Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1900. RAILWAY REFORM.

That the reductions in railway fares, ] promised by Government, will be ■ greatly appreciated—when they coma — j goes without saying. Half a loaf is proverbially better than no bread, and we must live in hopes of furfher rail way reforms coming, and, in the msan« time, be thankful for email mercies. The experience of the great English railway companies goes to show con clusively that cheap fares are not only a boon to the travelling public but a source of profits to the railways. It is the third-class passengers, in England, who are chiefly responsible for the big dividends that delight the hearts of shareholders in the stock of such lines as the Great Western, the Great Northern, the Midland, etc., and al though we are hardly prepared to go all the way with Mr Vaile, the Auck land railway reformer, whose creed, we believe, may be summed up in the words " The further you travel the less you ought to pay per mile," we are convinced that low fares mean big profits, and many indirect benefits, chief among which is the bringing of country towns oa trunk lines into closer touch with the larger centres. And if. should not require a very great amount of penetration on the part of the railway authorities to perceive that a well-filled train at cheap fares is better than a quarter-tilled one at high rates Why should there not be a cheip excursion train from Ashburton to Ohristchurch, and vice versa, every week, or at anyrate every fortnight, during the summer and autumn months ? Surely this suggestion might be tried, at least experimentally 1 And so it doubtless would be, were it not for the fact that those who have the control of railway matters in this colony appear to hold fast to the belief that "As it was in the beginning ia now ani ever Bhall be." The necessity for a reform in the freight tariff has long been pressed upon the authorities. The glaring anomalies presented by the New Zealand rates wou'd excite universal ridicule, if the mat er were not much too serious to laugh about. We may possibly give a few remark able figures in this connection in a future article. It is sufficient to Bay now that the cost of bringing some e;oods from Lyttelton to ABhburton is oauch greater than their freight from Austra lia to Lybteiton would be, and in many cases greater than that from London to New Z aland. This is a cruel handicap upon Ashburton tradespeople, and leaves them much smaller profits than those in the same lines of business in any other town in the colony. It is surely time for strong action to ba taken for relief.

THE DISTURBANCE AT THE ENCAMPMENT.

Fince our article in yesterday's issue dealing with the Ashburton volunteers was written, we have ascertained that the conduct of tbe men—for it appears that there were two implicated—who created a disturbance at the drill shed on Tuesday night, was even worse than we had supposed. Not only did they use language* to their superior officers that rendered them liable to severe penalties, but one of them actually assaulted the sentry on duty, who opposed his re-entering the camp. We await the action of the authorities bsfore making further reference to this unpleasant matter.

Local and General.

* # * Ok the first page to-day will ba found commercial news.

Oamabu Local Option PoUj — The Oamaru Mail understands that the New Zealand Alliance have instructed Mr A. S. Adams to move in the Supreme Court) to have the recent decision of the S.M. in the recent Oamaru local option poll petition set aside,

Supbemk Court —At the Invercargill Supreme Court yesterday, William Richard Brooks, 26 years of age, was sentenced to seven years hard labor, for an indecent assault on a girl just over sixteen years of age.

The Road to Cheviot. — Commercial travellers and others who use the road to Cheviot will ba glad to learn that a great improvement has been made between Waipara and Tipapa by the construction of thirty-six chains that save going over The Saddle. The new road is almost level, well metalled, and is rolled down with a traction engine. The Waipara Road Board is to be thanked for this improvement.

Dick Sbddon and Kruqer—The Spec tator has the following ?—Schoolboy eaaay on the war :—Krugger and Kannerbuliem ia one. He ia a man of blvd. Mr Chamber ling has wrote to him sayin' come out and rico or eke give up the blud of the English you have took. He is aboar-dutohman, and a wicked heethin, Lord Kitchener has beon sent for his gaary blud, and to bring back his seandrelua head ded or alive. And also Mowriland as Benb three oontiDJarnts, and if them cam t catch Krugger Dick Sediin ull aye to go by hisaeif and get Krugger to join his partey.

An Idka—The Spectator is responsible) for this :—An idea for the War Fund. Down Geraldine way they gave a basket social for the War Fund the other night. The ladies provided JH baskets of provisions, more or ls-B eatable, some of them tastefully deco rated, These were at 11 pm. offered by auction, the buyer In each case being allowed to sup with ihe donor of the basket. There was great fun and £22 was raked in for the Fund. From a correspondent one learns that the married men all bought the baskets provided by other men's wiyei, the reason allfiged being that they wanted fco try a bit of fresh cooking.

A Stabbiho Case.—A sad slabbing sffiir occurred at South Dunedinon Monday after* noon, resulting in the death of a boy named Cunningham, fourteen years of age. It appears chat a boy named Milburn, between eleven and twelve years, was whittling a stick with a knife when Cunningham kicked him on the shin. Milburu at once struck afc him with the knife, which penetrated his i Htomach, and death resulted. The boy j Milburn has been arrested on a charge of murder. It appears that two boys, named Graham, were quarrelling. Cunningham, the deceased, went up to them to separata | them, and Milburn, who was whittling an | elderberry Btick with a knife, told him to i leave them alone Cunningham then went up to Milburn and kicked him, whereupon the latter struck at Cunningham and stabbed him with the knife.—At the inquest the jury, after ten minutes deliberation, returned a verdict of manslaughter, to which they added the following rider :—" That John Thomas Milburn struck the deceased with* out thinking he had a knife In his hand at the time/" Milburn was subsequently charged at the Polios Court with murder. The police asked for rt remand till Thurnsay, which was granted. Bail was allowed, accused in £200 and two sureties of £100 each, ; Smoke Now Venus.

Obituary—Mr John Hoggard, ohief clerk in the circuUtiou branch of the Wellington post (ffioe, died this tpuining, pueumonta eupeiv. n.ug on icflueiZA, He had only takt,u ta bed on Thursday but had been unwell for some tim<*. He had been thirty six years in tha service.—Press Association telegram

.Ashburton Members —The following are the nimsa of th«s Ashbnrton members of the contirgr-nt so fur selected :—Lieutenant Fred Tucker, Sergeant WT Walker (Ru». puna). Troopers X H B Upton, H J C H.rptT, J J Hflftsl«y, C 0 Roberta, U E f-mith, H Jwud Willis, C Luak, and W T Lowe (Lym! hurst)

Nurses' Fund—Nurses Hay and Maxwell i-efD 1) neilin en Wednesday to oanvass thfl (Hago district for subscriptions to the Nurues' Fund They take separate route', and eventually meet at Clyde, finishing up &t P.lmeraton and Waikouaiti. Attired in the becoming nurses' costume, displaying the red cross, it is anticipated thy will meet with the greatest success. Provided sufficient funds can be raised, Otago will send tix trained nurses with the fourth con tingent. Th?ir engagement will be for six months at 25* per week, and a passage to and from South Africa. The arrangement is subje t to acceptance by the Imperial Government;, and ratification by the New Zealand Government.

Arrivals and Departures—A return recently issued by the Government, shows the arrivals in, and departures from the colony for the eight years ending December 31,1899* The arrivals for the period num bered 164 545, and the departures 137,220 The colony gained population for eaoh of ths years, by an excess of arrivals over departures, in addition to the natural increase by excess of births over deatht> The total gain for the eight years was 27,325 persons, drawn from other oountries or colonies. Of this number the colony gained 19,196, by interchange with Austra lia direct, 7,631 from England direct, be aides 569 from other British possessions. To foreign ports, there was, however, a net loss of 71 persons.

8t Patrick s Day Sports—A meeting of the committee of the Ashburton St. Patrick's Day Sports Association was held on Tuesday evening, all the members being present. A considerable amount of correspondence was received and dealt with, including numerous replies from several gentlemen accepting honorary positions. A programme of sports was drawn up and adopted, including a Sheffield handicay, of 135 yds, value £15 sa; four bicycle races, including a wheel race of £17 10s; tent pitching competition, fire brigade events, dancing, jumping, and wrestling competitions, and also other cash and amateur running events, so that all olasaes of athletes are well catered for. Substantial prizes are being given for all events, and a grand meeting oan be looked forward to.

A Narrow Escape—A young lady, who accompanied a driving party from Canter bnry to the West Coast recently, had a narrow escape from what nvghthave proved a serious, if not fatal, accident. One of the party had taken her bicycle with tho inden tion of indulging in a little cycling. The yiung lady in question, feeling " done up" after walking up the hill leading to Porter's P*93, essayed to ride down. Before pro ceeding far, however, she found that the grade was too steep, and, being without a brake, could not maintain control of the machine. As she was being carded down wards—with a drop of some 200 ft if the machine happened to swerve from the track, and a rushing mountain torrent at the

bottom—ahe called to her sister, who was in

front. Her sister's quick perception took the situation in at a glance, and, on a; peal-

ing to one of the male members of the party, he ciughb hold of the flying cycliste as she pissed him, and dragged her off in a state of collapse, thus averting a serious accident,

The Ashburton Volunteers.—The b»t fca'ion paraded for inspection last evening at the ctmp grounds. There was a very good muster of th'i Guards, but that of the R fles only fair. The inspection was made by Colonel Biiley, who complimented the men on the cleanliness of their arm» and accoutre ments, and notified that the Government armourer would visit the district shortly. The Colonel complimented the Guards upon their attendance, and said that although harvest had thinned the ranks of the RiflUs, there should have been a larger muster Both companies wore then put through a series of field movements, Captain Sparrow, and the non-commissioned officera of the Guards; and Lieutenant) A. Clarke, of the Biffcs, being the instructors. The following bittalion orders were issued for to-day :— Officer of the day, Lieutenant Clarke (Rifl •«), bittalion orderly sergeant, G. H fford (R flss); H. Company to parade at 4.30 a.m. for volley firing; C. Company to parade, without arms, at 5 45 a.m. for fquad drill under section commanders ; battalion parade ac 7 15 F.m. for company drill under their respective officers; six men from each company to form guard from 3 p.m. to 6

a.m.; Private Bathel Simpson (C» Company) to rank aa bugler during remainder of camp. The guard last night was supplied by the Rifias, Sergeant H. Baker in charge.

Acknowledgments.—At the final meeting of the Entertainment and Concert Com mittee of the Ashburton Borough and County Patriotic Fund, wh'ch was held on the 2nd February, it was resolved bhat a very hearty vote of shanks be tendered to the Ladies' Committee, Volunteers, Ashbur ton Sports Association, Proprietors Ashbur ton Mail and Guardian, th* Standard news paper, Mr Potter, printer ; the Oddfellows, Fire Brigade, Mr I A Baigent, Secretary Ashburton Sports Association ; Messrs W H Collins and Co., the Musical Society and ladies and gentlemen who assisted at the

concert, Mr Patching, for tents and fUgs; Messrs C Dixon, H H Fooka, G W Andrews, Wm. Jolliffe, J H Pftuling, Wm. Brooking, for assistance at the gates in Domain ; also Messrs Newton Jones, R. Collins, D W

Teppetfc, J S Hayman, R S Lowe, James

Cow, for attending the doors at concert; Messrs Nicoll Bros., for use of their office for meetings and Mr Albert Roberts, Hon. Secretary, and other friends and workers who gave their time and labor in many ways adding to the success of the demonstration and concert.

A Serious Case.—A man was arrested

at the Dunsandel Hotel on Tuesday on a charge of committing a criminal assault at Dtufield on a little gir!. It is said the child was taking a cup of tea to her mother when the accused caught hold of her, dragged her into a room, smothered her soreama with a blanket, and committed the assault. After

committing the crime he immediately decamped, and made his way to Dunsandel. From there he wired back to Darfield for his things to be sent to him. Immediately the wire arrived, the constable in charge obtained the services of & fast horse, also a trap, took with him an assistant, and drove with all haste to the Dunsandel Hotel. The assistant looked after the horse while the constable entered, Mr Richardson, the landlord, had gone to Uhriatohuroh by the morning train, but Mrs Richardson waa at hoir.e, and in reply to the p mstab'e's enquiry indicated that a man answering the descrip tion given was in the bar. The occupants of the bar were surprised at the constable's sudden entrance, and more surprised to see him walk up to the accused, arrest him, and whip the handcuffs on to him before he had fcime to recover his scattered senses. Ihe accused reached the hotel in the forenoon, had dinner, asked to have a chrque changed; but was refused, and had said he would stop for the night. He then sent the wire, which brought the police hot foot on his track. Accused was taken back to answer the very serious charge preferred against him.

WELLINGTON ITEMS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph. Wellington, Feb. 7 Alexander Jar dine, solicitor, died to-day from heart trouble. He had been ailing for some time.

The annual meeting of the Council of the Congregational Union of N.Z. opened to day. Delegates were present from Auckland, Canterbury, Ocago, Wellington, and Christ church distnetß. Rev. 8. J. Baker, of Ohrist ohureh, presided. To-day's proceedings were merely forma), and included the reaeption and entertainment of delegates. Four moose are expected to arrive to-night from Canada via Sydney, and after under going a term of quarantine they will be liberated in the neighborhood of the sea in the South Island.

The Wftikm from Sydney Mrfred at> ten

to-night. The health offioer goes on board in the morning, after which the vessel will be berthed, , la *he Supreme Court George Lewis was convicted of robbery and sentence was de ferred.

ROAD BOARDS

Mount Somers.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Mount Somera Road Board was held on Monday. Present - Mr Chapman (chairman) and all the members. CORRESPONDENCE) From the Re.-eiver of Land Revenue, ad vising payment to cedit of the Board's account with Union Bank, Ashburton, of the sum of £12 12a 3d, being thirds accrued during peoiod ended January 27, 1900t WINTBBBLOW TRACK A letter was received from Mr Cameron defining the nature and extent of proposed improvement to this track. The Chairman stated he had Already communicated with the Government aa requested by Mr Cameron. VALUATION ROM. The Alterations in the valuation roll authorised by the Valuer General's advices | cf December 11, and January 8 and 29 were i ordered to be made. dcnbar'b track. In the event of shingle being obtainable in the vicinity it was resolved to ihingle part of this track with a light coating. cook's road. It was decided to call tenders for reform ing about forty chains of Cook's road, and re-ihingling where necessary on the Main Forest road between the iron house and the hotel. RATBS REMITTED. The rates due by three persona in rather Blender circumstances were remitted. ACOOUNTB Accounts amounting to £100 11* 2d were passed for payment.

South Rakaia

The monthly meeting was hold on Thurs day. Present—Messrs Lambie (chairman), Copland, and Morland. Apologies were re ceived from Messrs Harrison and Holmes, TENDERS Tenders were received for the maintenance of water race crossings in two blocks. These were considered too high, The tenderers had evidently not understood what they were required to do, and it was resolved to call fresh tenders. olek's report. The clerk's report was considered. WORKB. Certain small works were ordered on various roads. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was dealt witn:—Mr J O'Reilly received permission to usa a piece of road on certain conditions, the clerk to see re fencing. A ratepayer who had been sued for rates forwarded the same togsther with court costs, and stated j that he had sold his sections some eight years ago bub he did not remember to whom. The clerk said no transfer had been nude and the ratepayer was still the registered owner. Circulars were rtceived re War and Patriotic funds—the clerk reported that acting under instructions of December 7, he had collected anil forwarded to Mr Louisson £111 6s 6d tor the patriotic fund, and that he had other promises of subscriptions. Mr J Wilson's offer to clean and varnish the office was accepted. The Valuer General forwarded roll alterations, and these were ordered to be made when the tates were paid. ACCOUNTS. Accounts for £110 5a 91 were passed for payment, and the members met on cemetery business and adjourned.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

Mr Chamberlain's Speech.

Continental Powers Impressed. lord Roberts and the Colonials. A Warm Welcome. The Boers Outflanked Succeseful Movement by Mac donald's Brigade Commands the Boad to Blmberley. More Troops and Horses for South Africa Attempted Escape of Boer Prisoners. Handsome Donation by an In dian Euler. Greek Friendship United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, February 7 Mr Chamberlain'! speech in the House of Commons has caused a great impression in Germany, and in Aus tria it is described as having saved the British Ministry. The French have been cruelly awakened. They imagined that Mr Chamberlain was ruined. Capetown, February 7 Lord Roberts visited the Warrigal and the Buryalua and declared the men and horses belonging to the New South Wales " A " Battery and the Victorian Contingent were in excel lent condition, He was pleased to hear tin men eulogise their treatment on shipboard. He was very satisfied with their soldierly appearance, an<| was delighted to welcome them into his ranks. Sydnky, February 7 Lord Roberts cabled that b^a was pleased with the patriotism of a eplony which sent suet), useful troops as the "A "'Battery. London, Feb 7 The Standard states that General Hector Macdonaid'a brigade, with a field battery and tbe Oth Lancers, occupied, with scarcely any opposition,! a number of kopjes and a dam north west of Spytfontein, his position com manding the roads to Kimberley, Hopetown and Douglas, The move ment prevented the junction of two large Boer commandos. February 6 Thirteen thousand troops, three thousand horses, and six guns embark for South Africa within a week. Capetown, February 7 Five Boer prisoners at Simonstown seized firearms, wounded a warder, and escaped, but were recaptured after two had been wounded. Calcutta, February 4 The Maharajah of Jaipur, a native State of India, has given a lakh of rupees to the War Fund (between £6000 and £7000). Aehbns Eeb 7 Recently a great pro-British demon stration took pi»oe in the Greek

Chamber Sir F. H. Egerton, British Minister in Athens, haa thanked the nation in the Queen's name for their display of friendship to Great Britain.

London, February 6 Included in the subscriptions to the Australian Bushmen's Fund are H. O. Wilson, B. W. levy, and George Cohen, £1000 each; F. H. Dangar, £500; Australasia and Union Bank, A.U.S.N:, and British India Steam ship Companies, £150 each; and a number of leading Australians and others, £100 each. The committee is making inquiries as to the position of affairs in each colony, with a view to the distribution of the fund

The Australian Busbmen's Fund in London amounts to over £10,000. Sydney, February 7 Lieutenant-Colonel Airey commands the Bushmen's Contingent. Adblaidk, Feb 7

It has been decided to increase the Bushmen's Contingent for the Tranß vaal to one hundred.

The British Policy

Eabate in tto House of Com mons.

{Received Wakapaaka Feb. 7, 10 57 p.m This Office 12,4 p.m)

In the House of Commons Mr Asquith, continuing the debate on Lord Fitzmatirice's amendment, exonerated the Government from the charge of desiring war. He said Krujjer was the: sole author of the war. He had raisedi intentionally impossible demands. Britain was embarassed by Mr Chamberlain's running commentary on Transvaal affairs in and out of parlia ment. His despatches and speeches now | belonged to the recording angel. Doubt less Mr Chamberlain would gladly re-edit them to-day.—Mr Chamberlain interjected " I would not alter a word." (Laughter and cheers) Mr John Burns described the British troops as Jatissaries and Jews. J. Havelock Wilson spoke in favor of upholding the Empire.

Sir H. Campbell Bannerman, sup porting the amendment, recommended a continuation of the w&r until Britain's military superiority was asserted.

Mr A. J. Balfour described the amendment as an attack on Mr Chamberlain. He was warmly cheered for eulogising Mr Chamberlain's welding of the Empire into an homo genous whole. He powerfully appealed to the Opposition to show the soldiers that the nation was undivided.

On a division Fitzmaurice's amend ment was negatived by 350 votes to 139.

A Queer Story.

Received Wakapuaka Feb. 8, 9 40 a.m, This Office 10.44 a m. Sydney, Feb. 8 A correspondent of an Indian paper states that the situation in the British camp at the Modder rwer is an impos sible one. The troops have completely lost confidence in their commander. The indignation of the Highlanders over the blunder which cost the life of Oolcnel Wauchope and the d cimation of the Highland Brigade is such that | the men absolutely refuse to salute ; Lord Methuen.

The British Commons.

How Leading 1 members Voted

Return of a Conservative.

Received Wakapuaka F>b 8, 910 a.m, This Office 9.47 a.m) London, Feb 7 When the division was taken on Lord Fitzmaurice's amendment, 38 Government supporters wore absent from the House, chiefly from the front benches. All the leaders of tne Cp position voted for the amendment despite Mr Balfour's appeal that pat riotism required the nation to show a united front. The Irish party ab stained from voting* Fifty Liberals vainly requisitioned Campbell-Banner man not to divide on the amendment.

At the bye-election for York, to fill the vacancy caused by Lord Charles Be/esford rejoining the Navy. Lord Denison Faber (Conservative) polled 6248, against Murray (Liberal) 4813.

A Great Movement Pending.

All Pretoria's Guns Sent to Front.

Scarcity of Transports for British Reinforcements.

Kruger ami Steyn Complain of Delay.

"Come and Look at Bailer's Guns!"

United Preas Association—,3y Eleotri 1 Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka Feb. 8, 9 5 a.m, This Office 9-25 a.m) London, February 7 A great movement ia pending. Generals Roberta and Kitchener have left Capetown for the front. Kruger has sent ninety guns to the front, denuding Pretoria of artillery. The scarcity of transport is delaying the despatch to South Africa of the new Yeomanry Force raised in Eng land.

The Channel Squadron sailed for Gibraltar to relieve tbe particular service squadron which proceeds to the Cape.

(Received Wakapnakft Febi 3, 9.5 a.in, This Office 925 am,) ' Capetown, February 7 General Gatacre's mounted forces are iv touch with Kelly-Kenny's at Thebus. (Received Wakapuaka Feb 8, 9 5 a.m, This Office 9 25 a.m) Durban, February 7 Kruger and Steyn are complaining of Jouberfc's inactivity. The latter invited them to come and look at Buller's guna.

GENERALS FOR THE FRONT.

41 Fighting Mao," as Brigadier-general Hector Maedonald is familiarly termed, who has been appointed to the command of the Highland Brigade, under Lord Methuen, in place of poor General Wauehope, has a mar vellous record of bravery «nd ability., Join ing the ranks in 1880, he was soon engaged in the Afghan War, and acted Mteoood lieutenant at the battle of Candahar. In the Boer War of 1881, the Nile Expedition of 1885, Suakin in 1888, at Tokar in 1891, the Soudan Campaign of 18,95, tog flaajly Jo

the decisive operations before Omdurman last year, this gallant 6oldier h»s thrmsghoub baen conspicuous for plaok ami deration. There is not & single engagement in which" ho has been concerned which has not r< eulted in hie name being mentioned in despatches.

Those who know the incidents of the g»l. Ifttit Highlander*; military career will call to mind a romantic episode associated with the Boer War. Sergeat.t Macdon<ld was cue of the non-commissioned cfficers in charge of the detachtnenr, which fought at Mijuba Hill. He was taken prisoner, but ho struck were the Boers with the fighting qualities of the Highlander thit General Jouberb decided to return '* Mao's " sword. For some time the weapon, which had been given up at the time of the defeat, could uot jba found, bat the B>er general himself offered a reward for its recovery, and the Bword was found. Macdonald received Ib back at the hands of the enemy. Major-Geoeral (j Tucker, who has also been ordered from India to take up a com mand in South Africa, hat considerable ex perience of the country. He was in com* mand in Natal from 1893 to 1895, bat) five years previously he took part in the opera tions against Bekukuni, and went through the subsequent Zulu campaign, being present at the battle of Ulundi.

Major-general Sir Herbert Oharles Oherm •ide, who has been appointed to command the 14th Brigade in the Seventh Division, about to be formed, will be beet remembered for his splendid sarvioes m commander of British troops in Crete. He aaw consider able servicfi ia the Soudan expeditions of 1882 and 1885.

WHAT HAPPENS UNDER MARTIAL LAW

The following are the conditions of martial law *8 recently proclaimed la Johannesburg and Pretoria :—•

1. All provisions become the property of the State, and rations per head art dittrt* bated to each householder.

2 No private person it allowed to e&rrj firearms.

3. No one may leave or enter the town. 4. Three persons seen talking together oonstitute " a orowd/'and may be dispersed " at the point of the bayonet." 5. Houses may be searched and peraona arreated at any moment.

6. All must be within doors at *' gun-fire," which occur* at eundown. Those found abroad after this hour are liable to arrest.

7. The military are substituted for the polioe, and may act at ditoreiioo. 8. Looting can be instantly dealt with by capital punishment on the first lamppost. 9. All moneys banked are confiscate'!, the Government giving the bank offioiala re* ceipts for all deposits. 10. All payment of bills ia suspended until such date on the next moiith after the state of martial law has ceased to obtain*

WHAT LIVINGSTONE THOUGHT OF THE BOERS.

It is difficult for a person in a civilised country to conceive that any body of men possessing the common attributes of human ity (and these Boer* are by no means dtati tute of the better ieelicgs of our nature) should with one aooord set out, after loading : their own wive* and children with caresses, 1 and proceed to shoob down in ooid blood men and women, of a differeat color, it il true, but possessed of domestic feelings and affections equal to their own. It was long before I could give credit to the tales of bloodshed told by Native wis ceases, but when I found the Boers themselves, some bewailing and denouncing, others glorifying in the b!oody scenes in which they had been themselves the »otbrs, I was compelled to admit the validity of the testimony. They (the Boere) are all traditionally reli gious, tracing their descent from some of the best men (Huguenots and Dutch) the world ever saw. Hence they claim to themselves the title of ** Christians,' 9 and all the colored race are " black property," or •• creatures." They being the chosen people of God, the heathen are given to them for an inheritance, and they are the rod of divine vengeance on the heathen, as were the Jews of old.— Livingstone's Missionary Travels.

"BULLER SUPERSEDED."

The London correspondent of the Evening Star Dunedin writea :—The announcement of Lord Roberta's appointment to the com* mind of the forces in South Africa a da* cieion which met with the infinite approval of the nation, whose faith in " Bobs" it really subHme—was by many interpreted as the outcome of Buller's reverie at the Tugela. In ft sense it was, for the check showed more clearly than ever that the forces already in South Africa were quite inadequate to the needs of the situation, and that to make a clean sweep of the opposition it would be necessary to Bupply wholesale reinforcements. The appointment of "Bobs," however, must not be taken as a reflection on Sir Redvers Bullers conduct of the cam* paign, and the notion that he has been superseded because of his reverse ia entirely errocci u=?- The official statement that General Bailer's sole attention it required in Natal, and that the necessity has arisen for appointing a commander-in-chief of the whole forces in South * Africa, is a perfectly frank and full one. Sir Redvers Butler is ia no way superseded in his command, Exaotly the same considerations apply in t hi* instance as have operated in former stages. While the force in Natal was email a n»jor« general held command (General Symonaj, but as scon as the number of troops exceeded that with which a major-general is usually entrusted, a lieutenant-general (Sir George White) took supreme command. Then oame a farther increase of numbers, and a fall general (Sir Redvers Bullet) wa« Mint out. Neither of these appointments was in any sense a censure on the previous chief, Had General Butler now been superseded by an officer of bis own rank oensure might reason ably have been understood, bat the plain fact ia that the decision to send out mon men has raised the force to a strength at which it is desirable to plaoe » higher officer, in command, henoe the selection of field* Marshal Lord Roberta. If General Euller, Lord Methuen, and other general officer* have their hands full looally, and it seems that they have, ft> is obviously desirable to have somebody acting aa a central author* ity, with charge of the entire campaign.

CHRISTIAN WORK AMONG TH TROOPS.

The half- yearly meeting of the fall Council of the Young Men's Christian Asaeoiation was held, yesterday afternoon, at Exeter Hall, Sir George Williams, thi President, being in the chair. Lord Ksnnaird was among thoie present.—The Report of the Executive Council stated that the ww in South Africa called forth public expressions of sympathy with the soldier* in their pri vations and sufferings. Mr Wheeler, the General Secretary, of the Soldiers' Christian Auxiliary, had baen sent, with six other workers, and with an equipments of tenta and all that was necessary for providing places of resort for the men for purposes of reading and writing, fend for holding meet ings among them, to attach themselves to the different Columns of the British' Force now serving in South A frica.—The Report wii adopted, and the officers re-elected. la the evening a dinner was given to meet the ¥ioe president* and members of the National Council of the Associations. The chair wan taken by Sir George Williams, who was supported by a company numbering about a hgudred j&dies and gentlemen, among whom were Lord Knanaird, Mr H. M. Hodder, and Canon Fiemiog. Ther» were no toasts, but brief addressoi were delivered. The Chairman observed that the circum stances of the gathering were somewhat un ique, since they had never met when so many men had left the country to go out to war. Colonel Philips said he believed the country had never sent out so many out-and-out godly soldiers as had gone to the Sooth Alrioa Expedition. There was not a regiment which did not contain a body of earnest Christians (cheers). The equipment of the Soldiers' Christian Auxiliary would be located as near the front as the authorities permitted, and would, at any rate, b» among tha wounded. The night before the storming of the heights of ElanduLaagte, a young officer held a meeting, and over two thousand of the men under General Symons crowded round to hoar the simple Goepel preached. They had godly men who would go' down among the wounded and the dying (cheer )« Those who knew the army, as he had.knowa it for the last 45 years, knew that there was a wave of godliness as well as a wave of temperance passing over it. Lord Kinnaird enlarged on the need of the done by the Asi?Qi»t|on, md pointed

THU AflflßUUrOß OUAEDIA.N : TatUESD^t, tfiSBRTUKY 8 P 1900



New Premises. New Premises. ] SALE! SALK! SALE! THE OLD MUST GIVE PLACF TO THE PIEW. npHE BUILDERS being ready to commence operations to build OUR NEW PREMISES, we have decided to clear sovoral LINES of GOODS in lieu of removing tham. will For one Month we will give such rebate to our Cuslo ners that eventuate in clearing the lot. ELECTRO-PLATED WARE.—AII Genuine Goods. BOHEMIAN GLASSWARE. FENDERS & EIRE IRONS.—Splendid Value Also—The Whole of our Stock of WALL PAPERS at present in the racks. To those who wish to decorate their homes, now is the time. W. H. COLLINS & CO., HARDWARE EMPORIUM, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. Tblbphonb—l4 and 15. P.O. 80x—35.



BUSINESS CHANGE. I BEG to notify to the numerous Cu tomera of W. H. Dabdis, and the Public generally, that having purchased the business known as the " Aehburton Aerated Water and Cordiai Manafaotory," I take I possession on and after February 1, and by | diligent attention to business and Ihe superiority of Cordials and Waters I take fchu opportunity of soliciting a fftir Bhare of your support »nd patronage. ALF. BRAY, CAMERON STREET. 1 226 ~jT WILSON, SION-WBirEB. LARGE STOCK OF WALL PAPERS, ! i WINDOW GLASS, MIXED PAINTS, PICT¥RB V MOULDINGB, ARTIST'S MATERIAL, &c. BUPNETT STREET, oppositolMAiL Office Telephone 65 i "forTthis" WEEK. QPfcOIAL Lines Prints at 3Jd per yard. Special Lines I rints at 4|d per yard. Special Lines Prints and Cyphers at 6Jd per yard. Special Line Press Material, usual price Is yd; 6s lid Dress Length, Big Line Sample Corsets, prices from 4s iid to Ob 6d, to clear at 2s 1 d per pair. And many other tempting Lines in all d partments. ABHBUBTON DRAPERY COMPANY. Mew Zealand CLOTHiNC_FACTCRY Stocktaking Reductions. Tremendous Bargains. HARD and Soft Felts 7a 6d, 10 6d, re duced to Is and Is 6d. Straw hate, Is 9d, 2s 3d, all reduced to la A few odd lines in Shirts reduced to 2s 6d Boys' Tweed Caps, reduced to 3d Boys' Paper Collars Id per box Meu's Ties, Is 9d, 2s 6d, reduced to 6d and Is Men's Sac Suits, Good Lines, 23s 6d Boys' Sac Suits. 25i 6d, reduced to 19a Boys' Washing Suits, 4s 6d, 3s 6d, reduced to 2s 9i Boys' Alpaca Coats, 7s 6d, 9s 6d, reduced to 3« 6d aud 4s 6d Men's Twe'd Trousers, 6«, 7i 6d, 9 • 6rl, BOOTS! BOOTS BOOTS C*nv»B Te».io> -Shoes, 5s 6d, reducftc- •<; v umens &.\d Children's Boots and Shoes reduced about half. We must clear out ttu-ae odd lines to make room for New Goto, etc. CALL XJARISST AND Ci*ti;.*" F l!** ** « v HOI i \hl Nfc*W aSKALAND CL< *TIJ liN G FACTUiiY. F. H, BEOKINGSALK, Manager



<mninimii■ii"iii'"imiHiinmi mmiHinaeZ!*ai»mami<f'Mttjtjv**t»+Mt*m3 J. V. DE BEER, JEWELLER <Sr WATCHMAKER. rpHB LATEST NOVELTIES jusb to .X hand in all classes of | Watches* &; Jewellery, RITH ENGLISH LtVcR WATCHES IN THE FOLLOWING GEADES :— Gold K>y'eß3 Hunting Gold Keyless Open Face Silver Keyless Half Hunting Silver Keyless Hunting Silver Keywind Fusee Hunting Silver Keywind Going Barrel Hunt ing Silver Keyless Open Face Silver Keywind Fusee Open Faca Silver Keywind Going Barrel Open Face Also, a FULL STOCK op ROTHERHAM'S ! LADIES' COLD WATCHES, SPECIALLY MADE TCTTIY ORDER. SIX DOZtfN ENGLISH KEYLESS OPEN FACE NIOKBL LEVER WATCHES, Compensation balance, full jeweller!, two years' Guarantee, STs 6d EACH. ST'N «<1 , Also, a Kail Stock of all other classes of Ladies' and Gentlemen's Watches. WATER BURYS at four price*— l*s 6d, 19s 6&, 2Op, 22s 6d J. V.DEBEER, (Late S. Salek) EAST BTRJSBT, AtsHBURTON Harvest Supplies. WE HAVE jaST LANDED, ex Pap&roa, R^kaia, and Aotea, NEW SUPPLIES OF English earthenware, [ glass and china. Every line up to date, and at lowest ' Cash quotations. English and American FRUIT JARS'at lowbbc prices in Towa.f Queensland Pure Dry Cane SUGAR— 701b Bags 14g. Only dry Sugar should be used for Preserving. ' Two and Three Prong Forks, Binder Whips, Rein Cord, Oil Cane, Reaper i Oil, Raw and Boiled Oil, Castor and Cylinder Oil, ia any quanti y. slb Boxes Pure Ueylon TEA from 7s 6d , each. b i c y~o"l c s. In BICYCLES we can offer the; best value in the Colony, We build Machines to order from Genuine B.S.A. parts 1 We are also Agents for Columbian, Hartfords, and Lovell Diamonds. Quotations on application. , CARSON & Co., GROCERS AND. IRONMONGERS, Importers of Bicycles, Hardware, Glajg and China Tancred Street and Akc&de, Ashburtcn. MR DONGEST HAVE LOCK STREET, TTIEACHEK of Violin, Mandolin, and X Harmony, resumes teaching 29ch inst. Terms on application. 1 173 PHOIOGEAPHZ nnO COMPETE WITH THE TIMES. JL I For 14 Days Only. j Oae Dozen Highly Finished Oahinet Photos FOR EIGHT <fc SIX. Don'i Miss This Chance. All work guaranteed, Note Address D.. Jones, The Photographer, Robofctom Studio, Moore Strea*-. QARLIAMENTAKY Deciaion Tglinßt L TiadiDg Coupons, No such legislation necessary in the case of a straight-out system of giving Cash Discount at the rate of la in the Pound off every purchase of Nine-pence worth and over. The same all rouad {sterling valu ■ as usual in Genera! pr*ppry. Clothing, Boots, etc., at H. C. Bakbett's (late Barrett Bros,) "The Hfcll,' 1 Ettab Street. WANTED KNOWN— Noethgote and Heffobd's Summer Clearing Sale oommenqes Saxckpa^, Januastt SO.



Rudg'e- WMtworih I Cycle Depot, Burnett street. i HAVIKG been appointed SOLE AGENT for Ashburton District for BRITAIN'S BEST BICYCLF, THE RTOGE-WBITWOSTB, Persons in want of a riRST-orASS up-to-date Machine cannot do better than buy one. These Bicycles hold the position in England of being second to none, and in New Zealand the same proud position is given them by ali who have tried them* The numerous riders of this Machine include E. Reynolds, Champion of- New Zealand ; and W. Tihrney, New Zealand's Unpaoed King. I have also the Agency of that HIGH GRADE AMERICAN WHEEL, THE TRIBUNE. This is the Machine on which Mvufhy, the New York Cyelisb, accomplished bis MarvelloDa Ride of One Mile in 57$ seos. All Kinds of Machines Repaired. BICYCLES ON HIRE. STOCK OF ACCESSORIES. I R. D. Johnston, BURNETT STREET, Next Orange Hall. _____________ ______ liZ 3 FOE SALE. CARTER'S TERKAOE, TINWAID. Mr Alex Hewson having purchased a Property at Altenton, IHAVK been instructed by him to Sell his wall - known Property, situated on Carter's Terrace, Tinwald consisting of an eight-moused House comprising SUHna; Uootn, Dining Room. 3 Bedrooms, Xi chen, ere , with a con venient waahhouse and dairy. The stables contain four Spacious Loos^ Boxes and Trap Rouso, together with 4 Acres of First I lasa Land Full particulars on application to P. FKRBIMAN. FOE bALE McOORMICK RtiAPEft & BINDER I HAVE for Sale — One Second-hand McOormiok Reaper and Binder, in good working order. Price £8. F. FERRIMAN. FOE SALE 320 ACRES LAND NEAR FREEZING WORKS. I HAVE for Sa'e a farm of 320 Acres Situated about a mi!e from the Freezing Works, well feuced and watered. Full particulars on application. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE. CHURCH STREET, HAMPS'EAD. LOT 19 —Containing one Rood. Price £22 10a Cash. F. FERRIMAN. —FOR SALE.— HOUSE OF FIVE ROOMS AJ?D HALF-\CKE OF LAND. OXPOKD STRKF.i\ HAMPsTEAD. TO THS THRIBTr-F.ir your own sakj, and for t we sake of your family, purchase this ideal h(>ma before it is too late. The Property is adjicent to the residence of Me Brock, the house contains five rooms, scullery, bath and tank, hot and cold water laid on. There is also a detached shed and fowlhouse. The land is of first class qualiiy and is well laid out in orchard, vegetable, and flower t,arden, PBICE—£22O (deeds included) A small deposit will be accepted, (he balance may remain on Mortgage. Farther particulars on appl;catio i. E. FEEiUMAN. fob Tale 8 ACRES LAND IN THE NORTH ISLAND. I HAVE for sale 8 acre 3of land, situated oloso to the Ekatahuaa Kailway Sta tion Well fenced and watered. Admir ably adapted for residential purposes. F. FtißftlflfAN. FOE~SALE EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. npOWN SECTIONS 552, 553, and 571, X with improvements, including good stables. These sections would prove a good investment within a very short time. Full particulars on application. F. FERRIMAN . FOR SALE. OXFORD STREET, HAMPSTEAD. 1" OTS 53 and 54—Containing £ an acre, I_J in crop and planted with a maoroearpa hedge. A splendid position for a dwelling. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE. AITKEN STREET, ASHBURTON. rPOWN SECTION 563-Containing | acre JL First-class Laud. A splendid site for a dwelling. Good locality, Price and terms eaay. F. FBRPJMAN* FOE SALE, PET£R STRifiET, ASHBURTON. I HAVE for Sale-A Comfortable B roomed Hoose and Scullery, together with one quarter-acre of land, well laid out in garden. There is al^o a % -stilled Stable, chaff house, and trapshed. The use of a pad dock close by can be obtained. As the owner is taking up farming, a moderate price will be accepted F. FERRIMAN. machine oils FOR THE HARTEBT. I HAVE a large Stock of Machine Oils in g gftllpn drnms and 4 gallon tins spe cially adapted for Threshing Machines, Reapers and Binders &c. A trial will prove that these oils are equal to the best lubricants on ths market F. FERRIMAN. For Children's Haojking Cough take Woods' {?re»t Peppermint) Cure—ls 6d and 28 6d