Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1900. AS OTHERS SEE US.

Among our exchanges which came to hand by the Sao Francisco'mail, on Friday, were four copies of the Appeal to Reason. This is an ullr&-3ocialistic paper, published weekly at Girard, Kansas, UJS: A. Under date February 24, the paper devotes more than a full page to New Zealand. Our land policy and labour laws are summarised and praised, our railway service and Go vernmentinstitutions lauded,and gener ally New Zealand is cracked up to bo better than any other country in the world. We take the liberty of clipping a few paragraphs from this truly enter taining sheet. Speaking of our railways it says inter alia :— " You can ride thirty miiea for od and firs', class service ia rendered the peoplp." Mr Isitt and his friends wi!i, no doubt, be astonished to learn that, " The sale of malt and spirituous liquors is a matter of local option, The law, isowevor, permits no saloons, but innkeepers may sell under a license. If a man is once seen coming from one of these ions in a state of intoxication, the proprietor is arrested and fined ; and for a second ofience fa 9 forfeits his license for eve' 1. There is scarcely any drunkenness in New Zealand, Tea is served with every meal at hotels and restaurants, and it is the rarest exception to see anything else taken." The young ladies in the Government service may expect their sisters in America to " stampede" this colony when the following paragraph has been thor oughly digested :—"The civil service is open to both sexes Examinations are held at intervals, &s at homo, but here the candidates are girls as well as boys, and appointments are inadfc absolutely on past resultskonly, irre spective of sex. Hence you find women doing the aatne work as men 1 in the government offices, and drawing the same pay." The Wellington wharf labourers will scarcely realize that they are the men referred to in this passage. " The Monday morning we landed etb Wei lington we met the dockers coming in. They start at eight o'clock and earn 8s for eight hours' work. They were trim and smart, their clothes were neat, their boots polished. Some wore white linen collars, and there was a look of prosperity and manly dignity about them it did one good to see." For tunately, it costs quite a tidy little sum i to get from America to New Zealand, or bh influx of tramps might be the sequel to thia description " There is a quain^, old-fashioned, gabled house in a little town in which we are staying this week. I asked A. W. to sketch it for me in case I have to build. While he was doing it, we leaning over a fence, three young men in white sum mer clothes and sun hats came out of a side door into the meadow. I'd noticed them mowing the grass the day before. They turned it over a bit, but con cluded to leave it. Turning to H, W , I said," There goes Tom, Ralph and George." " Ay," said he, " and here comes Old Father William. A kindly looking old patriarch came up and consulted with them, and then the group turned off to the wood shed. One drew out a barrow and the other two leisurely piled firewood in it, The man in the shafts then pushed the barrow towards the house, and the other two fell in behind. In five minutes they came out again in the same leisurely way, filled the barrow, and moved in procession into tfce house. We were puzzled, " What are they playing at?" we'asked a jolly-looking, smiling-faced farmer who was pass ing, " Who, them chaps ?' said the! farmer. " Why, they're prisoners, j and this is the goal." It was such a vice looking housp, with euch a pretty garden, and around the meadow there was such a nice fence, on which to lean one's arms while looking at the cricket match in the town field opposite, and the gaoler had such a nice, kindly face and manner that I began to envy those prisoners. The writer goes on to say fi this is a beautiful country. There is some thing to appeal to one's love of form and color at every turn, But tho finest sight is the crop of chubby, merry, healthy, beautiful children one sees everywhere in the country. If they keep out of factories and live on

the land in the simple natural way j they are doing at present, out of New I Zealand should evolve the finest types ! of men and women on the planet. ! New Zealand has had her trial. She was plunged in a costly and bloody war with the savage Maori tribe that i lasted from 1863 t0.1868. Phe has had her army of unemploy. d, her strikes, her tramps, her paupers, and a , plutocracy. She has pretty n°ar pot rid of them al', simply by the enact ment of a few socialistic laws. She has made sweating dens impossible ; she has nearly emptied her jails and poor houses, and to-day there is less crime, leas intemperance, Ipss poverty, less misery, less tramps, less paupers, and more prosperity per capita in New i Zealand than any other nat:on in the world. New Zealand his not stopped , her progress; from now on she will euact more and more socialistic legislation. Her people are intelligent, more so than any other nation, The number of people unable to read and write in i New Zealand is less per capita than in any other nation. >"-he has been j wise in the paut. She will bqow greater wisdom in the futurp. For a number of years I've been a traveller over the greater part of the world. Nothing 1 have seen outside the British Isles can be compared to New Zealand as a home for the Britishers. There is no part of the British dominions where agricultural, in its widest sense, can be carried on with so much certainty and with such I good results, My friends are asking me when I intend to return. Why should I ever leave a country with such laws, such land, such a climate and exquisite soenery 1 Here there is no aristocracy, no snobbery. There are no very rich people and no poor. I^'ve not met a beggar in New Zealand or seen one destitute person. There are no slums here, no miserable starving women, and no suftering children. Here no sober, industrious man need lack any of the comforts of life. So you can tell my mutual friends I'm here for good, and if any of them care to write or send me an occasional news paper, Post Office, Wanganui, will find me.

Local and General.

%* On the firat page to-day will be found a short poem.

He Realises the Danger.— Speaking ab Wellington, Mr Seddon asserted "If Great Britain were ab war with Russii," I would rather Bee two hostile cruisers in the harbour bombarding the city, than I would a cTuple of cases of plague to be reported."

What's in A Nam a ?—A set of twin 8 wibh which one Gore resident has been re cently blessed have brennamed "Kimberley" and " Pretoria " respectively, while another resident has had his hopeful young son and heir baptised " Roberts," with a mental reservation that hereafter ho shall be known as " Bobs "

Scientific Palmistry—Palmistry is a science that attracting considerable attention in all parts of the world, and nowhere more than iv America* Juat now a lady skilled in the science, Maude Denise ia visiting Ashburton. She brings with her some excellent testimonials, and is to be found in Moore Street one door from tho Royal Hotel.

Trinity Oollese Examinations—The March number of the Academic Gazette, the official organ of Trinity College, London, is to hand. Amongst a quantity of o'har interesting nutter is a list of new centres for local examinations in music, approved 1 y the Board. First on the list stands A*hbui> ton with the following Committee :—Rev/tl A Woodthorpe, MA. (chairman), Mrs Helen F C Fox, Messrs C VV Hardie, B.A , Alfred Harrison, J.P., Dr James E Trevor, Messrs Hugo Friedlander and J Snodgrass; loc*l secretary, Fforace A Gates.

Salvation Army—There was a Urgo attendance at the Salvation Army Barracks last night, when the Harvest Festival cale b-ations were continued. Adjutant and Mrs Rowley conducted the services. Bafore the meeting an outdoor parade was made when the soldierß, both aciult and juvenile, marched through the street?. E*ch one bore a sheaf of wheat, or oats or carried s«>me other produce. The men and lads were dressed aa harvesters, and the women and girls w milkmaids. The procession, which was headed by the band, drew a large crowd of people, and had the effect of filling the hall.

A Rat Exterminator—The N.Z. Tablet, has the following :—We commend to our health authorities the Paris chemists recipe for sonpe de glucose, a concoction made from tho bowels, liver, and blood of slaughtered animals during the siege of Paris, which made the rats drunk, and easily c*ughb. If it should prove the success At rat-eatohing in our seaport towns and cities that it is recorded to have done amidst the sewers of Paris, it will probably be our nearest practi cal approach to the magio pipe of Hamelin, and will do more to exterminate the furred bearers of bubonic plague germs than a regi ment of cats and a shipload of iron crap?. At any rate the experiment ia worth inquiring into.

The Woolston Tbamway Accident — An inquest, concerning the death of the lad John Baker, who had his foot crushed by a water-tranf, of which he was conductor, some fifteen days ago, and subsequently died after having the foot amputated at the Hospital, was held at that institution on Saturday morning, btfore Mr Beetham, coroner. The evidence of A. Merritb, tram guard ; O. Jackson, engine driver j W. Rollitb, a passeDgsr (who deposed that deceased, in trying to jump on the step of the car, slipped off a stone, with the result that the water tram ran over his foot); having been taken, the jury returned a verdict "That the deceased died from tetanus, the result of an injury, for which no person was to blame "

Presentation,-— The friends and members of the Baring Square Wesieyan Chur* h took advantage of the visit of Mr W. Sando, to Bhow their esteem and appreciation of the work he had so conscientiously performed during the years he had been a member of the church, and also to wiah him God-speed in his new sphere of labour in Ohristchurch. At the conclusion of the Sunday evening service, Mr D McCiymont, on behalf of the church members, presented Mr Sando with a handsome teacher's Bible and hymn-book —Southey's " Life of Wesley" {Meyer's " Life of St. Paul," and a hand bag, suitably inscribed. Having been associated with Mr Sando in church work, he could apeak from personal knowledge of the earnest and pains taking way in which Mr Hando had always discharged any duties in which he had been engaged. Mr F. Steel, having known Mr Saudo for very many years, also Bpoke ap preciatively of the good work he had done. After Mr Sando had feelingly thanked the donors, the meeting was brought) to a con clusion by the singing of "God be with you bill we meeb again."

The Dum-dum Mystery—Some surprise haa been excited ab the way in which it has been reiterated, apparently in good faith in Boer and Hollander letters from the front that the British were using Dum-Dum am munition. Some light seems to be thrown on the mystery in a letter in an Amsterdam journal from an eminent surgeon of th»b city, just returned from the Transvaal. He says various burghers found on ground vacated by British troops odd cartridges or packets of the same—it is not clear which— marked "DumDum." But he could never discover in the Federal hospitals % single shot due to an expanding bullet, and on ex amining the alleged incriminating ammuni. tion he found that the bullets which had been picked up were really Lee-Motfords— made ab the Dum-Dum manufactory. Id would be interesting to know whether this simple explanation is the corroob one.

Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, never fail for J&dults or children» Price, l8«

Red Dbbrat Methvkn-— \ red deer was sen yesterday on Mr Perms' property, near Methven. Some were liberated ft few years ago near the Rakaia Forks.

Personal—Mr T. A. Protheso, who under went a very severe operation at the Chris' church Hospital ia convalescent again and returned to Ashburton on Saturday last. His many friends will be pleased to know he ia making a steady recovery.

The Rivers—Yeaberday the Bakaia river was in heavy flood, and this morning the Afhburton w»b rising rapidly. A heavy Ml of Bnow took place on tho ranges last week, and the warm northwesterly raiu of ih.a morning should have the effect of still further Bwnlling the Rakaia

Valuable Horsks Destroyed — Our Methven correspondent writes :—On Satur day morning an accident happened on the railway between here and Oairnbrae re sulting in tha destruction of two valuable draught horses and the arrious injury of anotner. The animala belonged to Mr Watson Henderson. The horseswtrs in a paddock abutting on the line and just as the 6.50 a m. train was approaching three of the horses jumped the fence about ten yards in tionb of the engine. The morning was foggy and the driver did not Bee them till too lute and they were caught by the oow catcher and hurled clear of the rails.* The one that was wounded is so badly knocked i about that it is probable it will have to be deafer yed. Not long ago Mr Henderson wan offered £90 for the two that were killed. At the p esent price of horses it will be a serious !oss to Mr Henderson! No damage was done to the engine or the permanent way.

News in Brief.

We are requested to announce the last days for the sale of tickets in the Druids' Slut Annual Great Art Union, the proceeds from which are ia aid of tho Melbourne Hos patal. All applications for them, intended to be sent direct to the New Zealand rnpro aentative, Mr Theo. W. Heilde, 237 Collins Sc, Melbourne, must reach him on or bebore the 27th mat. The tickets are obtainable at one shilliua: each, they give the purchaser a chance to win any of 125 valuable prizes The first of which ia £1000 ; or 12 months' trip round the world, fkt>t class, all expenses paid, and £500 in cash ; the obher prizes range in value from £1 to £100. &v the object of hhe art union ia a good one, a liberal support is anticipa'ed.

THE BUBONIC PLAGUE.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrighb

Sydney, April 14 A man, Davis, died at his residence, Darlington, of plague. Kennedy died in quarantine. The fresh cases of plague are Mrs Miller, of Clarence lano, and Dalladi, who returned to the city to day after a week's vifeit to the country. April 15 Four fresh cases of plague are reported. Mr Mills, in the course of an inter view, said the quarantine restrictions which were the outcome of the plague, were causing the Union p*.S. Company the loss of many thousands of pounds monthly. He anticipated that there would be a further shrinkage of busi ness, and it remained to be seen whether it would be possible to keep up communication between New Z<a land and the other colonies on the present condition 0. A man named Haynes was found unconscious in the street, and has died of plague. Wakeham died in quarantine.

A supposed case of plague is reported at Goulborn. The man, named Wilberforce, went from Sydney on Friday, having previously been in oculated.

Six patients have been released from quarantine, cured. Five others are convalescent.

The Indian Government has advised Mr Lyne that it is unable to send a first-class plague expert who also knows how to prepare serum, but could send a capable officer without this special training, and, if necessary, could keep Sydney well supplied with serum, Mr Lyne st&tes that there are several gentlemen in Sydney acquainted with the measures for combatting and treat ing the plague, and therefore he does not intend to accept the Indian Government's qualified offer.

The Intercolonial Health Conference adopted a series of resolutions dealing with the plague. They are not avail able, but it is understood that they provide for action between the colonies in reporting and dealing with out breaks and quaraating shipping. Sydney, April 16

The Intercolonial Health Conference recommended the strict inspection aad fumigation of vessels j that the medical passport system be encouraged on the frontiers of adjoining colonies; that each Government be recommended not to encourage by means of cheap fares the passage of persons from infected places. In cases of death from plague cremation and burial at sea are recommended where practicable, and where there is a reasonable suspicion of danger the destruction of rats on sea and river frontages to be immediately and vigorously undertaken at the cost of the various Governments, and the bodies burned.'

Three fresh cases of plague were re ported to-day. Up to date there have been 116 cases and 50 deaths.

The following cases of plague have been reported : —Powell (George Street) Wang Hoong (Botany). The report that the Goulbourn case is one of plague has been confirmed, and Wil berforce has been brought to Sydney. In consequence of the plague, tbt Victorian and Queensland Govern ments have protested against transports carrying the quotas of Imperial Bush men taking fodder and coal at Syd ney.

The Consul-General for France has informed Mr Lyne that the quaran tine at Noumea has been abolished for some time, bat that there are still a few cases there, also on the east coast. Melbourne, April 16 A second case of plague is reported, I that of a South Australian cabin boy j named Wilson. 1 Perth, April 16 The son of Constable Sweeney, residing at the police quarters, EYe mantle, has developed plague. Rockhampton, April 16 Just as the steamer Burwah was leaving the wharf with a thousand excursionists a steward named Meyer was taken ill with suspicious symptoms. All the excursionists were unloaded, and the case was subsequently declared to be plague. Received Wakapuaka April 17, 9,20 a.m, Thin Office 9,51 a.m) Brisbane, April 17 The Burwali plague 3ase is not yot officially confirmed. j

A.A.C. & A. CLUB

After au interval of some two yeara i ho members of ihis Olub held their eleventh annual race meotiug in <he Domain yecter day. The weather in the morning was fine, with a puffy beetz's from the nor'-west, This died uway, however, aud though a light shower fell in the afternoon the weather on Ihe whole wb»b good. The gathering through oat was an enjoyable one, aad it is to be hoped the Club will in future see ita^way clear to hold the meeting yearly. Every credit is due to the officials for the complete ness of the arrangements'. One and all they worked hard to make the gathering a success. The sport provided was good aud in nearly (ivery instance the finishes were close Mr D. Thomas made an efficient starter and sent his flfelde away on even terms. A portion of ihe vVoolston Khaki Band, eight in nunri bar, was on the ground under acting band master A. Dixon. This band had no leas than three engagements yesterday and consequently Aehburtoc had to suffar. Mr Flower had the refreshment ten. The sum of £35 18s was taken at the gates. The events were got off punctually to time, the average being ooe event every ten minutes. The following are the results :— Half-Mile Bicycle Handicap, first prsss £2 socond £I.—First heat—H Amoe scr 1, 8 Pentecost 50yd 2, R Ledgerwood BOvda 3 Time—l.s| Id was found the gun would not act, &nd the competitors were st&ried by a shout. Mcßeath, apparently w»b not aware of this ohange.and was consequently left at the post. He was therefore allowed to start in the second heat. Second heat— H G Pepperell 70yds 1, B Stephens 90yds 2, C B Willis 50yds and D 0 Moßeath 80yds 3< This waa a capital race, Willia fom the SOyda m*rk made a b'g effort to catch the leaders but the task set him was too severe, and he divided third honors with Moßeath, Time—l.s. Final heat— H G Pepperell 1. S Pentecost 2, H Amos 3. Time—l.6f. Pepperell showed that he had been let off too easily by the handicapper. 100 Yards Flat Handicap, first prisw £2, seooud Iss.~First heat—O L H Hiorns lyd 1, W Amog 7yda 2, F Benjamin 2yds 3. Time-lOg. Second heat—F Kobilliard 4yds 1, A E Phillips 2yds 2, G Hardy 6yds 3 Time—los. Final heat—O L Hiorns 1, F Robilliard 2, A E Phillips 3. Time-10§ Won comfortably by a yaid and a half. 830 Yards Flat Handicap, first priza £2, saend £1, third 10s—W F Simpson 10yds 1, P White 85yds 2, B Anderson 80yda 3. Time —2.1g- The men about maintained their positions till three parts of the first round had been covered, when Simpson com menced to draw on the leaders. Lynskey from Bcratoh, did not push himself. About 2Qoydß from home Simpson challenged Mc- Phereon who was running third. 'I he latter responded gamely but had to drop into fourth position. He in turn closed on R Anderson when about* 100 yds from home, and fought a aplendid tussle up the straight, I losing third place by a trifle. ISimpeon ran a very fine race and was deservedly applauded. Two Mile Easter B c/cle Handicap, first priz* £5, 2nd £2, 3rd £I—H G Pepperell 270 yds 1, S Penteoosb 170 yds 2, Claude Willis 170 yds 3. Eleven out of the thirteen on the card faced the starcer for this event which proved a most interesting one. Pepperell was again underrated. He and 1 Pentecost waited their time and then took charge. Willis was gamely hanging on to them and succeeded in obtaining third I position. Tlme-4.44§. Youths' 100 Yards Flat Haudicap, prizas trophies—L Madden 12yds 1, T Adaina lyd 2, F Lagan 6yds 3. This was an interesting event. The second boy was a tiny little chap who could run like a deer. The maoner in which he started off for the tape caused much amusement. Be cut out the work for the bigger competitors and secured second place amid laughter aud applause. 120 Yards Hurdles Handicap—A E Halm shaw scr 1, C L H Hiorns owed 15yds 2, F Benjamin owed 10yds 3, Halmshaw, a Lyttelton man, ran a fine race, aud finished with a lead of soma six yards. Hiorns and Benjamin fought out a ding dong finish, and crossed the mark in close company. Time— 1 If jijecs. 440 Yards Flat Handio*p, firs prza £2, 2ad £1, 3rd 10a—A. E Phillips 16yda 1, W E Watts 15yds 2, M J Lynskey cor 3 A McPherson 30yds w*a the only other s'arter. The men retained the positions in which they figured on the card till about two-thirds of the distance was covered, when Lynskey passed McPherson. Phillips and Walts battled out a good finish for first and second places, Time—s2s. 1 Mile Olub Bicycle Handicap—R Laager wood 50yde 1, Claude Willis sor 2, P Orr 90yda 3. Willis, the scratch man, rode with great judgment and wore down all the fijld except Ledgerwood, who managed to get home with a trifle to spare. Time—2.27§ Youths' Half Mile Bicycle Handicap, first prizs 10«, second ss.—First heat—L»gan 1, Dodds 2. Time — 1 11. Second boat— Gudaell 1, Amos 2 Time—ll6s. Final— Dodds 1, Gudsell 2, Lagan 3. Time—l 14. 220 Yards Flat Handicap, first priza £2, second 155.—0 L H Hiorns 3yds 1, F Becj i miu 3yds 2, G H»rdy 12yds 3. This was another interesting struggle, all the placed men being close together. Hardy finished gamely, but was beaten when close to home. Time—23§. One Mile Bioyple Handicap, first prizs £2 10a, second £1, third 10s.—H G Pepperell 155 yds 1, S Pentecost 135 yds 2, P G Mes servey 200 yds 3. Tima—2-16. Slow Race, Bicycle, 220 yards ; first prize trophy, second trophy—G B Westbrook 1, T Thomas 2, O Friedlander 3. This was any thing but an attraative item and the specta tors will not complain if it is deleted from the Club's programmes in the future. One Mile Flat Handicap, first prize £2 2% second £1 Is, third 10s.—W F Simpioa sor 1, R Anderson 175 yds 2, D Bruce 175 yds 3. A McPherion was the only other Btarter. Despite the facb that he had run a stiff half mile earlier in the afternoon Simpson announced his intention of endeavouring to lower the New Zealand record. He started away at a great pace and was loudly applau ded as. practioally unpaced, he cut out the quarters in splendid style. His times were —first quarter, 1.4; second 1.13; third, 1.10; fourth, l.llt Total for the mile -4 38£ sees ; a trifla below standard time. Simpson was loudly applauded for his fine performance. The other competitors finished a few Beoonds later. Three Mile Bicycle Handicaps first pr"z3 £3, Becond £1 10a, third 15s.—H Amos scr I,HG Pepperell 250 yds 2, T H Oates 40yds 3 In this event Pepperell had been given 330yard8, but after his previous perform ances the committee exercised their right of re-handicapping and put him back to the 250 yards mark Out of the eleven names on the card eight faced the starter, and a capital race ensued. Amos and Oates paced each other and went in chase of the leaders from the start; When half the distance had been covered the men were all in a bunch and some loafing took place. Starting on the fioal nund the three placed men made a big race for positions, and an exciting battle was fought out for the last hundred yards, resulting as above. Time—7.33| This concluded a very pleasant meeting and the public will no doubt be pleased to hear again from the Club.

DAILY EVENING TRAIN—ASH BURTON TO TIMARU.

The lentuka Leader says:-—A Timaru paper has taken us to task for publishing a par, that it has been decided to run a daily evening train from Ashburton to Timaru We mentioned that we got our information from reliable authority, bub our jealous critic remarks that our •' reliable authority was most unreliable," and suggested that "somebody's leg was being pulled, 1' to use a vulgar expression, which a town paper ought not to have stooped to. We have made further enquiries, and are glad to say that our information was absolutely correct, and that our relisble authority was most re liable. The Timaru paper was, doubtloes, biting its fingers over a country paper get ting the news while ib was asleep.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Colonel Kekewitch at JBoshof

The Boer Delegates in Europe

Heavy Fighting at Wepener

fctoers Preparing to Abandon the Free taters

Brabant's Division

A dvanoe Towards Wcpener

The Boers at Brandforfc

Attempted Esoaps of Prisoners

Boer Bmtality Towards Prisoners

Lord Roberta's Protest

The Bebels at Kenhardt

Good Work by New Zealandera

A Gallant Rescue

United Press Association—By Bleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, April 14 The exporter of American food stuffs are now complaining that the shipments received in South Africa have reduced the size of their orders f Great Britain being quick to discover that Australian corned meats are cheaper and can be obtained much more expeditiously th vn the American

article. William Bonnor, of the Australian Horse, was killed at Glen on March 28. Genera! Hutton's division includes all the Australians, except the cavalry, Lieutenant-Colonel Martyr is chief staff officer of General Hutton'a division, Lord Roaemead is aide-de camp, Colonel Hoad (of ■Victoria) as sistant adjutan'-general, Major Bridges (of New South Wales) and Major Oartwri^ht (of Canada) are also assis tant adjutants. Colonel Gordon (of South Australia) is officer in charge of communication, with Captain Rankin (South African Mounted infantry) as his Btaf officer, and Major Vandeleur (Scots Guards) advanced base transport

officer. The four corps of the division will be voder the command of Colonels Aldereon, Delisle, Pi cher, and Henry. The first corps includes the force of north west frontiersmen raised by Lord Strathcona, the second comprises Major Knighi's New South Walea Mounted Rifles, Oaptain Moor's Wristralians, the third Major Ricardo's Qaeenslanders and Major Robin's Now Zaalandere, the fourth Oolonel Price's Victorians, Captain Read-'s South Australians, and Captain Cameron's Tasmanians. Each corps with the exception of New Fouth Wales, will be accompanied by a force of Imperial mounted man, and a battery of artillery joins, besides the Canadians*' artillery and a number of Vickers-Maxim guns.

The New South Wales Army Medical Corps, under Surgeon Colonel Williams, constitutes the medical branch of the division.

One thousand of the enemy, with eight guns, two " pompom's " (Vickera- Maxims), two Maxims, surrounded Colonel Dalgety, who made a gallant resistance. The shell and rile fire was continuous on Tuesday and Thursday, and the British artillery fire was terrific. Colonel Dalgety, by means of a sortie, captured a gun. Wepener is still surrounded, but is resisting well. Troops are now advancing to assist Colonel Dalgety. The Times states that Lord Roberts has rearranged the commands as follows / —Colonel Pole-Oarew com mands the Third Division, succeeding General Gatacre. , The division comprises Colonel Allen's 22nd Bri gade and Major-General Knox's force. Sir Archibald Hunter commands the 11th Division, comprising Colonel Inigo Jones's Guards and Lieutenant General L Stephenson's 18th Brigade. Troops, batteries, remounts» and supplies are rapidly reaching Lord Roberts.

General Chernside occupied Reddera berg unopposed. Lord Roberta reports that the enemy's movement southward is checked.

The health of the troops in Bloom fontein is good. The climate is perfect. Robert Morriss, of the New Zealand Rough Riders died of enteric fever at East London.

[Robert W Morrisa was a member of the Canterbury Troop of the Third Contingent. He was born at Waikuku, where his

parents reside.] At a courtmartial at Naauwpoort two colonial Afrikander rebels were sentenced respectively to ten and five years' imprisonment. Lord Roberts previously approved the sentences. London, April 15

The British trenches at Warrenton were heavily but harmlessly shelled on Friday. The Daily News Capetown correspondent states that there are sensational indications of a rebellious spirit at Oaledon and Swelleodftm. The rebels are awaiting a favourable oppor tunity for rising, The Timgg states Lord Roberts expected raiding to commence the moment he advanced. He halted and the enemy's object was foiled." Owing to complications in his vicinity Lord Methuen sent a flying column east of Zwart Kopjes fountain, Tne enemy retraced their steps the moment thfy were outflanked. Londqn April 15

Sir George White, the defender of Ladyamith, haa arrived at Southamp ton. He was accorded an enthusiastic ovation on landing. He received one thousand telegrams, including one from the Queen. Boshof has been made the base of Colonel Kekewitch'a command.

The Boer peace delegates have started for the Hague. Dr Leyda is accompanying them as far as Brussels. April 16

There have been four days' fighting at Wepener. Eighteen British were killed and 132 wounded. The be siegers are fatigued and despondent, and greatly fear that they will be surrounded. Several of their guns

have been disabled, and four com mandants have been wounded.

It is reported that the Tranavaalera have decided to withdraw towards the Vet River, and retire across the Vsal River if pressed, leaving the Free Staters to their fate,

The Boers captured Mr Frank Fmitb, a well-known diamoad mine owner, at Barkly We^.

General Brabant's division started on Saturday from Aliwal North for Rouxville, and will thence proceed to Weper.er, General Chernside is co operating.

*A patrol of Kitchener's Horse recon noitred within six miles of Brandforfr. It is estimated that only two thousand Boers are laagered there. President Kruger will attend a conference of commandants at Brandforfc,

Commandant Schiel am] two other Boer prisoners are confined in the Sfc Helena citadel, owing to a daring attempt to escape aboard a Dutch cruiser lying in the harbour.

Lord Roberts has strongly remon strated with President Kroger for treating prisoners belonging to the South African forces as criminal?, and not supplying them with medicines.

The West Australians and Canadians have returned to De Aar after pacify ing an extensive rebel district around Kenbardt. They marched 500 miles over heavy roads, in unprecedented , rains, averaging 100 miles a week. The men and horses endured the hard ships well. Eight New Zealanders, under Lieu tenant Crawahaw, entered Kenhardt unopposed on April 1, and captured nine rebels, many rifles and sixteen thousand rounds of ammunition. Lieutenant Findlay and Corporal Neale were nearly drowned in the Hartebeeste Riven Sergeant Street and Private Oassidy gallantly rescued them. Gassidy has been promoted to Sergeant, and has been recommended for the Humane Society's medal for swimming ashore with Lieutenant Findlay,

Boer Atrocities.

Poisonous Wells.

Boers 111-treating Prisoners.

Roberts Protests.

A Lucky Mistake.

A Caution to Visitors to South Africa

Received Wakapnaßa April 17, 9.20 *m, This Office 9,51 a m London, April 16 Lord Roberts complains of the British prisoners being forced to bivouac in the open veldt, and in con sequence „ there are ninety cases of euteric fever at Waterval, outside Pretoria. The rebels poisoned the welld on the road to Kenbardt. Schiel bribed a boatman to carry a letter to the Dutch cruiser. By mistake the boatman delivered it to H.M.B. Niobe, London, April 16 Sir A Milner, with the assent of Lord Roberts, complained of the great number of visitors who came to South Africa without special call or business, especially ladies, who are greatly ham pering^ military civil officers in the execution of their duties.

Christchcbch, April 16 News has been received to the effect that H Hill, a son of M^W P Hill, of Christ church, was wounded and taken prisoner by the Boers during February. On arriving at Capetown Mr Hill enlisted in Kitchenor's Horse and on the day after reaching the front he had the misfortune to be captured, in company with a small party from his regiment-, while guarding a Convoy, at Koffyfontein. Mr Hill wrote that he was beiDg well cared for by his captors, and that his wound was healing rapidly.

SHOCKING OCCURRENCE ON THE RAILWAY.

An Old Man Killed.

United Press Association—By Electria Telegraph Chbistohuboh, April 16 ' About six o'clock on Saturday evening an old man namsd Joseph Watson went on to the Christehurch Railway Station. He m an intending passenger to Lyttelton. The guard gave the starting signal, and the traia commenced to leave the platform. After ib had well started the old man jumped tip and made a dash for the train. He caught the guard rail at the rear of a carriage, bat I missed his footing, and by some means swung I between the two carriages, still holding to the I rail with his hands. Two railway employees on the front platform of the next carriage immediately grasped him by the arms, and endeavoured to hold him clear, and, if I possible, to pull him up. After the train had run about 300 yardß from the platform, the man seemed to collapse entirely. The two 1 young men were still holding on to his arms | when they found him slipping through the i coal, and the next moment they found the I coat in their hands, but the man was gone, i having slipped clean through the buttoned ; coat. It was impossible to communicate I with the driver until" the train drew up at Linwood. The news of the accident was then telephoned back. A search wae made and the trunk of the man was found, but) the limbs were almost all several. One arm was completely cut off, one Ihigh was reduced to a pulp, the other was in somewhat the came condition. The other arm and the f«et war* also shockingly crushed and mangled. The man was carried to the waiting room, still alive, but he died shortly afterwards, about half an hour after the accident. He lived at Lin wood, and was about to return home at the time. He was a married man and leaves a grown up family. Chbistchukoh, April 16

At the inquest on the body th« jury returned a verdict of accidental death. The foreman said that the jury would not add any rider* They felt that they could not blame the railway officials, and yet they could nob altogether exonerate them.

SUPPOSED MURDER NEAR CAMARU

The police have received information that an Austrian named Peter Cartridge, aged sixty-six years, who lived alone in the township ot Kakanui, was found dead on the road about 150 yards from his home at 11 p.m. on Saturday night. He had a deep wound on nis head over the right temple, supposed to have been caused by a atone thrown at him. It ie said that some young men had a quarrel with him. The police at) Oamaru hays been making inquiries, but no further particulars wore to hand at the time of telegraphing.

THE ASfIBUHTOK GUARDIAN .* TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1900



the"affiicted rejoice, i THE SICK AND SUFFERING CCMING FROM ALL OVER T* 1E COLONY TO THE] POLYPA.THIC MEDICAL INSTITUTE. (CHM 4fCHURCE BRANCH- Corner of Latimor Square & Gloucester Street, bEOOHD VISIT Jo~ASHBURTON. FRIDAY AFIEHNOON. April zO. SATURDAY, April 21. 9 a.m until 4 pm. CONSULTING ROOMS-GRANGE'S HOTEL. And during visit will on tl is occasion only give FREE TREATMENT, ~^ 'C'^^^MLf^ CONSULTATION, ADVICE AND FULL EX- AMINATIUW, INCLUDING TfclE LOOA MBtFfiBmiJfIiiMiHK 1^ your Cubo is then Pronounced Curable, jßSj£|§ijS|i| MEDICINE ONLY to be Paid For. £IBniflß«TgnSaHßfißn[ffl I'olyfatby Cubes with cortahiiy where the old *° coa&idtred incurable previous to our new f-ydtem), J ->fT_f^r5 ss££B^'*>^£ Early CunsurnptioD, e!c. lh' y traat all Ft male Ailments by the Polypathic Method, which does away with fill examination md alllocil treatment* They alao desire to ircprus* op in all men who are Buf?e>inj? ' h*t thpy have thr jasrly celebrated Hindoo Remedy, so well and favourably known in the Old W orlc" &i t- c " Anti-Agnechil Tabloid Moihod." All desiring; to test I) a systtm will ha"f such oonnr'tmity. ' ..„..-. -i GEOR(iE DUNCAN & Co. 13 RSPEOTFUIjLTX aauounce that the 7 have Opened those centrally situated Premises in Tancred Street, iAshburton, lately occupied by Mr A P. Wiiliamsoa (next Undrill's), where they ■will open on ~6aturday, 14 th Apvil^zi AS BEADY MONEY DRAPERS. WE BUY FOR CASH and thus secure all Ducounta, The Lowest Prices and beet Marketß. WE SELL FOR OA.SH and thus avoid all losses arising from Bad Debte »nd the expenses of the Credit System. WHY should the C ish Custoroer piy for other peoples bad debts. By dealing with us they avoid doing so. Flease Call <fe Inspect Oub Stock. No One Pressed to Buy. 475



JVOTiCE TO FARMERS. E aii E CA": H S U YERS OF PRIME MILLING WHEAT IN ANY QUANTDY P.o:is« tukoy^ar :-'umj»l- sto the Mill. We can supply Qornsacks at cost price, CANTERBURY R< >LLER FLOUR MILLS, (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B, HOBART, Manager. 17-'- March, 1900.



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