Mail Notices.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

For Northern Porte, Mid West Coast pit Rotomahana, at 6 30 p m. Note.—-Christmas cardt to pass at book rates, roust ba posted in open cover with lip turned Jo, or tied with string. If doted against) inspection the postage most) be paid at letter rates. Important-There will be np despatch of English mails via San Francisco in November, bat arrangements hare been made fot close connections with Federal and Vancouver services. The new service, every three weeks, via San Francisco, is expected to start with first steamer leaving Auckland at out the Bth December. On account of there being do despatch of San Francisco mall in November, parcels for United States of America cannot be sent until the despatch of mail leaving Auckland Bth December

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for November

3UN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRIBTOHUROH—at 720 am, 11 am, 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 a m, 350 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daily at Aehburton from— GHKISTOHURCH-at 10.45 * m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm" TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN-*at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a mp

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, November 25 The Corryvrechan'a cat go of New Zaalaod wheat was sold at 28s 6d. ■■ The latest quotations »re:—Unseed oil, 345. Mutton, crossbred wethers, nuiden ewes, Canterbury, 4£d • Dunedin, South land, Hi; Ntrth Island, 31546 th d. Lamb, prim« Canterbury, 5J4; f*ir average, Including Dunedin, Southland, Wellington, and secondary Canterbury, Sf i ; River Plate, crossbred, or merino wethers, heavy, 3 lM6th d } Hghfe, 3 9-16 th d; New Zealand beef. 1801b to 2201b, fair average quality, ox fore», 3*3 to 5| I; ox binds. 3f d

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

The Ashburton weekly stock sale was held at the Ashburton yard, on T"• -1 ->y 27th Owing to shearing operations being in full swing there waa only a moderate attendance of buyers and others. 18 head of oattle were brought forward including about half a d<zen fat cowl, and the rest medium stores. For fat stock bidding was fairly brisk, but stores were not much sought after. The entries of sheep for butchers' purposes were made up of twenty one pens, all of which were crossbred! except three lots of merinos. The store sheep pens included twelve lots in all. Messrs D Thomas, Friedlarder Bros, and tfae Farmers' Go op sold fat cows from £5 6s to £6 2s 6d, a prims fat heifer bringing £8 ss; springers met with slack inquiry, several being passed at £4 10s and £# 15s ; cows fa profit) made ,£4 to £5 7s 64, dry cows £2 lQ*;|t» £4. (The sale of sheep in the fat pens was held under slacker competi tion than during the last few weeks, bat a clearance was made of all lines under offer. Messrs Frledlander Bros, obtained 16s Id And 16* 2d for old crossbred ewes, four tooths bringing 17s 6d, and 19s 9d was reached for wethers, whilst shorn ewes made 13s 3d to 15* 3d. Fat hoggets met with good sale at 17s 6A. The N.Z Farmer/ Cooperative realised 18s 6d for four and six tooth fat ewes, and shorn retched I4s6d The saleß in fat pens made by Mr D Thomas .were merino ewes lO'i lambs 11s 6d and 14s, shorn crossbred ewes lla 6d and 12s 6& * In store loti the latter obtained Si Id for old merino ewes with lambs all counted, and 8j 5d for cro»sbred ewes shorn and lambs. The Farmers' Cooperative Association sold shorn merino ewes with lambs at 8j Id, Ofossbred ewes and lambs 12s 9d. A nice line of four and six tooth ewes well woolled and in good oondifcion on account of Mr Leadiey were passed at jLSs U, the owner holding for 2ie. Messrs Friedlaoder Bros, tales of •tor*sheep included 9« 9 for shorn crossbred •wes and lambs, 82 merino ewes in the w.<? ol and lambs 9s 7d« whiht for a fair {ins of wooliey hoggets they obtained high rates »t 16s 6d

SKIN SALE.

The fortnightly skin sale was held in Ashburton yesterday, *nd a slight improve ment *aa evident in the ptrisei ail round. Farmers'lots sold at follows s—Merlaos, Is 6d to 4s 4d ; crosabreds, 2« Zd, 3a 3d, to Is 4d: crosabredß, 2s 2d, 3s 3d, to 4a 2d ; half bredf, 2« 6d, 3a 9J, to 4s Id. Batohera' merinos, 3s 6d to 4a : orosibreds, 3s 4d, 3s Qi, 3s lid, 4a 2d ; half breds, 3i Bd, 3s lid,

4«4d

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

, The Ashburton Agency of the Mew Sfaalarid Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter? bury, Ltd, quote at follows on November 26, 1900:- Wheat— „ „, Prime milling Pearl - 2s 2d  „ Tuscan.. 2s 3d :: Huotot'. s-id Oata-—Duna m I* Ofi*l Danish 1b Md Canadians 1« 6a Sparrowbllhi la 5Jd Barley—Malting, prime 2a Inferior la 6d Peas-Partridge, 2s3*. „ Ohafl-Good oatsfaeaf 47s 6d to 80s Grata Seed-Old pa»tute, 2a to 2s 3d New „ la 6d to li 6d Ths above are prioea current paid to fumera oa trwkj «t Aihbarton.

THE HOME MARKETS

Messrs Dalgety report under date London, Friday :~ " The frczan lamb market is strong owing to small stock* Prime New Zealand oroatbreds are worth 5Jd to 6d per Ib. Prices of frczen beef are a shade easier, while frozen mutton prices are firm. The wheat market is weak, with a downward tendency,"

Ashburton Guardian Manga est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27. 1900 KRUGER IN FRANCE.

Thk gullibility and excitability of mobs, and especially of French mobs, have passed into a proverb. It h a curious commentary upon the axioms implying that there is wisdom in a multitude of counsellors, and that to arrive at truth, two heads are better than one, etc., that mobs are invariably looked upon ai the personification of error, ignorance, and rashness. This being 10, we may possibly regard the popular excitement which appeari to have been aroused by ex-President Krnger's arrival in France, and his pilgrimage through it with indifference and contempt. The cablegrams we have published show eifarly that the masses in France—utterly ignorant, we most assume, of the merits of the South African war—have completely lost their heads, and are treating that clever and unscrupulous plotter, like a martyr-king: If this absurd display were confined to the canaille, we might ba justified in ignoring it altogether. But when we find Cabinet Ministers and high officials practically patting on the back, and aa far as they dare, encouraging a declared enemy of Britain, openly engaged in an attempt to induce European nations to take up arms against her, the matter becomes much mere seriou* than it at first sight appears. In a country like France, where popular clamour has already subverted several governments, one never knows how far it may influence the public policy of the nation. There are much more unlikely things than that pressure may be brought to bear on the Chamber of Deputies, and through that body on the Cabinet, resulting in action being taken which cannot but be regarded by Great Britain as an unfriendly act. Indeed, notwithstanding that the more reason able of the French newspapers are congratulating the nation upon the tact of the Cabinet in avoiding every thing in their welcome to Kruger likely to give offence to Great Britain, the official recognition of the Boer ex- President is itself sufficient to raise grave doubt* in the minda ef British Ministers as to the attitude of the French Cabinet. Notwithstanding the facti known to all the world that the South African Republic has been conquered and annexed to Great Britain, by right of conquest, and that Kruger has himself resigned his official position, and is only a simple burgher, the French Government decided to received him with the honors due to a sovereign Prince, giving as a reason that Great Britain had not formally announced the act of annexation. We may presume that the Boer ex President did not announce officially hie own resignation in order that he might pose as the great Panjindrum, But that does not concern us. If the French choose to enthuse over a man, whose only claim to notoriety is that be compelled his fellow-countrymen to engage in a hopeless struggle to enable him to continue to tyrannise over them, that is their business. But we strongly suspect that the proceedings of the French people during the last few days will have been narrowly watched in England, whose statesmen are net likely to be misled by any profession of friendliness, if the actions of the French Government in connec tion with Kruger are at all ambiguous or uncertain.

Local and General.

Weather Rbfojjt, — Captain Edwin wires c North to west and southwest gale; glass rise ; indications of rain.

•Banjto 1 Patterson— 1 Banjo * Paterson, the celebrated war correspondent, pasted through Ashburfeon last evening by express.

Shooting.—The Mounted Kifjes will fire off a handicap match at Laghraoe on Thursday afternoon.

CouHTy Council.-—The annual and ordi nary meeting of the Ashburton County Counoii will take place to-morrow (Wednes day), when the chairman for the ensuing year will be elected, and the ordinary business transacted.

MOONT SOMSBS AND ALVOBP FOBIST.— BJhe country round Mount) homers and Alford Forest is looking well although the crops and feed are not yet very far advanced, owing to the backward season. A few fine days will have a great effect in pushing forward the general growth. The lambing has been good and but little loss oocurred during the reoent storms,

What Happenbd to Jones —Last night nearly twenty seats were booked for the mirth provoking comedy " What happened to Jones," whioh will be played by the Cbarles Arnold English Company on Friday evening, in the Oddfellows' Hall. This early booking is unparalleled here, and augurs wall for fche success of this deservedly popular o©mp»ny. Id would be well that people living at a distance, who intend being present, should write pr wire at onpe to secure se»ts.

The Latest Yakkhiism —" It's fierce, If is New York's latest slang phrase. If one wears a shirt that has pi ;nty of colour, hit friends say " its fierce ; "if a young lady comes out with snowy shoulders and a dia' mond tiara, her admirers whiaper, one to another, " ten*) sbe fierce ? " If a horse shows gp well Qd the tiack, the word passes along tfeat ■" Whirlwind is fierce to day. " The golfer who suooeeds in winning five oat of six holes is " fierce," and when toe baby is brought out all dressed in its downiest coat and softest laces, its beautiful auntie holds up her hands and exclaims, " Oh iio'fe the darling fierce !

The Motor Car*—Mr N. Oates, of Oatea, Lowry and Co,, and Mr Oarl, of the Empire Hotel, .Christchurch, arrived by motorcar last evening at7.l& The party left Obristohnroh at 9.30 in the morning, and travelled to Leeston, arriving there *t 11 o'clock. They rested there for some time, and resumed the journey to Ashburton. The roads in this part of the province were evidently not built, however, with a view to mpfcor o»r travelling, and the progress waa •low. Their {real aif£oulties oommenoed when they struck tis'e yater race ■yitem of the Ashburton County. Ea#h raoe they crossed gave the oar a nasty far, and finally one of the parts of the oil angina gave way and the oar oama to grief in a deeper one than the ordinary, and atuck there. After a lot of trouble and a fine diaplay of engineer ing ability, mixed with an outlow of some foreign language, the oar »a» patched up, and cams »n to Ashfyuf ton, doing the last few miles in good style. A number of oar local cyallsU met the party some fve Kites oat, and gave them a dearly convoy to their destination, quits a number of people being on the outlook for them as they passed along. The party proceed to Tlmaru this morning,

Home Fair —Entries for Mr D Thom M » horse fair on Friday next are rolling in, and already there are nearly 2CO head of light and draught horses entered. The sale promises to be a most successful one and is expected to last for two day*;

The Sydhiy Contingent—The Temuka Leader learns that Captain Bayhursb has been selected to go to Sydney as adjutant of the contingent whioh will take part in the Commonwealth oelebrations.

Pkbsokal — Mr Ritchie, Inspector of Schools, arrived in Ashburton last night on a visit to some of the die tried schools.—The Inspeotor General of Schools, Mr Gao. Hogben, was a passenger by last night's express for the north.

'Jhb Mounts© Piflbs.—Notices have been sent out calling a parade of the Mounted Rifles for the purpose of attend ing the Memorial Service for the late Corporal Upton at St Stephens Church on Sunday morning next. The troop will

'all in at Oookson's Stables at 10 p.m.

Bxiabino—Shearing is now In full.swing throughout the district, as many as possible taking advantage of the fine weather. Many of those who sheared earlier in the season suffered severely, Mr George Giddings losing a very large number of newly shorn sheep iv the sold snap a week or so ago. An HrsTOXIOAZ. Pabaulu, —Rider Hag' sard, the famous novelist and authority on South African questions, wrote to the London limes just before tha elections, drawing attention to the great historical parallel between what happened in South Africans 1881 and 1900. His letter will be

Found on our fourth page.

X Rats—Expatiating last evening in the Borough Council on the exceedingly execrable expression of vulgarity of which expectorating on the publia footpath is an expression, a Councillor extracted an expansive smile, not to say an explosion of mirth from his fellow members, by saying that without extra expenditure of effort people could put their ' expirations ' in the tide channels

Grass Grub.—The grass grab does not appear to have created much trouble at Mount Sotners or in Atford Forest direction* The theory has been advanced that the lime in the district has had the effect of keeping off this pest. By the way some of the beetles found their way into the Borough Council Chambers last evening, which :s curious. Can there bs any green thing there t Small Bird Pest in Gtago.—The small bird pest is becoming very bid in the country districts down sonth (sayi the Dunstan Times). Farmers, In self- defence have been compelled to cub down live hedges and plantations of foreat trees to reduce the nuisance. Miles of fine thorn hedges have bai to be sacrificed and replaced by posts and wire netting, A Carilkss Norse.—A little girl, only daughter of Mr and Mrs O J Heatley, of the ! Native School, Tetnuka, died on Saturday night under feha following circumstances. It Appears that early in the week, while in charge of nurse girl, she procured and sucked | some wax vestas. The girl took them away | but did not report the matter to the parents I until the child sickened, and Dt Warren had

been called in. AH efforts to save the child were fruitless. The facts were communi cated to the corcner, but aa inquest was

deemed unnecessary.

Fishing —Air Boyd Thomson reports th%t there was little fishing at the Rang itata at the beginning of last week,but on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, some good bags were made. Mr Geo. McCullough landed 21 fish; Mr Frank Brown 23; Mr 0. Horseman 25; all in good condition, sealing from 3lbs to 101 bs, The river la now In good condition. The minnow principally used In the whitebait phantom.

AsmvatoN County Raging Club—Ac a meeting of the Aahburton Oouoty Bsoing Club on Saturday evening, the Ground Committee brought up * report recommend ing that Iho course be dito harrowed and freah grass seed sown down, also that improvements be made to the saddling paddock. The reporb was unanimously adopted, and the- committee was authorised to have the work, put in hand at once. The finances of the dab were re orted to be in a very aati»f»3tory condition, and it was decided to place £200 on fixed deposit in the Ashburton Permanent Building Society.

VoiUNTKKiis*-There was a fair master of the Guards a» the inspection parade last evening, under Captain Sparrow. The enrps was marched to the back of the ahed for drill by movntlght. Company movements were under the direction of Captain Sparrow and Lieut Nicoll. Lieut R Shearman exer cised the company principally in flink movements and attack, which were very well executed. At the conclusion of the parade, Captain Sparrow intimated vhat the regulation respecting absence from inspection parade, would be strictly enforced. It is hoped the Captain* hint will not go unheeded. Non coins, In particular, should endeavour to attend.

Timaru Bobough Fihance.— The Borough Council last night in view of the financial position resolved to dispense with the Inspector of nuisances and reorganise the street works staff getting a cheaper foreman. The overdraft exceeds the legal limit and further advances, are necessary to enable the Council to pay interest in London next month, The Council declined to reduce the price of water to tho Freezing Works, ten to twenty million gallons yearly from 5i to 4d per 1000 offered by the company. The Council would have to spend some hundreds to lay od the water. It is a somewhat ourioue oommeot on the above that the A»h burtott Borough Council last evening unanintouf ly resolved to raise the "pay of all of lbs employees.

CAN*KWtTRT'S BIFRESIKTATITM IK SYD' nbt—The Canterbury volunteers who have been selected to be present at the Common* wealth oolebrations are '.—Sergeant Barnetfe, Elletmere Mounted Biflet; Sergeant P Overton, Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry; Serjeant Cloudesley, Malyern Mounted Rifles 5 Corporal Hamilton, North Canter' bury Mounted Rifles ; Trooper Wilson, late of the Second Contingent; Trooper Shadbelt Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry; Trooper Arnott, Oust Mounted Rifles; Trooper Prosier, late of the First Contingent; Trooper Oarbett, Athburton Mounted Rifles ; Trooper Priest, Bouth Canterbury Mounted Rifles ; Private Watson, Waimaka* riri Mounted Rifles. Thsse volunteers are to receive free passes by rait and passage to Wellington, and are to report themselves in Wellington on the Ist Deoember

A Oo^rk^ondbnts View - Writing with reference to the operation of female suffrage in this Colony the New Zealand correspondent of the Brisbane Chwipr, In a letter dated September 2Qi;h, says:—J cannot point to ope slngla good result which I can attribute to the extension of oar franchise to women. Social questions are, it is true, rather more frequently and prominently before the public and the Parliament, bat I cannot find that they are any more thoughtfully dealt with, nor can I find any trace of a raising of the moral tone of the community. Politics are no better than they were, nor is the general level of the House of Represent* ativeer in character or ability any higher. I should be eorry to say it Is lower, but if there is any difference, it will be found to tend in that direction.

BOROUGH COUNCIL

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held lasb evening. Present—His Worship the M*yor (in the o^air), and Councillors E J Paul, G W Andrews, J Davison, R Clark, H Davis, J W Timmins, H M Jones, and H Willis.

FINANCE

The Mayor reported that the debit balance at the Bank stood at £29 15s Gd. The following amount had been received Hinoe the last meeting : —£163 2«.

COBRESPONBBNCE

From the Hampßtead Town Board re road formation—His Worship suggested that the matter be referred back to the Hampstead Town Board for their further consideration. He, therefore, moved to that eff cb, and read the law bearing on the subject. Or Andrews said he knew the fee 1 ing of the Hampstead Town Board in this maiter. They were afraid of the expense. He thought, however, that the work should be gone on with. It was agreed to refer the matter back to the Board, with a full explanation of the provisions of the law in the oase. From the Secretary of the Samaritan Home re election of a member to the Charit able Aid Board.—The Mayor being unable I to attend to vote, Or Paul was nominated.

From the Canterbury Jubilee Committee re visit of inmates of the Old Men's Home to the Exhibition; also from the Minister of Railways statiag he had authorised the issue of patses,—Received From Postmaster, re new building—Re ceived.

From J Shaw, offering to out grass from the railway reserve—Offer accepted on con dition that the work is done thoroughly. From Menu Lewis and W J Siloook, asking that willows be planted ob the river bank in the vicinity of the outfall drain to make a protection against tb* encroachments of the river.—Referred to Works Committee with power to Act,

BBAUTIITINC ASSOCIATION.

A deputation from the Beautifying As- Bociation, consisting of Dr Trevor, Messrs Goleman and Collins, waited on the Council and submitted a plan of proposed work on Baring Square East, which would be begun at once if the Council approved. On the motion of Cr Paul seconded by Or Jones, the request of the deputation wm granted. WOBKS #OMMITTHI AND ENGINEER'S BKFORT.

1. Water Cart—The Works Committed having obtained particulars from Chritt' ehuroh, recommend the Council to procure a second water cart, similar to the one procured by the Ohristohurch City Council, from Messrs Lucat Bros, of Christohurch, at a cost of £85.

2. Accommodation at Fire Brigade Station •—Your Committee recommend, as no tender hat been received for the foreman's old oottage, that in the meantime the nse of thia cottage where it now stands, be granted to the turncocks and Fire Brigade; and that the partition in the shed be removed and cupboard accommodation provided, 3. Site for Deposit of Rubbish — The Works Committee recommend that the Council take steps to obtain a title for that portion of land to the south west of Dobson Street west, as a site for the deposic of rubbish, and for river protection purposes. 4. Approach to River—The Upper >sh* burton Road Board have expressed their willingness to bear half cost of the work of making the approach to the rivet for shingle carting purposes, and yonr Committee recommend the Council to pal; the work in hand a t once, 5. Concrete Channelling—There has been an accident to the channelling at the upper part of Haveleok Street west, caused by a traction engine. The cost of repairs neces* sary will be about 30s. 6. New Offioas—We have called for ten ders for the new office building to be delivered by the next meeting of the Council. 7. Labour Gang—The men have been engaged during the past two weeks in forming streets and footpaths, and carting soil bo sections, mowing grass in streets, carting material to and soil from the con* tractors tor channelling, fencing reserve in Dobson Street, makfng and Ixing bridges and culverts, fixing kerbing across railway crossings, carting rubbieh and maintenance

works. A long discussion ensued on clause 1, and eventually it was decided to adopt the recommendation made, and authorise that as the matter was urgent the Work'a Committee be authorised to obtain a water cart from the patentees. The remaining clause* except 2, which wan referred back, were agreed to. The report of the lospeotor of Nuisances was generally satisfactory. QUESTIONS.

Cr Willis asked whether something could not be done to improve the condition of Weit street from the railway station to North-West Town Bel*, which was abso tately impanable. Or Olark aaked if anything could be done to Aitken street. People could scarcely get into their houses in its present skate. Both matters were referred to the Works Committee. WAUKS OF COUNCIL'S EMPLOYEES.

Or Clack moved according to notice that the day labourers employed by the Council should receive 7s a day instead of 6s, and the foreman £210s a week instead of £2 2s. He britfly referred to the wages paid elsewhere, and said that the time had come owing to the increased ooet of living when better wages should be paid by the Council, seeing that of her employees were paying more bow than formerly. Cr Davis seconded, and the Mayor, Crs Davis, Paul, Timmins, Andrews and Willis took part, and eventually Cr Clark's motion was amended to include that the matter ba referred to the Works Committee, in which form it was carried unanimously. JBXPBCTOEATION IN THK STREETS.

Or Jones' motion that a new by-law be adopted forbidding expectoration in the public street! was referred to the By-Laws Committee.

MISCELLANEOUS,

It was agreed to oall for tenders for a scavenging contract for 12 months, subject to $ months notice, also to call for tenders for dog collars. A carrier's lioense was granted to John Mulleney. After passing accounts the Gounoil sab as a

DOMAIN BOARD.

After some routine business had been disposed of, the Board considered an appli cation of the Sports Ascooiation, presented through a deputation consisting of Messrs P U Cox, Snodgrass, and McDonnell, and after discussion eventually decided to asphalt the cyc'iag track as soon as possible after the end of next month on the Sporti Association paying £100 towards the cost. This was all the business.

The McAdoo Company.

The oompany concluded their season last evening before an appreciative audience. The first part of the programme included several favourite plantation melodies, Items which are always acceptable to an Ashburton audience. The initial number "Steal »w»y," was rendered with that perfect harmonising of voice, and attention to piano passage* aa only the true darky can place on plantation bymnt: "A Great, great meeting, followed as an encore.. Mr Eugene MoAdoo'a fine bass was quite at home in " Masea in tha cold, cold ground," and he re sponded to an encore with " Rocked in the cradle of the deep". Miss Belle Gibbons's solo "The Church across the way," was A very piquant number the lower notes being sweetly and softly rendered. She waa heartily applauded. "Peter ring dem bells," and ''Climb up ye little children," were the other numbers of part singing pleasing to the audience. In the second portion of evening's entertainment, the soprano solo "A dream of home," one of Ardlttt's belt production", wai admirably rendared by Miss Underwood, who received a double recall. 'In response to an encore, following a medley of patriotic airs, the company gave the "Mar oh to Pre toria," which elloited applauie. Gauze, the character artist, supplied' the humorous items, and took on immensely. Mr |ft H Collins'e baritone solo, "The death of Nation" was a faithful rendition of a favourite com position. "Jingle bells" by the oompany concluded a very enjoyable evening's enttst* tainment. The illustration of the "Passion Play" was again produced during tha nqpnd part for the benefit of those who were absent on Saturday evening;

The Plague.

Brisbane, November 36

A boy named Q»n\t has been attacked by plague at Spring Hi!); It is three weeke since the iaat case

SUPREME COURT.

United Preat Association—By Eleolric Telegraph

Wellington", November 26

A oaae in which Mary Henderson wa» oharged with having caused the death of Mary Winifred Luke in an operation for abortion, was begun in the Supreme Court to day

Letter from the Front.

The following is an extract from a letter by Trooper H J C Harpw, of the Third Contingent:—

Barberton, September 20.

I wrote to you lust) from Pretoria, about three weeks ago. Sinoe then we have had a long, tiring, bub uneventful, march under General Mahon to Carolina. Here our column joined General French, and the two marched on to B*rberton together* The j distance from Barberton to OaroHna it about i 80 miles, through the rongheu ,• ■••! higheat' country we hare yet) travelled. It took our convoy over a week to get there. Wa met with alight opposition at two Passes, but the artillery and infantry soon shifted tht few Boer* who tried to block us. When we were about) 30 miles from Barberton by road, a thousand mounted men, including 75 New 2ealander«, formed a flying column under General Frenob, and marched to the town by a short cot over a very rough cattle track ; we had to lead our horses for several miles. Having a good horse I was one of those chosen to go with the lying column We were only allowed to carry one blanket and three days' rations. We made an early start and readied Barberton aboub half-patb four in the afternoon ; the Soots Greys were the only company to actually enter the town, we camped a mile and a half from it. We I got in very easily as it happened : it might have bees a very risky undertaking, but most of the Boers clewed out and the rest gave up their arms. I do not know how many we got the first day, bat they arc coming in evory day, and there are a good many in the show ground, whioh is being used as * prison. The convoy did not reach here till three days after we arrived. Those Who were with it had rather a bad time as they were short of rations, and had a great deal of trouble with the waggons. We (of the flying column) had the best time we have ever had, camped here. We have nothing to do and plenty to eat. There are half a dczen stores in Barberton, full of everything we seeded, all sorts of tinned fiah and meat, jam, rice, butter, etc., so we had a great time. Barber ion is one of the nicest places I have seen in South Afric» s It is a great galdmioing centre, mostly inhabited by English people; there are also splendid garden*, and we were able to get) a few early pine apples ; the season for lemons and oranges was over. Kaap Mutfen, September 28; After camping at Barberton for ten days, 50 Of the New Zealanders were sent down here by a road that) follows the railway. It took us two days—a very hot, dusty, march. Kaap Maiden is only a railway junction, a hot, dull, dusty place; the only pleasing feature is the river, in which we spend a good part of our time* What) we were sent here for none of us know, as we are doing nothing. We all seem to think the war is nearly over, and we will soon be on our way home. At alt the principal places on the railway line there are drzene of locomotives. Most of the big bridges are blown up, but jury bridges have been rigged up nearly everywhere. The Boers destroy everything they oan, even food stuffs, though they also left a lot. We believe the Government intend closing the Deiagoa Bay line for a period, and let) the Boers do a starve. On the way from Barberton here we met Colonel Sotnerville, Captain Chaytor, Lieutenant Cuthbertson, and some of our fellows that have been away from us for some time, We camped together for two hours and got a mail from them. I also met Hugh Acland, who was going up to Barberton to join lieueral French's medical staff. He had no horse and had walked eighteen miles' and had another eight miles more to go; however, he looked very well in spite of the heat* We have heard nothing officially about the trip to England; I shall remain with the contingent wherever they go until discharged. October 11th—Still at Kaap Muideo, and pretty dull it is, all we have to do is to patrol the railway Hue. We are not feeling the heat nearly so much as at first;, we had rain about a week ago, it poured heavily for twenty-four hours, we had shelters rigged up with roofing iron and blankets, so the rain was aot unpleasant and it has cooled the air. We are threequarters of a mile from the station, close to the railway line, so we see all the traffic passing. Nearly all the rolling, stock' and iroops have been been taken away from Koomati Poort, some of the regiments believe they are on the way home. Yesterday there was a very serious railway accident within & short distance of oamp, in which three poor fellows were killed outright and about sixteen wounded, several of whom are hardily expected to lire. At this place the bridge was blown up by the Boers so a temporary bridge was rigged up, with a sharp incline running to it on both sides. The train that came to grief wan composed of about twelve trucks, two dummy engines and two engines working, one in front and one behind. On board was one section (i.e. two guns) of the 20th battery Royal Field Artillery with all their gear, horses, mule's, waggons, etc. Well, the train got on too much pace, and one of the engines must have put on the breaks and the other did'nb, anyhow, the front engine left the rails on the other side of the bridge and smaahed the trucks one into the other and then toppled over a small embank ment about ten feet high. Of the train only the rear engine and two trucks were left intact, and as luck would have it the majority of the men were in them. These trucks were actually standing on the bridge, beiDg jupt clear of the smaeh, if they had gone over all hands would have been paased out. We were all down doing all we could to help, but it was some tiire before the men were got out of the debt is, there must have been over twenty horses killed or had to be shot. lam very fit and happy, we have bad no Mieeß of enteric for a lone time.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—by Elnotric Telegraph

ANOTHER REBUFF TO THE BUG D'ORLEANS. Brussels, November 25 The King of the Belgians has in formed the Due d'Orleans that his projected visit here will be unwelcome, WHOLESALE POISONING CASE London, Nov 25 Three hundred persons in Manchester are suffering from the effects of beer made of hops which had previously undergone a peculiar chemical bleaching process, producing arsenic.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

CHARGE AGAINST THE SI&HS

AN IMPENDING EVICTION

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received November 26,10.2) p.m) P^IHS, Nov2^ French troops accuse the Sikhs of ramacking the Ming tombs at Si-liajr. Hong Kokg, Not 25 A detachment of Madras Pioneers bai been sent to prevent Russians from evicting a Britisher from premises he owns at Tongku.

"What Happened to Jones."

It is good newe for all New Zaalandere who love a hearty and wholesale laugh that Mr Charles Arnold, now on his third visit hither, has organised a upecial company for .he performance on tour of' What Happened to Jones,' and ' Why Smith Left Home, 1 the screaming farce comedies, which have had such phenomenal runs in Melbourne and Sydney, Brisk as farces can be, without a aemblance of vulgarity or a moment's dull ness, Australia welcomed them ai the fun niest stage productions they had seen, and Mr Arnold was compelled to extend tail eeaeon by several weeks, in each city. 80 emphatic was the »uooess of' Jones'thafe the reoeipts at the Princess's for the first five week* actually exceeded those io London and hew York, the profits reaching fife j ihoaaand pounds and the royalty for the. author, Mr O H Broadhursfe, £950. Io it estimated that the Australian tour of' What Happened to Jonea' will show a profit of £40,000. In Melbourne the takings during its run established one more record at the Princess's the ' Jones ' reoeipts exceeding those of all previous productions, excepting only the first Gaiety Company and Sara Bsrnhardt masons. Hitherto • The Private Secretary ' and ' Charley's Aunt' have been accepted as the funniest farces extant, but the be»t proof that * What Happened to i ones' and ' Why Smith Left Home' are funnier still is afforded by the fapt that wherever played, England, America, or South Africa, they have made much more money than either of the others. In ast> tralia, as elsewhere, they drew all olaasei and many of all classes taw them three or four times. They were universally popular* and at the same time a magnet of fashion, because of the beauty of their costuming. Mr Arnold's tour of New Zealand bidi fair to be all the success anticipated for it. Mr Arnold and his company commence their two nights' season.in Asbburton, at the Oddfellows' Hall next Friday (80th.) with * What Happened to Jones,' which is booked for one night only, and the lasb night of the setton, Saturday Ist, will be devoted to * Why Smith Left Home,' The box plane for the season are now on view at Mr Jones', and early application is suggested, M the 1 hall it sure to be filled to ovei flowing each night. ,

The Coningham Divorcs Case Scandal.

United Press Association—By Blectrio Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Nov 26,111 p tn, Thia Office J 165pm Sydney, November 26 Ernest Abigail, solicitor, was charged with endeavouring to persuade Thorn Ml Coogan to make a false statement in con neetfon with the Coningbam divorce ease. Coogan, in his evidence, Said Abigail was a friend, who came to his residence; The Ooningham case cropped up In eon* versatlon, and Abigail said, "I wish 1 had you as witness." To Googtn'i objection, that) he knew 'nothing about the case, he said that did not; matter; he could fix him up. All he wanted witness to say was thab he saw Dr O'Harran and Mrs Conlngham in a certain place, and he would give him a coaple of hundred sovereigns. Next morning wit ness called at the office of Dr O'Harrsn's counsel, and made a statutory declaration with regard to Abigail's offer-. A couple of days afterwards, by arrangement), Abigail again visited the house of Googan, who had two men hidden in the kitchen and two outside the window, where they could hear the conversation. Abigail asked if Coogan Intended to aocept his offar, and Coogan said thai) it all depended on the terms. Abigail replied that) he might make an offer of £500 or go wbacks in whst ever they gob out of the ease. He asked Man to see a number of other people and offer them monetary Inducements to appear as witnesses, and mentioned that he would nuke it worth £1000 to £1. He told Coogan to be very careful net to mentien this to anyone, and added that! after the case was over Coogan would have to change his name, or he might gel shot. He told him he got 1 Conlngham coached and Mrs Coningham could not be eqaared. Witness, under pretence, said r:e might forget, and got Abigail to put these facts in writing. Next day he handed this document to O Harrau'a aontisel. Four witnebsw, who were hidden at Cocgan's, gave corroborative evidence M to the conversation. The case wee adjourned till to-morrow.

SPORTING

AUCKLAND CUP.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Welliikoton, Not 26 Mr Evett b*a declared the following weights for the Auckland Cop, of itOQ soys; two miles. (Run on Boxing D«y» December 26) :— Advance lOab 21b, Seahorse 9st 12lb, Malatua 8 t 7<b, Fulmen Set 61b, Tortull* Bstslb, Boreas and Coronet Btt 4lb, Bins) Jacket, La Gloria, Miss Pelaval, and Hohoro Sat 31b, Uhlan, St Ihrio, and Ideal Sis, Rattleaxe 7st 131b, Renown 7st Ulb, Jabber 7«t 101b, Materoa 7st 81b, The Needle 7st 71b, Beddington 7st 6tb. Skobeloff 7«t 41WNobl« lity and Labourer j»fc 21b, Honesty, Autal*, Military, Dayntree.Toroa, Robert McCarthy and Fabricator 7st, Formula and Palaver 6it 121b, Cavalry, Hengist, and Paphos 6stloib ( Kahuwai, I^night of Athol, Zealous, Pan] Beaton, Tamaki, Motor, Rosiphele, and Matamatakeke 6at 71b

UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD

The regular monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board was held in the Board's office, Went Street, Ashburton, yesterday (Monday)i Present—Mr O J Harper (chairman), and ail the members. The minutes of the last veering were read and confirmed.

CORRESPONDENTS

The following correspondence WM re* oelved:— . ■ -, - „ .. ■ From the Receiver of Land Revenue, informing the Board that he had paid to Us credit ab the Union Bank of Australia the sum of £15 16s, on Account of " thirds." accrued for the quarter coded October 27. From Mr fc^G Wright, drawing Urn Board's attention to the growth of gorse om the roads Adjoining R.S 28567 »nd 24G60, and others; alao to the rough itati of the road adjoining the Borough reserve,-? Resolved the matter be attended to, and the i Olerk was instructed to forward notlpai to clear gone to the owners of the various < seetiont. _ From' the Trustees of the late (?eorge Hart, Esq., stating they are agreeable to make a sale to the Board of two acre! of X,» 28552, for the purposes of a gravel pit.— Resolved that the Board be empowered to complete the purchase. -ROLL AMtKBAMOI'S i Tho Clerk was instructed to submit the following to the Supervising Valuer, snbjeo* to all rates being paid to date:—From Mr Denis MoKendry to Mr Archibald McAliater, R. 8.14351-2, 200 acres; from Mr 0 Rem ington to Mr Thomas Biohardson, Lots 15 to 21, part 4906, 2 seres 3 roods 25perohes j from the Public Trustee (estate JW Anjer* son) to Mr Timothy Connolly, R,B 29186, SOOacreß. ' CBOSSIKG AX MCHOLAS Mr Herring repotted that this wae not very bad on the Alford forest" Road side, but some little work we* necessary on ih# Wester&eld aide, 'and the gates on the Hackthorne Road adjusted, being dfflioult to open. . ' The deck was instructed to write to Mr Roberts on the matter;'

wofrp ' - ' The tender of P Clifford m accepted for the ahiogle required on the Alford PprMt Bo**, between Argy!e'« property »nd the Greetmtreet school. . • Resolved to shingle the remaining portion of the Mitcham Road to the South Ro*d.

ACCOUNTS Accounts »monßtwg to |1166 U BdifMJ passed for payment, and th£ $OMq adjourned,

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WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 WE SHALL BE REPRESENTED at the ChrSntcborch ana. Timaru flxtnre*, an* have si&de satisfactory arrangements fcr disposing of CLIPS pmately jlshbarton. Consignments will be recnived »t mir Asi>bur'on or Tinwald stores, and sent.on t« eithar Christen arch or Timaru, free of ail cbargse, except railage. Olierata who wish to need their Wool direct from their nearest railway station will please consign as followi: — If intended for sale at Ashburton—Friedlander Bros', Ltd Siding, Ariiburtcn If intended for eale at Cbrittchnrch—Brown and Son's Siding, Addington If intended for tale or Bhipmnnt at Tinmru Mill & Go's Siding, Timata If infaoled for ihipment at Lyttelton-N.Z.Shipping Co's.DumpinglShed.'LyfcteHoii WOOLSACKS, TWINE LANDING OIL, and all other Shearing [Requisites supplied at lowest rates. Oor First Sale will take place.; at Timsra on FKIDAY, NOYEMBJBE 30, 1900 FRI! BLANDER BROS, LTD WOOL, WOOL, WOOL, I AM now making LIBEEAL CASH ADVANCES, FREE OF COMMISSION, I. np3D »11 Wool placed in my hands tot sale, either In Aehbttrton, Ohrlstoharcn, Tinoara, or for Shipment. This Seasons WOOL SALES for Canterbury hay« been fixed as ander, viz :— CHBISTCHURCH—November 22, 1900, December 13, 1900 January 17, 1901, February 19,1901 TlMAßU—November 30, 1900, January 8, 1901, February 7, 1901 I ahall be represented both at OHRISTOHUROH'and TIMARU. WOOLSACKS AND ALL STATION REQUISITES SUPPLIED AT LOWEST MARKET KATES Ist Sale TIMART7—BOth November. Wool for me to bt consigned—N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Siding, Timaro, account D. Thomat 2nd Sale OHRISTOHTJROH—I3th December. Wool to be consigned— Seed Co.'i Siding, Addington. account D. Thomas DAVID THOMAS, ASHBDRTON. PURE SEEDS, I haw latriy ei«ct*d, regardießß of cost, the MOST COMPLETE FEED CLEAN IKG PLAM aonth of the line and I now aek Fatmers to Inspect the same at work. I AM PREPARED TO CLEAN FOR FARMERS ANY DESCRIPTION OF SEEDS OR GRAIN AND WILL GUARANTEE TO GIVE TH*M SATISFACTION T can supply best Kytgrass and Cocksfoot Iccally grown, also best Cloven, drwued by my own Machines, the parity of which mmt be eeen to be appreciated Ateo-HfRST & SOS'S ENGLISH OLOVERS.iTDRNIPS, RAPE LUCERNE TREFOIL, &c. D. THOMAS ASHBURTON . . " " ' J. WILSON, „ SIGN-WEITER AND DECORATOR; IMPOP.TEB OF ABTISTIO WALL PAPERS. BOBNBTT STREET, TELEPHONE 65 SOLE'AOEKT FOR ASHBURTON AND DISTRICT FOB HALL'S 'Sanitary WATER PAINT;* At »«a to the prinoipaJ HoapUals throughout the world. It will stand wanhtag. It kilia iaßecte c and is a considerable saving compared to oil paiati. ZEALANDIA CYCLES. BUILT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Butted Tubing Throoghout. Oe_uine English Danlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months. Baay Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Cycle Manpfactnrera in the Polony



JMLassey-Harris Haryesterß. WE have pleasure in announcing to those of our Bomerons Oiienie who posßea* Masaey-Harris Efapers and Binders that »a Kxpert is now at Ashbuiton for the pwrpoae of Overhauling Machines. Farmers who wish to made use of his services, will kindly bring in their Binders as soon as possible. FKIEDLANPER BROS.,Ifrj, Aehburton Agents. 23rd October 1900, 10 208 Smoke New Veuua i



; STILL ADVANCING. CBAIGHEAD & BERBYMAN HAVE jaat opened out, ex i.a. Paparoa from London, the largest ahipmeat of Hew Goods the; have hitherto imported, comprising the moat up to date Saitioga from the best ManofaetareM a« bow worn at Home, Their immense stock of Faahlonabto Tailoring Goods now affords customers inch a splendid range of new materials of guaranteed quality and stylish patterns to choose from as should please even the most fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, and fib will compare favorably with those of the leading firms in Chrißtohuroh or other citioa. They are alto showing a grand lot ef new Hats, Shlrta, Ties, Boote, etc., this season. Customers would do well to place their orders early a« 0. &B. have already a large *»mber of tulta on the books prom»ed before Xmat. il **>



ASHBtT RTON OFFICE ••LTTTELTON TIMES" " CANTERBURY TIMES * "STAR" "SPOBTSMAN • WHERE Advertisements and Subscrip tions will be received, and files can be inspected, E. NORDON, Managing Agent for South Canterbury, ■■} BURNETT STREET, (Entrance to Thomas' New Auotioa Mart) 11 10 j_ — — SMOKE NOSEGAY TOBACCO. The Latest and Best Manufactured by 0 Williams & Co Rich» -id. V A, MRS ALCORN is having a display of Fanoy Art Needlework—the newest and latest for two weeks, during which she will give 10 per cent discount on It, and all materials for working: As it Is laid out for inspection she will feel obliged tf ladies interested in needle work oonld pall and see it. „___—«_ ANTEblnown—The rapid lightning Shirt Gloss has by far the largest f»le in New Zealand—John Orb and Co and '"bsabman Bros mm



Mr J, Wilson, house decorator, haa been fortunate in securing the agency for Ash burton and district of the now famous «' Hall's Sanitary Washable Distemper " or Water Paint, at used for renovating all the principal hospitals, hotels, efco., throughout Great Britain and the colonies. Before renovating the GhrUtebarch Hospital tome time ago, a competition wm held to deoida upon what kind of distemper or paint would be used for cleansing and deoorating the baildingß. Alter exhaustive tests and trials " Ball's Watw TPalub? 1 wu oonildersd by far the belt, and hai been ui«d in the inttitntion aver since. It la very suitable for applying to walla and oeilingi of kitohens, whether wood or platter. It has an advantage over oil paint, inasmuch aa inaeota cannot live near it. It is very easy of application—by limply adding hot or cold water, it is ready for immediate use, and in three weefu' time is washable. Mr Wilson has a shipment |ast to hand.-H[Advt\ 11 4Qoagh On j Wahoo,KoousAH and Benjamin Gum go to AssOTRTOir



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Smoke New Venus