Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1900. THE CONING STRUGGLE.

The cables- received a few days ago bringing intelligence of the decision of France to expend sixty millions sterl ing ou defence within the next, seven years, and of Germany to follow suit to the tune of an infinitely greater sum between the present year and 1910, are tremendously significant of the troubl ous times ahead. England and America, Russia, and Japan, must take the same course as that adopted by France and Germany, and thus, while Mr Stead and his fellow-enthusiasts are preaching peace and praying for international disarmament, the world is grimly pre paring for a mightier struggle thai) any recorded in history, Without pausing here to indulge in any speculations as to the probable duration or final issue of that struggle, we should like to draw attention to one point which soeme, strangely enough, to have escaped the notice of our contemporaries, and that is the effect that the expenditure of all this money by the Powers must have on the prosperity of the world. Th«nk oi: the trenibndous stimulus com merce will receive, of the mu'titudes who will be kept io constant and well paid employments of the activity in the iron, steel, coal, timber, and allied trades, of the fleets of leviathan battle ships that will be constructed, of the forging of great guns, and the making of pro-jectiles ; of shells, and bombs, and powder, and of all tbjese operations and ) countlesti others, bsing conducted on such a colossal scale as the wor^d never dreamed of before. And the setting free of all these millions must have far reaching effects, effects which will be felt in every corner of the earth. For a few years a time of such universal prosperity as never yet was known since the beginning of thing?, must ensue. For a few years money must be pletjtifuij huge fortunes be amassed, happiness and contentment reign. And, after that ?—the deluge I

Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day will be found the report of meeting of Wakanui Road Road Board. BeiqiiEjt Export.—l 2372 boxes of butter were sfyippeof to..~3<*y—a fortnight's make. The dry weather is affecting the supplies.— Press Association telegram from New Ply mouth. Obituary,—An Auckland Press Associa tion telegram says that an old identity, John T. Bedgood, died at Waimate yesterday; aged 9"0 He came to New Zealand with his father ia 1W a»a mission family. The Stba^fobo Fwg. — A Wellington Press Association tehgram states thjbt) the insurances on the Stratford fire art fat ascertainable are as follows: -Royal £1400, Commercial Union £1400, Phoenix £1190, South British £960, Victoria £550, New Zealand' £540, National £400, Alliance £350, Northern #2QO, Standard' £75. The gross value of the property a,ad buddings is esti mated at £15,000.

Burned to Death —Three children named Afhcrofi., Here baniod to death in a tent at Orbosfc near Me b.urne. Fuur othen were asvarely it j \re&.

Sospension o* A Bank — BumbeH's Bank, in tht Isle of Man, has su peded payment anil Parr's Bank, London, taken over the liabilities.

Ihb i duoation Board—We understand fchat AJr John Reanie, who is a candidate for le election to the Education Board, has been cokfi'ied to i is bed by eeveie ilmetß, Si.hough wo are pleased to learn that he is mnnding slowly. Mr Ronnie has be.-n one of the most irefut members of the Board.

The Panama Canal.—The report of the new P*uama Canal Commission, isaued in Paris, aays {.hat negotiations have been commenced with tho view to the prolonga bion of the tiim limit for the completion of the undertaking, as it is impossible for the canal to be opaned oy the date agreed upon. The woik, however, m-iy be completed in ten years &t a cost uf 512 million francs. The average number of men to be employed is eel mated at 12,000.

Indistinct Utterances—There is often a feeling of dissatisfaction in the minds of members of public bodies at the biief repors giren of their utteranoea in the press It might be as well to remind some mem} •» of our Borough Council that it is impossible for their opinions to be reported in the new p&psrs, unless they speak so that the reporters can hear them. This remark especially applies to those who speak with rapidity. Or Jones will, we are sure, par don w~ if we remind him that he might materially assist the reporters by taking the hint conveyed above.

The Triad —Again wo are pleased to be able to commend the Triad (February number) to the attention of our readers. It is a periodical deserving of much oommeuda lion, as its standard is a high one, and it is undoubtedly doing good work in its particu lar sphor . The pictures and art supplement are excellent specimens of the printers craft, as is also the letterpress matter, few, it any. colonial productions attaining to such per fection as the Triad. In the number before us a prize oompetitian of more than usual interest is announced, and particulars respecting this may be found elsewhere.

Review of REviKws.~The January num ber of the Review of Revieivs ia to hand. In ifc there is an interesting article headed— 11 Why Mr Seddon won the New Zealand elections/ ia which one wrier attributes the ' unexampled prosperity of New Z jaland to the splendid work of the present government.' Tnab the article is written by the Hon. J. M. Twomey it a sufficient explanation of the extremely florid character of this article. It ia followed by one on the same subject from the pen of Mr Scobie Macketze, who ascribes the cause of Mr Seddon's success to his •• masterly knowledge of the commoner instincts of humanity." Mr Mackenzie thinks—"He is a crude and uninstruoted Waipole." " Things were to be got out of Mr Seddon, and the determination to keep Mr Seddon in power for a while had the un axpected effect of giving him a huge majority, at which no one was more astonished than himself." Mim Htella Henderson givas " A New Zealand woman's view" of the same question, and her opinion is that there is scarcely a consoling feature in the situation, although she believes that " A faint hope may still be awakened by the very greatness of the Premier himself." The most attrac tive portion of the Review is the amount that is devoted to the " Leading article* in the Kecieivs," which have been lately exceptionally interesting. The rest of the Review of Reviews for January i» quite up to standard* except the " History of the month in caricature "-—which it not quite so good aa usual.

News in Brief.

Messrs C. A. 0. Hardy & Co:, of Rakaia, aro clearing out) of binding twine at ooat price. See their advertisement.

With this issue will bo found a special supplement dealing with some remarkable bargains now offering at Messrs BUlantyne's, at Chriatohurch, whose great sale is now on.

In another column Mr D. Thomas adver tises for troop horses for the O&aerbury Conbiogent (»ny bat roans and geys), from syrs upwards and 15 hands to 15 3. Horses are to b? sent to the Arcade on Saturday next, 10th inst., at 12 o'clook.

CYCLING.

United Press Association—By Elerfcrio Telegraph Christchurch, February 5 At a riveting of the Council of the League of New Zmlaud Wheelmen held to-night, challenges against tho right of E Reynolds to represent the League in the World's Championships to be held in Paris in August or September were received from J Chalmers, Ken Lewis, G Sutherland and A C Forbes. The Council declined to accept Lewis' chal lenge on the ground that he is not a New Zealtnder, and that of Fobee as he has been bo long absent from the colony as bo debar him from representing it. It was stated that Sutherland is now on bis way over from Australia. A teat meeting in Cnristchuroh will probably be held about the end of this month* Sutherland and Chalmers will first compete against each other, and Reynolds, the Council* nominee, will meet the victor*

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIA y REST OF AUSTRALIA. Unitei Press Association—By Electria Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Feb. 5 The Australian Eleven in their second innings made 400-Kelly 29, Hill 69, Noble 58, Darling 72, Gregory 68, Trumble 0, Ireda'e 0, Layer 46, Jones not out 0, Worrall absent. The Rest of Australia, in their second innings, have lost two wickets for 19 —Mackenzie 3, Jarvis 12, Graham nob out 2, Reedman nob out 2.

THE PETONE TRAGEDY.

A Shocking* Case United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Wellington, February 6 Arthur Reginald Wolf, who shot two of his children ab Petone in Octobar, and then cut his throat and shot himself In the head, waa put on trial to-day, having hitherto been too ill to appear before the Court, and he is still wearing bondages. Upon being called on to plead he said twio», l'l want ,to be hanged. J doa'c want to go through all this performance." Mr Jelliooe, his counsel, obtained leave to consult with him priyately, and on returning, the prisoner, apparently unwillingly, pleaded not guilty. Even then, be could not be gob to say the words himself, but a warder had to inform the Court).

COMMERCIAL.

The Aehburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on February 5, 1900 :- Wheat- Prime milling Pearl .« 2? 21 nominally   Tuscan... 2a 3d    Hunter's Is lid to 2s  Oats—Duns .... Is 8d to Is 9d ; Danish ... Is 8d to Is9d Canadians ... la lOd Sparrowbills la 9d to Is lOd Parley—Malting, prime, 2s 3d Inferior 2a I Chaff—Good oatsheftf 37a 6d to 40s , Grass Seed-—Old pasture, Is 9d to 2a New , 8 Is 3d to Is 6d The above are prices current p»id to I farmers on trucks at Ashburton. :

THE DOMAIN BOARD'S RECENT WORK.

At the meeting of the Domain B>ard held I»at evening a rather warm discussion took placa upon the outlay on tha new groundsl. Whin the items of expanditure were read oat, irom a return prepared as follows—BowliDg grppn formation £40 16i Id, water supply 142 10s 3d,

Mr Pauling challenged the item £42 10b 35, He ma nboned h»b \h) figu-«• should have given more information. It was all very well to put down the special expenditure on the bowling, teunis, and en quet grounds, bub what about the cura er's w rk, the labor of the Council's meo, and 'he wear and tear of toue horßes, plant, etc. ?

The Curator hero entered the Council chamber, and mi 1 that, instead of writing a tepoi the had attended. Hs \vi Led to point out the grett difficulty that always arose re providing hot water for picnickers. By the last excursion 864 persons arrived, and it was a subject of great complaint that hot water could not be got rea-iy fast enough. He reported that some boys had broken into the shed in the Domain and broached a keg of light wine. He had informed the pclier, He recommended getting coma hose for the watering of the grounds, and advised that a number of distance posts be got. He thought three or four dozen would do painted black, so that chalk figures would show on them.

The matter of the boilers was referred to the Ground Committee. With regard to breaking into the shed, it was decided to plaoe the matter in the hands of the police. It was resolved to procure the hose asked for, the estimated cost being about £3, also to supply the distance pegs. Mr Maynsrd, referring again to the ex penditure, said there was one item with regard to bringing in the water. He re membered that when Mr Davis first objected to the outlay he was told that it would only cost about £15. But he now saw thab they had charged the nice little Bum of £42.

The Chairman—Oh ! You are quite wrong, Mr Thomas—There was £18 spent before Mr Davis said a word.

Mr Maynard said what was going to be effi ciantlyjdone.for £15^ad cost £42 He wanted to know how this was. I his money bad been spent merely as a luxury for a few* He thought the ratepayers' money should not be spent in such a manner. Mr Davis had been assured the work could be done for £16, and what has it cost ? _ Mr Thomas said Mr Maynard was alto gether wrong in his figures. When Mr Davis spoke, £18 or so had already been spent, and he asked how much it would cost to finish it, and was told about; £15. But be that as it may, it would have baen a gross breach of contract with the Sports Association if the Council had not put the water there. He had always contended the Board should not have to spend the money, and was against it still; yet that was the contract, and should be carried out. W hen thfsyear is out, the bowliug green cannot be kept by the Board; to keep the three grounds in order would cost more than £100. In another three months the contract would be up. He had canvassed a good many people (some two hundred) as to the work of the Domain B>ard, and had b?en assured what had been done on the Domain grounds during the past j ear was the best piece of work the Board had ever done.

Mr Maynard interjected, and the chair man called moor,hers to the business. Mr Davis repeated that too much money had been spent in the Domain which the ratepayers would aever see again. He would objaot every time tha subject; cime up. He and Mr Maynard had been the only ones who had ol"jected. The chairman—He slidn'ti. Be moved it (Laughter.) Mr Pauling siici ib was all very well to twit the chairmaa* but they were all in it. He, however, wanted to see what the Domain had cost in the work of the horses and the men, and so on, which was not shown in the return before them. Why was all the cost uot shown 1 The Chairman Baid the whole of the cost was shown in the returns. The Clerk confirmed the statement.

The Chairman contended that so long as the figures were shown they were bound to be accepted as correct, unless they were pre pired to challenge the work of the officials, and if so they should get someone else. He (the.chairman) took a broader view. He asked if the 10,000 people who had visited Ashburton in the various excursions from outside, did not spend a great deal of money here. Did not the presence of these people in fishburton more than compensate for the expenditure? And he maintained the outlay on the Domain was a good expenditure, and he was certain it was approved by the people of this town,—(Hear. Hear.)

Mr Davis repeated that he considered too much money had been spent en the Domain, The Chairman reminded Mr Davis that the Board wus getting £100 a year from the Sport's Association and that was—or would be after the first year's initial expenses—a good interest on the money expended.

Mr Jones made some remarks about; the Woolston Tannery excursioniatu, which oar reporter could not quite catoh, bat after ■otne discassion on the matter the subject dropped.

THE LATEST.

Horns and Foreign.

United Press Association—By Eleottio Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapuaka Feb. 6, 9.15 a.m, ThisOffiae9flft.mil The Kicaraguan Canal. London, February 5 Reuter'a Washington correspondent states that Britain relinquishes the joint control of the Kicaraguan Oanal, receiving no compensation.

Australian

(Received Wakapuaka Febi 6, 9.15 ».m, This Office 9 51am,) The Plague. Sydney, February 6 Payne is rapidly recovering. Four of those quarantined, have been re leased, Bush Fires. Melbourne^ Feb 6 There has been a recurrence of bush fires in the Warnambool district, fifty settlers were burned out, and fifty thousand acre* of grass, and a large area of crops has been destroyed. The damage is put down at J515130. Fires in the Horsham district, burned large quantities of hay and wheat. Many cattle and sheep perished in , the bush fires. The detectives discredit i the incendiarism theory, in favour of spontaneous combustion. Accidental Heath. A verdict of accidental death was given at the inquest on Mrs Vince.

Ambbrley, Dec 7, 1899 [Copy] Messrs Crakjhead And Bbreyman Ashburton, Dear Sirs,—Could yon make a suit at once. I am sorry I forgot to order it sooner. The last one is still wearing. It fitted beautifully, and has given the greatest satisfaction. If >ju have titna to make one for my son at Geraldine, I will geb him to ride up on Satur day to be fitted. If there is not time to send patterns, I will trust you to choose for me, something like the last.—Yours truly,

«3T The original letter as above- from a welt known gentleman and many others of equally high compliment! may be seen a!) our office—Craighead and Berbyman, the Leading Tailors and Outfitters, Ashburton. Keating's Powder destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whiles quite harmless to domestic animal*, la exterminating Beetles the success oj this powder is extraordinary. Ib is perfectly \ clean in application. See the article you purchase* is "Keatings," ie, with the | signature Thomas Keating on each tin, as 1 imitations are noxious and ineffectual* Sold n tins, 6d nod 1> e»oh, by ill ohemiifc*.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting was held on Monday evening. Present -The Mayor, and all the Councillors < xeept Cr Scaly, who ecnt an Apology. mayor's statement. The Mayar leponei that the debit balance at the Bank w,a £1508 12"«, and that the sums received since last meeting amounted ' to £160 Us 6d. CORRESPONDENCE. The following «a* recssived :—

From the Treasury remitting subsidy, at 75 per canf, amounting to £140 12* 6d ; from Nieoll Bros*, ie ieg*l expeuses iv con neoiion with transfer of auctioneers license —It was decided ♦hat the amount- must be pud; from Mr Alfred Harrison, prote-fcin^. against) neglect of the ratepayers in Peter Street. —Referred to Works Committee; from I. M. Rowe, Rangiora, te conorate work, pipe», bridges, eto.—The Engineer was in structed to get further information j from the Secretary of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, inviting the Mayor and Councillor* to the annual dinaer on Thursday next- Accepted with thank* j from same, sub mitting the name of Mr W McPhail as * member of the Fire Brigade—agreed to ; from Mr Kennedy, Inspector of nuisances, asking permission to act as inspector of abattoirs for the County Council—granted ; from Messrs James »nd Brown (scavengers), asking permission to begin their rounds half an hour earlier for reason given—granted, after some discussion, LIGHTING The following is the report of the Light ing Committee :—-Your Committee beg to report) that a conference wae held with the directors of the Ashburton Gas Company on the subject of the nev contract for lighting the street lamps, and after discussing the matter with the Gas Company, your Com mittee resolved to recommend to the Council that the contract for lighting with the Gat Company be renewed for one year on the same terms and conditions as the previous contract, provided that twelve more lamps are fitted with the iucandesaent burner by the OoMpany. Cr Jouffo expressed the opinion that the ftas Company had nob kept their promt c bo bring the price of gas down "to bed-rook." He did not consider this had been done, and he thought a leduction to about 10 shillings, equal to 16 per cent might have been given, and quoted calculations he had made as to this matter.

The Mayor explained that Or Joliffe was to some extent in emr as to his figures. He thought it would be much cheaper for the Council to make a contract with the Gas Company for four years. He quoted reports from various municipal bodies in different parts of the United Kingdom and elsewhere, to show that the incandescent burners were a distinct saving He thought, however, that the Council should not pay £4 5s per tamp per annum, when they conld get the lighting for £4.

Cr Maynard said the question was a very important one. He thought that if Cr Joliffe's figures were right, the Gas Company might well cffar better terms, especially as the Council would have to knep the lampi in order. Outside of that question, he thought the time wag come for the Council to consider whether they should nob make a longar contract, and if the Council could save 5s a lamp on fifty lamps, it would be well worth referring the matter biek to the Gas Com pany to see if better terms could nob be obtained.

The Mayor said the Gus Company here made the lowest profits of any in New Zealand.

Or Thomas said he was aware that the gas might be supplied at a less price than the Company offered, and was convinced that it would be better to make this a one year's contract, as he believed the matter would pay to go into. He was assured thai- private individuals got better terms from the Gas Company than the Council did. That ques tion (should be looked into also. He was quite prepared to go on for this year. Cr Jolliffe desired to inform Or Thomas and the Mayor that he was not in the habit of making rash statements. Ho had care fully gone into this matter and was pretty sure of his figure?.

Or Jones aleo spoke, and mentioned that Gore paid £3000 for its electric lighting. Or Paul had also discussed the question of electric lighting with Gore resilient*, and had expressed themselves much pleased with the system. He would support the contract for one year.

Or Davis, referring to the reports road by the Mayor, said they might refer to 20 years ago. These pieces might also be near coal pits, where coal cost 2s 63 a ton. He knew fche Lighting Committee had gone to consider able trouble ia the matter. His Worship had purposely *tayed away from the meetings of the Committee so that ho could come here and pull the members' report to piece?. He thought his Worehip's remarks wero un called.

The Mayor eaid he had Btayed away because he had an interest in the Gas Company, and he wished to have a, free hand to discuss the question.

The resolution that the report of the Lighting Committee be adopted was carried, an amendment to refer it back to the Com mittee. BY LAW 3. The following was the By-laws Committee report: —Your Committee have considered the matter referred to them and beg to re port as follows—l. By-laws re Bells on Cycles—Your Committee recommend that the proposed by-law as to bells on cycles be amended bo as to read as follows :—'• No person shall ride any bicycle or tricycle within the Borough unless tuch bicycle or tricycle is provided with an efficient bell, which must be rung on approaching any pedestrian, vehic'e, or street crossing1 .—(2) Barbed Wire—Tour Committed have *no recommendation to mike on this subject at < present as the matter has been held over for further consideration. —(3) Building by-laws —Your Committee have nearly completed the revision of the building by-laws, and deßire ac extension of time in which to re port on the subject to the Counoil. Cr Thomas moved the adoption of the report. Cr Maynard seoonded. Cr Paul said he thoughb that the by-law to compel a man to ring a bell was a dead letter. Cr Joliffa wished to draw Cr Paul's atten tion to the fact that the trains had to carry out certain by-laws which were also dead letters until an accident happened, and then they were in force.—(Laughter) engineers' report. The following is the report of the Works Committee and Engineer:—

1. Bullock's Application. — The Works Committee recommend that a reply be sent 60 Mr Bullock's application for, channelling, stating that the work has been arranged in rotation and thit work will be put in hand in its tncn.

2. Fitzgerald's Tender.-—Ai one of the pre sent contractors is prepared to pat on mother parly at the channelling, making three parties in all, the Works Committee recommend that Mr Fitzgerald's tender be declined. '•3. KetbiDg, — Your Committee recom- Mond that Crum's tender at 12a! per chain for kerbiog only be accepted. 4. Sumps, etc.-—The Engineer hai been authorised by the Worki Committee to fix sumps where necessary in the channels recaotly concreted, and also to arrange for ; repairing and cementing the asphalt ohaunel- I ling in Moore and Tancred Streets., 5. Horse for Domain. —As a horse is being continually required for work in the Domain your Committee recommend that one be procured for the purpose. Labour Gang—The men have been engaged ia reforming and tarring footpaths, carting c!ay and shingle for sama, preparing for and making good after contractors for channel ling and carting material, etc , repairing wire fences ia riverbed reserves, miking bridge* and culverts and fixing same, watering streets, attending to water supply and other maintenance work.

Each clause being approved the report as a whole was adopted. 1 THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT The Inspector's; report was ;read, and it was decided to carry out the by-laws io two cases reported by the Inspector. THE POPNDKBBPBB. The poundkeeper reported inter alia that ha had sold a horse and after the fees had baen paid there was a, email balance. It was decided to hold same foe a time to give the owner a chance of patting in a claim., Gr Joliffa reminded the Council that according to law every factory should apply j

to the Couucii once every year, and this ha k never been don\ It was decided to write to the police re the matter, N< XIOOB WBBD9, ETO. After s'me discussion re the noxious weeds '■ stowing on various sections within the | Borough, Cr Jones wished to know who wt-uld bo responsible if au accident happened :h o»gh she material, etc., left; in the streets by contractors. The Mayor B<*id if the Council's men leffc these obstacles, the Council would be respon* f.ib'e. He hid cautioned some contractors, and would see that the Council's men were a so spoken to. TENDER?. Tenders for timber for culverts were re coiv«d f'om Messrs Co'lins end Co. and J. Tucke-. The Mayor was empowered to ascertain which lender would 09 actually the lowest, as there was some d.flkrenoe in the mode of quoting. Mr J. Wilson's tender for repairing street lamps was accepted. Ors Thomas and Davison were appointed to sign the scavengers' contract. This was all the business, and the Council resolved itself into a DOMAIN BOARD. [A reporb of the proceedings thereat) Appears elsewhere].

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Buller's Advance.

Contradictory Reports Statements fey the London Press Kebel Feinforcements, Usefulness of Australian Troops.

A Patriotic Sermon, TJaited Prew Association—By Eitotriu Telegraph—Copyright London, Feb 5 Definite statements are made at Durban that General Bailer has crossed the Tugeia. Some allege that he has gone in the direction of Acton Homes, others that he has gone east of Zwariz Kop.

The Times declare tbat these itate* merit a are premature.

The War Office ii silent with regard to General Bailer's movement!. Mr Winston Churchill declare* that all will be staked on the coming battle, The spirits of the troopi were never higher. The limes announces that the Lady smith garrison is resigned but deter mined. The Daily Mews says that large Boer reinforcements are being de trained before Ladysnrith. The Daily Telegraph declares had Ladysmith fallen during the attack on January 6, President Kroger would have visited Europe to petition the Powers to save the Republic. The roads leading to Ladysmith along the line of the British advance have been du^ in trenches Durban, February 5 Colonel Thomej croft reports that when Spion Eop was surprised a native who was warning the Boer picket to wsken was bayonet ted. : London, February 5 The injury received by General Wood gate at Spion Eop consists of a wound over the eye caused by a frag ment of shell. Capet©i?n, Feb. 5 General French's troops enclose 7000 Boers in the hills around Coles burg, His lack of Naval guns is severely felt. There are 20,000 Boers between Modder and Kiraberley. Eight hundred rebels from Barkly East have reinforced Dordrecht, where the Boer forces total 2200. There are 1000 Boers at Jamestown and 5000 at Stormberg.

The Australian Mounted Troop* at Modder River are described m likely to be invaluable for reconnoitring. The Fourth Cavalry Brigade, which proceeded to South Africa,' consists b{ 252 men, with six field and fivi machine gum. The Daily Telegraph Shilling Relitf Fund totals £115,000. In the House of Commons, Mr Brodrick stated that Great Britain had surrendered no right with regard to the search of vessels for contraband of wajr. Messrs Tinline and Phars^yn have each given £100 towards the lSfef Zealand Bushmen's Fund.

Dwrian, Jfehrnary 5 Ladysmith heliograph message; — " Elated <m Saturday at Retiring Bailer's gani actively booming. Th» enemy are massing near tbe town and bringing gans on to Surprise Hill. We are quite ready if attacked. AH well, There are few Boers north east of tbe town."

Two inhabitants, who escaped from Ladysmith and arrived at Maritzbnrg, reported sufficient'provisions in town for a considerable time. Freeh meat ii supplied daily.

Capetown, February 5 Lord Roberta wrote to General Joubeit offering to release Comman dant Pretorious, who tv wounded and captured at Elandslaagte, sad bad his leg subsequently amputated. Lord Roberts described him as a brave soldier. PretoriooV wife thanking Roberts asked that her husband be sent to Magersfontein. MmiOURNB, Febuary 5 The Rev. Charles Clarke, en route to Dune'din, preached a patriotic ser mon in aid of Che War j]and io two thousand people in the IJaH.' There was much enthusiasm. He said it was a war for freedpm, equality, and raising human nature to a higher level. A fire at Williomstown wharf, sus pected to be the work of a Boer sym pathiser, destroyed six trucks of com* pressed hay for South Africa, and » shed containing five hundred ton" of hay. The damage is estimated at £5000. The Government has chartered the Euryalusto take the Bushmen's Con tingent, on her return from the Cape, the Imperial Government paying the expenses. . Sydnby, February $ The Typographical Society has voted £20 as a first instalment for the relief of distressed printers in South Africa. The imperial authorities have asked the Premier to place orders for a hun dred Army Service waggons, stipulat ing that they must pass inspection at Woolwich, I Albany, February 5 The Waiwera sailed for Capetown on IrisUy night,

THE AfiflßllfiTOU atJABBIAfI i DUESDaY, FEBBtJA&Y 6, 190^



1900 GREAT ANNUAL SALE — OF — DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS, WILL COMMENCE SATURDAY, JANUARY 20. ANDREW ORR. H. M. JONES. STATIONERY STATION JEU.Y, ACCOUNT BOOKS, ACCOUNT BOOKS, FANCY GOODS, FANCY GOODS New Shipment now opening up ircm Locdoa Houses. —(x) — A LARGE »nd Well Selected Stock of Goods for all Departments, imported direcfcjfrom leading London, American and Japanese houses, consisting of BOOKS. STATIONERY, TOYS, FANCY GOODS, LEATHER GOODS. Fancy China, G'&bs and Electro plated Ware, Clocks, Vases, Nic-naca (suitable for CHRISIMAS and NEW YEAR Gifts. BIRTH DA V k WEDDING PRESENTS. BOOKS—Excellent Variety of pt iza, reward and presentation Books. Historical, Biographical, Scientific, Poetical, Travels, Novelß. and various Bindings. Bibles, Hymns and Prayers, (various style*) Church Piaiee, Wesley's Bymas. STATIONERY—PIain. Fancy and Commercial Paper, Envelopes, Boxed Stationery, White and Tinted 6d and Is, Specially pat up for me by Marcua Ward %nd Co., of London A.I. values. Repoinic, — vellum. Linen and Bank papers ruled and plain. LEATHER GOODS—Purses from 6d to 20a. Wallets, Card and Letter Cases, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Dressing Cases, Hand Bags, ———, Pencil Cases, Companions. FANCY GOODS—Photo Frames, Screens, Workboxes, Inkstands, Vases, Ornaments, Clocks, Album?, Easles, Baaekete, Glove & Kerchief Sets, Cabinet*, Trays, Flower Stands, Spill Boulr Teapot* 6d each, Vases. Ornaments too numerous to particularise. BA^KKT WARE—Open and Closed Satin Lined, nil sizes and ptices from 63 up, 10VS—A Great Variety of Wood, Tin and Rubber mechanical Toy*, form Horse and Carts, Borrows, Go-carte, Tea Self, Boats Watches Balls, Cubei, Blocks, Arks, Puzzles, Skittles, Musicai Toy FUtties^ Steam Boats and Engines, Magic Lanterns, Microscope, Prams and Tricycles, and 1000 articles from Id up. REWJNG MACHINES—The Anchor Machine, well finished and np-to-date, good machine, hamd and Treadle from £410 ato £9 303. Makes a Bplendid present. JPIA.-N063 and Oti.CSA.WH Fkom lOs per month; Lowest Casli Frices. TRADING STAMPS GIVEN TO CASH PURCHASERS. H. M. JONES. OUR COMPLIMENTS TO LADIES RESIDING IN THE COUNTRY, And we beg to remind them that our GREAT ANNUAL SALE OF ENTIRE EXISTING STOCKS (including Balance of our Lovely Summer Gocds) IS NOW ON! NOW ON "\¥TE ARE PROUD TO THINK THAT THE FIRM OF W. STRANGE & CO. is as highly thought of in the Country aa it is in Town, and our particular desire is that LADIES RESIDENT IN THE COUNTRY should participate in the benefits offered by this Great Sale ? Thote Ladies who cannot spare the time to come to Town for thia Huge Sale are invited to SHOP WITH US BY POST! Which is the easiest thing in the world. All you have to do is to get one of our Catalogues (we will send you one post free on application), see what we have to sell, make your selection, write down your requirements, enclose remittance to value of goods (P. 0.0, Postal note or Postage Stamps will do) and Post to uh as soon as possible and we pledge our word that if '.he above simple directions are followed, we will execute your order immediately on receipt of your letter. And, as we naturally desire to retain your confidence and k^ep your custom, you may be quite sure we will be as careful in selecting the goods you ask for as if you were present in person at one of our Counters. THIS IS A TEMPTING SALE Full of delightful surprises for Buyers who may reckoeon getting Splendid V*lue for their Money in Dresses, Dress Goods, Dress Lengths, Robes, Costumes, Mantife, Jackets, French Millinery, Gloves, Sunshades., CottMfy Woollens, Men's and Boys' Clothing, and Hundreds of Other Lines. SftND FOR A CATALOGUE. Well illustrated and attractively pre- . pared, it will be sure to please you. May be had post-free oa application. Com« tip for the Sale by all means if you can, but, if you can't why then SHOP WITH US BY POST! W« have Bnndreis oE Post Customers. Why shouldn't you be one, too? W. STRANGE & CO.. CHRISiCfI¥KOH,



Hudge- WMtwortli Cycle Depot, Burnett Street. TTAVING been appointed SOLE AGENT JO- for Ashburton District for BRITAIN'S BEST BICYCLF, THE EUDGE-WHITWORTH, Persons in want of a riRST-ciAss up-to-date Ma€HINK cannot do better than buy one. These Bicycles hokl the petition in England of being second to none, and in New Zealand the same proud po-kion is given them by all who have tried them. The numerous rid', rs of thiß Machine include '■ B. Reynolds, Champion of New Zealand; and W. Tierney, New Zealand's Unpaced King. I have also the Agency of that HIGH GRADE AMERICAN WEEEL, THE TRIBUNE This is the Machine on which MtriiPHY, the New York Cyelisfc, accomplished hiß Marveliona Ride of One Milk in 57$ sees. All Kinds of Machines Repaibed. BICYCLES ON HIRE. STOOK OF ACCESSORIES. jR. D. Johnston, BURNETf STREET, Next Orange Hail. 1_173 BUSINESjfCHAHCE. I BEG to notify to the rumerous Cus tomers of \V, H. Daedis, and the Public generally, that having purchased the business known as the " Ashburton Aerated Water and Cordiai Manufactory," I take possession op °-zd after February 1, and by. diligent attention to business and 'he superiority of Cordiala nad Waters I take the opportunity of soliciting a fair share of your support and patronage. ALF. BRAY, CAMERON STREET. 1 226 J. WILSON, SIGN-WiillEK. LARGE STOCK OF WALL PAPERS, WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS, PICTURE MOULDINGS, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &c. BUPNETT STREET, opposito'MAiL Office Telephone 65 fC)R~THIS" WEEK. QP&UIAL lines Prints at 3^d per yard, Special Lines Frints at 4Jd per yard. Special Lines Prints and Zyphers at 6Jd per yard. Special Line tress Material, usual price Is 9d; 5s lid Dress Length. Big Line Sample Corsets, prices from 4s lid to lOs 6d, to clear at 2s lid per pair. And many other tempting Lines in all departments. ASHBURTON DRAPERY COMPANY^ New Zealand OLOTHINEL/ACTORY; Stocktaking .£eductions. TreiLendous Bargains. HARD and Soft Felts 7s &d, 10 6d, re duced to 1b and Is 6d. Straw hats, Is 9d, 2s 3d, all reduced to Is A few odd linea in Shirts reduced to 2s 6d Boys' Tweed Caps, reduced to 3d Boys' Paper Collars \d per,box Men's Ties, Is $6, 2s £d ; reduced to 6d and Is Men's Sac Suit?, Good Linea, 25s oa Boys' Sac Suits, 25s 6d, reduced to 19s Boys' Washing Suits, 4s 6i, 3a 6d, reduced to 2s 91 Boys' Alpaca Qoatn, 7s 6d, 9s 6d, reduced to 3) 6d and 4s 6d Mea'a Tweed Trousers, 63,7s 6d, 9i &d, etc., BOOTS! BOOTS BOOTS Canvas Tennis Shoes, 5s 6d, reduced te 2s &d Women's and Children's Boots and Shoes reduced about hail. We must clear out these odd limn to make room for New Gocd, etc. , CALL Jb2 A RUST AND GET FIJRST OHO I CIS INEW ZK4LAND CLOTHING FACTORY. F. H, BEOKIJNGSALB, Manager.



J. V. DE BEEB, JEWELLER & WATCHMAKER. 11BE LATEST? NOVELTIES jusst to hand in all classes of WatolieM «Sc Jewellery, rjth-Iham's ENGLISH LtVtR WATCHES IN THE FOLLOWING GRADES :— Gold Kejresa Hunting Gold Keyless Open Face Silver Keyless Half Hunting Silver Keyless Hunting Silver Key wind Fusee Hunting Silver Keywind Going Barrel Hunt ing Silver Keyless Open Face Silv&r Keywind Fusee Open Fac® Silver Keywind Going Barrel Open Face Also, A FULL STOCK or ROTH RR HAM'S LACHES' GOLD WATCH S, SPECIALLY MADE TO MY ORDER. SIX DOZEN ENGLISH KEYLESS OPEN FADE NIJKEL LEVEjE WATCHES, Compensation balance, full jewelled, two yearn' Guarantee, 87s 6d EACH. S7s GdL Also, a Full Stock of all other classes of LadiiDs' and Gentlemen's Watches. WATERBURYS at foar priee«— 14s ©d, 19s Qd, 20s, 22s 6d. j. v.dlFbeek, (Late S. Salek) EAST STREET, ASHIiURTON Htvvest Supplies. VU& HAVE JUST LANDED, ex Paparoa, Rikaia, and Aotea, NEW SUPPLIES OF English earthenware, glass and china. Every line up to date* and at lowest Cash quotation?. English and American FRUIT J AR*|at ilowesc prices in Town.j Qaeensland Pure Dry Cane SCG4R— 701b Baga 148. On2y dry Sugar should be used for Freserviog. Two and Three Prong Forks, Binder Whips, Rein Cord, Oil Can?, Reaper Oil, Raw and Boilod Oil, Castor and Cylinder Oil, in any quanti y. 51b Boxes Pure Ceylon TEA from 7s 6i BIG Y~c"l E S. In BICYCLIS we can offer the best value in the Colony, We build Machines to order from Genuine B.S.A. parts* We are also Agents for Columbia*, Hartfordp, and Lovell Diamonds. Quotations on application. CARSON & Co., GROCERS AND^IRONMONGERS, Importers of Bicycles, Hardware, Gla.a and China Taw ore i) Street and Arcade,] Ashburtcn.



Trotibl«som» t» ihe Army During the civil war, aa well as in our late war with Spain, diarrhoea, was one of the most troublesome diseases the army had to contend with. In many instances it became e'hrbrfiiJ apd the old eoldiero still suffer from it. Mr David Taylprt of < Wind- Ridge, Greene Co} Pa, is one ofthes*, Hs uses Ghamberlaio's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy, and says he never found anytning that would give him ouch quick relief. It is for •&!• by Aihburtoo Drug Company