PHASES OF THE MOON

■ May

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 11. 1900. COMBINED SCHOOLS SPORTS.

Tt is with very great pleasure we chronicle the unqualified success attend ing the initial sports gathering of the combined schools of the Ashburton county. Tfie promoters of the move ment must also be more than grmifi d wiih the response made to their efforts These genthmen deserve the unstinted praise of the well-wishers of our young people—and who is not a weD-wisfaer of the lad just starting life. It is im possible to calculate the bene6ts that will be reaped by the youn^ipeople who were fortunate enough to take part in yesterday's sports, There has been implanted in thrm a love for athletics, —for one of the cleanest and healthiest forms of exercise known to man—and the seed will not easily be eradicated. !If the aims and ambitions of the pro- I tnoters are realised, tht* gathering I inaugurated yesterday, with such con i spicuous success, will be repeated year by year, and generation after genera tion of Ashburton youths will develop wind, limb, and stamina in our public park. Judging by the performances of some of the lads yesterday, the world of athletics will yet be the gainer for the fixture, as seme of the boys showed an exceptional turn of speed. Their instructor mil point out that to excel in athletics boya must eschew drink, tobacco, and late hours fojf some years to come at least and thus the yearly competitions will tend to develop botH physique and character, Tho public will look forward with interest to next year's meeting.

Local and General.

* # * On the first page to-day will be found War Items. A Labghs Wheat Transaction—Last week's purchase of E'lerslie wheat was nearly 18,000 sacks, equal to 72,000 bushels. Inspection of Roman Catholic Schools. —The North Canterbury Education Board on Wednesday decided that it could not see its way to alter or resciad the resolution previously passed declining to undertake in spection of Roman Cathoho School?. A Runaway—A horse belonging to Mr W. H. Rule objected to the rain this morn ing, and while the driver was serving a customer it. bolted off for its stable, taking the cart and its load of meat wiih it. It reached as far as the shop, where it was pluckily c*ughfc by Mr J. Rule, who took it back faster than it came. Faikfield Freezing Works—Those works will be closed during the whole of next weak to allow of the yearly overhaul, and owing to the water in the county races being turned off for cleaning purposes. During the week extensive alterations at the works will be pushed ahead. The Winter Show.—The Canterbury Agriculture! and Pastoral Association have decided not to hold a winter show this year. It was agreed that the association's delegates to the agricultural conference, should ask the conference to press on the Government the urgent iie^d for a Bill which will deal with the destruction of Califoruian thi tie and other noxious weeds.

A Good Price-At the Addiogton Marke ou Wednesday, a line of forty-?ight extra prime lambs from the Ac on Estate fntched the sensational price of 24s and 255, at which figure they were secured by Mr J Clarksoo, who bought them for shipment in a frozen atate. The lambs were all excep tionally well grown and highly fibbed. Those in the first i wo pens were by purebred Shropshire rams out of three quarterbred ewes, and bhose in the third pou were by Border Leicester rams out of three-quarter bred ewas. A. draft from the sama station last year realised 2fn apiece

News in Brief.

Mr James Smith, butcher, Alford Forest Road, has a nice seer, weighing 880 ibs, for tomorrow's trade ; also prime mutton, lamb, aud pork.

A SEND-OFF.

The war is developing an immense Crop of poets; At the Guards senu-off to Lieutenant Cuthbertson on Thursday night, a non-com showed that he, too, was sprouting, by sing ing the following, composed by himself :— There's a few more men in kharki, And they're going to sail with Cuthy, And they'll get inbo Pretoria with the rest; And though some may lose their billet, In upholding the old flag, Yeb we trued our dear old Cuth will see it through. We will not be absent-minded, When he's fighting for the Queen, And his wifa and little children we'll look after; For he's chucked lub job and joined 'em. So the job before us all, la to help the home our Cuthy leavea behind him. Our sons, your sons, sons of the men we know, '■; Timber yard or paper shop there's someone gone away, Each of 'em doing hia country's work, And who was it told 'em to go ; P&ss the hat; for New Zealand's cake, And pay ! pay ! pay !

SCHOOL SPORTS.

First Gathering.

Officers : Patron—-G A M Buckley, Eeq; President—DThomas, Eeq ; Vno-Presidents —Father O'Donnell, H Friedlander, 0 A C Hardy, fII.H.R, J MeLuchlan, M H B, H Willis W Craighead, J C Cawsey, A Orr, and J Clothier, Eeqa ; Committee— Messrs C D Hardie, J S Tennant, W Palmer, D I homas, VV Brock, H McSherry, and M Bruce ; Treasurer—Mr W J Palmer; Hon. Secretaries — Messrs M Bruce and W J Pal mer ; Referee—Mr Wm Shearman ; Starter —Mr D Thomaß; Assistant iStarter-— MrR J Henry; Judges—Messrs AJMiiller, P | Robilliard, P Cox, R Shearman, F Clark, 0 Campbell; Timetakers—Messrs Geo. Jesson, J V De Beer, P Curtis 5 Lapbakers—Meaers I Baigent, D Grant, W Patching ; Clerks of the Course—Messrs F Nokes, J H Pauling, H Cullen ; Marksmen—Messra M Lynskey, N Jones, S Dixon, D McDonnell, E Pur chase, W Kchwartz, J Friedlander; Payilion Stewards—Messra C Northcote, H Milsom, A Macpherson ; Telegraph Board—Messra Tennant, MoSherry, Salmond; Gate? keepers — Messrs Wm Mcßae, Jennings, Aslett, M Dalley, Fifield ; Judges (Physical Drill)— Messrs Dolman, Schwartz, T G Gib son. The first annual sports gathering open to the combined schools of the Ashburton County took place ia the Domain yesterday. The day waa a grey one, and owing to the recent rain the ground underfoot was damp, bub this did not for one moment interfere with the enthusiasm of either officials, competitors, or onlookers, and the gather must be written down as a« unqualified success. It was a very big undertaking to handle such a largo number of entries and get through a programme that with semi finals and finals totalled just on 50 events, but the officials worked splendidly, and keep ing everything running like a machine gob the events off punctually and completed the very long programme in nice time. Where all worked so well it is perhaps invidious to single out one for special mention, but Mr D Thomas is oertainly deserving of a word of praise for the energy he threw into his work* His energy and Z9al inspired his fellow officials, and contributed largely to the

great success achieved. Following are resultf.: - ■ v 50 Yabds (scratch), 7- to 9—First hfa.t\. E Turner, F O'Connor, H Simpson ; 'iineß^fc Second heat-, E O'Connor- R Hobart, C Mutton ; time B|aeca, Final, E Turner (Borough) 1, E O'Connor (Catholic) 2,\F O'Connor (Catholic) 3

75 Yards (scratch) 9 to 11—First boat, Li Wutt 1, M Fitzgerald 2, IT ITolart 3; tima 11§ i-cs; Second heat, J Knight 1, A Gad 2, H O Connor 3 ; time ll^ec ; Third hfaf, P McKee 1, LKteele 2, W Gnetslade 3 ; time llf cc. Final, J Knight (Borough) 1, f WcK«e (Borough) 2, L Sieele (Borough) 3 ; tiniß ll^ec 100 Yards (scratch) 11 to 13—First heat W OG-^y 1, W M'Keague 2, H Frisby 3 ; j time 13J*ee; Second heat. J Smith 1, P MoOlatohie ami F Morcan2; time 14§.ee; Third heat, D Robertson 1, D Gudse!!, X Oi»rk and S Grange 2 ; timo 13f iec. Final, W M'Keague (Boroujjh) 1, JSmith (Borough) 2, D Gud«elt (Tiawulil)3; time 14sec. 120 Yds (scratch) 13 to 15-First heat, ■8 William* 1, W Terras 2, M Tovey 3. Time—ls|- Second heat, E Purse 1, E ] Johna 2, a Honeywe 1 3 Time—ls& Final, X Williams (Higl ) 1, E Puree (Borough) 2, S Honeywell (Ltsuiore) 3. Time--15|ieo 220 YOS (scratch) 15 and over—W Scaly (High) 1, X Baxter (High) 2, W B Inglis (High) 6. Time—oO^aee. 100 Yds (handicap) 7 to 12—Firab heat, L Madden 1, A Good 2, O Thomas 3. Time —14^ec, Second heat, J Knight 1, E Stock 2, L Steel 3. Time—l4seo Third heat, B Thomas 1, W Blackter2, A Bland 3 Time—l3|«c. Fourth heat, W Wataon 1, LHobarb 2, F O'Connor 3. Time—l4aec. Fifth heat, P O'Grady 1, O Thomas 2, L Watt 3. Time—l4|iec. First semi final, J Knight 1, E Stock 2, A Good 3. Time— I4aec. Second eemi-fi»a!, P OGrady 1, O Thomas 2, L Watt 3. Time—lssec Final, J Knight (Borough) 2yds, 1 ; E Stock (Hampstead) aor, 2 ; O Thoma3 (Borough) 2yds, 3. Time—l4|sec. 100 Yds (handicap) 12 and over—First heat, U B L>glis I, S Kingston 2, t» Riur tree 3. Time—l2|:ec. Second heab, V, Madden 1, W O'Grady 2 A Stook and H Bonifanb 3 Timo—ls cc. Third heat, E Williams 1, X Baxter 2, L Hardie 3. Tims —12i*ecs. Final, E Williams (High) 2yds, 1 ; U B IngHs fHigh) scr, 2 ; W OGrady (VYicchmore)6ydo, 3 Time—l2f«sc. Half Mile Walk, 11 and over—X Wil liams (High) 32yds, 1 ; AHewson (Birough) 48yda, 2; A Patterson (High) 64yds, 3. Time—4min 31 f co. 220 Yds (handicap) open—First heat, L Grange 1, W O'Grady 2, L Madden 3. Time —31^960. Sfcond heat, E Williams 1, S Honeywell 2, S Kingston 3. Time— 30seo. Final, E Williams (High) scr, 1 ; SEonej weil (Lismore) 4yds, 2 ; W O'Grady (Winchmore) 12yds, 3. Time—29§ <cc. Halt- Mile Bictoi.b Handicap—J Sin clair (High) scr 1, H Bmifant (High) scr 2, ,T Thomas (Borough) 32yda 3. Time—lmin 23£sec.F. High Jump, under 12-R Page' (Borough) 1, L Madden (Catholic) 2, F Shearer (Tin wald)3. Height 3ft 7m. Lona Jump over 12—V Madden (Citholic) 1, E Williams (High) 2, T Stephens (High) 3. Distance, 13ft lio.

440 Yards Handicap—E Purse (Borough) 16yds 1, E Williams (High) 20yda behind scratch 2, P Rountree (R»kaia) ecr 3. Time— 693ecs. High Jump, over 12—H Turner 1, V Madden 2. Height 4ft. Long Jump, under 12—L Steele 1, G As ton 2, N Fitzgerald 3 Distance lOft. 880 Yards Handiqap — J Lindsay (Borough) 48yds 1. E Williams (High) 35yds behind scratch 2, D Robertson ( Winchmore) 16 yds 3 Time—2min 44§3ecs. Physical Drill — Ashburton Borough school 1, High School 2, Hampstead 3. The Ashburtoa boys give a splendid exhibition Sack RACE—This waa run in two heats and a fiaa 1, and created great fun. The final resalted as fo lows :—J Lindsay 1, P Cimftron ani D McGV-lutn 2. 440 Yards Handicap fcTEEPLEOHASE—L Madd«u (C.ithohc) 40 yds 1, G Harris (Borough) 32 yds 2, T Gudsell (Tinwald) 40 yds 3- Time—lmin.l9aee. One Mile Bicycle Handicap—J Sinclair (High) 72 yds 1, H Bonifant (High) 72 yds 2, U B loglia (High) 48 yds 3 lime—2min 52sec3. The gate money caken amounted to £23 7s lOd.

Magisterial

ASHBURtDON—THURSDAY.

{Before C A, Wray, Eeq , S.M.) Prohibition OEDBB.—Oa the application of W H Hule, a prohibition order to he iv force for twelve months was granted against Patrick Fizgerald. Civil Cestn —Cha«. Biker vGW Leadley £14; balance duo on a building contract. The point at issue waa whether the defendant h%d a righb to deduct the penalties Mr Wilding, (with Mr Uuthbertson), appeared for plainsiff; Mr Purnell for defendant— There"was a onuntsr claim of G W JLeadley v 0 Baker £14 for breaoh of contract. The two caees were taken together, and ocoupied ihe attention of the court lot two or three hours. Summarised the evidenoe led, showed that G W Leadley, farmer, Wakanui was making alterations boa house at Fairton and A. H Ager was hia arohiteet and called tenders. Defendant gob the contraob and signed the specification. The contract was to be completed on December 22, and a ten ant, Mr Ford was to get possession of the house as soon as finished. On the strength of this, Ford sold his own property. On Christmas eve, the day after the contraob should have been finished,Leadley saw Baker and asked how he waa getting on with the work and learned to hia surprise ib was not even commenced, Baker stating he had been unable to obtain the birch timber spaoified. Imdley reminded Baker thab Ford was anxious to get in, and that he (Baker) would |be penalised for overtime. Baker evidently treated the matoer as a joke. The altera tions were subsequently finished by February 10, and Ford was able to go in. In the mean time Leadley had suffered the loss of rent and the tenant had been pub to great inconvenience. Before settling up Leadley wrote to Baker thab he had incurred the penalties, and recsived in reply a letter stat? ing he was surprised at plaintiff wishing to inflict the penalties after the trouble he had had getting the birch timber and also the delay he had been pub to through the alterations made in the contraob, for which he had charged a very low price. Ifccame ! out in evidence that in making out the plans j the architect had inadvertently marked the ' n;z9s for the glass of fcha windows much too j large* The siVs were put in in figures, although the working: plan wa* to . scale. Baker took the figures in preference to work ing from scale, and consequently the windows were made f>r too large. Baker claimed that architects figures were always taken in preference to the scale. The other side sought to show the contrary. A fire place had to be changed and a cliimney had to be altered owng to a certain s'zad ranga having been specified and another slzs after wards procured. In the specifications a sum of £3 had been set down for any extras required, and this sum was paid for the alterations made. Baker claimed thab the delay in gettingHhe timbsr, the mistake of the nrchitecb with regard to tha figures for the window, and the alterations made in the specifications were the cause of the delay, as when the windows were found too large, and the men had consequently to be knooked off while fresh ones were made r it) was very difficult to gob men again owing to carpenters being scarce. On the other hand Leadley, through his architect, Ager, claimed that Baker could have got the timber if he had gone the righb way to work, as other contractors, by taking a full truck, had got it, and completed work, the specifications for which had been signed some time after Baker signed his. It was claimed there was nothing in the alterations to delay the time over a month. On the other hand, Baker claimed that the architects mistake caused him three weeks' delay. The views of the two parties on this point were widely divergent. J L Brown, Baker's foreman, held thab if he had been the architect he would have allowed a month to rectify the mistake, as ib was very diffioult to get men. B 8 Flston, who had done the painting, claimed that his work could have been done in half the time had the tenanb not been living in the building. His men commenced work on January 29 and completed on February 10. Some extra scrimming and papering also detained him and he had to jiitint and prime two sets of windows instead of one, -A deal of evidenoe was called, and shortly before three o'clock,

Mr Wilding addressed the Court at some 1 length. He isaiil the Appeal Court had held that the act oi ordering extras set the 'penaUies at large, and released a conductor from payiug them. A contractor agreed to dc certain work according to specifications, and it he failed 'to do that wotk, he v.as litible for the penalties stipulated in the specifications, in every case where the owner either made a mistake, cl a iged his mind or in any other way departed from tho original contract, be the alteration evr so slight, the penalties did not apply, b<- Ctiuee the contractor had never agreed to do the work, plus extras, in the specified time. He urged the courts bad always been against the inflicrion of penalties. He quoted casea in mppotfc oi hia contention. —Mr I'umell replied. He said the answer to the whole thing was, thit the contract waa to be completed by the 22ad of December, and at that date the work was nob even com menced. No txtraß or anything else out side the specifications ha.d been ordered by that time. It was evident the timber could have been got, if Baker oared to do like , i other people, and take a truck load. Clause i 4 of the specifications, allowed for extras being ordered by the architect* It wa* preposterous to ask the Court to believe, the slight mistake in bhe four windows kept the contractor back three weeks. Lead ley had been very reasonable u\ hia demands for penalties, as he was entitled to £16, bub had only claimed £14, His client had been put to a deal of expense, and had lost a considerable sum in rent, by Baker's delay. —His Worship reserved hia decision.

A CHARGE OF PERJURY.

Accused Committed for Trial

At the Magistrate's Court, yesterday, be fore Meserß D. Williamson, W. H. Rule, and Alfred Harrison, Esqs, Js.P., James Nicol, barman ab the Somerset Hotel, Ashburton, was charged on ths information of the police, with committing perjury in his evi dence, as a witness at the hearing of a case at Ashburton on April 26, before 0. A. Wray, Esq, S.M., wherein Edward Eade police constable, was informant, and H 8 Drummond the defendant.—Charles Allen Wray, Stipendiary Magistrate at Ashburton said thib on April 26, a case was heard be.fore him.—Polioe v H S Drummond—two informations. One was for supplying a per son named Gill during the currency of a prohibition order; the second information was for allowing a prohibited person to be on his licensed premises. Accused was examined before witness for the defence. Accused said I knew Gill, and that he was a prohibited person. I did not serve him with whisky* He did not tell me the pro hibition order was up in March, I did not serve him at all. He came to the bar ab half past four for whisky. I told him he was prohibited, refused him drinks, and told him to go away. He went away, Tha n xb time I saw him he was in the private bar, and Mr Drummond was telling him to go away. He was in liquor when I first «taw him but fib to serve. He was only therefor two minutes. In answer to a question put by the Sergeant, he said I* saw him go out of the front door on to the foot path when I ordered him out. To Mr Wilding—Tha witness said Gill was in the parlour and came to the slide The cvi knes showed Gill was under the influence of liquor, and making bimsel offensive, and was turned out.—Edward i'ade, police con stable, stationed ab AshburGonj said he laid two informations »gainst Henry S'ark Drummond. Administered the oath to accused, who was called for the defence in the cases heard on April 26 last. Was preeenb when accused was examined, and heard accused say 6rill came into the room known as the b*r par.or He said he knew Gil), and knew there was an order against him. He said to make anre he went and looked »t this order. He snid ha told Gill to go away, and that he did not serve him with whisky, or any other drink. Ho said GII waa not too drunk to serve, and Gill wont j away. He saw him go out .< f the front door on to the footpath. He saw him later on talking to Mr Drummond, and Mr Drum mond was orderiug him off the premises. To Mr Wilding—Witness siii he knew Gill. He waa a confirmed drunktrd When (in drink, Gill was mad and Btupid. When in drink he was very bad. Gill was taktn itito custody after being ordered off the premises. A charge was hvd by the police against Gill for going into licensed promises during the currency of a prohibition order against) him, and he was cnuvicc-d and fined. Gill admitted in Court that he had been served with a copy of the prohibition order. The order had about one month to j run at; the time Gill went into tha Somerset I Hotel.—James Gill, labourer, Mount Somere, said he knew accused. Had known him for some time as barman at the Somerset Hotel, and accused knew witness well. Remem bered the 14th April last being in Ashburton, aad was in the Somerset Hotel. Went into the hotel with Dick Reid into a room off the public bar on the right. The accused waa behind the bar. Called for two drinks for himself and Reid. Accused pub the two drinks down. Both were whiskies. Wit ness paid for them and the accused took the money from witness Saw Collins in the public bar, and told accused to tell Collins witness, wanted to see him, Heard ac cused tell Collins, and Collins came round to witness and had another drink with Collins. Witness shouted, and paid accused for the drinks. Before Reid left, accused shouted for witness and Reid. That was before Collins came in. The men O'Reilly and Walker came together, and Collins was there, and O'Reilly shouted for the four of them. Witness shouted for Collins again. The accused served all of the drinks. Accused never ordered him out of the hotel. Witness must have been in the tap room half an hour. Then went to the fronb door and stood talking to O'Reilly, Collins, and Madden. Then went into the private bar and wai about a quarter of an hour thgre. Was talkiog to Lmgley, O'Grady, and Connelly. Drummond came out and said witness was talking too loud. Had tasted no drink for two days previous to going to the hotel, when he wenb into the hotel with Reid. Was perfectly aober. To Mr Wilding—Witness denied being mad and stupid when in drink. Was not a confirmed drunkard. Had been served with » copy of the prohibition order. Had known Reid for years. There was no one in the small room when they entered- Nicoll, the accused, was in the bar. There were three or four men in the bar. Was nob ordered out of the hotel by accused, neither was he refused drink by him. Had ten or eleven drinks in the hotel. Could not say if accused served them with all the drinks or nob. Was nob drunk and was nob sober. Thought he had a drink in the private bar. The barmaid served him. Mr Drummond was iv the private bar, but whether ha was in the bar when witness had the drink he could not say. Was sure the barmaid served him. Accused told her he Jiad better go round to the other bar. Mr I>ummond asked witness to go out. Went to the door and Drummond wenb to the policeman. Witness was locked up. Did nob think ha said in the oases against Drummond that he (witness) had no drinks in the private bar. Was fined and paid parti of it.—Thomas Collins said he was a labourer on the Coldstream Estate. Ou Saturday, 14bh April, he, saw Gill in the Somerset Hotel. Was in the bar, and Gill was in the front bar. The barman asked witness to go and see Gill. Had a drink with Gill, and the barman (accused) served ih, Did nob pay for the drink. Gill asked him to have a drink. Had two drinks with Gill, accusod served, the both. Did nob at any time hear the barman ordering Gill off the premises, O'Reilly was in the room, and witness and Gill had a drink with him- O'Reilly paid for those drinks. GUI was sober when witness ffrst saw him in the room. Gill and witness were in the room about half an hour. Witness waa sober ab, the time, and when he left the hotel. Gill left the room before wibaess. To Mr Wilding —There were eighb or ten in the bar parlour The birman could nob see very well who pub money down. A man could be ia bhab small room without a person in the bar see ing him ; saw Gill pay for some drinks ; could nob say if the barman saw Gill when he Berved drinks; witness knew Gill was prohibited; bhoughb his time was up. To the Benoh—Gill was in the corner of the room and witness at the slide.—Maurice O'Reilly aaid he lived ab Rakaia. On the 14th April he was in Ashburton ; went into the Somer set Hotel with Mr John Walker to have a drink. As far as he remembered it was in the bar-room with a sliding door ; Gill and Collins were in bhe room, and witness shouted for them } could not t»y if the barman could

ccc then* ; G'lldid tot shout for witness;] had a drink with Collins ; did not hear the ' barinau order Gili out of the room; could not g&y if the barman could '.see Gill or not. To Mr Wilding— It was uot a busy day ; Gil! was nob far off the elide; could not say if the b»rmau could see G II or not—John Walker, earpenter r A*.hburton, said that on April 14 he went into the Somerset Hole! in the afternoon with the last witness, O'ReillyJ to a side room."" Sbw bo one there when they went io. Gill and mother man came into the ro< m afterwards. Knew accused ; he was in the bar at the hotel. O'ReiUy shouted for witness. Did not know if Gill had auy drink with their, ; ' was only in the hotel ten minutes. Could not say if Gill or another man that came into the room found them in drinks, The barn.pn refutod to take the money from oue of the two men j aould not say which. The barman told the matrtoafoul back. To Mr Wilding—Collins and Gili came in, and wanted drink ; did not think the barman served them; the barman told tinm to stand aside, aud witness did not ccc them get drink ; did not know vhich of the two men the accused told to stand aside; did not know if the two men got drink or not:— Accused, who rpierved his defence, was committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court at Chriatchurch, on May 28. Bail was allowed—accused in £50, »nd two sureties o! £§0 ea«h, or one of £100. The bail was forthcoming.

Transvaal War.

The Vet Fdver Railway Bridge

The Imperial Government and the War

Speech by Lord Salisbury

A British Deserter

Bis Sentence Commuted by

General Euller

The Colonial Troops

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, May 10 The Er gineers are constructing a deviation of the railway bridge across the Vet river to replace the one de stroypd by the Boers. A practicable ford across the river enabled Lord Roberts's convoy to cross. Th^e Dutch colonial friends of the Boer prisoners have subscribed £9000 to provide comforts far the prisoners. Lord Salisbury, addressing the Prim rose League, said the turn in the tide of Imperialism was traceable to the stain of Mnjuba Hill and the Gordon blunder. General Gordon's death had now been avenged, and the greater humiliation of Msjuba was about to be erased. Under the brilliant guidance of Lords Roberts and Kitchener, the largest army ever sent across the same expanso of sea was reducing to obed ience to the Queen the territories which ouj^ht never to have been released from control. The restora'ion of South Af ric v was the only chance of peace. The disloyalty of the Transvaal in secretly arming to such a terrible advantage suggested a lesson. They would know better now than they did a decide ago the risks of giving dis loyal people the reins of government. Ireland had a similar opportunity, and the verdict, on the Home Rule question would meet with no early reversal. A gunner who was sentenced to death for deserting to the Boers, from a Natal force, rind whom the Boers expeiled from their ranks for insubor dination, has had hia sentence com muted by General Buller to imprison ment for life. Mr Gosehen, at the Conservative Club dinner, referred to the energy and resourcefulness displayed by Com* mander Oolquhouc, of the Victorian forces at the front. The Bushmen's horses travelled from Beira to Rhodesia, specially protected in a region where the Tsetse fly abounds. The following colonials were wounded at Brandfort.—Queenslanders— >Lloyd, Seymour and Braithwaite, New Zea land—L. E. Smith. New South Wales —Campbell and Jones.

(Received Wak&puaka May 11, 8,57 ami This Office 10. IS am) London, M»y 10 During General Hutton's recon naissance at the Zand rirer, the New Zealanders were posted on a kopje overlooking the river. The New South Wales and Canadians were held in reserve on a kopje at the rear, Ten thousand Boers, with six gum, on the northern side were preparing to leave with a convoy laden train, but returned the shelling of the British, Many of the enemy crossed the dry bed of the river to the southwards, and circled to the right, thus enfilading the Wettralians. Their shells were threaten ing the New Zealanders' line of retreat. The New South Wales troops moved gallantly forward,,held the enemy in check in face of a galling fire, and covered the retreat of the advance forces. The enemy retired during the i night, destroying the bridges and cul verts behind them. The Chronicle correspondent wires that Generals Huttoa and French crossed the river, and are now pursuing the enemy, though cautiously, owing to the damage to the railway line. Th 3 Waimate has arrived at Beira. Tna burghers are massing north of Mafeking, to resist the advance of Colonel Plumer's force. Lord Roberts officially congratulated Major Filkington, who is commanding the Westralian second contingent, on the gallantry which the men displayed at the passage of the Vet river. Everyone is eulogisiog the New Zealanders and Australians for the wonderful aptitude shown for the present style of warfare. The advancing British forcee, under Generals Tucker, Hamilton, and Pole- Oarew, crossed the Zand river, gradu ally expelling the Boers from their strong position, the enemy's convoys retreating in inextricable confusion, the crowd of Boers being panic stricken, owing to the report that the town of Senekal, forty miles north of East Winburg, was already occupied by the British. .

TOTAL WRECK OF A SHIP.

UniteJ Frees Aasociiitiou—By Electrio Te! egra p h O<-> py rich t Melbourne, May 10 The Magnet was wrecked about the same time as the Sierra Nevada. The vessel is intact, and in no immediate danger, though a fairly heavy sea is running.

AUSTRALIAN FEDERA TION.

London, May 10 In an artie'e on the Federal nego tiations, St James's Gazette trusts that neither side will mount the high horse in dudgeon. Mr Chamberlain, aayi the paper, is doing his best to ascertain Australian opinion, now that the question of appeal is more directly before the public than at the referen dum. Although Mr Barton think* it reprehensible on the part of Mr Dick son to have altered his opinion, it ii likely many other Australians have done the same thing. Popular judg ment is not what it was a year ago. Sydney, May 10 Mr Lyne states that if amen men ti other than that relating to the appeal are attempted in the Federal Bill, thif will probably result in an agitation to have other alterations made.

The Plague.

FRESH OASES IN SYDNEY-

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.. Ftdnbt, May 10 The following fresh cases of plague are reported :—Mrs Mitchell, Market Street; Alice Carroll, Paddington; Henry Farina, Balmain. Replying to a deputation, Mr Lyne said that the Government might com pensate poor people for any damage to their effects by the cleansing opera tions, but if it did so this would be in no sense an acknowledgment of any legal claim. (Received Wakapuaka May 11, 9-50 ».m, This Office 1040 » m) Adelaide, May 11 The North German steamer Oera, from Sydney, landed a fireman who it supposed to be affected with plague.

CABLE NEWS.

London May 9 Dr Joseph Parker is chairman-elect of the Congregational Unioo. Hong Kong May 9 China haa been compelled to assent to Russia building the Kaichoc-Pekin railway, Paris, May 9 The extreme opponents of the Government won nine seats at the Paris municipal elections. Washington, May 9 The Senate, on the motion of the Secretary of War, discussed the merits of a Bhell said to be able to penetrate any armour. Melbourne, May 10 Mr Watthas received the full report of the Pacific Gable Board. The first objection taken to the Gape cab'e ia that it would diminish the traffic of the Pacific cable when completed. It is pointed oufc that if the Pacific cable obtained anything like onr-third of the whole of the traffic, and it ia estimated that it will in reality get five-twelfths of the business, th 9 con' ditiona on which a progressive decrease of half-crown a word is promised by the Eaßtern Extension Company would never be realised, and might ba practi cally disregarded. The Board con templates a rate of 2a for ordinary messages over the Pacific cable itself, and a through rate of 3s, so that construction of the Pacific cable would probably secure the reductions offered by the company.

Sydnst, May 10 The Ounnedah Colliery is on fire. While ten man were engaged in blocking the mine to extinguish the flames, an explosion of fire damp occurred, severely injuring three, while the others were bruised.

THE LATEST.

Some and Foreign-

United Press Association—By Electflo . Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka May 11, ?} 50 *.i*ii This Office 10-40 ». m

The International Situation. London, May 10 Lord Salisbury, at the Primrose League meeting, stated that the Inter national situation, as regarded Govern* ments, was peaceful, their careful and calm neutrality contrasting with the intense prejudice and unscrupulous hatred of Borne of the noisy sections.

THE ASHBTJKTON GUARDIAN ; FBIDaY, MAY ±1, 1900



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GEORGE DUNCAN & Co. EEABY MONLY .DRAPERS, TANOR&D STRKET, ASHBURTOIH. Winter Fast Approaching. G I i J^T ( i~\ WftRE fortunate in securing their stock of « * ' • VJ^6 Vv v/*» Blankets and Flannels prior to the consider able rise in price of wool, nnd all purchasers wiil get the full benefit thereof. Large stock of Winter Oapeg and Jackets at rock botfcom prices. F'annelettes, Oalicos, Sheetings, Dress Stuff*, and other lines in Geaeral Drapery are qaoted nt lowrst cash prices. Please call and judgn for yourselves, and the verdict will be th^t you a^ve money in purchasing from G. DUNCAN & CO., CASH DRAPERS, , NOTICE TO FARMERS. Abe CASH BUYERS of PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN AMY QUANTITY Please take your Samples to the MillJ We can supply Oornsacks'at ccwt price, CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B, HOBART, Manager; 17th Mar*. 1900 THE AFFLICTED REJOICE! THE POLYPAT.HS H \VK, CAPTURED the HE A RIM of the PBfPLK of CANTERBURY. COMING FKOM ALL°~OVi£R THE COLONY TO THE POLYPATHfC MEDICAL INSTITUTE N.Z.BRANCH- Corner of Latimer Square & Gloucester Street, CHRISTOHURCH POLYPATBIO, the NEW METHOD OF _^» HEAL ING, la the surest and most rapid System t» '*" -wJP^Lf *' cures with absolute certain y such diseases a ®_rf__.ffitE3&^ _L_alff|g% Cancer, Epilepsy, and Asthma, incurable undar th; iS^^^^^^^^^^l old- system, ac well as all Chronic >nd Nervouf j^^^^^^^^^^i Complaints of Worn n and Men. MORE OURF.:- W^^^^^^^^^^ MADE. BY POLYPATBY than any OTH*H <^^^^^^Sc^^^^ SYSTFM IN THh; WORtD, ?I^Er£ii__P~£lHpEP~'Xw!r3^9 The wisest, best educated, and roost enllghteni* *jEf'nnt?s^tEK£r3~m£amit*6 people are daily becoming converts to those new /^j^Bre^BlW*Kyi^jgi3[ vnticiplen and methods which are supported by eucl f ?lgHSctf^J^^^^^Jß overwhelming evidenc-a, bustained by the public \ttm&g£s!3SSS&Bti3tiarie& w^° KiVe nH(^ Rn opportunity of testing tlv HfjS^P^|ffyj^3:B remarkable fluccess of the POLYPATHIO SYB ' EM BB^^urApiiff'icpfefew'jaS Their wonderful success has spread like wild fir ■ i|Wyi|jjlM^Bßra|^|^H-pB ihrtJi gh an enlightened community, and amung." pH^UJgjWl^J^^^^^^^t tho^c who had given up all hopen of ever being we) JaS£siiwMßgßfatßlßiilllf% again, and th>y are by hundreds availing themselve of the P()LY ; PATB7O SYSTEM of treating Ohron'. h^^^^^^^Mt Distases, which has proved to be the bureafc, qnickes* »»'* m^st rtOirb'o means of Cure ever off.red ai "w^ i^H^^^^^^^^K^ sffl'^'J P 1 °P i<3 When alck, is the iimo we need thi |^^WjE^^^^^&fe' Inform >o CJrselv..s, you who are sick, write to th niiini im^TTr^T^/^ 6 POLYPATHf OTNSTITTJTK, and then f»c:ept proof *WWSWMPaagfe^^^^^^fe-' of the my^teriona skill—more convincing than word — that is possessed by the Polypaths. They treat all Female Ailments by the Potypathic Method, which jioes away witl all examination «nd all local trfatnient* '[ hey also desire to impress up->n all men who are suffering that they have tht ja-ily celebrated Hindoo Remedy, so well and favourably known in the Old Worh 88'ne "Anti-Agnechai Tabloid Method.' All desiring to teat the system will ha"< ■uch opportunity. Jf you cannot Vitit, WRITK for Question List to ChrLstchurch. wit,h Stan^pei Knvelope and you will receive an immediate reply. Medicine packed Free from Observation. Carriage Paid Parcul Post; THOUSANDS CUltfcD ANNUALLY BY LSTTEIt. ,■ ,3i3rirTF jr^ts-rrMnaaaamtmm, .111 m 1 iww——«■««——— w^m^mmm »wr JWKi—M< VVOOI P.fcfcs, Ledbury, Herefordshire, October 231889. Dear Sir, —I am pleased to testify 1< the effioaey of your '• Oarbolised Whea! Protector," having used your Protectoi for 40 yearß and never having grown a FIFTY-FIVE JgAES ON- SmntvferofCOTn(nmytrte;therefor( INTEKBTJPTED S UCCEB-S. can confidently recommend your " Wheat ■ Protector as a euro preventative for Smut, THIS Chemical Preparation is CAR- I . &a. —1 am, yours truly, BOLTSED as a remedy ag*in ß fc the ravages Mf Q B OhrkQ Q R JONEg# of Birds, Rocka, or other PestJ taking _____ the seed dressed with i^. PRFPA RED BY — ' OB CLABKE, M.P.S., This Preparation is now MANUFACTURING CHEMIST, BEING USED BXriNSIYJSLT Wobnrn| Beda ., Eng , and , In the Colonies of (Proprietor cf the She6p Dipping Com position). NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, AND CENTRAL AFBIOA. Iv Packe(B cotltaining Sl)ffitfiont t0 "™~* dress eight bushels of seed Whe^b, Wheat SOWiOg Bwley.dats.or other Corn. Best and Cheapest Dressing for Seed _—~ Wheat, Carbolised. i Patronised by thousands of the First Practical Farmers in the. Kingdom. _C •JT lii XV i\ I JML AJN • PERU EC T FREEDOM FROM SMUT. D. CLARKE'S CAKBOLISEO WBLJEA.! 1 ZBALANDIAS" at the FRONT STILL BOOMING. Pk() I Hj( / I I I H mHEY are simply marvelloua. For Speed, J. Al/\/ A. JL-J\S -A. \-^ M-+- l^ Rigidity, and Comfort they cannot be beabeD. Beautifully enamelled in fancy colors (Nftm« and Label Registered under Trade GENTLEMAN'S £31, Ladys M - -2 Act, No. 13,796 and 158,143) ', t . tr ~T-xr v- * v a ' ' ' A large stock of Latest Novelties to hand. HAS BEEN USED T M _.„...,.., Lamps from 4s 6d, Graphite for chain from •OTI7TV T?T"VI? VCATJQ Of 1» Toe Clips from Is 6d, Dunlop outfits 9d, J^l^l I-J?IVJ^ XHiAnb Elastic anklets 2a 6d, Fancy handles from 29. WITH UNDBVIaTING SUCCESS. Inspection invited. GATES, LOWRY AND CO-, IHI-OKT.HT TiESTIMONiAL. Barnatt Street.



ABHBUKION ! PRIVATE HOSPITAL " Burford House." Conducted by— Mus Maoicay. Patients oun be received ou an after MAY 14, 1900. MRS MACK A V trusts that her long oonneatiou with the Ashburton County Hospital will be a sufficient guarantee that all Patients (who can be attended by their own Doctors,) will reoeive every care, atientiop, and comfort. For terms apply to 544 MRS MACKAY.



B. W. H A N M E R. TO FABMFRS. I AM prepared to make very liberal cash advances on all produoe—Grain, Wool, Frozan Mutton or Lamb, Sheep Skine, etc, etc., which may be placed in my hands for sale here—or for sale by my representatives in London. I shall not charge any Commission here for the advance —and my representatives in London having the full knowledge of doaling with all produce consignments which they may receive, and having plenty of money to meet my drafts, will not sacrifice anything entrusted to their c»re, if Ihsre is rhe slightest chance of doing letter by holding for a while. The question of selling indis criminately beo*uae fchey do not know per sonally the consignor* is a very strong fea ture in the mode of doing their business, which has always recommended them. E. W. HANMER. ._ A^HBUftToN ~~===Jt COUNTY RACING OLIOS AUTUMN MEETING, To be hell on the Ar-hburt >ii Race course, on WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, Mat 16 & 17, 1900. Frfsiuknt—Mr tlohn Stud home, jaa. Vice-president - Mr M Stitt. Judgk -Mr Mp Stitt. ~tkwari>3—Messrs F. D,»lgety. J J« N. Grigg, J. M. Htmptnn. P J.ines. L de C. M*'efc, D. vV. McLean, H. F. Nicoll, 4. E Ptache, F i'useel), M. Stitt, T. Stone, J Htudholme, D. Thomas, 0. F. Tod hunter, T. E. Upton. Handicapper—Mr J. E. Henrys. Treasurer—Mr D Thomas !-tartbr-Mr H Piper Clekk of the Scales -Mr T. S onp. CIERK OF THE COURSE- Mr R Curtis. Timekeeper ■ Mr J. de Beer. PROGRAMME. (Approved hy the Canterbury J Club, and the South If-hud Trottina Association ) FIRST DAY. 1 12.45 pm -Laghmor Trot Handi cap, of2stov- ; htc n<l horse 5 aovi from the s'nko. JNomiivi'ion 15a acceptance, 10j. Sardle- Twc mil' 3. 2. 1.15 p si. Fi^kg Handicap, of 3( auvs ; second hors. 5 sovj from >ht stake. Nomination 15?, acceptance 10. Five furlong . 3. 1.55 PM —ASHBURTON CoUfITY HAN DIOAP. of 10 soya j second horse 1( i-ovs from the stake. Numira iun, 30s ; acceptance, 30i. One mile anc ft half. 4 2.25 p m —Melrose Pony Handicap of 25 nova ; second pony 5 soya front the sfake. P mies no f to » xcetd 14 i In he g'lb. Fomination, 10^ ; ace pt ance, 10/. Four full ngs. 5 3 p.h.-inOV'L Handicap, of 20 soys. Winner to be sold for 15 soys. Anj f-urplss to be divided between the Club second horse. Nomination IDs; acceptance, 10j, Five fuilongs, 6 3-30 p m,—Fairfield High Weiohi Handicap, of 30 aovs ; second horst 5 Boys from the sfcake. iJomination, 15i ; acceptance, 10d One mile. 7. 4pm-~Maiden Pi/ATK, of 25 aovs ; second horse 5 soya from the stake ; Two years old to carry 7st 61 h, three year olds Sst, four years and aged Sit 61b. For horses that have never won money of a collective value of 25 soys. Entrance fee, 20s. Six furlong., 8, 4 35 r m— Grove Farm Handicap, of 40 aovs; second hurse 5 soya trom the stake. Nomination, 20a, ac" ceptanco, 15s. Six furlongs. SECOND DAY. 1. 12.45 ?si-Koimar Trot Handicap, of 25 sove ; second horse 5 soya from bhe stake. 15g ; accept ance, 10^. One mile and a half. Saddle. 2. 1.15 p m — Wakanui Handicap, of 30 frovd ; aecond horse 5 eovs from the stake. Nomination, 15 i ; accept r-nw, 10a. Six furlong*. 3 1.55 p.m.—Pony Raoe Handicap, of 25 soys ; aecoud pony 5 Suva from the stake. Ponies not to exceed 14 2ln height. Nomination, 103 ; acceptance, 10d. Five furlongs, 4. 2 25 pm -iuruMN Handicap, ot 55 BOVd ; 8-coad horae 5 soys from the stak<». Nomination, 25 i f accept ance, 20j One mle. 5. 3.0 p m Disposal Handicap cf 20 soya. Ths winner to be sold for 15 eovs. Any surplus to be divided between the second horsi and the Club. Nomination, 10s ; accept ance, 10a. Six furlongs. 6.3.30 -p.m. — Winohmore Weltbr Handicap, of 35 eovs ; second horte 5 soys from the stake. Nomination, 15s ; acceptance, 15a. b'even fur longs. 7. 4.0 r m.—Hurry *■ curry, of 15 soys ; second horse 3 90vu fr^m the stake. Open. Post entry 15*, to be made immediately after the Disposal's!akes. Weight not less than B?fc, For all horses that have never won an advertised race, value of 10 soys. Four furlongs. 8. 4.35 p m.—Fareweljl Handicap, of 35 soys ; second horse 5 snvs from ?be btake. Nomination, 15a j accep ance, 15^. Five inrlongs. SPEOIAJ CONDITIONS 1 •—All stakes to be paid in full. 2.—A1l Nomination, Acceptance, and Entrar.ce Fees go to the funds of the Club 3 —Wii,ner of any one Race, value £25, after declaration of weights to carry 71b, and ef two or more Races 101b penalty. ACCEPTANCES AND ENTRIES Acceptances for the first day's Handle caps, and entries for the Maiden, most be In the hands of the Secretary, at his < filoe. Arcade, not later than 9 p.m. on SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1900, and for the second day at 10 p.m. on the Evening of tne First Day's Races. A. A. FOOKS, 4 158 Secretary.



A Trne Frfenc| A friend in need ia a friend indeed. That is exactly what Chamber!urn's Cough Remedy ia. It is the mother's help when she is suddenly awakened in the night by the ominous husky cough, anc 1 labored breathing, | of her babe It is the safe resort of the youth or adult when he has' caught cold,'and. there is coughing and irritation of the muoous membrane of the throat It allays the irritation and cures* the oold For sale by iAshbwbion Drug Cqbjfavy Smoke New Vacua



T7 I TAD ATIO, THE GREAT HERBAL REMEDY IS YOUR FRIEND. . TEST THE TRUTIE OP THIS STATE MENT? CLERKS AND BUSINESS MBN. IF YOU SUFFERFBOM COLLAPSE OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, DHE PERHAPS TO HEAVY STRAIN AND PRESSURE OF BUSINESS, READ THE FOLLOWING TESTIMONIAL :- Dear Sir— Aboub 16 months ago I wai forced to give up my positioD, owing to an attack of Con* gestion of the Brain, caused by EXCESSIVE STUDY AND WORK. For some time I was very ill, and was under the care of four of the bests doctors in New Zealand. I found that although I had recovered from the Cerebral Congestion THE NERVOUS SYSTEM had received each a a hock and had become bo weakened that my ntedioa advisers informed me that I would have tq take perfect test for a long time, and that it would be front 2 to 3 YEARS before I would thoroughly regain my strength and be what I had been prior to my breakdown 1; Knowing of the wonderful results whfch had followed the taking of Vitadatio I resolved to go in for a course of it, and after drinking about 12 LARGE BOTTLES of the MEDI ClNtf, I rejoica to be able to say that lam now WELL AND STRONG, again, and en joy the best of health, I feel that I cannot) but let young men who straggle through the weary days of their office work, feeling so weak and ill that life has very few pleasure! for them, know what your medicine hi* done for me. To all snoh 1 earnestly recom mend V-itadatio, as I am perfectly sure \t will thoroughly tone up. the system and drive all imparities out of the bloqd, Years very sincerely, • EDWJN 0. SERVICE* «• Linbhorpe," Newtown, Sydney, Deo. 16/9t 3. A. PALMER, Distributor-General for Australasia, Price of Yitadatio, Sn 6i and 3s fid. All Chemists and Grocers Head Office for N.Z. 39, Manner! Sfertat, Wellington,