Communi cated with Mayor Goldio on the matter. It is proposed to form a vigilance committee so: that extra steps may be taken to keep the plague out. A house to house visitation in the city at intervals is proposed among other things, also the keeping of the streets scrupulously clean. Two men are at present engaged by the Council distributing circular with referenoe to the evils of the plague and the necessity of keeping premise! clean.

Catholic Literary Society.

I There was i large attendance of member* i afc the Catholic Literary Society'! usual weekly meeting, which wa* held in the Boys' School on Wednesday evening. As the major part of the harvest operations are bow com pleted, there were several members from the country in attendance at the meeting, and they received a cordial welcome from the Society on their retain. Mr R. J. Henry (vice-president), occupied the chair. A considerable amount of correspondence and other minor buainess was disposed of. A "card tournament" was the programme allotted for.the evening's entertainment, in connection with which two trophies had been presented for competition by Mr F* Sorint. Within a very short time of the disposing of the preliminary business the cchoolroom presented a very lively appear anoe, tables, forms, etc., being placed in every available space in the room, and the members quickly seated themselves at same. All being in readiness the referee rung tht bell, aad a start was made. The excite* ment during the progress of the tournament was great, and the contest was played In a most cheerful and friendly spirit, and was the oause of considerable laughter, etc., throughout the evening; After a couple of hours playing games were tallied pp, and the following was the result:—Messrs M< J. Burgess 1, F. Scrint 2, T. Adams 3. Mr Scrint gave second prize to T. Adams. The winners thanked Mr Scrint for his handsome prizes, and expressed a hope thac they would soon enjoy anoiher such evening. The. non card players occupied their time at draughts and other games, &ad a most pleasant evening was brought to ft close in the usual manner!

News in Brief.

Messrs Hard ley Bros, will close their plumbing and tinsmith department on Satin* day next, bat the ironmongery department will be open as usual.

THE FEDERATION QUESTION.

United Press Association—By Bltotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, April 10 Mr Isaacs, late Attorney-General of Victoria, speaking at the United "Law •Society banquet, said it was impossible to express a tithe of the dissapointment and bitterness which would result in Australia if the Commonwealth Bjl| were rejected. Mr Haldane said the Imperial Parliament was likely to thwart the desire of the colonies. The newspapers comment on Mr Hal da,ne'a articles in the March Judtcat Review, indicating the immense value of the Privy Council in settling the I Canadians' inter-State disputes,

THE ASHBUBTOtfJ &CAEDIAN .• THUBSDaY, APRIL 12, 1900



BAST H. M. JON EB. STREET BICYCJ ;ES. BICYCLES — B ICYCLI- S:= TJ-AYJNG RECEIVED A SHIPMENT OF THE FAMOUS " ARENA " CYCLES, I am prepared to offer these Machines at a rery Low figure to secure quick Sale and Prompt 3 eturns THESE Cycl«s are Wsll-Mide, Up-to-Date, Strong, m°ld, Light and F.»«y Runnin.', and fictßd wi h M.^.n and Wright Tyres, and tqxil to ary,£2o in the m irkefc. These Bicycles are offered ab the very Low Price of £IQ CASH- TERMS OAN BE ARRANGED. THIS h an opportunity to secure a well-built serviceable Machine ab Bed-Bock Pricos. I am prepared to indent those Oyc^p, Ladies' or Gentlemen's, a a lower price. TERMS ON APPLICATION. ORDER EARLY FOB NEXT SEASON. Agent for Milner and rhompson's Organs and Pianos. H. M. J O N-ES. _ ■ , I ion—jiME-EmiTD nmnDnnrnTinnnnra—nr—-— ——--^""««»' --la*™—«m GEOROE DUNCAN & Co. "13 ESPEOTFOLLY announce that they have Opened those centrally situated Premises in Tancred Street, Ashbutton, lately occupied by Mr A. P. Williamson (nexfc Unddll's), where they will open on —Saturday, 14 th April ,=: A3 BEADY MONEY DRAPERB. WE BUY FOR CASH and thus secure all Discounts, The Lowest Prices and best Markets. WE SELL FOR OA.SE and thus avoid all losses arising from Bad Debts and the expenses of the Credit System. " WHY should the C iah Customer pay for other peoples bad debts. By dealing with us they avoid doing so. Please Call & Inspect Our Stock. No One Pebssed to Buy. 475



q**tTTt kphbn'S ouubob j^s Ashburton. MAUNDY THURSDAY. 7.30 a m—Holy Communion 9 a m—Children's Service , 10.50 a m—• Morning Prayer ami Meditation 715 I) m— <J3vei!ir.fj Prayer and S^rmou j "The lußtitulioi. of (he Holy iS»cr'jmen'." I (The Communicants are re quested to attend this service. It will bo of tho nature of a preparation for the Easter Communion). GOOD Fill DAY 8 30 a m—L'tsny and Meditation 11am— Mains, Aute-Corrmurion, and Sermon 2 45 p m—Chiliren'a Ssivioe at.d MeditE fionk : " Tho M«n "i Sorrows.' 7 p m—Evening Prayer and Sermon j EASTEK, EVKN. 7 30 a m—Holy (.''omnrjunic.n 9 a m—Murning Prayer EASTER D\Y (April 15). 6.30 am—Ho'j C-jnimuiiion 8.30 a m—Hn!y Conimuuior, 11 a m — M.f'Jns, Holy C'.'n:munion, &nd ; S'ltnon j 2.45 pni— Ci i 1 Ten's S-rvice ! 4 p m-Hniy B-tptis-m 6.30 p m—Choral Evensong and Stimon F. A. WOOD IHORPE, M.A.. Vicar



"■"TlttS JOHNSTON rpEAOHER of the Pianoforte ami I Singing.  lovelock Street. nffiiYN owEnr M'C.S.M, OEKTWIOATED TEAOHER. TOCAL Representative of the London _J College of Music, and of tho Musical International College, PIANOFORTE, ORGAN, VIOLIN, MAN DOLINE, SINGING, HARMONY, AND COUNTERPOINT, The now torm will nominonce January 22nd lalend.or pupils kindly communicate curly. OSBOKN COOMBB, PIANO TUNER & EXPERT (Lato of London), VI -ITS Ashburton and surrounding Dis tricts every four months —viz-, March, July, and November. ORDERS may bo left with MR I.LEWELLTVN OWEN at hie Music Studio, Arcade Chambers. Aahburton. or »t Commercial Hotel. "SI6S~M. JHCHAhBSO^T mEAOHEE OF PIANO. Apply Belt Road, Allentoo. Terms on application. First term commences on Ist February. 1 b K. T. CLARK, GRAIN AND PRODUCE BROKER. Tanored Street, (NTcxt MeOonell * Compton'b Stables.) A GENT for Billinga and Knowle'a Spray XjL Pumps and Famous Insecbicideß. ' Spray Pumps, complete .. £2 Knowleß* " Sweet Nicotine " 2s per battle. „ Kill 'Em Quick la 9d per bottle.  Paris Green 2j 6d per lb.  Helabore Powder 2s per lb.



jrvTDE"BEE"R, WATCHMAKER & JBWELLEB, HAS JUST RECEIVED & Choioa Col lectioo of STERLING SILVER & E.P. WARL SUITABLE FOB WEDDING PBESENIM, ETC., Comprising Specially Selected Articles, both Useful and Ornamental. Not having Window space to display the above Goods, INSPECTION INVITED. To these interested in RACING, TROTTING, CYCLING, Etc I have jusb received a Special lino of STOP WATCHES, INCLUDING SPLIT SECOND CHRONOGRAPHS—A wonder in Watch construction. Hunting and Open-face High-olaaa CHRONOGRAPHS. Also, a New line of two Dosen, « The Consultation. " Nickel Keyless STOP WATCHEB. Priob 20si 33his ia a far superior bime-piece to any thing of the same claaa yet offered to the public. A fall atock of all other claßaeß of Gold ana Silver Watches on hand, at prices to suit everybody. For the Latest Novelties in Gold and Silver Jewellery, inspect Window display. Silver Charms in endless variety from Is each A new stock of Spectacles to hand, J. V.DEfBEEK, WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER, Eaßb Street. Ashbarbon.



INFORMATION GRATIS



It cannot be said of the American Blight That to the Orchardist it gives delight, So Spray it well without compulsion With French " Kebosene Emulsion." The cherries and pears are covered with slugs, The Vines are infested wilh naughty wee Bugs. But never say die, have you not Been There's death in the Fpray of " Sweet Nicotine." The Aphia black and the Aphia green Are the very worat pesta the peach has seen. They allow neither fruit nor tree to grow, Then why not give " Sweet Nicotine " a show. Your fruit trees will aoon be nothing bub' atumpa If you've nob got the sense to use " Knowles' Pumps," The San Jose Scale is coming your way, And your cry then will be " Let us Spray," " Let us Spray." If you wish to destroy the San Joae Scale Pub a pinch of Saltpetre on the tip of his tail, One of fine Charcoal, another of Sulphur, Touch with a lighted match—Oh, Lor, J What a buster? Oaten hold of hia throat and open hiq throttle, And dose him with " Bokdbaux " out of a bottle, When he's swallowed a pint or a, quart the most, He'll be dead as a nail, or quail upon toaab The larva of the Codlin Moth I Is more destruoth c than the Goth. So take my advice as soon as he's seen Give him a spray of " Pabis Green." Wb have pests by the millions, | Which give us the Dumps. , They are coming in Billions, 1 Thank " CLARK " for bis Pumpi, j



N 0 T I 0 E. ALL BOOK DEBTS owing to The Ash btirfcoo Publishing Co., Ltd, as at Ist April, 1898, have been placed in my hands for collection. All Accounts not settled by the 14th April will be SULOD FOR, without further notice. DAVID ZANDER, Commission Agent;, Tancred Street, Asbburton March 23,19 X). W""* ANTED KNOWN—Removal of tha old established firm of Mitchell & TURNER, from old premises in Tancred Street to Now Shop in Burnett Street. ' Cotton oloth w»8 first made in India, an was in use there 2000 years ago, Hondai- Lanka pure unblended Ceylon packed Tea has only been upon the market iour years, ; vet it is the Tea thafc haa revolutionised the trade, "Secret." It IB better than any o her Tea, that's all.—Sold by J T Coooh, t fonder! 1 Buildinga |



' ESTABLISHED 1874. McDonald & Go, I) KMO YE D to See our Samples jm JBIJL/KJIi: Compare our prices Oiii I cling*, Burnett Street. We oau'b be beat 3 235 THE New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY T8 NOW SHOWING A LARGE STOCK OF Winter Goods Men's Sao Snits .. 21a, 255, 29s 6d. Men's Tweed Troasera 7a 6d, 8b 9.1, 9s 6d Men'B Covert Coats .. 29a 6d, 39a 6d, 52» fid Bojs'Coverti Goats from .. .. 143 Boys' Reefer Coats from .. .. 6a 6d Boyß' giilor Suits from .. .. 7s Boys' Norfolk Suits from .. .. Ils6d 60 dozen Serge and Tweed C«p3. Tho largest variety in town. 20 dozen Soft Felt Hats, newest) shipe?. i White Shirts 5s 6d, 6e 6d, 7s 6d, Si 6d, 9s6d A new lino of short fronted White Shirtß. New Ties, Braoes, Gloves, Mufflers, Collars, Umbrellas, Wool Shirts, eto. Ladies and Gentlemen's Waterproof Coats, Made to Order. AJlarge variety of Patterns to choose from, NB3W ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOKY. F. H. BEOKINGSALB, Manager



g £• Ph °- 1 JBtfeiit' i* eg ! w S g s as 1 Q ?l g < 2J S D - i P I Ph



J. WILSON, SIGN-WBIIBK. LARGE STOCK OF WALL PAPBKS, WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS, PICTURE MOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &o. BUPNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Telephone 65 N.Z. LOAN & MERCANTILE AGENCY COMPANY, Ltd. FOUB Great Bread Winners. THE HERCULES NICHOLSON CULTIVATOR, Leading Farmers' verdicb is-—" Absolutely the beet Cultivator ever sold in the Colony," " FARMER'S FAVORITE " ALL STEEL DRILL Fitted with Roller bearings and New Turnip and Rape Feed. "HINEMOA" POTATO DIGGER Cost of machine saved ia three acres of Potatoes.) SPALDING-ROBINS ROTARY DISC PLOUGH 50 per cent saved in coat of ploughing. We ask farmers to inspect our machines for the Autumn Trade. THE N.Z. LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY CO., LIMITED. E. G. STAVELEY, Manager. SOLE AGENT for Ashburtoo Districts: DAVID THOMAS. 3 267 i



"ZEALANDIA.S" at the FROJNT 1 STILL BOOMING. ! rriHEY are simply marvellous. For Speed, JL Rigidity, and Comfort they cannot be beaten. Beautifully enamelled in fancy colors Gentleman's $31 Ladys £22. A large stock of Latest Novelties to hand. Lamps from 4s 6d, Graphite for chain from 6d, Toe Clips from Is 6d, Dunlop outfits 9d, Elaabio anklets 2s 6d, Fancy handles from 2: Inspection invited. GATES) LOWFy AM GO, Burnetb Btreet.



VISIT NORTHOOTB AND HBJSTORD'iS for your Autumn and Woetr Millinery. See windows.



j Train arrangements for the Ghnstchurch I races and Ashburton sports are advertised in .this issue