THE SEVEN AGES OF WOMAN.

At first the infs:i •.;•:>;>, soft, warm and white. With strings well mouthed and mauled, in sorry plight. Tie giddy schoolgirl's hat, a waif and stray, Any old thine that hinder! not her play. The budding maiden's lint, pert, smart or trim, According to "sweet tdxteenV mood or whim. Bravest of all, tho bridal wreath and veil, Which mark 3 life's great event and turns the scale. the ngw fledged matron's "dream," by Worth de signed, Which hubby pays for, sighs and looks resigned. The well planned bonnet of the chaperon, Which hides time's ravages from her alone. Last scene of all, the widow's ruche and weeds Sans feathers, flowers, ribbons, lace or beads. —P. R. Oliver in New York Sun.

"A KISS, A WORD."

By MAURUS dOKAI.

A Story of a Woman Who Oould Hot Keep a Secret and How She Paid the Penalty.

When the Princess Alexandra Ser batoff was presented at the luxurious court of Catherine 11, two men had th© most influence in the empire. One was Gregory Alexandrovitch Potemkin, the mighty minister, the other Prince Mon omoff, the handsome favorite of tbe czarina.

The gossiping world said that the pretty eyes of the favorite had just as much share In governing the land of all Kusslans as the great brain of the fa mous statesman.

The quick eye of Prince Monomoff noticed at once the extraordinary beau ty of the new court lady, and of course it was only natural that so wide awake a statesman as Potemkin, whose less pretty but nevertheless watchful eyes were always open, couldn't help seeing and admiring.

Both men fell in love with the young princess, and in the ensuing ardent but secret struggle for her love the czari na's favorite, Monomoff, was finally the more successful. Ho became the devoted admirer of the princess, and the wise Potemkin, knowing that he was "not In it" any more, withdrew, burying his malice In his diplomatic heart.

Thanks to his intrigue, the new love of Prince Monomoff now became known to the czarina, who, to avoid a scandal, ordered her favorite to marry at once the girl.

The "punishment" was taken by the prince with resignation, which was only natural, knowing that the young princess was not only bewitchingly beautiful, but also enormously rich.

The wedding took place with great pomp and ceremony. The young pair was overwhelmed with the costliest presents, among which the most valua ble was that of the czarina. It was a large solitaire diamond. Its won drous fire had a beautiful color.

Nothing marred the happiness of the young couple, and their honey moon passed in joy and pleasur*.

Once in a happy hour the young wife approached her loving husband with this inquisitive question:

"Tell me, dear, what is the value of that large diamond which you have on your finger?"

Monomoff looked upon the czarina's present and did not answer for awhile.

"Tell me honestly, sweetheart," con tinued the princess, "how much was given for that stone?"

"A kiss," thoughtlessly replied Mono moff. They both laughed at the joke.

"Won't you sell it to me? I will pay you double that much for it." And the charming young woman demonstrated right away her generosity by allowing her husband to "help himself," and the price, two kisses, was willingly paid—ln. fact, overpaid—but of course that is none of our business.

"Alexandra, if you value our lives you must not tell of this bargain to any one. You know the czarina."

"I do promise to you, dear, that no soul shall learn, from me the price of the diamond." "I have also promised to Catharina and told you Just the same." "Yes, but I won't." And she didn't—until the next court reception. Of course she didn't mean to tell it to a soul, and it was only by mere chance that the secret es caped her lips. During the evening her moat Intimate friend, the Prin cess Orloff, had admired the sparkling gem and (we must remember that all this happened in Russia} inquired about its value.

Princess Monomoff smilingly whis pered into her rosy ears: "It was given to my husband for a kiss. I gave him 'double, the amount for it. But I said this only for you and to no one else. Don't let it go farther, or it may bring lis Into danger."

Of course Princess Orloff did not Nvant to tell the secret to any one and, !n fact, did not tell it to a soul except to the wife of General Romanoff, but •he was such an Intimate friend of hers that she could be trusted without fear. And she knew also perfectly bow to guard an intrusted secret. No body learned It from her but her bosom friend the Princess Kerchikoff. The Princess Kerchikoff told it to no one except to the Princess Daskoff. So the well kept secret reached Princess Po temkin shortly after midnight, whis pered confidentially by an unrecorded lady's rosy lips nnder the promise of strict secrecy.

Princess Potemkin hated Princess Monomoff, and, being the wife of a great diplomat, she was herself a great intriguer. She had maneuvered so skillfully that she approached the em press unnoticed, and when tho Princess Monomoff paraded by she remarked innocently:

"Oh, how beautiful if: Hint dhimond

the Princess Monomoff wears! Splen did!"

The czarina recognized at once her gift to her former lover, but neverthe less nonchalantly said:

"Yes; it is a fine stone. It must be very valuable."

The princess tells everybody that it was given to her husband for a kiss, but she gave two for it.

After the court ball, in the early morning, Prince and Princess Mono moff retired, giving orders to their at tendants not to disturb them until 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

It happened, however, that hardly one, hour after they were rudely awak ened by somebody who executed a live ly tattoo on their bedroom door.

"Who is that? Who dares?" called out indignantly from their bedchamber the sleepy prince.

"His excellency the chief of police wishes to pay his respects."

In Russia every door must open be fore this "sesame," and In the next minute Prince Monomoff appeared In the half opened door.

The chief of police was polite.

"I must beg your pardon a thousand times, your excellency, but I must dis turb you at this unseemly hour. I re gret It very much, but duty compels me to do it. My most gracious czarina has bid me to deliver to you this order and also to carry It out personally and without delay. Knowing good man ners, I do not wish to intrude Into the sleeping apartment of a lady, and I have brought with me lady attendants to help me In executing it. I must beg your kind indulgence to allow these ladies to enter."

Prince Monomoff threw a troubled look In the direction of the "lady at tendants," who were lined up nicely in the hall. They were all six feet high, very well built "ladies." They were ail richly, although a little negligently, dressed. They wore very large French hats with large feathers, and their faces were thickly veiled. On their large hands the fine suede gloves near ly bursted. But the most extraordi nary thing was that instead of a fan every "lady" had a rod of birch in her hand.

The chief of police delivered his or der to the prince. It was a sweet little perfumed, rose colored billet doux con taining these words:

"One kiss—one word, then women hundred rods."

Monomoff paled, The chief of police politely withdrew, and the "ladies" ad vanced in orderly steps. Two of them took the arms of Monomoff, and all en tered into the bedchamber and closed the door.

What kind of S ceremony they per formed we don't know positively, but one thing Is certain, that when they emerged. again from the sanctum of the princely pair their tods were used up to a great degree.

The chief of police took polite leave of the prince, and the "ladies" ar ranged themselves In line again and filed away in a nice, soldierly manner.

Before leaving the chief of police as sured the prince that all those "ladies" were selected especially for one merit, their knowledge how to keep a secret.

But, In spite of his assurance, the story soon became known all over the world.—Narrated From the Hungarian For New York Journal.

The Star of Bethlehem.

It was a cloister fancy of the dark ages that tbe star of Bethlehem was Borne especially created starlike body, probably within our atmosphere, de signed wholly for tbe leading of the wise men. Tbe law of parsimony re jects such explication, and science, with silent scorn, turns its back upon the bauble star, for in the glorious depths of heaven are matchless orbs which, swinging on their way into mor tal ken for awhile, meet all the de mands of poet and of prophet for the "Star of the King." History affords us data for determin | ing this wondrous star. "When the magi arrived in Jerusalem, Herod was within a few weeks of his death. The massacre of the babes of Bethlehem was one of the last of his tragic deeds. Hero/1 died in, the year of Rome 750. When "Herod inquired diligently what time the star appear ed," the reply was evidently such that he thought it. safe to exterminate all baby sons of Bethlehem from 2 years old and under, showing that "the star" had been known to the wise men for at least two years before their arrival in Jerusalem, and whether its appear ing had marked the conception or the birth of "the king" Herod could not i decide.—New Llppincott's.

Flattering.

Not long ago two commercial travel ers started from Birmingham on a nlgfyt train to Holyhead. Wishing to have the compartment to themselves, however, they sat thinking for a mo ment how they would manage it. At last one of them said that he would put It right, and, stepping out on the footboard, told his companion to sit still and stare in front of him. As the people came to the carriage door to get in the traveler on the footboard whis pered something to them, and the pas sengers, after taking a look into the carriage, passed on. When all the pas sengers were seated, the train started, and the traveler stepped into the car riage to join his companion, saying as he did so: "Done it, haven't I?" His companion replied: "Yes, I see you have, but how did you manage it?" "Oh, I tol< them that you were a lu natic, and 1 had you in charge."

A Well Meant Act.

"How did you happen to give that footpad such an unmerciful drubbing?" "I felt sorry for him. You know that they are talking of giving footpads public floggings, and I thought I'd save the poor fellow the open disgrace by licking the hide off of him in pri vate."—Cleveland Plain Dealer.

To-Day's Telegrams.

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph Dr/NEDIN. May 23 Tha criminal oaVnder for Monday contains eleven charges against seventeen prisoners. The Winter Show was opened by the acting-Premier at the Agrien'tural Hall this afternoon. It is admittedly the finest winter ahew held in thj colony. The town is full of country visitors for the show aud the May . races, beginning to-morrow Wangantji, May 22 1 Owing to the exceptionally hoavy rains yesterday and last night a washout occurred on the railway line near a creek a few hundred yards from the station, An accident was narrowly averted this morning, *he'i a man ohreiveri the wwhout juet in time to run ahead aid wva an e«g ne coming into town. Tho trains were delayed for a time, but weresubsequtntly despatched. At the Aramoho end of the washout a gang of 40 men were employed diverting the line. Several chains were finished about 11 o'clock.

THE WEATHER.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapuaka M»y 23, 230 p.m, This Office 2 48 p.m Sydney, May 24 Owing to the ceaseless downpour all celebrations are postponed till Satur day. The low lying portions of the suburbs are flooded. There is a heavy flood in the Nepean river.

.Accident—As Mrs W H Rule was driving up T'Doied Street this afternoon in a buggy, one of the front wheels came off, and she, and two children with her, were thrown out, and Mrs Rule was bruised and cut about the face. She was assisted iiito Dr Bolger's, anf', we learu, is doing fairly well. The chi'dren escaped unhurt, and the buggy was not much damaged* Tub Price of Shkkf—A Press Associa tion telegram from Christchurch says: 'ihe present high price of fat sheep is shown by the sale this week of 3000 wethers on the Cor war Eatate, Rakaia, at £1 a head in the paddock for freizing Pefsokal—Miss Button, who was re cently injured by a boras falling with her, is now an innnte. of Dr Hayes' private hoEpita', Temuka. Her many friends will be gad to hear that she is progressing fairly favourably. Smashing Windows—A cab'e from Adelaide says:—Yesterday was observed as a holiday in honour of the relief of Mafe king During tho afternoon the crowd fcund a grocer's shop open, and despite the efforts ofthe police they smashed the wit dows. Reinforcements of mounted police prevented the whole premises being wereked. It appears a similar occurrence very nearly took place in Ashburton. It watt thought oce tradesman demurred to closing on Fri day last, and a party of roughs started off with the fixed determination of smashing the windows. They found their surmise *»ft wrong, as the place was already closed. Personal—Mr John Devery, so long a resident of Lyndhurst has bought a property at Ofautau, Southland, lately owned by Mr Allan Carmichaf-1 Accompanied by Mrs Devery, he left Ashburton for his new noire, by the express to-day. MrDeverj's career is an instance of what a patient and in dustrious farmer can do. He arrived in Ashburton from the West Coast, tome twenty-five years ago, with very little capi tal indeed. He left Ashburton to-day, one ofi's most prosperous farmers. It speaks volumes for a man, when, after tweny-five years residence in a distrio 1-, his neighbours unanimously say •* He'a a white maqf."

TBE ASHBURTON SOaRDIAIT WEDN ISDaY,' MAY "23, 1900



Pigeon Flying-The Timaru Pigeon Fly ing Club got off a raca yesterday from Ashburton, when twenty-four birds comp eted for a trophy given by one of the vice presidents. The air line was forty-three miles, and the winning bird with a hard ■outh-wester to battle againßt did the distance in I hour 34min lOseo, The firsb half-dozen to home were—Mr A S Palmer's Triumph 803 yds per minute, Mr 3 Cameron's Waikoaaiti 769, Mr J Quirk's Crown Prince 762, Mr S R Burns' Cheeky TO, Mr J Thompson's Oam&ru 75*, Mr R Warrington's New Year 748. The birds were liberated by the siationmaster at 11 a.m. and Mr J Moodie acted as judge, the club having to thank both gentlemen for their assistance. There will be a race from Dunedin, the birds going down by rail. a a>4 toy BritisU Soldier* In A tar i Captain 0 G Dennison is well known all over Africa as commander of the forces that captured the famous rebel Calishs Under date of Nov 4,1897, from Vryburg, fieohu aoaland, he wrlees: * Before starting on the last campaign I bought a quantity of Cham berlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy, whioh I used myself when troubled with bowel complaint, and had given to my man, and in every case it proved moat brueficial.' For sale by Ashburton Drug Co. Smoke Ntw Tatoi



FOR SALE. ON account of the Public Trustee, estate ofS. Burfort, deceased, Hampstead, fronting continuation of North East Belt— 1 rood 36 perches, being part R.S. 14380, with two cottages thereon. Offerb are invite* for thia property* Terms oan be arranged, "~ T. BULLOCK. LADIES wishing to learn the art of Shirt and Collar Ironing and Glossing, also the best method of making Starch, either with or without Goxon's Gloss, can do ao by applying to 'this offioe for address of advertiser. 3 261 Unequalled and Invincible, Woods' Great Peppermint Cur* « r Coagha and Colda, Is 6d and 2s 6d Smoke New Venus



( Wanted. \\ 7 ANTED-Parcel Boy.—Apply And. VV rewOer, 5 196 UA.O.D. —The fortnightly meeting of • The Success of Ashburton Ladies will be postponed from May 24th to May 21st, on account of the Qaeen's Birthday— D Stock, Secretary 6 198 iXT7ANTED-rHoußemaid,ils 6djkitchen \V maid, hotel ; Bursa girls and useful i girls for light house work.—Mrs Adams, I Registry Offioe 5 197 ___ : ; ; ' " ' ! WANTED— A respectable Boy, as an ap> prentice to the Tailoring Trade.— Cbaiohead and Berryman, 5 196 WANTED, at once—Sinarb B>y "hr Parcels. Apply ISokthooxe & Reword. 5181 A STEADY, Scber Y>u»g Man, seeks employment (in town if possible), used to horses, &c. Apply ".W," offioe of this paper. 5 194 ANTED—Oat and Wheat Burks in any quantity, also Beeswax. Apply Fletoheb Bros., Cash Supply Store. FREBH Flounders, Warehau, Oysters and* all kinds of fresh fish by Express to night; also rabbits to-morrow at—J. H. Jkwitx, opposite Mail Office. WAN iED KNOWN That I have "ac commodation for Lady Patients.— Apply Mrs Ainswobth, Ladies' Nurse, Eton Street, Hampstead. Terms on application. WANTED— General Servant and House maid, for coun'ry; tfood wages.— Apply Mrs Morrow, Mnntal n, Mnyfield, NEW Books and Magazines, Queen or President, the Trans vail from with in. Garthowen, The Green Flag, By Order jof the Company, The Rebel, Frtm Moor Tales, Ihe Admi> al'■ Ward, Commanders of the Empire; twelve excellent portraits of principal officers for la 61; celebrities of the Army, forty beautifully got up portraits of General* and other officers in the set for 9s. Cheap reading for winter evenings; back numbers of Windsor and Wide World M*s"'zin«, 61 eech.—H. M Jones. ■ FRESH Supply in Accordeons, Parlor Games, Footballs, Purses, Fire Screens Gold. Paint, Sponges, Cheap Books; also, large purchase of stationery at a discount, Account kuvdopes from 3a 61 per IGOO, gr*nd value in boxed Stationery; superior gooHs, lowest possible prices. —AH Williams, Tancred Street. MKTH VKN, Rakaia, and Tmwald. - Hondai-Lanka Teaa sold by Local Scoreketpera ; were awardid Gold Medals at Chicago, Kimberley, Tasmania, and Brussels World's Fairs Sold iii Ceylon packed packets, aud 5 b and 101b boxes, with name on every packsge.



QUEEN'iS BIRTHDAY. mHE GUARDIAN will nob be published TO-MORROW, May 24, the Queen's Birth day. Advertisements ordered for that day will be inserted TO-DAY or on FRIDAY. HENRY WILLIS, Manager. FOOTBALL. SYDENHAM v ASHBURTON TO-MORROW. COMMENCING 1.45 p.m. Collection'n aid of Chub's funds. W. P.URCHASE, 5 199 Hon. Sec. A.F.C ~ NOTT(^~TOnFAKMERB: AN ADJOUBNED MEETING of all Farmers interested iv the Establish ment of a BACON-CURING FACTORY, in the Ashburton District, wiil.be held in the A. and P. Association's Rooms, Arcade, on SATURDAY NEXT, May 26, At 3p«m. prompt. G. W. LEADLEY, 187 ChairmaD ( PROPOSED BACON CUBING FACTORY. WILL Farmers who are likely to support the above, kindly communicate by post card with the Chairman of the meeting, the number of pigs they are likely to put through this year ; or, if in town, call and leave the number with the Secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at the office, in the Aroade. G. Wt LEADLEY, 5 193 Chairman.



ORDPRS booked for "Fnferpe Waltz by Llewe!lyn Owen. To arrive June Bth. 5 201 ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL APPLICATIONS B re irvited for a Mp.dical Officer of Health for the Borough of AahburtoD, Applicants to state salary required. Applications will be received at the Town Clerk's Office, Baring >qu >re West, till 1 p.m. on MONDAY, the 28th inst. CHAS. E. FOOKS, Town Clerk May 22nd. 5192 ASHBaRTON PERMANENT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT SOCIETY. T OANS GRANTED FROM £25 and upwards, at current rates. Full Particulars on application. KDWARD STEPHENS, Manager. Office:—Tancred Street. WINSLOW SPORTS AND RAO -ING CLUB. NOTICE is hereby given that Book makers »ill be admitted to the ground on payment of a fee of one guinea each. R. J. HENRY, 5 200 Secretary; co v fi sTncFV" MR WEEDON is willing to Present either of his Greyhounds, Parthenia or Instar, to any person desirous of obtain ng a good dog or two to commence Cours ins with. Address— * _____ ____2L°?™?L W' ANTED KNOWN—Removal of the old established firm of Mitchell & Turner, from old premises in Tancred Street New Shop in Burnett Street. D R LAVILLE'S (i|) LIQUOR Has a world-wide reputation as being the best specific. LITERATURE ON APPLICATION —■—„♦♦»———■. F. COMAR & FILS, 20, Ru« desFosses-St-Jaeques, PARIS I I AND OF ALL. CHEMISTS j NOTICE. TIiTR CHARLES CECIL WILLIS has been appointed Canvasser and Collector for the Ashburton Publishing Company (Mail & Gtjabdian.) i HENRY WILLIS, | Manager. Ashburton, 20th April, 1900.



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. 11.0 a.m. Train from Ashburton to Christcbnrcb. rpHIS TRAIN NOW RUNB DAILY. 5 195 BY ORDER. A- AGrKR> ARCHITECT. ARCADE CHAMBERS, ASHBURTON. TF you want a NEW HOUSE, or Altera tions, or Newest Style of Decorations, 00NSUL.T MR AGER. Call and see the NEW FIBROSE BLIND, Imitation of Venetian, ab half the price. I 5 ISI , . , __, : TENDERS. TENDERS for the Erection of Residence for Mr Beckingsale Ashburton, close on FRIDAY, 25th inst,, at 4 o'clock. A. AGER, Architect. Arcade Chambers. 5 188 J. WILSON, SIGN-WRIIER. LARGE STOCK OT WALL PAPERS, WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS PICTURE MOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &o. BUPNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Telephone 65



| IMPORTANT BJ OT IO *_.. ! GOOD NEWS. GOOD NEWS GEORGE DUNCAN & Co. TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON, OPPOSITE AR'JADE. aT\ O f^f\ RECOGNISING by their increasing business that the • XJ • 06 VV/m inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding Districts appreciate their efforts in providing them with Gsueral Drapery at astonishing low prices, propose to give them further practical evidence as the undernoted quotations will prove, viz Grey and White Calicoes, 2f d upwards I Cretonnes, 3f d upwards, Long Lace Cur-, Stripe Flannelettes, 2|d upwards tains, Is 6|l upwards (special value) 33-inoh Pink Twill Flanneliette (speciaJ), Ladles' Capes and Jackets, 6s 9d upwards, 4f 1 upwards Ladies' Umbrella*-, 2s lld upwards 72-inch Unbleached Sheeting, lOf d up- Ladies' Fur Necklets (large variety) 2s lld wards upwards Grey and White Calicoes, 2d per yard Men's Ribbed Lambs' Wool Drawers, 2s upwards / lld upwards Cotton Shirting, 3£d upwards, Lea'her Men's Fancy Cotton Bhlrts, 2s lld upwards Shirting, 4§ [ upwards, Uoion Shitting, B|d Men's Farcy Union Shirts, 2s 9d upwards upwards Men's Colonial Knitt Socks, Is per pair Contingent Bush Rugs, 2s lld (selling Men's and Boys' Braoes, Ties, Baudker freely) chiefs, &c„ &c. White and Brown Turkish Towels, 4| I up. Men's Moletkin and Beaver Cord Trousers Toilet Covers, B|i upwards ; Anumac- Special—4-ply Fingering Wool, 2s 6d per csssers, 7£d upwards, Mußlins, 211 upwards lb; Black, White, and Coloured. IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY, DON'T FORGET GEORGE DUN OAN & 00., Oash Drapers, Tancred Street, Ashburton.



WINSLOW OPORTS AND RACING OLTJB. QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY MEETING THURSDAY MAY 24, 1900. TO BBS HELD AT WINSLOW, IN AID OF MOUNTED CORPS FUND. President—Mr Donald McLean ; Vice-Presi deots— Messrs J 0 N Grigg, GAM Buckley, and W Sutherland; Judge— Mr E G Crisp; Starter—Mr D Thomas ; Clerk of tbe Course—Mr W Huston; Clerk of the Soaloß—Mr P O'Hailoran ; Handicappera—A Committee; Treasurer —Mr W (Sutherland ; Stewards—Messrs W Sutherland, W Houston, G Jamer, R Kenmngton, J Mcßohas, J Gusack, W Thompson, J Sutherland, H Rainey. PBOGBAAIME. (Approved by the Canterbury Jockey Club, and the South Island Trotting Association.) lIBBT BACK T© START AT 11.30 A.M" I—Maiden Handicap, of 5 soys; second horse to save entry fee ; six furlongs. For horses that have never won a race. Nomi nation 5s ; acceptance, free. 2—Maidkn Tbot (optional of saddle or har ness), of 7 povbj second horse to save entry fee ; 1_ mile. For horses that have never won a stake. Nomination 7s 6d ; acceptance free. 3—Wikslow Cup, of 10 soys ; second- horse 1 aov from the stake ; 1 mile. For horses that have never won over £20 in stakes. Nomination, 10s, acceptance free* 4—Pdbmoan's Trot Bandioap (in saddle), of 10 bovi. ; second horse to receive 1 soy from the stake; 2 miles. Nomination, 10s; acceptance, free. s—Pout Raoe Handicap, of 7 soys; seoond horse to receive 15a. For ponies 14.2 and under; 4 furlongs. Nomination, ss; ac ceptance free. Ponies to be on the ground for measurement at 12 noon. 6—Lambs' Purse, of 5 soys; second horse j to receive 10s. For horses that have never won a race of 5 soys or over at time of entry ; six furlongs. Nominations 10s ; acceptance free. 7—Consolation Tkot Handicap, of 5 sove! (optional saddle or harness); 1 mile. For' beaten horses. Nomination ss. To be made immediately afier Pony Race. j BULKS & REGULATIONS. 1. The meeting will be held under the j Rules of Racing. Trotting races under the Rules o the South Island Trotting Associa tion. i 2. No entry will be received except on the ' condition that all claims, disputes, and ! objj3tioDß arising out of the racing i-ha.ll be decided by the Stewards, or whom they may i appoint. Their decisi n on all points con nected with ihe carrying out ot this programme shall be final. 3. All Nominations, Acceptances, and Entrance Fees go to tho funds of the Club. 4 Winner of any event to incur a penalty of lOibs. . 6. All riders to wear colours, and weights in Trotting Events to be not less than lOit. 7. All stakes will be paid in full. ATHLETI"c~"sPORTS. An Athletic Event will be run immediately alter a Racing Event I—Men's Race, 100 yds Handicap. First prize 30s; second 10s 2—Meii's 120 yds handicap (Hurdles, 6 fl;ghtß). First prize £2 ; second 10s. 3—Boys' Race, 75yds (14 years and under) First prize Id ; seoond 2a 6d 4—Men's Race, 220 yds Handicap. First prize £2; seoond £1. 5-Girls' Race, 60yds (14 and under). First priza 10s; second 2s 6d 6-Old Men's Race (over 50 yours), 75yds, First priza £1; Becond 5s 7—Men's Race, 440 yds. First prize £3; second £1, third 10s 1. Eotrauce fee 5 per cent on value of first prize 2. No second prize will be given unless three or more compete 3 The Stewards reserve the right to alter the order of events. 4. Nominations, with entry, fees and previous performances for Men's 100 yds, 120 yds, 220 yds, and 440 yds must be lodged with the Secretary nob later than 9 o'clock on FRIDAY, llth May, 19C0. All other events, post entry. 5. Winners to be subject to be re-handi capped Admission to Ground, Is each adult; children ! half price, and Is each horse Trains stop close to course. Refreshments and amusements on the ground R. J. HENRY. Hon. Secretary. MRS JOHNSTON rpEACHER of the Pianoforte and I Singing. Havelock Street. OSBORN COOMBE, PIANO TUNER ft EXPERT (Late of London), VISITS Ashburton and surrounding Dis tricts every four months—viz, March: July, and November. ORDERS may be left with MR LLEWELLYN OWEN at his Musio Studio, Arcade Chambers. Ashburton,'or at Commercial Hotel* EGrGrS. MINORCAS are recommended by the Government Expert as being the best layers. I have Purebred Minorca Cockerels for sale, oheap, bred from first prize Stock* 5 71 H. G. BERRYMAN. " TO LUT. A COTTAGE of 4 Rooms and Scullery, together with one acre of, land at Allenton. Apply— i F. FERRIMANi TO LJbST v HOUSE of 6 Rooms centrally situated in Burnobb Screed Apply to IT. BULLOCK _________________ Agent. . Smoke New Venus -



APPLES, PEARS, BANANAS, ORANGES, LEMONS, WALNUTS, PUMPKINS, ONIONS, POTATOES, OHIOKFEED, Etc. TIT E have made arrangements with growers for Regular Supplies of all descriptions of Fruit and Produce right through tbe Winter Months, and - can now supply in any quantity at Lowest Market Price?. NICOLL BROS. Grain & Produce Merchants. TO FARMERS. TAM prepared to make vrry liberal cash advances on all produce—Grain, Wool, Frozen Mutton or Lamb, Sheep Skint, 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 dealing with all produce consignments which they may receive, aud having plenty of money to meet my drafts, will not sacrifice anything entrusted to their care, if there is the slightest chance of doing better by holding for a while. The question of selling indis criminately because bhey 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. Friedlander bros. "west street auction mart our usual HORSE FAIR I Will be held on THURSDAY, JTJJSE 7, 1990, For which we are now receiving entries. 5 98 JRIEDLANDER BROS. Ltp. f B ABE | CASH BUYEKS OF WHEAT, OATS, BARLEY, AND GRASS SEEDS. Friedlander Bros. Limited ""for privatb~salkT" A SEVEN-ROOMED' HOUSF, with Scullery and Wash-house, £ acre, in Tancred Street East, close to Masonic Hall. Full particulars from FRTRDLAVDER BROS . Ltd FOR SALE HALF ACRE~of Land, on Alfora Forest Road, near Woollen Factory. For particulars apply FRIEDLANDER 8R03., Ltd. THE SHOW SEASON PRIZE OWING to the number of new homes recently erected in the neighborhood of the Pelham Poultry Yards, rendering poultry keeping there inconvenient, the Proprietor is prepared to sell"cheap the whole stock, including Exhibition Birds, Prize Winners, Young Birds, Etc, For particulars apply the Guardian Office, or at the PELHAM POULTRY YARDS PETER STREET, ASHBURTON. ASHBURTON PRIVATE HOSPITAL " Burford House." Conducted by—Mrs Maokay. Patients oan be received on an after MAY 14, 1900. MRS MAGKAY trusts that her long connection with the Ashburton County Hospital will be a sufficient guarantee that all Patients (who can be attended by their own Doctors,) will receive every care attention, and comfort. For terms apply to 44 MRS MAGKAY. DATES, LOWRY AUD GO. FOR $as Lumps, 15s Each* Shipment of Bells and Carbide Just to Hand. __ GATES, LOWRY AND CO, Burnett Street.



SOUTH AFRICAN WAF Kewß from Sliogeisfontein, "VTEW ZEALANDERS to the assistance of the Yorkshire Regiment bot m Aehburton It i Yorkshiremen to the assistance of New Zealandera when FLETCHER BROS.' Brought down there prices nearly dx ye&rs ago, and we have kepc them down as low as weoonld possibly do so, and pay 20s In the £. | Brlclah Troops advancing slowly in South Africa, but the Prices of every clam of Goods are advancing fast in New Zealand. T*ke our advice and lay In your Winter supply at once, if ycu wish to save money. —FLETCHER B R o¥7 PRICE LIST,— These Prices are subject to change at once by giving one day'a notice. Money spent here Finest Snowdrop Sugar. Everything we -.n™.. fc eellie worth welljspent every penny we If you think The beat Sugar that money can buy a?e notntlsfted we otherwise we will u„_ lf , K _-i, _„_il B l.dl y ,ef,n . **HP_lb.- „r,„^c.lrid your money. * . FINS» B<?L LE,?m F, LOtS <A,h'l»J' M « m«w«) 2001b B.g, 14.. IOCIb b« 7. M, \F £! A, • TT Jb£2 A.. <x» -jjj >» We have iußt received another Shipment of the Cel«hr*»-«;j Tt„ n u.,.. ri_ _ ■ _ supply our Customers with any quantity olthfa!?„__« SJ^ a * *W' ?l" °°W tried it, can be supplied with a free mple NoteTh« nS o * 7°*9 "j* h*/'2! per lb by ,he Sor IQ.b tin. Further rJ^riX^^^^.^i " M Tipped Ora.ge Pekoe 2s per ib, mh.c -,;,.» v "heHn rli^"s™ n™?*' perlb by ihe Cheat, y the tin. Good Station Tea from Is I*4 COMPARE OU PRICES WITH THE PBHORS OTHER STORES ARE CHARGING Finest New Cuir»_is 6d per lb • ii-. f 'Pa^n-, ni... CJ  Finest New Sultanas, 7d per lb SV, 0 ifc P" Ib Finest N.w Raisins 6_d'per lb x^SjL^AP"^ .. -,  Quaker Oats lOd per jacket 1> t ,'/ 's?<**%** Pla,n> 7d Per » |inest Cut Loaf 4J3_d per ib * $^^ *Bo 1" **■ tt Pure CoflVe 2s per lb Cirn»i/« i i a *,/ii«., o» tv French CofiVl Ai, Harp Coffe Is U per S^SS^^JU. or 4s per Finest Roasted Coffe T?eans la lOd and 2s y^ b;£ le (L9inoH' All Dond * to a per!b x, ■*, joi • No«-Alcoholic Wines, per bottle 1 3 New Season s Homy 7d and 91 per jar. s ni y ß Limo Jaica v to Peek's Chocolate Powder (delicious) ib Sicily Almonds, per lb " 14 w _ t! nA 2, d *I.ib^ n! B3ii J  J^d 9D Almonds  2 4 New Spanish Valencia Raisins 6jd per lb Finest Dried Apples, per lb 0 9 Rl,me Raisins 4|d per lb n Dried Ap,icon  11 IWst New Dates 6d per lb m Dried P^he. . 10 Fine Muscatels per lb, y 10 Pme rvod Gog New >atnral Figs „ 0 8 Mixed Spi Ud \ . Finest French Prunes, per lb 0 10 tln g ._ p * , Stewkg Prune, „61and0 8 L,n>on Syrnp, per bottle 1 0 NewMise.. Peel, orange, Itmon, Peppermint Syrup  1 0 mv #"* «r°^ P" ,b x> , nS a P™ Apple Syrup ' { J 71b Tins Best Lomon Peel, per tin 3 9 Limon Squash , t n Barcelona Nuta „ 0 8 Lime Juice Cordial, per bottle 1 0 Finest Icing Sugar, per lb 0 6 Golden Symp 2'b 6d. 4lb le 71b la 9d „ Castor Sugar, per lb CTS 141bi 3d, 281b 6^,^ll* M Crosse and Blackwell's Essences 9d per Superior Treacle, 2ib6d, 41b Is 7" iVW T » . £ „ .-, s^ 141b 3s 3d, 281b 6s, 581b l«s 9d Lewis' Prize Bacon, by roil or side F sse nce Kenn.t 8d and'lOd bmtle t iP?d • tr ik n«f Neav^ Food lld, Mellin's Food la W Lewis' Prize Hams per lb 0 8 Benger , B Food uJ M "» Finest Kefincd Lard, per tin Is Id Robinson, patent Groate and Parley arsa o o p er (j n * Dedicated CoaoMUt „ 0 7 Nelson's Gelatine loz. packet UdmonoVe Baking Powder, 6d and .^ Tsi _ , lp _ Pfc lld per tin Brown's Corn Flour 3d lb ™' •* s Brown's Maize Flour 3d lb ln*rrV nt,, Q* r _. M U ° MaiVna 8d lb, Queensland Arrowroot 6d HbTjnsStGepreeo.amß, 4s«d Cadbory's Cocoa «b 10J, _lb Is 8i dozen, per tin 0 5 Van Honten'a Oocoa _Ib Is Bd, «b lld, lib Baspberry Jam, 6s 6d doz . tin 0 b fc ._ g, g^ 2 ", **" "v» lib „ Crosse and Blackwell's Mar Fry's Oocoa jib 4_d, *lh B_4, «_ le 4|d malace o Choco'ate 4d and od per cake Concentrated Jellies-L^mon. Rasp- 6 , den y a , e Milk g a^d d( g , j k6^ S»i P ' n fi Fancy Lunch 3Jd lb i, «:., ,-r 3id lb 5i 6d doz. per pae»eb 0 n College DeWsJeby Powders, assorted B nP er. Wine s_d lb by .in, or 61 lb flavours, per packet O 0 v &n i!} a ne ' iw Bird Seed—Hemp,Rape, Canary, lb 0 3 R j c i, Tea &lkk» h„ .- \i Iw Linseed, whole, Id crushed PP r lb 0 4 2f if bj fi ,,B * £ djS h a uslobrpok's Coco, Jib 4d, Mb 7*d Fan^y Mixed lh - «| J M«lkmaidMi]k7s3Jdr Z ,7|dtin DeS3erfc | d Ib » or lOd b , n cnK*"OA"• v , o Garibaldi 6_d lb or 6,1 h Morton's Cream of Tartar, per lb 1 3 Sul tanas j!J „ Carbo» ; ate Soda „ 03 B„ ow _a_e. ' __d lb ,!' or 51 „ Tartaric Acid „ 110 Water „ Citric Acid. 3d o_. „ 3 6 G | nger Nntß s^b » „ M Refined ballpetre „ 0 6 nrß( , krwl(J j_ | d ft » J » „ Borax, powdered „ OJ. . Pe elr, Treensand Co Blscui-a Sulphur „ 0 6 Chocolate Fingers Is 6d per lb Washing Soda f , 01 J o^e Moir Is p«r lb Disinfectant Powder. b«e tinsl lyd Crram Sandwich Is 2d per lb Caustic Soda 7d. pd and 9d per tin Neapolitan Wafers 2, 3d per lb C«bol.o Sand boap 6d per bar florence WafeJS s , 3J P £ Blue Stone 3d p^r lb European Mined Is 3i per lb Day&Martb.'Bpasteßlacklng.doz.O 4_ p£f JfSjJSf* fc I" Ib £3:So 3!. 10* StS 0! EMth and VioletPowd9^ Black Lacquer, (Castle Brand) bot. 0 9 oift p . 10Pi Iq _ block _ gd o _^ "• i. «i w fin i v c'! •"•" ftd »n(i 9<* Jar, lib tins la 9d Brunswick Black, per tin 0 , j, ifH (J , rf 6d J d «^ Keen s Oxford Blue, per lb 0 1 ;f .^ and ou( , amber 1§J ° p^ b Reckitt'e Bag Blue, „ 010 Pl , t „ siller le 4d and &6d P St George s Blue, „ U b Hunrir^fon's Irish Moss Is and la 101 Colman's D.S F Mustard, lib tins 1 8 %i . ipd . g g lf , M _ od «" lldI Id tins; lOjoVilb 1 tins 6d P-lls-iloiloway's and Cockle's 1* 4d b Keen's Mustard Condiment par lb 1 _. P«cham% and SeigelWs 5d box 71b tins 63 »(J t v. ni)K 2.1 packet, Kpsnm Nalte _d doz Finest Dairy or-Table Salt, 5s pet^cwt FrU f c "* ed doz Salt, 71b bag 8-M4»b Pl,,id M.gneaia la bottle bag, Is 3d Moocl'm aid Ayer's Ratsaparilla 4s 8d bo Gi. ger whole Is 3d, grnn^d Is 4d lb ; , um ,  F , ./^ Bd L J p feß 7 rv Hd J° A bite Pepper gu,rant.ed pure) 1« 4d In Pg , y rricopb eru, 1, 5d bo'ST lib Tin Rabbit in Jelly 7d,21b.10i and 1. Soot f ß ( .. mu £ lon 2s ga ™, J, 6a .KISEBVED MSH bottle BU" *3 OU .Salmon, Calilornian Bd, Flat 9d, Cutting Powdered Mauneala 31 p,r racket 10d, Cocktail lld-per tin Morton's Seidlit, powders 101 per Vox Sardines, Albert patent opener Is per tin 3^^ Food j snd P' « „ Small, 4d and 4_d large 8 3 Baxter'a Lons Prea W -r 1* p .- r bottle Saranes, in tomato sauce, iU per tin St j HCob .„ ()i , 2 „ 9J , |ifM^ Doule Morton's Fresh Herrings, flat 7d, k»p mmrod < 8 Asthma Cure 6s 6d n.. r -tin pered lOd, Herrings in tomato aanc- I Norwegian Cod Ll - er Uil lsL 3J^ lOd per tin j p dr bottle Red Herring 9at Is, or 1 j fishJlO. 3J . Kiplers j^^^t Malfc 2a 6d b , Star Brand Mullet 7cl per -m Extracfc „ R ? J«» Preserved Bloaters lOd per tin 2s 9d per bottle '«.. fl . «j j im 1 \.» Mellin'p F.iod le 9i n lottle Table Vinegar 6d, 9d, and lOd bottle G roU nd Rice 34d White Wine Vinegar 9d bottle s llt p eM m^u ir 2d , b Washing Soap- Silkstone lOd bar or 11k p^_ r| Barley 61b8 ', s or 2 , dlb Per b,? x v j . JrtJ 11 Egyptian Lentils 3*d lb McLeod's almond scented 9d bar. 11^ Baricot Beans 3*d lb pa* box * Macaroni and Vermioelll la lOd box o Rawling's almond scented, 9d oar. 6dlb Domestic, 6d bar F j ßg Brand Plckles g 3 8d fl M Bond's Cleanser, 5d bar, 6s 3d box B pep bottie - '* or A,jw Barilla Ash 9d bar 0 andß Ourrle Powder JO.per dtt orlld Sunlight so»p Is per box, 4Rbar| bottle * utßor"a Lifebuoy (Carbolic), Is 4d box, 6d bar Mellor . B S » nce £ pint jt j . Toilet Soap-Pear's assorted tablets, 4in Lea and Perrin's Sauc?_ Wls 4d D h? box, Is box 2s 6d ' Pear's unscented tablets, 6d each, 6* 6d onr own Saace pirjt p ._ t 9d „doz ,nt 1 on 1 04 v Tomato Sauce 9d per pint bottle 0 over's Shaving Sticks, 9d each Anchovy Sauce Is 3,1 pint bottle Brown Windsor, lib bar lOd, 10 tablets Tobacco-Willi_ m9 ' j_ no 5, i b . Ntllro i « for « nv. v itii _ a, 4s 6d lb J Derby 5s 6d lb ; Golden Glycerine Soap, _lb bars 4d,[llb bars 8i Eagle 6a 'rlb » '°» wo,«» Whiting Id per lb, 7s 6d cwt Matcheß Plaids 4s p Pr gross, 44d do* Hops, loose, Is 4d, pnd Is Wlb pressed; im Vestas , Bell's, 4s 10d doe, | Bovrllla9d and 3a bottle box ; ICOO Vestas, German, 8s 1W Lleblg's Extract Meat Is 9d per jar do _/ 4d bo _ . 25 0 V ; s ta S . BtuV, It S Washboards, wood, lld zinc Is 2d doz> 2d box ; Safety's, B and M, 8d American brooms Is 3d, la 6d, Is 9d, packet, small 3d p-»ckefc f8^ Ud jn «• 1 '.a __ _ Starch, Colman's, s!b pkft 6Jd lb Fresh Ground Coffee Is 4d, |le 6d and f> Lily, per lib box 6d Is 8d lb I Borax Starch Giaze, Is dcz.; l^d packet We are Cash Buyers of Beeswax ia any quantity. Terms : Prompt Kott Cash with tht Ordira] No charge for packing cases, and all orders delivered free at railway atation and vithinji two miles radius of Ashborton. FLETCHER BROS. fASH SUPPLY,; STORES ASHBDRTOS / JQHRISTOHfTRCH.