THE PEARL OF THE YEAR.

Marion Miller.

How softly the raindrops Plash on the green leaves ; How Bwe tly the birds* dag From nnder the eav«s>s ! AiH t> brlsht i?]eam of sunshine Is piercing the mist Whose silver vafl Hdeth The hillt,' amethyat. There's a fUsh In the fl )W-cups— A beam of gold liglit— And the rad r^so in r*"< der, Tha Hly more white ! There's a bright gle*m cf laughter Where glimmered a tear. And the grey rain tlut aaddfened Mcw'o fast cisappaat 1 For the snn-god is waving His Wfcntt over all, And the sprites of rhe woodland Arise at his call, "H«y, presto !"—fhe eransea Withj eweis are fieoked, And tho brown breast of E-*rt.h la their grsndeur bedecked ! There'n & stir In the calm air, For fairies distil From, the sweet clove carnations What perfume they will. And the winds that fLfc with tham Are sighing love words, L'ka fain' violin notes, In the choir of the birds 1 And a white gate is shining Just over bhe street, With a fair face above it, Bright, teDder, and sweet. So the touch of the human Art needed 1$ here. And this blithe summer-;9ay Is tho peatl of the year ! Sjul flaw'r that the rose-j So gladly enshrine, I woula that the san-^od's D -ar magio were mine, And I'd swiftly fcransp'anfc you From over the way, To bloom in my "garden" For ever anl aye I

The Real Story of Rolbinson Cruse.

Aad now a word about Selkirk^ the Scottish sailor upon whose marvellous adventures De Foe founded his fascina ting story. Vast numbers of readers have framed an idea that because Crusoe became an unwilling dweller on Juan Fernandez through shipwreck, therefore Selkirk must have landed there through like circumstances. But the exact contrary is true. Selkirk had been roving about the Southern Seas as sailing master of one of the ships that net out on a privateering expedition under the famous navigator Dampier, and being dissatisfied with hi? ship, desired to be put ashore. A few others joined him, and here they remained for several months until their vessel returned for them. But Selkirk's lifelong aversion to diecipline again manifested itself, and the next time his ship touched at Juan Fernan dez he was put ashore by his own re quest, 1704 AH things that could be spared to make him comfortable were freely given—fowl, tools, blankets, clothes, weapons and ammunition After the pxpiratioa of four years, four month?, he was taken off by another privateer, the Duke and Duchess. His sea chesf, cup, gun, etc, (which Crusoe saved from the wreck), created quite a sensation when exhibited in London on his return, in October, 1711, and are now in the Society of Antiquaries' Museum, Edinburgh

FARM NOTES.

[by cockatoo.]

Cattle, as well as all other classes of stock, shew a. great falling off in numbers. To a great; extent this is due to indifference in rearing calves by hand. Some people consider is entails to much trouble for the smnll return?, lut ut the prices ruling at present, for good dairy oows they should pay wall for all the trouble) it takes in rearing calvee. Another cause is, that for dairy cattle the habit is to confine the breeding too much to the fine well bred sorts, such es Ayrshirea, Aldernoy.», ar.d Jerseysi orosaiup them with each other. The offspring of any of rhe?e crosses generally produces good mt'ch and butter cows, but> for any other purpose they are almost valueless. If any acoidenb happened to incapacitate them as milking cows, they are too small for beef, and would scarcely 'p»y to rear for that purpose, and the same applies to the steers of this kind of breed. Taken all round lhe cattle to suit the farmer for general purposes la the shorthorn. Thoy are average milkers and good butter oows, and if they are required for the butcher they would pay for fattening, being larger framed ofcttle than the Ayrshire, Alderney, or Jerseys, besides being a hardier breed. If it was deemed necessary to retain r^tie of the smaller strains among our dairy cattle, I could not recommend a better cross for that purpose than that of an Ayrshire and a Shorthorn. The Ayrshire is noted for tho great quantities of milk they cm produce, while the Shorthorns are very good butter oows and are at the same time larger framed anim&is. Th'B cross would give a more remunerative animal cf either sex than could be obtained from tho former crosses, and those who have bred this way are quits satisfied with the result?, which have given general sa fhfaction. By permitting hvifera to breed too young ia another cause of diminution of our herds, Heifers should be timed to calve when they are from twenty aeven to thirty months old. That age would be quite soon enough to allow of them developing thorrughly. Winter sown Dun oats should now be fed down close to the ground by nheep, , After the late rains all that is required now is fine warm weather to bring lhe'grass and crops along. The prospects of a bounti ful supply of grass is encouraging, so far. The crops are also coming on well;

A farmer down south who can always grow (every year) four to five tons of Derwent potatoes to the acre more than his adjoining neighbours on c milar land, attributes it to early sowing. If the weather is favourable he always plants hi« Derwents in the month of September or first week in October at latest, with the above result.

Farmers on the plains, aod, in fact, New Zsahtud generally, neglect to grow what is a very important and early crop, that is lucerne. A few acres of it would be of immense value around any homestead by providing early green feed for stock, and could be used all through the summer and I* will grow for several yearß without rtaewing.

A wise course to a clop' at this time of the year on any land under crop, i! the surface becomes hard and baked, would be to run the tine harrows through It to free it. The roller could then be put over. The harrows produce a very marked effect on the crops, •ha growth being improved wonderfully by them.

Gorse fences aro becoming a great harbour for rabbits, especially if they have a year or two's growth, The wisest course is to cut the fences once or twice a year, thereby reducing the chances of them beocmiog a source of trouble and danger. Any wheat sown after this Bhould have at least two biuhels of seed to the acre.

THE ASfiBUHTON GtARDIAN : FBIDAt, SBWBOTfiB 2), X9OO

Printed and published by Alfred John Tyrrell-Baxter, of Burnett ttreeb «Mfc, tnr the Proprietors, Robert Bifit «nd Hk¥»t Adam Maoeay, at their Printing Office, Buraetb Street, Ashburton, • FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 21 lIQQ



Braoke New Venus For General Weakness. The debilitating effects of a ■warm climate and exposure to all kinds of weather are sure to bring on disorders of the blood and weaken the system. Mr. Charles Geddes, of Mt. Malcolm, W. A., sends us his photograph, and tells of a sure cure for these conditions. "For some time I have been landlord of the Royal Hotel in the Mt. Margaret gold fields district, eighty miles from the nearest railway. I have solda great deal of Ayer's Sarsaparilla, and it gives the most universal satisfaction. When miners, prospectors, and others become run down by lack of fresh vegetables and fruits, and from exposure to all kinds of weather, their blood becomes very impure and the whole system greatly weakened. But Is always a sure cure, l have known miners to send a hundred miles for it s cuch is their faith in it." To cure constipation, biliousness, in digestion, and sick headache, there is no remedy equal to Ayer's Pills. Prepared by Dr. J. C. Ayer & Co., Lowell. Mass.. U.S.A. BUY Direct From England — Famous " Khaki " Cycles. Great cub in the trade; first-class quality at bedrock prioes for cash ; single machines at £4 18 ; tw machines, £8 lls ; three machines, £12 Zi freight and duty piid to Wellington Ladies'cycles 10* per machine extra; Quo tationa for ten bicyolws an<! over on appli cation. — John Hobst, Khaki Company, Stedall's Buildings, Portsmouth, England,g KBRNARD & "warn,, ' City Pork Shop, Havelock Street:, HAVE juefc opened New Business inj.hr Pork Line. Small goods of all descriptions always on hand. Th« publii are specially invited to call and inspect Pork Hauaages, (freah.) Daily c*sh buyers of dairy fedfPork. 0



WANTED KNOWN-A very large im portatioß of New Floorcloths, Linoleums, Rug», Mate, and Carpetings just opened for the SprJDg Peason— IVqrth cote & Hefford. Smoke New Vetius



IIHOsE who desire a convenient house j A. aud m-to-date, Bhould consult Hard- • ley Bros., for *>c-,d supply of hot and oold j vator ! FOX Your Spring Costume try our Dressmaking Department under new tnanrvemeafc, Sye and fit guaranteed — Noi 'ico & Refford, «• The Corner." "WANTED "KNO VfW. J. h. HIGGS HAS Paints, Oiis, Turps, Glass, Scrim, &3., alao eh ioe Papsrhanginge. PRICES LOW. High C'aas Decorative Work a Specialty. Don't forg.-r. 7 64 Colkmap's Building, Tancred Street MISS BE^iE ciIMM'J^DS. MUSIC Seller aud Teacher of the Violi»t, Musical instruments of eve.., descrip tion VIOLINS a SPECIALITY. Music and Songs by every mail. Firut-class Quad rille Band. Burnett Street, 483 Opposite Publishing ompany MoCORMICK C 1 TILL leads the World in Harvesting Machinery, being awarded the 1 GKAND PRIZE" AT THE PARIS TXPOSITION AND ! MORE SPECIAL AWARDS than all other Obuipetitorb put together Farmers are requested to see this Machine before ordering elsewhere. Morrow, Bassett & Go, ASHBURTONH M. PRIEST, Manager



- 30.000 IN USE IN THIS COLONY "j||y|j c ||||||piS£|» I w*\«w S ' "~ THEY BURN LIGNITE, TRUE GOAL OR WOOD UP TO 2ft 6m NO SETTINGHREQUIRED. With Stove Pipe can be worked oat in the open. SPLENDID BREAD BAKERS. With C&flt Iron or Copper Boilers, The Copper Boilers are large and Tin-lined inside REPAIRS ARE A MINIMUM. Made in all sizes, Bingle or double ovens. High or low pressure boilers Sold by all Ironmongers, from whom Catalogues can be obtained, or from the maker H. E. SHACKLOCK, LTD., SOUTHEND FOUNDRY. Prinoks Street, DUNRDIN SMOKE ONLY NE W __ (o) _ VENUS PERFECT TOBACCO. CHARMING SPRING NOVELTIES. JUST OPENED •■ 50 CASES NEW GOODS. TU'EW MILLINERY, FLOWERS, FEATHERS, RIBBON, &o. New Dress Fabrics, Serges, Costume Cloth; will not shrink or spot with ruin. Novelties in Zephyrs, Piiubs, Fancy Piques, Spotted Muslins, Lusbieß, plain & figured* Special Value in Black Dress Goods of all kinda. Magnificent Assortment o' Plain and Figured Silks, Mantles; Corsets, P D and CB, and also various other makes ; Lace Curtains, White Counterpanes; Umbrellas and Sunehades, all prices, Up-to-date Millinery, very stylish. DRESSMAKING.—Ladies leaving their orders are getting every satisfaction h in fib and style. TAILORING.--A thoroughly up to date Stock of Suitings and Trouserings in English, Hootch, Irish, and Colonial Tweedc. Satisfaction Guaranteed. 10 Cases of LINOLEUM and CARPETS just opened. ANDREW ORE.



Ncith. Bntish and Meic&ntile Insn since Company. ] LONDON & EDJNBUfiGH. I ESTABLISH KD 1809. j Incorporated by Eoyal Charter and Special L cts of Parliament, i TOTAL FUKDH AT 31 sx DECEUBKR. 1899, £14,-109.089 Antbonsed Capital ... ... ... £3 000 000 0 0 Subscribed Capital ... ... ... 2.750,00J 0 0 Paid-Up Capital ... ... ... ... ... £687,506 0 0 Bate) cb of Profit and L>s& ... ... ... ... 602 575 5 0 F.t-e Reserves ... ... ... ... ... 2 128,608 8 7 Life Fi:nd--Accnmuhte<j Fund of the Life Branch ... ... ... £8 149 481 12 7 Accuraolated Fond of the Annuity Branch ... 2 840,924 3 It  „—lO 990.405 16 6 £14,409,089 10 1 REVENUE FOR THE YEAR 1899. From Fire Department — Set Premiums, Interest, etc. ... ... ... £1,559,002 12 7 From Life Department— Net Premiums, Interest, etc. ... £1,081,878 16 5 Annuity Premiums (including £321,162 lls 2d by single payments) and Interest ... 432.345 4 11 1514 224 1 4 £2.073,226 13 11 The Accumulated Funds of the Life Department a-e free from liability in respect of the Fire Departmenb, and in like manner the Accumulated Funds of the Fire Department are free from liability in resoect of the Life Department. BSTABLISHMKNT FOR 1900.



PRESIDENT:— ' His Grace the Duke of Sutherland. VICE-PRESIDENT:— The Most Honourable the Marquis of Zetland, K.T, EXTRAORDINARY DIKECTORS:-- The R'ght Hon. the Earl of Stra'-fa.raore. The Eight Hon the Earl of Aberdeen I The Rt Hon Lord Moncrleff of 1 The Right Bon Lord Wolverton i Tb c Right Hon Lord Forbes Baron Schroier. GENERAL COURT OF DIRECTORS :— Qninton Ho^g, JSsq., Chairman. L NOON. j EDINJSUKffIH. Alexander H Campbell, E^q, Chairman J David B Wauchope, Esq The Hon Charl s ISapier Lawrence, George Auldjo Jameson, Esq Deputy Chairman. Ralph Dundas, Esq Charles Morrison, Esq J,hn Wharton Tod, Etq John Sanderson, Esq Sir Jamea H Gibson-Craig, Barl The Right Hon Lord Hlllingdon Sit Thomas Clark, Bart Alexander Drake Kleinwort, Esq Sir Charles B Logan, DKB Charlea J O Scott, Eg Charles C Maconochie, Esq Hubert F Barclay, Kfq Captain Robert Dundas, Yr,, of Ar- Vincent R Hoftre. E?-q nlston H R Arluthnot, Esq John S Pitman, Erg John Pierpont Morgan, Jun. f Esq George younger, Esq Bruno Sclv 6 Jer, Esq The R;ght Hon the Earl of Elgin, X G Manager of Fire Department — C H Barnett —__ Sub Managers of Fire Department —W T Price and J MC Johnston Foreign Sub Manager—Philip Winsor Manager — Philip R D Mac^agan, Manager of Lifo Drpartment and Actuaiy F R S E ai. "m 611^ o°l bU Trnp F n* f FF A. Secretary-fl J Stevenson, W S Sub Manager of Life Department— J • Thomas Pringle Actuary — Thomas Wallace. FI A, Secretary—F W Lance FF A Soli Itors—Bircham and Co Solicitors—Dundas and Wilson, C S Auditor—Jamrs Haldane. Chartered Accountamt OBIKF OFFIOWS :— LONDON 61, Toreadneedle Street, E.G. West End Branch Office .. 8, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, S.W, EDINBURGH 64, Princes Street. CHRISTCHURCH AGENTS ... W. WOOD & 00. i» »» »» ... ... ... F. FERRIMAN.



(x^den Took Q'&rden Tools OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Lawn Mowers Lawn Mowers Cheaper Than Any Cther House SPADES FORKS, TROWELS, RAKES, HOES, SCYTHE?. Fowl Netting Fowl Netting 10,000 YARDS JUST LANDED COME EARLY AND SECURE YOUR REQUIREMENTS W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER AND CTAL MERCHANTS AGENTS ROYAL INSURANCE 00, Hew Zealand Insurance Company. EJS TAB LI S Hli"l> o'™L. m 18 5 S CAPITALISTS'MILLION, THEFBIMIIB KBITIfEAJJIBimT OOLOMIAI, COMPANY, NOTED FOR PBOMPTNBSS ASTD MBKRALITV, PAID-UP CAPITAL AND RESERVES— £-£00,000. FIRM AND 'MARINE RISKS, ALSO, ff/SJKSOOsN s GROWING LJPOPb, rattS HIX'JG MAOHII?1S, *0., ACOEPTICD AT LOWfCST HORRENT iIA • W ii AN M R B AGENT BELFAST AND FAIRFIELD FREEZING WORKS MANURES, ARE THE BEST J7IOR TURNIP, RAPE WHEAT, AND ANY OTHER CROP. SPECIAL MANUBE can bo inacb for any kind of Soil, or description of crop. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERYWHERE LAST SEASON. MANURE CAN BE SUPPLIED IN 1 Owt. or 2 Owt. SAOKS Orders received b/ iTJ:£IEX}I^aJNI>ISIS BROS., Linutou., DAVID THOMAS, OR "J7l-iJiJ XM.S&. 00-*.>jPliiJHtA.ri'lVE: BSOCIATIOW OF CAINTERBUKY, JL.imite<l., 3ANTBEBUBY FKOZIN MEAT AKD DAIRY PROPUCE EXPORT COMPANY. LIMITED. 880 F. WAYMOU l 1 Seor»t»ry.



SEEDS. SEEDS. SEEDS. J. SEALY & CO., THE OLDEST ESTABLL3BED SEED FIRM IN ASHBURTON. J^*4 Jb C^r\ B^" *-° 6 f™»»t, and are prepared to supply their many *k.7« iX) VU« Patrons wuh reliable SEEDS, of every detcripbion, THAT WILL GROW, at lowest market races. SEEDS FOR THif. FARM, VEGETABLE SEEDS, FLOWER SRKDS, & | GARDEN REQUISITES of evory description, Direcl from the Growers and Manufactctrbus. Our Stocks of NEW SEASON'S SEEDS are from the Celebrated Firmß, jAjMes Carter & Co, London, and Pmbii Laweon & Son, Edinburgh, and tbey are of the beat quality obtainable, FRUIT. FRUIT. FRUIT. LARGE STOCKS of all Seasonable FRUITS always on band, at lowest rates, J. SEALY & CO.



H. M. JONES. H. M, JONES. STATIONERY BOOKS. ACCOUNT BOOKS. 2P\f\ nOA ENVELOPES, imported direct, Commercial Envelopes UV;»Uw from 3s 6d per 1000; 5000 at 3s per 1000. ! Boxed Stationery, latest styles, from 6d, 9d, Is, Is 6d, 2s box, PIANOS ORGANS. 44 payments of £1 each will purchase a splendid overstrung, full trichord, massive iron-frame Hano, up-to-date In every particular. Only £1 required to be paid at time of purchase. Oall and see this before you boy elsewhere. Organs from lCs per month; Pianos from 20s per month. CRICKETING AND LAWN TENNIS MATERIAL Just arrived, ex Gothic, from Wisden and Son's, London. RACQUETS, London inlaid, Victoria, Invicta, Champion, Match Popular BALLS, Plain aud Covered, Slazenger's, Silvertown, Wieden's. ORIOKET BATS, Warsopp's, Wisden's all cain, Dukb's, Union, Hearne's and others. BALLS, Hearne's, Duke's, WisdenV-, Craven, Match, and Practice Balls; M. M. To N E S .



■as****!. »■g»vwi w^miats9amtmßmaaammataaKrammmi<wmiMiMxmfla»mmrmiwmtmnmmNKKa^ ■aaww* NOTICE TO FARMERS. yy B AX E 0A 8 H BUYERS OF PRIME MIL-LING WHEAI IN AKI QUANTITY Please takeyoar Samples to the Mill We can supply Oornsacks at cost prici CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS. (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J, B. HOBART, Manager 17th M*r.»h, 1900.



MEL LOR'S ZEA LANDIA BOOT STORE HPHE only Up-to-date Boot Shop in Aehburton. For real good Value, Style, and Pitting try the •ZEALAISDIA BRAND." Bvery pair guaranteed- Remember our Price s the CHEAPEST, and oar Stock the LARGEST in Canterbury. If yon want good Value for very little Money, then be Bare you go ro Hf rpr T fYD' Q zealandia boot store, UANORED BTPFFT, ASHBUBTON "NOTHING SUCOEEDSJJKE SUOOESE" THE FIRST PFIZE CF THE PARIS fXHIBITIOH HAS been Awarded to the Ceylon Co-operative Tea Grarclen Co. FOR THEIR MAGMFUENT TEAS. THIS IS THE FAR-FAMED Maharajah Pure Ceylon 'Unblended/ SOL.D BY THE AGENTS, HONDAI LANKA TEA CO s , IN SEALED PACKETS AND BOXES. #



E.W.EANMEB. TO FARMERS, TAM prepared to make very liberal caih advancea on ail produce—Grain, Wool, Frozen Mutton or Lamb, Sheep Skim, eto» etc., which may be placed iv my handi for sale here—or for sale by my repreeentatives in London. I Bhall not charge any Gommiesion here for the advafioe—and my representative* in London having the fult knowledge of dealing with all produce consignments which they may receive, and having plenty of money to meet my drafts, will not sacrifice anything entrusted to their care, if there is the slightest chance of doing better by holding for a while. The question of selling indis criminately because they do not know per sonally the consignor, is a v^ry strong fea ture in the mode of doing their bu mess, which has always recommended them. B. W. HANMER.



FOR SALE, A GRAND LITTLE »ABM OB 1 Kf\ ACRES, situated H mile" from JLOxJ Tlnwald Yards, splendid home stead, well divided, with water in each piddock. Price low and easy terms Also,— O"VA AOKEB, in the best of order, good fC i\J homestead, Tinwald. Yeiylow prloa will be accepted for this Farm B. W. HANMEB.



A. AttER ARCHITECT. ARCADE OBAMBBRS ASHBUKTON. TF you want a NEW HOUSE, or Alter* tions, or Newest Style of Decorations, CONSULT MR AG&R. Call and tee the NEW FIBROBE BLIND Imitation of Venetian, at half the price. 5 19



J. V. DE BEEE WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER TT AS just received a Large Shlpraen OF WATCHES, WATCHES 6 Dozen Nickel Levers at 27s 6d Specially made to order, Strongly built to suit hard wear. 2 Years Guarantee. 3 Dozen NIOKEL WATCHES at 20tt The best value in the Colony. 1 year's Guarantee. A New and Full Stock of Gent's and Ladies Gold and Silver Watohes to hand. SPECTACLES New Frames and Lenses on the Interchangeable System. To meet the requirements of those using the famous "LAZARUS" Spectacles a special importation of his Frames and Lenses to hand. | SIGHT TESTING. A PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED* J. V.DE~BEEE WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER, Auhburton OWING to & great increase in basinets, we have arranged for extension of premises, and to avoid removing and storing ft lot of our Stock, will hold a Genuine Clearing Sale For One Month, previous to the builders commencing operation!. This is sn opportunity rarely met with of obtain ing New and Seasonable Drapery and Cloth ing at Greatly Reduced Prices.—Roßlßl AtCOBK. F/ank Curtis. WititehsinaJker, & !«Tew4»ll€>:r. WEDDING PRESENTS. A VERY Choice variety in Electirc-plate and Sterling Silver, including « b«aa tiful lot of DoultoQ ware, etc., at prloei do suit the times. INSPECTION INVITED As usual my stock of Gold Rings and Brooches, Charms, Muff Chains, Watches, etc., is the largest and best selected in the district. SPECIAL ROOM FOR CHOOSING IF REQUIRED. Wedding rings and keepers 18ofc, of my own manufacture 1 make a special line of, and are well worth inspecting being far and away better finished than the ordinary artiole, and costing no more. It will pay yon to call and see them. Your old gold, rings, etc» re-made in the same style and finish at nominal cost. Wedding rings ALTERED IN SIZE WITHOUT GUT-i TIN© WHILE WAITING, BY SPE. CIAL MACHINERY. Silver watches from 30s upwards, a fa stock of ElOtlieramg, Walthams, efco, always on hand. Spectacles specially fitted for wading tfe night. Spectacle fitting by my system is nob guess work, glasses being fitted to suit the sight perfectly in every case. A special room for testing. Glasses from 2s 6d. Teet« ing freet Repairs as usual, ue&t, prompt) and reason* abie. Silver charms in great variety from Is pwards. SMOKE NOSEGAY TOBACCOS The Latest and Best Manufactured by C Williams & Co , Rich* .<ad. V.A. MONiFTO^m I HAVE Trust Monies for Investment in sums of £500 to £5000 on Firs* UfoBTG&GB at lowest current rates. DAVID Z4NDER, Tailored Street]