Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as nndar, aabjeob to the necessary alterations:—

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Tftkapunß, at 10 30 a m FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 For Scmoa, Hawaii, Phillipinet, Japan, also United Kingdom and Continent) of Europe (due London, November 28th), via San Francisco, also paroel for United States per Rotoiti, at, 6 30 p m ; money orders at) 2 80 p m ; registerad letters at 5 p m

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for October

SUN.

THE ASHBUKTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashbartoo daily for— OHRIBTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 am, 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU-aft 10 55 a m, 3 50 pm DUNEDIN—»t 12,54 pm (expreaa) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Aahbarton from— OHRISTOHURCH~ab 10.45 % m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TMARO—at 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN-at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-ftt 9.45 a m

Commercial.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Aehburton Ageacy of the New Zealand Farmers 1 Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote an follows on October 19, 1900:— Wheat—

Prime milling Pearl — 2s 2d to 2a 3d „ „ (Tuscan... 2s 3d „ „ Hunter's 2s Id to 2s 2d Oats—Duns „• Is 6d to Is 6d Danish Is 5d to Is 6d Canadians la 7d Sparrowbills Is 6 i Barley—Maltingj prime 2s Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 47s 6d to 50a Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2a to 2s 3d New „ Is 6d to Is 9d The above are prices currenb paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton,

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations! are as follows : — Wheat—Hunter's, pta'S, and velyet 2s sd, and Tuscan 2a 6d

Oats (nominal )O»D«ctian Is 9Jtols 10 3, short feed la B£d to Is 9d, Duns Is Bd, and Danish Is 71 to Isßd.

Barley (nominal)— Prime malting 2* to 2s 3d delivered . Beans—2i 4d to 2s 5d

Peas—-Prussian Blues 2% to 2s 3d, part' ridge 2s 4<t to 2s 6d

Flour (millers' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, stone £6. Sharps—£3 10a Br»n-£3 Ovtmeal-—£lo

Potatoes —Derwentp, 27a 6d fco 30a, at country stations! Oataheaf Chsff — 45* to 470 6d »b near country station?. Hay—£3 5s t0,433 10a, delivered j prime«b baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lots Is 93 to 2s, prime heavy, town dressed 2* 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot 2§d to 2fd for bright seed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 16!b to 171b seed, 3£d to 4d, cow grass 5d to6d extra choice 6£d, white clover 6d to 7£d Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy Sd to s£d, factory 5d to 6d. Butter— factory local lid, dairy 8d to 9d, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d for prime. Bacon and hams s|d to6d, factory bacon end hams, £d per 1b higher.

The above prices, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.0.b., Lytteiton.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1900 DISQUIETING NEWS.

The recent cablegrams concerning the I war in Sou'b Africa are somewhat confusing, not to cay disquieting, We learn that the Boers are in force in the extreme south of the Orange | Colony, and that they have made a 1 determined assault on a British column at Jagersfontein. We are also told that the enemy holds Middleburg, and that Botha is marching on Lydenberg. Surely the British must have made a great retrograde movement within the last few weeks since our troops were reviewed at Komati Foort, and a great demonstration was made in honour of General Bailer's departure from Lydenberg. A member of the staff of this paper received a letter from Middle berg, dated 3rd September, at which date the main body of the troops were there, which shows that there has been no mistake in our cable news, aod that then the whole line of communica tion was clear. Now, without any intimation that Lord Roberts bad withdrawn his forces from the line of the Preloria-Delagoa railway—which one would suppose he would have guarded at all hazard in order to stop the Boers' supplies-—-we learn that at least one station on that line is in the hands of Botha. Indeed if the state ment that he is marching on Leyden berg Is correct the Boer General mast have practically got control of the railway. The questions that are just now agitating the minds of the public aje:—flow is it we have not heard of the surrender of the rail way, and what does the present state of affairs mean ? There is certainly need for some explanation. It it all very well for us to get cable messages an nouncing that De Wet is being pursued all over the Transvaal, and that the

Boers area disorganised rabble. But if the last news is true, there must be 18 a screw loose somewhere." In view of the way in which the burghers have persistently befooled the military authorities in South Africa, and of the extraordinary leniency shown towards them by Lord Roberts, leniency which has undoubtedly cost the lives of hun dreds of our fellow countrymen,] the appointment of Lord Kitchener to conclude the war in South Africa should be productive of very satisfactory re sults. The policy of Lord Robert* in the Transvaal may be ultimately bene ficial to Great Britain in the final settlement of the South African ques tion, and may justify the expenditure of blood and treasure it has cost the Empire. But we are sure that the time has come for sterner measures to be used if the present condition of affairs in the conquered states is to be brought to an end.

Local and General.

Chess—The Oamarn Chess Club defeated the Otago Olub in a telegraphic cheia match by six to four A Good Billet—lb is reported «ay« a North Island paper that Miis Seddon haa been appointed private secretary to the Pte' mier at 15a per day

Bebnabb's Ciß6us.-—Bernard's circus and zoo opened on Saturday evening, and it-ia said the show wan well attended. It will be open again this evening.

Cloves Seed Gbowkg— Messrs Clark Bros, of North Otago !aat season threshed equal to 70 tone of clover seed, which at a low estimate, is worth £4,600

Mawistebuli—Ab the Polios Court, this morning, two drunks were fined—one I Odi or 24 hours' imprisonment), and the other 6a or 24 hours, Both were first offender*.

Morb Light Wanted —There ia every prospect of a shortage in the supply of kero sene in Sydney before the erd of the year, and famine prices are predicted.

The Floods.- -In the Mount Peei district the roada and forda were muoh damaged by the floodr. The creeks are still high, but are rapidly falling.

The Jubilbb — Moisrs J ted A D Mcliraith, of Bakaia, have notified the Jubilee Secretary of their intention to give ten fat cheep ani two bags of potatoes to the Maori Provision Fund.

- The BLiGHT-r-At the lasb mealing of the Mount Peel Kond Board, it) was decided to burn the goree hedge round the ploughed paddook as an experiment to see if it t wou!d kill the gorae blight.

AKGLING—The recent floods have improved the prospects of fishing in the Rargitat*, a direct mouth having been formed. It is thought) that the Tsmuka, the Opihi, and the Ashburton will ba in good order for fishiDg in a few days.

A Half Starved Army. —One of the most sweeping indiotments against the British transport service in South Africa appears on page four of our tc-day's issue. Toe article is by Mr Hales, the Australian journalist, and ia entitled Bundle's Halt Starved Army.

A New Crop— Farming in South Africa really seems to offer a brilliant opening. _ A young Englishman, in ploughing land in a disaffected district), has had a first crop of three Mansers, fchr<»B months' provisions and 400 rounds of cartridges. With fine weather he hopes to raise a ten pounder. The soil of rebel farms he describes as most fertile

The Train Wrecker—Probably having in hia mind the machinations of the train wrecker, the Rev Thou Fee, in his opening prayer at B»ring Square Cburoh, on Sunday night, earnestly implored divine protection for the travelling pnblto who would be moving about from place to place in immenee cumbers during the next few week?.

A, DouCkur— Early in the session it was mooted that a douceur would ba given to legiolatora in the shape of a sessional allowance of £40 to members of Iho Lower ffduse, and £20 fo Lngiditive Councillors, The vote appeara oa the Supplementary Estimates.

Thb Baid os the Tbhasury—Referring to the vote of £40 " Se«sional ullowanoe" to ench momber of the House, tha Lytttlton Times, a Ministerial journal, remarks of the members :—Their constituents will undoubt edly require nn explanation, and it would be jiab us well that they nhould receive one bearing the Ministerial imprint.

Thb Show Catalogue—The catalogue for to-morrow's Show has just nien issued and makes a fairly bu'ky pamphlet of pome eigh.-y pages. A new feature has beets introduced, which will be found of greas utility by those attending the Show r v'z , a plan "of the grounds. The plan shows the position of the various pens for cafctl", sheep, and pig«. the loose boxes for horses, tho implement stands and side shows, the trotting trick and the offices of the officials, etc. On the whole, the plan will be found very useful for reference, especially by strangers aod visitors.

Children's Sunday—ln accordaaoe with the fixture set down on the international syllabus, the Freebyterian Church observed yesterday as children's Sunday. The church was nicely decorated with flowers and al! the services bad special reference to the yonog, the extra collection, amounting to about) £7, going to the Sunday School funds. The principal feature of the day was the rendering of the service of song " Jessica's First Prayer" in the afternoon by the scholars. The attendance of children, parents and friends was large, and general satisfaction was expressed a 5 the excellent manner in whioh the ohoruses and quartettes were given. Mr Brock read the connective passages clearly and with fine expression

Bank Exchange Clerks —Truth Bsys: — Owing to the possibility of the exchange clerks conpeoted with banking institutions being molested whilst conveying cash and 'cheques, it is stated that the custom is to send another olerk aloug with them, who, it is alleged, is armed with a revolver, to be used in case of emergency As some of thß convoys are practioally ignorant of the use of EUoh weapons, their behaviour in case the exohaoge clerk were attacked would probably be more entertaining than effective. As the transfers are done in broad dayligb^, the necessity for such warlike preparations are not very apparent. A dvy or two ago a yoang fellow, aoiiDg as convoy, made a most comical display in the street with hiß revolver, of whioh ho Btemed greatly afraid, and whioh he held so awkwardly as to give the impresil on that he would do more damage to himself than to any footpad

Primitive Methodist Chuboh Anniyeb sary Although the weather was dull and threatening on Sunday, the ipeeiai services of the Aahburton Primitive Methodist Church were largely attended, The minister for the day was the Rev Sharpe, from Geraldine. The choir was under the leadership of Mr John Jones, who deserves every credit for the splendid singing rendered, which was much appreciated. In the afternoon a speoial musical service was rendered, with a short addrets from* the Rev Sharpe. In the evening the church was crowded, several being unable to gain seats. The annual tea meeting of the church takeß pises on Show day (tomorrow), when extra accommodation will be made for providing tsa and refresh ments;

The Christchurch Train Wrecker

A BE WARD OFFERED

The oommissoner of Police haa telegraphed from Wellington to the Inspector h re, stating that a free pardon will be granted to any Booompliee acting in concert wibh the Christ' church train wrecker, not being the principal effnder, who shall give such information aa will lead to the apprehension and conviction of any one or more of the other offender! ; and a reward of £250 will be paid to any person, not being the principal offender, who shall first give information to any polios officer ia the colony.

Posters to this effeot ire now being printed and on arrival in Ohriatohmch, will be dis tributed throughout the city. A report was widely circulated on Saturday that the would-be train wrecker bad been arrested. Enquiries at the Police Office elicited the fact that there is no truth what* ever in the report.— Press

British Politics.

THE FUTURE OF THE LIBERAL

fARTY.

United Preaa Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Oopyrght. : ■. London, October 20 The Committee of the Imperial Liberal Council haa resolved that it is necessary to organise the Liberal party !on the basis of an advanced policy of home and social reform, consolidation and ultimate federation of the United Kngdom and the colonies, and firm maintenance of interests abroad. The Daily News, commenting on the resolution, says that until the Liberal party clears itself of suspicion of little Englandism it will never regain in fuence at Home. The Queen has prorogued Parliament till December 10th. ■ It is unlikely that Parliament will meet till February.

The Indian Famine.

APPALLING MORTALITY.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Bombay, Oct 20 Lord Ourznn states that there are still two millions receiving relief. Half a million deaths occurred through the famine, while the loss of crops is esti mated at fifty millions sterling, exclusive of cattle, The outlook is now promising

Rakaia Road Board.

Thia Board met on the B*h October. Mr Le rick renewed thia application for a farther supply of metal for repairs on the portion of Steventoti road leading to the Government coal mine worked by him. He was informed* that the Board mast adhere to its previous decision in declining to undertake the expenditure required to maintain the road for thia coal trsffij. It was decided to sho ten the bridge over the rive* Hororata on Cordy's road by two spans, and to re-construcb the remaining fonr spans with new timber. Mr H. McLachlnn was appointed pound keeper for the Hororata Pouni. The snra of £10 was voted to each of the district Sparrow Clubs.

The Royal Visitors.

TO START FOR THE COLONIES IN MAROH,

United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright : toNBON, October 20 T.he Duke and Duchess of York are to start for Australia in. .March, the military guard starting a woeb earlier. The newspapers eulogise the Queen's tact in selecting a military guard for the jDuke of York, and point out that the soldier is momentarily the most fitting symbol of common Imperial interests.

CYCLING MEMS.

In an article printed in the British Medical Journal, Dr George Hetachel saya thai the free wheel is the grandest invention up to dace for the heart—"ln fact, ywu may give this as my opinion— that with a frea wheel, a moderate crank, and 'a twospeed gear It is imposaible for normal pto^le to injure their hearts." Many wfieelmen will have noticed how hot tho cylinder of an ii fhtor becomes during the process of blowing up the tyres. It is not on account of the friction between the plun jit and the barrel, but because the air is compressed in the pump. The natural moisture of the atmosphere is iticroaped in proportion as the Sir is comprised, and the greater the compression the greater the heat which holds this moisture in suspension. A new bicycle lamp is now being manufactured In England, and will, no doubt, in course of time, be imported into WewZaaland. In placa of oil or gas an ordinary candle is used, and it ■ le claimed that for convenience, cleanliness, and brillance of Tght, thiß lamp is superior to all others. The annuai report to be submitted to tho League of New Zealand Wheelmen on October 29, gives the membership of t the league as 61 ctu* a, againat 60 the previous seasion, and 59 for season 1897-98

When a nut ia refractory, and declines to move, drop a little oil around ifc, if nothing better Is available. Warmed turpentine h irresistible, as also are a few drops of hot vinegar applied to the nab. If a nub is rather too loose, and fails to grip efficiently, pub a little resin on the spindle and screw up firmly. Ibis safer to procure anew nur as soon as it is possible. Several clubs affiiliated to the New Zealand League have stated their inability to pay their annual fee to the league. The annual report to be submitted to the Council says ihatasthe clubs are still in existence the Ouuncil has decided to retain them on the roll, in hope that they will be able to meet their liabilities during the coming season,

Plot Against the Czar.

United Press Association —By Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright St Petersburg, Oct 20 It has transpired that a fortnight before the Czar and Czarina left on their recent journey to Livadia, a student from Moscow was caught placing a highly destructive explosive under the entrance to the Sebastopol railway tunnel. Many arrests were made.

Prince Hohenlohe's Retirement.

United Piess Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, October 19

The London Daily News states that Prince Hohenloho, the German Imperial Chancellor, who has jast resigned, alone tinder the Constitution was responsible for carrying on the Imperial Government, being the only responsible Minister, bat of late he had grown tired, and become a mere cypher, Herr yon Balow, the Daily Mips adds, is the statesman who has been most particularly identified with the energetic attitude of Germany In the Far Bftit.

SPORTING.

The Caulfield Cup

Per United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright

Mklbourb, Oct 20 The following ia the result of the Catjlkbld Cup, of 2500 aova; one mile and a half—lalioßtoo, 7st 41b, 1; Mora, Bit 121b, 2 j Alix, 7st, 3. Won easily by a length and a half. Time—2.36|.

NEW ZEALAND CUP

After further payment! the following remain in The New Zealand Cop Handicap, of 1500 nova; aecond 200 soys and third 100 sovb from the stake. Two mile*.

tOhe following are the latest betting quota* tiont on the New Z«*ltnd Cap :— 2 to 1 Record Keiga 6 — 1 Torfcalla 10 — 1 Dundaa 14 — 1 Strathnairn, Huku, Materoa, and Skobeioff, and 20 to 30 to 1 other*. Chbistchuroh, October 20 St. Ilario was scratched for the New Zealand Cup to-day

RICCARTON TRAINING NOTES

UnitfldPreMlAuoolatlon—By Eleotrio Telegraph Chkistchurch, October 21

Sunday Is usually a day upon which the tracks are nob need, bat some of the horses a bit short of work daring the week on account of the wet weather, wefe sent serviceable gal]ops. CannJe Chiel and Somerled did useful pacing, and Djln Djln and Scottish M'nstrel, after going once steadly were given a good working gallop over a circuit, finishing together. Scottish Minstrel is not yet over his inflnenz* troubles, but is fast mending. Malatua, Military, and Cavalry, in comp any, went once steadily, and then strode along another round at good three-quarter pace. Record Reign, Miss Delaval, and Oavaliero were not worked, being merely exercised on the roads. Strathnairn aooompliahed steady pacing, and Paladin did eimllar work. Hnku, Whirlwind, Hawthorn, Goldspur, Dunda?, Benzoin, Sara, and Margot. The Sarncen-Peyche filly, and Oadet, did steady half "pace work. Fulmen, aad Glenogle were on the I walking list, but Warrington, Phryne, ; Bonaparte, Sandhurst, Windwhlstle, Wee Drappie. Goldenmere, and a number of others did useful work after breakfast. Christohuboh, October 22

A strong, cold, easterly wiad was blowing during the early hours of the morning and while work was in progress. The strongest tasks were:—Gleuogle, seven furlongs in 1.34j Somerled and Scottish Minstrel, a mile in L47J ; Malatua {who beat Military), a mile and a quarter in 2,18; Dundas (assisted by Sara for the first half mile)," a full mile and a half in 2.42£, the last half taking 54secs ; Calibre ond Peerage did half a mile in 51secs,, Benzoin Slseca, H*ria 52fsect; Paladin, five furlongs in 1.7£. After running a furlong, Cherrystone and Transport did a mile in 1 50. Djin Djin covered two rounds strongly. Skirmisher, First Blood, Redan, Cadet, Blazer, Proposal, Nihilist, Wee Drappie, Wind whistle, and Golden Mere did nearly top pace gallops, but Record Reign, Stmthuairn, Huku, Fulmen, Cavalierio, Long Tom, Gotdtpur, and Ct-moo were given medium work, the five first mentioned making two cirouits each. Miss Delavft! was merely cantered.

QPho following are the latest New Zealand Cup quotations in Ghristcbureb :•— 2 to 1 Record Reign 6 to 1 Tortalta 8 to 1 Malafcua and Dundas 12 to 1 Ideal 14 to 1 Strathnairn, Huku, and Skobeloff 16 to 1 Materoa and Miss Dalaval 25 to 1 Djin Djin and Fulmen

SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES.

Increases of Salaries.

Cnited Press Assooiablon—By Electric . Telegraph

Wellington, t Ootober 20 The following are among the items or the Supplementary Estimates :— Miscellaneous— The Speaker, £200 addi tional (making £BCO & year); Chairman of Committees, £200 additional (making £600 a year); sessional allowance to members of the House of Representatives and members of tbe Legislative Council, £40 each in excess of the amount provided under the Payment of Members Act, 1892, say, £4240 ; gratuities to library staff, messengers and Permanent Militia employed during the session, £160; Parliamentary Library, ptr ohftie of books, £500.

Expenses under the Public Health Act, 1900, £2000; grant for encouragement of swimming in schools, £300; contribution towards the cost of the bubonic plftgus hospitals, eto, £2500 ; expenses connected with the Cock and other islands, £1000.

Entertaining their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York on their visit) to New Zealand, £6000. Expenses connected with the licensing committee elections (amounts to be recovered from the local bodies concerned), £278 ; grant to Mr H U Pitcher for services ren dered at Capetown, £250; cost of medals for school children to commemorate ter mination of South African war, £1250 ; claims received by the Auckland City Council for losses and expenses incurred on account of the bubonic plague precautions, £350; claim f Lever Brothers for copra sacks destroyed at Auckland, £200; Public Health Department, under the Public Health Act, 1900, salaries and expenses, £3000.

Additional travelling allowances in 'excess of the amount provided under the Ministers and Allowances Act, 1887, £500 ; of early history of the colony, £100; representing the colony at the in auguration of the Commonwealth of Aus tralia, £500; expenses of the Royal Commission on Federation, £500

Cost of cutting new penny stamp and necessary plates and printing of the first issue of stamps in London, £289; remission of duty on estates of deceased members of •ontingents, £200. Improvements Onehunga wharf approach (additional), £1200; landing jstty at Ca&tlepoint, £150; leading beacon, Manuk&u North Inland, £120; experimental trawling (Additional), £320; survey of Foveaux Strait oyater beds, £160 ; import) of salmon ova from Canada and the |United States, £300; salmon hatchery at Hakatatamea, £250; purchase of 32 acres near Sunnystde for farming purposes, £1287; grant) to "Door of Hope" Association, Auckland (home for friendless and fallen women), £100; Commission of Enquiry St Mary's Industrial School, Nelson (boys' school, Stoke), £505. T«c!laical Institution salaries—Two in' speotors at £350 each (three months), £175; other charges, capitation, and material, £5560 ; travelling expenses, £50 ; examina tion expenses, £275; teohnical schools buildings and apparatus, £10,000. Department of Agriculture—Experimental Station, Levin (additional), to cover liabili ties prior to transfer of farm to Department, £342; cool storage of daily produce, £3000; dairy inspection, £1000; encouragement of preserved milk industry, £1000; establish ment of stud farms, £1000.

Purchase of late Mr Maskell's collection of Bcale insects, £275; expentet grading hemp, £540; final expenses to Mr J Holme* for expenses incurred while making enquiries at to markets for New Zealand hemp, £400; allowance for special services is connection with the purchase and inspection of hones for the contingents, £200. Public schools, addition to statutory capitation, teachers'salaries only, as directed by the Minister of Education, £8250; train ing of teachers (additional), £400; district high schools, grants in aid, including build? inßs, £550; drill in schools, capitation, rifts, instructors, etc, £2000.

t)efenoe — Capitation (additional), £10,000; net oosb (after allowing for re-, coverie*) of chartered ships to Sonth Africa, conveying remounts for troop?, fodder, pro* duce, etc, £1000; purchase of small arms ammunition {additional), £10,000; passages of fonr armourer sergeants from EngUcd, £160 ; passages of six commissioned officers to England, £240; camp equipment for 6000 men, £3000; accoutrements, etc, far 6000 men, £2000; arms (4500), £10,000; arms (spare parti;, £2000; extra ammuni-' tion for guns, £11,020; searchlight plant, Wellington and Lyttelton, £1600; replacing buff accoutrements by brown (the buff accoutrements to be kept at reserve for rifle clubs), £750; overcoats, £5000; waterproof sheets, £750; building for stores in four centres, £2000; tents (additional), £1000; two geld batteries (additional), £10 000; 6000 riflea for reserve, £25,000 ; arms, eta, for cadetß, £4009; harbour defenoee, new | works, £2cOO ; workshops and water supply I to fdrts, £2500.

Police Department—Expenses attending tht detection of sly grog sellers (additional), £100; rewards for conviction in sly grog cases (additional), £100; refund of cost of case under Arms Act, £75.

State {forests—Eweburn nursery (addl tlonal), £100 j Tapanui nnrstry (additional), £550; Rotorua nursery (additional), £450; new plantations (additional), £100.

Additions to open railway lines, Kaipara- Waikato, Hamilton-Paeroa, MorrinsviUe> Liohfield, Hamilton-Oambridgt, £7600; Napier>Palmerston, Marton-Te Awamuba (south end), Foxton, New Plymouth- Wattars, Wellington-Wood ville, £30,000; HuruuuLWaifcaki and branches, Waitaki- Bluff, and branches, Invercargill-Kingstoa with branches (including western railway), £35,000; interlocking signal gear and fixed signals, £12,600; gas lighting plant and fit tings, £2000; workshops machinery, £10,000 Development of Goldfields—New Siphon and repairs to Mount Ada water raoe, £1967;

Publio Buildings- Governmenta Buildings Welling toe, £500, land tndbuildingß (central) £200ft>!; Government House, Wellington (fnrcuure for renovation of unofficial rooms) £1000 <}

Postal and Telegraph—Auckland, cus todian's quarters (land and new buildings), £1050; fnglewoodeite, £100 ;New Plymouth (new), £4000.

Koads—Wa'kakahi Battlement drainage £90 ; FairliePukaki, £200, Lower Waiau Bridge (repairs), £150; Waihi River Bridge (Peokbam's GroBBiog), £200; Limestone and Camp Valley Roads (Albnry), £100; Valetta Railway Station Boad (additional), £190 ; road to native fishing groundaTe Muk Greenstone Island, (additional), £100 Native schools, expenses in connection with exhibits for the Canterbury Jabile* Industrial Exhibition, £60

Resumption of section 21, Hanmer Springs Reserve (valuation for improvements), £164; Maintenance, etc, Mokihinui Coal Mine, £69; Hanmer Post Office (new buildings), £400 ; Nuhaka Hob Springs (buildings and maintenance), £500; subsidy towards pur chase of land for cemetery at Belfast, £100 ; Hanmer Hot Springs (Maintenance), £500.

Ashbuarton Agricultural and Pastoral Asso ciation.

TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL SHOW,

Ofhojsrs of thb Association.

President—Mr G W Leadley; Vick^ President -Mr 0 Reid; Host. Treasurer —Mr B IMedlander; Commiitkb—Messrs J S Bland, G W Body, J Boa if ant, 8 8 Ohap man, E Oookson, T N Digby, Hugo Fried lander, J M Furzi, E Gates, T F Gibson, J Gihnour, E Horsey, T Langley, T Mawson, F McCaffarty, Daniel MoKendry, Denis McKendry, M 0 Rich, J Shearer, J Small, T Stone, J Stringfellow, J Tucker, £ E Upton ; Secretary—Mr W Simpson.

The twenty-third annual show of the Ashburton A. and Pi Association takes placa to morrow, and as all the necessary detaili hare had the careful attention of the Committee for tome time pact, the resalt should prove satisfactory to them, and to their energetic Secretary. The President (Mr G W Leadley) has spent several days on the grounds, generally supervising the arrangements for tho show. The erection of new cattle and pig pens has already been fatly referred to in these columns, and owners of stock in these lines will be gratified with the accommodation now provided, -The show ground* generally present a very pleasing appearanoe, and as fine weather m y be anticipated, there should be a record attendance. Coming, as this show does, about first on the list in the South Island during the present season, it in satisfactory to tsoe that the entries are t' practically on a par with thosq of last year. { According to our usual custom in past I seasons, we print below a table of entries I since the first show held by the Association.

Amongst bhe many improvements elected by the Association is the insertion in their Show catalogue of a map or chart of the spacious And convenient) Show grounds, this map enabling visitors to pilot themselves through the maze of exhibits. The jumping course for the trial of hunters has been laid off, and the erection of the various jumps is completed. The spaoa in the various por tions of the ground is now being covered with exhibits, and the area of twenty-six acres presents the appearance of a hive of industry. The Secretary's tent is again in the Trotting Club's saddling paddock, but the Coin mit tee are giving the erection of permanent offices on the ground their attention, and full provision in this respect will no doubt be made In the near future. We have again to congratulate the Society on possessing one of the beet grounds in the colony for space, convenience, position and Shelter, '. , fudging on Tuesday morning will com* menoe at 10 a.m Leaping competitions will take place at 3 p.m, and the parade «f prise winners as 3. 5,

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Electric (Telegraph—Copyright Hongkong, October 19 A high functionary from Shansi reports that Prince Tuan has secured the Emperor's official seal; and now terrorises the Dowager. It is believed the heir apparent to the throne is dead, hence the enforced suicide of his tutors Hsutung and Ohungli

London, Oct 20 It is officially announced that an Anglo-German agreement has been arrived at It purposes that the ports, rivers, I and littoral of China shall be open, and trade free to all nations. Neither nation seeks territorial advantage. Both will endeavour to maintain the integrity of the Chinese Empire, reserv ing the right to protect their own interests if another Power seeks terri torial advantage The agreement shall be offered for the acceptance of other countries interested in China Hong Kong, October 19

The diary of Br Derosthorn, Secre tary of the Austrian Legation, •hows that the Dowager Empress, early in Jane, directed Tung-fohsiang to attack the Legations, and kill men and women unmercifully Replying on the 10th to a fresh appeal from the Emperor, the Mikado stated that contrition on the part of China was best shown by dismissing the reactionaries and appointing a liberal Government, and by the Em peror's return to China. Such a coarse would establish some claim to con sideration The Chinese regulars at Canton hare desecrated European graves October 20 The Ambassadors are settling before* hand the demands and concessions they intend to formulate against China, lest Li Hung Chang should play one Ambassador off against another

A thousand French trgopi have occupied Techan, the headquarters of the Big Knife Society

WASHINGTON, Oct 20

The Emperor of Obina, on the 14th, telegraphed, thanking President Me- Kinley for his friendly dices between China and the Powers, and soliciting his friendly influence to efface ill feeling

Mr McKinley replied that the Allies were aware that the Americans desire a settlement, and hoped at an early date to be satisfied with the Emperor* ability to sternly punish the offender! culpable both towards foreigners and himself

The United States Government has decided to accept in good faith China's offer of indemnities and future guaran tees.

Transvaal War

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, October 18

Ex-Presidenfc Kruger and his sfcre* tary were trac sferred t roa* tbeGovernor'i residence at Delsgoa to the Gelderlaod, at dawn to day. This precaution wai taken because of the fear that tbt Boers at Delagoa would attack the ex* President

Ex-President Krngor held a private reception on board the Gelderland.

There is a growing feeling in Pretoria that tbe threat to confiscate the pro perty of the burghers who continue fighting is _ the best means of ending the guerilla warfare Mnjor-General French hai been promoted to the substantive rank of Major General Paris, Oct 20 The Figaro warns the French people of the danger of irritating the British in connection with Kruger's visit, add* ing that they have already goffered sufficiently for their anglophobia in the paucity of British support to the Exbt* bition, and the number of British visitors to Riviera M. Waldeck Rousseau will endearosr to make the reception of Kruger at Marseilles as tame as possible in order to thwart the Nationalists Brussels, October 20 The King is discountenancing pro- Boers. He will consider Krager a private visitor The Gelderland, with Krager on board, sailed for Europe on Saturday

Sydnbt, October 21 The War Office has ordered SOO.OtO pound tins of jam for Sonth Africa

THE LATEST

TIE CRISIS IN CHINA.

Sbookiag Atrooitidi

United Press Association—By Elsctrio Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka October 22, 9 41am This Office 1039 am

Stdkxt, October 22

Awful details are to band with regard to the massacre of missionaries at Taiyuen. A large party of Euro* peans had taken refuge in the house of the Rev Farthing, of the Baptist mission. The Governor invited tb« ! refugees to come to his Yamen on pretence of providing an escort to the court. They were all beheaded, and the heads displayed in baskets at the gates of the city. The following day a similar fate befel ten Catholic mis sionaries. The American mission, twenty miles south of Taiyuen, held out for three days and then fell victims. The men's hearts were cut out and all were beheaded. The bodiei ware thrown into the flames

Japanese Politics.

United Pren Assoclatlon—By Electric Telegraph--Copyright

Raoeivod Wakapt»k> Got 2?, 840 a m TbiiOffioo §21 am ToklO, Oct 21

Ito has formed a Japanese Cabinet; Kathura is Minister for War, and Yamototo for Marine.

T B ABHBUKTON &OABjUS ! MONDAY, OOTOBESK 22, l»00



'irst quarter ''all moon Ait quarter few moon 'ir»b quftrtar

2 3 41 am 9 0 48 tm, 15 9 21 pm 24 0 67 am 31 7 48 pm



Date tatobes 20 21 .:• S „ 24

« s

Ri«eß 4 59 4 58 4 57 4 55 4 54

Sets 6 26 6 29 6 30 6 31 6 32



■b 1b leoord Reign 811 dftlatu* ..8 9 fortnllft ..8 4 Potman .o 7 13 iliac Defend.. 712 )undw .. 7 11



at 11 DjinDjin „ 7 I Ideal ..7 1 Skobeloff .. 7"i Strathnairn ..7 ! Materoa  611 Hukn .. 6 1



Classes.

1878

1879

1880

18811882

1883

1884

1885

1356

1887

-

1888

1889,

1890

1391 i

1892

1893

1894

1895

1896

1897

1898

1899)

j 1900

ii ; 82 8 11 50 ! 19 18

75 16 76 11 17 48 9 23 12 75

87 89 36 29 94 130 9 19 37 34 75 67 12 17 I 44 41 11 15 33 81

123 ! 41 132 45 8 79 21 52 ! 13 6

-M

■

123 44 216 52

171 60 226 18

|

129 93 286 57

— —

Sheep .. .. «.| Oattle .. .. ..j Horses .. .. .. Pigs Poultry .. Implements .. Dogs Dairy Produce N.Z. Manufactures .. Extra Exhibits .. Horse Shoeing Farm Steading _ .. Small birds eggs and Heads

61 23 105 11 29 67 14 41 12 32

89 23 97 6 11 94 20 23 5 54

102 39 115 21

111 34 114 22

59 55 150 20

34 |181 ! 56

85 42 245 31

91 41 237 18

213 71 245 20

168 80 240 30

168 74 241 20

181 100 240 42

106 63 233 27

125 58 237 8

126 62 3i5 20

-

79 7 39 3 16

77 24 73 4 3

!

77 20 96 . 8 7 4

105 9 98 9 17 13

68 122 5 8 15

87 16 127 6 14 16

116 IS 108 3 24 5

94 19 171 16 10

-

102 21 146 30

77 13 236 35

87 12 159 —

94 45 92 2 19

... i 112 31 155 2 45

133 I 29 114

-

160 25 162 0 43 18

180 23 127 0 68 16 2 4

36

§3

-

-

-

I

-

-

-

2

1

3

6

4

7

1 710

4

2

4

4

|

3

•

2

Total ..

288

362

395

438 522

428

421

i

L 529

466

499

602

640

660

—

790

i— _i

851

884

797

819

760

775

|975

943



JBarftaitta in BICYCLES. Highest Quality, latest Designs, For One Month Only OATES, LOWRY * GO., Zealandia Cycle Works, Burnett Street;, Ash 1 borton, with the view of popularising the Zealandia and Ataltmta Bicycles in the A*hburto& Dietriob, have decided to offer 20 Cycles at the following very great reduction! in price fur one month only. Lob X — GENTLEMEN'S ZBALANDIA ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80 gear, tEwiu Roller chain, Westwood steel rims, Dualop tyres, Brook'B saddle, enamelled black with gold lines. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 10s. 12 months guarantee. Jyofc 2—LADY'S, 22 inch frame, 66 gear, adjustable handles, spring seat pillar, flexible saddle, Weufewood steel tirn*, Bunlop tyrei* Regular cash price £20. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. 2 — GENT'S ATALANTA LIGHT ROADSTER, 24 inch frame, 80 gear* Brook'a 828 saddle, Wesfewood steel rime, Dunlop tyrea, enamelled black with gold lines. Rpgular cash price £21. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lofc 4-LADFB ATALANTA, 22 inch frame, 64 gea>r, leather gear oaise, Brook's saddle, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres. Regular own price £22. Sale price £16 10s. 12 months guarantee* Lob B — GENUS LIGHT ROADSTER, 22 inoh frame, 80 gear, Kelly adjustable handlebar, Sager flexible saddle, Weatwood steei rims, Danlop tyres. Regular cash price £20, Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lob 6—LADY'S ZEALANDIA, 20 inch frame, 63 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, Brook'a latest saddle, enamelled dark green with gold lines and decorations. Regular cash price £22. Sale price £17. 12 months guarantee. Ob 7 — GENT'S ATALANTA ROAD RACIER, 24 inoh frame, Twin roller chain, 84 gear, Westwood steel rim** Dnnlop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold lines: Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16. 12 months guarantee. ot B—LADY'S, 22 inoh frame, 68 gear, adjustable handles, xpring seat pillar, Flexible saddle, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyrss, enamelled maroon with gold Hues. Regular cash price £20 Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lob 9—GENT'S ATALANTA, 24 inch frame, Twin Roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood rims Dunlop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold line*. Regular cash' {.rice £21. Sale price £16 12 months guarantee. r.-ot 10 — GENT'S ZEAL&NDIA ROAD RACER, 24 inch frame, twin roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood steel riirs, Dunlop tjres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black. Regular cash price £21: Sale price £16 lOi. Also,— 10 other high class BICYCLES, similar to the above EASY TfRMS CAN BE ARRANGED. Ail the above Machines am fitted with Danlop Tyres ar,d Weatwood Sieel Rimf. RXMJ-MBSR THE SALE IS FOB Oil© Month Oply. ifflMiwi & CO- Largest Makers of Cycles in New Zjaland. Aebburton Branch, Burnett Street— W» A. SCHWARTZ " 00 Manager. SPECIAL DISPLAY OF SPBING FASHIONS New Dresses, New Millinery, New Hats and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs Muslins, etc. NEW GOODS AJSD NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMEKTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPECT. ASHBURTOIt DRAPERY CO. A.XT PICTURES OF THE Gf 'JNETIAL^, &c, TRANSVAAL WAR Inslading IMPERIAL HOR£E, CANADIAN DRAGOONS, &c. THE above are Works of Art and far surpass anything of the kind yefc fm oorted into this Colony. Persona desirous of Securing a memento of fcha present W»r will find the above engravings very suitable. Price 2s 6d each. 1 have also to hand an assortment) of AETISTS COPIES. which will be let) out to for any number of days, J. WILSON, Sign-Writer and Decorator, BURNETT STREET. m~o¥b~y. fiC%Kf\f\ Lend on Freehold Be- j ob^Dv/v./ curity, in Sums to suit) j borrowers. C W PURNELL, 10 139 Solicitor, Montgomery a Buildings COMPARE prices at Jubilee Bo Shop before buying ©laswhere. 203



\What Oh! She Bumps. I j mHAP. jueb where YOU Mi WRONG. X Our Lawn Mowers Do not bump. They jnab slide over the Lnwn m easily as you could full off » log, and they fairly shay* the gran of. We have nil aizai and pdoe«, but only ONE QUALITY: THE BEST, We guarantee all our goods, and if, after ft trial, you are not Bktlsfkd, you ebb rsturn them. WE ALSO SEOaK- MeOOBMIOK BINDERS, MOWERS, DAISYS, HAY BAKES, LITTLE WONDERS, &c Morrow, Bassett & Go, ASH BURTON M. PRIEST, Manager KERNARD & WHITE, City Fork Shop, Havelock Street, HAVE jaet opeusd New Business fa the Pork Line. Small goods of all descriptions always on hand. The public are specially invited to call and inepeot Fork Sausages, (fresh.) Daily oaih buyers of dairy fed Fork. THIS NZ. FARMERS' 00-OP*^ATIVK ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY Ltd. WE have several really first-class Farm for Sale on oar books, and farmer wishing to purchase would do well to call on us for particulars :— 520 Acres Rakaia Dlstriob 365  H „ 500 i, Dromore „ 1000  Lauriston „ 1180 „ Springburn „ 750 „ Wakaqni „ 1031 „ Ohertsey „ 1958 „ Dromore „ T. F. GIBSON, 149 Manager Important Notice TO CYCLISTS! I HAVE just received, direct from the Manufacturers (Rudge- Whitworth, Ltd., Birmingham and Coventry), ex s.s. Waimate, A FULL, BTOOK OP KOADSTERS, ROAD RACERS, ; PATH R C£R?, | & LADIES' | Budge- WMtworths.i | Don't waste your money on cheap, j Bhoddy, out-of-date Wheels, but go j straight lor the | WORLD-FAMED BICYCLE, The Rudge-Whitworth.\ Repairs Neatly Executed. I Sundries Always in Stock. ' Inspection Invited. CITY CYCLE WORKS, BURNETT STREET. TIM A R U AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. fTIHIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL SHOW. TUESDAY AND~WEDNESDAY, 30'h and 31ab October. Entries for Sheep, Cattle, and Pigs close on SATURDAY, 20th OCTOBER. All other Entries en— TUESDAY, 23bd OCTOBER. j SPECIAL PRIZES: (In addition to those quoted in Catalog ues) G. H. Rlnde?, Eaq, gives £3 5s for Horse (mare or gelding} most suitable for a troop horse ; not to be entered in any other class in the Show. Entry fee, s'. 6. H. Rhodes, Esq, and other gentlemen give first, second, third, and fourth prizes for Horse (mare or gelding) most suitab'e for a troop horse, to he the bona fide property of and to be ridden by a member of a Mounted Corps in uniform. Entry fee, 5". (About £15 has been collected for above prizes, further subscriptions as received will be added). For Pr aa Schedule and farther particulars apply to 1 GORDON P. WOOD, 10 111 Secretary THE DAINTIEST LITTLE WHEEL THAT EVER WAS" " The Bambler." HAVING sold oat of my old stock of theee superior Bicycles, I have O3G o oaed up a fresh consignment; of the LATEST PATTERN " RAMBLER " SPECIAL LIGHT RACERS, ROAD RAOBJRS, & ROADSTERS n all frizes and all fitted with the eve? gßting G & J detachable Tyre. " THE £f,A.MBCJLiE2I£.' JU AM) INSPECT. THE STOCK. Price EasF, Riding Easy. Machines the Strongeab on Earth. ACCESSORIES IN STOCK. 'JTHIR MAEJE3 FITTED WITH G & J TYRES t D. THOMAS. _ Unequalled and Invincible—Woods'Great Peppermint Cure for Coughr and Colds, Is fed and 2a 6d



DON'T Navwsb may onre your NEGLECT cough without aid, but) you COUGHS. oan?t afford to chance it, A cough that is left to cure itself is slowly overcome at best, and there Is apt to be some weakness left) to make the next] cough come easier. We have otwo really good remedies for cougha and olds. BENJAMIN GUM is specially suitable for recent chills. It if pleasant to take, cures very quickly, pre vents infiamatory symptoms and allays annoying tickling and hacking coughs. TOWNEND'S CINNAMON CURE is opeotaily suitable for ohronic coughs, though ft will break up a recent attack as quickly m any other medioine made—Cinna mon has been proved in Pasteues Institute to possess gr«at destructive power over All baoilli, whilst being perfectly harmless to human beings. We have received some flattering letters as to its efficacy in con sumption, bronchitis, asthma, dygeatry and in typhoid fever. Benjamin Gum Is 6d and 2a bd. dnn a mon Care 2s 6d< Obtainable everywhere , sol proprietors and manufacturers—L»aiby Wahoo M.P.G. Ooy, Ltd, Dunedi.



Smoke New Venus THE BEST BK&IEDY FOR BHEUMATISM Quick Relief From Pain All who use Chamberlain's P<tin Balm for rheumatism are delighted with the quick relief from pain which it affords. When speaking of this Mr D N Sicks, of Troy, Ohio, says ; ' Some time ago I had a severe attack of rheumatism in my arm and shoulder I tried numerous remedies, but got no relief until X was recommended by Messrs George , F Parsons and Co, druggists of this place, to try Chamberlain's Pain Balm They reootn mended it so highly that I boughb a bottle I was soon relieved of ail pain I hate since recommended this liniment to many of my friends, who agree with me that it is the best remedy for muscular rheumatism in the market.' For sale by ABhburton Drug Company Smoke New Venus



ADTloK—Advioe, m it always gives a temporary appearance of superiority, can never be very grateful, even when it U most necessary or most judidoas. But for till tame reason every one is eager to instruct hii neighbours,