SPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for September

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashbarton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p,m ,75pm. (express) TIMABU—at 10.55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNEDIN—»fc 12 54 p.m. (express) SFRINGBUR-N-at 4.25 p.m. Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from--" OHKISTOHUROH—at 10.45 ».m., 12.47 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU—at 10.35 a.m., 2.55 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (nxpreas) SPRINGBURN-at 8.45 a.m. *

FIRST EDITION Mail Notices.

Ma<ls close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations: - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Fer Australian Colonies, via Wellington (doe Sydney 3rd October), per Westralia at 10.30 am For Australian Colonies via Bluff, (due In Melbourne 4fch October) per express, (to connect with Mokoia) at 12 30 p m, express train. FRIDAY, SEPT. 28.

For Samoa, Hawaii, Philippine!, Japan, also United States, Canada, eto, United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Franoisoo, per T&kapuna, at 630 pm. Due London Oot 31

DEATH.

SHARPLIK.—On September 25, Ika Hamil ton, the dearly beloved daughter' of H. and R Sharplin, Staveley, aged 3 months ; after a few hours' illness.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1900 A VERY CURIOUS BILL.

Thb debate on the Trading SUmpa Bill, in the House the other afternoon, was both iastructive and amusing. The virtaoui indignation bo eloquently expressed by Mr Seddon in criticising the methods of the Trading Stamp Company was Bomewh&t discounted by the fact that in suppressing trading stamps as a private enterprise*, he proposes to issue similar stamps as a Government venture. As Mr Herries put it, ♦• the Bill merely authorise? the Government to step into the shoes of the Trading Stamp Company" I What is sauce for the goose should 1 certainly be sauce for ths gander. How can the State consistently run a " business " which it has denounced as " immoral " and " fraudulent" when run by a private syndisate ? But that is just "exactly what it proposes to do,. And with what object? With the I ostensible object of '' benefiting that I invaluable person (to the radical poli ticians) the poor working man.'' •• The Bill," remarked Mr S?ddon, in moving the second reading, "is certainly in the interests of the working man, to whom i every shilling saved is a shilling earned." But whether the poor working man is going to benefit to any great extent by this Bill (assuming that it becomes law), in, we should say, decidedly open to question. Surely a man of Mr Seddon'» astuteness must see that if the tradet allows say five per cent discount to his customers, he must—as we have previously pointed out—make up the logs in some way or other, and the. easiest and simplest way he can select j is to pat on the five per tent to tj^e price of the article he sells before taking it off. And that is what is bound to happen. Such a system will inevitably open the door to all sorts of chicanery, and lead the unscrupulous trader^ to indulge in perpetual breaches of commercial morality. Leading firms, as may be readily ascertained, rarely or never make much more than eight per cent profit on their turnover, How then, can they possibly afford t« j allow five percent discount to their patrons? The thing is a sheer impos sibility. And Mr Seddon must be per fectly well aware of it. What, then, is his reason for advocating so prepos terous a scheme ? The answer is simple ~to swell the revenue. It is notorious that tens of thousands o£ fchs Trading Stamp Company's stamps aria neyar redeemed. People commence to collect them and tire of the contract, or they hse the stamps, or mislay them, with the result, of course, that such unredeemed stamps represent so much clear gain to the Company. v Half of the stamps would be lost" said Mr Meredith in the course of the recent debate, " and the Govern ment would pocket the benefit." Equally forcible and true was Mr Atkinson's priticisra that <* the Bill seemed to hold on% to the people that they were getting something for noth ing." That flimsy aud dishonest device may be worthy of a company of adven turers ; it is certainly not worthy of the Government of the country. This precious Bill has passed its third reading in the Lower House, having been rushed through at express speed, so far aa its later stages were con cerned. We trust wiser eoaniels may prevail when it reaches the Upper Chamber, and that it may there meet with the fate it so richly merits.

Local and General.

* # * Interesting raading niatter will be found n the first and fourth pages ol fchis issue The Bishop At Tinwalb>-00. Tueediy evening, at 8 p.tn, the Bishop will lecture at the hall at QDinwald. Geraldinh Rackb.—■The aoceptan-sei for the first day's races at Geraldine alose to* morrow (Tuesday), at 8 pm, wttb the Sflorttarj »| the Olub.

Welcome Home -The Ashburton Guards hope to welcome iheir old comrvde, Trooper Bennetr, jut returned from South Africa, on Monday evening next, Ist prox,

Wkather Forecast.—Captain Edwin wires aa follows :—" Strong north to west and southwest winds. Glass tall; indications rain."

Butter Market—The Agent-General aablss-" No alteration in the butter market tince last week ; transactions very limited ; good demand for oheeie 54i."

Sudden Death—The youngest child of Mr ti Snarpiin.of Springburn, died suddenly yesterday afternoon. It is supposed she died of oonvulnion*. An inquest was held this morning, but'no particulars are to hand as yet.

To Anglers—Fishing licenses for the South Cante 1 bury Acclimatisation Society may be obtained from the secretary, Mr H. Wf G»E3, Temuka, and from a list of persons as advertised in this iseue,

Salt Butter.—The Ashburton A. and P. Association notify that exhibits of salt butter for the vhow musb reach the Secretary cot later thau 2£hh September.

Magisterial.—A6 the Police Court this morning for drunkenness, a first offender was convicted and discharged. Another first offende wan fined 5s or 24 hours, and ordered to pay 2s cab hire. E Gale was fined 5i or 24 hours. Another first off nd«r was fined 5s or 24 hours imprisonment.

GsbalbisbHorsb Pabadb— The Geral dine horse parade of stallions under the auspices of the Temuka and Geraldine A. A P. Association, will be held on Wednesday next. Particulars will be found in our advertising colums.

A Tbibotb to The Pbkss.—The Bishop of Christchurch.ia hit address yesterday morn ing at St Stephen's, stated that the majority of people now-i\-ri»ya depended entirely upon their newspapers for their general knowledge, whilst lome others supplemented this by the reading of magazines;

Rich Obowth of Fkid—ln December last Mr J Heselrioe, of Tinwald, sowed Fairfield manure with rape, and after being eaten off three times at lara, Drcmore, on light land, the rape has now grown so ex ceptionally well that ths present; growth as sampled indiscriminately from the field, measures over a foot, at d three stalks weigh over a pound. A couble of sample buuehea are on view at Mr Silcock's, Burnett) Street (

Horse Sale—An exceptional crowd at tended at thß sale on Saturday in the Arcade, when Mr D Thomas sold the draught stallion ••Spread Eagle" for 73 guineas. The Al lowing are the prices realised for the horses entered for the usual weekly sale :—Black colt 3yre off, £20; bay filly 3yrs, £26 ; bay gelding 3yrs, £28 1 bay mare aged, £34; bay mare dyrs, £45 ; hacks from £317^ 6d to £4> Messrs Fried iander Bros, sold two bay mares at £65 and £55 respectively.

Jubilee Memorial.—The attention of our readers is directed to the notice which ap pears in another column of the meeting in connection with the Jubilee Memorial of the Canterbury settlement*, His Lordship the Bishop cf Christchuroh deires to meet the people of this district to-night in the Odd fellows' Hall, Ashbnrton at 8 p.m., and nil! dnliver a lecture, with limelight views, on "The Great Cathedraln of Europe" It is understood that the Bishop has one of the fineßb lanterns in Australia, and has a splendid coll' ction of views.

Death at this Old Men's Hgmk—A man named Samuel Gerrard, aged 70, was found dead m his bed in the Old Men's Home this morning. Ha had come from St Albans three months ago. He leaves two daughters married, and one son single. He waß in his usual health yesterday, and did not complain of being unwell. Be went to bed at his usual hour, and his room mate did not hear him make any noise during the night, al' though two inmates say they heard him cough once or twice. There was no sign of any struggle

Niw Blood.—Some time ago tbo Tuapeka Agricultural and Pastoral Association adver? tieert for the services of a Clydesdale hone to travel the coming eeason io the Tupeka district, and we learn that out of some 20 applicants, Mr James Rennie's, of Win cheater, stallion New Hope was selected by the judges who were sent to examine the horses offered. The arrangement! rmde, we are assured, are satisfactory to Mr Rennie and ale« to the society.

OVE3HEABD AtßiogbAph.—A small girl eight or ten fears of age was drinking in with greedy eyea alt the wonders of the Biogr&ph films during Saturday night's entertainment, when the commencement came upon the cur tain. 'Henley: Leander leading by 1£ length?.' " Look! Bobbie, Look! This horse is called Lea-ander," she exclaimed. Then when the film began to move, in accents of surprised disgust), " Why its a'boab race?" Before the entertainment started (wo individuals bailing from the evergreen isle, were over heard discussing the reasons of their attend ance. "An why did oi oome ? Ash shure to IBSO a bi~ of the ooid oountree onoe again. Bless every atone aye ut'?"

1.00. F., M,U.T-The quarterly meeting of the Loyal Aahburton Lodge was held last week. P.O. Bro. &. Patterson presided in the place of the N.G. who was unable to attend, and there was a good attendance of memben and viiiticg Brethern. Another heavy list of sick pay was passed for pay ment and a large amount of routine business transacted. The committee who managed the lodge, last Anniversary handed in a balance sheet showing a substantial profit, and the members were accorded a hearty vote of thanks for their labour. The lodge delegates to the half yearly district meeting held September 13, gave a report of the business transacted at that meeting. During the evening the sentiments were wall given. The reoipt for the evening were £75 7* 2d including in all returns for patt> quarter.

Local Camp—On Thursday evening, Octo ber 4th, the Ashbnrton Rifles and Guards go icto what is known as the local camp, the site being the same as last year, viz., the parade ground at the drill shed. At this camp it is to be hoped both Companies will muster in full strength, as the work ot the week will be of an interesting and instructive nature, including the annual volley and independent firing under the staff officers. There will be a church parade on Sunday, Ootober 7th, but as yet, the place of worship to be attended ha 3 not been decided.

Ealikg School—The annual oonoerb in connection with the above school was held last Friday evening, Mr Tilson occupying the chair. The attendance was fair con sidering the unsettled state of the weather, and a'so that there were socials on the same evening in adjoining districts. Instrumental duets were coittribnted by Misses Ferrin and Witheli; vocal duets by Miss Ferrin and Mr Brown ; songs by school children, Misses R McKeage, Ferrins and Gibbs, Messrs Orr and Brown • also a quartett by four of the above performers, :wl;ioh oaqsed greaj; amusement. Most of the above items were encored. Refreshments were provided by the ladies of the distrior. Votes of thinks, proposed by Mr McKeage, brought a very enjoyable gathering to a close.

Thk Maori Paktt—There were large audiences at ths Oddfellows' Hall yesterday afternoon and evening to hear the talented Maori singers. The party is under the leadership of Easigu Armstrong, and they have had groat success at a<! pi»ots visited. In the afternoon a Maori action song was one of the items, which waa very interesting and amusing* Later en Captain Stirling sang ' Abide with me,' which was listened ta with rapb attention. To-morrow evening (Tuesday) is promised a very full programme by the above party,including a Maori Haka, and Poi Exhibition, together with Solos, Duets, and company soegs. The oolleations yesterday amounted to £18 It. and it is expected that all available seats will be re quired fer Tuesday's audienoe

SPORTING

United Preaa Association—By Eleotrio \ Telegraph —Copyright »

Sydney, September 22 The following is the result of City Tatteksali.'s Coy—Johaneen 1, Gb-nore 2, Blue Metal 3. Ten horses started, by half a length.

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, Sept 23 TheaddreßS of Mr Chamberlain elaborately justifies the South African war, which, he rates, has been made illustrious by the heroism of the Imperial forces, the patriotism of the nation, and the enthusiastic support of their kinsmen in all the self-governing oolonies for the first time in the history of tke Empire, He adds that he is oorldent the electors will not allow the sacrifices of tha war to prove fruitless, but will strengthen the hands of the Government, enabling it to seome a final satisfactory settlement, the claims the Government has restored, the pride and confidence of the oolonies in the leadership in the Motherland.

Sir H Campbell-Banner man and Sir W H*rcourt, have issued long election mani festoes criticising the administration of tha Government and their neglect of legislation, and sketching reforms which comprise mainly a revival of the Newcastle programme.

Sir H Campbellßannerman supports* Home Rule under a system of devolution applicable to the three kingdoms. He accepts the absorption of tha South African Re* public*, and urges conciliatory meaiures with the objact of overcoming the racial difficul ties.

Sir Wit. Haroourt it silent on the question of Home Rule. He acknowledges that it i« necessary to undertake responsibility for the administration of the oocqusred territory. " The Times suggests th»b Sir Win. Har oourt imp iea that the administration will not necessarily be permanent. Mr Hanbury, member for Preston, ad dressing his constituents, said tha War Office required sifting from top to bottom. The War Office, he said, occasionally rejected a large expenditure which the Treasury ad vised.

(Received Wakapnaka Sept 20,8 45 a m this Office 9 24 a tn) , London, September 23 Mr Chamberlain's address to his con stituents at West Birmingham was signalised by a tremendous ovation, Mr Chamberlain justified the Government's action in appeal ing to the country during one of fcbs greatest crisis in the history of the Empire. Had Government considered party interests alone they would nol have appealed to tke electors while she soldiers were at the front and unable to vote. Soldiers now on active servioe have voted for little Englanders* whose reptil« press traduced great men, accusing them of inhumanity and oppression. The settlement of the South African trouble must be worthy of the sacrifices which all classes have made. Would patriots entrust that settlement to a congerie of antagonistic atoms calling itself * party

The Bishop at St. Stephen's.

The Bishop of Ohrittohuroh officiated at three services aft 8b Stephen's, Ashburtoo, on Sunday, the attendance ab each beiog very Urge. At) the evening service extra chairs had to be provided for the large num bers present. In the course of his evening sermon, the Bishop referred to the unique position Britain held as an empire, and added that we formed part of a great and splendid race. Our greatness bad been to a certain extent thrust upon us as a nation. The Empire had become what It is,—not al together by sagaoity, brains, &c, as thafc we had been driven to rale in some cases against our wish, God had placed us in a very high position, and we had to face equally high responsibilities. He referred to the great ness of former nations, and showed that when they Tailed in carrying out the work God intended, their greatneßß had been taken away. God had placed us where we were, and if we also failed in our proper duties our greatness would depart. We are holding India because the Divine Being had placed us there, and he had work for us to do. Bri ata'a love of freedom and mercy hid wrought good services for the people of India. We now stood at the close of a bitter war, and a great country probably will now be in oar hands, and if God has gives us a power in South Africa, it) is to plant the foundations of a righteous rule there to its people, and wa should pray for grace to undertake this greatwork when peace is proclaimed. Speaking of their church they had been railed to a high position, but as English church people they were some times too modest, and because they were not doing their proper work, Methodism had been inaugurated, and he might almost say, the rea«on for a Salvation Army was because they—as a church—did not go oub into the streets a« the Army had done. It might be their part ai a church to take a middle path between Roman Catholicism and the many divided seats. He wonld ask if any great loss had bean sustained to their ohurch by their great men relegating themselves to the service of a heathen country, and pointed out that the days of the church's greatest strength and splan dour, were the days when their best men had so gone forth. They were losing power! and strength because the; wanted fresh blood, and blood of nations not yet brought to Christ. At the conclusion the Bishop referred to his special mission at this time to , Ashburton. The ohoir rendered an anthem efficiently, Mr Schwartz taking the solo part with his usual success.

Cricketing Mems.

THE HARDKSC HITTER OF 188 DAY«

This title pertains to Mr Gilbert Jessop. Tough, short, sturdy, with determination writ in every line of his rather stern face, he is literally a terror as a oricketer, It was humorously suggested that he discovered Beccles College, for, until h« came from there, the man in the street had never heard of the school. He hits with more power than any other cricketer, and he can bowl a desperately fast ball calculated to remove the bails or the batsman's head. Asa captain he is firm but not very tactful, and the Cambridge men did not love him last year. From any part of the field he can sby to the wicket and hit the stumps. He has done a little journalism, and has played football

A. MIGHTY BAT At Lord's, when Mr GL Jewop was making hia century, one of the spectators was Mr WJFord. For merly Head Master of Leamington College and New Zealand College, he ia now chiefly engaged in literature. He has this month published two books on cricket, and writes about the gams in several papers. Six feet fire in height, with a deep voice and « rather uncouth frame he ia an ardent smoker, and generally wears a blue serge tuit, He is one of six brothers who have all been educated at Rtpfcon, three of them—including himself— having been subsequently in the Cam bridge eleven. A terrific hitter, he had once smashed three bats in ss many overs, whan some spectators shouted " Fetch him a tree!" His great feat wai to make 74 out of 99 for Middlesex v Kent in half an hour.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not held ourselves responsible lot opinions oxpre«s«d by our oorreipondenti

THE LONDON WATER SUPPLY.

TO THH EDITOR Sir,—As Mr FUrdley denies ths words he used to me, I decline to notice him further, but should anyone speak to me, upon the matter 1 will show them the hopeless muddle into wh-ch ignorance of the suVjeot has led him.—l am, etc , AIFftED HABKISON. , Ashbutton, September 21,1900.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir -Seeing a. lacter in your issue of Fuday eveuing, eignod J. W. Hardley, I have much pleafuru in confirming what he saya re the water supply* a d wonld like to my that the West; London Water Supply Company draw their supply from Dilon on the Tnames, many miles from London. They pump ihe water to a rbservoir on Wimbeldon Common, from which it is pumped to London. The pipes cross the Thames at my native town, Putney. These works have been in existence far more than fifty years. I ''I he Hammersmith water works have been in use more years than I can remember, drawirg their water tvota the Thames. — I am, etc.,

W. H. Whiting.

BAD MANNERS.

70 SBB EDITOR.

Sir,—Somo of tbots who attended the Biograph entertainment on Saturday evening ware a loarce of considerable annoyance to the rest of the audience by their introduc tion of cub torn* usually confined to the occupants of the pit and gallery in theatre", such as thro wing orange peel and sweat meatt about, and criticising in loud tones everything that came within the range of their vision. This must presumably be borne when the offenders are children and larrikins, but one expects something better from grown up people—supposed to know better.—l am, etc, Observer,

The French, in the New Hebrides

INJUSTICE 'JO ENGLISH SETTLERS

AN 'UNSATISFACTORY ENQUIRY.

United Press Association—By Electric Tele&raph—Copyright Sydney Sept 22

The BydD?y Daily Telegraph's New He brides correspondent says that other in stances tf French land grabbing have occurred. Two Englishmen bought land from the natives, and have received a letter from a French company commanding them to leave the place. It is alleged the land belonged to throe Datives, and was sold by two of them bt the French company with out the content of tho third. The third sold more of tho l»nd to the Knglishman, includ ing »> small corner previously bought fey the French company, which now claims the whole, though excepting the corner men tioned, it is all outside their limits

The warship Ringarooma, and ths French warship Eure, recently visited the place, and the officers held a mixed comm'ssion, Cap* tain Rich, of the Ringarooma, presiding. An enquiry was conducted, and complaints heard from th<t natives in reference to cer tain lands claimed to have been purchased by the French company. Plans were pro duced, with the natives' signatures, in proof that lhay agreed to the sale The natives claimed that the area indicated in the plans inc'uded the chief's lands, whioh they oould not sell

As the chief failed to produce evidence the mat tar w«« withdrawn and thus, adds the correspondent), a valuable pfecj of land is wrested from the natives. Rumours of dis satisfaction in the n-aar future ar« rife, and in the name of impartial justice, what ia known aa British fair play has received a blow.

Till Biograph Company

Although this Company had a ran of ill luck in the breaking down of their machinery preventing Friday's intended entertainment, the m*nag«m*at made prodigious efforts to keep f^i'h with thupublio, and as a, result of their f fforts they were enabled to perform on Saturday Afternoon—although somewhat late—and in the evening a full exhibition was given before a packed house. The pictures showing events in the recent war far surpassed anything of this character previously shown in the colony. A large screen covered the whole of the front of the stage, and all the figures and characteristics were exhibited with ueiqne clearness and completeness, as the result of the machinery being worked by eleotricity. Amongst the many interesting features of the war shown, the best was perhaps the view of Spion Kop and the operations depicted there. The discharge of big range guns, bombardment of Boer trenches, ambulance work, all met with fehn closest attention and enthusiasm tio applause from the large audience. The torpedo destroyer's trip and the launch of the Oceanic, together with the ride in a railway train and the steeplechase, were \ intensely realistic, and the hope was strongly j expressed that the Company should endeav our to give a future performance here.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Eseotrio Telegraph—Copyright Hon» Kong, Sept 21 The refusal of the Allies to withdraw from Fekin was based on information that the Boxers were prepared to return in strength.

General Wilson, with 800 American and 600 British troops and six gum, have left Fekin to capture San-hai-tien arsenal, disperse the Boxers, and open the northern passes so as to ensure coal and food suppliei for the capital

Germany has bean invited to capture Peitachin and disperse the Boxers with the co-operation of General Wilson's column prior to the latter attacking San hai tien The American expedition under General Wilson, to rescue Chinese Christians, was successful

Th© for^e sbouted for forty miles north east of Pekin, rescuing fourteen converts

Professor Wright, of Oberlin College, Ohio, writing from Manchuria, explains that the Chinese outrages created terror, and the Cossacks at Blagovestcuensk, frenzied, pushed 3000 Chinese on rafts, which were inadequate to carry them oat on the Amur River. The majority were drowned.

The country was scoured, and all Chinese shot. Every hamlet along 500 miles of the river was burned. The total number of killed was 4000

The Russians declared that these measures were a military necessity

Li Hang Chang ia now at Tientsin Sheng, Chinese Director of Tele 1 graphs, has been added to the peace negotiators Sir Cla'ide Macdonald'a withdrawal from Pekin, on account of his health, was arranged last April General Waidersee and staff have arrived at Shanghai ! Lieu knn yi, Viceroy of Liang-kiang provinces, fearing that the German fleet will ascend the Yangtse, ia block ing the channel at Kiang yen hem, the mouth of the river, excepting a narrow passage,

St Pbtersbukg, September 32 The leader of the expeditionary corps in Manchuria vamiy besought the Busman Government for permission to spare peaceable Chinese citizens The Dowager has ordered tbu Go vernor of Sbanei to raise money for tha erection of a palace at Bsiau fu, which will be the future capital

The Allied force which captured P«*i* tang included 4000 Germans and 4000 other troops London, September 28 Berlin advices state that Germany's demand is intended to show the Dowa ger's position Her refusal to surrender the chief instigators will be equivalent to assuming the responsibility for the crimes France, Italy and Austria, adhered to the demand

Transvaal War

United Preaa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, September 21 Marauding hands of Boers are in the Orange River Oolony, with an enor mous number of spare horses in splendid condition The Boers at Delagoa are vainly demanding from the officials cash for their blue backs

Eighteen hundred Boers tooth of Koccati Bridge are threatening to trek to Swaziland

Mercenaries who bave been fighting with the Boers have now taken refuge in Delagoa. They are of the scum of the earth, and are severely taxing the energies of the Portuguese t

Sept 22 The Boers at Kekpoort captured three ambulances, under Captain Per kins, with Privates Maund, Don&elian, Harkness, Henry, Harknett, of tho New South Wales Medical Corps. The i women clamoured to have them all shot. The prisoners were conveyed to Ruatenburg, where 370 Boers are kept prisoners for refusing to break the oath of neutrality

The ambulances were kept because they contained some Boer rites, although these have been retained more aa curios, and De L» Rey released Perkins and his party, with Private! Board and Tasker, New South Wales Bushmen, retaining Private Norm of the Medical Corps, owing to illaesg

The prisoners released at Nooitge dacht included Corporal Whelan and four Victorian troopers, captured at Puespoort. (The details were cabled on July Bth). A party of sixteen New Zealandere, captured at Rietvlei excepting Privates McLennan and Peterson. (The details in this case were cabled on July 21st.)

Peterson, it will be remembered, escaped from Nooitgedacht by making a tunnel. The following have also been re leased ; Privates J Harrison, W

MeGannoD, and all New South Wales, Victorian, and Western Australian troopers missing at Koster Biver (»g cabled on Augase 26), Privates Wist and Hayes, of the New South Walei Bushmen ; Baxter, New South Wales Mounted Troopi. Among those released at Nooitge dacht are T Q'Dwyer and T Sherrock, of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles,

Private Webber, of New South Wales, has escaped from Rustenburjj, and arrived at Krogersdorp.

The following casualties are re ported :—Private Oachton, Victorian, died of enteric ; Private Gelsherwan, New South Wales, severely wounded Capbtown, Sept 22 The Treason Bill has been read a third time ia the Oape Parliament by 46 votes to 87, and passed

The Council, by 12 rotes to 9, endorsed the annexation of the Re* publics

Sybkiy, September 23 " Banjo " Fatersoß, lecturing with reference to the war, and speaking of the Aostralians in action, paid a high tribute to the New £fealaDders, and said he regarded them as the beat Australians sent to the war. This, he said, waß probably accounted for by the fact that there were no boy officers, AH were men in the sense of matured experience. He eulogised Major Robin,

(Trooper R 0 Gill.of the Third Contingent, writes, dated Middleburg, August 4th.—" X am in the bead of health, and have reached an object of my ambition*, as despatoh-rlder for General Button, in command of Hutton's Mounted Infantry, being at present orcr a hundred miles from my regiment. I hare been on the staff for a long time now, arist hava hid some tough rides to gel my. despatches through. I have not received any letters for a long time, as mine go to the regiment, and I may not get any foe months."

THE FIFTH CONTINGENT EAST OF MAFEKING.

LETTER FROM LANOE CORPORAL STEWARD,

I Major Steward has jaet received from his son (Lance Corporal Bernard Steward of No 12 Company of the Fifth Contingent a letter bearing the very recent date of the 12th August. Lance Corporal Steward, who writes from Mafeking, lays:— " I am just going to scribble you a line In the Mafeking Post Office at I dont know when I can write again. Since I last wrote * wetkago our company, in fact, all the Ftth Contingent, and gome Aaatnmana, inarched to Zaerast. Two days oat we mtfi Oarrlngron's forces, one thousand men, in full retreat—aaven thousand Bocri behind them They oonli not hold Zeer usb. Tkey had two days fighting, and we were jutt a day too Kte. Did a lot of scouting and interesting work eloee to the Boer lines, but I never fir»d a tikob. Oar rington's forces in. retreating, including mul* waggons and refngiees frem Zeerust and their waggons and household goods, •ttetchedall overa distance of ten miles. We formed a rearguard and had to wait three hours while the waggons filed past. It wts a great sight. W« have lot had a wash for a week, and very little grub.

. . . , We hart now to reduce oar kiti to 12 pound*, but I still have father's blaakct and oil iheet IISTe leave here to morrow, I believe, with seven hundred men, to keep the Boers bwy till reinforce ntenta come up, and wherever we will get to I am acre I donfc know, to dont worry if yoa dont heat from me W* ali suffer more or leas with aore feet what they e»U scalded feet here—than anything'else This is caused by our never Retting a re i gular wash or clean socks Have ao time for more, ac have to get back to camp To day ia Sunday, and lam down town on the Captain.** hupine*«, and m >jr fee wanted, any ininufct.'"

THE ASHBURION : MOKDAt, SE^TEMBEtI M, 1900



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TO STUD HORbE OWNER 6 HORSE CARDS & HORSE RECEIPT BOOKS Printed at; the MAIL and GUARDIAN .Office with Neatness and Despaboh and afc Moderate Prices. TO STA^D 4T ALLIiNTON AND SURROUNDING MSTRIGr Ths Bbattotui, Bay Horsb (lßJhde) GENEKA.L TRACEY. (Record 6.4.) By Berlin—Jenny Tracey (both Imported SIRE of Victory It, General GrigK, Experience, General Standish, Tracey Belle, General Shatter, and many others 600 numerous to mention For farther p&rtioulare, »ppy to THOMAS HAROLD, 9 173 Groom in charge fTIO Tiavel in thi Ashburton District the PUREBRED CLYDESDALE ENTIBB COLT SCOTTISH CHIEF. (3 Years Old.} By Middlerigg Princs, HIS Sire — Middlerigg, by Prince Diamond (imported). Middlerigg's dam—Lady Banker by Banker (imported) Mtridlerigg'B sire and dam have taken first prizoa at Canterbury Shows Dam—"F may, by Stmthmore (grand dam Grace), by Prince Royal, great grand dam Polly, by Major. Strathmore isout of Mr P Matthew's celebrated mare Violet, (champion nitre for many yean in Canterbury.) Violet is by Sir Colin Campbell, he is from some of the best etraina ever imported into New Zealand. For extended pedigree me stud book GEO. GRIOB, 9 235 Owner, Willowby ' OSBORN COOMBE, PIANO TUNER 4 EXPERT (Late of London), VISITS Aahburton and aarroundirss! dia triots every four months, viz—March, July, and November*} ORDERS may be left with MR LLEWELLYN OWEN at his Music Studio, Arcade Chambers, Aflhburton. or at Commercial Hotel. JUST OPENED—Fishing Tackle, Pers.B. Karamea from London. The latest Rods, Minnows, Lineß, G.ff Hooka etc. etc Early inspection invited.—-Hardlby Bros. THE RAPID LIGHTNING GLO3 SHB ONLY EEIiTABIiE RHIRT POLISH IN THE WOULD. T*yraS MILIER, of Dunedin, the Pro fe«8iooal Laundress, says :—lt is the beat I have ever used. It makes Shirt Irooing a pleasure. Wise Mothers and Sisters try it and save your strength, temper, and patience Once tried, always used. Sold in Tins at' BHBARMAN BROS' & JOBNJORB &.CO. SPECIAL DISPLAY Of SPRING FASHIONS ON SATURDAY, SEPf. 22. New Dresses, New Millinery, New Hats and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs, Muslins, etc. NEW GOODS AMD NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS, YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPECT* ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. KAYE & CARTER ARE CASH BUYERS, highest current rates, all FARM PRODUOB. Agents for Sctton's and Lawson's i Unrivalled SeecK New Season's Supplies of RAPR, TURNIP, MANGEL, GLOVERS, &C, &o, JUS 3? LANDED, LARGE STORKS afc LYTTELTON. EXTENSIVE CLEANING MACHINERY. CORNBAUKS always oa hand. KAYE & CARTER. QHRISTCHURCH. 9 57 FORERRED PRIZE POULTRY BGGS. MINORCAS, Brown Leghorns, Andalu eians, Langshaos, and Dorkings, from 5s to 21s per sitting. 8 187 H. G. BV3RRYMAN. MISS BE»»I JSIAIAIOJND6. MOBIC Seller and 'i'eaoher of the Violirt, Musical instruments of eve»j descrip tion VIOLINS a SPECIALITY. Music | and Songs by every mail. Firafc-olasa Quad- j jrilie Band. j Bucnetii Street, . Opposite Fubtishißg omntsy .



GOOD NEWS TO ALL GOOD NEWS TO ALL GEORGE DUNCAN & CO READY MONEY DRAPERS, TANORED STKEET, ASHBURTON BEG to intimate that they have secured a leaee of those centrally fitnited Pnmiri now occupied by them, and are now opening a large and well ■eleoted Stock of GENERAL DRAPERY, which has been imported direeji from thei Manufacturers in England, and will be sold for Ready Monoy at ROCK BOTTOM PRICES. Wo subjoin a few quotations, but remember that Quality is the True lest of Value, and nothing is oheao which is not cood. We aak you to compare our valise »nd yon will »t onoe S£Sla*«itb"t«?™ THBOHBA&BT DRAPERS IN ASHBURTON. Our motto is Small FXPESE9, Small Promts, Quick Rbturns. Only a few Bargains. No room for more—Lace Curfc«in». !ov ly design*, lar^e siaes, value unequalled Is Of I, Is lid, is 6d, 2» lid, 3* 6d. 4s 6 J, 4< lid. 5s 6d, 6* lid, and 7« 6d ; New PrintF, large choice of patteras, 2fd,3§l, 4fl, 6d, 6|l : GaWea. from 6d; Pandoras ,IromJf d ; New Dress Material for apring war, from lljd to 2< 6d ; 33-in Stripe Fianne ette 3f i, ttd, s|d, and 6| 1 ; Wide Ribbons u«u*Uy «old Is 3d, job piece 6d ; Special Purchase Ribbe i K'acK Oa»hnwe H an 9.1. hbu-*' v 1« 3d. A trial goHoi'pd. a £U G. MEDDINS, "THI PEOPLE'S IRONMONGER," Opposite Arcade, Burnett Street JUBTIOPBTawn mowers? lawn mowers. 'New Easy,' fF. and N. •Philadelphia,' • Carbine,' etc. GARDENING TOOLS * REQUISITES OF EVFRY DESCRIPTION INCLUDING Spades, Hoee, Rakes, Digging and Weeding Forks, JroweH, Hedge Shears, Syringe*. Watering Cans, J,R Hose Pipe, etc. DAIRY UTENSILS ft TINWARE.-~Ghurn«, Milk Pans, Bk»mmer., Pata.t Milk Buckets and Strainers, Butter Pats and Moulds, Billeys, Panakinf, etc HOUBEHOLrM RANGE S,~RANGEK. i Scott's, Orion, Zealandia, Challenge, Champion, etc. j The CHEAPEST BHOP in Ashburton for any of the ahorp; My Motto is ■• Small Profits and Qulok Returns.' THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FT AVB a few Job Lines thrown oat |at Stocktaking^ which they are 'selling at GREAT REDUCTIONS. Man's Hard and Soft Felfcs Is 6d, ls'lld and 2s 6d Ladies Sailor Straws reduced to Is Brown Moleskin Trousers reduced to Sa lid Men'fl Best Crap Cotkhamu 26s 6d for 193 61 Women's Oanvas Shoes reduced to 33 6 i Childrra'a Qanfae Shoea reduced to v»b 61 Men's Silk Ties reduoed to 6 J and Is N Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, F. H. BBCKINGSAXE, Manager. MASTKRPIKOE OFSKILLED WORKMANSHIP ABE BUILT WITH Narrow Tread, Overhanging Sprockets, Patent Fead Tube, Head m Butted Tubing, |m or lin Boiler Chain, Any Gear, Any Height Frame. ONE PRICE TO ALL, £21. OATES, LOWRY & CO. ZffALAISDIA CYCLE WOBK-5 BURNETT STREET. (xa den Took Garden Tools OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Lawn Mowers JLawu Mowers Cheaper Than Any Other House SPADES- FORKS, TROWELS- BAKES, HOES, SCYTHES- Fowl Hetting Fowl Netting 10,000 YARDS JUST LANDED GOME EARLY AND SECUKE YOUR REQUIREMENTS W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER AND C^AL MERCHANTS AGENTS ROYAL INSURANCE CO. p YOU WANT A GOOD MACHINE CHOOSE A IBifHIfIBTH W. WHITBLY EXERCISES { Cyclists and Pedestrians ! \ THS ATHLETE'S ™IBND WHITELY EXEBCISES Keep in form by übidr TOE ATHLETE'S WHITELY EXERCISES one ol theee Splendid I THE ATHLETE'S VRt&m WHITELY EXERCISES ' Eserciees No Athlete f THE ATHLETE'S FRIEND WHITBLY EXERCISES should ba without ene. THE;ATHLETE'S FRIEND WHITELY EKEROISES I laspeotion intited. J THE ATHLETE'S FRIEND large fctoek of ACCESSORIES just to hand. Everything NEW and UP-TO-DATE; No Old fctook. 111, JHBBPqg-* N -^; AY SMO^e A ooo.J LLtW£LL^ M UWtN, The Latent »nd Beat Z_ ' Ma n ß fact n redb~ ' CERTIFICATED TEAGHER. £ ? ILUtM^ C 0> * LOCAL RepresenUtive of the London _? .2*^ *-- Oollege of Moblo, »nd of the Mailo»l W SIMPSON, Teacher of Piaoo International College. i iVI forte, Hayelook Street Ifiast Belt p£ANOFORTB O RGAN, VIOLIN, MAN wiehes to notify th*t she hw • fi»*^J« ri dOIINE, SINGING. HARMONY Quadrille Band available for Danwj; W™l AND COUNTERPOINT. diDg parties, Concerts, and yoowls. *or _ „ «__ Terms & etc , apply to D. LkiMH, »«««* .LL LoASBT ' s Preparationi-Olnoainoß Street. . ...._LzL I J\. Cure, Koolibah, Wahoo, andßoßJsraßO / " Sffloke Hew Vem* I G«m-*t JUJ Ooaoa- Sfew^eptr] I



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH,j Ashburton. JUBILEE MEMORIAL OF THE CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT The Bishop desires to meet the people of Ashbnrton in the Oddfellows' Hall on MONDAY, Sept 24th, at 8 pm, and will deliver a lecture, with limelight illustration on " The Great Cathedrals of Europe." Admission Free R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A, Vicar



A Reminded—We wish to remind all who may require new suits ko, "before the Show," that we have already opened out a large variety of New Goodß for the Spring and Summer seasons, comprising the most " up to date " best quality worsted Suitings, &o, imported direct from the manufacturers. For a number of years we have always had such a " Rush " of orders jusfc before the hoiidaye, that wo found ie impossible to execute all by the required time. We would therefore respectfully urge all our friend (both old and new) to kindly oall and favour us with their esteemed orders as early as possible to prevent disappointment, and oblige Cbaighead & Bbrbyjjax, the leadiug Tailors and Outfitter*, Aihbnrton ;



Little children full of health Do love to laugh and play, And many « man would give his wealth To be as bright as they. Though ilineai may attend us all. As we become mature, Yet coughs and colds will surely fall 'Fore Woods' Great Peppermint Curt braoke Few Venus



TJaequiiikd and Invincible— Wood*'.Great Pepp^rtniui Cure for Coughs »nd C©!d», la 6d»uJ 2a 6d :