Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 1900. THE SIZE OF CORN SACKS.

Tiiii qufßtion which,duriiig the last low years, baa bean discussed at the meat ings of A griculturaland Pastor*! Asso ciations, and other institutions Inte rested in tho handling of grain, wan raised once more at a general meeting of the EUesmere Agricultural and Paw toral Association, which was held last j week. One of the members, Mr Job Osborne, made a proposition in favour of a size which he had experimented with. His sack is 23 inches wide (which is 8 inches narrower than the present width) and 44 inches long (which is the present length), and this sack holds 3 bushels of wheat, going 13 sacks to tho ton ; 3| bushels of barley, going 14 sacks to the ton; 3| bushels of oats, going 16 sacks to the ton; and l£ cwt of potatoes. Mr Osborne said that this sack was easy to handle, and he was able to lift it from the ground. His proposal appears to have been un favourably received by the majority, According to the report from which our information is, derived, they were averse to any change whatever, and " thought that the present generation was degenerating if men were unable to handle a 2cwt Back." It was hardly fair, however, to talk of a 2c wt sack as the present size, because a 4 bushel sack of whiit weighs 2431bs gross. Although the ob jectors were ia a minority, they bad some strong arguments on their side. One of the members, answc ring the charge of degeneracy, pointed out the numerous and enormous changes which had been brought about of late yearß in the make and weight of al most all agricultural implements and tools, in the direction of lightness and increased handiness. He contended that this striving after improvement was not the result of degeneracy on the part of the workers, but chiefly of a desire to enable them to labour more easily and consequently more rapidly. Thus boys and youths could now per form tasks which would have been beyond their strength in the last gener ation. No one, we suppose, who haß any knowledge of the subject will ven ture to question the facts stated or the truth of the reasoning based on them. Why, therefore, should not the same reasoning apply to the case of corn sacks. It has been repeatedly stated, and we firmly believa it. that where smaller sacks have been used, more work has been done than under the present system. The assertion about degeneracy is utterly baseless. Ano ther member of the Association made a strong appeal on' behalf of the men employed at the seaports. He as serted that though they were able to handle tha large sacks, yet three yearn of the work was sufficient to make them physical wrecks." "Farmers," he said, " knew practically nothing about the evil efftcts of carrying the heavy weights, as they had to handle the sacks for only a few days in the yaar, whereas the lumpers were doing it for lengthy periods." The settle uaent of the question appears as far off as ever. The Bmailer sack will eventu ally be adopted and then all persons interested in the handling of grain will be the gamers.

A GREAT LIFE COMPANY.

The fifty-first annual report of the A.M.P. Society is to hand, disclosing, as usual, a most satisfactory state of affairs which must be a source of great pleasure to its policy holders. At the 31st of December, 1899, there were 151,741 policies in force, insuring £45,528,090, yielding an annual premium income of £1,490,293 12s 6d, and when the in* come from interest on investments, £769,063 4s 4d t is added to this the total annual income ia brought up to over two and a quarter millions—-truly a large income, probably a surprising one to many unacquainted with the A.M.P. Society. The pro6t to be divided amongst the participating policy holders for the one year alone, 189$, amounts to £506,182 15s 4d (over half a million), and this som will yield re versionary bonuses amounting to £942,200, so there will be no faar of policy holders being disappointed when they get their annual bonus certificates at tho end of June this year. Big bonuses, and annual ones at that, has always been the experience of the policy holders in the A.M.P. The accumulated fund now amounts to £16,074,740, having been increased by £895,691 during the year. Death claims for the year amounted to £528,705. Thiß item is £201,000 less than the receipts from the interest alone. In reviewing the past history of this great institution, one ia im pressed with its phenomenal success. Looking at its gradual progress from the year 1849, the date of its inception, the small band of policy holders, 45 in all, has grown and increased till now the A.M.P. Society with its army of policy holders holds the proud position of being the oldest, wealthiest and moßt prosperous Australian Lift Office and the largest mutual office in the British Empire.

Local and General.

%* On tha fourth page to-day will be found news re Workers' Ticket, and on the first page Commercial!

A Good Yiild—Mr McElrea, a farmer near Milton, Otago, hat this year obtained the phenomenal yield of 126 bushels of oats to the acre. This result was obtained by draining and liming the land, which it is said, had previously shown no signs of great productiveness. WiKstow Spowmi and Racists Club.— A meeting of the Committee of this Club 1b called for Saturday evening nexb, at the Winslow Hotel, to receive the report of the r«cenb race meeting, and hand over the surpluß to the Aahburtou Mouuted Corps.

Pawning the Crown. — Ten thousand pounds was the sum advanced upon the English orown in the reign of Richard 11., when that monarch was hard up, and resorted to what Shakespeare, in referring to the incident, calls " broking pawn." The diadem had previously been pawned and redeemed in the reign of King Edward 111., and a little later was temporarily disposed of to the wealthy Buhop of Winchester for 20,000 marks—a sum equivalent to about £13,600 in our money. Edward must hare been in deep waters at the time; for, not content with this sum, he went a step further, and pledged hie royal jewels for a further amount five times as large as that mentioned. Then, too, Charles 11. made valiant attempts to obtain an advance on his orown and jewels, but, we believe, without lucoeii,

Home Fair.—Messrs Friedlander Bros., L'd, have decided to hold their horee fair at rheir Wont Btreet Mart o» Thursday next, June 7, kf previously advertised. AOKNOWI-HDOIHENf.—The matron of the Ashbtirton MoipiUl desires to acknowledge wkh thanks the following donations sent during fch« month of May :—Mrs De Malet, UtunUfttftfl [>i*por« s Working M«n'a Club, tllutslrMt-.i! papnr* } Mrs David Digby, parcel of old lifitiu, A Ijfiu.v h'oßfajit -A ilvely socno occurred on M (trod '/.'?.ni\ in h\m VU(Jhl*i» aii Naples, •mhftn «■ pinitj) ''ik»!/ itii«tiiipL<i(t to snatch a liiirssti whiuli * youiijf AuKiiionn Udy, Miss liitrgornt wii*< ()«iry|n|{ 3i» l»er hand. The Am<ii'i<;iiti j/iil, wiiO l*t iinth fttnily and itthlntlii, kno'ikn'l tiltu (h>w<u howovtir, be for« h» ooui'i fi<ii hWny wssli tiio pri'/.n, and itft,itiwt*i()n |)ioui-n'i'-fl (,'/ li»i()«J on fiifs ohoit in a moKbbnw)ii«7ii(?''ik« tti*ttn^i'. 'J'hci p»timrß> by, »tr/»H((i) m> nay, dM »iot )«s|ioit<l to Miss Uurf/ir*' «ry for lm!j» ; no \MvA, th« tdinf, recovering from Itiit sujt*!'!*", htioofcededi with k (l<iH|)«rKt« tffort- In nhttitUij/ ojfhfs opponent and in mukltig good hi* *no*pti, bub without the purse. Titim Own Bibm«.'»Tw<i latlios called to give evidence in » recent case In the Magistrate* (Jourt, Aehbarton, g»v« the Court orderly h shook from which, nim- ur ha* h i>, he has not yet: recovered, He had gabbled oat the usaal — " Thtvdenoeyou ihelßlvslhaOourttMftdftyihelbsShatrat'hthaw* holetrathAnnothin(;batlhakralh«w«]py«rgftw d," «Bd thrust his dirty, evil smelling, Court Bible under their noses to be kissed, when the elder Udy fairly staggered him by producing her own gilt edged copy of the scriptures, beautifully bound fa Russian leather, and pressed her rosy lips to the volume. The ordarly stared in blank astonishment, but when the seoond lady did the lame thing he collapsed inbo hit teat with ft bang that could be heard all over the room.

Fortifications of Pbbtoiua—So maoh has been said of the strength of the fortification! of Pretoria that the evidence of a masoD who hat been engaged in their construction is welcome : "I worked for * long time at the building of the forts and barracks at Pretoria,. The latter were con struoted to hold men, horses, and gan«, and the stibiing accommodation is immense The forti are very curiously con«t.inoted, and are built in a nuccession of squares, with passages running between, and Gomnranicat ing doors. W* worked hard all through 1395 at the forts, whioh are tremendously strong, and will take some blowing up; Early in 1895, fct least nine months before the Raid, big guns began to arrive from Europe, and continued practising went on with these gnns, iin whioh President Kroger took the greatest interest. I nted to see him watching the ring, and one day he fired » gun himself." Thb San Francisco Shrvici—The Auck land Herald has received from Mr J. H. Witheford a copy of the new schedule of the San Franoisoo mail service. The new and improved service by the steamers Sierra, Sonoma, and Ventura, will commence on Wednesday, October 31, when the Sonoma leavfß San Francisco. Regular sailings at intervals of twenty one days will take place from San Francisco thereafter. The three weekly service from the New Zealand side will oommenoe on December 4, when the ! Sonom* will sail from Sydney on her refcnrn trip leaving Auckland on Saturday, Decem ber 8, and every thre weeks thereafter. On the voyage from America the steamers will leave San Franeieco on Wednesdays, arriving at Honolulu on the Tuesday, Samoa on the following Tuesday, and Auckland the fol'owing Monday, completing the voyage at Sydney on the Thursday, The voyages from this side will be somewhat smarter, the vessels leaving Sydney on Tuesday?, Auckland Saturdays, Samoa Wednesdays, Honolulu Tuesdays, and San Francisco Mondays, completing the voyage from Syd ney In 204 days. The order of sailing of the three new steamers will be—Sonoma, leaving San Francisco Wednesday, October 31, and arriving Auckland Mrnday, Novem ber 19 ".Sierra, leaving San Francisoo Nov ember 2i, and arriving Auckland December 10; and Ventura, sailing Snn Francisco December 12, and arriving Auckland Decem ber 31. Lota of Rakaia and Methven people have bought a small sample packet of McKei z;e'a Hondai Lanka Cbyloj* Tea out of pure curiosity. Didn't believe it— why, certainly not—why should they. But somehow or other they are using it right along; wouldn't forsake it on any account Of course they were sceptical at first; so many things ad vertised nowadays ; but a Teapot test lets any doubt at rest. " Ourselves as Othees See Us."—Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults; but they seldom fail to observe the fit and style of oar c'othes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that "appearance goes a long way." An il!-fittiog suit is uncomfortable, and an "eye sore" to your frieeds. Don't risk it! If you are ft stranger here, the first well dressed citizen you meet will gladly direct sou to "The Leading -Tailors" where you will always find a large assort ment of "Up to date" suitings to select from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Cbaio head ft BerotmAN speaks volumes. This firm has just imported probably the finest stock of new Seasons tailoring goods ever shown ie Aabburton, inoludiug a beautiful range of the new rain-proof Beavers and Meltons for Covert coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both fashionable and durable*

BEST BEHAVED ARMY.

Ab a meeting of the Army Temperance Association held recently at Bloemfontsin, Lord Roberta pointed out to the soldiers the advantage! of joining it. Every member was known to the commanding ofioer, and for important posts men were often chosen became of their mombenhip. The soldier hearers dwelt on every word that) fell from the lips of the man they loved, when he ■poke of " the army I have now the honor of commanding," Lord Roberts betrayed a depth of feeling in his voice. He was proud to be the leader of the " best behaved army in the world," They had fought splendidly, marched nncomplainingly and endured all the hardships of the campaign. Bow well they had fought!" The Field-Marshal added, half jocularly, " The whole army hare been members of the Association. Modder water was all they had to drink, and sometimes little of that,"

Sporting.

NEW ZEALAND CUP.

United Press Association-By Eleotric Telegraph : Chbistcmdrch, June 4

The following nominations hay« been re ceived for the New Zealand Cup, of 1500 soys ; two miles :■ —

Fulmen, Ideal, Paphot, Apollo, Renown, Jabber, Record Reign, Takapuna, Tire, Robert McCarthy, Hengist, Formula, Explosion, Beddington, Woodstock, Sea horse, Labourer, Advance, Tortulla, Hnku, Scottish Minstrel, Glenaladale, MissDelava), Autaia, Kahauwai, Nobility, Malatua, Military, Cavalry, Conqueror, Romanoff, Djin Djiri, Val Rosa, Fabricator, Santllarlo, Skobaloff, Field Rosa, La Notte, Hohoro, Straithnairn, Defoe, Uundas, Materoa, Ben Farley, Rob iphele, Volley.

The Fatal Shooting Accident.

Chbistchurch, June 4

At the inquest on the body of A E Oooke, accidentally shot by his comrade at Lake Ellesmere, the jury returned a verdict of acoidental death. _ William Skelton, who had been charged with causing Cooke'i death, was then discharged.

News in Brief.

Holiday excunion fares are advertised for the Pretoria demonstrations at Ashburton, Chriatohuroh, and elsewhere on Thursday next, June 7. Tho afternoon train*, Ash burton to Timaru and Springburn, will be delayed. The builders and carpenters are requested bo meet in the Fire Brigade rooms this evening rd the proposed demonstration.

Mr A Orr has a replace advertisement re patriotic flaga, hwdKwrohitfi, etc,

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Melbourne, June 4

Accounts of the experiences of the i steamer Anner'ey's voyage from New entitle to here, en route to South Africt with i;cattle, show that 218 beasts perished in a hurricane eft tbe New South Wales Ooaiit. When the hold was opened, after the g*le, there was a revolting spectacle, carcases being strewn about and the stalls smashed to I splinters.

Sydnet, June 4

At a meeting of the A.M.P, polioy holdera, it w»b decided to hold a public meeting on Monday with a view of taking steps to oppose the directors' proposal to extend operations to Lon don.

AFFAIRS IN FRANCE.

United Frew Aiuooifttion~By Electric Telegrtph—Copyright. Paris, June S Tbe Amneity Bill has bten passed by the Senate. The Senate placed Oolooei Pieqaart tnd M. Zola in the same category as military culprits con cerned in the Dreyfus case. London, June 4 The Paris correspondent of The Times says that M, Waldeck-Rosaeau, amidst the applause of members, thrice indelibly branded General Mercier, who remained silent.

Paris, June 4

M, Waldeck Rossenu's speech on the Amnesty Bill has bean placarded throughout France. He declared that it was time to draw a veil over cowar dice and pxcesseß. It was impossible to submit ecmr. crimes to chastisement a,nd justice, yet no amnesty would efface the verdict of history.

The Plague.

United Preis Association—By Eleobrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, June 4 A fresh case it reported—George Perrin, Wahroongah.

Brown, another patient-, is dead. Thockhamptost, June 4 Another plague case is reported The patient's name is Murray.

The Cable Question.

United Preen Aftsooi»tion—By Eiectrio Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, June 4

MrOrfckhas cabled to Mr Cham berlain stating that the colony is in harmony with the Pacific Cable Board's proposals, and is prepared to undertake a share of the responsibility of construction, and asking that he shall take the necessary steps to hasten the completion of the work.

Mr Orick states that he has had no communication whatever from the New Zealand Government in reference to the proposal to lay a New Zealand* Australia cable.

A MILITARY FORCE IN TROUBLE.

United Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, June 4

Owing to an encounter between larrikins and the Permanent Artillery pickets, the latter assisted the police in preventing further disturbances. Several of the Artillerymen were fined for assault in a recent fight.

At a special parade of the perma nent troops, the Commandant, Major General French, sharply reprimanded them over the troub'e with the larri kins, and said this must be stopped. From tonight the men would be con fined in the barracks after six o'clock, and it would depend on their own con duct how long the order remained in force.

A WOMEN'S DUEL.

The New York correspondent of the Daily Telegraph sends the following special tele gram from the city of Mexico to the New Y*rk Merald, which forms a remarkable realisation of the famous painting of the female duellists:—

" The details of a duel, In which fchs prin cipals and seconds wtre women prominent in Mexican society, have Just come to Hghfci One woman was to terlouily wounded that » ■argeon had to ba called in. This led to the arreifc of the participant*. The duel grew out of a love affair. Rafael Riquelme wenb to a fa»hionable ball several nights ago, accompanied by Senorita Marta Duran, the beile of the oity. Senorita Jnana Lana, to whom Riquelme had been paying marked attention, also attended the ball. She saw Senorita Duran in company with Rafael, Her hot Mexican blood surged np, and in a passion she confronted Benoriba Dnraq, and, after a quarrel, challenged her rival. The challenge wai accepted, and next morning the two women, with four seoonds, drove in carriage* to a vacant piece of ground near Romifca, in the outskirts of the oity. The rivali stripped to their waists, and the signal for the encounter wee given. The first round was bloodiest. In the second round Senorita Duran was the agrressor, while her opponent ac**d on the defensive. Senorita Duran's terrific thrusts began to tell upon her strength, and then Seaorita Luna, who had been waiting for htr adversary to tire herself, took advantage of her weariness and made a savage lunge at her breast. She inflicted an ugly wound, bat Senorita Da ran again faced her, and received a scratch on the cheek. la the third round Senorita Dnr&n was weak from loss of blood, and Senorita Luna inflicted a wound on her sword arm. She dropped her weapon, and the duel was over. The women kissed, and the vanquished one, in true chivalrous fas hion, renounced Senor Riquelme. The seconds placed the wounded woman in a carriage and drove her home. Her condition became so serious that a physician was summoned. Under Mexican law no dootor is permitted to tre*t a wounded person without an order from the authorities. The oase was presented to the police inspector, and an investigation brought out the facts. Senorita Duran was taken - to the Juarez Hospital, and the other five persons were »rre«ted and placed in solitary confinement atßelem." ;

A PLUCKY BUGLER.

A young bugler in tha Ist Gordon High* landers with Lord Roberta' force ii now on hi* second campaign, having, as a mere lad, been allowed to accompany his regiment through the Tirah. His father lisa at M»juba, and hia step-father ii a retired aergeant-major. When the battalion went to Uouth Africa he applied for permission to go to the ranks, but was refuted in conse quence of not being of age. Ab the Mod der, however, he collared a rifle and packed his bugle away, but was detected by hit captain. This disobedience of orders was brought to the notice of the late Colonel Dowman, who had at. first refused the young soldier's application, bub who then said : " Well, he is a atrong, will ing lad. Let him alone* He can get his bugle when it is orer." The youngster has been in the ranks ever since, and in his letters home grumbles like a trooper about being made a navvy in making railways and digging trsnobes, though; hi sayi he likes {

the shooting fi^o. la one lei ter he wrote :— " I huve seen tbe wonderful Hector for the first time in my life Se isn't » toff; he is a regular Tommy. He spoke to me and B*id he knsw my attrr and st-p-father as both good old Uo done, adding: " You ar« not on the right rouw» for your f«thtr'« grave, but I hope, my lad, you'll tee U all wipsd out.'' Aa older broth«r weati through tbe investment of L&dysmith »■ a non-oommiaiioned offinpr in the 2nd B*t ulion Gordon Hi t hlaoders.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

The Currency Question

Baavy Firing at Moidwafoa-

taia

Positieas of Geaeralt Fnaoa

and Hildywd

Lord Botorti Eaters Joaaaaw targ

Hoisting the British FUff

Too Auaixatioa Quistioa

United Pram Association—By Bleotrlo

Telegraph—Copyright London, June 4

Although President Kruger took away a million sovereigns, the Govern ment has issued a million Treasury notes. They tried to commandeer all the remaining coin and bar gold, but the bank officials and burgher residents threatened to resist.

[A million sovereigns weigh about 7J fconi]. Heavy firing is &oing on in the direction of Moddersfontein. General French reached Irene on Thursday. General Hildyard is slowly advanc ing* northwards through extremely difficult country.

The eleventh and seventh division! of the Naval Brigade, the heavy artillery, and two brigades of Field Artillery participated in Lord Rob ertas entry into Johannesburg. The cavalry and mounted infantry were too far away to take part. Advocate Krauie, formerly Free State Attorney, who was responsible for the good order of the town, met Lord Roberts at the entrance to Johannesburg, accompanied by the Government officers. The British flag was hoisted in Government Square, in I the presence of crowds. A Royal salute was fired, and cheers gives for the Queen.

A field cornet belonging to ft com mando under De Villiers, ex-Free State Attorneys told General Bundle that the Free Staters would be glad to submit if they were not sent to St Helena.

Colonel Mahon has started with a portion of his force to join General Hunter's division.

Capetown, June 8

The Afrikander Bond Gongreai, held at Graaf Reinet, appointed a delegate to visit Great Britain, Aus tralia and Canada, to explain the Afrikander party's reasons for opposing the annexation of the Republics. Sydney, June 4

The New Zealand and a number of New South Wales invalided soldier* were entertained at dinner by New Zealanders. A large company was present, and the proceedings were enthusiastic. Suggestions were far ourably received for an annual re union. The New Zsalandera were subsequently, invalids included, enter* tbined at a theatre party arranged in conjunction with Me Bland Holt.

Confusion and Panic at Pretoria

Botha Determined to Fight to the Last.

Splendid Fighting by the Grenadier Guards.

Received Wakapuaka June 4,10.35 pm This office 11.54 pm» London, June 4 There has been the wildest confusion and panic in Pretoria. There has been a general collapse of Government functions since the stampede of officials. The foreign attaches have started for home.

Botba arrived at Pretoria on Wed nesday night, and reported three days' (earful fighting, which proved dis advantageous to the Boers, the last engagement being at Orange Grove, where Lord Roberta arrived on Satsr* day. The object of the fighting was to enable many trains and waggons, with supplies, to start for Leydenbnrg. Botha's and Meyer's fiery speeches rekindled the spirit of resistance, and a meeting of teß thousand Boers at Pretoria resolved to fight to the last. Botha proclaimed martial law. General Handle, on the 29th May, attacked a strong position six miles from Senekal. Shelling failing to silence the Boer guns, an attempt was made to outflank. The movement was greatly hampered by immense grass fires. The Grenadier Guards showed splendid steadiness through the flames and billows of smoke, once changing position in the face of a hail of bullets in order to escape burning. The battle is described as a scene of appalling grandeur. The Boers requested the use of the British ambulance, They admitted fifty killed and many wounded. During General Bundle's battle near Senekal Lieutenant Quilter rescued many wounded from burning grass, though the Boers fired explosive bul lets at him.

General French reached Irene on Thursday. General Hildyardis slowly ad vane* ing northwards through extremely difficult country.

Kruger's Ultimatum.

Schreiner and Co. on the Stamp.

Major-General Powell Advancing.

(Received Wakapuaka Juno 5, 8.35 a.m This Office 9.35 a.m)

London, June 4

Kroger hat telegraphed 'to America that he will fight to the bitter end. Many Boers are occupying positions on kopjes around Pretoria. Major-General Baden-Powell ii ad rancing on Ruitenburg. Capetown, June 4

M. De Yilliers, brother of the Chief Justice of the Free State, provided at a meeting held at^Graaf Reniet. OHw ScLreiner and many Afrikander Ben ditti were present, and violent ipetohtf

THF. ASHBTKTON GPAfiDIAN t TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 190©



; h7m. JONES. H. M. JONEfc. i STATIONERY BOOKS. ! ACCOUNT BOOKS. ftjjA r\f\f\ ENVELOPES, imported direct. Commercial Envelopes ZDU^UUU from 3s 6d per 1000; 5000 at 3a per 1000. Boxed Stationery, latest styles, from 6d, 9d, Is, Is6d, 23 box ~ PIANOS ORGANS 44 payments of £1 each will purchase a sph-ndid oversfrung, fall trichord, massive iron-framo Piano, up-to-date in every particular. Only £1 required to be paid at time of purchase. o*ll ani see this before you buy elsewhere. Organs from ICs per month ; Pianos from 203 per month. BICYCLES. BICYCLES. A thoroughly well built, strong well finished, up to date Lady's or Gentlemen's Machine, guaranteed, for £14 10s, for one Month Only. h. m. To n c s. BABE CHANCE OF SECURING FIRST-OLASS PIANO OR_OKGAN. GREAT CLEARING SALE OF PIANOS AND ORGANS, mHK DRESDEN PIANO COMPANY, through their Representative (Mr Wm. SwriNBOK) will hold A OLEAB ING SALE at their Aebburtcm Agescy, Mb Bbkrt SffIPSIKION's Auction Rooms FOR TEN DAYS ONLY, COMMENCING ON WEDNESDAY, 30bh May, when all instntnents wi 1 be sold at GEKCINB WHOLESALE PBICEB FOX CASH I OR ON OUR EASY HIRE SYSTEM— PIANOS FROM 20a MONTHLY. ORGANS FROM 10a 6d MONiHLY. OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN PROPORTION. TEN YEARS GUARANTEE given with every Pi«no, Organ or Harmorlum Sold. Wm. Strange { **£££** } Thw. Cowntal. A TRIP TO TOWN Is not always PRACTICABLE. Consequently, MANY LADIES residing il Ashburton and District find it IMPOSSIBLE to visit the Establishment of STRANGE & CO. as OFTEN as they could DESIRE. Their annoyance is natural enough. EXPERIENCE has taught them that the big City Establishments, STJOH AS OURS,: offer them THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, and the WIDESI CHOICE OF GOODS, But such Ladies can always SHOP WITH US BY POST, m HUNDREDS already do, because they know we are LARGE BUYERS, LARGE IMPORTERS, LARGE MANUFACTURERS. It is also pretty generally known now that "WE BUY EVERYTHING FOR READY MONEY, and that we have a LONDON HOUSE which keeps us supplied all the yea* round, not merely with plain, every-day goods, such as are in constant demand, but with The Latest London and Continental Novelties in Mantles, Costumes, Millinery, Corsets, Gloves, Dresses, Dress Goods, Under wear, Children's Goods, &Cr And i Our Dressmaking Department cl<sely resembles a West-End of London Establishment. Our new French Dressmaker, MADAME BOUTEAUD, is acknowledged to be a TRUE ARTISTE. Her creations are the theme ef GENERAL ADMIRATION; while our Miss Mazey (in charge of our second room) continues to give the utmost satisfaction to her numerous patrons. As Bespoke Tailors, *c have acquired a HIGH REPUTATION. We make Stylishly-eufc Suit (splendid workmanship and material) from .£3 3s. Those who prefer Ready-made Clothing will find our famous "ORIENT" BRAND CLOTHING (in all sizes), the NEAREST APPROACH to MADE-TO-ORDER GOODS in the Market— and at about HALF THE PRICE. Furniture we Supply Direct from our Factory to the People at Factory Prices. We also have a BEDDING FACTOBY (for supply of pure, sweet bedding), a WIRE MATTRESS FACTOBY, «nd a BLIND FACTORY (under the charge of those famous Blind-Experts, Messrs. GEE). COUNTRY RESIDENTS, If you CAN'T come to town to see us, you can always « » t ' V Shop with us by Post. State your requirements PLAINLY in writing, ENCLOSE REMITTANCE, : afid your order shall be filled as PROMPTLY and SATISFACTORILY as though you, had delivered it in person. POST FBEE ON APPLICATION. Estimate's for House-Furnishing, Blind-Making, Bedding, Wire MAtlrTHWftB, &c, Patterns of our LOVELY NEW WINTER DRESS MATERIALS, and our, : NEW SEASON'S SUITINGS, TROUSERINGS, OVERCOAT INGS, &c (together with full directions for self-measurementf), Posx-FUBli on application to GHR/STCHURCH.



SMOKE ONLY NE W VENUS _<„>_ &. PERFECT TOBACCO. NOTICE TO [FARMERS. ABE CASIH BUYERS OF PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN ANY QUANTITY Please take your Sample* to the Mill} We can ropply Oornsackt at oo»t"price, CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS. (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B. HOBART, Manager 17th Mar»h, 1900. " IMPOBTAMT BIOTIGK. GOOD Ni'WS. GOOD^NEWS GKORCiE DUNCAN & Co, tYnORED STREET, ISHBURTON, OPPOSITE AROADE. a-rV o y^/^v RFOOGNISING by their increasing baiinen that th« D. & OCh* KSEntTot A-hburfeon »d .mounding Dbtrioti Grey and White Oalicoe*. 2}d upwardt p"* 00™"' 3*d , 3 j „____,». Ladies' Umbrella*, 2a lid upward! Wnlh Unbleach.d Sheeting, 101* «p- Me.'Par Necklet. (Urge «ri.ty) 2. Uc WG«y and White Caiiooei, 2d per yard "^n'.' Ribbed i*«,b.'Wool Drawer., 2, UP<£nt7ngent Bu.h Rug., 2» lid (.elling Men', and Boy.' Braoe., Tie., Handker frnf.lv\ Chief., «0., &O. Whit, and Brown Turkish Towela, fl}d up. Men's "•^W""^^^-?^ Toilet. Covers, Bfd upwards ; Antimac- lw ßp«cial-4.ply nogenng Wo.ol, 2, 6d pc, GFORGE DUNOAN & PP., Cash Drapera, Tancred Street, Ashburton. GREAT PROCESSION. THURSDAY HOLIDAY. "P LAGS —All Kinds BIBBO^^, EOSETTEB, LAbYSMU'H "HANDKERCHIEF**, WAR MAP HA^DKEHCHIEFS, LADlBb' BADEN-POWELL HAT 3, BED, WHtfE, & BLUE CUFF 6 & COLLARS. ANDREW ORR. New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY £ — y 5: = .<j WHY geb wet when »ls will buy _—, # | f^ y°ua -X/ rj 05 Eg C WATERPROOF OOAT? J[ £** ® s Z' 0 S We are .howiDg a large Stock of Coats, * L ] jC< »0 j S Q^ all our own make and guaranteed thoroughly H"P^ C 5 H 2 T~\ Waterproof. i I 1 H » . W * ■ * /'■g We also have the iaUst shape Double r -> Breasted Ohesteifield Waterproofs, »nd if |^.. Q w L^ there in nothing to suit you we will take A^ H «j'S your order and make you one. Mfj »—> *^ f*f* 150 Patterns to Choose Feom i 2J o%y  Tweed Overcoats and Capes £r^ o s* p^ from 19s 6d. HH g * I WILL KEEP YOU WARM & DRY. g Qj Covert Coats in Fawn and Black. Good ' "1 O « * C-J falue. Now i. the time for warm |Under- O Q ? < clothing. H ° "# S»e Ods Stock. Thb LabgestJ in Town tfi _■■ bir "g- - I. " RIBBED L.W. PANTS from 26 114 JjT^ r, g " O Notwithstanding the advanoe in Wool. >^^ jg. ,_ a JJ^"l we are selling afc the same prices a. la.i f^Jl H - 1^ fyH Seaion having bought before the rise; § 0,3 — Cb »oP NEW ZEALAND rl^ OjOiO GQ p2 OLOTHING FACTOBY. P F. H. BKOKmGSALB, "^5 Manager o^EsTilwWWca BAKER, ASHBURTON, FOB WISHES to notify to the Public that -"~ —* * ho has taken over his NEW PREMISES « ... la the Triangle, Ashburfcpn. 5 233 Shipment o« Bells and.Carbide _________________ T ,, . Wanfl T\/TKTHVKN, Rakala, and Tlnwald.— Juat to Hand. jy|_ Teas aold bf Local iStorckeepera j were awarded Gold Medals ...... P «...«w .Lin am Ohiaago, Ktmberley, Tasmania, acd OATES, LOWRY AND CO-, Brawela World's Fair.. Sold[to.Oeylon packed packets, and 51b and 101b boxes, t Bnrnett Street, " with name on sv*ry package,