Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARYS 3, 1900.

'I HE arrival of the Australian Lancois (says the Cap 3 Times) brings no great reinforcement of the THE LANCERS British army, if AT THE CAPE, such we may call the few regiments holding defensive positions in Natal and the Cape Colony. The addition of seventy-five men or thereabouts to the fighting strength is not of very much account, even though every man of them were a veritable Paladin in prowess and valour. It was not indeed because of the number of the contingent or of its distinction in personal quality that citizins hastened i to give it un enthusiastic welcome, and to speed it on its way to the train with heartiest demonstrations of good will Toe Australian Lancers come to us us a symbol of something greater and deeper and more durable than any display of military power or of patriotic ardour. Their presence represents in concrete form the Imperial idea, never t efore perhaps expressed with such forcefulness and vigour as at the present juncture in the history of Greater Britain. " What business,' the Daily Chronicle lately asktd, " what business has .New Zealand to interf re in a quarrel not her own?" What business, we might reply, lias the little Knglander, whether in press or parliament, to cut New Zea land or any other self governing colony away from the golden chain of sympathy and vital union by which the whole Empire is held together? It is n chain as light as silk ; and in proportion to its lightness is its teniciry. The growth of the imperial idea is the political phenomenon roost characteristic of the Victorian age. Disraeli was perhaps the first British fetatestnan to base a po'icy on the cotiception of England as an Imperial world power, interested above ail things in the maintenance and development of a vast colonial and Indian Empire The liberal chiefs of the generation which follow fid Palmer stoo had absolutely no grasp of this conception. If it ever touched the surface of their minds it slid off like water from the oleaginous hide of a sea lion. A common topic in their discussions of the relations of the Mother Country with her dependencies was the prediction that one day, not far distant, the greater colonies would " cut the painter" and set up as inde pendent nations on their own account. And bo they would undoubtedly, had the policy of indifference and dis couragement been persisted in; had not the growth of the Imperial idea changed all that and introduced into the world a national scheme, which we call Imperial for want of a better wordj bat which in essence and truth is simply an extension of the nation on the lines of perfect freedom in place of the fcubjection involved in the old notion of Empire, It is a grand and imposing spectacle this flocking of the sons of England to her side in the hour of need. There are but few who comp, it is true ; but the will to come was the will of all; few were accepted because it sufficed that the will should be thus proved. When, if ever, the need is sorer, we know by this readi ness of service what naiy be reckoned upon.

Local and General.

»* # On the first page to-day will be found an article, A War Correspondent, and on the fourth page ft short Btory. Tmb Adstealian F^tjadkon.—Four tor> pedo destroyers are being commissioned for the Australan station. How London is Fed—Of ail the commu nities that have dwelt together since the world began, the population of modern London is probably the least self-sufficing. Of the bread-supplies four-fifths come from foreign countries and tho colonies, the aggregate annual consumption being about 3,400,000 quarters. Last year not sir per .cent was described as English, Scotch, or Irish. Four-fifths of the seaborne flour entered London from the United States, and the proportion of flour is now greater than that of grain, .and is steadily in creasing. Baby Stolen by An EAGCE-rs-The hamlet of House, in a wild spot some twenty milea Sri m Nice, has juab been thrown into consternation through a child being oarried off by an eagle. Before going to work in the fields the parents had put it in a cradle under a shed. An eagle had beeD hovering over the village, and had cirried off a small pit; ftflm the same farmyard a few days before. A shepherd saw the bird sweep down and rise again with the infant in its claws, bub he was too far away to interfere. The rocks near where the eagle ssejned bo have its eyry have been thoroughly searched, bub the body of the child has not been found: For Children's Hacking Cough take ooda' Great Peppermint Cure—lo 6d and 8 M

Ths Duration o* War—The moat strik-1 i ing feature ahf ut the wass of the li«t quar'or | of a century is their brevi'y. Take tho last' j one between Spain and Uoe'.e S»in, which ; was all ever, b^r shoutiuf, in less than four \ months. Tho lib', le skirmish between Turkey I r.net Greece only lasted a month, while Jaj;an I and CHna settled their little affair in eight mouths. ThegreatFranci-Pfuasion war was begun and concluded in cix months, and, all things considered, it" waa probably the aharpest piece of work over accomplished. The Kuaso-Turkish war lasted nine months, while io 1866 the Prussions had humbled Austria in seven weeks ! The present c»tr. paign against, the Traus ■ aal pracdcally began on October 11. Noblemen in The War —Here is the Sec retary of state for War, who has himself two Holdier boys going to the front. Lord hxm downe's eldest son, the Eirl of Keiry, in ii the Grenadier Guards, and arrived with his battalion at Gibraltar a few days ago, whence he proceeds to the fronb immediately. Lord Lansdowne'a younger son, Lord Charles Fi «• maurioe, i* a lieutenant in the First Dragoons (the Royals), which regiment leaves England at onoe. 'J here are no heirs to the family title and honours except these two gallant young gentlemen. But such a consideration has not in the lsaat degree cooled their martial ardour, nor operated to persuade their distinguished father to withhold them from the field of duty and honour. " Nightingales " for tub Contingent — Mrs Alfred Curtis has consented, at the request of the ladies of tho Christotmrch j Patriotic Committee, to convene a meet ins; of ladies willing to aid in making "Nightit gttle " wraps for the men going to the front in the next Contingent, and for the army generally if need be. The wraps are thoße suggested by the oeiebrated heroine of the Crimean war Miss Florence Nightingale, and (he cost of the material is 4) per wrap. Mrs Curtis has convened the meeting for tt -morrow at two pm. in the Road Board office, Moore Street, and every woman willing to sew will be welcome. Aa the first paroel wiil go by th« Waiwera there is not much time left, and the ladies will have to acb with their usual promptness in am emergency. Curious Rat Story—A Sheffield paper has a remarkable story to tell. In seems that a rat that dwelt in an oyster tshop developed quite an epicurean taste for the toothsome bi-valve, find the other flight while wandering in the ahop and looking out for prey it chanced upon an oyster which was gaping like a j»y. The antici pation of a glorious repast filled that rat with a most unholy joy. It Bmaoked ita lips in its overpowering glee and even* at tempted a pas dt seal As with most dancers, a vas de stul waß not its strong point, and ultimately proved ita downfall, beciiuaa in the midst of its elegant oontor tions the rodent happened to place its tail in the oyster it intended to devour. The oyster closed. The rat was immediately the victim of a very bud attack of oysterics. It rushed round the shop wildly, and then made for its hole. It got in all right till it came to the oyster, and then it could get neither in nor out. In this ignominious position it was found in the morning, and Left to the mercies of a dog without a muze'e. We suppose from the graphic details of the event that a " special correspondent" was on the spot. But it's a fishy tail, isn't it ? Sensational Tragedy in Paris—Paris is greatly stirred, says the Daily News corres pondent, by the tragical deaths of M> and Madame Daniel Dupuy. M. Dupuy was the eminent engraver of medal?, and was an officer of the Legion of Honour, He was perhaps the first artist of his time in the modelling of miniature baa reliefs. M. Dupuy devoted himself to his wife, He was advised by her physician to place her under restraint, but could not make up his mind- to do so. His idea was to cure her by cheerful conversation, frequent change of scene, and kaeping her as much a? po sibie in thel open air. But the gloom seemed to become, more rooted, Thia week there was a crisis The day had been spent in a motor car ex cursion, and both cime home tired. M Dupuy went to bed early. Madame Dupuy, | at one o'clock, went into his room with a | loaded revolver, and finding him asleep, shot him through the head, and then shot herself, She left a note to say that she was lietermined they fhonld both die together, have the same funeral, and be buried in the same grave. Ib was only in the morning, when the doctor arrived, that the tragedy came to light. Dbathin the Train-On the arrival at T maru of the express from the north on Monday, it was found that a nun ha) died during its run between Temuka and Timaru. He had a fit on the platform at Christohurch before the train started, but recovered suffi ciently to commence hi& journey. Acot stable at Christchurch put the man on the train, told the guard of the fit he had, and asked him to see to him. This the guard did. After leaving Ashburton the passenger again took bad, and a doctor was tele graphed fir to meet the train at Temnk*. On the express arriving there it was found that on account of the holiday no doctor was available. A telegram was then sent on to Timaru, and a doctor was tn atten dance ; but during the run between the two stations the man died. Con stable Perniekie also mcc the ex press on arrival and took oharge of the body, removing it on a stretcher to the Club hotel. On the clothing being searched a savings bank book was found in one of the pockets bearing the name " W. .Anderson," and the Address a 8 " Wairoa, Ffawke's Bay." The deceased seemed to.be about fifty-five years of age, and is sft 4in high. A post mortem, examination was made, and it is supposed that death was due to faaarb disease} Traction Engine Tkain Excursion— The Primitive Methodist Sunday School excursion to the Wakanui Beach on New Years Day was a very successful event. The children and friends, to the number of about 320, were conveyed to the boaoh in covered trucks and waggons drawn by Mr Watkins' McLaren road engine. At least all who could possibly go in this way went, but a number had conveyances of their own. The large number of visitors patronising the engine conveyances caused a great crush, but all were safely taken down and the return j mrney accomplished in good time, after the beach portion of the road had j btien negotiated. There, however, tho big oad was too much for straight road work, and wire rope hauling with engine station* ary had to be resorted to. Onoe on top of the terrace, however, good speed was .made The beach proceedings were of the usual enj :yabie oharacter ; surf bathing and games on the beach and grass, with intervals ; for refreshments soon closed the day, and all seemed to have spent New Years Day happily and merrily. The teaphere of the Sunday School, with Rev Mr Haine and Mi Robinson the superintendent, were indo fatigable in their efforts to make the day a success, and before the train started for home, hearty cheers were given for Mr vVatkins, who took so much trouble in arranging the seating and covers for the trucks, besides providing the engine, and with his road staff cleverly doing the two journeys without hitch or hurt.

THE PATRIOTIC FUND.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Teles; raph. Wellington, January 2 Mr W. C. Buohnnan, ex-M.H.K., has donated £150 to the South African War ¥aud.

The Plague at Noumea.

United Pretw Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyrighb Noumea, January 2. There were no new cases of plague on Saturday or Sunday, but one Tonkinese died to day. A young Englishman has also died. Two Kanakas, ono Arab, and one European were quarantined to day, AH were taken from the infected quarter. The schooners Envy and Vision arrived from Auckland. They dis charge in quarantine. The coastal service has been stopped in order to prevent the introduction of plague inland.

Russia and the East.

Troops for the Afghan Frontier.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, January 2 The Odessa correspondent of The Times states that sixty thousand Russian troops will shortly be pushed forward to the Afghan frontier. Officers who are absent on furlough have been recalled to the Central Asian garrisons.

NEW YEAR'S HONOURS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. London, January 1. The following New Year's honours are diffhounced :•—■ Privy Councillor: Lord Oromer. Peerages : Sir John Lubbock, Sir Stafford Northcota. Grand Gross of St Michael and St George: Sir John Bramston, »nd Mr West Ridgway, Governor of Ceylon Knight Commanders of St Michael and St George : Sir James Lee Sieere, of Western Australia ; Dr Oockburn, of Adelaide ; Mr Eliot, Samoa. Com panions of St Michael and St George : Cotninander Stuart oi H.M.S. Tau ranga, and Commander Sturdee.

THE LATEST. Australian

United Preae Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka Jan. 3, 10 a.m This Office 11,40 &.m Smallpox Patients on the Yinevah Sydney, January 3 Information has reached the Press Association of reprehensible action on the part of the Sydney health authori ties, unless the New Zealand Govern ment were first consulted. It appears that one of the Nineveh's passengers quarantined for smallpox, was placed on board the Moana at the heads, outward bound, three days before the health officer considered it safe to grant pratique to the occupants of the quarantine station. The man in question was booked to America. the Heat. Melbourne, January 3 The heat continues intense, and several deaths have occurred from heat apoplexy.' * Hobaet, Jan 3 The weather is exceptionally hot, and disastrous bush fires have occurred in many districts. Le lllowitz murder Brisbane, January 3 A black tracker engaged in the case has been arrested for the murder of the Le Blowitz girl. The way in which he bungled the tracking aroused suspicion. A. bloody knife was found in his camp.

THE WEATHER

ALFORD STATION. tEhe following is the meteorological report for the week ending December 29 1899 :—-

SPORTING

ASHBURTON COUNTY RACING CLUB

SECOND DAY.

The weather was very warm for the second daj 'a races, and the attendance was not nearly as large as on the first day. Owing to the illness of Mr R Curtis, the duties of clcik of the courße were undertaken and discharged satisfautoiy by Mr E Roberts. Mr C O'Connor acted as starter and gave every satisfaction. The War Fund Cup fell through owing to insufficient support* The sum of £12G8 was passed through the total'sator, making a total of £2276 for the two days, aa ttgaiuat £2596 for the corres pondii'g meeting last year. Following are results ;— Laubiston Trot Handicap, of 25 sovb ; second horse 5 sovb from the stake; one mile and a half. 8 Mr W Heaiy'a b g Edward R, by Electioneer, syra, 25seo (KHealy) 1 2 Mr O Robe;tßon'sb h Struan, aged, 20flebs, (Robertson, jun ) 2 5 Mr R D Petrie'abm Bella, aged, 14seos (X Major) 3 7 Lady Jane sor, 1 Myra Traoey 9sec, 22 Cameline 12seo, 1 Fairchild 16aec, 0 Home Ruie 18>eo, 4 Ishulet, 20* ec, 4Gilließiabhach 2Q<ecs, 23 Cruiser 22secs, 6 Neglected 23aecs, 50 Katipo 23aeo. 1 Wildboy 23seos, 10 Mia take IT. 23secs, 3 Kimberley 28seo, 1 Ambi tion 23seo and 2 Hardease 28seo also started. Lady Jane, Viyra Tracey, and Mistake XL ran in harness. Katipo and Mistake 11. refused to leave the mark at the word go, and whatever chance they had of winning was thrown away. Edward R. toon oaugltt the limit horsnb, and the order passing the stand the first time was Edward R, Cruiser, Ambition, while Lvdy Jane had made up a lot of ground. Edward R kept his position till the end and won by six lengths from Struan, who came very fast in the la-t half mile. Time-4,8}. Dividend-£ls 15s. A protest) against the winner for inconsistency was dismissed. COLDSTBEAM WBMEE HANDICAP, of 35 soys; second horse 5 soys from the stake; seven furlongp, 24 Mr J 0 N Grigg's b g Relic, by Perk in Wsrbeok ll—Spider, syrs, 9stlb  .. (CCochrane) 1 27 Mr G P Murray.Aynn!ey's b g Be' iigerent, aged, 9jC 131b .. (Clarke) 2 9 Mr J Cresewell'b eh g Scottish Min strel, 3yrs, Bst 7!b .. i^King) 3 15 Sub Rosa lOst sb, 17 Vulcan 9st 10lb, and 1 Actor Bsb 41b also started. Relia jumped away with a two lengths' lead, and making the running all the war, managed to win by a bare length, half a length between second and third. Time— 1.31f. Dividend-£3 93. Pony Race Handicap, of 25 soys; second pony 5 eovs from the stake; five furlongs. Ponies nob to exceed 14 2in height. 57 Mr H Bonu'a b m Taranto, by Taran talus, aged. Bst .. .. (LKing) 1 36 Mr W Chisnall's b g Dandy, aged, 109t4>b .. .. (OOoohrane) 2 20 Mr A McOormick'a br m Rosie O'Shea, aged, 9it 31b (A Wilson) 3 38 Mereia 9ab 13lb, 1 Maori Queen 7st 51b, 16 Pauline-you are-a-Belle 7st 31b, and 9 Little Daisy 7st also started. After some delay at the post, the field were got away well together, the colours of Pauline, Mereia, and Taranto being most prominent at the home turn, but half way up the straight Taranto shot oub and won comfortably by a length and a half. Time— 1.4. Dividend—£2 15s. Tinwald Handicap, of 55 eovs; second horte 5 soys from the stake ; one mile. 61 Mr T Sheeuan's eh g Ben Farley, by Burlington—Psyche, 4yrs, Bit 9;b (Hewitt) 1 32" Mr H A Knight's b f Susannah, 3yrs, 7ts!b (L-King) 2 63 Mr G P Murray-A.ynsley'B blk g Huku, Syrs, Bat 131b .. (J Pine) 3 41 bbirrnisher 9it 2'b also started. The field were very restless at the post, but after considerable delay were sent off well together, Susannah at once taking up the running, and making the pace a cracker, she led till a furlong from home when Bsn Farley, who had been her nearest attendant throughout, shot to the front, and won fairly easily by half a leDgth, Huku a length away third, and Skirmisher some distance away last. Time-l-.44£, Dividend—,£2 18*. \ Disposal Etakfs, of 25 soys ; six f nrlongs. i Winner to be sold by auction immedi ately after the race, the whole of the proceeds to go to the funds of the Cub ! 7 Claridgb's Maximus .. (Wilson) 1 2 Burneti'ti Perkinette .. (Cottoo) 2 0 P B Hughes' Misa Ann (Braasington) i Only starters. Maximus won all the way. Time—"l.2o3. Dividend—£l 3 1. Winner was bought in j for £12 10a. Allhnton Handicap, of 30 soys; second horse 5 sovb from the stake; six fu: - longs. 23 Mr M Digby'd blk m Magg, by Aprc mont—Maggie, 6yr«, 7st, (L Hewitt) 1 53 MrF P Claridge'a bm Phryne, 4yrs, 9at (A Wilson) 2 6 Mr J. Gibson's eh m Lucy Glitters, 6yrs, 6stlllb .. .. (T Cotton) 3 103 Hawthorn Sat 12, and 16Silex 7sc 13ib also started. From a fairly good start, of which Magg and Phryne were prominent, the field ran together till the straight, when Magg came away, and finishing full of running won easily by two lengths. Time—l.lßf. Dividend— £7 17e. HmiRY Scpbby, of 15 sovi; second horse 3 soys from the stake. Minimum weight Bst. Four furlongs. 87 Lady Medallisb ... (Hewitt) 1 40 Soottish Minstrel .. (L King) 2 36 S*Hy -.. .. (JPine) 3 11 Lady's Chain, 16 The Lambkin, 6 No. 9, and 12 All Saints also started. Scottish Minstrel and Lady's Chain jumped off with the lead and made play till fifty yards from home, where Lady Medallisb came through and won a good race by half a ength, Sally, who came fast, the same distance away third. Time—49J. Divi dend—£2 3s. Lagmhor Handicap,of 30 eovs; second horse 5 sovs^from the stake; five fur longs. 65 Mr R Alexander's eh mThe Orphan, aged, B*t 121b .. (L Kiig) 1 ! 101 Mr H Fried lander's eh f Corusa, 3yrs, B*tßlb .. .. (C Cochrane) 2 17 Mr R Bennett's eh g Valentine, syra 78tlO'.b .. .. (Cotton) 3 Corusa and The Orphan jumped off with the lead, and keeping together till well into the straight a good rape ensued, but The Orphan fighting gamely till the finish gained the verdicb by half & length, Valentine, six lengths awty, third. Time—l.3|. Divi dend—£2 10s.

MDRDER IN SOUTH DUNEDIN.

United Press Association—By Eleotria Telegraph Dunbbin, January 2 Thomas Gallaway was formerly charged at the Police Court to-day with wife murder and remanded for a week. January 3 There is not much to add to the particu lars of the South Dunedin tragedy, Thomas Galloway, when formally charged with wife murder, appeared in Cmrt with a slight abrasion on the side of his face, and a very blaok eye. The psso mortem shows that deceased received heavy blows about the head, presumably with an iron weapon, and the base of her skull was badly smashed. Her spectacles and scissors were found under the front windows where the grass had been trampled down.

PHASES OF THE MOON

Januabt

TRANSVAAL WAR.

British Be-Occupation of Coles berg.

Attack on Heccnnoitrmg Scouts.

A New Year's Day fight

New South Wales and New Zealand Troops Engaged.

The Boers Driven Back.

Destruction of Bailway to Ladysmith.

The Bombardment of Lady smith.

Indifferent "Shells.

United Press Association -By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Capetown, January 1 The last portion of the Britißh siege train has Jeft Capetown for the front. Capbtown, January 2 Twelve hundred railway pioneers have been enrolled at the Gape, mostly Johannesburg mechanics. Lieut'Colonel Kekewich sent a, heliograph message from Kimberley, conveying New Year's greetings and thanks for the Queen's message. During the Dordrecht reconnaisance forty of Montmorency's Scouts were intercepted and took refuge in a donga, where they resisted repeated attacks of 800 Boers until 115 Mouoted Kifles, with four guns, appeared and relieved them in the morning, the Boers retreating. The Scouts had two men wounded and all their borsei were shot. The Boers lost eight killed and had thirty wounded. General French, by a rapid night advance — tbe infantry riding in waggons—found the enemy on Monday at dawn stretching six miles along the hills round Oolesburg. The infan try, supported by ten guns, opened a feint attack on their front, doing much execution and silencing the enemy's guns. Meanwhile the cavalry and the light artillery turned the Boers' right flank. The enemy surprised and dismayed lest their retreat should be cut off, fled east ward. General French then occupied Coleaburg. The New South Wales men and the New Zealandere participated in the engagement. Durban, January 2 The Colenso Ladysmith railway has ■been destroyed, 2 ft ia reported thtt Joubert'a haad quarters is ensconced in the bills towards Springfield. It is believed the Isimbulwana siege gun has followed him. Albany, January 2 The Daily Mail's correspondent at Ladysmith wired on November 19: — " The latest eccentricity of the enemy was firing three rounds of howitzer yesterday evening. Tha second shell pierced a roof and % wall, and flew out of the front door, wi'hout bursting. Mr Stark, the naturalist, who was preparihg a book on the entomology of Natal, was standing in the doorway, and had both his legs torn off. He said, * Look after my cat," and then died. On the same afternoon a shell fell among the Gordons while they were playing football, without hurting anyone." (Jape Dutch have made several at t^mpt-i to tamper with the railway thirty miles south of De Arr. London, January 2 The British volunteer movement has received an anonymous gift of a fully , equipped field hospital, while Colonel Allen, of the 4th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Militia, and Colonel Watts, of the Ist Northumberland, have each donated a splendid battery. Sydney, January 2 A deputation of the Chamber of Commerce asked tbe Government to inform the Imperial authorities that transport waggons could be turned out here at the rate of fifty par week after the first week. The Minister asked for quotations. The Premier has received a cable from Mr Chamberlain, stating that, owing to the accommodation on the Cape railways, the horses should not exceed 15 3 hands.

Engagement at Modder River

On December 8, ab Modder River, two companies of the Northampton Regiment, entrenched at Enslin aiding, were attacked by a thousand Boera and one field gun. The attack was gallantly resisted for several hours, when the 12th Lancers ana Seaforth Highlanders sent reinforcements, whereupon the Boera fled. The Modder river has been temporarily bridged, materially benefiting the troops*

Death of Trooper Bradford.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, Jan, 2 The Governor has received a cable mes* s&ge stating that Trooper Bradford, the New Zealander who was recently wounded, died at Bloemfontein on December 29, from meningitis. The consternation which was caused by the Imperial rescript respecting the height of the horses has been happily removed by the discovery of an en or made in the transmission of the cable. The height admitted is 15 3, not 15 2. A few of the Contingent's horses, principally chargers offered, will still be affected. The Waiwera is expected to reach Lyttelton on Sunday.

A Correspondent with the New Zealanders

Wellington, January 2 The Press Association's special correspon dent, who accompanied the Hew Zealand Contingent to South Africa, writing under date, Maitland Police Camp, Capetown, November 24, saye :—Though we onlj lost twelve horaes out of 251, unfortunately they were some of the most valuable. Sergeant Hazletts'a hurdler, Master Sookburn, was one of the first to succumb. Trooper Barthrop lost his brown gelding, well known in the Hawera Hunt. Captain Madock's chestnut horse died just before reaching Albany. Grass fed animals got on better than*those in higher training. The space on board wag so confiued that drill could only be carried out) in small squads, but every one kept) hard at work and tima passed quickly. Heavy weather wa« •ncou.nterea after

leaving Albany* and uome natty falls oe cairM. Trooper Hunt, fclipjed heavily on hi« back, and :a only now abe to get about slowly. We were «ff Knnt London on November 20, aad next day w< re ordered to Capetown to the great disappointment of all, especially as we passed ticopehip after troopship boaud for Natal, and we had all hoped we should be 1' acting on our own." Last three day* on board we np«nt packing. We got our kit* down to 50ib#, excluding raUooa for man an 1 forage for horta. We reached tbe Cape on November 23 The men were p eiged to frid the Medic was nob there before us. Lieaten*iit Matthews, cf the Hawera mounted r.fla", who had jo«t> a. rived fiom England, joined the (\ew Zealandera aa captair. Little information could be obtained >i to the movement! of the conHngenr, acd the men were warned by the duemb&rking officer, who c*me on board at the Cape, not to devuge ar.y in formation they might have, or orders tfcer had receiver?. Had the contingent arrived at Port Eiiaube h a few hours later, tb would have been Bent to Natal instead of Capetown, a* event* bad suddenly demanded the immediate dis embarkation of More troops there. Im mediately after arrival at the Cape, Captain Ward, who was in search of a billet, was appointed ifcaff officer of the New Zealand Contingent. Disembarkation was delayed owing; to the landing of 200Q ma lei from America. As the Waiwera proceeded through the transports to the whaif the was cheered to the echo, and the New Zaalanders' war cry caused much wonder and amusement. We began landing bones acd luggage at 6 a in. on November 2*. The horses behaved splendidly, and wen walked off to camp aa they were etill unohod. In camp the New Zealanden received every assistance from the Innii> kill ng Dragoons. The New Zealand hones compared favorably with those from Eng land. Trooper Hunt was sent to Wiuberg, i being unable to accompany the contingent*

Horses for the Lord Mayor's Men,

United Press Association-—By Bleobrto Telegraph—Copyright (Received W&kapuaka Jan. 3,11.35 a.m, ■ This office 12.17 p.m) MiLBorjRNB, Jan 8 -: The Lord Mayor of London bu cabled to the Premier, asking il it be i possible to deliver four hundred saddle - ( and two hundred draught horses at the Gape hf the end of January, for the use of the Imperial volunteers.

The Contingent

The following are the South Island men ordered to join the contingent) at Welling* ton: -Piivate W B Aitken, Rangiora Rifles; Bugler F Ohegwin, Canterbury Mounted Rifles: Private H Collins^ Linwood Riles; Prirnte E Bennetts, Ashbarton Guards ; Privates R Goldstone and W Bat* cher, Waimate Rilati; J. R. Tilburne, late Temuka Riles; Private H Kennedy, Christ* , church City Guards; Private W Wallace, i College Rift as; Private R Brown, Timarn Rifles; R T Crosbie, late A Com pany; P-i- i vates J Rudy and J ficch, Timarn City Rifles : M X Griffin, late N Battery.

United Frees Association—By Eleatrlo Telegraph Dukediit, January $ Several thousands assembled at the rail* way station this morning to bid farewell in the volunteer* under orders for Wellington. The band attended and the Mayor made a few remarks on behalf of the citizanr. Thoie who left were P. 0. Borlaio and Gunners Wricht, Forman, Clark, and Mac Donald, of the Port Naval*; Sergeant Haydon and Corporal Christie, of the B Battery ; Sappers Hawkes and Pring'e,, Bunedin Engineers ; Corporal Faiquharson and Private Douglas, North Duaedia Rifles ; Privates Fraeer and Beath, Highland R fins ; Sergeant Jackson, City Rifles ; Private Luune, (Jlutha Moan tod Kiflgs; Samuel Ballantyue, late Waikari Rfles; Wrr. G. Morton, late E Battery } „ William MacKay, lato West Taieri Rifles; and Richard Wilaon, farrier.

Captain W. Sparrow, cf the Ashbnrton Guards, received word yesterday that thr services of Private E. B nnetts had been accepted for active service in the Trantvaal.. : Private Bennetts is an excellent horseman. In view of the congested acaie ot railway : traffic in Cape Coiony and Natal at present, ' the question of sending a c ntingeut of about , tw ntj -s^e praotical railway men from this : colony was discussed at a meeting of the \ Ash burton railway 8 tiff, which was held on ' Saturday, for the purpose of considering the proposals to form a Railway Patriotic War '' Fund. A motion suggesting to the Minister for railways the sending of such a oontin* ' gent was unanimously agreed to. The fol lowing members of the Aehbnrton staff volun teered their services, subject to the approval of the Department :—Clerks, Maurioe O'Brien, William Bowling, and James Reid; The Minister for Railways, (the Hon. J. G. Ward), to whom the resolution waa tele graphed, replied that he Was gratified at the praiseworthy course taken by the Ashhurton : staff. He promised to take the necessary steps to ascertain the views of the Cap* Government on the matter, and he would transmit to them the reply received.

The Nation's Call.

* (8r Cha*. W. Poenkll ) Hear ye not the words of thunder Pealing from the Afrio shore, Where, amid the'mighty mountains, Eight) the Briton and the Boer I Words that shake the great dominion, Splendid realms Mid regions vast, Founded by the English people, By their might In ageß paßt—. *• All ye men of Eogliah birthright, In what land ao'er ye dwell. Rouse ye from your peaceful labour*, For the Bound of war doth awell ; Fierce the onslaught, fierce the battle, And the tide doth ebb and flow. Now advancing, now retreating, Britons meet a stubborn foe. " Bid the bugle call your squadron*, Call them from the mart and plough, Summoned to a work more noble, Their b to guard the Empire now Give your blood and give your treasure, Give them freely, nothing loth, Patriots use no stiuted measure When the nation claims their troth. " Lo, the star of England's glory Brightly gleams o'er land cod sea, Will ye see one ray diminished Or its lustre leasened be ? What your fathers' valour oonquered Can ye keep, with arms aa bold, Or shall foes, of stronger fibre, Wrest it from your feeble hold ?'' Thus the nation's call resounding Warns us of the fateful day. Shall we disregard the anmmona | Shall we heed it and obey * Shall we, warmed with zeal responsive, With the patriot's glowing flame, Giving aid with hand unsparing, Gain 2<ealaadia brightest fame ? LytteUon Times.

A BOY WHO SHOT THREE BOERS.

It now appears that the young trumpeter of the sth Royal Irish Lancers, who in a hand-to-hand encounter with the Boers at Eland'a Laagte, shot three of the enemy with his own revolver, is of Irish biith and parentage. He in one of the smart little iellows that receive so good a general edu cation, with military discipline, at the Royal Hibernian Military School, Pbcenix Park. He is sixteen years of age, and his name is John James Shurlook. He has been two years in the sth Lancei:s, and has been in South Africa since February, 1898. His father, who is dead, served in the same regi ment before him, and his mother is the daughter of a gallant soldier, John Froggart, who served his country for thirty*one years, and who saved the life of a drowning officer at the Rock of Gibraltar.

WAR ITEMS.

The Duke of Aberoorn has eleven nephewi engaged in the war. Eight oases of Marconi wirelew telegraphy instrument! b»ve been ordertd by feht W« 0««<

(THE 4BHBUUTON GOARDIaN ; WEDNESIM?,, JANUARY 3, 19uO



Shade, j

High in

State of weather.

Date. :

Saturday .. Sunday .. Vlonday .. Cuesday .. Wednesday Thursday.. Friday >.

Low. High 45- 71* 45- 88 --- 68 --39. 76 --- 90. 48* 78 --51' 66-

140 --1- 5-0-138 140" 160 • 153 --114

Fine, E. „ NWtoSW ■*howers, N,B. Fine, calm | „ NWtoSW I „ 8. Rain, S.W.



Jew moon first quarter — 'all moon „. ,aat quarter ,«. Tew moon ,„

2 1 20 am -^ 8 5 10 pm „. 16 6 39 am .. 24 11 23 am *» 31 0 53 pm



WAVERLEY WINS OH BOXIHG DAY. _____/>\ .,„ \^i ASHBURTON. let and 2cd — — Half Mile Ist and 2nd — — One Mile Ist aud 2nd — — Two Mile Ist and 2nd — — WHEEL EACE KAIAPOL Wheel Pace „  First and Second Five Mile ,» „ First GLENTUNNEL. Wheel Bace , „ First and Second 1 Mile ', „ First and Second I Mile „ „ First 5 Mile „ „ first and Second OXFORD. V . i Mile „ „ First § 6 Mile   First and Feoond Wceelßace „ , First and Third TOTAL AMOUNT WON '£95 10 8 OUT OF A POSSIBLE £125. , /q> JOHN ORR & CO.. ASHBDBTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AGENTS aud afe Waverley Cycle Depot 217 Oolombo Street, Cbristchurch. JOHN ORR AND GO'S REVISED LIST-V JL _ | M | •y ■ WE Olairn to be the Leading Firm of G oc«rp, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants in Ashburton. We import all our Stock from the Home .Markets for Spot Cash, and are therefore in the best position oo supply the 1 . public with only genuine goods at the lowest possible price for cash. We guarantee all our goods faU weight and fitieat quality. We never charge for packing and delivery, all goods at the Railway fetaion free. Any person leaving an order with na can get a paroal ticket, and therefore always be^sure of _having / fcheirigoods ab the station in time. No charge for ticket. TUT r\TTT> *®° *>«r Toll ~ Jj A-AJ U Jti PER SACK 13*. — SSUCSA.I* — S|cl per lib wltn Tea /_\ !MARA?ILLA GARDEN TEA— 1b lOd, R2s. 2a 4d| per lb 51b Box .. ... ... 8s 9d, 9e 7d, 11s 101b Box .- .- .- 16s Bd, 18b 4d, 21e|8d KOZIE TEA — 101b Box, |13e 4d ; 51b, 9s 7d GOLD LEAF TEA 10lb Box, |18a 4d; 51b, 9a 7d -PEOVISIONS - FACTORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Sufcton's always in>tock. CHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per lb BACON AND HAMS — » Lewis'," M Morepork," "D.lMcOallum. • Mild Cured Hams, Sides and Rolls, 7^d. GORE OATM¥AL-251b Bag, 2b 6d



Van Honten's Coco*, £lb, lid ; |lb, Is 9d : lib, 3s 3d Fry's Cocoa, Jib, Bfcd ; lib, la 4£d tteal Good Oandles, 4|d per lb ; 8s Pd per box Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, 6id per lb; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights Is 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 7 lbs for Is Pear', 81be for la Bago, 7fbs for la Mixed Peel, Lsmon, Orange and Cit ron, 8d perlb Lemon PeeTf7lb Uds, 3a 6d lib Tins Assorted Jams, 6d per lb ; 4a 9d per doz 21b Jars Assorted Jams, 14a 6d per doz Lea and Perrin's Sauce, large, 2$ 6d per bottle Mellor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Worcester Sauce, email, 5d ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Floor, M per lb Mazlna Kf\ per dozen 5» 6d Whiting, i b for Is Morton's Cream of Tartar, la 3d per lb Preserved Fruit, 2£lb tins, 8d per tin, 7s 6d per doz English Cut Loaf Sugar, 3£d per lb Tomato Sauce, 9d per bottle Golden Syrup, 21b 6d, 41b Is, 561b 11s 3d Treacle, 21b 6d. 41b la, 71b Is 9d Fli««sfe Baisins 6&dperlb Finest; Sultanas 7|d „ „ Finest Onrrance 3d „  per cape 4£d „  Stewing Figs 7|d , t „ French Ptems (choice) ... 1" «< >. Skewing Plams .., ... 9d   Fin?st Mu^catela Is 1d „ „ Californian Mnscatels ... Is  „ 3E>ates, extra fine, 31b boxes, Is 9d per box Almonds, Jordan 2a 4d per lb Almonds, Valencia ... le 6d  „ Alronnda, Sicily le> 4d  „ Ba/cc* ma Nuts ... ,-, 8d „ Shell Almonds ... ... lOd  „ Pay and Martin's Paste Blacking, ?£d par dot ■Mid Martin's Jar Blacking, 6d par bottle itnch Blacking, 2d per tin, Is 9d per do» Mf'* Blasklead, Id aim, 9d per doz 'tmea^Domejßlacklead^edper d \ I



Carraway Seeds Bel per 1b Pimento, whole , Is   Pimento, ground... ... Is 2d „ Mix d Spice l£d per packet PICKLES—Hay ward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9s 6d per dozen Cross aud Blackwell'e, la 3d p3r bottle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder ... ...lid par bottle Borax 8d per 1b Alum 6d „ „ Saltpetre , 8d „ „ Tartaric Acid lelOd „ , s Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2s per doz lba Whole Linseed 3d per lb Linsead Meal 4d MATCHES-Plaids, 4d P^ dos, 4a per gross 250 s Is 6d per dozen 1000's 5d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 81 per dosen Yarmoatn Bloaters, 9 for Is Maconochie's Freeh Herrings, 6|d per tin „ Herrings In Tomato, I<M per tin „ Herrings in Shrimp, lOd per tin  Kippered Herrings, lOd per tin „ Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mullett 7d per tin Oysters 8d „ „ Sardines, large Alberts ... la „  | Sardines, large ... ... 8d  „ i Sardines, small ... , 4d „  Salmon, Holiy leaf ... lOd „ „ Salmon, other Brands ... 8d „  OlL~~Lucca, 2m 4d per bottle Salad, £ pint sd. 1 pine lOd Oastor, pint srt, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 21 b tin, Is Crosse and Blackwell's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dozen Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2sz, Is lOd. Leiberg's extract, Is 9d per bottle Patent Groats. Robinoon'e, lOd ;| Har per's, 9d per tin vlellios'^ood, UJti perJUn



New Zealaod 1 clothimg_factory| QPECIAL Lines in TENNIS t:HIEvTS' FANCY RTKIPES from 3s 6d, new Pat ci na. White «nd Cream Matt Shirts, 4s 6d and 5s 6d. White and Cream Celiulur Shirts, ss. Ihe Newest Styles in Fashion Shirtß and White Shirts, with fancy Cufti and Fronts. Men's Paruma Straw Hats, Men's Brazilian Straw Hats, Men's Club Straws from 2a, Splendid Tariety to Belect from. Men's Frame Hate, Men's Soft Felts. Men's Tennis Hats, Men's White Felta. bootsTboots Newest Shape Tan Boots 16s 6?, 18e, 23s 6d Black Gluce Kid Boots, 16s 6J ; Tennis Shoes 15s 6d. Men's, Women's, and Children's Oftnvae Shoes. LARGE STOCK AT LOW PRICKS. * A.LJL, AtMl> INfe»PtStlT. SUITS TO MEASURE A SPECIALTY. FIT GUaRAN TEED. CLOTHING FACTOHY. ¥. H. BEOKINGSALB, Manager.



Cricket—A match was played on Monday on the Domain oval between teams repre' seating the Ashburton Cricket Club and the Wisden Trophy Competition Crioket Club. The latfcer is a Chriatchuroh com. bination, comprising representatives from the eight different clubs who are competing for the trophy offered by Messrs Wisdsn and S>>ns. Some two hundred players are engaged in this competition, and with such a large number to Beleob from, it fs no surprise that the team which came up on Monday were able to defeat the local players. The latjter, however, pluckily contested every imjih of the game, but were weak in bowling, owing to the absence of some playera who Would have strengthened the team in this respect. The fielding of the local players w&b good, a one handed catch in the deep slips by Parsons calling for special mention, aiso thn wi kot keeping of a new member s Mr J. Downey, who standß olose up fc© the wickets and takes them as they oome. The scores were :— Ashburton 61 md 45 for 5 wickets, J R Smith 19, Amos 13, Crisp 10. Wisden Orioket Club 178, Minifia 61, Grammar 28, R Walters 13, J Walters 11, Wadman 10. The most puooeseful bowlers were, for Ash burton—Parsons, 0 Andrews, Hill, Amos and Mason. For Wiaden Cricket Club - Turnbvll, Grammar, MoLennan, jjWadman and Petrie TJie Ashburton team enter tained the visitors to luncheon at Grange's Commercial Hotel, '' Smoke New Venue



The Mails—Colonial mails which 'effi ( Auckiak d iv the Maiiposj, on November 27, were delivered in London on December 29 — two days late. The colonial maila per the Ornn s, from Melbourne ou .November 28, arrived in London on December 30—due date.—Prei a Association telegram. - I Amberley, Doc 7, 1899 \ [Copy] Messes Crajghkad And Beuryman Afchburton, I Dear Sirs, —Could yon make a su>t at once. I am sorry I forgot to order it sooner. The last oneia still weating. 11 fitted beautifully, °.nd has given the greatest satisfaction. If yju have time to make one for my son at Getaldine, I will get him to ride up on Satur day to be fitted. If there is not time to send patterns, I will trust you to choose for me, something like the last,—Yours truly, 49" The original letter as above from a well known gentleman and many others of equally high compliment mt»y N seen at our office—-Craioiiead ;"and Bkrryman, the Leading Tuhorp aud Outfitters, Ashburton.



To the Deaf and those troubled with Noises in the Head or other Aural Troubles. Dr Nicholson, of London, the world famed aural specialist and Inventor of artificial ear drums, has just issued the 100 th edition of hia illustrated and descriptive book on Deaf ness and Aural Troubles. This book may be had from Mr F. Shaw, 160, Adelaide rioad, Wellington, N.Z., on receipt of stamps. Mr Uampbell, of the same address, was greatly relieved of his deafness by Dr Nicholson's system, and takes pleasure in spreading the news of the great specialist in New Zealand. A little book on the cure of Rheumatism, Corpulence ; Lumbago, and Indigestion by the same author We often hear of a sensational bet being made, such as a guinea to a gooseberry, a bible-backed policeman to a pint of sheoak, a hundred pounds to a bundle of chips, and so on. The art of betting is to win, and to win you must back certainties. Here is a tip: You back Woods' Great Peppermint Cure to beat a cough or oold every time. You'll always get home. No Johhny Arm strong about that.



CLARKE'S 841 PILLS warranted to curs Gravel, Pains in the back and all kindred complaints. Free from Mercury. Established upwards of 30-years In boxes 4s 6d each, of all Ohemißts and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout thn wond. Proprietors, The Linooln and Mid land Counties Drag Company, Lincoln England



Kbating's Powder destroys bugs, fleas moths, beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in application. See the article you purchase is " Reading's," as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold in tins, 6d, 1?, and 2s 6d each, by all chemists.