EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for Augueb

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— THURSDAY, AUGUST 16 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 6.30 p m FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 Fcr Australian Colonies (via Bluff), per express to connect with Mokoia, at 12.30 pm. Due Melbourne August 23. For Northern Ports and West ports, Aus tr.lian Coloniee (via Wellington), South Africa, Ceylon, India, China, etc, also United Kingdom »nd Continent of Europe,' specially directed via Suez, per VVeetralia, at 10.30 am. Dae Bydney August 23, London Oo'ober 1. SATURDAY. AUGUST Vj For South America, also United King dom and Continent of Europe, specially addressed via Monte Video, per Otaraira, at 10 30 a m Due London Oc!, 7 W. H. Kbnnbk, Postmaster.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd , report upon the live stock market for the week ending August 15, as follows:—The usual weekly sale wa'i held at the Tinwald Yards on Tuesday last, tbe attendance of farmers and others being only moderate, bub not withstanding this biddiDg for most classes of stock waß brisk, more especially for hoggets and merinos and halfbred ewes, these making respectively 13s B', 13s 4', and 18a. Butshera' htlfbred ewes sold up tolßs7d, crossbred ewes from 12a 6ci to 16j. The totals yarded for the day consisted of 3361 sheep, 6 ram?, 33 c&ttlf, and 12 pigß, our entry being made up <-f 1859 sheep, 6 rams, and 11 pigs, alnvst the whole of which we succeeded in disposing of at tho following prices:—B3 halfbred hoggets 10i 4d, 205 merino ewes 13s 4d, 324 merino ewes 6s 6d, 221 halfbred ewes 13s B', 210 half bred hoggets 13i 2d, 171 merino ewes 12* 7d, 139 halfbred ewea 16-', 197 crossbred hoggota 13s &d, In pigs 9 weanera Bs, 2 baconeia 13a.

GERALDINE STOCK SALE.

There was a fairly good attendance at the Fanner's Saleyards, Geraldine, yesterday, considering that thi3 is Grand National week, and the entry was a fair one The sale of one large line of sheep, however, was forbidden by the Stock In pector for the reason that Borne of the ehesp were infected with lice. Wethers and maiden eweß sold arl6s2d. Amongst cattle, springing cows brought up to £6 and fat cowa £4 ss. There wub only a, small entry of pis;*l.

AUSTRALIAN GRAIN & PRODUCE MARKETS

United Press Association —By Eteotrio

Telegraph—Copyright;

(deceived Wakapuaka August 15, 10 15 a.m This Office 7 56 p.m SYDNEY) August 15 Wheat—Milling, 2a 10d ; chick, 2a 3d to 2a 61; flour, £6 5s to £7; Manitoba, £11; oat.& —prime New Zealand feeding, 2i 2d to 2s3d; barley—beet feel, 2a Id; maize prime, 2j7J ; bran and pollard, 7Ji ; peas— Prussian blua, 3a 2d to 3s 3d ; potatoes— Tasmanian, £2 17s 6d to £3; New Z aland derwente, £2 ss; onions—Victorians, £4 153 to £5 J butter —dairy, B£d ; creamery, lOd; cheese—New ZaaUmd prime loaf, 6d j extra large, s^d ; bacon, s£d" to 7|d. The above quotations are those ruling between merchant and retailers, and do not represent slightly lower values obtained by the recognised traders.

Melbourne, August 15

Wheat—Strong, 2s lid ; oats—firm, with further enquiry for export, Algerian 2s 4d to 2s 5d ; maiZ8 —prime, 2s 4d ; bran, 9^d to lOd ; pollard 10| 1 to lid ; potatoes, £2 to £2 5a', onions, £4 to £4 ss.

Adelaide, Angust 15

Wheat, 2a lOd to 2j 10^d ; flour, £5 15s; oats, Algerian, 2s 3d to 2s 6d ; stout white, 2s 6d to 3a; potatoes—loc»l, £3 103 to£3 10s; Taemanian, £5; onions, £5 5?.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

United Press Aeeociation—By Electric Tfilfgraph

Chkistchukch, August 15

The entries at Addiugton to-day were 3300 fat sheep, 2200 store sheep, 400 cattle, 3? 0 piga Cattle—lo4 h=sad of fat cattle, the bulk of which were light weight steers and heifers. The only thing exceptional were a few 6ne coot. The market was moat irregular, and owing to the Bcarcity of prime beef, in some instances very high prices were paid, but for ordinary the prices were without alteration; Beat steers £8 to £9 12< 63, others £6 to £7 10<; best heifers £7 to £8 ss, others £4 lo £6 10i; extra prime cowa £8 to £9 7e 6d, and others £4 to £7. There was a small entry of store cattle, which contained very Httle of good quality, although buyers from the North for good lines of young stock were unable to procure them. Three-year old heifers sold at £2 17a 6d to £3 15a, mixed yearlings £1 10a to £1 19s, and dry cows £1 10a to £2 15b

Sheep—The fat sheep were mostly good to piime wethers, both crossbred and merino, no ewes worth apeakihg ofi In several instances fancy prices were obtained, such ac 4ls to 44* for Mr Max Friedlander's Hampshire Downs, 31s 6d to 35i for South and Shropshire Down ewes and up to 22s 9d for merino wethers. Ordinary freezing quality were neglected and easier. Priceß ruling were 20s to 25a for heavy wethers, 17a 6d to 19s for freezars, and down to 16s 6d for unfinished, extra prime merino wethers 20a to 22i 9J, pood 16a to 19a, and inferior down to lie. Fat lambs—4o new season's lambs, mostly inferior to those sold laet week, and scarcely bo good as last year ; a few of the best made up to 16j 3d, others 9* to 14s 6d: Store sheep—With the exception of a line of 1150 two and four-tooth wethers, only 100 of which were sold at 14; Bd, the rest of the store aheap were made up of odd lots, all classes meetiug a fair sale. Wethers brought 14i Id to 15b M for forward sorts, and from lls 3d to 13a for backward. The only line of breeding ewes sold at 16s Id, hoggets 10s 3d to 13a 6d, merino wethers 6s lOd, and ewea 9a

Pjgs— The yarding of pigs waa a mixed one, and fate sold at about laso week's prices, bub stores showed a slight improve ment, Baconera brought 31s 6d to 383 6d, potkere 22b 6d to 30s and from 19s to 225, for very light stores 12a 6d to 18s, and Backers and weaners 5s to lOi

BURNSIDE MARKETS.

Dukedin, August 15

Cattle—234 head of fat cattle were yarded, comprising only a few prime. These were in good demand and brought last week's rates. Others showed a slight reduction, the greater portion going to graziers. Bert bullocks sold at £9 to £10 ; good, J37 to £8 17s 6d ; others, £5 15i to £6 17s fed ; best cows, very prime, £7 to £9 ; good, £6 to £7 ; others, £4 to £5 10a:

TIMARU SKIN SALE.

At tha usual fortnightly sale of wool and skins yesterday, the catalogues were gocd, and the attendance of dealers and others very fair. The sale as whole w»s thoroughly good, and the market) for all classes being firm, and prices very atisfactory. Sales were made as follows :—Crossbred skins, la Id, Is Hd, le sd, Is 7<3, Is 9d, 1« lid, 23 3d, 2s lid, 3j 61, 3s Bd, 3s 11d,«4s Id, 4a 2d, 4s 3d, to 4s 7d ; hoggets, 2s 2i3, 2a 3d, 2s 4s, 2a 7d, 2s lOd, 3s Id, 3a 3d, to 3a 7d ; halfbred, Is Id, I* 51, Is lid, 3* 6d 3a 9d, 3s 10*, 4s, 4s 2d, 4s 3d, 4a sd, to 4s lOd ; at per lb—merino, 4§d, 4|i, s£d ß s|d, to 83 ; half bred, 4§d to 4|i; orossbred, <Ud ; hoggets, 4£d to 4f i. Wool.—Mixed lots, 4d per lb; trimmings. 3Jd, 3£d, to 3|d ; pieces, 4d ; dead wool, 5§ t. Pelts sold ac 3d, and fat at 14s 6d perWt.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 1900. THE TSUNG LI YAMEN.

As nearly every cablegram referring to affairs in China at the present juncture contains some reference to the " Tsung Li Yamen," it may be I interesting to explain what this body is. It ie an institution which was founded quite recently (in 1884) by Prince Kung, and is commonly j supposed to possess supreme political ! authority. It consists of the President, eight Ministers, six Chief Secretaries, two Assistant Secretaries, and thirty clerks of the department, apportioned as follows : —English Department six, French Department seven, Russian Department six, United States De partment seven, Maritime Defence Department four, and aix euperinten dents of current business, and the "Manchu Registry Department. All communications from foreign Ministers to the court of China are addressed to the Tsung Li Yamen, and all Chinese representatives abroad are appointed by it. Until quite recently this institution exercised little real power, the Eoipress, as we know, dominating the entire Government. Within the past year or two, however, the Tsung Li Yamen has been very obstructive to the wishes of foreign Ministers—-and it has been found next to impossible to get anything don© which has had to be referred to this body. Its members have reduced the carrying on of negotiations with outsiders to a systf m. They never go a»y further than the initiatory stage. Sir Henry Parkes declared that to get any definite answer from the Yamen was " like trying to draw water from a well with a bottom lees bucket." Henry Norman says, that !( The Tsung Li Yamen has served only lo head off foreigners and postpone Hie satisfaction of their legitimate demands." The influence of the Yamen has been distinctly adverse to Euro pean interests, and it is asserted by (hose who know soaaethiog about the matter, that foreigners havea less weight in China now, than they had ten years ago, Evidence of this is supplied by the fact, thah it baa been found next to impossible to get any redress from the Chinese Government for outrages com mitted upon European?. Indeed, itis openly stated that for some time past those Viceroys, who have instigated, or connived at murders of missionaries and others, so far from being punished, have been the recipients of special marks of favour. This state of affairs had been known prior to the breaking out of the present war, and it ia easy to fiee that the same system of preva rication and deceit is being carried on In proof of this we have only tc look back through the cable news from China, received since the present trouble began. The Taung Li Yamsn is continually assuring the Powers, that the foreigners in Pekin shall be pro tected, while at the same time it is encouraging the Boxers to persevere in their attempts to get possession of them. A little while ago, this encour agement was given secretly, or at least so that the Powers should not hear about it. Bat now, getting bolder as the numbers of the Boxers increase, tho Tsung Li Yamen openly supports the agitation against foreigners and, according to the latest newe, has actually issued instructions to one of the Viceroys to expel all foreigners from his province. When we learn the full particulars of how the Tsung Li Yamen has acted towards the foreigners in Ofaina during the last few weeks, we shall doubtlsss get a rude awakening. We shall find that, although man for man in open warfare, an Englishman, a Russian, or even a Yankee ia moro than a match for a Chinaman, none of these are''in it" with the heathen Chinee, when the circumstances permit cunning and duplicity to be employed. It is to be hoped the Powers will succeed in in bringing China to book for the out rages the Boxers and rabble have com mitted. In that case, we may assume that the Tsung Li Yamen will be remo delled, if not altogether abolished.

Local and General.

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

VoLTJNTEBBiNO—In our advertising columns will be seen an advertisement re ferring to a smoke concert to be held in the drill shed to-morrow night, ab whioh present and retired members from the local com panies are invited to be present.

Peksonal—Mr Cha-rlea BraddeU'B mny friends will learn with pleasure that he went through a serious operation successfully, and is now doing very well.—Mr Robert Daviaon, of Rakaia, who has been in the hospital for seme days as the result of a broken leg, ia progressing favorably.

Lectube.—The interest ia the popular lectursa being delivered by the Rev, Mr Woodthorpe still continues very strong, and although held at an hour in the afternoon— 3.3o—which is unsuitable for many, there were 3D present at St. Stephen's Schoolroom yesterday. The subject waa treated by the rev. gentleman in his usual able manner, and throughout the lecture close interest) was shown by the audience.

Uneq ailed and Invincible, Woods' Greab Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds, Is 6, and 2s 6d

Thh Ashburton Volunteer Rifle Ban- i qubt—The members of the Ashburton Kiftas thoroughly appreciated the handsome action of their first Captain (Mr T Bullock) in providing the banquet, which took place last evening. Tbap Accident. — Wb»6 might have proved & serious accidenb happened last evenings As Mr and Mrs Webber were driving into the Commercial Hotel yard the turning was taken too sharp, and one of the wheels collided violently with the kerb, upset the trap, and pitched the occupants out. Mr Webber seemed none the worse, but Mira Webber was picked up in a semi unconscious state, and carried into the Commercial Hotel, where she was attended to by Mrs Grange. Dr Trevor was sent for, and came at once. He found that Mrs Webber waa suffering from shock, from , which she is now recovering;

Adjutant Button. —We wish to draw the attention of our reader to the announce ment in our advertising columns of the visit of Adjutant) Button to Ashburton on Sunday and Monday next. From many sources re ports have reached as of the wonderful buo cess that has been achieved at all the places visited thus far with this wonderful combination of limelight! and kinematcgraph views and films, and we predieb a great tread for the public of Ashburton on Sunday and Monday next in the Oddfellows' Hall. The above exhibition is said to be equal if not superior to anything travelling the Au«> tralasiam colonies*

The Hot Lakks.—lt is estimated (that £100,000 )B annually spent by tourisia whilse sight seeing at the New Zealand Hot Lakes and Springs, and indications point to an increase in this already large amount. The Fourth Contingbnt. —Sergeant W. Hefford, writing to his sister (Miss Rose Hefford) from Gwelo, in Matabeleland, says it is the largest town between Maraadeiles and Bulawayo. The oountry through which they have travelled, for about 160 miles, is very poor, but they have come across several gold bearing reefs, and at the river which separates Matabeleland from Mashonalaod he found opal stone. They had not done any fighting at the time of writing. They had had a good trip so far—-a regular picnic —only i hey get no more than two meals a day. "We are fairly starved and always on the steal if we get a chance," A significant paragraph in Sergeant Hefford'a letter, as indicating the probable effect of this volun teering upon our young men, is the follow ing:—"I would like to see home again,

. . . but now I think I would like to get a look at China. I feel like seeing the world now that I am away from New Zealand, although there ie no place like New Zjaland, and I always think of ' Home, sweet home.'"

SUPREME COURT.

Per United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

Christchcech, Augusb 15

At the Supreme Court, John Chamberlain, convicted on the previous day of attempted criminal <*s6ault, was broughb up for sentence,, Tho evidence given by Dr. Mickle showed that the young man's mental condition was one verging on imbecility and there was no security that the offence would not be repeated. It would be better if he were canfiaed and place i under such treat ment and light employment as wouid tend to hia improvement in this direction; His Honor sentenced the accused to 7 years' imprisonment, not so much in the way of punishment, as with a view to proper care being taken of him. and as the gaol governor had said this would be done, it was better to give a sentence of this kind than a shorter one under other circumstances. The greater part of the day was taken up in hearing the charge against Henry Harris Divers of the manslaughter of James Yates Daly. The affair arose out of some banter m a restaurant at which Daly and a friem' and Divers and a companion were having supper. Daly and Divers met outside and a squabble took place. Divers had a walking sick, the point of which entered Daly's eye and caused injuries from which he subasquently died. No evidence was called for the defence, bub Mr Haulon, in his address to the jury, claimed that the evidence showed that Dily waa the agressor and grossly so, Daly being a big man and a fine athlete, and able to " knock both Divers and his companion out." When assailed by such a man as D >Iy, Divers took to his stick, and as the result cf that, Daly by misadventure, met his death. There waa no evidence to show that the banter in the restaurant was tinged in any way with malice on the part of Divers. He held that Diiiy received the blew that pierced his eye when he was coming forward to again attack Divers, and when Divers was raising his somewhib innocnb weapon for (he down ward blow. The jury, after retirement, found the prisoner ' not guilty/ and he was discharged.—ln the Styche case, counsel for the defence applied for an adjournment on the ground of the illness of Mrs Styohe. An affidavit was sworn by Dr Jennings that having examined Mrs Styche on Augusts 13 and 14, and also during this day, he had come to the conclusion that she is suffering from mania, and is incapable of giving evidence, and he is of opinion that she will nob be able to appear at the Court and give evidence for a period of six weeks. His Honor adjourned the trial to the November session.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By EleobrSo Telegraph Auckland, August 15 A rather exciting Incident) is reported from Kaihu, Northern Wairoa. The Chrifrtchureh Klnematograph Company wan giving an exhibition to a well filled house, when the gas bag burst and set fire to the Company's piotures and to the hall. Fortunately the hall was well provided with means of exit, and the people lost no time in getting out through the doors an<? windows. The hill stands near the railway line, and a hose waa Becured and water poured on the fire from the tank for supplying the locomotives. The Company saved their machine but lost their pictures which they value at £400. The flooring of the hall waa also ruined.

THE AUSTRALIAN COMMON WEALTH.

(Jnitsd Press Assooiaf.ion—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka August 15, 105 am,

This Office 7 45 p m)

London, Ang 14

At a meeting of the Agents General, it waa decidei to entertain Karl Hopetonn at a dinner on October 24 The gathering will be representative of tha whole of Australia, and the Prince of Wales has been invited. The Duke of Devonshire is expected to attend. Melbourne, August 15

Mr Barton, in a speech, Baid the delegates had fought against the amend' meats in the Commonwealth Bill, on the gronnd that if it could ba said that the Australians did not know the meaning of any one cltnse, the same argument would app!y to every clause In the Bill. He eulogised tho treatment he had received at tne hands of Mr Chamberlain. They had met with opposition where they might have expected more loyalty to tha decision of the Australian people.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, August IS The Council met at 2 30 p.m On the motion of Mr Finkerton it was agreed that the report of the Labor Bills Committee on the Workers Compensation for Accidents Bill with the minutes and' evidence should be forwarded to various Associations for information of employers and workmen. The Government Valuation of Land Aot Amendment Bill and British Investors in New Zealand Government Securities Bill were read a first time. The Companies Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. On the motion of Mr Feldwick the Criminal Code Act Amendment Bill was read a second time and referred to the Statutes Revision Committal. The Governor's Salary and Allowances i Bill was read a second time. 1 On the motion of Mr W. 0. Walker the Ministers Salaries and Allowances Act Amendment Act Bill was passed through Committee without amendment, read a third time and passed. Further consideration in committee of the Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Bill was postponed till next sitting. The Council rose at 2 50 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wellington, August 15 The House meb at 2.30

NEW BILI.

The Deveaporb Borough Enabling and the Ohrittchurch District Drainage Act, 1875, Amendment) Billa were read a firab time, MEAT EXPOBT COS. LIMITATION OF PBOFITS BILL Mr Buddo r sumed the interrupted debate on this Bill, and a long discussion ensued, leave being eventually given to introduce the Bill. P,UJjS ADVANCHD. The Companies Act Amendment Bill was read & first time.

The Committee appointed to consider the amendments in the Noxious Weeds Bill by the Legislative Council reported, giving reasons for disagreeing with amendments, and it was resolved that a Conference be held on the subject* The Testators Family Maintenance Bill was committed, And the House adjourned at 5.30.

The House resumed at 7.30 Ia Committee on the Testators Family Maintenance Bill, clause 2,

Captain Russell deprecated the practice that has grown up of legislation for a par ticular purpose. He contended that even in the case of a dissolute eon, ft mother wouid rather suffer ia silence than go to a Court for an order excluding her eon from par* tioip&ting in the estate* Ihe amendment was lost—4s to 14.

Mr R Thompson moved as a farther amendment, to include nexb of kio as par ticipator in deceased persons estate. If the Btate waa going to interfore in the disposi tion of deceased person's estate, dearly bachelor's estate should be included.

Mr Herries thought the amendment would simply lead to litigation. The amendment was lost by 41 to 14.

Captain Russell could not concede that the State had a right to interfere with the manner in which a testator bequeathed bis property after having made provision for his family. He instanced th« case of a young able-bodied man who waa wanton and lazy, why should an estate bolster up such a case. He moved An amendment to meet such a case, by inserting words " infant or physic* ally helpless " before children. Mr R Thompson thought the Bill did nob go far enough, and considered that bachelors should be compelled to remember kith and kin lo their wills.

Mr Herries contended thab a man should be pievsnted from mortgaging his interest in an estate, and provision should be made for dealing with rich widows who re-marriei. Mr McNab pointed oub that the House had power to attach tuch condition* to an order made as it might think fib.

The proposal to limit tha time to twelve months up to which & person can oUim an interest in »n estate, was also oarried.

The Bill was reported with amendments. The House rose at 12 35 a m»

Transvaal War

(United Presß Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, August 15 Of the six thousand horses oaptured in the Fourieaburg district, the British are using 2000, which are in the pink of condition. Genera! Carrington, with 60C New South Walts Bush men and six guns, advanced on August 5, wifehin two miles of Colonel Hoare's camp. He found it impossible to dislodge the Boers, who held a strongly entrenched position, and hia force was too small to attempt flunking operations. The Boers tried to envelop General Garrington's force on both fhnks, and only by the colonials displaying great steadiness and effeotive artillery fire was a serious eituition prevented. General Oarrington retired to G-root Marico. He discovered that the Boers barred the road to Zeerusf, The Boers captured a email convoy at Klemfon tein, bub the colonials repulsed a determined attack, and regained Zeerust on August 7. The casualties were twelve wounded and (seventeen missing. Most of the iatter how ever, rejoined the force later. The Bushmen showed great coolness in their first fight, scouting and skirmishing admirably. Lord Methuen overtook Da Wet's rear guard aoroes the railway in the direotion of Ventereburg on Sunday. He captursd a gun and effectually shelled the main convoy. De Wet during the night exploded three waggoai and abondoned some ammunition and thirty exhautted horaes. Steyn is undsr surveillance in the Boer camp. , . . , Sixty British prisoners asoaped and joined Lord Kitchener eight miles eastward of Venteredorp. General Hamilton marched apubh-west to BUawbank, hoping to intercept De Web, Colonel Mahon is pushing west. A field cornet and 182 Standerton burghers surrendered to General Ciery.

FLUCTUATIONS IN THE MEAT MARKET

Speaking in the House yesterday on the meat trade at Home, Captain Russell, In showing how the market varied for mutfcoa at Home, gave his own experience as one who froae on his own account. Of 3000, he sent Home 2400, which realised 16a lOi each, the balance, whic*.followedsi* -"*> only 10a 4d. He citea other such cases as affecting the meat companies, showing where they had made heavy losses, and although the companies had done very well this year they might nob be so successful negb season.

THE STYCHE CASE

A Startling: Development

Mrs Styche Apparently Sudddenly

Insane

The Trial Adjourned

! At six o'clock yesterday morning Mrs Styche, of Opawa, whose husband is at pre t^ent awaiting trial on a charge of inducing ,Dr Clayton to poison her, appeared to be came suddenly deranged. Her husband, i Hatry Vincent Styehe, states that the unfor'unate lady has been so worried and harassed on account of his trouble that in the morning her overtaxed bra n gave way, and aha developed symptoms of a most alarming character. She h-d been restless all night, tossing to and fro, muttering in coherently to herself, and altogether ill at ease. A nurs« was in attendance watching her through the night. At 6 o'clock in ths morning Mrs Styche suddenly thtew the bedclothes from off her, jumped out of bed, and rushed towards the window, from which she kicked out several panes oi glass. She then began to shriek and soream. Her husband rushed in and endeavoured to pacify her. She turned round and, in her ap -1 parently blind insanity, attaoksd him, scratched htm, and struck him about the face and noee. The norse with the as sistance of some neighbours, there* upon took charge of Mrs Styche, while her husband telephoned for Dr JenniDgs. The doctor arrived about eight o'clock, and after examining Mrs Styche, injected a sedative. This had a quietening effect for a little, but the attaok of violence appeared again. Dr Jennings returned at ten o'clock, and injected another sedative, He then recommended that Mrs Styche should be removed to an asylum, and it was arranged that Mrs Styche should be taken to a private asylum at four o'clock in the bfternoon. The doctor, her husband states, considers that Mrs Styche is suffering from a severe attack of brain derangement, bub whether it is likely to be permanent or net, the doctor is not prepared at present to cay. Styche seams complrtely upset over the aff*ir, and great sympathy is expressed on his account by reason of this unfortunate event happening at such a critical time. — Press

On Tuesday Mr Sfcythe took his wife ia a cab to see Dr Jenuing?, who prescribed a sedative, and ehe was calmer for the rest of the day. In the evening she seemed to he getting worse again, and some friends of the family stayed with her till ehe went to bed. During the night she was very restless, wandering very much in her talk, and continually asking for something to drink. At about midnight she obtained some paper and a pencil, and wrote a letter, pre sumably intended for publication in a Chmtohurch newspaper, undsr the nom-de plurae of c Topsy.' la the letter, which was evidently written in defence of her husband, Mrs Styehe's sentences are very vague and incoherent), but the general strain of her remarks indicated that ehe had unswerving faith in her husband, of whom she says: ' I know a better husband never walked. 1 The letter protests strongly against street gossip, which, it states, had been the cause of bringing a terrible trouble on whe>t had been a happy home for nine years.— Lyllelton Times

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka August; 15, 925 am, Ibis Office 745 p m)

Pakis, August I!

In his recent reply M, Delcasso insisted that if China found it difficult to control the rebels, then tha Tsung li-Yamen should show the sincerity of its intentions by ordering the Chinese troops to stand aside, and enable the allies to clear the road, which they are determined to do

M. De Giers, on August 4, in a note to the Yamen, in reference to its action in recently applying to the legations with a view of arranging the date and conditions of their journey towards Tientsin, declared that the Powers never once demanded from Chinese Ministers abroad their departure under escort, and adds, " I consider an allied escort indispensable. The lack of communications at the present season makes the journey dangerous."

Washington, August 14

General Chaff", commander of the American troops, reported on August 10 that the allies had arrived on the previous day at Hoshiwu, on the Peiko river, midway between Tientsin and Pekin

Lokdok, August 14

Great Britain lent the Viceroy of Wuchang £75,000 at 4| per cent to pay provincial troops

The Chinese at Hassiwa fled on the first Bhots being fired

Received Wftkapu&ka August 15, 10 30 a m, Thin Office 745 pm) Hong Kong, August 14 The French guns were exceedingly effective at Yangtsun

"The British and American troopa raced to occupy a formidable entrenched position, and were exposed for fire thousand yards to a severe shell and rifle fire. The battle culminated in a brilliant charge by the British and Americans for three hundred yards, and the Americans and Sikhs simul taneously occupied Yangtsun

The Sikhs lost four killed and thirty-four wounded, the 24th Punjaub one killed and ten wounded, (he 2nd Welsh Fusiliers two killed and six wounded, the 14th American Regiment nine, killed and sixty two wounded, including ten who were shelled by mistake on the previous night by the Russians and English <

Many of the allies were prostrated by the heat. Tea Russians were wounded

(Received Wakapuaka August 15, 10 pm, This Office 1116 pm) Hongkong, August 14

The situation at, Chungkingfu is sericas. The Yamen peremptorily ordered the Viceioy to expel all foreigners from Szechaan.

Modern twelve centimetre disappear ing guns hate been mouated at the Canton forts. The garrisons consist of one thousand Manohus, 2000 Tartars, and 15,000 Black Flags, armed with Mausers aad Winchesters.

Berlin, August 14

The Emperor, taking farewell of the troops for China, said that Germany was resolutely opposed to the partition of China, and favoured the restoration of the status quo with a strong and stable Ohioeae administration, after the punishment of the instigators of the rebellion. The initial mistake was for the allies to underestimate their foe.

THE RIFLES' BANQUET

The Oddfeliow 8 I Fall was well filled IMb evening on the important occasion of the 21st) annual reunion of the Officers and member of the Ashbnrton Rifle Vo'unteers. FT»lf of the hall had been curtained off fora basque* and the other as a dnnoiog room, and both portions were nicely decorated.

Captain Dolman presidßd at the banquet, and was supported by Lieutenants Hayes and Clarke, and the guests included Mr and Mrs T. Bullock, Chplain and Mrs Sparrow, and others. Several members of the old R fie Company also attended. After an in troductory Orchestral selection, the banquet was accorded due justice, and being of a particularly satisfactory character, formed a leading feature of the evening's enjoyment. Captain Dolman read apologies from Major Douglas, Captain 6AM Buckley, the Mayor, and others, and then followed the usna! loyal toasts.

Mr Bullock proposed " The Mayor and Borough Councillors,"coupled with the name of Councillor Paul (in the absence of the Mayor) Although the work of the Council in the borougk had been carried omt satis factorily, he thought the time bad now arrived when more interest might welt be taken in the election for Councillors. In hi* opinion there had been perhaps a weakness in this respect, and he considered the period had now come when the women should exercise their votes in municipal matters* With respect to the erection of the Post Offioe they had heard of for some time past, he thought the Council should urge the early starting of this work.

Councillor Paul, in replying, stattd that outside of the three large centres of the South Island, no places enjoyed the privileges of Ashburton, more especially as the rates were only Ip.

The •' Army, Navy, and Volunteeri," wm proposed by Captain Sparrow, and Mr Cheat, who had done active tervioe for his eouakry, responded, stating it wm forty-six years •luce he landed in the f rimea, and fought in th»t glorious little battle cal'ed Alma.

••Our Boys at the Front" was plaoed in the hands of Mr Bullock, who regretfully referred to the fact of the flaps flying at half-mast that day for poor Bob Upton, and many would join, with him in sharing the faint hope of his still being alive, might be realised. "Oar Biys" had been well received, and had proved a credit to New Zealand.

Captain Dolman in replying stated they had 10 men represented at the front, and personally he had relatives at th« seat of war, he thought the vo'unteers had proved as effective as the regular soldiers.

Although volunteers had been declined for the Soudan the results of their work in South Africa would always stand out prominently.

The Adiburfcon Fire Brigade (by Lieut. Hayes), who reported the opinion of a well-known authority tbet the Ashbar ton Brigade was one of the best in the colony.

The toast was aekoovrleged by Captain Barber, and Lieut. Nokes;

The toast of the Aehbnrton Rifle* was is the hands of Captain Sparrow, who compli mented the corps on the attainmtnfc of their m» j ority as a Company, Captain Dolman and Lieutenants Hayes and Clarke responded, re'erence being made to the good offices of their friend Mr Bul lock. 400 men kad passed through the Com pany, th« Captain stated that for himself no misunderstanding had arisen with the men. The Company had been re presented by 18 men atJParikska during th« Maori war*

The Ashburton Guards and the Mounted R flss came nexb, and the toasts met with a suitable response at the hands of Captain Sparrow and Lieutenant Fooks. The call of the Government with respect to Mounted Companies especially, and the large financial help cordially given all rouu ', wonld prove a prominent feature in the history of mount ed corps, but Lieutenant Fooks complained that suitable arms had not yet bsen supplied to the local mounted rifles.

" The original members *' of the Ashbur ton Rifles was replied to by Sergeant Nelson and ex-Sergeant Truckle: The health of ex-Captain Bullook was very favourably received, and that gentleman in replying, stated when he arrived in Ash burton there was neither fence, road, nor tre-> He had been able to secure a site for their rifle butts, their drill shed, and as pressure of business had caused him to retire from their first captaincy, he had looked round for a successor, and found a capital one in Captain Douglas. Between the speeches several excellent icogi were given by Lieutenants Clarke, Color- Sergeant Schwartz, and Sergeants Wilier*, Leifch, sud Baker, Captain Dolman, ex- Sergeant Jesaop, and Private Childs, the aocompaniments to which were very care* fully played by Mr H A Gates, The latter part of the evening was devoted to danoing to music supplied by Miss Simntondt" band, and this portion of the function proved thoroughly enjoyable to the large number who remained until an early hoar this morning.

CABLE NEWS.

United PreM Association—By Eleofcrfe Telegraph—Copyright

Received k Wakapi»ka, August 15,105 ».tn, This Office 7 45 pm)

London, August 14

The Archer, which is about to join the Australian Squadron, is refitting and rearming, at a cost of £17,500,

In deference to medical advice, the Marquis of Salisbury has gone to Schucht, a health resort on the Vosges, but continues to conduct the affairs of the State by telegraph.

Obituary—Herr Steinitz, chessplayer, aetat 64.

A large party of invalided Colonial troops from Shorncliffa depot visited Canterbury Cathedral, where the Dead March In Saul was played in memory of loat comrades, the men standing at tbe salute while it was played.

Paris, Aagait 14

The French torpedo boat La France, after her collision -with the Brennus, failed to right herself and sank, Water even entered one of her watertight compartments.

(Received Wakapuaka August 15,10 p.m This Office 11.16 p.m) Home, August 14 Both King Victor and Queen Helena were antive in tending the injnred. The King crept underneath the railway wreckage to rescue the dying. He was received with warm acclamation on returning to Borne,

The Late Duke of Edinburgh

. The Duke of .Edinburgh had an elephant on board the Galatea, in charge of a marine on his trip to New Zeahnd. One afternoon the marine came ashore with the elephant, anl adjourned to a Qaeen.sfcreeefc hotel, Auckland, where frequenters of the bar asked him to "give it a name," mnil the gallant marine coald not take the sun over the foreyard. Several buckets of beer were ladled oub to the elephant, until he was as frisky as his guardian. There wa^ a popular play on that night at the old Prince of Wales Theatre, and the marine bought two drees circle tickets, for himself and the elephant. The access to the dress circle was up a flight of concrete steps, and the marine got the elephant half-way up the staircase, when ifc stuck in the passage. The ticket-tali er demurred to the visitor, and insisted that the elephant should pack up its trunk and leave. The ele" phanfcthen made a strategic movement to the rear, likewise the marine, but thereby hanga a tail. When the Galatea gob hcme, the crew were paid off, and the marine was instructed to take the elephant to Sandringham by rait. With his money in hi 3 pocket, the marine met a num er of friends, after his voyage. tH jjiate'y he got ihe elephant ipto the van, but, on reaching Sandrlngham, Ifc was found that the marine was dead, the.

THE ASHBUBTON &OARDIAM : THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 1906



First quarter Full muou Last quarter New moon

D H 4 4 11 9 17 II 25 3

M 16 am 0 am 16 pm 23 pm



Date August; 16 .. 17 „ 18 •• 19 >. 20 ,< 21 » 22

• •

Rises 6 56 6 54 6 5* 6 51 6 50 6 49 6 47

Seta 514 515 516 517 5 18 519 5 20



BELFAST AND FAIRFIELD "FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST I^OR TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANURE can be mad 3 for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON BAKU BE OAN BE SUPPLIED IN 1 Owt. or 2 Owt. SAOXS Orders received b/ i^ItIICOLAINJDJKK BROS., JL.lmfte<W DAVID THOMAS, OR *F'jyiJO W.!». FARMERS 00-^fi?*lts£tATL'lVlS 4 8»OUIATION OF CAWTKUBUKY, limited., OANTEBBUBY FKOZEN MiAT AND DAIRY PBOPUOE BXPOKT COMPANY. LIMITED g 30 F. WAVMOUTH ■Saor" <-.arv.



S. H. GRAVES, SBABEfiBOKBR AND FINANCIAL AGEKT, 185 HEREFORD STREET, OHRISTOHURCH. RELIABLE Information on Dredgto Stocks, Correspondence Invited. COCKS : Bedford McNetli's, hforelng and deal's, A. B.C. Code (fourth Edition. MR ALBERT ROBEBTS, Ashburtoc Representative TtMORAPHio Address: GRAVES, ChrUtchurch. 3 21 3 - to Oh FOR if I I YEARS ft %&l^■ K"t ■-'' * *•"; £\?;^1 f '}>•*lf G. MEDDINS ♦'THE PEOPLE'S IRONMONGER Opposite Arcade, Burnebfc Street, INVITEB partionlar attention to his Stock of Goods especially suitable (or the Spring Seatson, including (JABDKNING TOOLS of every description. Garden Spades and Rakes, Garden Hoes and Forks, Dutch Hoee, Garden Trowels, Hedge Shears, Weeding Forks, etc, etc. India Robber Hose Pipe. TOOLS! TOOLS! TOOLS! In Carpenters' and Farmers' Tools I have the best selection in Ashbartou Coaaty, at ray well kaown prices, which are the lowest. BUILDERS' IRONMONGERY Of erery deflcription, »t bedrock prices, ncludlna Locks of all kinds, Hinges, Sum Brass Goods, REGISTER 'JtRAXES, MANTELPIECES, etc. AGBHT for the following Makers' J&ANGES :— Shacklock's Oriok. Baning ham's Zealakdia, Scott'a atlas, Crown Iron Works Challenge Storrier's Chawmon, FURKISHIHG AND HOUSEHOLD JR.ONMOK6ERY to stric everybody. brushwarbTtinware, &o. Dont' forget a penny paved is a penny g&ined. foF^albT""" Alford Fortst Boad,' HOUSE of 6 rooms and 1£ acres of land, adjoins Mr Georgo Hosktn'a proD»rtf S 9Mf terms.



ISLINGTON Garden Fertilisers. (In 661b and 112 ib Bags.) MOST of the Annuals and Vegetables . which were awarded piizes at the Oanterbary Horticultural Society's Autumn Show, 1899, were grown with this Fertiliser. Elmwood, Papanni Road, Jane, 1899 Gentlemen,—l have used Islington's Fertilisers for c everal years- ... In the kitchen garden I use it freely and find it advantageous for all sorts of vegetables. As a liquid noauure I have naver used a better for pot plants an^ vegetables. In fact, I always have asack of your Fertiliser In my shed for an Immediate use. JOHN JOYCE, Gardener.



NICOLL BROS. District Agmfs W"~ ANTED KNOWN-ThatJ. Moisgn has received a large stock of Winter Boots and Shoes of the beet material, aUo about to arrive new stock of French Goods, and invites the Public for inspection. Sale for one month, commencing SATURDAY, to clear the way. J. M. being the only reliable and practical Bootmaker in the towD, this givcß him superiority and facility to know the best value and quality. Repairs carried on just the same, in the cheapest, neatest, and most fashionable etyle. Best leathers used, and workmanship by the beet of tradeftmen, at|TnE Hall,} East Street, Ashburton



CYCLES RE-PLATED AND RE-KNAMELLED In all Colours, including the LATEST KHAKI, with Silver and Gold Decorations, From 20s. DATES* LOWRY m CO. ZEALANDIA. CYCLS WORKS, Burnett Street THE RAPID LIGHTNING GLOSS TH» OHIY BELTABkE SrilST POLISH IN THE WORLD. lly|"RS MILLER, of Duncdin, the Pro sessional LaundreEß, Bays :—lt is the beat 7 have ever used. It makes Shirt lroniDg a pleasure. Wise Mothers and Sisters try it and save your strength, temper, and patience, Onoe tried, always used. Sold in Tins at SHEARMAN BROS' & JOHN ORB & CO. WAITED KNOV»« — xtiac we h&v just opened our final Shipment of heavy Flannelettes for this Season, and we are pleased to aay that our buyers has aecured them at old Pricee. See «ihe value* —Mitchell & Turner. WANTED KNOWN-That our Ladie Winter Jackets and Capes are an exceptfoaally choice lot, being at once stylish and moderate in Prices.—Mitchell & Tpbher GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE *-* DEPARTMENT. Established 1870. BYBRY POMCY GUAHANTEHD BY THE STATffI. The two prime reasons which have led to the extraordinary bonuses which this office has been able to declare have been its ECONOMICAL MANAGEMENT and its RE MABKABLY FAVOURABLE MOBTALITY EXPERIENCE. 11 Tlie Australasian Insurance amd Banking Becord" says,—"lt [the N.Z. Government office] possesses the splendid advantage of operating in perhaps the health iest country In the world." To this, coupled with rigid care in the selection of lives, has been due the unprecedentedly low rate of mortality which the office has en joyed. Year by year the actual deaths have fallen far short of what was anticipated, and the funds thereby saved have all gone to swell the profits, which at the valuation in 1898 (for three years) amounted in GASH to £225,000 Sterling. Present funds amount to ovet THREE -. MILLION POUNDS. Annual Income exceeds £$00,000. J. H. EICHAEDSON, 8j Commissioner. T. BULLOCK TO LET, Rooms in Arcade Chambers also Office or Small Shop in the ArCßd"' T. BULLOCK BUILDINGS FOR REMOVAL — Shop in East street on T S 93, occupied by R Anderson, saddler, and Geo Jeason, watchmaker, the property of Mrs A Anderson, these not having been sold by auction to day. £30 is the f rioe authorised to be accepted. Must beremovei forthwith, «a tenders are invited for new brick buildings to be er«oted on the site* Terms if required. T BULLOCK, Auctioneer. ""for bale at a low figure, T7IREEHOLD Town Section No 56, bavin? .JO aboub 82 feet frontage on West Stree' and running back a depth of about 2 ahains, on which is a commodious Grain Store, erected on massive concrete foundations with concrete cellar; formerly occupied by M bssbs Kilworth & Son. The store covere exactly half the section, haviDg » space for another bailding alongside of the same dimension , For terma aa4 full particulars apply to



THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICEB , (Grains leave Ashburton daily for— UHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 spm. (express) TIMARU—at 10 55 a.m., 3.50 p.m. DUNfcDlN—at 12 54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBORN—ab 4.25 pm. Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— CHBISTOHUROH—at 10.45 ».m., 12.47 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU—at 10.35 a.m., 255 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-fct 9.45 a.m.



FRESH Oyatera and all kinds of Fresh Fiah at J H Jewitt's, opposite Mail



WANTED KNOWN—Removal of the old established firm of MITCHELL & Turner, from old premises in Tanered Street to New Shop in Burnett Street



DON'I Nature may cure your NEGLECT cough withoub aid, bub you COUGHS, can't afford to chance it.



A cough that is left to cure itself is eiowly overcome at beet, and there is apt to be some weakness left to make the next cough ootne easier.



We have two really good remedies for coughs and colds. BENJAMIN GUM



is specially suitable for recenb chills. It it pleasant to take, cares very quickly, pre vents inflam&tory symptoms and allays annoying tickling »nd hacking coughs*



TOWNEMD'S CINNAMON CURE is specially suitable for chronic coughs, though it will break up a recent attack ai quickly aa any other medicine made—Cinna mon has been proved iv Pasteuei Institute to poeaeaa great destructive power over all bacilli, whilst being perfeolly harmless to human beings. vVo have received some fluttering letters aa to its effioatiy in con sumption, bronchitis, asthma, dyauntry and in typhoid fever. Bc-DJ iinin Gum Is 6d and 2i 6d, Cinna monCure 2a 6cL Obtainable everywhere; Boleproprietorsand manufacturers—Loaaby's Wahoo M.P.G. Coy, Ltd, Dunedin.



DANGBB O]F COLDS AND LA GEIPPB The greatest danger from ooldß and la grippe v their resulting in pneumonia If reasonable care is used, however, and Chamberlain's Cough Remedy taken, all danger will be avoided |t will cure a cold or an attack of la grippe in less time than any other treatment It is pleasant and eafa to take Foe sal« by Aehburton Drug Company



Here is a poetic outburst; against the "modern teudency to fill childrens heads with smatterings of useless subjects:— Bam it in, cram it in ; Children's heads we hollow, Hygiene and history, Astronomic mysfcety, Algebra, histology, Latin, etymology, Botany, geometry, j Greek and|trigonometry, Aryan philology, Prosody, zoology- Slam it in, jam it in, Still there's more to follow— (No, there isn't {—E».J



News in Brief. Attention is directed to Me B. D. John ston's advertisement) appearing in another columns announcing that ho i» selling Rudge- Whitwortb cycles at 20 guineas ; alto, thab he has a large stock of cycling accessories. HAKDLEY BROS., offar a splendid line of Plate Glass Stable Lanterni to burn oil at 3* 6d and 4§ 6d. New Venus