IN MEMORIAM.

la Loving and Sad Memory of my dear Bister, Annie Stanton, who fell asleep Sepbember 16, 1899. Take holy earth all that my aoul holds daar, Take that blesb gifb of God's co pure, Her faded form, she bowed to death's cold hand, That touch, no living mortal can withstand. Sleep on, my darling sister, sleep, , For, by God's grace, we are s are to meet; Sleep that calm and undisturbed repose, Unbroken by the worst of foea. (By her brother, W. Gambmn). We misß that bright and smiling face, We miss that loving, warm embrace ; We miaa that mother's gentle oare , Ob, God, we miss her everywhere. (By her loving ohildren).

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 23, 1900. THE GRASS GRUB.

Odontria Zealandia, commonly known as the grass grab, formed the subject of & shorfc discussion at the meeting of the Borough Council on Wednesday even ing, the inspector having; reported on some land leased from the Council, where a great port'on of some of the paddocks are devastated by this grub. A good many people are under the im pression it is only worked out land or old pasture that is liable to the ravages of this pest. A very striking refutation of this theory is to be seen at the Ash burton Club. At the rear of this building a plot of ground was last year sown down with tbebestEnglishgrasses. At the present time, large patches of this lawn present the appearance of having had boiling water poured over ';bpm, while all around i 9 a rich green sward. On disturbing the surface of the bare patches the earth is found to be alive with grubs, Mr M. Murphy, F.L.S., the well known secretary of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and editor of tho JV. Z Country Journal, gives the life history of the grass grub, as foliows :— (j The tVraale deposits her eggs in the ground, where in a shorfc time thfy change into »ruhs; thesf, when full fed, are about an inch long. They are soft, and white with a reddish head, and strong jaws. Tn this state the insect remains for four year?, during which time it commits rerrib'le ravages on the roots of grasses, ■gnawing away at the roots, so that the feurf becomes brown, completely dcs troying the lawn. They do not confine attention to grass only, as they frequently destroy whole plantations if strawberries and other plant?. When full grown the lavse burrow deeply into the earth and spin a smooth case, and then change into the chrysalis state. In this inactive form they remain till the following spring The perfect beetles then come from the ground, and com mence an immediate attack on the leaves of trees, concealing themselves during the heat of the day under clods, in the ground, and amongst herbage, commencing to feed as evening approaches. The pest, when in the beetle state, may be heard and seen in the warm summer evenings humming in great numbers over the grass, prepara tory to laying the seeds of future destruction." Professor Kirk says this grub attacks the roots of trees, even the strongest growing, such as Pinus Insignis, Arauenria, Imbricata, and numbers of others. The -subject being one of considerable interest we hare taken the opportunity of interviewing Mr W. W. Smith, curator of the Ashburton Domain, and an entomologist of excep tional experience and ability. Replying to oar enquiries Mr Smith said— Tt may safely be said that never pro viously in Canterbury have the ravage of the grass grub been so serious and wide spread as during the past sum mer. At the present time whole pad docks, in some districts, of what formed valuable pasture in the Spring, are absolutely bare of vegetation, caused 1 by these destructive root-feeding grubs. Owing to its habit of living under ground, subsisting on the roots of the more valuable pasture grasses, the pest is a very difficult one to eradi cate. All the species of rye grass, and several oi the fescue grasses, which are largely sown by farmers in Canterbury suffer most. Other species of valuable pasture grasses, •whose roots are stouter and harder than those already men tioned, appear to be comparatively free from attacks, at least in some districts. These comprise florin, sweet scented vernal, meadow foxtail, crested dogs tail, and cocksfoot. When examining grub-infested paddocks, I have occa sionally observed patches of these several grasses remaining unatfcacked by the grubs. There is, however, no question that al] grasses, and also the roots of young trees, suffer n\ ore or less severely, especially on the freer, drier and poorer class soils. Vast numbers of the grubs may be destroyed by tear ing up the affected parts with tooth harrows, and rolling immediately after wards with a heavily weighted Cam bridge roller crossing and recroasing the infested patches several times. Flooding the infested patches for seve ral days where practicable, also destroys them effectually. The present, and next month, is tha proper time to attack and destroy them with harrow and roller. A good coating of dry i reshly slaked lime,ordustingtheaffeoted parts with guano, or any good super phosphate, destroys them, while they regenerate the poor soil. As the weather becomes colder, they descend deeper in the soil and are then not so easily destroyed aa when they are

working close to the surface. The several nights of intense frost ranging from 15 to 20 deg. experienced in July i last, would have destroyed many, but | unfortunately the land was covered at' the timo with six inches of snow, which protfcfced them. Ten yeara ago there was only one species of grub affecting grass lands, now there are three all rapidly increasing in numbers and destructiveness annually: Farmers should therefore bestir themselves and wage incessant war against these grubs it they desire to make their farms profitable. Conceited action is necea i aary, and should be promptly under* taken to prevent the onward march of these grubs, which are now causing serious loss to both farmers and pastoralists.

SANITARY MATTERS.

It will be seen on reference to our report of the meeting of the Hampstead Town Board that the members of that body think there ia no occasion for them to take action in sanitary matters, but they will await the meeting of Parlia ment. Their w»y of looking at the position with the plague threatening an immediate invasion, shows that they are content to live in a fool's paradise. We venture to say that the house holders of the Hampstead district have too much good sense to object to the body of men they have elected to look after sanitary and other affairs—doing their duty properly. On the contrary we have been informed by more than one resident of Hampstead that there are many premises there in an insani tary condition, eiinply because the : occupiers do not realise what pre cautions are necessary to provide against disease. No sensible house holders could object to a properly qualified person visiting their yards and pointing out what—if any—improve ments could be made in keeping them clean, and thus minimising the risk of i disease. It is a remarkable fact that wherever the plague has obtained a ; footing, typhoid or enteric fever, one !of the most insiduous of diseases, is found to increase. Now, we all know that typhoid results from bad drainage and bad drinking water, and the exhalation 8 from decaying matter. We venture to say that there are comparatively few premises where sufficient care is taken to dispose of all such, and therefore no prudent house holder should object to receive sugges tions that would tend to a better state of things. This being bo, we cannot help saying that the Hampstead Town Board has failed to grasp the position. Tt ia all nonsense to say that every thing is as it should be in their district, and it is worse than nonsense to decide to await the action of Parliament to settle the very vital question of our meat and milk supply. We have no hesitation in saying that it the mem bers of the Hampstead Town Board adhere to that; decision, they will be taking upon themselves a very grave responsibility, and if; would be well if they recognised this in time. We are sure they have no dtsire to risk the public health, but their inaction is likely to do so.

Local and General.

%* On the first page to-day wilt be found War News, and on the fourth page a short story.

A Coincidence.—By a coincidence, the successful candidate for an important Govern ment billet in Now Zealand was named by his prophetic god-parentsD. A. M. Luckie J Yeb Shakespeare asks " What's in & name?'' Juvenile Precocity.—They were talking about early marriages, when the Funny Man of the camp chipped in, " I know a c*se that beats the record. Our worthy Oapbain—the day he was christened—was W;E.D." No wonder the officers remarked on the dead silence thab prevailed in the camp. Artillery Fire—lb is generally supposed that more men are killed by artillery than infantry fire. This ia a tota'ly erroneous notion, as from medical reports it would appear thab the rifle is responsible for nearly 90 per cent of the British killed in various battles. In the Franco-German war ib was estimated that 6969 Germans were killed by rifle bullets, and only 695 by artillery fire. A Racing Record — According to the Auckland correspondent of the Chrißtehurch Press, Advance, in the Autumn Handicap, on Saturday, pub up the best: performrnce a three-year-old has probably accomplished in Australasia. He won easing up by two lengths, running the mile and a half iv 2min 4C|«eo with lOsfc 51b on hia back. The Wellington colt and 0. Jenkins, his rider, were accorded a reception after the race which has never been excelled in point of enthusiasm on the Eiderslie racecourse. Trap Accident— A narrow escape from a serious accident occurred aboub eight o'clock on Saturday evening. Mr G Robertson, of Winchmore, lefb Burnett Sbreeb for home, and as soon as Struan, hia trotting pony, found himself homeward bound, he " trekked." Mr T. Connolly, who was on the same errand, endeavoured to turn at Mr D. Thomaß* West street corner, bub the trap hugged the corner too close, with the result thab Mr Connolly collided with the post protecting the lamp post; overturning the gig, and capsizing himself severely on the metal, bub fortunately only bruising himself. Willing hands assisted to righb matters. Mr Robertson, apparently uncon scious of the accident, continued on his journey. The Value of Cinnamon—Says the Lon don Daily News of January B:—"There! would pretty certainly be a cinnamon boom if the experiment made with that spice by 1 M. Chamberland, in M. Pasteur's laboratory, were generally known. Our ancestors, ib appears, hit upon the beat preiervabive from the infectious microbe when they used to drink mulled wines and other beverages in which strong doses of cinnamon were in fused. M. Chamberland now saya that no living disease germs can resist for more than a few hours the antiseptic power of essence if cinnamon. He looks upon ib as nob less effective in destroying microbes than corro sive-sublimate. Even its scent kills them, and ib noes no harm to human beings. A decoction of cinnamon is often good to drink in localities where typhoid fever or cholera ia rife."

Wesleyan,— Services were conducted on Sunday art Baring Square Churoh by Rev. Thos. Fee, the newly appointed paßtor of the Ashburton circuit. The morning sermon was an exposition of the words—•« Take ye away the stone/ John n: 39. It was remarked that all the miracles of Jesus were noticeable for their economy of power, and the Divine Agency was only employed at (hat point where human means had reached their limit. A look of Christ's could have rolled back a universe, but the duty of removing the stone from LazaruB 7 tomb lay with his immediate friends. The hindrances and obstructions to God'B work were then dealt with, three of which were referred to a^i length—viz , inconsistency, indifference, and unbelief, the antidotes of which were respectively, constant watchfulness, earnest ness and enthusiasm, and a spirit of expect ancy. At night. Mr Fee preached an im pressive sermon from the text—' 1 What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul ? The congregation at the evening service was unußually large.

HAMPSTEAD TOWN BOARD.

The monthly mooting of the Hampstead Town Board was held on Friday evening laab. Present—Messra McElr«a, Andrews, Hunt, and Keeley. Messrs Cawsey and Elliott senb apologies. Mr McEliea was voted to the chair.

RESIGNATION.

Mr Maynard (the late chairman) wrote tendering hie resignation as a member of the Board, on acoounb of his shortly leaving the colony, and thanking the Board and its Oierk for their assistance and courtesy to himself during his term of office?

Mr MoElrea eaid as the resignation wae inevitable under the circumstances, he wsb aorry it had nob been tendered before, &a he should liko to have seen Mr Maynard pre sented with some souvenir of his connection with the Board and the district, if ib was only a trinket to hang on hia watch guard s bub he was probably out) of the oulony by this time, and he would move that a record be placed on the minutes, expressive of their appreciation of his (Mr Maynard'u) servioes and regret ati losing his assistance, and that a letter be forwarded to him to this effect, and wishing him a pleaßanb voyage and Bucoees in future undertakings This was seconded by Mr Keeley, and carried unanimously.

ASHBWRTON RIVERBED

The Ashburton County Oounoil wrote stat ing it> will prosecute persona depositingjpffen s.ro matter in the riverbed if this Board will indemnify it against all oost—Received. dogs The clerk was instruoted to advertise that all owners of unregistered dogs will be pro secuted After May Ist;.

BICYCLH9

Ib was resolved that person* riding bicyolea on the footpath be prosecuted.

WOKK9 00MMITT8B

Mr Andrews for the Works Committee submitted a report on several roada, etc, which be and Mr Keeley had iuspeoled.

NEW STHHKT

Mr Thos. Crooks attended and informed the Board on what terms a by-streefc between Wellington and Nelson Streets oould be Required by the Board.

Ib was resolved to acquire the street on the terms named.

MISOELLANEOOB

Some small accounts were pasted and the Board adjourned for a, fuller meeting and election of a chairman.

TEE PRINCE OF WALES.

GREETING BY THE KAISER AND

HIS BROTHER.

A SIGNIFICANT COMPLIMENT TO

ENGLAND.

THE PRINCE'S RETURN TO LONDON,

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Berlin, April 20 The Kaiser and his brother, Prince Henry, greeted the Prince of Wales when passing through Altona, on his returning to England from a visit to Denmark. London, April 21 The Kaiser's kindly impulse in un expectedly journeying from Berlin to Altona and summoning Prince Henry from Kiel to greet the Prince and Princess cf Wales, is regarded, besides being tribute of family affection to the Prince and Princess, as a gracefully significant", compliment to Englatid.

The leading French newspapers in terpret the incident as emphasising the Angle-German entente cordiale, aa a manifest rebuke to Anglophobism in Germany, and an foreshadowing the utter failure of the mission to Berlin and elsewhere of the Boer peace dele gates.

The Prince and Prioeess of Wales, in returning to London, did not halt at Brussels. The crowd cordially cheered them.

Unbounded enthusiasm was dis played as their Royal Highnesses drove through the streets of London. The Queen, in forwarding a letter of thanks to thestationmaster at Brussels for seizing Sipido, sent him the cross of the Royal Victorian order.

A Veteran Horticulturist.

EFFECTS OF OPEN AIR WORK

There are veterans in every walk of life. It ia generally the veteran soldier or states man who is interviewed ! To-day we inter view a veteran horticulturist (saya the Otaki Mail), and we do nob think his experiences are less interesting to readers than the ex periences of those occupying a more public position Mr Evan Evans, the subject of our sketch, is an able bodied man, fifty-five years of age, and has charge of the horti cultural operations of Mr Percy Gillies, gentleman of Te Horo (N.Z.). " We propose, Mr Fvans," said our repre sentative, " to interview y.ou regarding your work and experiences."

18 Well,"said Mr Evan*, " my experiences are at your service, Out-door work car* tainly has a healthy influence upon indivi duals, but the occasional exposure to wind and wee ie unpleasant and distressing. Ib is owing to exposure that I have been troubled with rheumatism for thirty years. In July last it turned to rheumatic sciatica. The pain commenced in the left hip joint and soon spread to the feet. The pains were hotl, shooting stabbing pains, and made me think I was being flayed alive; I thought I Bhould go mad. Previously my joints had ached with rheumatism, bub the pain had 'never been so acute, During the first week of the rheumatic sciatica I had to abandon work, and when I left my bed I was hardly fib for anything. Sleep waa impossible. I would lie moaning and crying out in agony ! Liniments, ointments, and plasters were tried, bub only temporary good resulted. My condition became worse and worse and I grew so weak that I could nob proceed to the Botorua hot springs, which I thoughb might have improved me. My left foob waß partially paralysed and I was suffering great agony, when a friend showed me a pamphlet, in which a man told how he had been cured of my complaint by Dr, Williams' pink pills for pale people. I sent to Wellington for six boxes and commenced taking their con tents in accordance with direcions. When I had finished four boxes, I noticed a marked improvement. Later on I purchased another supply and continued with them until cured. I have no hesitation in saying that Dr. Williams' pink pills completely cured me o: the most acute rheumatic sciatica a man could experience. For the Usb six months I have been exceptionally strong and healfhy, and have not felb even one twinge of pain. I have a good appetite, and sleep well, And am certain my cure is permanent. The par tial paralysis in my lefb foob has also gone, and I can now use it without difficulty. My case has been a complicated one, but Dr. Williams' piak pills proved more than equal to it " In every part of the world hundreds of cases of rheumatism, sciatica, paralysis, neuralgia, looomofcor ataxia, St. Titui' dance, rickets, scrofula, eczema, after effects of influenza, measles, and rheumatic fever, irregularities, loss of manly strength, etc. have been cured by Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people. See that full name is printed in red ink on pink outside wrapper, other wise a substitute has been offered you. Dr. Williams' pink pills are sold by chemists and storekeepers and by the Dr. Williams' Medicine Co., Wellington, N.Z, three shillings per box, six boxes sixteen and six pence; List of testimonials will be senb free on application.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Lord Boberts's Advance Still Delayed

A Fight Near Dewetsdorp

General Bundle's Division Engaged

The lioers Lriven Back

Lord Methuen Ordered to Eetire

A Convoy Attacked by Two

Thousand Boers

The Enemy Repulsed

The Siege of Wepener

Attacked by fcOOO Boers

An Unsuccessful Assault

Lord Boberts's Criticisms

Sensation in Natal

Statement by a British

Minister

Landing of British Forces &'

Beira

Mr Beits Protes-s

L Circassian Nobleman Killer

A. Surgeon Eeceiyes the V.C

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Lonbon, April 22

The weather is now fine, but Lord j Roberts is still delayed, owing to the j impassable condition of the drifts. General Bundle fought the enemy five miles west of Dewetsdorp ou Fri day. The artillery duel lasted from noon till duck. Two of the enemy's guns were silenced. Mounted troops outflanking the enemy and opening fire, the Boers were driven to a second ' ridge, the British occupying the first j ridge with few wounded. Lord Methuen, who was at Zwart'a | kopjes, wai ordered to retire to Boshof on Friday.' Two thousand Boers, with three guns, advancing towards Boshof, fiercely attacked a portion of Methuen's force, consisting of Kimberley Mounted Eiflea and Yorkshire Yeomanry, which protected a convoy six miles long. The British took cover on the kopjes. The Boers fought skilfully and determinedly till the moment they came within three hundred yards range, when they were repulsed, suffering heavily. There were ueveral British c isualtiea. The convoys were* saved. , The Boers report that eight thousand men, with fifteen guns, are attacking Wepener. The Boers on the night of the 11th inst. were discovered slipping up a donga to Wepaner. The British Maxims opened on them at 200 yards. The j Boers removed five waggon loads of j dead and wounded.

A simultaneous attack elsewhere on the British position was repulsed at the point of the bayonet. Lord Roberta's criticisms regarding Spionkop havo created a sensation in Natal, though they are endorsed. Mr Long, President of the Board of Agriculture, speaking at Hull, said the censures on Sir Redvers Bullerand Sir Charles Warren were only published when they were not likely to affect the result of the operations. The recall of the generals was entirely at Lord Roberta's discretion.

Capetown, April 20

The Johannesburg refugees declare that the plan to destroy the mines haa not been abandoned, dospite the officia disclaimers and protests of the foreign Consuls.

Lieutenant Basche and Trooper Bender, of the New South Wales Mounted Infantry, died of enttric fever.

Amsterdam, April 20

Mr Fischer and the other Boer peace delegates, had fifteen minutes' audience with the Queen of Holland. Lisbon, April 20

Mr Reitz has protested angrily to the Portuguese Government, against the British forces being allowed to pass through Portuguese territory by the Beira route. Portugal replied that the consent was in accordance with the 1891 treaty. The Portuguese Minister of Foreign A fairs informed the Cortes that none of the Powers had protested with regard to the matter, and no protest waa expected. (A Beuter's message from Pretoria, dated 12th March, published in the Cape Times, states that the Portuguese Charge d'Affairea at Fretoria had on that date adviaed the Pretorian Government that Secret Treaty No. 18, although not published, now oame into force, and gives to the British the right to send troops and war material through Beira to the British Protectorate; The Transvaal Government, proteating, holds that the operation of the said secret treaty is juat the same as Article No. 6 of the Republic's treaty with Portugal, which gives the Republic privileges now in abeyance. ■ The act i« considered a breach of neutrality.) . . London, April 21

Sir Frederick Oarrington has arrived at Beira en route to Rhodesia, The Australian Bushmen's Contingent, which preceded him, have gone in the direction of Salisbury.

There has been a deluge of rain in the Free State. The dams are full and grass is abundant.

The completion of the Bethulie bridge enables fifteen instead of three trains to run to Bloemfontein daily. A large quantity of concealed Mau sers have been found at Bloemfontein.

Mr Steyn ia urging that the British be prevented at all costs from securing the rich grain districts round Wepener, Ladybrand and Fickaburg, Prince Morgaph, a Circassian noble man, was killed at Boehof at the same time as Mareuil,

The New Soath Wales troops greatly appreciate the presents of comfort from Mr F Dangars and Ladies Duff and Hampden, At the instance of Lady Tennyson, wife of the Governor of South Aus tralia, her [sister-in-law 'has appealed

for funds *o purchase winter clothing and comforts for the South Australians at the front.

Sargeon-Mijor Babtie hag received the Victoria Cross for bringing in Lord Roberta's son when the latter was wounded in the battle ©f Colenso

Instances have come to light where Boers in Natal are arming natives, and compelling them to assist the comman dos. Washington, April 20 Mr Hay, American Consul in Pre toria, has cabled that the men o! the Chicago Red Cross Ambulance are serving in the Boer ranks instead of in the hospital as promised. Adelaide, April 21 The Eastern Extension Cable Com pany has notified that it is prepared to transmit messages from the relatives of members of the Australian Con* tingents, at the reduced rated of 2a 6d per word. The Cape Postal Depart ment does not levy a local rate on such messages. Capetown, April 22 Scbalk Burger has been appointed vice'preiident of the Transvaal. With a view to the preservation of law and order Mfrjor-General Pretj man, Governor of Bloemfonteia, hag been made military Governor of the whole of the occupied portions of the Free State.

Fighting in Natal.

Boer Women Disguised as Men

Women Kill British Wounded on

the Battle Field,

Success of General Bundle.

Seizes the Knemys Position and

Advances

Received Wakapuaka April 25, 8.45 am,

This Office 9.30 a m

London, April 22

Fighting continues in Natal, where the Boers and British vanguards are engaged in an artillery duel at Elaodslaagte. Shelling continued throughout Saturday.

The very severe censorship assumed indicate that Lord Roberts' forward movement has commenced.

The Commander-in-chief has iospec ted the Bed Cross section of the Army at Bloemfontein,

The women warriors have bee» admittedly chiefly guilty for the killing of British wounded oa the field of battle.

A number of Boer deserters in Natal declare the hope of intervention alone keeps the Boers at the front. An official report states that General Bundle engaged the enemy five miles west of Dewetsdorp on Friday. The Yeomanry and mounted troops enabled General Bundle to seize the enemy's first and higher position, covering Dewetsdorp. Me advanced again on Saturday, fighting ensuing.

The Fourth Contingent

Ul ted Press Aaaociabion —By Electric (Telegraph Wellington, April 23 The Premier has received a oable, not signed, but supposed to have been signalled by Major Francis to shore, that the Monowai arrived at Port Natal, all well, but loat ten more horses; and would leave for East London at onoe, then the Cuntingeno would go on to Bloemfontein,

General Brabant Fighting.

Received Wakapuaka April 23, 2.35 ptn, Thia Office 2 55 p.m) London, April 22 General Brabant is fighting to day within twenty tmlea of Wepener. Oolcnel Dalgety heliographed the gar rison was well and hopeful.

(Service telegram received by Postmaster at 2 40 p.m.) A communication has been received from Capetown that instructions have been tele graphed to Durban for the Monowai to proceed to Beira, as she is not required for invalide.

SPOTTING.

ASHBURTON TROTTING OLUB

The following handicaps have been de clared for the Ashburton Trotting Club's Autumn Meeting :—

Maidbn Handicap Trot (la saddle), of 20 soys ; two miles—Scotch Guard, Cedric, Breamer, Infelice, Jaokoo, Blue Bell, Nellie Grey II aor., Miracle Jack, Mistake 11, Gambler, Lena Belle 2aeo, Jamaica 3aee, Maori, Brandon 6seo, Bonny Belle (pony) lOsec.

Fabmbbs' Plate Handicap Tbot (in saddle), of 20 soya ; two miles—Bed of Stone aor, Myra Tracey 15seo, iEstella 17«eo, Cruiser 18sec, Toronto 2lseo, Berlin Mao 233« c, Miss Wilkin, Cass 26sec, Scottish Lais 28« ec, Blue Boy, Coolgardie, Funny wood 30seo, MiracU Jack, Impudence, Zeta 32sec

Lagmhor Handicap Trot (in harness), cf 50 sovsj two miles.—Prince Imperial aor, General Grigg 17sec, Prince Albert 29« c, Katipo 3lsec, Arahura 34seo, Liberia 39seo, Wild Poo*e 47aec, Kruger, Viotor Hugo, Mistake II 52sec,

Handicap Selling Trot (in saddle), of 20 sovsj 1J mile—General Luck Bor, Myra Tracey, Gillie Riabach 12sec, Fairchild 17aeo, Queen B 18sec, Cass SOaec, Ishulet 23aec, Mistake 26seo t Diplomacy 30sec.

Ashiukton Handicap Tkoi (in saddle), of 50 so vs ; two miles—-General Grigg aor, Bad of Stone 3?ec, Wenlock Bsec, Cosmo, Edward R, Katipo 14sec, Terry 16see, Auc tioneer ISaec, Gruißer, Sydney 21sec, Jook McQtiilla 23seo, Boyalwood 31seo, Scottish Lass 32(ieo, Seftoo, Senator 36«e0, Hard Case, Gambler 3Saeo.

Electric Handicap Trot (in harness), of 30 sovb; 1| mile—Prince Imperial 8:r, J.H* Sseo, Amelia B=iec, General Blandish 16eec, Arahura 27aeo, Toronto 30890, Wild Pool 36seo, Myrtle P 383 ec, Viotor Hugo, Infelioe, Jackoo, Wirt, Doubtful 11, Braemar, Kng Harold 39seo, Linwood, Brandon, Maori, 44seo.

Dash Handicap Thot (in saddle), of 26 sors ; one mile—General Luck acr, FoudU royanfr, Edward R 6aec, Katipo, Wanaka 7bßo, Bella, Auctioneer Baec, Gillie Riabach 9jec, Queen B 12»eo, The American 13sec Royalwood 14seo, Sefton, Nafferton, Brae mar, Tim 18aec, Lena Belle 19aeo, Ambition 20s6c

Several horses pot having complied wibh the conditions, they have not) been handi capped,

AUSTRALIAN FEDERA TION.

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopy right. London, April 21 Mr Reeves ia urging the open door be conceded to New Zealand in the Commonwealth Bill for a reasonable period. Mr Chamberlain is disposed to agree if it doss not necessitate a farther referendum, He also thinks it important that some concession should be made to induce Westralia to join the Federation.

The Federal delegates meet in Log-

don on Monday to consider the decision of the Premiers' Ooaference.

The Times expresses gratificatic n that the differences on the Common wealth Bill are disappearing, and says that the value of the Privy Council as a moderating influence is simply incal culable. They also publish cables from Messrs Muller and Simpson, of Ade laide, stating that only lawyers are interested in the appeal amendment. They add that the Australian public had no opportunity of votingon Federa tion, with appeal to the Privy Council.

The Patriotic Fund.

Acknowledged   £1065 19 10 Miss Wilkinson, Ghertsey, recitation, '< Absent-minded Beggar" .. .. 0 2 0 ___ £1066 1 10

To day's Telegrams.

United Preii Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph)

Wellington, April 23 The arrivals in the colony for March wen 1303; departure*, including 713 troope, 2543.

The yacht Boomerang broke Away from her mooringa and was found on the rocke four milet from the lighthouse, with a hole knocked in her.

DtrNKDm, April 23 The collection in the Churohea in Dunedin and suburbs yesterday, in aid of the Indian Famine fund, realised £470.

Edward Borlaae, aged 27, expired yeiter day from an epileptic fib, while oat walking. Namb*, April 25 A twelve roomed house ab Meanee, owned and occupied by P. Dooney, wu bnrnb dowa yesterday. The house wai empty, Dooney's family being away for the day. The iniar* ance on the houae wafl £400, on the fanl« tnre £150.

Wellington, April 23

At Masterton, James Drummond, a sett* ler of Newman, was thrown from hit horse and killed instantaneously this morning* He leaves a wife and large family.

The Trouble at Ashantes.

United Press Association—By. Electrio

Telegraph—Copyright

London, April 22

The relief force has reached Knm* aasi. The situation is now improving.

THE PLAAUE.

SIX MORE OASES IN SYDNEY.

TWO MORE DEATHS.

United Press Association—By Eieotrio Telegraph—Copyright Perth, April 21 Sweeney is convalescent.

Sydney, April 22 Thrte fresh cases of plague are reported—Roffey, of Woollahra, and Bridget Collins, of Paddington, A man named McKinley, camped near Oamden, where he went from Sydney on Wedneiday, developed symptoms and was brought back to the city, Other fresh cases are—Sarah Austin, died in Prince Alfred Hospital ; Olive Mooney, of Balmain ; Steevens, of Miller's Point. R'offey is dead.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Auckland, April 21 Dr Mason again visited the wharves to day, supervising additional plague precaa* Mods. He states that the men who were isolated an a precautionary measure, aro all well* MrGilruth is visiting the slaughter yards

Dr Mason and Mr Gilruth note with great satisfaction the amount of tarring done on the wharves and breastworks adjacent to shipping, and have approved a suggestion that the Government add fish oil to the tar, Whioh keeps it moist and greasy, thereby keeping off rats.

April 22 Dr Mason and Mr Gilrubh waited upon his Excellency at Government House to right, and expressed regret at having to re poro that the result of their batsriological examination of oertain rats found upon the wharves left no doubt whatever that the animals suffered from the bacillus of bubonic p'sgue. This fact, however, need not raise any extraordinary alaim, because sooner or later the infection of rodents must have occurred. In Melbourne and Brisbane dur ing the last few months infected rats have been found, yet no human being has con tracted disease there. They urge all civic authorities to use all precaution! possible and distribute poiion free for destroying rats.

Tha men whe were working in the sh*d wheie the first suspected rat was killed, have been well isolated.

Wellington, April 23 Mr J A Gilrutk and Dr Mason suggest that the civic authorities ought to supply gratis a mixture of arsenic, pollard, and oil of aniseed, and that one day should be set apart for tae universal poisoning of rats at the earliest opportunity. Mr Ward hai replied expressing the hope that with the active co-operation of the oivio and harbour authorities the disease will be confined to the rodents. He intends to confer powers on Dr Maion and Mr Gilruth by commission, to take any steps their experience and judgment* may direct.

The Government decline to remove Quarantine restrictions imposed upon vessels irom Tasmania.

TMS3!ASHBUBTOH $OAEI)IAH • MON: AY, A?RIL 23, 1900



GKORUE DUNCAN & Co. RS&SPSOT FULLY announce that they have Opened those centrally situated Premises L in Taneied Street, -Ashburton, lately occupied by Mr A P. Williamson {next^Dndrill's), where they will open on —Saturday, I4fch Apri],l= AS EEADY MONEY DRAPERS. WS BUY FOR CASH and thus secure all Discounts, The Lowest Priceß and best Markets, WE SELL FOR 0 vSE and thus avoid all loßses arising from Bad Debts and the expenses of the Credit System. WHY should the Chsh Customer pay for other peoples bad debts. By dealing with us they avoid doiug so. Pluabb Call & Inspect Our Stock. No Osbj Pbbi9ED to Brr. 475 ""notice to farmers. ace GASH BUYERS of PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN ANY | QUANTITY Please take your Samples to th« MillJ We can supply Gornsacks^at cost price. CANTERBURY! ROLLER FLOUR MILLS, (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B, HOBART, Manager 17 th March, 1900.



ESTABLISHED 1874. MgDOMALD & Co., TA.UL.OK**, T> E M 0 V E D to | Sse our Samples JV&lLJkilte Compare our prices , , , Burnett Street. We cau't be beat 2_23_5_ . r as r -5W | O - D 3 , 1 £ a & i >< >■ ' SI- ?j r O £ p. O H ' 2| *^ £ I « & ■ i P <! 5 rJQ. New Zealand ; OLOTHIiG FACTORY TS NOW SHOWING A LiRGE STOCK OF Winter Goods Men's Sic Suita .. 21», 25',.29s 61. Rlen'a T«veed Trousers 7* 6i,B^9i, 3? 6 1 Men's Covert Coats .. 29i 6d, 39; 61, 52i 6d Boya' Covert Coats from .. .-, 14s Boys' Reefer Co*tß from .. .. 6s 6d Boyts' S4lor Suits from .. .. 7i Boya'Norfolk Su^tsfrom .. ..ÜB6d 50 dzea Serge and Tweed C-ipa. The largest varifty in town. 20 dozen Soft Felt Hats, newest shapes. White Shirts 5a 6d, 6a 6d, 7s 6,1, 8. 6d, 9s 6 i A new line of short fronted White Shirts, New Tirs, Braces, Gloves, Mufflsrs, Collars, Umbrellas, Wool Shirta, etc. Ladiks and Gentlemen's Waterproof Coats, Made to Orueb. A large variety o! Patterns to choose from. JNS2W ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. V. H. BECKING SALE, Manager TdISS BKSSIEisIMMUiNDS. ' MUSIC Seller and Teacher of the Violin. Musical instruments of every descrip tion VIOLINS a SPECIALITY. Music and Songs by every mail. First-olaas Quad rille Band. Burnett Street, 4 83 Opposite Publishing Company. MRS ALOORN has a more complete Stock thaa ever of Fancy Work and Makeria'a. All the latest styles to band Itstipecfcioa Invited,



LUWELLYN OWEN, M'O.S.M. OBRTIFIOATED TBAOHER, LOCAL Representative of the LondoD College of Music, and of the JMndcal International College. lANOFORTE, ORGAN, VIOLIN, MAN DOuINE, SINGING, HARMONY, AND COUNTERPOINT. The new term will commence January 22nd. Intending papila kindly communioate early. OSBORN COOMBF-, PIANO TUNER & EXPERT (Labe of London), VISITS Ashburton and surrounding Dii» trie! s every four months—via, Marcb, July, and November. ORDERS may be left with MR LLEWELLYN OWEN afc his Music Studio, Arcade Ch&mbera, Aahburton, or at Commercial Hotel. N.Z LOAN & MERO NMLB AGENCST COMPANY, Ltd. foTjk Great Bread Winners. THE HERCULES NICHOLSON OULTITATOR. Leading Farmers' verdict is—" Absolutely the best Cultivator ever sold in the Colony." "FARMER'S FAVORITE" ALL STEEL DRILL Fitted with Roller bearings and New.Turnip and Rape Feed. HINEMOA" POTATO DIGGER Cost ofj[machine saved in three, acres of Potatoes.) SPALDING-ROBINS ROTARY DISC PLOUGH 50 per cent saved in cost) of ploughing. We ask farmers to inspect our machines For the Autumn Trade. THE N.Z. LOAN AND^MEKCANTILE AGENCY CO., LIMITED. G.=STAVELEY, Manager. SOLE AGENT for Ashburto* Districts: DAVID THOMAS. 5 267 Harvest Supplies WE HAVE JUST LANDED ex Paparoa, Rakaia, and Aotea, NEW SUPPLIES OF ENGLISH EARTHENWARE, GLASS AND CHINA. Every line up tc date, an-Tab Joweac Cash (q| nations. English and America FRUIT JARS at lowest prices in Towd, Queensland Pure Dry Cane SUG4R 701b Bags 14a. j Only dry Sugar should be used for Preserving. Two and Three Prong- Forks, Binder Whips, Rein Cord, Oil Cane, Reaper Oil, Raw and Boiled Oil, Castor and Cylinder Oil, In any quantity. 51b Boxes Pure Ceylon TEA from 7s 6d each, 810 yIT L E S. In BICYCLES we can offer the best value In the Colony, We build Machines to order from Genuine B.S.A. parts 1 We are also Agents for Columbias, Harfcfordß, and Lovell Diamonds. Quotations on application. CARSON & Co., GROCERS AND IRONMONGERS, Importers of Bicycles, Hardware, Glajs and China, Tanoked Street and Area.de, 5 Ashburtcn. I



MBS JOHNSTON i mEACHER of the Pianoforte and JL BiaaiDg. Hftvelock Street, 'Z'SALANDIAfci" at the FROJST STILL BOOMING. fIIHEY are simply marvellous. For Speed, L Rigidity, and Comfort they cannot be beaten. Beautifully enamelled iv fancy colors Gentleman's £31 Lady's £3*. A large stock of Labest Novelties to hand- Lamps from 4a 6iil, Graphite for chain from 6d, Toe Clips from Is 6d, Dunlop oulfitß 9d, Elastic anklets 2b 6d, Fancy handles from 23. Inspection invited. DATES. LOWRY AND CO, Burnett Street.



TjIMINENT Physicians--Expert Analysts Jjj and Food Specialists all favour Hon dai-Lanka Ceylon Tea as being the pureßt and most nutritious of all teas. Don't bake substitutes' Sealed lead packets and boxes only ; aold by disinterested stores,



POCatiy Thank* , "I wish to express my thanks to the ' manufacturer!) of Chamberlain's Coli Cholera, and Diarrhoea Remedy, for having put on the market such a wonderful mcdi cine," says W W Massingill, of Beaumont, Texas; There are many thousands of mothers whose children have been saved from attacks of dysentery and cholera in fantum who must also feel thankful. It ia for sale by Ashburton Drug Company j Smoka New Venus !



SA2NT>I3jhl & tsorxm Enca lypti JBxtraot. Under the distinguished patronage of Hit Majesty the King ofltaly, as per communica bion 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 Olinios and Universities all over the Globe. There are imitations of Eucalypti Extract in the market, products of simple distillation forming or ado 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 Government to be of perfectly pure origin, as per information forwarded to us through the Consul at Melbourne, March 2, 1878, we tate:— It is proved by tests by the Medical Client of the Universities ac Bonn and Greifswald Prussia, and reported by Dr. Sohulz, Professor f Parmacology, at Bon, and Professor Bre Mossier, Director ef the Medioal Clinics as Greifswald, that only products that aro saturated with oxygen aid freed of acide resinous and other substances, adherent) to primary distillation, will develope the sanative qualities proper to the pi an All crude oils, or so called Eucalypti Extra ct are to be classed according to the named authorities, among the turpendnei, whioh tre abandoned long since as an internal medicament. These crude oils, or so called Eucalypti Extracts, areiHoernihta:— 1 By their deficiency in pungent odour— which our product, the only genuine Eucalypti Extract develops moat freely through its surplus oxygen, 2 By their alcoholic thin and mobile appear ance being reduced in speoifio density through tae presence -of acids, 3 By their taete, the result of the contracting tendency of resine and tennates. if these crude oils, so-c lied eucalypti extraots, are applied by mista ;e in catei of croup, bronchitis, diphtheria, internal inflamations, dysentery, etc, the con sequences are most appalling. For safety ake ask always for SANDER & SON'S I EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. — Sandnrrt, j Victoria, Australia. SANDER & SONS. VISIT NORTHOOTE AND JHeFFOBD's fo your Autumn aed W'netr Millinery See window*.