Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 1900 FRANCE AND RUSSIA.

The intensity of th« sympathy between France and Russia (writes a Paris correspondent) cannot be exaggerated. It is deep, generous, sincere, universal, Afc the Exposition, the other day, one of the first things the President did was to open a bridge which bears the name of one Russian Ozar, and a street which bears the name of another. The Russian section of the Exposition is one of the most important and striking of all the sections, and on Tuesday it was inaugurated. The President went specially for the occasion. And when the inauguration breakfast had got a certain length, and the champagne was ' winding up the feast, enthusiasm burst into those demonstrations which strike the English observer as the beginning of madness or revolution. Men talked altogether; men cheered altogether; they shook each other by the hand; they took some m<m on their shoulders, and carried them around the spacious building; the French men embraced the Russian women ; the Russiaa women embraced the French men. It wa&a satur nalia where everybody seemed to lathim self or herself go. Here was a remark able outpouring of international friendship. Yet lam told that if you goto Montmartre or the Quartier Latin, where the real soul of Paris is to be found—the soul that is naked and not a&haired—there is no subject on which the wits have exhausted themselves with such enjoyment as the Czar of Russia. The lioa-comique— the budding young satirist—of the period comes on to the stage; and before long you realise that the being who is going through all the tortues of an excess of good dining, who is doubled in two with pain, and who describes his sensations with Rabelain and psychological frankness, is meant for the young Oz%r, and for the sensa tions which a long succession of big dinners and festivities are so well calculated to develop even in autocra tic digestions. And, hearing this, I form two conclusions: first, that this spirit of irony is as much an elernen taty and fundamental part of French character as the screaming voice is of the French throat and the glaring and relentless sunshine of the Parisian fcky ; and the second is, that we are rather stupid, show want of imagina tion and of psychology in not remem bering these fumdamental facts, and this essential and permanent atmos phere of Paris, moral and physical, when we get so angry at their carica tures, their attacks, their vehemence of resentment and vivacity of vitupe ration.

Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day will be found Commercial, etc.

RiaE in Wheat—Farmers will be pleased to notice that there is a riie of nearly 2d a bushel all round in ths price of wheat.

Masonic—-The installation of Mr J W Hardley as W.M. of Aahburbon Lodge No 1811, E.G., and the investiture of his officers takes place on Friday evening. Members of other lodges are invited to attend, fTha lodge will be tyled at 7 p.m. prompt time.

A MISTAKB Sombwhbbe—Sergeanb Chol mondeley, of the Third Contingent, bhe Rough Riders, writing from Wepener, under date April 27, referring to an engagement with a Boer commando 2000 itrong, near Wepener, states that bhe Boera retreated through Wepener, " and will you believe it," he continues, "thab as they passed the hos pital two English convalescents were out- Bide and the wretches shot) both." Further on, he remarks that all the men of the Con tingent are very weak and unfit on account of the shortage of food, which, he s»ys, is very serious. On May Bhe wrote that next morning the Contingent waa to leave for Bloemfontein. [It is difficult to understand how bhe Boers passed through Wepener seeing thab Colonel Dalgety and his gallant troops effectually held the plaoe against them 3

Catholic Literary Society.—The mem bers of this Society held their usual weekly meebing in the Boys' School on Wednesday evening. There was a large attendance, and the chair waa occupied by the Vice-President (Mr W. Soal.) Tha preliminary business utiongsb which waa the nomination of bhr c gentlemen for membership of tha Society, having been branaanobed, the meeting resolved into a "Social Evening." The entertainment proved a great- success, and ib was gratifying to the senior members to observe the eagerness which the junior members displayed towards making the programme a success, the resulb of which was that the platform was nob un-oeeupied for a minute during tha evening Amongab the socga contributed were several naw comic songs, which were well received by the audience, the following gentlemen contri buting :—Messrs Soal, Burgess,Qoin!an,N~ ian.J Healy, Turton.J. Adams, MoSherry, P and E. Hanrahan. Recitations — Messrs Cooper, P. Haarahan, and J. Moriarty. The meeting, which was one of the livelist of its kind yet held, was brought to ft close in bhe usual manner. The programme for next Wednesday evening will be a card tourna ment, when ihere will, no doubt, be plenty of excitement and fun for those who attend*

Trial Shipment of Cattle—A Preas Association telegram from Auckland states that a trial shipment of two hundred head of purebred Jersey, shorthorned, and polled angus cattle is being made to Naw Caledonia, with the view of opening up a trade

Omitted.—ln our report of the Wakanui Cricket Club's concert, which was supplied to us by a correspondent, the name of Miss Barrett) was omitted from the list of accom panists* and that of Miss Kidd from the list of singere.

The Canterbury Times —The •• Seddon number " of tho Canterhtty Times is to hand. It contains 68 pages, including au eight page illustrated supplement and two special supplements There is a large tint portrait of tr« Premier, a series of highly interesting photographs illustrating the Premier's Island tour ; also specially drawn coloured maps in connection with the crisis in China, showing the spheres of it fluenoe and lines of communication. Altogether the paper is a good one An Enormous Risk.—On Monday ever.-1 Ing last we published in the Guardian a recipe for the cure of chilblains by the use of acetate of ztno. The effect has been most unlooked for. The chemists in the town are simply deluged with orders for the stuff from all over the county, and the supply is about exhausted. la two days the prioe has gone up 500 per oent—in fact the large orders cannot at present ba filled at any price, only very small lots being sold. The above goes a long way to prove what we have all along contended, namely, that there iseoarcely a dwelling house in the Ashburton County whore the papers issuing from this office are not taken, and carefully read, Dromorh Literary and Debating Society.—Th« usual weekly meeting of the above Society was held on Monday evening. There was a good atbenlance of members. A large number of questions were placed in the "Editor's Box," and their answering afforded much instruction and amusement. A debate, "Prohibition versus Moderation" then followed. Mr J Cameron took the lead for prohibition, and Mr J Hanrahan for moderation. Each of the advocates stated his oase very ably. After considerable dieoussion, the matter was submitted to the vote of the Society, and the voting showed a large majority in favor of prohibition. The eubjeob for debate at'the next) meeting will be " Shoald ladies be allowed to become members of Parliament," Mr T Atkinson baking the lead in favor of the proposal, and Mr F Hanrahan taking the lead on the other side.

11 Ourselves as Others She Us."— Oar friends are generally too polite to tell ue our fault b ; bub they seldom fail to observe the fit and style of our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that " appearance goes a long way." An ill-fitting suit is uncomfortable, and an " eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk it! If you are a stranger here, the first well dressed citizen you meet will gladly direct) you to " The leading Tailors , where you will always-find a large assortment of * Up to date" suitings to selecb from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Craiguead and Bbrryman speaks volunec. This firm has just imported probably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods evor shown in Ashburton, including a beautiful range of the new rain-proof Beavers and Meltons for Covert coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both fashionable and durable.

THE AGRICULTURAL CON FERENCE.

United Press Association—By Bieotrio Telegraph Wellington, June 26

The Agricultural Conference was opened at the Museum thia morning, About fifty delegates from the various agricultural societies in tha colony were present. Mr Preece. chairman of the laat conference, presided and gave an address on the busi ness done at the last) conference, a formal report on which was read by the secretary! Mr M Murphy. Mr J. G. Ritchie, Secretary to the Agi £- cultural Department; Mr Kinsella, Dairy Commissioner; Mr T. WY Kirk, Entomo logist ; and Mr J. A' Gilruth, Government! Veterinary Surgeon; represented the Govern ment.

A resolution of condolence was passed relative to the death of the late Mr Me Hardy, a prominent member of the con ference.

Resolutions were unanimously passed in favor of increased facilities for obtaining trucks and sheets for the conveyance and covering of produce and stock; and that bhe Government) be approached with thab object. Thab a reduction in the freight on produce and drain biles be made. Thab bhe gross weight of each loaded grain truck outward be given, and that such truck be weighed after unloading in order to arrive ab bhe tare to be deducted, and that such weights be furnished to consignors as well as consignee. Thab the Railway Depart ment he asked for the following concessions, viz., if the whole or part of a consignment be returned bo ths original station within one month from the closing of a show or parade, the exhibits will, on production of a certificate in writing from bhe owner or his agent) thab they consist solely of exhibits taken or sent by himself to said show or parade, be carried back free, bub ab the owner's risk, and one half of the freighb paid be refunded ; all exhibits purchased or ex changed and returning with such consign ment and nob requiring additional trucks, will be carried free, and if additional trucks be required, at half the ordinary rabe«.'*;Thab the conference requesb the Government bo issue free passes on the railways to judges whilst exercising their duties ab a show. That the Government be asked to bake such measures as will expedite bhe transport of stock bo and from shows by running speoU! brains and minimising bhe number of shunt ings. Thab steps be taken to open up a market for New Zealand produce in South Africa, and thab a produce commissioner be appointed to encourage the trade. That this conference protests against the increased freights charged for the conveyance of live stook to South America, and bo encourage this export trade, urgea the shipping com panies to return to or even reduce last year's scale of freighb. Speaking ab the Agricultural Conference, Mr T. Mackenzie regrebted thab the New Zealand Government did nob follow the example of Victoria, which had set up fire offices in the heart of the business centres in London, and had a very active representative there, while New Zealand was only a potterer in the way of pushing her busi ness interests. Victoria took a large part in London's affair?. A great improvement waa wanted in this colony's representation in London.

Ab bhe afternoon sitting a motion thab the question of freights and insurance on frozan, dairy, and other produce be considered by the Conference, evoked considerable discus sion, in the course of which MrT McKeuzle. who was bhe London representative of several New Zealand exporters for some years, gave an explanation of the working of bhe trade there, moving an addition to the motion to the effect that a State system of insurance be established with a view to a reduction in premiums on frozen produce. The motion was carried, bub the addition proposed by Mr McKenzie was negatived The following motion was also agreed to: —Thab the Conference be asked to consider bhe advisableness of approaching the Union Steamship Company with a view to inducing bhem to maka their charges for carrying stud stock more reasonable

The question of the »iza of saoka for grain with a view to a reduction, caused consider able discuasioD, A proposal was made that sacks be 23in by 48in, containing three and a half bushels, in place of.26in by.4 Bin. An amendment that the size be 44in by 26in was moved. Ultimately it was carried that no expression of opinion be made Mr T Brydone read a paper on lime With regard to commissions it was re solved that all produce should be sold net without discount, and the sacks paid for. In connection with a proposition thats the Conference ihould consider the question of Federation, Mr C Shepherd (Auckland), read a paper on that subject The Conference adjourned at 6 p m till 10 j a m next day WBLpiNGTQN, June 27 The Agricultural Conference had a long discussion on the question of taxing dairy factories, and passed & resolution in favor of exempting them. Resolutions were also ■ passed asking for more stringent enforcement of the provisions in the Sheep Act re ticks And lice and branding, A proposal to extend the time of iheep clipping to April 50 was lout '

ROAD BOARD.

Upper Ashburton.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this j Board was held in the Board's office, West i street, Ashburton, on Monday lost, j Present — Messrs 0 J Harper. (chair man), E Herring, R Campbell, J Tucker, and M. Stitt, An apology was received for tho absence of Mr G A MoLean Buckley. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was read :— From Mr N Fitzgerald, accepting the Board's terms to leaße the reserve at Tinwald for another year to March 31, 1901. From the Public Trustee, requesting the | Board to accept the tender it had received for gorse grubbing if it considered it a fair one.—-The Chairman stated the matter had been attended to, and the tender of I Pickering accepted. From the Acting-Premier, a telegram re questing the Board not to take independent) action us to the demonstration, but to wait until the news was reoeived of the declara tion of peaoe, when Government intended to proclaim a general holiday to celebrate the event.—The Clerk was instructed to acknow> ledge the receipt of the telegram, with the Board's thanks, and inform the Acting- Premier that ib will be glad to comply with his wishes.

From Mr 0 W Purnell, forwarding particulars as to striking a separate rate* From the Mount Hutt Road Board, advising that the bioyole by-law as adopted by ib was gazetted in Gazette No 40, May 10, 1900. —The Clerk was instructed to look up the matter with a view to this Board parking a special order to bring the by-law into fores in this district;.

From the Department) of Agriculture, informing the Board that Wednesday, July 18, had been proclaimed a holiday throughout) the colony for the observance of Arbor Day, and requesting ib to bring before the residents of it? district the great benefits to be derived from planting reserves and waste plaoea with trees suitable to the poiitions selected. From the Manager Canterbury Mills, drawing the Board's attention to the bad state of the road past the mill, and asking that it be shingled.—The matter was left in the hands of the member for the ward.

From the Ashburton Borough Council, informing the Board that the Council's Works Committee would wait on it for the purpose of coming to some araangement ■ respecting the water raoes on Alford Forest j road and Winter's road.

From the Auditor-General, returning the Board's balonco nhot** -fo*fcli»--jKum-nnded I March 31, 1900, duly certified. From the Colonial Secretary's office, informing the Hoard that the remit of the elections was published io the New Zealand Gazeitt of the 21afe imt. BOLL ALTERATIONS, The Clerk was imtruobed to eubmifc the following to the supervising valuer for alteration subject to ail rates being paid to date: —From Mrs Mary L Chapman to Mr Frederick Rose, lot 30, part R.B 4903, 8767, 2r lp ; from tha executors of estate of the late Mr Broomfleld bo Mrs Isabella MoArthar, lot 1, part R.B 6085, 4a Or lip. The Clerk was instructed to make the alterations as advised by the Valuer.General on June 1 and 13. TENDERS. The tender of R Bennett was acoepted for the work on Creek road, and that of F Clifford for the formation required on Middle road. No tender was accepted for the ahiogling of the Roxborough road, and the matter was left in the hands of the member for the ward. WOBKB. Works on the Main South road and Mitchatn road were left in the hands of the member for the ward. The Clerk was instructed to draw the County Council's attention to water race fords requiring bridges. Re sale of dead gums on the Board's reserves), it was decided to leave thi* matter in the handb of the Chairman, with power to aot. The Clerk was instructed to call for tenderß for formation of some 60 chains of Three Chain road, near Dromorp. Messrs D Thomas and H Davis, of the Borough Council's Works Committee, with Mr Fooks, Town Clerk, waited upon the Board with reference to the Alleuton water races and after discussion it was decided that the two bodies meeb on the ground at the Woollen Factory at 10 a.m on the date of the Board's nex!; meeting, ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £103 Is were prssed for piymeat, and the Board ad j "turned.

LETTER FROM LORD ROBERTS.

His Opinions of the Soldiers:

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Auckland, June 27

Bishop Cowie bets received a letter from Lord Roberts, in which he refers to the terrible blow he sustained by the death of his only coo, and prooooda : "We have been most mercifuily guided and protected, and I pray that the same kind Providence will watch over us until the end of the war. You would be delighted with the soldiers; they are quite splendid ; their conducb has quite surprised the good people here. Nob » complaint has reached mo, and, although our numbers amount bo nearly 50,000, bhere Is practically no crime."

ANTARCTIC EXPLORA TION.

The Southern Cross Expedition

By Sir George Newnes,

United Press Association—By Eleobrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Jane 27 Farther particulars of the Antarctic expedition state that Hanson died on October 14, and, at his own request, was buried on Oapa Adare. Daring the winter months excellent work was done by the Marine Department. The arrangements made for the observation of the total eclipse of the sun were nullified owing to the overcast weather. During a sledge journey Doctor Klooatad made a remarkable discovery, going back to camp with several insects, the existence of which threw satis factory light on the meteorological work, aa it was considered improbable that the temperature about Geikie Island would go below that experi enced, otherwise insect life would cease to exist. On February 28 the steamer Southern Gross returned from !New Zealand, and on March 2 the expedition left camp. Following the land closely the coast line was mapped out to Oolman Island, where a landing was effected for the first time in history. A course was then steered for the land to the west of Oolman Island, and to the south of a conspicuous cape, which Borchgrevinck named Gape Constance, after his wife.

Victorian Politics.

tJa'tad Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Melbourne, Jane 27 parliament was opened to-day by the Lieutenant-Governor, with the usual ceremonies. The Speech wag as forecasted, with the Addition of pro. posalß for the formation of rifle clubs f for the strengthening of the mounted forces and cadet corps, and for making further provision for the closer settle ment of the land, Sir G. Turner intends to press his amendment to a division, The general opinion is that the Government will have a fair majority,

PARLIAMENT.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Wellington, June 26 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, June 27 The Council met at 2 30 p m FIBST READINGS The Lunatic Act Amendment, the Workers Compensation for Accidents, and the Com panies Act Amendment Bills were read the first time ADDRESS IK REELY. The debate on the Adires:-ir.-Reply was resumed by the Hon. Mr Jones, and carried ; on by Hons. Frasar, Twomey, Bolt, Jennings ! and Lee-Smith The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose at 4.45 p m

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Jane 27 The House met at 2.30 p m NOTICE OT MOTION Mr Fisher gave notice of mo£ioa in the direction of reducing the Customs duties on the neceisaries of life, the lobb to the revenue to he made up by an impost en certain luxuries LEAVE OS 1 ABSINCB Leave of abienoe was granted to Messrs Parata and Heke for one week THE ADDRESS-IN-BEPLY Messrs MoLachlan, Ell, and Arnold con* tinned the debate on the AddreaE-in-Reply Mr McLachlan said he approved of the policy adopted by the Government in rail way and public works prosecution, that was by gradual process instead of going in for a large loan with all its disadvantages. With regard to Federation, he considered that they would have to be careful that the independence of the colony should not be sacrificed. Even if they raised the price of potatoes to £50* ton be would not agree to Federation if the independence of the colony were to be sacrificed. He took the Acting* Minister of Lands to task with reipeot to the mar.net in which the ballot was carried out by the Canterbury Land Board for sections in the Waikakahi Estate, also with respect to his action in regard to the publi cation of » work on irrigation. While he. would support the Ministry in its general policy, he would not be a party to any such action as that of Mr Hall* Jones in these two case*. The House adjourned afc 5 30 p m The House resumed at 7.30 The debate on the Address-in-Kep'y [was ~wuti»*M«l hy Maastß Arnold and Wilford. Mr Witheford having replied tho Address was agreed to on the voiced. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers said- It was mainly a question of finance the acceptance of the services of additional volunteer corps. That the questions of a oolon'al scale of salaries for teachers was under consideration. That the establishment of rifle clubs would be encouraged. Thais a Bill would be introduced to prevent pigeon shooting matcher. FIRST READING. A number of Bills were introduced and read a first time. THE BUBONIC PLAGOE. A Bill to make special provision for deal ing with the bubonic plague'was introduced by Governor's message and read a first time. In moving the second reading, Mr Ward said the Aot would only operate in such dis tricts as were proclaimed in the Gazette The Governor would have the powers of the Board of Health or the local authority, and in addition the power to direct isolation, quarantining, inspection, curative treatment of the persons and premises, destruction of buildings, control of ships, and such other things as he thought expedient to deal with the plague, the expenses of administering the Acb to come out of the consolidated fund in the first instance, and to be refunded by the local bodies interested. He read reports from Mr Gilruth and Drs Fyffe and Mason that the case of Kelly, at Auckland, was one of true bubonic plague, which showed the necessity of the Government taking active steps to prevent the spread of plague. He was sorry that the plague had broken out in the northern city, and was sure the House would sympathise, and he hoped the House would assist the efforts of the Govern ment) to stamp out the plague with the Isast possible interference to the trade of the colony. If the Auckland representatives were not satisfied with the reports of the authorities named, the Government would be quite prepared to send over to Dr Thom son, of Sydney, who was a high authority on the subject, to make an examination and report.

{ Mr Bollard said the people had no eonfi jjdenee In Dr Mason aud Mr Gilruth as bacteriologists. Mr Jaokson Palmer recognised that the Government would have to be guided by their experts, but, he personally seriously doubted that the c»s« in question was one of bubonic plague.

Mr Seddon said even if the case in qu«stiou was not bubonic plague, there would be no harm in passing the bill. He objected to the statement that the officers appointed to conduct) the examinations were nob efficient experts, and denied the tsvtement. It was not right for the House to ignore the fact that plague really existed. No one regretted the fact more than he, but they would be wanting in their duty if they did not take every step to provent its spread, and he asked the House to invest the Government with power to that end. Mr Fowlds said the crux of the Bill lay in Clause 9, taking out of the bands of local authority the administration of the Aot, and saddling them with the cost. Wellington, June 28

The debate on the second reading of the Plague Bill was carried on till midnight, when the House went into committeei Mr Ward agreed to alter the Bill, making provision for the consolidated fund to bear half the cost of administering the Act;, and the looal body the other half. The Bill passed all its stages with bub slight altera tions. The House rote at 4.20.

THE GOVERNMENT CAUCUS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Wellington, June 26

The caucus of the Government party was held yesterday afternoon, and, as uanal, an official report was supplied to the press by the senior Government Whip. This states that 47 members were present at the meet ing, and that eight others were accounted for, making the total strength of the party 55.

The Premier, who presided, congratulated the party upon having been returned to the House io. such strength at the General Election, and pointed out the necessity for organisation. He also urged the older members to assist those new to the House in making themselves acquaintad with the details connected wi'h tha forms and procedure of Parliament, A long letter was received from the Hon Mr MoKaozie, stating that he had resigned his Portfolio and giving his reasons for his doing bo. Many sympathetic references were made to Mr McKeczie's state of health, and the followiag resolution was carried unanimously :—"That the members of the Liberal Party send their warmest regards to the Hon John McKenzie, and deeply deplore hie continued illness; they unanimously desire that he should continue to hold his office as a Minister of the Grown, and the meeting believe it would be a matter of satisfaction to the great majority of the people of the colony if he could see his way to consider his deoision." A copy of this resolution is to be forwarded by the Premier to Mr Mo* Kenzie.

A general discussion took place regarding the question of Increasing the number of Ministers, it was pointed out that a new de partment had come into existence since the present Government came into office, and that there had gradually been an increase in the work of Ministers. Eventually the meeting agreed that it was desirable that there should be an increase in the number of Ministers, bo as to bring their strength to that existing prior to the reduction in 1887. The question of appointing Parliamentary Under-Secretariee was also disoussed.

The meeting expressed the opinion that the appointment of an addition*! Judge of the Supreme Court was deairable, In conclusion the official report states that the meeting was a harmonious one..

The Plague.

The Wellington correspondent of the Press states that the portions of the body of the man Kelly, who died in Auckland on Friday night iast, unr'er circumstances that suggested plague, arrived in Wellington on Monday night, and have been examined by Mr Gilruth, Government bacteriologist. Mr Gilruth has also inoculated rats and guinea pigs with the bacoilH. It ia now absolutely beyond doubt that the case was one at bubonic plague; in fact, it is understood that the Government) had a declaration to that effect, not only from Mr Gilruth, but | ftlan'from'Dr Fyffe, the Wellington Sanitary E Commissioner, and a well known Auckland I doctor. The unwisdom of the Anckland Harbour Board, in removing the iron barricade from the wharf, notwithstanding the statement of the Sanitary Commissioners that there were plague infected rate on the wharf, is now strongly condemned, as ib is only too evident that owing to this the infeoted rats have been able bo find their way from the wharves into the city. Anok land will now be declared an infeoted port

Unlied Press Association-By Eleotrio Telegraph Auckland, Job* 27 Slides of the bacoilH secured aftsr the poet mortem examination of the man William Kelly have been seen by Professor (Thomas, of Auckland University College, who, in m note to the Mayor, now expresses himself as not satisfied, on the evidence before him, 1 that the plague exists here. He will invests gale further befoie giving his final decision Wellihgtok, June 18 Daring the debate on the Plague Bill, the Premier laid the plague existed elsewhere than at Auckland, although not in human ■ beings. Mr Ward mentioned that he had 1 received word that one of the " oontaote " j was unwell.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

United Fcm Auoolibtoa—By Bltotrle Telegraph— Copyright (Received W»kapu»k» Jane 28, 9 10 a m, * This offioe 10 60 *m) Cook, Fiji, and Friendly Islands. London, June 27 Mr Chamberlain has received Mr | Seddon's memorandum suggesting the incorporation of the Cook, Fiji, and Friendly Islands with New Zealand. At the Imperial Congress of Cham bers of Commerce, Lord Bel bourne presided. He said that tenders would shortly be called for the Pacific cable. He urged the colonies to complete local defences. The Congress resolved to favour an Imperial Consultative Council to dißcuss Imperial and Colo* nial questions.

Australian

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapnaka Jane 28, 9.10 a m, This Office 10 50 an) Plagne. Sydney, Jane 28 There were do freih plague emm yesterday. _^

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follow* on Jane 28, 1900:— Wheat—New. Prime milling Pearl — 2s 2d to 2s 3d „ „ Tuscan.. 2s 3d to 2s 4d „ „ Hunter's 2s Id to 2s 2d Oats—Duns „ Is 4d to Is 5d Danish ls4dtolßsd Canadians Is 6d Sparrowbills Is 51 Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2a 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 45s to 47s 6d Grass Seed—Old pasture, Is 9d to 2s New „ Is 3d to Is 6i The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks ab Ashburton.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

A Daring Attack Repulsed.

Success of General Rufl&e.

BotUa's Forces.

Saluting Kruger.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Jane 26 Daring the Honingtpruit afiair, 400 ex prisoners released from Waterval, under Colonel Bullock, of the Devon shire regiment, who was captured at the battle of Tugela, arrived by train, armed with Mausers, Seven hours 1 fighting ensued. De Wet's .force of 800,- with three guns, was held in check until the arrival of reinforcements from Kxoonatad. The railway is open to Btanderton, through Natal. Portions of locomotive* were found buried at SUnderton, Londoh, Jane 27 General Bundle's rearguard, near Senekal, repulsed a daring attack, chasing the Boers to their main post at Safelburg, killing many, and burning farms where Boers took refuge under the eyes of many watching the fight from the top of Safelburg. Capetown, Jane 27 General Botha's advance guard has returned to the hills, eighteen miles from Pretoria. ; Five hundred prisoners, who had j arrived at Machadodorp, saluted Presi deut Kxuger, who raised his hat. The : prisoners were well treated. Dr Jameson has been elected unop posed for the Kimberley seat in the ; Cape Assembly. 1 United Press Association—By KUetrio Telegraph i WXLUHGTOH, JOM 27 Information hat been received that Trooper F C Knubley.of the Second Oontingent t who was reported ill some time ago, has recovered.

A Daring Attack.

(Received Wakapuaka June 28, 9.51 am This Office 10 44 a m) Sydnbt, Jane 28 The Daily Telegraph's special givei details of a daring attack by a com pany Jof New South Wales Mounted Infantry,, during the fight round Ve»* tsrsburg,. The Company acting as an advance guard,faw a force of Boer gune and waggons advancing evidently in difficulties Without waiting for reinforcements, Holmes, armed only with a sjambok, dashed forward, and leaving his men behind, called upon the Boers to surrender, Three obeyed but a fourth was preparing to shoot, when one of Holmes men coming up, the Boer turned bis attention to him, and shot him through the neck. Meantime, reinforcements joined the company and captured the convoy and three ambulance waggons, containittg sixteen wounded. They took seven teen prisoners, Holmes accounting for twelve,

T E ASHBURTON GCJARPBN; THURSDAY, JUNI 28, 1900



"HEALTH" COCOA IS ABSOLUnSLY PURE, FBEE FBOM^^ AOOITERATIOII YOUR DIGESTIVE ORGANS Require pare fcod. Loot Liver demands consideration in the question of drink. Your JServous System requires a strengthening food drink, and you have this in " HWUITJjfICM JN P ECHvSING COCUA It is important that ycu should exercise your own judgment. If you drink any thing that is offered you, you do yourself a gross injustice. Coooa should be ibsolately pare to en&ure its full beneficial eftect. TRY SIHEALTH" COOOA And you will ose it in preference to any other. Six subtantial Reasons why « HEALTH " Coooa should be used in preference to any other, la&.—Because •* HEALTH " COOOA is absolutely puce, and pure food is essential j to perfect health, Sad.—Because" HEALTH" COCOA Is most economical in use, mora so than other Cocoas on the Market, half a teaspoonfui makes a Breakfast Cup of dalicious Cocoa, other Cocoas require a teaspoonfui. 3rd.—Because " HEALTH" COCOA, is lower in price than other Cocoes, a quarter I pound tin costing KM yields sufficient for 30 cups of delicious Cocoa. 4th,—Because "HEALTH" COOOA agrees with the most delicate digestion, stimulates, and strengthens the nervous system, and Is the most suitable food drink for Invalids, Children, and tha robust. 6th.—Because " HKaLTH " COCOA is prepared from the finest Coooa obtainable, and is free from drugs and other injurious mixtures. 6th. —Because "HKALTfi" COOOA contains more nourishment than Beef Tea, and Meat Extracts, and should be used by everyone who values health. Tr b Tin of '*HEALTH" COOOA and You will never regret it, AGENTS FOR ASHBURTON— SHEARMAN BROS., (IROOERS, IRONMONGERS, WISE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, Makkbt House, Ashburton, NEW TAILOKING DEPART MENT. A T the request of a largo number of my Customers I have added the TAILOBING DEPARTMENT TO MY BUSINESS, and having secured a FIRST CLASS CUTTER, Gflotlemen may rely on getting an excellent fit and style »t moderate prices.^ GOOD SUITS FROM £3 3s, ™^^^^™IVI HIM .1 ANDREW Q RR. Wm. Strange { "JSSSST* } Thos" Coverdale A TRIP TO TOWN Is not always PRACTICABLE. Consequently, MANY LADIES residing in Ashburton and District iind 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, SUCH AS OURS, offer them THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY, and the WIDEST CHOICE OF GOODS. But such Ladies can always SHOP WITH US BY POST, as 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 year 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, <fee. Ajad { Our Dressmaking Department cksely 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 of 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, ) have acquired a HIGH REPUTATION. We make Stylishly-cut Sui* plendid workmanship and material) from .£3 3s, Those who prefer Ready-made Clothing mil find our famous " ORIENT" BRAND CLOTHING (in all sizes), the NEAREST APPROACH to MADE-TO-ORDER GOODS in the Market—, »nd at about HALF THE PRICE. Furniture wo Supply Direct from our Factory to the People at Factory Prices. We also have a BEDDING FACTORY (for supply of pure, sweet bedding), a WIRE MATTRESS FACTORY, and a BLIND FACTOBY (under the charge of those famous Blind-Experts, Messes. GEE). COUNTRY RESIDENTS, If yon CAN'T come to town to see us, you can always i • • ' Shop with us by Post. State your requirements PLAINLY in writing, ENCLOSE REMITTANCE, »nd your order shall be filled as PROMPTLY and SATISFACTORILY as though you had delivered it in person. POST FREE ON APPLICATION. Estimates for House-Furnishing, Blind-Making, Bedding, Wire Mattresses, &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-measurement), Post-Free on application to CHRiSTGHURGH.



PUBJUIO NOTIOBS. MONEY TO LEND. I HAVE Trust Monies for Investment in sums of £500 to £5000 on First Mortgage at loweßfc current rate?. DAVID Z4.NDER, 6 119 Tarcred Street-. I PUBLIC NOTIOB, GEOi WORNER, Butcher, bega to notify the Public of Aahburton and surrounding Districts, that he has com menced Business on the Premises lately occupied by O. Digby in East Street. Firet Glass quality Moat always on hand. Small goods kept;. Families waited on daily. The Premises will be opened on SATUR DAY, Juae 30, 1900. 6 17 ~OHAS. BEGG & Co., [importers op musical instru ments, TiMARtr, Wellington, and Dunbdin. | —— XNIENDING Purohasen of Pianos, Or gans, or other Musical Instruments will do well to interview Mr W. Hi Long, traveller for the Above-mentioned old - established firm before selecting. For terms apply at 6 157 CENTRAL HOTEL. QQ« « i H ° If . . 1 I 32 § Si fi (JJL M m WE ASK— Your inspection of our EXCELLENT TWIfiEDS AND OVERCOATINGS. We have now been in business 26 j years, and still retain many of our first customers, wh oh alone ie proof o our HONEST WOBK McDonald & Co, Tftiltra, Etc; Jubilee BuilJlog Burnett Street DATES, LOWBY m CO. FOR ! j Gas Lamps, 15s Faci- Shipment of Bells and' Carbide Just to Hand. GATES. LOWRY AND CO • i Burns Btreet WANTED KNOWN—Removal of the ■ old established firm of Mitchell & Turhsr, from old premises in Tanored Street o New Shop in Burnett Street FOH JSAJLiJb 1. HARD to beat for good value for a Suburban Homestead and Poultry Farm—3^ acres Grst elans land, with five roomed House, detached waßh house, dairy, and bedroom combined ; both buildings are on conorete foundations; within two miles of Ashburton. Buyer can get £300 at low rate of interest, small balance will secure the property. 2| Acres Land and 7-roomed House, Netherby, off Wakanui Road; cheap, and very easy terms. New Dwelling Houbo, Wills Streeb West, on 4 aore, Good House and \ Acre Garden, Peter Street East. 15 Roomed Houae and 3§ Acres Land near Canterbury Flour Mills. Several Good Town Sections, West Side Railway. Several Sections Pairton. H. W. Barrett, AGENT, ARCADE, ASHBURION. 6147 mHERE'S ONE THINS about HondaL- I Lanka Ceylon packed and sealed tea that is in everybody's interest—lt's all pure tea from the gtower a Ceylon, can't sea Packets la New Zeals n \, Too expensive. «. —'— • ; ; —— >«i MISS BESSIE SIMMON DS. MUSIC Seller and Teacher of the Violirt, Musical instruments of eve*/ descrip tion VIOLINS a SPECIALITY. Music and Songs by every mail. First-class Quad rille Band. Burnett Street, 4 S3 Opposite Publishing Company W. T. ALMQUIST, PROFESSIONAL DYER, Thirty-five Years' Experience in America and Australian Colonies, HA S Started Business of Dyeing, Cleaning, and Pressing, even first oU«e Laundry Work, etc., in Bast Street, next to Mas Knight. $ 79



IN MEMORIAM. Griffin.—ln loving remembrance of John Griffin, husband of Mary Griffin, Trevor ton, Ashburton, who died June 28,1894, ' Call not baok the dear departed, Anchored safe where atorms are e'er ; On the borderland we left him, Soon to meet and part no more. > Far beyond this world of changes, I F*r beyond thia world of care ; We shall find our missing loved one, In our Father's mansion fair. A precious one from us is gone, A voice wo loved is stilled, A plaoe ia vacant in our home, Which never can b3 filled. God in his wisdom has recalled Th« boon his love had given, And though the body lingers here, His soul is safe in fleavrn. Inserted by his loving wife and children.



BENJAMIN GUM—For Coughs and Col A CONVINCING STATEMENT The Manager, Loaaby's " Wahoo " Manu f icturing Company,, Ltd Christchurch, May 16, 1899 Dear Sir, —I have much pleasure in testify > ing to the value of your Benjamin Gum. ' had been much troubled with a very serious cough, which I was unable to get rid of, when I was advised by a frieni to try Benjamin Gum. I did so, with the result that my cough has completely gone, al though the eighteon-penny bottle is not yet used up. Ib is impossible to oven-estimate the vaiue of this medium —^ours faithfully, A Lawrence Gee Price, la 6d and 2a 6d ; obtainable every. where, wholesale agent — Kemfthobnk, Pkossbr & Co Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds never ails—ls fid »nd 2a 6d I New Venus i



Smoke New Venus