Mail notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the neceasarv alterations :— TUESDAY, J LV 31 For Northorn Porta and Weatport, per Rotomahana, at 6-30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1. For Westpo't end West Coast, per Poherua, at 10 30 a.m.

For Northern Ports, per Tarawera, at 10 30 am

For Chatham Islands, per Toroa, at 6 30 pm FRIDAY, AUGUST 3

For Northern Porte, Westporc, Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, also United States, Canada, etc., United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Fran cisco, per Takapnna, as follows :~For money orders at 2 30 pm.; registered letters, at 5 p.m ; locks and newspapers, at 6.30 p.m.; ordinary letters 6.30 p.m.; late fee letters, mail van, express train. Due London Sept sth. W. H. Res neb. Postmaster.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— CHRISTCHURCH—at 7.20 a.m., 11 a.m.,

3.15 p.m., 7 5 p.m. (express) TIMARU-at 10 55 a.m., 3 50 p.m. DUNfcDIN-at 12.54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 pm.

Trains arrive daily at Aahburton from— CHKISTOHUROH-ab 10.45 s.m., 12.47

p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIM ARC— at 10.35 a.tn., 2 55 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9 45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for August

SUN.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Aahburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Aaaooiation ol Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on July 30, 1900:- Wheat— Prime milling Pearl .. 2a 3d „ „ Tuscan... 2a 3d to 2a 4d „ „ Hunter's 2s 2d Oats—Duns ... la Sd to Is 6d Danish le 5d to la 6d Canadians 'Is .7d to-M 8d Sparrowbills le 6d to la 7d Barley—Malting, prime] 2a Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2a 3d Ohafi—Good oateheaf 47s 6d to 50i Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2s to 2s 3d New „ la6dtola9d The above are prices current paid to fanners on truoka at Ashburton.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

There waa a good attendance of farmers, dealers and othera at the Tinwald Yarda to-day. About 4000 aheep and 25 head of cattle were yarded. There was a consider* able advance in prices on last week's ratea. Batchers' sheep—Crossbred ewes, 10a 9d, 14 ; wethers, 13s 6d, 23a 3d; merino wethera, 10*, 11a lid ; hoggets, 13s 3d ; frerzing wethera, 16a, 18s 7d. Stores— Hoggetß, 10s sd, 13a 6d ; forward sheep, 13s Id, 15a 10d 5 pro abred ewes in bmb, 12, 154 81 ; merino ewes, old, %\ 10d, good mouthed, lis 3d, 11a 4i; merino wethera, Hi 6d. _

DEATH.

Palmer —At Havelock Street, Aehburtoa s at hia parents' house, Wilmam John, dearly beloved aon of William and Mary Jane Palmer, in his 23rd year. Deeply regretted.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Paævalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1900. THE "OLD CANTERBURY" SUGGESTION.

The proposal to give a representation of " Old Canterbury" in Hagley Park as part of the jubilee celebration programme is very properly pooh poohed by many leading Canterbury people, who point out that the scheme is practically unworkable. Even supposing a miniature reproduc tion of Christchurch when it consisted of V shaped huts, flax-bushes, and ti-tree scrub, could ba successfully " staged." so to speak, the picture would hardly possess the charm of novelty for the present generation, many of whom—passing their lives in the leas settled parts of the province, e'farfrem the madding crowd"—are

virtually leading much the same sort of existence as the old pioneers led in the dayß of yore. The " Old Canter bury " idea is in fact a bit too old for the purpose intended, and in another sense is a little too previous, as our American frinnd3 wou'd say. A hun dred years hence, when Christchurch is the sins of Sydney or Melbourne, und Ashburton is larger than Christ church is now, the people of that a&e may perhaps take a lively interest in any realis ie representation of the brave old d*yß when their forefathers tended their flocks and herds on the bare plains of Canterbury, and began the conversion of those wide expanses of tussocks and boulders into the smiling fields and noble forests, which by that time will doubtless spread from the mountains to the Bea; But to expend money on j such a project now, would *c worse j than useless. It would be far better to adopt the proposal of the Mayor of Ohristchurch, and other prominent colonists, and, as part of the celebra tion programme, to get together a col lection of mementos ai the men, who made Canterbury what it is, in the shape of photos, drawings, paintings and relic?. These mifijht be gathered from every part of the province, and we have not the slightest doubt that the Ashburton county could supply its quota. And such a collection should not be dispersed with the pass* ing away of the Exhibition. Let it be permanent, and occupy a room in the "Industrial Hall" building for it could be constantly added to, and wonld in this way become an exceedingly valuable and interesting record of the progress of the province.

Local and General.

* # * Interesting reading matter will be found on the first and fourth pages of this issue.

Friso Mail—The Moan* arrived ab Auckldnd to-day, with the Frisco mail.

Russian Affairs—A cable from St Peters burg states thab M lawolski auaceeda Count Muravieff aa Russian Minister Of Foreign Affairs.

AoRICULTUBAIi Show:—At a meeting of the Otago A and P Society, held on Satur day, the date of the Summer Show, waa fixed for 29 h and 30th November.

Captain Bromy.—lb ia understood that the directors of the Union Si 8. Company exonerate Captain Brpphy from all blame for the loss of the Taupo.— Grey River Argus.

Accident Riservb Fund.—The fund to provide compensation for railway accidents in Tiotoria inaugurated shortly after the Windsor railway disaster In 1887, now amounts to £71,500. It ia to be closed when tb totals JBIGO.OOO.that sum being considered an adequate reserve.

A Big Stamp Transaction.—What la believed to be absolutely tha largest transaction that has ever taken place in the stamp world has just been successfully carried through. According to Mr Stanley Gibbon's Monthly Journal Mr M P Castle, a Brighton Magistrate, and vice-president of the Loudon Philatelic Society, has, through Messrs Hamilton-Smith, sold his collection of European stamps for about £30,000 to a gentleman interested in the hobby.

An Ambiguous Pbavjeb—ln a church not a hundred miles from Ashburton the regular clergyman has proceeded on a missionary viait to foreign parts. An able brother cleric, relieving him in the pulpit one Sun day, in the course of |a prayer for his absent friend made the following ambiguous appeal: "0 Lord, bless our friend, Thy servant, in his special mission in distant) lands, and 0 Lord, keep h\m, there"

Major or thi South Canterbury Battalion—-It ia of course well known that Captain Dolman, of the Aehburton Rifles, is senior Captain of the South Canterbury Battalion, and by virtue of"that position ia entitled to the vacant majorship of the battalion. We understand thab the position haa been offered him. Captain, Sparrow, of the Guards, is second in order of seniority.

LporußK — The second lecture of the course on English Literature will be given by the Rev R A Woodthorpe, M.A , in the St Stephen's schoolroom to-morrow after noon, at 345 pm. The subject of the lecture ia " Some Characteristics of the Literature of the Victorian Era." We are requested to state that the committee of the technical clashes have decided for the convenience of those who are unable to attend the whole coures, to admit persons to any single lecture on paymenb of 6d.

V. A.O.D.—The usual fortnightly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge was held last evening. There was a fair attendance of members. Sick pay waa passed to two eick brothers, the Bards reporting that they were progressing favourably An appeal from a sister Lodge, on behalf of a deceased brother's widow, was received and a sum waa voted from the Lodge funds. After discussing matters for the benefit of the Order, the Lodge waa cloaed by the A.D., Bio Fifield, at the usual hour.

Thb Domestic Qoxbtion—With reference to an article ia our editorial columns yester day, a contemporary remarka : In the oaee of young girla full of energy and apirit, there must be a certain amount of Buffering in the condition which entails confinement to one spot uniesa with the sanction of a superior to leave the premises for a few hours, Thia confinement, thia curtailment of personal liberty ia against the spirit of tha age. No mm or woman will endure it, if there be a door of escape. The factory hands or shop giria,whatever may be the hardships of their lot, have their eveninga free, alao the weekly half-holiday, and the whole of Sunday. This la denied to the servant, and therefore the essential reform to meet the case is co-operative houte-keeping to which we are drifting.

The Marconi System. — The Maroonl system (writes a London correspondent) haa worked very well experimentally in the British navy, bub it has not yet been intro duced into the regular equipment of oar ships. Some of the directors of trading fleets between England and America are making a determined effort to equip their vessels with thia ÜBeful means of communica tion, but the owners of British merchant vessels, as a whole, are almoat aa oonaerva* tive as the official mind. The French Government) have decided to adopt the system nob only for naval bat for coast defence purposes. A vessel can communicate with the shore when aixty miles distant. In fact, co useful is the wireleaa ayatem thab a French spy, sitting in his bedroom in Dover can communicate with his confederate in the steeple of Calais Church.

SiIAKESPEABKAN RSOITALS.—Lovers of good literature admirably interpreted will be glad to know that Mr and Mrs Hannibal A Williams, the distinguished American entertainers, are to give a private- aeriea of recitals of Shakeapsrean playa in Ashburton. The historical drama of " King Henry 1V.," part 1, with the humorous conceits of Sir John Falstaff, will be given by Mr Williams in the Orange Hall on Wednesday evening, August 1, and the delightful oomedy, " Aa you like it," will be given on Tuesday evening, August 7, by Mra Williams. The original date for Mrs Williams' appearance has been changed to August 7 owing to her return engagement in Wellington, where she will appear In the presence of the Countess of Ranfurly and suite, Lady Stout, Lady Douglas Mra Seddon, Mra Ward, Lady Hector, Lady Atkinson, Mra Wallia, Mrs Richmond, Mra Newman, Mra Miller, Mrs Brown, Mrs Rhodes, Mra Heaton-Rhodes, Mra Firth, Mra Findlay and many others in a recital of "A Blot in} the 'Scutcheon " Mr and Mra Williams have already appeared aix times in Wellington and always with enthusiasm. Their recitals of the playa of Shakespeare are characterised by excellent judgment, taste, skill, in impersonation and an artistic force and finish as surprising aa effective. The patrons to the series in Aahburton may expect two evsniaga of unalloyed pltaiurs and profit,

Weather Forecast:-Captain Edwin forfeits as under:—North to west and southwest gale with rain, and glass fall.

Tinwald Yards:-It is satisfactory to note that th« Tinwald Saleyards aro in better condition than they have been for some considerable time, and there have beon some very desirable improvements made.

Theft o» Galvanised Iron —Messrs Hardley Bros, had a quantity of galvanised iron .stored in a jard adjoining the Arcade, an i about twenty sheets were missing on Saturday morning.

Communion Cops.—As a result of the vote on the question of the use of individual oimmunion cup* by the Morntngton Presby terian Church, only 26 voted against the proposal out of a membership of 340.

A SOOOE9BFOL New Zealander -Mr Ken neth Inglie, a New Zialaoder, has won the Kdinburgh University Soh larßhip, of £100, for eight; years, and one of the Nutiom»l Science Scholarships, of £76, for two years. Mr Inglis waa a student from Christ's Col lege and Canterbury College.

Promotions-—At the parade of the Guards last evening, Captain Sparrow announced the following promotions:—Corporal J Dorm to be Sergeant; and Lance-Corporal Ander son to be Corporal. A competition will shortly take place for the three vacant lanco corporal stripes.

Brilliant Meteor—The Nelaon Ctlonht states that on Tuesday evening a very brilliant meteor was observed in the north east at an angle of about 45deg from the horizon, and it travelled to tha south-west, appearing almost to atop as it passed, when it became surrounded by a halo. So bright a light did it emit that shadows were oast on the roadway.

The Corridors of Time—A great intel fec ual treat will be afforded in the forth coming lecture " A glimpsa through the oorridors of time," to be given by the Rev. Joseph Campbell, M.A.,F.G.S ,F.0.8.,M E, in the Oddfellows' Hall on August Bth. Mr Campbell has a splendid reputation as a lecturer, and as he is to leoturs upon events traced from the present time, back fifty millions of years, it should prove interesting and unique. The lecture will also be illus trated by limelight viewa, and the proceeds are to be devoted to the Indian Famine

Fund. Yolontbers.—There waa a fair muster of the Guarda ab the parade laet evening, under Captain Sparrow, forty of all ranks being preaent. The company were instructed by section commanders in skiimiahing irlll'and company movements generally. After the parade the oompany met in the orderly room for the purpose of electing a subaltern, when Private R Shearman was successful on the first ballot, but the number of votes cast not being two-thirda of the total strength of the oompany, Mr Baxter retired, and Private Shearman waa unanimously el ected Private Shearman is to be congratulated on his promotion.

" Opbsblvbs as Other Sbe Us."— Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults; but they seldom fail to observe the fit and atyle of our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind thab " appearance goes a long way." An ill-fitting suib ia uncomfortable, and an " eye-sore "to your frienda. Don't risk it! If you area stranger here, the Brat well dresßed citizen you meeb will gladly direct you to " The Leading Tailors where you will always find a large assortment of « Up to date" auitinge to seleob from, and where you oan always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Craighead and Bbrryman speaks volumes. This firm has just imported ptobably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods ever shown in Aahburton, including a beautiful range the new rain proof Beavers and Meltcns for Covert coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both aahiona ble and durable.

TINWALD TOWN BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above Board took place en Friday evening. Present— Messrs CharUs Doherty (chairman), M Lagan, J Gudsell, T Scaly and T Williams.

COBBE»*PO">KNGE. The following correspondence Waa read :■— From the Commissioner of Taxes, respect ing subsidy:—-The Chairman stated that he had signed the ncce- sary declaration, and the application for subsidy had been duly forwarded.

From the Auditor General, forwarding the balanoe sheet duly passed. From the District Engineer of the New Zealand Railways, stating tint hs oould not recommend the planting of reserves with deciduous trees or fencing same.— The matter waa lefb in the handa of the Chair man to take further action.

From tho Ashburton^ County Council, stating that they oould nob recommend bhe alteration of two fords on Thompson's road. -—It waa resolved thab the letter be referred back to the Council pointing out that the fords in question were both inconvenient and dangeroua, also to urge thab the water race ford be either bridged or tha water taken from the oreek below the road.

From the Secretary of the Canterbury Jubilee Memorial Committee, respecting the balloting for suggestions re the erection of a permanent memorial for Canterbury!—Tha letter waa received.

From Mr G Bushel!, with regard to the drainage of a road fronting hia property.— The Chairman stated thab the matter had been attended to.

INSPECTOR'S REPORT.

The Inspeotor reported that he had caught several persona riding on the footpath in Archibald street, alao that there were a number of unregistered doga still in the district. Ib waa resolved to authoriaa the inspeotor to prosecute person? committing a breach of the by-lawa and give those peraona having unregistered doga In their posaeiaion a fortnight from d >te.

FINANCE. It was decided to take immediate atepa to effect the collection of outstanding rates. Accounts amounbiag to £11 8a 8d were pasaed for payment aud the Board ad journed.

The Stoke School Commission

Unliod PreßS Association-By Eleotrio Telegraph Nelson, July 30

At the Stoke Industrial School Commission MrHogben said ib waa desirable to give children a full diet in order to give them a fair physical start and prevent degeneration. R Pope, Secretary to the Oommisnoo,said the average number of boya at Stoke waa 125; Government paid for 59, the othera were chargeable to Charitable Aid Boards, The Department had nothing to do with the Salter's boya. In the Government's schools the manager had to supply monthly abatements of punishments. If he noticed undue severity the attention of the head of the department was called. He thought such records should be kept in all schools. He found some errors in the wages accounts of the Stoke institution probably caused by the Brothers having omitted to inform the manager. They were rectified. William Moore, aged 15, had been in the employ of Dr Mackie three weeks, and had previously been at the Stoke School. A month ago was smoking in the dormitory when Brother Kalian gave him a cut across the head with a supplejack and two cuts across the upper part ot the stomach. He waa In his shirt. About a year ago aaw William Dayies, aged Is, punched in the eye with the fiat by Brother Lilian, whom he also saw kick a Maori hoy named Moap in the stomach. Saw Owen punched in the face, and, be thoughb.aiso kicked by Brother Lilian and knocked on the floor. Witness was given mustard and water twice because he had a headache He waa better next day. Had not always enough to eat, and some* times sneaked pieces of meat and took them up a gully and cooked them. Boys had taken food from the pig tub. Tha boards from bhe window of James'cell were removed by Brother Kilian after the surprise vlait, also the partitfon of Maher'a cell. He and other boya had a bath in the washhouse before the visit of the doctors following the surprise visit. The boya had new shirts given them and wore their picnic suits. His description of food and clothing tallied with that of others since the surprise visits. Socks were changed twice a week previously | now they were worn till tnrown awayi He described the hill work aa hard : ib was only uidertaken three times a year. He had been up four times in a day.

How & Big Sale is Conducted

A CHAT WITH STK&NGE & COMPANY

(By the Special Beporter of the Lyttdion Times.)

Everyone is 'interviewed' now-a-daya, . aad (provided the interviewer knowa his j business) the resulting 'article generally makes interesting reading. With some auch idea ass this, I presented myself at Strange and Company's a. day or two ago, and on making known my husinee*, was courteously received by one<.f the firiccipila, who said ho should b<3 pleased 'o »ff)rn me any infoima tion in lus power regnrd'ng the great sale now on. I lOßtn i Urns ia further prelimin aries, but, producing tha inevitab'o note book, bpgsn : 1 Will you p'case enlighten ma as to tho necessity for clea. ing e^les V ' With pleasure, if y v were a draper you wouldn't, need a iy eulighrment ; but as you are not you may be excused,' ' Well, a newspaper man ia always curious to learn, you know.' "Fortunately that is so, or how would he be able to instruct the public as he doea ? Well, before I answer your question, I must remind you that ours is an exteneive trade. A great many thousands of pounds worth of stock pass through our hands every season, and naturally a great many odda and ends accumulate during the season, also soiled or damaged articles, and many lines for which, owing to one unforaeen causa or another, the demand has been limited. .Such oddmente, when there ia any quantity of them, are generally more or iesa valuable. But we aeli them ab merely nominal prices." " But your clearing sale will not be a mere clearance of remnants and oddmsnla 1" " Oh, dear, no. They aro a mere detail." "What else will you sell, then V "Everything in the place will be on sale. Ib will be a complete clearance of entire existing stocks. You see, the end of our financial year ia ab hand, and we like to commence a new year's trading with a 'clean sheet,' ao to speak. Bub there is another reason why a clearance becomes necessary at tha seaaon'a end—and thab ia to make room for She new season's ahip menta—likely to be heavier than usual with ua this year, in consequence of the Jubilee of the Province taking place in November next. And although it ia only July now and mid-winter here, our spring and summer goods are already beginning to arrive, and room must be made for them somehow. So the whole of our existing stocks are offered at each year's stock-taking sale. The redac tions are made to extend to every depart ment of our business Even our tailoring tariff has been specially revised for thia huge sale, and suits anr? single garments to order will be obtainable (during tho sale) at Bubatantially reduced prices." " How about furniture—and what you call (I think) furnishings—ourtaina, carpets, and thab sort of thing V' "All reduced !—also our bedding (from oar own factory), wire mattresses (own factory), blankets, quilts, thesta, sheetings, towela, towellings, curtains, carpets and everything else coming under the head of furnishings." " I suppose such things as Frenoh mil linery, fashionable mantlet and jicketa, coatnmea, evening dreasea and dress goods, and *n forth, will not be reduoed during the sale V

" And that is juab where you are wrong. Those are preoisely the sort of goods we are moat desirous of getting rid of. They are what we call 'goods of fashion,'and fashions change ao quickly, you know, that 4 whab is ala mode in July may be entirely out of date a few montha later. So we make it a rule to clear out all such goods at our principal sales for what they will fetch. In fact, many such linea we almost give away." " Bub wouldn't ib pay bebter to store such goods away until next winter?" "They'd be quite antiquated by then ! No, we find it it better to sell them at the season's cod, even if we have to sell at a lose, for experience tells us the fireb loss is the best loss in such cases."

" That, of course, means an advantage to the public ?" " Yea, and one they are generally not at all slow to avail themselves of. Thia la our principal ssle of the year, you know, and it always draws a crowd. This year we ought to • break the record.' "

"How'athat?''

''Because, in addition to the ordinary gooda, a number of important and very special purchases will be submitted. These purohases were made just in the nick of time for the a tie; You'll find full particu lars in the a*le catalogue. Put thia one in your pocket; yon may find it useful." " Is ib true drapery is rising in price ?"

"There ia a marked upward tendency noticeable, but the shoe won't begin to pinch appreciably for a while yet. Probably all claaaea of soft gooda will be considerably dearer by the time summer is here, though."

"That means, I suppose, that every ware house in town will be putting up its pricea by and by V

M Yes—uuless the proprietary haa had the enterprise and foreaight to anticipate the inevitable advance in manufacturers' rates, and haa bought largely before such advances. But of course that sorb of buying requires the posaeaaion of more capital than many retailors can command* Oar London house keeps a sharp eye on tha marketa, I can tell yo>, and generally contrives, by judioioua buying, to protect our Interests and those of our customers as far aa poasible." " But if prices do rise, things are ao good here now that people can afford to pay more for their necessaries."

" That is so: I never remember so much prosperity in Christchurch before, and I have known the place for yeara. Money ia very plentiful, and consequently people are enabled to indulge in more comfort than they did. At the same time they naturally like to spend their money where they can get the best value for it."

" Attendance likely to be large, I sup pose." "It generally ia, We have made the beat preparations possible, having engaged a large staff of extra assistants expressly for the sale aeoaon. And now, if there is noth ing more you particularly desire to know, I musb run away. Come and see ms again when the sale ia over (it will only lasfa thirty days) if you like, and I shall be glad to have another chat. But just now——"

The pause was eloquent. The hint was taken, and the interview terminated. 7 234

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Wellington, July 30

In delivering his awards in the Arbitra* tfon Court to.day, Justice Martin told the parties concerned that the Court would be only too glad at any time to give bhem its advice upon any points in the awards which might not be clear. If doubt arose at any time when the Court was not sitting, then a joint written statement of tho difficulty from the employers and union concerned oould be sent to him and he would com municate with his colleagues upon the subject with a yinw to solving the difficulty. All the awards delivered were made for a period of two years, and the terma appeared to give general satisfaction to unionropre aentatiyes present. Preference of employ ment waa granted to members of all unions which came before the Courb, but there are provisos attached under which entrance to uniona ia made easy, without any ballot and at a small fee. His Honor speaking on the wages question, aaid that rates awarded in any cases by the Courb were the lowest thab i masters could give their hands, but the award did not prevent an employer from giving g^od m?n good wages. Advice has been received of the death in England of Lieutenant-Colonel Russell, father of Captain Russeii, M.H.R., aged 89 years* Auckland, July 30 At the half yearly meeting of the Auck land Gas Company the report showed the profits for the half year to be £11,176, of whioh a dividend for the half year at the usual rate of 7a 6d per ahare will absorb £9814, leaving a balance of £1362. The directors aaked for power from the share holders to invest in the Auckland Harbor securities whioh was unanimously granted, The stallion Phoebus Apollo, parchased in England for the Wellington Park Stud, arrived safely yesterday and landed in good condition. Timaru, July 30 An A.B. named John Gilroy, single, a native of Glasgow, had a fatal fall during , the run of the barque Uorryvreohaa from

Wellington to Jimaru, while furling the mainsail at 5 a.m < n the 2leb. He fell to iho deck and died at noon. He was buried at sea.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Capitulation of live Thousand Boers.

GH

GH

General Hunter captured Piet De Wet, but the guns and waggons escaped through the hilly country of the Vaal Eiver.

OUR BOYS IN ACTION.

THI BEST TROOPS IN AERIOA.

Mr A B Pateraon, the Sydney Miming Heralds special war correspondent, deacrib. ing General French's advance into the Transvaal, say a :— .,_«„ We went up on the north bank of the Vaal, and *came to Lindeaque, where the Mounted-lofantry (joined us, and at last we eama in sight of a big kopje, where a perpetual Bnap-snap of a una fire told as thab the Tranavaalera were really going to fight, ab all events a little. The two cavalry brigades under French were halted, reconnoitring the kopja; but Hutton, with his mounted infantry, regularly took the wind out of their Bails. He puahed the New Zsalanders—probably the best troopa m Africa—right aoroaa our front to attack the Boera, and ao auddenly did they come along that our gunnera thought they must be ! Boers, and treated them to three shell* as they went by. Luckily no harm was done, and French, in aarcaam, aenb down to our gunnera to Bay, "You are ahooting a little bit wide, but as you are firing at our own men it it just as well." 1 followed the New Zealanders and saw a most remarkable sight. The Boere had come down from a kopja out Into the open for about a mile, and as the New Zaalandert advanced the Boers atarted to run back over this mile of ground, while their friends on the kopja, firing volley after volley to pro tect their retreati Most of the New Zealandera engaged in the front line ware new men who had just oome over, and they were fighting their first fight, and were desperately anxioua to t .do something tojput theroaelvea on a par with the old New Zmlandera, who {have seen no end of fight ing. They killei two men and wounded two more, and captured a few priaoßers,who lay down till they were overtaken, and then they calmly surrendered, quite happy to be out of the fighting.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Hon<* Kong, July 30 The latest indications are that it is possible some few Ministers have been saved.

HG

A Blue Book on China has been published It shows that Lord Salis bury throughout correctly ganged^ the gravity of Boxerism and the inactivity of .the Pekin authorities

M Pichoo, the French Minister, on May 20 was foremost in expressing disbelief in the promise of Tsung Li Yamen to suppress the Boxers, and on the 21st .a joint note from the Ministers threatened the concentration of foreign warships. Sir Olaude Macdonald, on May 28, reported having received an unsatis factory reply. The late Ooant Monravieft was optimistic as late as June 20, when he predicted the crisis would terminate in a fortnight. M Temsdorff, his tern porary successor, on July 3, opined that it would be necessary to rescue the Legations, aa they could then leave the conflagration to burn itself out. On July 5 he offered to welcome from 20,000 to 30,000 Japanese troops to co operate with the troops of the other Powers. Japan asked to be protected from complications and to be reasonably indemnified for the outlay of money and men.

Lord Salisbury, on July 6; undertook the financial responsibility of Japan*, action, but sharply differentiated between immediate action for the purpose of rescuing the Legations, and any ulterior operations. The Chinese ediot of June 19 was forwarded to the Chinese Ambassadors, and they declared that the murders of native Christians were due to the increase in the Legations' guards, whose acts incensed the people. The Tsung li Yamen discussed the expediency of the Ambassadors quitting Pekin, and refused Baron yon Ivetteler an audience, owing to the threats of the populace; Subsequently, on his venturing out, he was murdered, Thereafter the Chinese troops appar ently murdered the Legations

The Qhinese on the Yang t«e are shipping guns and munition to Nankin and other places whare an anti foreign feeling exists.

General Li Ping Leng with a large force, while advancing on Ptkin, attacked the Catholics at Hsu chan fa.

Adelaide, July 30 The Imperial Governments has de' cllned the services of the gunboat Pro tector, There is much local disap pointment The sum of £1000 has been expended in getting the vessel ready.

TBE ASHBUHTON <30ARDIAH: TUESDAY, JtJLY $1, 1906



First quarter Full moon Last quarter New moon

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Date July 31 AugUßt 1 •> 2 „ 3 f. * •> 5 .. 6

RUes 7 17 7 16 715 7 14 7 13 712 711

Seta 4 57 4 68 4 59 5 1 5 2 5 3 5 4



Bergers fcheep Marking ( Composition In Three Colors—Black, Red, B!ue Hj^HKI finest and mostfconomical Sheep JL. Branding Oil in the market. Read the opmions of Leading Sheep Farmers in Otago .*■— ' WE INTEND TJSIN# IT A«UIN Jfrom S Z. Agricultural Oo„ Waimea House, Gore, Mny 22, 1897 Dear Sirs.—Wo have found Bergere Marking Oil 10 be a good and durable heop b an.linj. material and Intend using It again, as being aheaper than the prepara tion formerly u*»ed for the purpos. P. J Patebson, Stat. Mgr. UNDOUBTEDLY M'jRE ECONOMICAL THAN OIL AND LAMPBLACK From J M McKeiizie, Bushy Park Sstata, Palmetßlon. May 19,1897 Dear Sits,—! have gruat pleasure in stating that Beknbr's Sheep Branding Compound that I received from you has given me every satisfaction, and is undoubtedly more economical than oil and lampblack. t MAKE A POINT OF RECOMMENDING- IT From Kabert Logan, Maritang I*, Hyde, May 10, 1897 Dear Sirs have used Bergen s Branding 0 1 or some years, and have . ound it so t factory that I make a point of recommend r.g it. The liquid in the drums is he same consistency right from top bottom, and « quires no ifcirrhig. ONLY TO ?E UsED TO BK APPRECIATED om James Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton 15, 1897 ear Sirs,—l used Bkegbr's Branding black and rtd v last seas>n on my lock, ann I am perfectly satisfied with the results. To sheep farmers the preparation kiva'uable, being always ready and Highly economical. Ii has only to be used to he appreciated* GIVEN EVERY SATISFACTION FOR SEVERAL YBARS From Mr Jhu Elliott, Gladhrook Station, Midaieirarch. May 18, 1897 My Dear Sirs,—ln reply to your inajdry fegarding Bekoea's Sheep Marking Com pound. We have used this Compound on all our ft" cks for several yeara and it h»s given every satisfaction. It is o even quality and is ready for use. I find it lasts well, being quite legible on ful woolled skins It is much more economl oal than brand made, with the old materials (lampblack and oil), as owing to its even quality, there is no waste. Always ready for use Guaranteed not to injure the w 01. Will wash off on tcouring without leaving a stain.



Sold by F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton, N.Z. F- FERRIMAN, TO LET, OFFICES IN HAVELOCK STREET. TWO Rooms with shed, lately eceup'ed by Mr Jolliffe, Havelock Street, opposite Mr John Thomas' Grain Store. r F FERRIMAN TO LET, TANCRED STREBIT, ASHBURTOJN A SHOP wtth two full windows, together wi;h an a tachen dwelling oi 5 rooms, coppir, e!c. The shrp ia situated mxi to Mr Hall, Berbalint F FEBBIMAN ' * TOI7 XT, ' ' CARTER'S TERRACE, TINWALD fl^H^T very desirable Property, at X present occupied by Mr A Hewson, consisting of 4 acres of lai.d with 9 roomed house, detached waehhouse and dairy, good stabling, traphcUoe etc F FERRIMAN JFOH £A__j In Tetur Strp.et, A COMFORTABLE HOME, consisting cf 7 rooms, wiih bath and abundant eupp'y of water, detach d waf-hhouse, \ acre of good land, planted wiih ftuit trees, within three minutes' walk ii the railway station. The greater portion of the purchase raomy can remain on mortgage. F. FERRIMAN. Esrate Agent, Ashburton. ~~ FOR SALb 5 Town St ctions, a cvpltal site for building, within 4 minutes' walk of Post Office. F FERBJMAy. " " WAKANUI ROAAT. FOR SALE HOUSE of 6 rooms, £ acre of land Price £160, £30 deposit. F; FERRIMAN. ~TCR~BALK, Alford Forest Road, HOUSE of 6 rooms and l£ acres of land, adj >ins Mr George^Hosken'e property; easy terms. F- FERRIMAN "f^rTsalk AT ALLiiNiON, A First clas» Block of Land, containing 5£ acres, well watered, long frontage on a good road. The greater portion of the purchase can remain at 5 per cent. Adapted for subdivision. At>yone with a little capical, and h*lf an eye to the future, will inspect and secure this block. F. FERRIMAN. ~ Tim"~bAL¥," A Four Roomed House and £ acre of land in the suburbs. Price £li) 0. F. FKRKIMAN T\)H oaLL, Burnett Srreet, Af'j lining Dr Hunter's RtsideriCe, j OVftR | acre land, ftith House of 7 R .0106, eat-y terms F. FERRIMAN FUR SALE, TANCRED STREET, The Residential Street of the Town. A Comfortable Dwelling of 8 rooms ; the section in well fenced, and of good quality. 6 * F. FERRIMAN. FARM Ft »R~«ALrL 81 Acre*, within 2 miles of Ashburton, 4t This should prove a sound invest* ment for capital. Price, £1174. Th's proper* y will let en a long lease to a good tenant. F. FERRIMAN. *■__!■ ~- ■ " .' —~ ' ~ LARGE IMPORTATION OF WALL PAPERS- I HAVE just received (ex p.b. Paparoa) a Shipment of the NKWEBT IN PAPER HANGING, to which I invite inspection. Tneae papers are exceedingly rich in deal el and colouring. People desirous (f decorating their rooms later on, may chose their Hangings from the present full S'oclr, and I will lay them aside antll required. J. WILSON, HOUSE DECORATOR, BUKNETT BTJRBBT. Artiats' Material Depot.



IN FULL SWIM G..| — (o)~ j STOCKTAKING SALd AT " THE CORJNEJfL" (COMMENCING OUii LAST 14 DAYS.) ANOTHER BATCH OP REAL JOB LINES. ;(Must be Scld) 6 Only'Men'u Tweed Overcoats, 7b 6J, worth 21s 7 l nly Assorted Men's Tweed Sao Coats, 9* to 12*. worth 21s 3 Only Trousers and Vests, 12a 6d, worth 22s 6d 6 Cardigan Jackets 4a 9d, were 8a 6d 13 Assorted Boy's Tweed Knicksr gusts, 6s lid and7«6d, (must be seen to be valued, worth 12s) Large Turkey Handkerchiefs, 3 for la * Silk Striped Mufflers ls6d, usually 2s 6d 9 Pairt Women's Laos Kid Boots, usually 12« 6d, now 6s lid 16 Dozen Derby Bcarfs, 4 for a Is {worth treble the money) 16 Only Men's Flannel Undera 2s lid, usually 3b lid (a real bargain) 48 Pairs Women's Leather Slippers 3a 3d (Sewn), wort 4s 9d, (best value in Ashburton without doubt) 125 Pairs Ladies' Kid Fur Topped Glovea, 2s lid, (during sale only) 24 Pairs Men's Lamb Wool Pants, 4s 6d (worth 6a 6d) 300 Boy's Tweed Caps, 6 for la (look at theie) 46 Hearth Ruga 63 6d, worth 9; 6d (hard to be equalled) 3 only la- ge Kidder Carpet Squares, 29s 6d (worth 49a 6J) 40 Dozen White Turkey Towels, 6d, 9d, Ib 60 Dozen Brown Turkey Towels, 6d, 93, Is 250 Yards Bordered Apron Cloths, 6£d, worth 9d 10 Pairs Fay Blouse Flannellettea, ?£d, 44d, 6d A large lot of Plain Colors at Sale value 22 Dark Tapestry Quilts, 5s 6d 75 White Blankets, 3a 9d each 80 Grey Blanket*, 5s 3d each 1050 Yards Cretonne* (all designs) 4&1, s£d, 6£d 49 Pairs Lace Curtains 3s 3d, worth 5a 6d 35 Holland Aprons, la, Is 6d, Ik 91 16 Child's Tunics, 3a lid, wort!) 6a 6d . Special Reductions during the last 2 Weeks on the Balance of our Ladies' Trimmed Hata, Ltdiea' Capes, and Ladles' Jackets. 14 Children's Mackintoshes, 3s 6d to 6« lid, must be ciearad 1879 Yards Wide Fancy Ribbons, for neck wear, 4d, 4§<i, s|i, 6d ; worth up to 3» per yard 115 Yards Fry Dress Tweeds, 7£d ; were Is 3d 66 Yarda Silk Striped Crepon Is 6d a yard (was 2a lid) Ladies' Belts 3d, 5:1, 9d (worth treble) 60 Pairs Corsets, aaaorted from.la lid to 4i 6d, all odd sizes and makes— originally 2s 9d to 9s 6d 12 Pieces Colored Velveteen Is 5£ 1, all shades 2 Pieces only Black Velveteen, li£i 37 Yarda Evening Tinsel Dresa Souff la 3d (was 2a 3d) Perambulator Quilta, new and worth inspecting. Cob Quilts, new and worth inspecting. Full size Bedstead Quilta new and worth inspecting. SPEND TOUR CASH_AT THIS SALE NORTHCOTE w& HEFFORD "THE CORNER,"



tNEW ZEALAND CLOTHING_FACTOEY. Boy'a Tweed Sailor Suits from 5i Boy's Serge Sailor Suits from 7» 6d Boy's Tweed Melville Suits from 9^ B-y's Tweed Norfolk Suits f om 12s Boy's Sac Knicker Suits from 18s bd Boy's Covert Coa^s from 14s 6d Boys Tweed Overcoats from 6? 6d Boy'a Reefer Jackets from 6s 61 Boy's Football Jer&eys from 3s 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy's Sailor Tarns Is bach FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAOTOKY. W. f§TBANGK] Bole Pabtneiw amd [T, OOVJSJKI>A._iI«J Pkofbibtobs.



__——-__;x:—-— ———— THOUSANDS Will be Interested to Know that Our M°«ster Stock-taking: Hale IS —N 0 W ON= AT CHRISTCHBKCH. A T this GREAT SALE it ia our Cuatom, every year to SACRIFICE tho ENTIRE BALANCE OF OUR WINTER STOCKS KVKRYTHING HAS TO GO !-Because, you see, room has to be made—-somehow— for SPRING AND SUMMER SHIPMENTS ALREADY BEGINNING TO ARRIVE. In order to effect as complete a clearance as possible, we shall make SWI-EPING REDUCTIONS in EVERY DEPARTMENT. Even plain Household Gooda, auch aa CaHcoa and Cottons generally (made and unmade) will be reduced ; also the price of Suita and Single Garments, both to order and ready-made, Furniture, Bedding, and everything we make and sell. GOODS OF FASHION. Ihe same remark applies to " GOODS OF FASHION," suA as our Exquisite Loudon and Parisian MODEL MILLINERY, our Stylish Winter Drosses and Drtsa Geods for Evening Wear, and our lovely Winter Jackets, Mantles, Capea and Macintoshes, all of which Must be Sold for what they will Bring, a» we never carry over such goods fro*i \ seaßon to aeaeom Ouite peaaibly you may exolaim, on reading the above, «*OJH, I AM SO SO-tRY!'' But I live so far away from Christchurch I can'b get thereto attend the, S*lp," Trafe doeßn'b matter in the least, since you can do as HUNDREDS already do, SHOP WITH TJS BY POST- - if you can't shop with ub in person ! GET A CATALOGUE. The first thing to be done ia to gat a Sale Catalogue (they have been well circulated already, but if you haven't got one we will aend you one Post Free on application ) Having got your Catalogue read lb carefully through (you will find ib really interesting), make your selection*, write down yonr requiremente aa plainly aa poaaible, enclose Stamps, P. 0.0. or Postal Notea to value of Goods, and—drop your letter in the Post Box, and WE WILL DO THE REST By return Train, Foat or Coach, aa the case may be, your Parcel ahail be forwarded— and' we will take aa much care to pleaae you aa though you walked up to one of our counters and made your purchase peraonaily. If we are Sold Out of the precise line you want ws will aend the Nearest Thing to it, and if you are not satisfied then, we will return you your money 1 DON'T MISS THi CHANCE , this Sale presents to you to secure I BXTHAORDINARY B *I*G* A.IWS. THE SALE WILL SOON BE OVER, AS IT POSITIVELY ENDS ON Augrust 31, 1900 STR ANGE~ITcOMP AN V, CHItISTCHIJBOH,



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Tho reliable Family Remedy Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Oougha and Colds- Is 6d and 9s 6d Wade's Worm Fig the wonderful Worm Worriers, never fail for adults or children