EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for October

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Aahburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 am, 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.64 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daUy at Aahburton from— OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a ml

Commercial.

LONDON MARKETS.

Per United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright (Received October 26, 10 5 p m) London, October 25 The American visible wheat supply is 79,164,000 bushels. Amongst the wool clips offered the Tupurupuru clip realised 7d. Owing to the welcome to the City Imperial Volunteers on their return from South Africa, there will be no stle on Saturday, The series will terminate on the 3rd of November. (The probable withdrawals amount to 100,000 bales.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotation* are as follow! :~ vVheab—Hunter'*, pearl, and velvet 2a sd, and Tuscan 2t 6d Oats (nominal )Ganadian la 9d to la 10d, (short feed Is B£d to Is 9d, Duns la Bd, and Danish It 7d to Is Bd. Barley (nominal)— Malting 2a delivered Beani—2i 4d to 2i 5d Peas—Prudiian Bluea 2i to 2s 3d, part)' rid«e 2s 4d to 2« 6d Floor (miller* 1 quotations Domical)— Roller Bl t atone £6. Sharpa—£s 10a Bran—£s Oaktmeal—£lo Potatoes — Derweoti, 27s 6d to 30a, at country atationa Oataheaf Chaff — 45s a* near country stations. Hay—£3 5i to £3 10s, delivered j prlmeib baled £4, fob Seedi—Ryegran, fanneri' lot! li 9d to 2a, prime he*vyi town dreaied %'•. 6d to 3a 3d, Cookafoot 2|d to 2|d for bright imJ, to 3d for extra good, town machine dreaied 161b to 171b aeed, 3£d to 4d, cow «r»ni 5d to 6d extra ohoioe 6Jd, white clover 6d to 7£d Pair; Frodoet—Chteie, dairy 3d to fy&,

I factory 5d to6d. Butter—factory looal I ltd, dairy 8d to 9d, sals, in boxes 6d to 7d for prime. Baoon and hams sjd to 6d,. factory baoon and hams, £d per 1b higher. The above rices, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to far me is, f.0.b., Lvttelton.

SERIOUS CROP REPORTS.

Mrlbourne, Oct 26 The crop reports are unsatisfactory. Bain must fill to ensure anything like a good crop. Some districts even with rain will be unable to yield more than a fair crop of wheat.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashbnrton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers 1 Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on October 2*. 1900:— ■"!■>"■.. Wheat- Prime milling Pearl - 2s 2d to 2s 3d „ . „ Tuscan.. 25.3d „ „ Hunter's 2« Id to 2s M Oats—Dune M Is 8d to Is 6d Danish Is 5d to Is 6d Canadians Is 7d Sparrowbllls Is 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is6d v Peas—Partridge, 2s M Chaff—Good oatsheaf 47s 6d to 60s Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2s to 2s 3d New V isodttfUOl The above are prloes ourrent paid to arroers on trucks at Ashbnrton.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1900. MOMENTOUS ISSUES.

We referred in a recent article to the very important bearing the British elections had upon the preiant inter national situation, and it is a somewhat remarkable fact that the pending Presidential election in the United States is exercising a distinct influence npon the policy of the Powers in the Chinese question. The British elec tions are over, and whatever doubt might have existed as to the intentions of Great Britain in the settlement of South African stairs, and the Foreign policy of the Empire have baen com pletely dispelled. Ministers have promptly made it clear that the Dutch Republics will become British territory, and that vigorous measures will be at once carried out to pacify the country. They have lost no time either in, taking decisive stepe to ensure a settlement of the Chinese trouble upon a basis likely to be both satisfactory and permanent. With regard to the presidential election there are abundant evidences that the Government of tbe United States has lately been playing a waiting game pending the selection of the new politi cal head of that country. Should Mr Bryan be chosen, there is no doubt the policy of the Government at Washing ton would undergo a complete change, and England could expect little support from America. But if Mr McKinlay should be re-elected he could be de pended upon to fall into line with Great Britain on the Chinese question. He is showing considerable tact in this business just now, by being careful not to commit his country to a policy, which a sudden change of Government might revere?. He thus leaves the way open for America to withdraw if she thinks fit from concert wi,th the Powem This seems to us to: be the most reasonable explanation of <the re cmfc attitude of the United States Government, which has appeared to be slightly at variance with that taken up in the early stages of the Chinese diffi culty. Bat be that as it may, we anticipate that the re-election of Presi dent McKinlay will bring about a much more decided line of action in Chinese affairs on the part of our Yan kee friends ; just as the popular verdict in the old country has given tone and increased energy to the Imperial foreign policy. The result of the British elections has had a remarkable effect upon the European Powers. Prior to the expression of the nations approval of the Imperialist policy of the Salisbury Government, France, Russia, and even Germany were de cidedly insolent at times; io much so that the South African Butch have been to some extent justified in ex pecting some measure of support. New, however, we learn .that France has distinctly climbed down and doei not even intend to allow Oom Paul to address meetings, or have any public demonstration condemning or criticis ing Great Britain, As for Germany, we find the -Kaiser's latest utterances congratulating his country upon having come to a friendly agreement with ours, and hoping that the beneficial in fluence of this alliance will extend into tbe far future. Altogether the pros pects of a speedy end to the war and rumours of wars that have lately been so disquieting are distinctly rfl>asiar ing.

Local and General.

The Tbain Skkviois.—Train arrange ments for the opening of the Industrial Exhibition and the Races and Show at Chrietchuroh, alto the Timaru Show, will be found in our advertising columns.

Death at the Hospital—A man named Dttvid Adams, aged 69, died at the Hospital yesterday, the cause of death being strangu late* hernia. He reached the Hospital on Thursday, and underwent an operation during the day. Gbbaldinb Sale—On aocount of the Timaru Show falling on Wednesday next, the gale at the Geraldlne yards will be held on Thursday instead. The entries of the Canterbury Farmers' Association received up till now are fairly large, and will be found la our advertising oolumni.

The New Post Ofkob— We have much pleasure in directing attention to an ad vertisemenl in this issue inviting tenders for the erection of a new Post Office for Ashburton. Tenders will be received up till November 13th, at the Public Works Office, Dunedin, and plans, specifications and conditions may be seen at tbe Post Office here and at Timaru, and at the Publio Works Office, Christohurch and Duwdln,

Smash,—-While a lady with a hbr«e and trap were standing outside an Eaat Street merchant's door yesterday afternoon, tbe horse received a start, and backed In* to a bicycle leaning against the verandah, smashing it almost beyond recognition. The bicycle was taken to the hospital for repairs.

Valedictort—Mr Frank Fritobard, who has been an employee at" The Corner," for a number of years, was last evening entertained by a number of his friends at a farewell social at the Central Hotel. His many associates will doubtless tniis his presence on the football and cricket field. Mr Pritchard has accepted a position in Messrs W. Strange and Co'e, Ohristoharoh, and leaves by the exprois tonight.

Relibvihg. —Mr OL«nghlln, relieving officer, is ia charge of the Railway Station during the lllhesa of the Statienmaater, Mr Coaborne.

Fatal Rksult of a Pall—A fatal acci dent occurred at about four o'clock on Thursday afternoon »t> Leiihfield. Mr Frank Ashby, second son of Mr F Ashby, of Leithfield, was thrown from his horse and received injuries from whioh be died at about eight o'clook.

A New Politioai. PAOTT.-Mr Ell M H R has informed a representative of Truth that there Were unmist»k»ble signs of a new and independast party in the House, consisting of about twenty membera, who would act accord ing to their convictions and pledges, indepen dent of the Ministerial call. It was quite likely, too, that the number mentioned would be added to before the Parliament ended.

A Lamm Tia Party—The party of young j folks invited by Mrs Hugo Friedlander to afternoon tea in the Domain on Wednesday next, will probably make a record in that line, an far as numbers are oonoerncd, it will probably exceed 400, that is of course in the event of fin* weather. It Is needless to say how many aspirations have been entertained on that point during the past few days Hon. Johh McKbhzib.—News has been received in Wellington, eaye the "Post < that the health of th« Hod. John McKenste has improved of late, He is new able to take »little walking exeaolse in his grounds, at Shag Valley each day, and is feeling much better than he did s> short time ago Niw ZkALAHD BinOoMTß—lt will be re metnbeied that Immediately after the depar ture of the Third Contingent the "Un daunted" left this colony With a large number of remounts for the Mew Zealanders. We are informed by a returned trooper of the Third Contingent that up to the first week in Jane, no remounts had been given to the Third Contingent, many of whom had no horses by that time. It was common talk al the front that the Imperial officers selected all the best of the remounts from the colonies, leaving any discarded or broken down chargers to remount the colonials.

A Good Apfoiktmemt.—The friends of Mr John MoKeague will be pleased to learn that he has been offered and has acoepted the position of South Island representative of the New Zealand Farmer Bee ani Poultry Journal. Mr McKeague was known to the journalistic profession as the editor for some years of the Ashburton Standard bat is known to a much wider constituency as the author of a work on irrigation. The appointment is »n excellent one and Mr McKeague will no doubt perform his duties to the satisfaction of the proprietor of the useful and interesting journal he now repre sents.

Ahotmkb Gallant Rough Ribeb Gonk— A paragraph recently appeared in our columns stating that the friends of Trooper Moffatt, of Timftra, one of the Third Con tingent, could hear news of him at this offioe: This news has sines beta communi* oated to the relatives of Trooper Moffatt, so there is no reason now why we should cot say we regret exceedingly that he died of enteric fever at Johannesberg, fully three months ago. No notion whatever had been received in this colony of the sad event until Trooper X Willis, who thought, of course, that the facb was known in New | Zealand, incidentally mentioned the matter. It is a painful comment upon the horrors of war that even in this civilised age a gallant soldier could be dead for months before his relatives accidentally heard about it. Our sinoerest sympathy is with the late trooper's friends and relatives in their sad bereave ment.

Ths life of a popular song is nob dependent upon its musical merits so much as upon a oatchiness of phrase which appeals to a fickle minded public, consequently the vogue of such a production is uncertain and short lived, and *Tara ra boom de ay' and 'I Don't Want to Play in your Yard' shite quickly into oblivion, which will never be the fate of the * Sonata Pathetique' or the * Lieder Ohne Worte.' It is just the lime with medioinal compounds. The cheap, oatch penny medicaments, which are sown broadcast through the country, are short lived became they possess no intrinsic merits* Lane's Greasoted Emulsion, how ever, is a classic whioh only requires rto be known to find an abiding place is all house* hold*. This is proved by the unsolicited testimonials whioh the proprietor is con tinually receiving, as witness the following : —"Eden street, Oamaru, 12th June, 1900. Mr E G Lane, Chemist and Druggist. Dear j Sir,—l have great) pleasure in adding my testimony concerning the value of your • Crewoted Emulsion of Cod Liver OH,' whioh I have regularly ased for some months. I was unfortunately very susceptible to colds, which often compelled me to be absent from business, and was recommended by a local medico to take your Emulsion. As a result my general health is much improved, my appetite is about 50 per cent better, and I have increased several pounds in weight, and «m now heavier than I have ever been. I find lam better able to throw off a cold. As you know this letter is entirely nmo 1> cited, and, if ib is of any use to you, please consider yourself at liberty to use it, for I believe your Emulsion is of great value to any who suffer from chronic colds, or who readily take severe colds that weaken the system, and make life a little less pleasant than it might otherwise be. — Yours sincerely, R. Milmgan (of Milligan and Bond)"

CABLE NEWS.

Unttad Preei Auoolabion—By EUotrio Telegraph—Copyright)

Mr Chamberlain Cites to Malta Lomdon, October 25 Mr Chamberlain, aboard a battle ship, pays a visit to Sir Francis Grenfell (the Governor) at Malta; An Inflammatory French Labour Delegate M. Picard, the French delegate, speaking at the Miner*' Federation Conference, held at Saltburn, recom mended resistance to the employment of unskilled labour in mines, on the grounds that big strikes were prefer able to big explosions A Sidelight on the Dreyfus Case Paris, Oct 24

Two writers for French newspapers have been sentenced to four and a half years and a month's, imprisonment respectively, in addition to being mulcted in damages, for libelling Colonel Ficquart, well-known in connection with the Dreyfus case. The newspaper hag since disappeared.

Sinido French detedtives are trying to] execute a warrant to arrest JSipido. A Mahmud Raid on the Indian Frontier Bombay, October 25 Lieut, Hennery, of the 45th Sikhs, was killed on Tuesday in a brush with Mahmud raiders, near #andola, on the Indian frontier* Billiard Match Mblboure, Oct 26 The Roberta v Weiss billiard match has reached an interesting stage. The icores at the conclusion of play last eight were v— Weiw, 20,131; Roberta, 19,420. Weiii'a beat break wai 103 and Roberta's 149. ! (Thematota is 21,000 up, Weiss receiving 7000 point*, and is for £500.) Later. In the billiard match W«is« v. : Roberts, the former, 20,984, ran oat a winner with an unfinished break of sixteen, Roberts scored 20,110, Pacific Cable. Sydney, Oct 26 | Mr Crick, tbe Postmaster General, stated that he thought tha contract for the Faoifcc cable would be neetpted

next week, and the construction com pleted in about eighteen months.

Magisterial

ABHBURTON-SATURDAY.

(Before Messrs R Alcorn and W H Rule, J's.P.)

Obscene Language—James Ford was charged with being drunk, and using obscene language in East Street. Mr F Ferriman ana Mr 3P Clark gave evidence to the effect that they both heard acoused using obtoene language on the day mentioned. The bench said that as it was the first time acoused had been up before the Court, he would be leniently dealt with, and he was sentenced to seven days imprisonment with hard labour for using obscene language, and fined 20a or 24 hours for being drunk

FARM NOTES.

j [BY OOCKA*OO.] The recent exceptional rains have oausecl serious damage and loss of ctook, especially in the back country where lambing has only juit commenced* The farmers on the plains hare nob escaped either, m several have lost * good many sheep. The bold weather following the rain had a very injurious | effect on the new horn lambi, and oows, newly calved, and not hound, have in some instanoes died. Needless to say, this would not have occurred if proper shelter had beeu provided. Ib ia fortunate that most of the crops were ■own and above ground before the raiu ! began, otherwise it might have been neoer j my to reeow on low lying ground deficient of drainage, where the surface water oauaea the need to rot. Tbn general run of the crops are, however, too far advanced for much injury to be done them at present. All work on the land will be checked for ■ome day's in consequence of the rain. Ploughing for turnips is the only work of importance now, and there is plenty of time yet for this, an. the season is early-for turnip sowing. Potatoes which have only just been planted will suffer. Those planted early and through the ground, will not be affected if the water is not allowed to remain cm the land. There has been a brisk demand for Derwents lately, and this should continue for some weeks yet, until ttia early crops begin to come in. Those who are holding Derwents sow would be acting wisely in quitting them at once, or else they may lose all chances of a market by holding out for fancy prices. So far this season's crop has not, at the prices current, left a very large margin for the producer after deducting working expense*. Horecflaeh of all descriptions maintains high prices. Latterly an increased tendency has been noticeable, but as the season's work on the land is approaching completion, the demand for local requirements will not be so great a* it was some time back. A slight decrease in prices may be expected during the next few monthst The incoming of the harvest will no donbt, however, see draught stock again at high prices—prices such as will warrant anyone with breeding mares embarking on what is » most re munerative business at present, that of none breeding. i Shearing hat commenced In different parts Pol North and South Canterbury, and the clips so for are Very good. The wet weather will, however, retard operations for some time.

A veterinary surgeon, writing to the Press, advocates the establishment of defined burial grounds in the Vicinity of every town in the colony for the propsr burial of catcases of dead animals. (This is a good idea.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

Uolted Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Hongkon©, October 25 Prince Tuan's isppointmenfc of Yu Ohang as Governor of Hupoh is creat ing alarm lest it is the signal for a Boxer outbreak in the Yangtse provinces, where the Viceroy it friendly to the Powers, and it is feared this is intended to undermine them. The Shanghai Customs authorities pro pose to raise the direct duties of ten per cent, another five per cent instead of levying iikin, They expect to raise sufficient to pay an indemnity of fifty millions. The German marines defeated the Boxen at Haumi, killing 200 London, October 25 Herr Richtofen, the new German Minister for Foreign Affairs, is friendly to England

Some Very Plain Talk.

The Manawafca Standard, edited by MrF Pirani, HER., contains the following editorial statements in a recent issue ;—

"Those who feel any respect for representative institutions cannot but regard the result of the session of Parliament just concluded with loath ing and disgust, It iB well to apeak plainly, and therefore we can say with truth that a depth of degradation has been sounded which is unrivalled in the annals of New Zealand, and both Chambers are equally blameworthy, although the most iagrant instances were exhibited in the Lower Chamber) Drunkenness was always in evidence, and was not looked upon as any offence by the majority of members, while in one case at least it was openly encour aged by the Premier. We lay this advisedly, for, recognising that one member was being kept about the House in a state of semi-lunacy through drink, because the Government could Always depend on his vote in a tight place, an attempt was made to gat him away. With a generosity entirely absent from the Premier's composition, Mr John Hutcheson, the pern bar for Wellington, offered to give a pair to this drunken Government supporter for the test of the session, conditional upon the degrading spectacle being removei from the precincts of Parlia ment, and curative treatment being obtained for him. This liberal offer was considered by the Premier, and rejected by him, on the ground that he was not the member's keeper. Conse quently, up to the last hoar of the session, this gifted but unfortunate member was kept hanging about be having in a most idiotic manner, and everyone knew that the only reason for his presence was a desire to be pre pared for party exigencies.

ARMY CONTRACTS SCANDAL.

Mr A. Chamberlain Explains.

At a former sitting of the Hoose of Com mons Committee of Irqairy, Mr Johnston, manager of Messrs Nobei's Explosive Work*, stated in evidence tbab Mr A Chamberlain, manager of Kynooh'* Company, at Birming ham, when negotiating with Nobel* for the mutual supply of cordite to the Government, had «aid at a meeting of Nobei's director* in Glasgow thai he was in a position to bring , influence to bear to secure order*. In crone examination Mr Johmton gave it) as his • impression that Mr A Chamberlain referred to Government order* and not to order* emanating from foreign Power* or the trade generally. Expectation was entertained thab explanatory statement* on the subject wou'd be advanced ab a subsequent sitting, Mr Johnston having aaid that the minute* of the meeting in question eoold be produced, Mr Chambbblain " Could Iwfluknok OjtDKRS." Mr A Chamberlain, chairman of Kynoohi j Cempaiy, wa» recalled, j Th« Chairman : You wlihed to have an I opportunity, I think, of replying to some evidence given by Mr Johnston, in which he made specific reference to y-<'r-elf and something you bad said or done: VVill yos kindly boll ns what the point ia ? Mr Chamberlain: Of course, yon will understand I have only seen Mr Johnston'* evidence in the newspaper*, and have not had a full report. The craz .of the matter is that it 1* alleged that when I saw him about a certain agreement we proposed to make between oar company and hi* own, I aaid that I could influence orders, and then he •aid again, later on, that I met hi* director* in Glasgow and repeated thai I could influence orders, meaning, I suppose, I could influence orders corruptly; The Chairman : He did not *ay that. Mr Chamberlain : I suppose he meant it, or otherwise there was nothing in it. The Chairman : He said yon proceeded to make some arrangement as to co-partnership in regard to this business and that you ■tated you could bring influence to bear for the mutual benefit.

Mr Chamberlain: Absolutely untrue* Of course, all business men may say they can influence orders and may say that in an honest and justifiable way; but this is a Committee of Enquiry into War Office scandals and possible corruption and la regard to that he says I told him I could influence the War Office. Now I (jive absolute contradiction to that. When I oame here I thought I had to give evidence an a Government contractor who hid busi ness with the War Office, but this agreement with Nobels was sprung upon me ani with it several letters marked " private and con findential." The matter bad dropped out of my mind and I could i not remember ail the incidents in connection with ib.

Mr Chamberlain expressed his belief that the statements had been made in order to prejudice him and his company in the eyes of the.. Commit tee. He was the only chair man of a great company who had voluntarily come forward to state that neither he nor any of his people had endeavoured to corrupt or influence any Government official. Why did not the Committee auk that of Mr Johnston when he was before them.

Sir R Keid : Is not that our business 1 Mr Chamberlain, Sir Robert added, had come before them at) his own request to repel a oharge and he ought nob to make charges against other people. POLITICAL ALLOCATIONS Mr Powell-Williams, M P, Gnanoial Secre tary to the War Office, was also a wltoen. Alter alluding to a case in the Isle of Wight County Court, where bribery of Government servants was referred to, Mr Williams was further questioned on the Kysooh contracts. He ssid bis attention was direoted to ths evidence of the Diraofor of Contracts in re gard to the placing of a oontract with Kyoock'a in 1898. It had been tatd that thin was a ' political allocation' and was placed on the ground of political expedi ency

The Chairman: I suppose that; was a poli tical allocation for which you were re aponaible ? Mr Williams: My objection is to the use of the words 'political allocation.' I think that is unfortunate and not applicable. Politics do not coma into the transaction in the smallestdegree. Nobels were shut; out of the order by the conditions on which they tendered that they would hot accept any pait of the order lets than 250 tons and that excluded them from consideration

The Chairman : roes that mean no firm got more than 250 tons? Mr Willf»ms; No, ultimately they got more ; but at that time they made It a con dition they should not have less than 250 tons and their offer was put aeide< Political conditions did not enter into the matter in the smallest degree. What happened was that Mr Arthur Chamberlain, as I thick he has told the Committee, turned over to me the application of the member for Ireland in favour of the Ardlow Works (Kynochs), and I turned them back on him, and, as a result, he asked to be allowed to revise his tender. That was the only point at which there was the slightest political influence, if it is to be so called, used in the matter. When the revised tender came it was considered quite apart from any political consideration.

The Chairman : My recollection was that they were shut out beoauie their price was too high Mr Williams: What I said to Mr O'Brien was that I, was bob prepared to pay £20,000 more for cordite because it was. made in Ireland.

Chairman : You took the responeibility of allowing them to revise their tenders, and that is what is called political allocation 1 It is wrong to suppose I was influenced by political considerations. NO OMION TO OTHER FIRMS. Mr Mr MeKenna: How many firms tendered to you ?—Six altogether. Three were excluded because it wai considered they might not be competent to execute the order.

When you allowed Kynochs to alter their price, you did not give the opportunity to Nobel* to withdraw their conditions 2—No I did not.

Nor the Explosives Company to reduce their price?—No I did not. Did you give an opportunity to any other company ?—No, no one at all

Do you think that fair treatment), that ono firm should be allowed to reopen a tender and not another ?—I see nothing unfair. I complied with tlie Application reluctantly. It appeared tome to be in the interests of the public service and as a result) I bought the cordite for £16,000 or £17,000 less thin I otherwise could,

Do you consider ib a proper practice to allow one contractor to reopen his tender without giving the aame ohance to others ? —I gave evidence before the Committee that a. similar course waa pursued by Sir H Campbell-Bannerman in 1894.

Sir R Reid refarred to a letter of October 1, 1894, from the then Government to Kycoohs, accepting their tender for three years and ttating that they mint nob rely on continuance after that. Witness replied that that was done by Sir George Lawaon, the predecessor of Mr Mayor, the present director. , DECISIONS 07 THE COMMITTEE The Parliamentary Committee on War Office contracts on Wednesday completed consideration of its report, which is under? stood to be practically exculpatory. It dUousaes the dealings of the War Offioe with two firms, says the evidence has not i proved the existence of corrupt) influences, and recommends that where aoy one of the tendering firma is allowed to amend its tender, the same privilege should be acoorded to competing firms. Another recommendation is that any con? tractor proved to have been gnilty of improper proceedings should be made amen able to the law and not merely strack off the list.

It is suggested that inapeoting officers should not place too muoh dependence on the reports of their subordinates • and that, in order to avoid any appearance of pressure or favouritism, members ol Parliament ahonld no,t attend at the War Office or Admiralty with reference to contracts or interview Government officials on the sub ject*

The Australian Commonwealth

PBBTH,Oct26

A motion has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly, that after the Commonwealth has commenced to exercise Its powers, an address aboold be sent to Mr Chamberlaio, expressing * desire for » conference of representa tives of the self-governing provinces of the Empire to draft a proposal for closer political union »nd reciprocity in commercial relations; The Premier, Sir John Forrest, considered the motion oat of place, and one for the Commonwealth to deal with. The debate has been adjourned.

Transvaal War

COMMANDANT DE VILLIERS DEAD

BOIRS RAIDING IN NORTH CAPE COLONY

SOHREINIR'S RESIGNATION

United Prmi AwooUfcion—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received WakapuakaOot26, 6,14 p m, This Office 7.31pm)

London, October 26 Commandant De Viiiiers has died of bis wounds. A commando is raiding Goldberg and the Orange River Station district*. General French hai had constant skirmishes with the Boers between Bethel and Heidelberg.

Hunt's Yeomanry captured 35 Boers and many cattle. Colonel Paget captured 65 prisoners in three days.

LoNDoar, October 26 Three secret and confidential despatches are officially published at the Hague. Mr Beaufort, Foreign Minister in Holland on May 30th, 1899, warned President Kruger of the danger of a violent solution of the troubles then existing. As a faithful friend, he eonnselled the utmost conciliation and moderation, adding that Germany fully concurred In such a course.

' President Kruger replied that be had always been conciliatory., He did not desire war, but was unable to sacrifice independence He favoured the granting of the suffrage, bat would not tolerate Englishmsn remain ing Britishers and voting. On August 4th Mr Beaufort urged Mr Kruger not to refuse peremptorily the international commission.

Mr Kruger replied that the commission was not international, but Anglo -Transvaal. On August 14th Mr Beaufort telegraphed that Germany entirely concurred in ths mad* vitability of declining the proposal. He was convinced any appeal to a great power at such a critioal moment would be barren and dangerous to the republic. Capetown, October 25 Mr Schreiner resigned because his constituents censure his attitude ever the High Treason Bill. The progressive and Afrikander Bond members regard his retirement with indifference.

Sad Domestic Tragedy.

United Press Association—By Bltctriq Telegraph —Copyright Melbourne, October 26 William Wright, a financier, residing at Carlton, quarreled with bis wife, when the latter abot him twice in tht breast with a revolver. The case is hopeless. The victim, in his depositions admitted that he aggravated his wife

Death of Sims Reeves.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy light London, Oct. 26 Mr Sirna Beeves, the famous teaor ia dead.

(John Sims Reeres, tenor singer, born at Shooter's Hill, Kent, October 21st 1882, was first instructed by his father. At an early age he held the appointment of organise and director of the choir At the church of North Oray, and after taking lessons on the pianoforte from J B Cramer, he was plaoed under the oare of T Cooke, Hobbs, and other distinguished professors of singing. In December, 1839, he made hie first appear* ance on the stage at Newcastle, at which time he was ■iogiog baritone parts; he next visited the principal provincial towns, and went to Paris to study his profession. Not long afterwards ho made his first appearaaoe in Italian opera ab Ia Soala, Milan, in the tenor part of Edgardo, in " Xuola di Lanv> mermoor," and came out in the cam* character at Drury Lane Theatre, December 6th, 1847, then under the management of the late M. Jullien* His first original character was in Balfe's Optra of the "Maid of Honour," and he appeared at her Majesty's Theatre, as Carlo, In " Linda di Ohamonoi,,' in 1848, and was engaged at the Royal Italian Opera, at Oevent Garden, in 1849. Mr Reeves has appeared as all the great performances of oratorios, at Exeter Hall, the provincial festival, and at the Crystal Palace. One of his best original parts was in Mr Maofarren's opera of "Bobbs Hood,/ prodused at the performances of English opera at Her Majesty's {Theatre la 1860. Me Sims Reeves made strenuous efforts to reduce the present high pitch to that of the normal diapason. He married Miss Emma Luoombe, a soprano singer, Hb son, Herbert, a tenor, made his debut In 1880. The same year it was announced that Mr Sims Reeves would give npwork in 1882, bat, as will be remembered, the veteran singer made quite a host of farewell tours after that date. In 1995 be not only returned to the concert stage, but took to himself a second wife—Miss Mtud Rere, a singer of much ability.

THE LATEST

THE TRANSVAAL WAR

Lord Roberts.

A Brilliant Exploit.

Australian Troops Returning.

United Press Association-By Klsotrio Telegraph—Copyright '

(Received Wakapuaka, Get 27,8 44 a m This Office Oct 27, 9.55 a m) London, Oct 26 It is officially stated that Lord Roberta sails for England on November 15th, assuming the position of Oom mander-in-Ohief in December, Lieutenant Aldridge, of the Orange River Colony Police, with ten men from Rouxyille, worked along th« Baiatoland frontier^ galloped over a hill into the town of J^astron, cVptared tht Landdrost and nine Boers, and released two Britiibers. Capetown, October 26 Seven hundred Australian troop* have quitted Pretoria to embark at Capetown for Australia shortly. A hearty f»rew«U to the men it being prepared. Cotabarg hat been garrinontd;

Horses Die Like Flies.

United Preis Association—By Bleotrio Telegraph Wellington, October 27 Mr Neale, a veterinary surgeon with the First Contingent, writing to Mr Gilrath, says they have had a hard rough time; Per iOß&Jly ( be h«d not btsa under oortr of apy

THE ASHBUKTON GOARDIAN : SATUBDAY, OCTOBER 27, 190 C



'Irsb quarter 'nil moon i&sb quarter few moon 'irib quarter

2 8 41 >i 9 0 48 m 15 9 21 pi 24 0 67 ai 31 7 48 pi



U*te (ctober 27 28 :: S

I

RilM 4 50 4 49 4 48 4 47

Set! 6 36 6 38 6 29 6 40



MONEY. OQKPId To Lmd on Behold Be oQ&o\J \J o«rity, in Sums 60 ■nib borrowers, 0 W FURNELL, 10^189 Solicitor, Montgomery »Bnildiß|jS 4 Cough Care, Wahoo, Koolibat and | Benjamin Gum go to Ashbphton DbcgGi. ATIONAL MORTGAGE & AGENCY CO. OF .N.Z, LTC. TIMARTI IMPROVED FARMS ¥OU SALE. 530 stores Rangitata, 250 aorea Olaramont, 250 acres YVaitotis, 200 »ere* Waihao, 250aores KiugsdowD, 1000 aarns Otaio, 500 acres Tofcara, And others of various etafc in South Canter bury Improved Farm* for lease, with right of purchase 1170 acres Fairlie, 505 acres Totara, and 265 acres Totara Also unimproved agricultural ami farms of various sizes on the Rainoliffe and Levels Estates, and two well improved Station p opertien "I 7000 acres each OWING to a great increase in business we have arranged for extension of premises, and to avoid removing and storing a lob of our Stock, will hold a Genuine Clear In 3»te For One Month, previous to the build re sommeooing operation!. This is an opportunity rarely met with of obtain tag New and Se&n&nable Drapery and CIo»h iog at Greatly Reduced Price*.—Robert Alcobn." ' •■ SPECIAL DISPLAY or SPRING FASHIONS New Dresses, New Millinery, New Hats and Trimming, I New Frints, Zephyrs Muslins, etc. ; NEW GOODS ABD NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. —— YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPECT. ! ASHBURTON DKAPERY CO. "Wilson's SHIPMENT OF BEAUTIFUL N W ARTISTIC Will PAPERS. j(^^g^^^fe^-- f T~\IRECT from Hi™ lOBsviCPD v| Claw year to cleanse and refresh your home*, and you cannot do better than have a Paper covering over your walla at onoe. Yon h*ve a complete change at small expense. WAREHOUSE, BURNETT ST. P.O. Box 16 Tbmephonb 65 ARCHITECT ARGADI CHAMBERS ASHBURTON. XF you want a NEW HOUSE, orlAltera ttonsj or Newest Stylo of Decorations, CONSULT MR AGER. Call and sac the HEW FIBROSI BLIND Imitation of Venetian, at half the price. r^OVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE *■* DEPARTMENT. Established 1870. EVERY POLICY GUARANTEED BY THE STATE. The two prime reasons which have led *o the extraordinary bonuses which this office has been able to declare have been it? ECONOMICAL MANAGEMENT and its RE MARKABLY FAVOUKABLE MORTALITY .. vB3#USaiENCE. " The Australasian Insurance and Banking Record," says,—"l 4 [the N.Z. Government office] possesses thw splendid advantage of operating in perhaps the health iest country In tha world." To this, coupled with rigid care in the selection of lives, has been due the traprecedentedly low rate of mortality which the office has en joyed. Year by year the actual deaths have fallen far short of what was anticipated, and the funds thereby saved i»*ve all gone to swell the profits, which at the valuation in 1896 (for three years) amounted in CASH to £225,000 Sterling. Present Funds amount to ovee THREE MILLION POUNDS. ' Annual income exceeds £100,000. 3. H. RICHARDSON, 3] Commissioned. FOB BALE. (CHEAP.) S~\ 00DW1LL ef J-ease (Perpetual) 0! 640 Acres firat elate Sheep Country, well fenced a->d watered, with good feouae of 4 rooms. Stcok can be taken over at vaka. fcion. F. W, BANMER.



JBar«rain» In I BICYCLES. , Highest Quality, I Latest Designs. For One Month Only OATBS, LOWRY * GO., Zealandle Oyole Works, Burnott Street, Ash' burton, with the view of popularising the Zealand ia and AtaUnta Bicycles in tbe A-hbnrtou District, have decided to offer 20 'Cycles ab the following very great reductions in price fur one month only. Lot 1 — GENTLEMEN'S ZBALANDIA ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80gsar, Twin Roller chain, Westwood steel rima, Dnnlop tyres. Brook* Middle, enamelled btaok with gold lines. Regular oMh piloe £21. Sale price £1610*. 12 months guarantee. Lot 2—LADY'S, 22 inch frame, 66 gear, adjustable handles, spring teat pillar, flexible saddle, Weitwood steel rims, Dunlop tjres. Regular oash price £20. Sale prise £15. 12 months guarantee, 3 — GBNt'S ATALANTA LIGHT ROADSTER, 24 Inch frame, 80 gear, Brook's 828 saddle, Wertwood steel rims, Dunlop tyrsi, enamelled black with gold linos. Eegftltf cash price £21 Sale prioe £15. 12 months guarantee, Lot 4-LAD¥'B ATAIiANTA, 22 inch frame. 64 gear, leather gear ease, Brook's saddle, Westwoed steel rims, Dunlop tyre*. Regular cash prioe £22. Sale price £16 10s. 12 months guarantee, Lets — GENT'S LIGHT ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80 gear, Kelly adjustable handlebar, Bager fl«xible saddle, Wettwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres. Regular cash price £20. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 6—LADY'S ZBALANDIA, 20 inch frame, 63 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, Brook* latest saddle, enamelled dark green with gold lines and deooratioDS. Regular cash price £22. Sale prioe £17. 12 months guarantee. Ob 7 — GENT'S ATALANTA ROAD RACER, 24 inoh frame, Twin roller chain, 84 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dualop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled blaok with gold lines; Regular oaeh price £21. Sate prioe £16. 12 months guarantee, ot B—LADY'S, 22 inoh frame, 68 gear, adjustable handles, spring ie»t pillar, Flexible laddie, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, enamelled maroon with gold line*. Regular cash price £20. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 9-GENT'S ATALANTA, 24loohframe, Twin Roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood rims Dunlop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled blaok with gold ilnei. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 12 months guarantee. 'job 10 - GENT'S ZEALANDIA ROAD RACER, 24 inch frame, twin roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tjres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black. Regular cash price £21! Sale price £1610 a. Also,— ---10 other high class BICYCLES, similar to the above EASY TERMS CAN BE ARRANGED. All the above Machinss are fitted with Dunlop Tyres and Wastwood Steel Rime. RIMBMBBR THE SALB IS FOB One Ittontli Osly. oifiMflwisi & CO- Largest Makers of Cyc'es in New Zealand. Ashburton Branch, Burnett Street— W* A. SCHWARTZ 00 Manager; ESTABLISHED 1879, F. FERRTMAN, LAND & ESTATE AGENT, LICENSED LAND BROKEB; FOR SALE—Brick Home, on £ acre, Nelson Street, Hampstead, within saiy distance of the School, and in a direct line with the Railway Station; a sound Investment for the prica required, £220. Oash «r terms F FERRIMAN FOB SALE, Ashburton Suburbs—3 aorei 32 perches of land, possessing ample frontage on good roads, with substantial buildings, consisting of a good 6 roomed House, Shop, Workshop, excellent Stables, and Cow Sheds; first class orchard well supplied with water. The land is well situated for subdivision F FERRIMAN FOR SALE—S| acres at Allenton, a very desirable block of good land, capital frontage, and well watered F FERRIMAN FARMS FOR SALK— I 84 acres, capital investment, would let to P*y 8| per cent on price required 500 acres, £10 per acre, within 2| miles 0 Railway Station 600 acres Several Blonks of Good Sheep Country from 1500 aores upwards « - j F FERRIMAN FOR SALE WINTER'S ROAD, ALLENTON, ' An Opportunity to Erect Your Own House I HAVE been instructed to Sell Lots 24 and 25, containing one Acre situated as above. The Piles suitable for a new house and als a chimney with fire place are already on the Land, as is also a pump with abundant supply of water. The only other thing necessary is a Carpenter with ] timber and iron to make a comfortable \ home i F FSRRIMAN | TO LET I EAST STREET BOUTH [ A SHOP available for immediate occupy ' J^- tiou "*"*" F FERRIMAN PERPETUAL LEASE FOR BALE at Hinds—An exceptionally favourable opportunity of securing a comfortable home, with 44 acres of good grazing land ; small yearly rental. Inspect this property before hT!^^- F ferriman "^"""^oFSALF, ~~ HAVBLOCK STBEE3) WEST. moWS SECTION 1171. A splendid X opportunity of securing a building site In the favourite P^Bo^ e B^AN .



SANDER AND SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT Under the distinguished patronaj, of His Majesty the King of Italy, as per communica tion made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs ! through the Consul-General for Italy, at Melbourne, March 14, 1878. Awarded ' diploma at the Amsterdam Exhibition, 1883. ' Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and ! Universities all over the Globe. There are Imitations of Eucalypti Extract) .a the market, products of simple distillation forming orude resinous oils. In order that these crude oils may not be taken, OUR PURE VOLATILE EUOALYPT EXTRACT, whioh is recognised by the medical division of the Prussian Go vernmen to be of perfectly pure origin, as pc information forwarded to us through th Consul at Melbourne, March 2, 1878, w tate:— It Is proved by tests by the Medio&l OHen of the Universities at Bonn and Greifswald Prussia, and reported by Dr. Sohuk.Professor of Parmaoology, at Bon, and Professor Dre Mossier, Director sf the Medical Clinics at Greifswald, that only products that are saturated with oxygea aad freed ef aoids, resinous and other substances, adherent to primary distillation, will develope the sanative qualities proper to the plan, All orade oils, or so called Eucalypti Extraots are to be olaased aooording to the named authorities, among the turpenfilnes, whioh *re abandoned long since as as internal medicament. These orude otli, or so oalle Eucalypti Extracts, are discernible :— 1 By their deficiency in pungent odour— which our produob, the only genuine Eueelypti Extract develops most freely through its surplus oxygen. 2 By their alcoholic thin and mobile appear anoe being reduced in specific density through tne presenoe of aoids. b By theirtaste, the result of the oentraotlng tendency of reslnt and tennates. if these orude oils, to-e lied eucalypti extraots, are applied by mista xc In oases of oronp, bronchitis, diphtheria, Internal •nfiamatlons, dysentery, etc., the con sequences are most appalling. For safety lake ask always for SANDER ft SON'S EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. — Sandmnt, Viotoria, Australia: SANDER & SONS. fi 1 i ■ 1 nll 1 .1.,., . 1 uuuuaaiiiiiiiiuAil |f««m This D*t« nclbon moate & cos CELEBRATED PURE TEAS WILI- BE PACKEP AS UHDER : ;oor No. 4 at 3^ will be No. 4 2/8 *N«W Tariff— Champjos Bs xnd, 2/» per lb Our Ho. l*tg b wiUb f No. 11,10 " ," 00  1/8 .. » -00 1/6 |*Notf.-No.4i No. 8 &Ghampion are new Blends ■ —_> INTRODUCING OUR I We do so with confidence, knowlnß U | I to be the finest quality procurable at the price, j I ASK FOR OUR TEA* j I HAVE NOTHING ELSE. I AH other Brands not mentioned are reduced j l , : : ST. STEPHEN'S QHUROH Ashbnrton. | 20ra SUNDAY AFTER IRINITY : (Oct 28th) 8 30 a m—Holy Communion II a m—Matins and Sermon 3 p m—BE AFIELD, the Vicar | 3 p m—DROMORE. Mr T A Gates j 6 30 p m—Evening Prayer and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPB,M.A, Vicar -■ - -au.' ' ' ' ■ * Mail Notices. i Ma U close for the following placet as ! un ler, subject to the necessary alterations: — • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, For Northern Ports and Westport, per Tarawsra, at 6.30 pm MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 For United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, etc., (specially addressed), also parcel post parcels, per Takapuna, to oonosob with Kumara, at 10.30 a m For Austral a, via Hobart (due Melbourne November sth), per express (to connect with I Monowai), at 12.30 p m , TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 I For Northern Porti, Australia, India, China, Japan, South Africa, Mauritius, Straits Settlements, also United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, via Brindisi (due I Sydney November 6tb, due London • December 9ch), and also British Columbia, I Canada, United States of America, via Vancouver (due Vancouver November 23th) per Waikare, at 10 30 a m



Unequalled and lovlnoible—Wools' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughr and Colds, Is 6 and 2a 6d Smolre New Vmm



Dstnepin Baiiwav Station, —■ Very handsome designs for the new railway station »t> Dunedin h»ve been prepared, (says the Star), and as soon as the site has been decided by Cabinet the design to be adopted, will be determined by the Hon. Mr Ward. • It ia intended to erect a station to cost £25,000, bo that a build ing to meet the requirements of Danedin for many years to conje is contemplated Oar contempoary's opinion is that the Sb- Andrew's street site will be chosen. CONSULTING OPTICIAN MrErniet M. Sandatein, DBOAJ,FS, MO, who has lately returned after six yean' Bpecial study in England »nd Con tinent, m»y be consulted on all oaaes of defeotive eyesight, Daylight not necessary, artificial light being vied. Dootors'pre. soriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Caahel Street W., over M Baadstein, jeweller, Christohurob. 930 to 1, 2 to 6 daily,



MOTHERS ! Have you delicate ohildret who »re ways taking cold and sub set to oroup? If bo, try Tonking's Linseed Emulsion, which will ours where all othe medicioea fail. Sold by local chemists and roe»rs in bottles, Is 6d and 2s 6d, 246