Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1900. THE SYDNEY LARRIKIN.

Sydney files to hand contain details, of lbe very remarkable outbreak in Syd ney, where members of the Perma nent Artillery and of the Third Contingent have been joining battle with the " larrikin" element to the extent of involving the centre of the city in riot and of spilling considerable blood, though fortunately no Uvea were lost. Such a state of things would probably not be possible in that form anywhere else in the Empire. For nowhere in the world, excepting in Sydney, does the same peculiar ele ment seem to exist Doubtless it springs from the convict system, and has been fostered partly by the size and formation of tbe city, but especially by that amazing toleration of lawlessness —itself resulting from the convict system—which has long given New South Wales an unenviable reputa tion. Every British colony has had its political bitterness, its official scandals, its undignified Parliamentary recriminations, but New South Wales has been unrivalled in its political de generation. Half its population sta tistically disregards the marriage law. Only very slowly is it climbing oat of a veritable social morass. That it has done so much, and has upheld so decidedly its place as the pre mier colony of the Australasian group, says much for the vigour of its people and for the persistent work ing of those law-abiding e'ements which alone give strength and permanence to any society. It may be remembered that when the great gold rush of 1851 drew multitudes of adventurers to the Oalifornian Coast and buiib up t?an Francisco es if by rmgic upon the Gol den Gate the Sydney larrikin was there in all his glory. Largoiy to cure the town of his presence, and to choke off the further impouring from Botany Bay of the convict elements, did the famous firebells ring in the now historic rule of Ju(?ge Lynch. Those who first meet the modern Sydney larrikin always sympathise with the 'Frisco Vigilance Committee. But accustomed Sydney regards him as it ultimately would permanent plague—-not nice out a dispensation of 'Providence, one of the institutions whose privileges are not to be lightly tampered with, whose rights are to be maintained. The revolt of the Permanent Artil lery against the rule of the lar rikin is solemnly quoted by reputable Sydney Journals as showing the danger of military terrorism and as calling for prompt and energetic suppression. This is quite true. But it is indicative of the peculiar tone of Sydney society that very little is said of the intolerable terrorism of the " larrikin pushes " | which pervade large sections of the city. Individual Arti lerymen had been brutally attacked, as peaceful citizens frequently are, by these hordes of tolerated outlaws. We must con fess that to us it seems a less serious thing that a " military push " should have been organised in self-defence than that this notorious larrikin law lessness should be tolerated at all. The Sydney larrikin has the currishness of his breeding, is altogether lacking in honour, honesty, or shame. He is an amazing product of our antipodean transplantation, one which, having no health in it, is assuredly doomed to extinction. The Anglo Saxon instinct for organisation has shown itself in his method. Every larrikin belongs to a " push," the members of each "push" grade by natural selection and tacit acquiescence from the " captain " down; each " push " has its territory—a street a block, perhaps a district; not only in the crowded centre of Sydney, but in the furthest outskirts, saving in the most favoured districts, does the " push " appear. Imitation larrikins imitate on the outskirts the methods and habits of the inner circles; even on the outskirts, as some terrible out rages have shown, there are " pushes " ripe for any cowardly crime. Thieves and sharpers, hangers-on of race meet ings and gambling dens, tricksters of every kind, spongers upon the foolish affections of women, mix in these pushes with those who still work un willingly, and with mere boys who ad mire as heroes the worthless " captains of the push." Such are the gangs that spread over Sydney, tolerated most in comprehensibly excepting when some specially atrocious crime excites the community to equally atrocious ven geance

Local and General.

* # * On bhe firsb page to-day will be found War Items.

Expensive Bbeb —According to a Dune din Press telegram, ab Clinton a fine of £12 10a and costs was imposed on Peter McCrorie, for failing tc deface tbe duty stamp on a beer cask. Ib appeared bhab a ID-gallon keg of beer was brought) into Clinton, which is of course a prohibition district, and wjs taken bo a hut, where Mc- Crorie and others finished bhe beer there and then.

Butchers' Bail. — The Ashburton and Fain on butchers held their second annual ball in the Oddfellows' Hall on Thursday night, there being a very large attendance. Ihe hall was very prettily decorated with flags, binners, and evergreens, and this, together with bhe very pretty dresses worn by several of tho ladies, gave bhe hall a very gay appearance. The floor was in tip-top order for dancing, which was indulged in till 3 o'clock the following morning, Mies Bessie Simnjonda* bund supplying excellent music, while Mr J. Hannigan, assisted by Messrs J, Harper and W 4 Huston, made efficienb M?.C, During the evening eongs were rendered by Mrs Gobbe, Mias McKee, and Mr Mcßeath, each item being very acceptable* The Com mittee had spaied no expense in having a Gret-clftßa supper provided, and entrusted the order to Mr H. P. Madden, who catered in a manner thab could hardly be surpassed for excellence, as everything was provided that one could wish for. Mr Malcolmson, in a neat little speech, on behalf of the Committee, thanked those present for their attendance, and expressed the hope that he would, for many years to come, be able to attend such .gatherings as the butchers of Ashburton and Fairbon had provided for the past two years, at the same time calling for three cheers for the butchers, who reburned a similar compliment to the speaker, all the cheers being heartily given. The gathering was undoubtedly a great sucaess, and the Committee are to be congratulated on the results of their labor.

Obituary—Lord Looh died ab London J yesterday. ",

The Premier—A Wellington telrgram says that the Premier attains his fifty-fifth year to-day. , • * ■

Coursing—A cablegram from Sydney saya that Mr Martin Taylor's White Rose, Voor; ---alla, and Vandyke won their respective courses in Jhe firsb round of the Grand Challenge Stakes.

'J uk Dkfence of the Colony—According to a Wellington telegram some big gun mounting) and shields for the Defence De partment are at present lying on the We lington wharf, and are being shipped to Auckland and Port Chalmers.

Durable Timbers-— On Tuesday we (Tar^naki L'era'd) were shown a piece cut from a rimu verandah post that h:vrl been erected about 50 years, * The wood is hard and Siund, and shows' that age rather im proves the quality, and that good heart of rimu has proved to be one of (he most durable as well &i beautiful timbers grown in the colony.

The Cathbdbal.—His Lordship BishoP Julius stated last evening at the annua meeting of the Diocesan Choral Association' that the first parish that: he had visited in' connection with the appeal for funds to com plete the Cathedral—and it was really a parochial district only—had * contributed £250, and if every parish in the diocese would do as well in proportion the Cathedral would be completed in eighteen months.

Thk Chinksb Telkoraph Serviob—The following cable has been sent to us :—Berne wires, Great Northern Company informs as that ib hopes shortly, with the assistance of the Sets, to be able to reorganise the telegraph t>emoe abandoned by the Chinese administration between Chee foo and Tien tsin and Taku. The Great Northern Com pany reoommend ' that in the meantime Government telegrams for these places be addressed to the respective Consuls at Cnefoo, who will be able to send them to their destination by the despatch and torpedo boats touching at Cnefoo.

Auoidibnt— Mr A. • Lawrie, sheep-farmer, Graenstreeb, meb with a painful aco dent on Wednesday afternoon. He was driving in a trap, and stood up to alter the position of the seat. His reins getting slack the horse made a start forward, with the result that Mr Lawrie wob thrown over the tail of the trap. He landed h avily on the road on bhe point of his uhouider, which was dislocated, and he was otherwise bruised and shaken. Mr Liwrie obtained medical assistance, and ia now progressing favourably, Ib ia a rather surprising coin.idence that Mr T. Stone, who until recently occupied the farm now owned by Mr Lawrie, also had his shoulder dislocated on Sunday by hia horse falling.

Result ok Emotion.,—A curious instance of the remarkable results of strong emotion U reported. A soldier of the gallant York shire Light Infantry, a regiment which fought with such distinguished gallantry at Belmont, Enslin, the Modder, and Magers fontein, was wounded by a shell ab the last named action, ' One effucb of this wound was that the man was rendered completely dumb by the shock, and he remained in this state for over two months, till, in fact, the news of the relief of Ledysmith was announced in his ward in. the hospital. S*o over] >yed was he ab the news that he found himse'f able to hurrah with the best of them, and from that day completely recovered his speech.

Finding Hidden Mausers —A good story (says the hast London Despatch) comes from bhe Colonial Division. During the firsb British occupati in of Rouxville, an officer and pirty of Kiffirarians sere sent out to seuch somo farmhouses for arm". At one place the owne: was absent, but his wife protested by all that was holy that she knew of no guni- A quiet talk to a Tottie servant resulted in a strne wall being demolished, and a number of Mausers fouud. When the old lady saw thi*, she a»ked the officer who informtd him of this hiding-place. "Oh," was the rea'y reply. " Mrs,——" (mention* •ng'thenameof the woman on the next farm ) Thereupon the old dame fell into a terrible rage, and, after exhaus'ing the wo'ds of the Dutch language in denouncing the supposed informant, she added, " No*w, I'll tell ynu where her guna are hidden " And she did with such exactness that a second good haul was madf.

" Grand but Risky."—Trooper Chas* Walker, of the Second Contingent, writing f ram : Winbiirg, on Miy 6, saya :—«• We were in B^emfontein a few days ago, and then marched for the'Modder and faU in with the Boers. We have been fighting every day for the cast three days. On the first day we took Brandforb, under a pretty hob fire, the New Z3&lauders in the advance. We fought our way steadi'y, and then mounted our horses and about ten of us galloped in ahead of the rest. I was one of the first in and never got a scratch, Next day we routed the Boers oub of a kopjs, and were called oub in front of the other troops and complimented by General Hutton. He slid ib was grand bub too risky, acid added bhab he and Colonel Pilchard stood with their hearts in their mouths for ten minutes while we were going up the hill. Yesterday was the hottest of the lob. We led the attack again and rooted the Boers out of a good pisition on the Vaal River. A good faw Boers"were killed, bub although we had to advance across an open plain for a quarter of a mile, with the Maxim and rifle bullets whistling all round us, only one of our boys gob wounded—Smith, of Stratford."

A Famous Poultry Breidrr—Mr Wil liam Cook, the famous English poultry breeder, has arrived in Sydney. On reach ing Melbourne he had to report the unfortu nate loss of 23 oub of the 220 birds he brought with him. The trip proved a very rough one, and the ill f *ted "birds were washed overboard* The remainder landed in poor condition, in consequence of the knocking about which they got, but soon began to pick up. As far as oould be judged, the quality, however, was all right, and Australian breeders should derive greab benefib from this big importation of high class stock. A large number of the birds were boughb up in Melbourne by Tasmanian Victorian, and South Australian buyers, bub the bulk of them, inoluding some of the very besb, went on to Sydney. They con sisb of black, buff, spangled, and Diamond Jubilee Orpingtons, Langßhans, bt?ff and white Leghorns, Hamburgs. Anconas, Part ridge, silver and golden Wyandotteß, and blue and buff Orpington ducks. Several brios were secured in Melbourne for Sydney fanciers, including Indian game, black and silver spangled Hamburg, and black and buff Orpingtons. Mr Cook ingeniously con trived to grow green food for the birds dur ing the voyage, and they laid unusually well.

"Ourselves as. Others See Us."—Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults ; bub they seldom fail .to observe the St and style of our clothes. Young men who wanb to make good impressions, must bear in mind thab " appearance goes a long way." An ill-fitting suib iB uncomfortable, and an " eye-aore "to your friends. Bon'b risk ib J If you areasbranger here, the first well dressed citi'gm you meet will gladly direct you to '• The Leading Tailors " where you will always find a large assortment of " Up to date" suitings to select from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and etill increasing business done by Messrs ORAIGfHEAD and Bbrryman speaks volumes, This firm has just imported probably the finest stock of new seaeons tailoring goods ever shown in Ashburton, including a beautiful range of the new rain-proof Beavers and Meltons for Coverb coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both fashionable and durable.

The Plague.

Uoibed Press Association—By Eleobric Telegraph—Copyright. Brisbane, June 21 Another case is reported. Tbe name of the patient is John Budgen, Sydney, June 21 There were no plague cases to-day.

Commercial.

ASHBURTON STOCK. MARKET

Mr David Thomas reports upon the live stock market in the Ashburton county for the week ending June 21:—On Tuesday, at the Tinwald yards, the U' ual weekly eale was held. There was a fair attendance of farmers, dealer?, aud others, and amongst them_a fair number of buyers, but their biddings "were slack. The yarding was a mxed one, several lots of freezers, lambs,, crossbred, and merino ewes coming forward. In the freezing class, prices were slightly easier, the trade not caring much to operate. Good crossbred ewes held thoir own, also hoggets, but for merino wethers sales were difficult to make. The butchers' penß were fully supplied, and in nearly all caees stock changed hands at fair values. The total for the d»y comprised 3839 sheep, 60 head of cattle, and 20 pigs, my entry consisting of 1691 (sheep, 31 head of cattle, and 20 pigs, which I ditpa*ed of at 'he following prioes : 20 crcssbred ewes 13*, 28 merino wethers 7s. 25 a*. 6s 7d. 20 crossbred ewes 12s 3d, 33 at 12s lOd, 23 ab 12a 3d, 25 merino wethers 9< BJ, 75 at§i4d, 193 lambs 14* 6d, 60 cross; bred wethers 16s 31, 291 at 14s 7d, 181 cross bred ewes in lamb 13), 130 crossbred ewes 13s 6d, 403 l<mbs 10s Id, 95 crossbred wethers 12*, 100 merino wethers 7s. C-ttle —2 fat heifers £5, 1 cow £3 1* 6d, 2 heifers £5 7s, 1 heifer £5 s*, 2 heifer* £4 16 s 2 steeiß £5 _2s, 1 beifer £1 6a, 9 stores £1 ss, 1 bull £15», 1 springer £4 15<, 1 con £3 10s, 2 cattle £2 9s, 1 heifer „3 ss, 1 ab £4 ss. Pigs—2 weaners 6s, 1 porkec £1 6i, 1 fat pig £1 14s 61, 16 at £1 10s On Wednesday last, by kind permission of Mr Lagan, TinwaH, 1 held a clearing s*le in his yard, on account of Mr T. Lester, of the whole of his contracting plant, consisting of 13 draught horses, 3 light harness geldings, plough, drays, etc. There was cot a large attendance, bat those who did attend were bent on business, as I only, passed one horse of the whole plant, which was in no way got up for sale. The horses, whioh were jut out of work, were locking rough, but the quality was there. A'l lots offered were Mid satisfactorily to the owner, and the following are a few of the prices :—Trap £7, ploughs £3 17s 6d, £5 ss, block and taokle £1 ss, dray and frame £7 sv. £12. what • £7 10s, harrow* £1 10s, roller £14, reapers (old) £2 6s, bay gelding £30. 1 at £30 10s, bay mare £37, bay gelding £34, bay mare £14 10b, brown mare £24, black mare £32 10*, b*y gelding £36 10a, hack £14, harness £1 X £1 ss, £112-., £1 17 6d oartharneis £2 7s 6d, sundries at full ra-ea

THE CHRISTCHURCH AFFRAY.

Daly in a Critical Condition.

Accused Before (he Court,

The ftess says :—After Daly was taken to I the Hospital his condition did not improve, 1 snd it was found that his injuries were of a more aerioua character than bad at first been suppose 3. A consultation of the doctors was held on Thursday, and as a retulb ib was deemed necessary that one of Daly's eyea, the righb one, should be removed* altogether. The opera'ioi was performed by Dr Nadwill at 10 30 a.m. on Thursday, and the right eye was taken out. Tne left eye is also in a serious condition, swollen and i flamed to an alarming extent, and ib is feared that unless BomV favourable change bakes place ib will be necessary to remove thU one aIBO. D*ly is still ugonsoious, and is in a highly critical and dangerous oondition. Every effort is being m"»de bo save bhe other eye, and the first one was nob removed until possible chance of saving ib had disappeared. o'i enquiry at the Hospital ab an early hour this morning we were informed that there was no change in Daly's condibiin.

Ab the Christohuioh Police Court on Thursday, before Me era J. B Bim and E. H, Rickets. J PA, Henry Harris Divers and Thorn is James Trounson were oharged with hav.ng, on the 20bh June, in High Street, assaulted oue Jmi>> s Daly, so as to cause him aotual bodily harm - Mr Byrne appeared for the accused. Sub-Inspector O'Brien said that he had bo a&k for a remand for a week D.»!y, the man who was assaulted, had been taken to the Hospital, where he was lying in a vary critical condition. He was unconscious, and it was not known what might occur The case might or might nob terminate fatally. Ab all events he asked fcr a remind for a week.

Mr Byrne said he could offjr no ol jecUon, and would ask that bail be allowed the accused.

Sub-Inspector O'Brien replied that under all the circumstances he must oppose bail.

The BenCh granted the renuni and de cided to allow bail, each accused in his own recognisance of £50, and one surety each of £50.

CHRISTCHURCH POULTRY SHOW.

The annual fixture under the auspices of the Ohristohuroh Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Club was opened yesterday. The Show ia again held in Mr F C Tabart's wool stote, Manchester Streeb. This ia the beat building procurable for a show of the kind ; still, ib is now too small for the requirements of the Society. This year the exhil its number 1249, which baa only been beaten at one other show in New Zealand, namely, at last year's exhibition of the Club, when the total was 1280. The figures for leghorns and wyandottes are New Zealand records, and those for minorcas make an Australasian reoord Indeed, better filled clasaea than minoroa cockerels (43) and tnmorca pullets (32) are seldom heard of anywhere or for any breed. There was a large attendance at the Show yesberday, and ib will be open from 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. to-day, and the same hours to-morrow, The following prizes c*me to Ashburton :— Cochins, partridge—Cook or cockerel, Mrs E Willis 1; hen or pullet, Mrs E Willis 1.

Orpingtons, black — Cock or cockerel, Jamea Tasker 1; Orpingtons, buff—Cock or cockerel, Mrs E Willis 2 and S. Houdans—Cook, T Breez«s 1 and 2 ; hen, T Bretze h c ; cockerel, T Breeze 1 and 2; pullet, T Breeze 3 and h c. Game, Indian—Cock, Edward Btephens 1 ; hen, H G Borryman 3. Leghorns, brown, S.C—Cook, G F Dodds h c ; cockerel, G F Dodds ho.

Hamburgs, golden-pencilled — Cock, S Mclntyre 1 and 2 ; cockerel, Mrs E Willis 1 (res), S Molnbyre 2 and 3 ; pullet, S Mclntyre ho. Hamburgs, black—Cock, Benjt Baker 1; cockerel, Benj. Baker 2, J H Stephens 3 ; pullet, J H Stephens 3. Pigeons—Pouters, any colour, cock or hen, Mrs E Willis 1.

Flying Homers—Cook, rung N Z.P.A., 1899-1900 ring, Percy Btephena 1. Flying Homers—Hen, Percy Stephens 1.

Canaries —Norwich, dark crested, noc» colour fed—Oock or hen, Edward Stephens 8

N.S.W. POLITICS.

Sydney, June 21 In the House Mr Wilks charged the Postmaster-General with acting as lawyer in cases against the Crown. It was expected that Mr Wilks would move a notice of amendment on the Address-in-Reply, dealing with the matter, but he refrained from doing bo at present.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, June 20 j Jewels worth £10,000 have been stolen from the bedroom of Princess j Radziwill, at the Oarlu n Hotel. The husband of the Princess is an attache at the Russian Embassey, London. The Kfcv. Hamilton Young, Vicar of < Alne, Yorkshire, who brought an action for divorce from his wife on the grouud of adultery with Mintoft, a churchwarden, obtained £4000 dam ages from the co-respondent. June 21 The appeal case brought by the owners of the Waikato's cargo of wool pgainst the New Zealand *• hipping Company, has been dismissed. ' Adelaide, June 21 Owing to the Queen declining to hold State balls this teison, on ac count of the losses by death at the war, the Governor has postponed simi lar functions here.

Stdnb*, Jane 21 Major-General French, Command ant of the New South W,ales forces, bag been promoted to Major-General in the Imperial forces Brisbane, June 21 While repairs were being (ffected to the telephone Hues, one fell across tbe electric tram wire, and a man was thrown from a pole and seriously in jured. Several miles of wire through out the city were fused, and a hotel was set on fire, but it was extinguished with small damage. There -were several narrow escapes of people about to use the telephones. Sydney, June 21 A meeting of coal owners rffused the miners' demands for an increase in the selling price of coal from Ju'y 1. It was decided to increase to ten shillings in January next. Mklbournb, June 21 A meeting of the A.M.P, policy holders adopted a resolution against the proposed extension of business,

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Occupation of Krugersdorp

De Wet's Forces Bouted

Elcff to be Sent to St Helena

Baden-Powell at Bustentarg

T_i© New British. Possessions

United Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, June 21 Ir, is officially reported that all the Pretoria - Capetown communications have been restored.

Mapr-General Hunter h*s occupied Krugersdorp unopposed: Commandant De Wet, on the 19tb, obstructed Lord Methuen, who was escorting a large convoy to Heilbron The Boers were* routed. Ihe British casualties were three.

Eoff, captured at Mafeking,- has reached Capetown, and is to be sent to St Helena.

Major-General Baden Powell is at Rustenburg, which is quiet Pretoria is quiet.

The shops in Johannesburg are open, and the market is held daily. The streets are more crowded and business like.

Lord Kitchener's Escape From Capture.

Colonel Seaton's Capture of tbe Enemy's Guns.

(Received Wakapuaka June 22, 915 am, This Office 941 am)

London, June 21 3' Ihe scene of Kitchener's escape was a kopje at a siding north of Kroonstad. De Wet, with a force of nine hundred, got in close proximity to the sleeping car upon which they were aiming their riles and big guns when Kitchener saddled up and galloped to the Rhe noster River, where thirteen hundred British were encamped. Colonel Seaton'i mounted infantry on tbe 19th, oaptured two guns in the direction of Rustenburg from Duples sia' command.

A CENSORED LETTER. Farrier-Sergeant McGregor, writing to Mr D. Davidson, of Hokitika, from Bloemfon* bein, under date May 4, wrote what would evidently have proved a very interesting letter («ays the liokitika Guardian), The letter, however, caught the eagle eye of the censor, who has perused the missive to aome purpose, as it has reached its destination in a very mutilated oondition. The letter ia written on two sheets of paper, and each has had portions of the written matter torn out. This treatment naturally exaites considerable interest as to bhe nature of the contenta wnich were deemed specially deserving euoh extreme and ruthless marks of disfavour. The ex-Hokitikian, in the portions of his letter that are readable, goes over a good deal of the ground which his been made familiar to those of our readers who have followed Trooper Leslie's atory of the wanderings and doings of the Second Con tingent.

General Kelly-Kenny remarked to a war correspondent the other day, " I have been woefully undeceived in many things in this campaign. Men 1 had thought were splen did fellows, who would have gone anywhere and done anything, have betrayed them selves as the rankest frauds, and those I had expected little from have done great things. War gives oub the measures of men in an astonishing way."

Victoria is to have some of the armament taken fi cm the Boers as relics of the first war in which she took an active part. Sir Alfred Milfaer has written to the Premier through the Lieutenant-Governor stating that it was proposed to make a collection of the arms, etc., taken in the present war and to distribute them as trophies amongst the various colonies thab had sent contingents to South Africa. He asked the Victorian Government to state whether they agreed with the proposal. Premier M'Lean replied accepting the offer with thanks.

The longest distance that a shot has been fired is a few yards over fifteen miies, whioh was bhe range of Krupp's 130-ton steel gun, firing a shot weighing 26001b. The 111-ton Armstrong gun has an extreme range of fourteen miles, firing a shot weighing 18001b, and requiring 9601b of powder. Toe 22-ton Armstrong gun hurls a solid shot for a distance of twelve milea, and the discharge of the gun cannot be heard at the plaoe where the ball atrikes. From twelve to thirteen milea is the computed range of the most powerful guna now in use, and to obtain that range an elevation of nearly forty-five degrees ia found to be necessary.

For several days after the Queen's arrival in Dublin a group of cyclists were noticeable for their eagernesa to accompany the Queen. They wore cyclist costume, sweater, open jacket, cap, knickers, and some of them floated neckerchiefs in the approved scorcher

style No one thought tium to be other than their eppeararce: deno'ed, until on* day when t* py forgot themselves and fo' lowed ihe Queen's carriage li.ht into ihe private grounds of the Vice egai Lodge. Thou (he Dublin public awoke to the f»ot ihat these loyal cyclists were p»rt of Superintendent Melville's detachment from Scotland Yard.

A SANGUINARY ENGAGEMENT.

Writing of the advance to Brandfort, lhe /m'correspondent with the first contingent gives the following grap 1 io description of a warm time: —

As the division advanced towards Win burg, the cavalry were sent furt her ahead, and were thus enabled to perform a brilliant piece of work, As they neared the southern reaches of the Vet river tho Boer commando* were noticed a few miles ahead. To the left (f the cavalry some of our forces were seen approaching, and the cavalry leader, recognising that the Boers' western com mando would have enough bo do to cope with the British at that point, decided upon a bold stroke. He galloped his men straight on between the two foroe* of Boers, and thus prevented a junction, if such waa the desire of the Boer leaden. Then having accomplished this move in safety, attention was paid to tho Boera on the right. Despite a strong resistance, the cavalry rushed on, and before tha astonished Trans- . vaalers and Free Staters had time to retreat the Britiah e»va'ry were amongst them. No mercy waa asked tot; no quarter.was shown. Again and again did onr gallant) soldiers charge info (he terrified masa of Boera, catting and thrusting, madly flashing | and goring tha enemy until the spot re sembled a oharnel house. One who. was present says that the scene waa awful. Then a portion of the Highland Brigade, with bayonets fixed, advanced on tho right flank, aud as the fleeing Boera aped across the veldt the dtist.begrimed khaki •aproned Highlanders and the Canadiana charged and cheered and charged again. The High landers'execution with their bayonets was terrible.

From almost every position north, north west and northwaet of Brandfort up to Balt Pan Drift the Boera were driven, aod their ioasea were heavy.

Correspondence.

(We do not held ourseive* responsible for opinions oxprMsed hj our corni} .ndenti

FIRE ALARMS.

TO.THE KDITOR. • '' Sib,—Will yoa allow me to oall the attention of the authorities to the dangerous practice, at any hour of the night, of sounding such a hideous alarm from the engine shed, which has become fcrite customary. Whenever the fire hell rings, the man in charge of the "shed," whether he can see the fire or not, aounda a frightful alarm. Tha town ia arouaed, children are frightened, but, what ia worse, the doctors' last instructions become impossible, both ia the hospital and elaewhere, v_ " ace that the patient ia kept e_uiet, everything depends —life depends — upon absolute quiet.** Immediately there ia consternation, where, bub one brief moment before, everything was tranquil and hopeful. About throe o'clock this morning my house was suddenly '•• turned upside down " The children were scared. After assuring them, I went in search of the fire. Passing the engine shed, I heard some one call out to tho man in charge of the engine, •• Where'a the fire!" "I do_'o know!" he replied. "Why did you kick up that row*" he asked. "For fun." I fail to seethe fun. go far as the young m*n is conceraftd, doubtless, he did not think. The time has oom>, however, when the authorities ought to regulate the n got alarms which are becoming a dangerous nuisance. —I am, etc , Symos.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

Tho Line North of Tien-tsin Damaged

Oslo Hundred Boxers Killed

The British Expedition

London, June 21 The Foreign Office has received a telegram from Chefoo reporting that the Boxers have damaged the line north of Tien-tsin, and burned a Catholic chapel and many houses. The Chinese troops did not interfere. One hundred of the Boxers who attacked tbe settlements were killed. Further detachments of Foreign troops have been landed to protect Tien-tsin, the Boxers having paralysed Chinese authority. j. A Chinese report itatei that a secret edict has been issued, which orders the troops to join the Boxers. Bear-Admiral Bruce, second in com mand of the Obina station, reports that on the llth there was no newi of Admiral Seymour's expedition! and that there was nothing authentic The Legation at Tientsin ii isolated. The Admirals are co-operating with the utmost harmony. Hong Kono, Jane 21 The wounded of all nationalities in the recent engagement—the Russian preponderating—have been sent to Japan for treatment.

Japanese Report of the Capture of Taku Forts.

(Receive J Wakapuaka June 22, 136 a m This Office 10 10am)' London, Jnne 21

A Japanese official report of the capture of the Taku forts, itatei the allies landed twelve hundred men, in* tending to attack the forts in the rear simultaneously with the Admiral's attack from the sea at the expiration of the ultimatum, but the Chinese opening the attack, prematurely de feated the plan. The Japanese cap tured the first fort only, the North British the second, the Germane and Russians the two southern forts.

Bear Admiral Bruce reports the Chinese Admiral was present during the bombardment of the Taku forts. The Chinese flag was flying on tbe Imperial cruisers during the action and the Admiral agreed to anchor with tbe allied fleet, meanwhile extinguishing his engine fires. The Daily Telegraph states that after burning the Catholic cathedral, and a whole quarter of Tientsin, the Boxers invaded the railway station and came within fifty yards of the Russian troops, who fired fifteen rounds with big guns and killed three' hundred.

Li Hung Chang declares he is medi ating for a cessation of hostilities.

The Trouble in Ashanti.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph.—Copyright London, Jane 21 The Ashantis surrounding Kumasei are short of ammunition.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN ; FEibaV, JUNE 22, J&Oi)



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING. FACTORY. NOTWITHSTANDING the advance in Wool, we are selling our Stock of? Winter Underc'o'hing at last year's prices. | MENS LW. PANTS frcm .. 2s lid. SINGLETS from .. .. 4* 6d | FL&NN L UNDERS .. .. 3i 61. CARDIGAN JACKKTS -. .*. 4s 91 In our Boot Department we h«v» a splendid Stock of Ladies' Evening Shoes, also Walking Shoes and House Slippers. WABM FP.LT SLIPPERS, IN MEN'S, WOMEN'S, AND CHILDREN'?. MKN*B AND WOMKN'H GALORE** FOR THE WET WEATHER. Call and Inspect. N.Z. CLOTRING" FACTORY. F. H BECKING'^ALB, Manager. GREAT PROCESSION. _-———_:x:- ■ — THURSDAY HOLIDAY. "P L A^G S*— All Kinds FIBBO^, 108ETTES, LADYSMITH HANI KERCH I EPS, WAR MAP HANDKERCHIEF^ LADIES* BADEN-POWELL HAT 3. BED, WHPE, & BLDE CUFFS & COLLARS ,;o: , AND R E W ORR. THE DECLARATION OF P ACE WILL BR A "Great D,y" in Ashburton. ~-{x)—' BE PREPARED FOB THIS A|_fp VIS I'l " THE CORNER." . 11/ HER X WE HOLD LARGE ASSORTMENTS OF Pretoria Hats Lancer Fel's. f osettes, Johannesburg Badges, FLAGS IN ALL bIZ: S, 1 to. WE would "specially " remind our Lady friends to invent in some] of our WINTER UNDI:RCI.OTH FNG Which has been specially selected by us to su t this district, and is n-.eeting with RE ADY SALE. [JUST QPENED -103 D<fc«m Ladies, OhildrenV,and ifen's " OOBY SLIPPERS,",^ Winter Evenings. All prices, all siVs. DRMiS.MAKIHC DEPARTMENT" IN FULL SWING, AT PBICES TO SUIT ALL. f NORTRCOTE & HEFFORD mac miiiihiiiiii >m___»_>n«ft__M__a. i ____■____* GOOD NEWS FROM THE FRONT. Kruger learns that the Bit Mi mean to get Justice for all in South Africa. WE HOPE the People of Ashburton have learned that we give Justice to our Customers in all our numerous lines. We have fust landed, per the s s " Whakatane," the finest assortment of Brasß and Iron BEDSTEADS ever landed in Town. Latest styles and j designs. Direct from the Manufacturers in Birmingham. Call early and see for yourselves. Ahout 100 Bedsteads to choose from ; all sizes ; all prices. BSDDING of all kinds kept in stock and made on the premises. We b*ve also just rt chived a choice shipment, per the s s Kangatira, of TAPESTRIES, SERGKS, PLUSHER UTREOHT VELVETS, CRETTONES, Etc , for Furniture, And. having secured the services of a Firat-clasa Upholsterer (late of Mel bourne), we are prepared to make New and-Repair Old FURNITURE in op-*o'dftte styles, at lowest prices, on shortest notice. Linoleum?, Oilcloths, Rugs, Mats, Matting, Carpets, etc, just opened. New patterns, grand designs, per as" lonic* At the request of numerous Customers, we have imported a choice assort ment of OILCLOTHS for Dados, which bave just opened up in splendid order. Ofiill and inspect them. For Bedroom Ware, Dinner and Tea Ware, Fancy Goods, Pictures (framed acd unframed), Photo Frames, Vases, etc, see our stocks before buying else wl ere. Pictures framed in latest styles. Largest stock of Mouldings in Town to choose from. Colonial, American, and Austrian Chairs, Folding Chairs, Camp Stools and Wicker Chairs, Bamboo Tables, and Flower Stands with fancy stand and hanging pots, also a few Bamboo Overmantles. Bamboo Cornice Poles, al« sizes and prices « Duchesse Tables and Chests, Washatands and Wardrobes, kept in stock and made to order in any design. Perambulators, Go-Carts, Children's Chairs of all kinds, at various prices. LIBERAL DISCOUNT FOR CASH, AT T. H. UJNDRILL & CO., CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, & UNDERTAKERS, TANCRED S3 RKBT, opposite Aboadb,



___ dHURCH SERTiCEB. : ST. STEPHEN'S' OHUROH Ashburton. FRIDAY-Litany and^Address, 715 pm ; Choir Practice, Bpm SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TBINITY (June 24) 8 30 a m —Holy Communion 11 am—Matins and Sermon r 3 pm—SEA FIELD, the Vicar I DROMORE, Mr T A Gates 6.30 p. m—Evensong and Sermon *R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A. Vicar ii.... ■■ i i . ——-■ Nicoll Bros. APPIi»» " PEARS, BANANAS, ORANGES, LEMONS, WALNUTS, PUMPKINS, ONIONS, POTATOES, OHIOKFEED, Em TT7E have made arrangements with growers for Regular Supplies of all descriptions of Fruit and Produce right through the Winter Months, and oan now supply in any quantity at Lowest Market Prices. i NICOLL BROS. Grain & Pro luce Merchants. ASHBURTON NICOLL BROS. H F. Nicoll, E. F. Niooll, L. A. Nicoix Merchants & General Agents "DUYERS OF BAT SHEEP & LAMBS, WOOL, SKINS, PELTS k HIDES. AGENTS FOR— Christchurch Meat, Co., Ltd. Islington Fertilisers Little's Sheep Dip Ocean, Accident and Guarantee Corpora. tion, Ltd. United Insurance Co,, Ltd. (Fire and Marine.) GRAIN SOUGHT AND SOLD ON COM MISSION. We shall be pleased to receive samples from farmers who have parcels for dis posal. Station Books Kbpt and Audithd. We have received sums of Trust Monies, ranging from £100 to £1000. to lend on Freehold Securities at flf and 5 par cent. FRUIT. We receive regular Consignments from Auckland, Sydney, and the Islands, and have in stock Apples, Pears, and Fruit in season all the year round. S E E~D S . We stock Clovers, Ryegrass, Rape, atd Turnip Seed of reliable quality. THE OHRISTOHUROH ME\T CO Limited ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. 3REATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION WHEREVER USED. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERY WHERE Nicoll Bros, store five varieties of this jelebrated fertiliser. Price on application. Allowance made for quantities. Letters will receive prompt attention. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS TTTE ARE CASH BUYERS OF FAT SHEEP AND lAMBS AT HIGHB6T MARKET RATES. NICOLL BROS., last Street, Ashburton. c ■'. ' -w P3 b - _ ° «__ Co «9 *** _. 05 n r* Lj oq _ ' s h* * Ph M g m 3 oi . 5.2 h-1 _, S • :^| O OH a - r, _, X as' n H« | - &g Oj 0 L -JJ T " COTTAGE of 4 rooms centrally situated in Wills Street West), near the Rail way Station. y T BULLOCK, Ageaii



TO THE DEAF—A rich lady, cured of her Deafness and Noises in the Head by Dr Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, gave £5000 to his Institute, so that deaf people unable to procure the Ear Drums may have them free. Address No. 667 d. The Nicholson Institute, Longoott, Gunnershury, London,



Lots of people have boughb a small (ample packet of McKeczie's Hondai Lanka Cey lon Tea out of pure curiosity. Didn't be lieve it—why, certainly nob—why should they. But somehow or other they are using it righb along; wouldn't forsake it on any account. Of course they wera, sceptical at drat; so many things advertised now-a days; bub a teapot test sets doubt ab rest. All disinterested stores sell Hondai Lanka,



Smoke New Venus



THE EXPENSES OF THE FEDERAL DELEGATE. In the Legislative Assembly Sir William Lyne stated that Mr Barton had received £1000 and free passage. He had asked for more owing to the fact that his stay in London had been longer than he anticipated. The other colonies had granted their delegates an additional £500. Considerable opposition was ahown when Sir William Lyne made his' proposal to place an extra £500 on the estimates to cover Mr Barton's ex penses. Sir W. Lyne explained that Mr Bartqn had expected to be only six weeks in London, but had already been over fourteen, . \



Warl-'a Worm Figa, the wonderful Worm Woirie-!., never fail for adults or children Woods* Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds never ails—ls 6d and 2s 6d