Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following piece* us under, subject to the necessary alterations : PATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 For Northern Ports and Weatport, per Rotomahans, at 6 30 pm MONDAY. FEBRUARY 11 For Northern Portß and Weetport, per Tarawcra, 6 30 p m ) For Tasmania, and Australian Colonies, India, China, fetraits Hettlemanfr, South Africa, etc., United Kingdom and Oonti nenfc of Europe, yia Brlndisi, per express at 12.30 am -

Commercial.

London, Feb. 7 Wool—At yesterday's wool sales competi tiliois vv&a afcgulur, and leas bcisk. Prioea were unchanged. The Tiretnia clip sold at 7|d.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Aehbnrtoa Agency of the New Zealand Farmera' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on February 8, 1901 »— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl «. 2s 3d i   Tuscan.. 2s 3d „ „ Hunter's 2s 2d Old Oats—Duns .. 1b 4d „ Danißh Is 4d  Canadians 1b 6d  Sparrowbilla Is 5d New Cats—Duna lei 2i and Is 3d „ Danish la^d and Is 3d , „ Sparrowbilla la 3d t „ Canadian X* 4d a Barley—halting, prime 2s > Inferior Is 6:5 \ |. • Peae—Partridge, 2a 3d »-1 -a* Chaff—Good oatsheaf 45s to 478.&S Grass Seed—New Is to Ibsl The ab ve are prices current paid to farmera on trucks at Aahburton. j

THE TIMARU PRODUCE MARKETS

Just at present tho local grain markets are very unsettled, and very little business i8 doing. The first of tho new seasons oata came to band yesterday, e> very fair sample but for these and for old there is no reliable quotation ; dealers, in fact, decline to quote. In wheat, Tuscan, red chaff, and velvet are quoted at 2s 3d to 2s 4d on tracks ; and bar ley, Is 3d to Is 6d for medium, and2asd to 2s 6d for primo milling are present quota' tiocß>

SALE OF TOWN SECTIONS.

Mr David Thomas offered «n account of Mr Tbos, Bullock, agent for the trustees of Henry Gram, deceased, a number of town Bections at the arcade today. There waa a larqe attendance and under good com' petition a satisfactory clearance was made. The following are details of sales and cameo of purchasers.

T.S 120—£36 10», H Da via,' „ 121 -£37. „ 123-£6O, Joshua Tucker. „ 201- £170. Jamas Smith. „ 2055-~£l4O, W H Rule. „ 208 9—;B2fiO each, Friedlander Bras. „ 182—£155, Hardley Bros.  IGS-~£2sQ, Friedlander Brois  95—Passed. On account another owner, Section 230, £-acre, Havelock Street, opposite J Thomas' produce store, was sold to Mr MpElrea at £260. Seotion 818—Altknn Street »ast, |-»ore t was sold to W G P»g», »t £21. '

Ashburton Guardian Magnaest Veritas Et Pravalebit SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1901.

In a recent issue we reprinted a para graph containing a copy of t^ protest addreaeed to an Edncitiori Board by somo school children against the manner iu which their teacher trusted them. No doubt this attempt of n gcclion of the rising generation to assert themselves has created some amusement, since it is hardly in accordance with the generally accepted notions concerning juveniit rights aftd prhilpge?. Nevertheless the rising generation b»T» rights which it is the duty &l the public to conserve. To begin with, they are entitled by the law of the land to a good education, and we know that onlcfe parents and guardians enable them to obtain at least a certaiu amount of the instioction and training provided by the State-for the youth of the colony, they are liable to i penalty for their neglect. In this way the young people's claims are recognised, and their interests cared for by the country. Similarly thw well being is considered by the enactment *f spe cial laws which provide tui iheir protection in certain eases In which the parental arm might; be powerless. The principle h thus ac knowledged that although the youthful portion of the community can have no voice in making the laws, their interest should be quite aa carefully looked after by those in authority as the interests and wishes of the adult population. Now we are often re minded by circumstances that this self evident fact; ia frequently ignored. For example at the reception of the Imperial Troops at Tim&ru on Thurs day, fully fifteen hundred school chil dren, somo of whom had been brought considerable distances from the coun try, were practically shut out from eeein g the troops, because the author ties in charge of the arrangements permitted the crowd to get right in front of the little one, \vho bad been placed by their teachers in a epot supposed to be set &part from them, It is uot conceivable that fifteen hundred adults would have been so treated. Doming to our own district, we find that some time ago the school authorities arranged with the Bail way Departmant to give tha Bo rough School pupila an excursion to Surnner on February 14th Later on, after the School Committee had made arrangements with the Tramway Com pany, the Department stated that the carriages would be required for some other purpose, and the excursion has had to be further postponed, and pos sibly may not t*ke place at all Again it is not conceivable that the interests of adults would have been so cavalierly treated, and we certainly think *iut a vigorous prottst Bhould be made by those representing the young people, against this method of treating them. We may remind those responsible for this negleofc of, and indifference to things which concern the rising generation, that many of these will by and bye have something to do with public affairs, and it is the duty of those who now regulate such matters, to enable these young persons to benefit by whatever opportunities circumstan ces naay present, No one can say that in the two instances we have mentioned the school children have been permitted to avail themselves of the opportunities that should have been open to them. Nothing can be done to remedy the neglect in the Tir^aru case, but it is not too late for the railway authorities to grasp the idea, that these school excursions are not merely pleasure trips, but are amongst the most useful aids available to teacher* ia the educ | atipn of the yoyng, "

Local and General.

MA«tBTKRiAL :—At the Court this morn ing, a first offender was convicted and discharged for drunkenness. Mr R Aloorn was the presiding Justioc Cornsacks.'—A bnsy time has been ex peiienced ah the Aehburton railway goods ehed lately in dealing with the large quantity of cornraoks which are arriving in view of the extensive yie.d from tbe present season's crops.

The Bcsby.—A juvenile, who witnessed the procession oS the troops, inquired earnestly off his paternal guardian why some nf the soldiers wore birds nests on their beada,

Thh Wbatijbb—Tbe weather yesterday was fine at all the chief centres in the colony with the exoepHon of Dunpdin, wharf it was overcast and dull. The highest reading of the thermometer was at Auckland, where it registered 67, and tbe lowest at Hammer Springs, 47. j Thb Post ahd Telegraph Office—The Telegraph Department iuff rm« us that the Wellington Foot and Telegraph Offices will be closed this afternoon from 2.30 to 6 pm, during the parade of the Imperial troops. The Mastert' n office will be closed on Mon day from 10 30 until 3 b'olook. Autograph Lbukb From Qcebn Vic tOßiA. —According to. the iJ-rtss 11 corres pondent, Mrs Tla Wilford, daughter of the Hon Geo McLean/ is the possessor of an in teresting autograph letter from Queen Vic toria. The tetter was written by her Majesty to Lord Onflow, congratulating him on the recovery from illneas of his son, Lerd Cr&n ley. Ic was given by Lord Onslow tc Mrs Wilford, who has a large collectioa pf auto* graphs. Male Pcpil TEAOHBas—^The greab diffi cutty fni getting male pqpil t«Aohers was broagftltander the notice .of, tb| Education Board «t|Chri«tolmrch by WT. 8. Weston o#W^nWday, who said tl at ,out of five ;»fMir&ltos for such prMft&£i*<<foar were froW' mis. Tbe question he thought was Eeriopr enough to refer to a, committee to reporb^a, and thls^eourse was Adopted^ - -

E'sTKHTATNiNC the Troops—A great many people in town and country, betides the ladies who gave tables and those who gave money, contributed towards entertaining the Imperial troops on Thursday, but we have nob been supplied with their name*. The result, however, was that quite three times as many troops oould have been entertained, and a good deal of oake, fruit, etc,.was left over,- some of which, has been handed to the Old Men's Home. Sons of Temperance.—At a summoned meeting of the Helpmate Division held on Thursday night, the following officers were installed by Bro G W Andrews, P W P, for the ensuing six months :—WP, Bro John I Hay man ; W A, Bro Chasi Dizon ; W Chaplain, Bro J Thomas 5 WRS and i<"B, Bro F Watt; W Treasurer, Bro 0 Andrews. .:. An -Interesting Wire to Send Booth. —Very' complete arrangements have been made for entertaining the Imperial troops aexi) Thursday, at Napier.' The visitors are fco fee entertained at lunch on the recreation grounds. Special trains will be running from the country., bringing outside volunteer companies, The Mayor hsis pro claimed a full holiday. [This was tele* graphed from Napier tblt morning] Railway Returns— The railways return 8 for the four-weekly period ending January '•■ 5 Bhow that the revenue for the 2210 miles of railways open was £161,555, while the expenditure was £31,764. The 827 miles in the North Island earned £63,277 for an expenditure for the same period of £32,329. The revenue from tho 1383 miles in the South Island was £98,285, while the expend iture was £49,434. Ihe Hurunui-Bluff line of 1186 miles contributed £89.648 to the revenue, the expenditure being £43, 299. A Trooper Falls Off the Train.— The first train from Dunedin on Thursday stopped at Seacliff station, but the second, by which Trooper Shanks, of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, travelled, ran etraighc through. A largo body of patients, uursos, and atteu dants were gathered at the station with flowers, and in the scrambe to deliver them the trooper, craning out, lost his hold, and landed on his head. Fortunately it was eaudy gavel at 'he epo\ »nr! beyond external bruis-38 and abrafiiona do itjiry appears to have been done, Truby King was present at tho time of the accident, acd attended to the man, who was able to preceed north by the express. ; Thh Seakdbths Visit thb Hon John M'Sensisv—Oo Tr.ursduy tuft Hob Mr WafH and Mr T. Mackenzie waited'at Palmerston a*nd went oa by the second train, which eoutained the Saaforth Highlanders, who were to make ao early morning o»ll at Heathfield, the home of the Hon J M'Kroz'e, near Shag Point. The tr^in Bropped at Shag Point Junction, and tho Se-vforths, under Captain Cowans, marched to Mr M*KenzVs house. Th^y wore horalded by Piper Haywood, who played, spiritedly, "Blue bonnets over ilie Border." Captain Cowans was introduced to Mr M'Kfnz'o by Mr Ward, who also specially introduced Private Archibald Muuro as a man who had hoarded cattle for Mr M Kenzie's father in Scotland. A Highlander's Lark— Aj> one of the tables, at which were seated some of the Seafotth Highlanders, no end of fun was created. The genial Boots partook of a very substantial meal, daring which they chatted very freely with the lady attendants; Occasionally, a* opportunity offered one dropped a sandwich or apricot into hi« bonnet, which was under the form* At the conclusion of the meal it was suggested that the ladies try on the bonnets, which they did, one looking particularly becoming in her new headgear* Several were in turn tried on, till at last the one containing the deposit of loot was required, whan Scotty quietly passed his bonnet to his near neighbour, whose bonnet thus had to serve double duty, and saved the reputation of the clan. At the conclusion of the trying on process, a well known inadico called for three cheers r for the ladies. The bugle call hastily broke up a very happy party, but it Is needless to say, the loot was left behind. The Population ok the Colony.-—The population of the colony on the 31st December was estimated at 810,536, in clusive of 39,854 Maoris. At the end of 1889 the estimated population exclusive of Maoris was 756,505 The births registered during 1900 numbered 19,546. and deaths 7200, leaving an increse according to the vital atatlUtles of 12,346. The arrivals in the colony during the year were 18,0?4, and departures 16,243, leaving a balance of 1831. The total increase was accordingly 14,177, which, with the Maori population as at the census of 1896. makes the population of the colony 810,536. The number of Chinese in the colony is estimated at 3077, including 34 f?malea. The increase in population during the year has been at. the rato of 1.87 per oeot. A eom parfson of the birth, dea*,h and marriage rates for the colony for the last three years—ie as follqw*': — Births, 1898, 25.73 rjet-QOOO; 1899, ,85.12 per 1000; } 900, 26 50 pet 1080. Deaths, 1898,9.84 per 1000; 1899,■■>l$£Ak 1900, 943.;, Marriages, 1898. 6 9lperlOM: 1899,7,28 jJGOO, 7.66. The 6gures for iSigp&re subj-cl to revision. Sports Association —A meeting pf the executive of thesAshbartott Sports Associ? Won was held in Mr Makeig'a office last evening, Mr P H Cox in the ohair. Corres pondence was received from the Geraldine Fire Brigade intimating their intention of competing at the sports e» 2L«t February next: also from Sergeant-Majors Oolemao, Farthing, and Jones regretting that through pressure of business Just about that time tkey would be unable to attend, but wished the meeting every success. The followsng offioi&is were elected for the moating on February Slat $—Timekeepsrs-s-Messrs p Jeaaon, RobilHard, R Friedlandsr, J V de Beer, and F Curtis; lap-takers—Mewrs Madden, Cookson, and D McDonnell; clerks of oourse—Mesßrs Denihire, O Nerthaobe, and 3 Burgees; telegraph board—Messrs H McSherry and H Fooks j marksmen—Mesiri F Clark, L J Hobbu, C Campbell, and G F Dodde ; pavilion stewards—Messrs Morriaey, P Orr, F Makeig, and B Amos ; judges— Messrs Snodgrass, D Grant, Hardie, and Whitaker; Fire BrSgad* judgei—Meisra Fooks and J Cow; assistant seoret»ry—Mf F Prltohard ; starter—Mr D Tbomas; referei —Mr P H Cox. The judges for military events were left over. Entries {or all events close on Thursday next, Ftbraary 14th, ab 9 p.m, at the Sports Asspeiation'e office*

THE OTARAMA MURDER.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dunkdin, Feb 8 At Port) Chalmers today Alexander Thompson and Carl Kunst were charged with the murder of George Gibb, one of the OUruma's crew, on the 2nd inst, Kach pleaded not guiitv, and were remanded to Uunedin till the 13th inst.

HAMPSTEAD TOWN BOARD.

Tbe monthly meeting of the Hatnpstead Town Board wan held last evening, Present —Messrs 6 Andrews (chairman), McElrea, Thomas, Taylor, Barnard, and Sllcook. MABKEYS BRIDGE A long discussion took place upon Mar key's bridge. ! Mr Thomas moved that Messrs Silcock, Thomas, and the Chairman wait on tho County Conceit to protest tgainab erecting » footbridge against Murkey'a bridge, and to be authorised to agree to •> paymett of the proportion of extra cost of putting » footbridge on the line of the p»tb« The motion was carried, with one dissentient (Mr MoElrea), who objected to the Board interfering, m the Council had only recently taken over the bridge. On the motion being carried, Mr MoElrea tendered hie resignation as a. member of tbe Board, and retirsd from the meeting. PEGS. Mr Slloook moved thftb when a surveyor is employed by the Board in future, any pegi inserted shall be of iron instead of wood,—Carried. ATJOTIONBHRS Correspondence was read from the Colonial Secretary, asking for particulars of any auctioneer residing in the town.—A reply waa ordered to be sent. | BUBBISH BBBERVB j It was decided to write to the Waste Lands Board aeking that the rubbish reserve be gß29tted ab ence. SGAVKNOKRING DIBTBICI Mr Silcook moved that the following area be declared ft soavengering distriot;—From the Gas Work3 sorner to Princes* Street, thenoe to Bridge Street, »Bd along to June tioa of N.I. and East Belt—between SB. Belt and Eton Street} to Wnkanui Road, N:E Belt, Oxford Street, W«kanui Road and Beach Road, East Belt, Beach Road, Trevor's Road and tbe Terrace. Mr Taylor seconded Mr Thomas was in favor of culling ft pnbho meeting to discuss the subjacfc, Tho Chairman spoke in favor of the motlen and urged that this so&vengering distriot should be proclaimed. The motion Wfts carried, Mr Thomaa dissenting. The meeting then terminated.

CHRISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY.

nited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Chbistohtjrok, Feb 8 The annual meeting of tha Christchoich Meat Company was held to'day, Mr i Gilbert Anderson, Managing Director, presiding, Tbe Chairman in his address said the balance sheet and profit and loss accoont for the year ending 31st October, 1900, as I usual shows the actnal realisations and cables advices to the 22nd January, 1901, Daring the year 660 ehares were taken up and farther applications were received, but not in time to be Included In the capital account of the 31sb October, The authorised capital is now fully subscribed, and the reserve premium on ehares Is £3,939 6a. We have Lnilb on the site purchased ab Picton one of the most complete and carefally planned works of a substantial and permanent character. At both Islington and Smithfield we found it absolutely necessary to farther extend oar accommodation, and where possible this han been dr)ne in [brick. The works are j fully equipped and capable of meeting the r quirementß of the various districts- It may be farther added that the saving on insurance, etc,j repays for the c xpendi tare, You will notice that £6,16218* h»s been written off tbe renewals and replace ments account. The profit and loss account) compares favourably with last year. Although, as you are aware, we have had m Very short season for.frerz'ng rperations, reducing tho earnings from £53.66823 4i to £49,873 4s 3d, the net profit for the year is £10,983 l-9a lid. Wo paid an interim dividend of 4£ per cent, "^nd yonr directors recommend that the eamo »h'>nl(i again be paid, making 9 per cent for the year. Should you authorise thia there will remain a b-Wa^en of £18,094 Is 4d to bo carried forward. Yon will notice that we put through the works 983 244 hewi of stock, 0r,74,003 leaa than last year. Thin work was nearly ali doj'e before the rnd of July, and could not have been handled had the Works not been capable of dealing with r.helargequantitles of stock when ready. There is ho donbt but that the failure of the turnip crop greatly redaeed the quantity of stock usually available in Canterbury, especially of mutton* Notwithstanding this the Canter bury shipments of mutton total a good aver* age for the year. The quantity exported being 604,341 carcases. There Is no doubt bat that we exported far too much mutton towards the end of 1899, and 16 would have paid better to have kept more of the wethers in the country, The quantity of lamba exported in 1900 was 915,447 car cases. Ibisdonbtfal whether we exported too many lambs, and theresult of the year's demand in London seems to show that if tho arrivals had been somewhat more ! regular, the large quantity could have \ \ been taken up at satisfactory prices. A question of very vital importance is, on we keep up our supply ? And In this \ connection It is to be regretted that the ! Government stock returns are not avail able at an aarlier date, and further, that the Government does not taka steps to ascertain the results of the season's lambing, so that the figures could be ava lable before the farmsr disposes of his lambs and buys his ewes and store sheep. Ab breeders are apparently fully alive to the importance of increasing their ewe flocks; and as many ranholdefa are laying themselves oub to carry more ewes and fewer dry sheep, we may expect a still greater increase in our breeding ewes with i a correspondingly large increase in our whole flocks. When we consider that thtre ara in the colony 79,301,872 cross bred breeding ewes, an increase of 592,664 on the previous year, while in Canterbury ftnd Marlboroufrh there are 2,157,897, an increase of 218,341 on the previous year, we are fully justified in anticipating that there arc more lambs in Canterbury than in any previous year, and that we will overtake any shortage. Given a favorable /season the exports shouli be fully up to last year. There ia also a large supply of ewes from which the Canterbury farmers can draw their supplies, and it is doubtful whether It is wise or profitable for the small farmer to do anything else than turn off his stock as soon as her can find a profitable market, leaving it to the larger holders to supply him with ewes It must be further bora in mind that Canterbury froni its peculiar and special advantages of climate has become the grt at fattening and finishing ground of the colony. Other districts can breed as good lambs and sheep as we can. It should be o«r aim tngeb as many of these as pos* bible. It Is satisfactory to note that the freezing Industry has proved such a boon to the farmers, and ab the preeenb time they are obtaining high prices fcr their lambs, Bab this !s nob without a con siderable element of danger. Loss suitable districts may be tempted into the trade, while there is always a risk of diminished consumption, Either of these moans ' lower prices. I The report and balance sheet were ananimoaaly adopted.

THE CROPS.

(By our t Agricultural Repoi ter.) j The crops at Studholme and Waimate are j looking well, and tho farmers are busy cut-' ting. The crops on Waikakihi .are good, , and Hie settlers are doing very well. The j clover and grass crops are grand, and the sheep and iambs are in fine condition. The harvest in this district is in full swing ; the Willowbridge estate is later* Many of the settlers have not started cutting ; the sheep ara in good condition ; some of the lines of wethers are of fitst-class quality. A few pad docks of wheat near Makikih should go 40 or 50 bushels to the acre. The turnip crop is not so forward as in the Aehburton county. I learn that the lambs coming off rape are not weighing out so well as in past yearn. The stacking is going on near Seadown, and as far as Teir.uka. At Winchester cutting is going on in all the paddock*, wi'hsome very heavy crops of wheat and oats are to be seen, Wakanui is now well forward with the cutting and stacking. Mr O|W Leadley is threshing a nice lot of black Tartar oats out of the stook, yielding fairly well. If we should have a few weeks nice weather it will be a great boon to the farmers.

CORRESPONDENCE

ote do not held onmlves responsible (or opinions exprttted by oar correspondents

AN ACT OF SELF SACRIFICE.

TO THJB EDITOB. Sib,—Allow me through the medium of your valuable paper to draw the attention of th« public to the beautiful Christian spirit, displayed by a young Salvationist named Wright, its the Domain on Saturday afternoon. He was standing listening to the service, when a young man was seized with a fit; he had nothing to put in hie month to prevent him biting hi* tongue, bo without hesitation he thrust his thumb in I his mouth, and thua prevented him ! from lacerating hia tongue. I think he deserves great credit, for his kind act, he getting hia thumb badly bitten. la this not bearing each others burdens. It was a good example of Christian 'spirit to display, for getting self for to help another of his fellow men. I trusb he will be credited for his self sacrifice. I am cure he tins since suffered much pain in doing what we may term a very kind act*—l am, &c, George Henderson.

Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall

United Press Awoolation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, February 7 The repairs to the cruisers Juno and St George.the vessels originally selected to act as escort to the Ophir, on her proposed visit to the colonies with the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on board, aro being accelerated. The Times states that it has been definitely decided that the Duke and Dnchess of Cornwall shall leave at the end of March or beginning of April, reaching Australia early in May. The ; Duke will be folly convalescent by the beginning of the voyage, and a long sea trip will probably be the best restorative. I Ottawa, February 8. The speech from the Throne at the opening of the Canadian Parliament expressed the hope that the Duke and Duchees of Cornwall would visit CanaJa and assured them of a hearty welcome, Received Wakapuaka Feb 9, 9 7 * m, This Office 932 a m The newspapers express delight that the Duke and Duchess of York's visit to Australia is not abandoned. After leaving Canada the Duke and Duchess will probably visit Mr McKinley.

SUPREME COURT

United Preßs Association--By Electric Telegraph Timaru, F^b 8 The Supreme Oourb wnninal sestion alooed this evening* Sentences were pi»Bed i" the aflernoon as follows :~Robert Elms, for sheep stealing, two years ; Alex. McKay, common assault (ho was charged with rape). one year ; Jeremiah McCarthy, incest on his daughter of fifteen, seven years ; on a second chtuge- relating to hie daughter of tlevec, a stay of proceedings was authorised. McCarthy's case was remarkable, ae the witnesses for the proseoution alleged that the mother knew of the incest with a succession of young daughters during the past seven year?, The next door neighbours gave the man a good character, and the defense suggested that the charges were the result of a conspir cy to get rid of the man. Q, Botherway, charged with setting fire to the house be occupied up country, was acquitted, Wellington, Feb 8 Ab the Supreme Court today William Budd was found not guilty of having crimin ally assaulted his twin daughters. The defense was that the charge was trumped up because the prisoner had punished the girl". for misconduct-.

A Railway Disaster

AN EXPRESS DERAILED

LOSS OF LIFE

United Press Association—By Eleobrie Telegraph—Copyright New York, Feb 8 The western bound New York- Chicago Limited Express, one of the fastest da the Erie Railway, wag der railed, owing to a fish plate breaking on a carve, between Amssn and Greenville. The mail and composite cars were telescoped. The ladies' car was not damaged. Six persona were killed, and twelve injured

THE PACIFIC CABLE.

United Press ABeooiatioD™Ry Electric Telegraph-—Copyright Received February 7, 9 22 p m Sydney, Feb 8 The Herald says thero is a sensa tional rumour that the Pacific cable is in jeopardy owing to Canada's intended j withdrawal, which does not seem to haye much behind it. Commenting on the position, it adds that since Mr Seddon has been in Melbourne he seems to have persuaded Victoria And Queensland that New Zealand will undertake to do nothing detrimental to the Pacific scheme by taking any important step afc present It would | appear that Canada creates delay and raises objections from whatever point of view she chooses to view the ques tion, and the result seems to mean delay. It is quite time now that the i contract was signed and these states began to act firmly for themselves in dealing with the question. London, Feb 8 The speech from the Throne at the opening of the Canadian Parliament mentioned the satisfactory progress of the Pacific cable scheme, and expressed . the hope that nothing would occur to prevent the completion of the cable, Mr Muloch, Postmaster-General, an nounced a Bill to arrange for Canada's financial share in the cable scheme. Brisbane, February 8 Mr Philp considers that no agree ment between the Australian States and the eastern Uxtension Company should be concluded till the opinion of the Pacific Cable Board ia obtained.

KING EDWARD VII,

United PreEß Association—By Electric Telegraph — C'opyriphb London, February 8 The King will open Parliamnt with full State honours, the Qaeen accom panjing him. Their Majesties were warmly ac claimed when driving to Marlborough House yesterday.

Received Wakapuaka Feb 9, 9 7 ft m Thia office 9 32 The King is receiving an enormous number of congratulatory telegrams and addresses from all parts of the Empire.

Great Britain and Germany.

AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

United Press Asiodfction—By Kleobrio Teleg /*ph—• Copyright) Received Wakapuaka Fab 8, 8 45 a m, Thia office 9 30 pin London, Feb. 7 i It is officially stated thnt, at the lunch at Buckingham Palace on Tues day, the King, in proposing the toast of the Kaiser, thanked him for his affectionate sympathy in hastening to assist in watching at the deathbed of the Queen, and for remaining, at great personal inconvenience, to join in the great national homage to her imperish able memory. The King expressed his greatest satisfaction at the excellent relations existing between Great Britain and Germany, and said that these relations should always remain ) so would be hit constant endeavour. ! In replying, the Kaiser thanked the King for the touching and affectionate terms in which he had spoken. He .recalled thß strongest feslings o! love and veneration which from boyhood fya had borne the late Queen. He also thanked the King for enabling him-— by creating him a Field-Marshal—to wear the same uniform as the Duke of Wellington and Earl Roberts wore — an honour he highly appreciated, aa did his army. He heartily reciprocated the King's feelings with regard to the relations between the two Empires.

The Baku Calamity.

HUNDREDS BURNED TO DEATH.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph--Copyrighb (Received Feb 8 S 945 pm) London, Feb 7 Hundreds perished iu the fire at Baku, in Russia, when four oil wells caught fire, and tremendous damage was done.

DEATH OF QUEEN VICTORIA

Prayer for her Soul

Memorial to Queen Victoria

India's Hearty Besponse

United Propp Aasociation—B; Telegraph—Gopyrit;! (Received Feb. 8, 8 57 LONDC Lord Ourzon's propos. Indian national memorial tc to be erected in Oal immediately warmly supp Maharajah of Kashmir fifteen lakhs (1,500,000) o the fuud ; the Maharajah five lakhs, and the Ma Gwalior and Mysore four Bengal Jute Mills, nine! rupees; the Nwab of I thousand ; the Maharajah bozar, twenty-five thousan . ■ companies, fourteen thoi Lord Curzon, ten thou i Maharnjtih of Jeypos-e bated an extr* four lakhs • r the Indian faraino fund Remarkablfi loya! gat> " be,ing held throughout Ind A meeting of fifty tho races and creeds aoOoloc • resolutions of condolence ai

CABLE NEWS

I ... United Press Association— *= Telegraph ITALIAN PREMIER J BOME ] Stracco, the Premier, hi ,: QUEEN WILHELI MABEIAO] HAGUE, February 7 Queen Wilhelmina was married at the Hague to Duke Henry of Mecklenburg Schweiin. The ceremony •roused tremendous enthusiasm. London, February 8 The British Minister wa«s present at faeen Wilhelmioa'a marriage. Melbourne, February 8 A duat storm of cyclonic force swept the city last night and lasted a few minute?. All traffic was stopped. So fierce was the storm that it carried foot passengers o3 their feet, snapped telegraph poles, and unroofed a number of buildings, Victoria saves money Melbourne, Feb 8 - The rf construction of the Cabinet and c r.stqaeiit reduction in the number of State Ministers?, has, resul ted in a saving of £1000 annually; When the Defence Department is taken over by the Federal Government there will be a further saving of a similar amount. HEAT WAVE, Sydney, February 8 The colony is suffering from a heat wave. Many inland towns record over lOOdegs. ia the shade, and at Mount | Hope llSdega. I TROOP SHIPS COMING ; The Government has been advised that five troop ships will arrive between I February 25th and March sth to take the New South Wales contingent to the Oape. THANKS. Mr Seddon cabled to the Govern men^ .thanking them for entertaining the Cornwall's contingent. [ SILVER MINE OLOSEP Adelaide, Feb 8 Owing to the fall in the prices of silver lead and the high coat of working, the directors of Broken Hill Junction Company have deoided to close the mine for the present. A SENSIBLE MEMORIAL An influential meeting in the Town Hall decided to establish a Maternity Home as a memorial for the late Queen. Some handsome donations were made.

A Pro-Boer Outburs

SLANDERING THE AUSTRALIANS

The extra winter cession of Parliament cal'ed together for war purposes hat been a short owe, bat it has died hard. Then waa no particular reason why the curtain should not have been finally lowered oo Saturday, December 15 with quiet rapidity and without the least, trouble ; but prc-Boer members had willed otherw'se, eo the Home of Commons was kept busy for two or three hours not withstanding that there was only purely formal work to do. Mr Bryn Roberts directed attention to » Btatement in & morning newspaper to the effeot that there had b«»en mutiny amongst) the Australian Volunteers, who wanted to return home, thab guns were turned upon them, and that they then turned the!r guns up*n our troop?, and said—'Now ; fire your damned puns.' (Oh, oh ) With regard to the 0.1 V-V, they had dons practically nothing. (Cries of..«Oh.'} They bud been, merely carpet soldiers, an<i when they cams back to London the whole of the business of - the Metropolis was stopped in order that the political ardour of the Jingoes might be ' excited. (Opposition cheers.) The Boert, he went on to say, were practically coerced into taking the oath. In a magazine he had eeen it stated that a delicate Boer youth said he was forced to take the oath by a British officer holding a revolver to htl head, and saying that unless he took the oath he would put a bullet through bit brain. (' Shame.'} To hold a thanksgiving service while eaoli things were going oa wm blasphemy. (Opposition cheers.) A RICHLY DBSERVED BEBtfKE Mi Brodrick said there was only one speech of which he desired to t*ke netlce— the speech of the member for Carnarvonshire (Mr Bryn Roberta.) H« wae sorry, after whab had occurred the other eight, to have to state what he believed was the feeling of the great majorisy of the House ob both sides t.B regarded speeches of thab char*0 *1"^ He thought that when troops ha* gone out. to the seat of war, some of (Hem regalftH, some of them Volunteers, and some of them, like the miiftia, semi-regulars, who had served with gseab distinction, but who bad I gone onb aa Volunteers—when troops hid | served side by Bide without anything which divided them from each other, he thought ib was not only an ungenerous, bat almost a criminal acb to attempt to drive in tha wedge of discontent between them—(loud cheers)—and to look about and pick op scraps of information without any authority. Mr Bryn Roberts—There was authority— the statements of the soldiers bhemielvet, and I would tell the right hon gentleman I will not be brow-beaten by anything he may say. (Laughter) Mr Brodriok said the hon gentleman put the remark of one soldier agaiotti the whole rank and file of the British army. That) was the sort of statement which «raa brought before them by ftn hon gentleman who founded on it a general indictment, and, who, having eat here comfortably at home himself — Mr Bryn Roberta—Ae you did and got paid for it. (Cries of * Order') Mr Brodrick—The hon gentleman who stayed at home was not ashamed to call men who for nine months had been faring hatdly, going through great privations, and who had nob complained at all, carpet soldiers, from the comfoi table position he occupied ia tail House. Mr Bryn Roberts—ln comparison with the men who were at Magerefonteln. The Speaker- Order, order. I must ask the hon gentletran cob to persist iu thete continuous interruptions. Mr Bryn Roberts—The right hon gentle man ought himself to observe the decencies of debate. The Speaker—Order, order. The hoa member himself used strong expressions, and : ol ■■.!.■? -*♦■. "T'~nb *.*»<"« wF^n used by

i '■•■..;-, ■ . -\ -.;; ';;;: ... .;:.,. : ;:, *■;■. "six-? SStft ■ ."<(.V «:;•' ;.■■ .■.. ' ■ ;■.-.;•■!■/■ ■".■■;.■«!"* hi t.S<{U;fft»;if?:/,J, ' : :. y--.;j- ■:■ .',:;.:.,•. \ ' >■■.■•'.■: v-ajv ciid o.<:;l '*</?<?!*• i ■■,!■ :■,",'.: ::U>.,: :'Vi .ftC ?.■::.:•:■;: JS3 K>" i ' "','■■■' u n-.'il-'^' ■-?'*-. : ?.;■■■ rV': :-..■ ir^n.;.,. K-; '->^^ sabteaivs j t'dtiy "■>;:<■;'■ ?!•■::; !:fcbl;,' :c jv ..'Vn J s v.- vv...•::;■:•.■■;, .■■■,:" ha t;iid, ie VEpij* to s.fca ! "riHrrc'ki-j- .:•'.■.-■ ">-■'■'■.'.'■'. -'•'.■-!, hoftf-ve?" rr-^ivl-y ! '.'.ir-H-t-:?.; ;:.:;:,o m ••»esjih, aed ■fs; '. 3\0.'l~":. ':■:■ ■ r.'".;■..■;■-'■ :J -.■, •'>;•>tigßs!S 'brou B^. -„ .... rf - Koberts, M.P,, on Saturday last la the Houbo of Uonmom against the discipline of the Australian troopa Id South Africa, and nqueabed m report, has receired the following telegram in reply ;—"The report) yea »llude to reg»rd iag the Australian troopa is absolutely without foundation.—Kitchener " NOT AOSXBALIANB BUT SOU*H AtBIOAVf. Mr Bryn Roberts, M.P,, in the oourM of a lelcer in the Times, saya:—A« iho House of Commons is not Bitting, I will be obliged if you will give me an opportunity of cor- I racting en error I mads in my tpeeeh last Saturday. I attributed wrongly to the Australians the ioßubordination mentioned in a letter from an Imperial Yeoman, which I quoted from the Morning Leader pi Friday laet. I find that the Colonial troopi referred to in the letter were those of South Africa, and cob the Australians, against whom there is go imputation, and to whom I. apologise and express my regret that I •hould hare erroneously üßed their namo. With the correction given, I adhere to my remarks, and point put that the reselb ' aimed at la not attained by Lard Kitoheaer'i telegram, whloh Is in terms confined to a denial of insubordination among the Ani« t-.pftlianß.

Dr Parker as Editor.

The first number of the Sun, under the editorship of Dr Parker, was pub* lished on December 17- Io » leading article, Dr Parker says;—"To day we begin a great and, perhaps, periioai experiment. Can London do a religious dally paper, or will such a paper be laughed out of court by the drinkers, the gamblers, and the whole multitude of fast livers of the Metrop olis? The. decision lies with the rel igions portion of the community." On the subject of Hooliganism, Dr. says he would like to have & constable standing in the shadow of every surest lamp, to pounce upon guilty people, and to take them away to be fogged. The usual sporting article does not appear, %nd in the stop preea colome, under the heading, "Betting aap gambling forecasts," appear a number of texts, such as—'The wages of sin is death; 1 'My son, if sinners entice thce, consent thou not;' 'I! they e»y, come with aa we shall find all precious sob* stance, we shall fi'J our houses with spoil;' 'Oast in thy lot among as;' 'Let us alt have one purse;' 5My son, walk not thou iu the way with them, for their feet.run to evil.' There is also the following:— 'I call upoa all praying souls in Londoiij and throughout the

THE ABHBtJBTOH OT^tmtAH .* JEBBUARIf 0, 1001.



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WHAfHBR Report.—Oaptftin Edwin fore. otkßti -—strong north to ««t and aoufcheajt wind! iftw 20 bouw from now, gk» fall.



CHRIBTCHOROH Races — Exourslon f»m for tbe Christchuroh races are announced in our advertising columns Smoke New Venus



COOPER'SJSHEEP DIP. ' Facts for HiM'-epniea ntid figures. 1. Britain i< the sir. a m .r>u '■„, iu= hi> contiv of >e Hieep I>P t B which are being pushed in this colony. 2. It ia also U«« Coin 'ry win h Ruble's U.< n. <" h hvdofrt p.-sslble tests In use, f-r tj.nhina Uxu she att.liv.a jn«.p-»»i™ ..f she* p T>ip-» so severely as the WEATHER, hhd fi-w di|s :i!*T. «ro ;b;U c^t withstand it. 8. The "ROYAL ' is the. A-n-al *»■*>■ p Show of tie World and the] Representative) Hock Ga'.h.-ii: gif 1) BntLsh Isles. These three dipconneciid face c m* iiu\ however, in adding to the weighty gures of the last Royal Shuw :— Total Prizes Won by Sheep ... ..■ ••• 162 j Cooper-Dipped Sheep Carried off „.. ... ••« 140 Balance, for division amongst all other Dips ... , 22 1 ANALYSIS. """" ■—-—--—-' I Obauipion. j First. Second. Third To'ai. COOPER ... | 5 I 61 55 19 140 Oher Dips ... 1 1 f 7. 11, ?- 3 ±_Jjj_. COnpFR'S DIP thuw ncwred 90 per cent of the First Prizes, or FINE TIMVS AS MAIS'Y AS ALL OTH> R DIPS PUT TOGETHER. 125 Leading Sheepmen exhibited, 104 practically voted for "COOPER." It la nearly the same with the Sheep owners the world over, who htt year 1899) a«d eufficient of " COOPER " to dtp about 200 Million Sheep. An Increase of newly 25 Millions over the sales of the previous jear. FIOTDLANDO, BROS,, LTD., AGENTS. , "CO k -. COAL. COAL. TJMBE Si:. TIMBK E , TIMBEB. X- IF YOU WISH to save money, you should buy SHAG POINT COAL— The Cheapest and Cleanest Coal in the market, and effect a saving of 30 per cent. BE- FORE you commence to build, we advise you to call and inspect our splendid Stocks of REGISTER GRATES, ENAMEL MANTLEPIEOES, and COOKING RANGES. We can give you better value than any other house in the trade. IF YOU BEQUIEE your Eesldecce PAINTED and 3>ECORATED, we have the Largest and Choicebt Stcck of WALL PAPERS in the County to select frcm, and can give you every satisfaction, TP YOU WANT Table Knives, BUTCHERS' KNIVES, Pocket Knives, j[ and Razors, We have jn3t opened up £200 worth of Cutlery direct from the maker*, the quality of which is unapproachable, W. H. COLLINS & CO., lEOFMOISGEBS, PA3NTEES, TIMBER & COAL MERCHANTS. 4<>ENTS, t'.OYAL INSiUFANCE COMPANY Pv* f-t: t- . |Q ■*'"**'* jgy >u* j* V* Air* ''Jilt' Ifol MO1)I«I> JUST LANDED, MAKY ifIfiPROVEMPNTS. COME AND SEE THEM. |7 O0 II GOOD SECOND*- HAND CYCLES TO .BE EOLD CHEAP, KO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED JOi i N ORR^CO^^. FACTORY. WE have inst concluded our HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING and Lavs thrown out a number of odd lines, which we have marked at prices that will effect a Bpeedy clearance. zzSEE THEM AT DOOB.=: MFK'3 HA?-D AND SOFT HATS AT Is EACH. MJ-..N sri PHIKTS. ' A T.ABGF YABIEIY OE TIES, ALL BEDUCEDTO 6d& Is Men's Leatlif-r Shoes 6b Gd, Men's Kid Shops 10a 6d Women's Canvas Shoes 3a 6d, Children's 2* 6d Men's Tan Shoea 6s Gd, Men's Tan Boots 15s. N.Z. CLOTHING FACTOHY THE VEEDICT OF ALL PRACTICAL EIDERS IS IN FAVOUR OF . . RIDING T >ui Vi wi-h Bt.tted Tnbing, Short Heada, Narrow Tread Aroh op Box Orowia, « 1"> JL? pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheels*. Any style Saddle, Hafidlee,-Chain, etc. ear, any height frame ; also dust proof throughout, ONE PRICE TO ALL—£2l GATES, LOWRY AND CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, J3URNJSTT STREET, ASHBOBTOI,