EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for January j

BUN.

Mail Notices.

If ail* c'o»e fortbe frllewipg places m | nder, subfaob to the necessary alterations : ' TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 j For Northern Port* of Now Zealand, West- ; port, And West Coast, per Rotomahanfc at 630 pm; late fee letters, guard's van, express train. WEDNESDAY, J ANUARY 23 For Northern Porti of New Zealand, per Talune, at 6 30 a m. For Northern Ports and We*tport, per Tanwera, 6 30 p m j late fqe letters, guard's tad express train. FRIDAY, JANOARY 25 For Northern Ports, Westporb, and Aus tralian Colonies, via Wellington, also lodia, China, Straits Settlement, South Africa, eto, and United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, «tc, via Brlndiii (ep ciilly ad* dressed), due Melbourne January 31st, due London March 10th ; also Fiji, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and Con' tment of Europe vi» Vancouver, per Mono* wal, at 1036 am. -

Commercial.

«. j United Press Avsoqi&tion—by Eluctdo | Telegiaph—Copyright ! London,, January 20 The wool saleß sre slightly easier. Cross* breds are firm. The woo! catalogued to date amounts to 43,766 baits, of which 46,715 bates have hflen.soid. Beef, rrutton, aod lamb unchanged. At the rabbit skins sales 1595 bales were ofured, and 1419 sold. Finest were slightly dearer, and secondary barely maintained Jfete r»tea.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

TheJAshbnrtonJAgency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Assooiittion of Canter bury, Ltd, [quote as follows on January 21, 1901 s— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl ... 2s 2.i „  Tuscan... 2s 3d „ „ Hunter's 2s Id Oats—Duns .„ Is 4d Danish Is 4d Canadians 1* 6d Spnrrowbills 1b 5 i Barley—Malting, prime 2s} Inferior 1b 6d Peas—Partridg*. 2« 3d Ohaff—Good oateheaf 45a to 47« 6d Grass Seed— Is to Is 3d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburtou.

ABHBURTON STOCK MARKET

Ihe usual weekly sale wns held at the Aehburton Yards to-day m One weather, and there was a large attendance of farmers and others. In cattle the entry was small, and the bulk comprised cow h- ef Fol'owlng ar sales made : — D. Thomas.—Cows £4 17«6d, yearlings 418, springers, £4 2a 6d, bull £2 3s 63, Messrs f ri» dlander Bros,Ltd.—Fat heifers £5 10a ; springers, £7 5» ; bulls, £2 10«, Farmers' Co-operative Association,—Cow, £4 17« 6d. Rheep—ln the thsap entries a large yard* ing was made m the butchers' pecs, which ortnp ised 30 lots m al', mostly good quality. Sheef—Butcher*' peni—Mem* Filedlan der Bros eolH 17 merino ewes At 9s 9d, 30 at 9* 3d, 13 l«mb« at 13s 7J, 20 crossbred ewes 16 6d, 10 *b 151 9d, 42 ab 14s 6d, 30 at 13s, 3 at 16s 31. ISoroßßbrad wethers 16« Qi. 9 at 18s 3d, 22 at 20*, the latter being ,-l;uo 4 and 6'teoth. The New Zealand F»rmer«' Cc-operative Association made sales ot 18 half bred ewes at 15s, 7at 15s 4d, 13 at l(»s 6d and 62 merino wethers at 16s 3d, Mr D Thomas cleared 10 halfbred ewes at 15s, 20 at 15» Bd, 40 at 18s, 1 at 17s 3d, and for crossbred cwsb 15 at 15s 2d, 20 at 14a 4d, 23 at 16s* Several pens of fat lambs were yarded, Mr D Thomas selling 43 at Ui, and Fried lander Bros 58 ab the same rates. Ira store sheep satisfactory sales were made for vendors, the Farmers' Cooperative Association oleariag 47 crossbred wethers at 19a 9i3, 304 half bred ewee tailing mouth, bat well conditioned at 16s, 88 merino wet her* at 16s 3d, 337 forward lambs 14s Id to 14s Id Messrs Friedlander Bros obtained 16i 6d for 80 halfbred ewes, 109 Longbeach merino wethers realised 14«, 32 crossbred ewse with 35 lambs 12s 3d, 144 merino ewca »nd 110 lambs 8s 43 all counted, 53 good lambs 14et Mr V Thomas's sale of stotei were 323 cross bred ewesg tooth up to full mouths 17s 2c!, 139 medno ewes and 136 l»mbi pasted *l 10s sd.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. Local and General.

■ ■ ♦' ■ ■— A Thundebstosm —A heavy thunderstorm passed over the hills district yesterday afternoon. Arbested—A man named Matthew was arroatad last night for creating a disturbance m business premises m town. Betubninck—Metßrs J McLaohlan and Mr CAC Hardy, M.H.R , we»fc north by the afternoon train yesterday. The Press — When speaking at the Cowimerci»l Hotel yesterday, the Hon J. Q, Ward paid a high tribute to the newspaper press, »nJ arated he always liked to retnembar the profesiion, and 01 their part they did not often forpet their public men. The grea<- majority of the former were hie personal friendes The Retubmed Tbsoj-ses—Referring to a telegram pnbllihed m anotbeir column, as bo the returned troopers being invited to rejoin their old companies la South Africa, we have been requested to slate thai Trooper Edward Willis of the Third Contingent, whose same appears amongst the numbers of the sixth, cent m bis name to return to South Africa before the Slzth Contingent was formed, and was aubae <guently advised by the Canterbury volunteer authorities to apply for enrolment) ia the Sixth Contingent. Id the published Hat no reference is mads to his being a returned trooper, although he was actually almost the first of them to volunteer. The Crops—One or two paddocks of oats h&ve been oat between Wakanul and River aide, the yield being very latiafaotory. During this week, if §ne weather prevail*, a large area will probably be brought under the reaper and binder, At Newl&cds, Mauri Qlucaa Bros, have tome good oreps of oata, and have already started cutting,, indication!! poiafciog to a rafcaro of bet wet v thirty to forty bushels per acre, which la eminently satisfactory for this light xjlaie of land. Mr F BenniaoD ■!* completing tha threshing of a large paddock of grass iftejft from which jr«turo» should be verjr largo, '

BoROUiM COTJNCIR BIILBINGS. — We' understand that arrangements will be made for laying the foundation atone of. the new Borough Counoil buildings at the Council meeting to night. Personal--Mr Edmund Bell, a prominent man m pablio affairs m Auckland, is at pre sent paying a visit to Ashbarton. Mrs Bell | accompanies him » T»A«hin» Bebumbd—Miss Poison, who waa teaching voice production, singing and ; the pianoforte m Ashburton last season with | suco*as, advertises that) ahe haa resumed j leasona at her former address A Floral Tribute —On leaving tha Domain gatea yesterday the Postmaster ] General and othera of the party m the drag j ware greeted with a shower of flowers by a bevy of ladles, who were stationed at the entrance gate at West Street. Presentation Mallet. — A vary nice mallet waa presented to the Postmaetcr- General by tha contractor for the n«w Post Office at the laying of the foundation ttons yesterday. A silver plate bore the following • inscription:—"To the Hon. JG Ward on laying foundation stone Ashburton Posts Office.--Pbtek Hyndman, builder." I Laying shi Foondamon Stoni. — The a>rrangemeata m connection with the eera- m ony of laying the foundation atona of tho < Bew Poll Office ytsterday, war* mad* and ■ carried oub by Mr J Martin, foreman of work*, and Mr W Leggett, clerk of work*, i who, oontidering the short time at their disposal, deserve to be complimented for the mannar In which everything waa done. Fax Lambs.—By this moming'sSpringburn train ten truoka containing 850 lambs passed j through Ashburton on their way tio the j Islington works, on account of Mr D Fergus I Shepherda Bush, and a consignment of 900 goes forward from Mr J Gould's Mayfieid eatate tomorrow. A consignment of fat lambs haa already been despatched from this . eatate. .' ' j Atmlmic—There ia on view it the establishment of Mr F Robllliard, East Street, the massive silver oup won by Mr J . M Lynskey at the Pioneer Amateur Bicycle j and Athletic Club's meeting: It is also accompanied by two medals won by the same athlete. The oup, which waa presented , by Mr Reeoe, of Ohrlstohuroh, ia held for j one year, and ia very appropriate and artistic ' m design. j American Hcbsx Breeding,— It is atated ! that the American Secretary for Agriculture ' hopes to develop a plan for supplying horses ' for the armiei of Europe, and is considering ! the propriety of sending an expert to the , Continent) to investigate with a view of as certaining the needa of the various countries. In the meantime, America ia buying m in creasing numbers every year tha best Perch* erona and French and German coach stallions money will command. One firm recently landed a shipment of 110 Percheron and Atglc Norman stallions. Spavined Tbotters—An American traine recently made the startling announcement! that never yet did lhere|exist a trotter cap able of doing the mile m 2 minutes 25 seconds or leea, that w&9 not spavined. Hia opinion waa the outcome of personal observation and experience m helping an eminent veterinary eurgeon to examine the hocke of dead trotters for he affirmed that m every hock examined the bones showed the effects of the enormous «train to which they are subjected m matohes. The consternation to which this dictum might otherwise give birth is quali fied by the further assertion that such spav in may exist wi houb harm to the horse, which, indeed, would appear most probable m view of the performers seen daily on the trotting track ; and that while all fast trot* ters are spavined, they are practically sound. —LiveSUckJmrnal . Ashburton Fobks School Trbaii.—The annual treat m connection with the &ihfttir* ton Forks school, was held m the school grounds on Thursday last, and was largely attends! The afternoon was pleasantly spent m games and sport?, and the school pr'zis were distributed. A piano had been kindly lent by Mr T Green, of Clearvisw, and m the evening a very successful conceit was given, the little schoolroom being crowded to overfl»wiog. Sooge w»ere sung by Miss Purchase, Miss Pratley. and Messrs Flower, Giles, Evans, and Hyde : and reel" tations wore given by Mi#s Giles, Miss Miller, and Miss Catita Reclsmayrtp, Mica Millers' spirited recitations, and Mr Flower's comic songa formed a mi iked feature of tho programme. Tho eniettaiimient, w»s brought, t<? a close by votes of thgnks to the per formers, the Indies wha sr> bountifuUy provided the refreshments, ths chairman (Mr Charles Good), an<i the committee, * Ariel Bicycle Club—A meeting of tbfi Committee of the Ariel Bicyc'e Cub took place Iftst evening m the Arcade Chamber?, There pas a full attendance, Mr Armor Orr being In the ohair. A number of accounts having been passed for payment and a mass of routine business dealt with, iha chairman called upon Mr E Nordon, on behalf of the Committee?,to make a presentation to Mr W. P. D.*ly, vice captain of the Club, on tho occasion cf hie approaching marriage. v Mr Nordf-n, m presenting & handsome!/ ic ecribed electroplated teapot to Mr Daly, referred to the early connection of the recipient with the Club, hie membership dating back over seven years. He had always been a good officer of the Club, and the Committee would ask him to receive this email token of their esteem, with a wish that his married life would be one r*v of sunchine. Mr Daly suitably responded, after which hia health wae drunk lit bumpers, Allandale Coal Oompany •>- We are pleased to learn that after twelve months prospecting thla Company have lately opened out two fresh seams of superior coal m their : mine. These aeams are situated one above j and one below the present seam that is being worked, at a distance of 30 feet and 55 feeb respectively, aocesa to them being gained by means of atone tunnelling from the present working seam. Tho thickness of the new developed Beams are %\ feet and 6 feet, and aa the quality of the coal ia better than any yet found on thia Company's property and superior to any found m this district, it should command the market both for household and steaming purpoaea; Aa the oompany will (after certain improve ments now m coune of construction) very shortly be able to largely increase their preaent output, they will be In a position to meet any demands made upon them, and feel confident that a trial of these coals will give every satisfaction. Ths Governor's Teip to the Foothkrn Islands—A Prm telegram from th* Bluff states that the Hioemoa arrived from the Southern Islands to-day with Lord Ranfurly and party on board. During the trip, the Snares, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodei, ths Bounty Islands were visited m turn, bia Excellency landing at all the places torched at. Our Wellington correspondent telegra phs:—Private advices received at Wellington by telegram yesterday at&te that Lord Ran' furly'a trip to the outlying Islands waa most enjoyable and successful. The object of hla going was to obtain specimens of the birds for the British Museum. Many were obfc' ftic«dy amongst them being two good j specimens of Merganser Auabralla, now i almost extinct, and two species of birds apparently new to science. The entire collection is preserved whole m formalin, and will be forwarded to England by the fkststeamer. Fine weather waa experienced on the cruise* A Case for the dUBiTABM.—The pub- Ho of Aahburton will have observed during the last few days a blind and one armed man accompanied by a little boy, playtog » barrel organ. A West Coast contemporary aays :-We have been put m possession of a few faota regarding the person, whioh we think the public should be acquainted with. Mr Louiach ia known to be % respectable man, and was » hard working miner In ths Kumara districts One day an exploaion of dynamite m the Auatrian Party's claim, whore ho waa working, left him the wreck he now appaara. Although blind and bereft of his right arm, with that manly pluck and independence whioh la a sharaoteriatio of tee mining class, Mr Loulaoh set to work to help his -wife and five little children to get their daily bread. Hia wilt opened a small store and Louisoh vied to help til ha pould. The poor fellow's troubles, heavy »s they had been, were Increased by death robbing him of bia partner, Mrs LouJ&ob, Crumbed m spirit, and bowed down, still the thought of hia five motherless bairna nerved him to set out on a fresh venture to earn something to wards their keep, ani the barrel organ waa procured." Mrs Paterson, Boarding house keeper, Havelook street, will be gUd to receive subscriptions on behalf of the afflicted

THE NEW POST OFFICE.

,1' * ~ ■ laying the Foundation stone. (. «■—— Tbj^ following concludes our report of yes terdajp'i srooe'edinpa: ~ Thf Hod: J. G. Ward, m hie openir.g rematktf, expressed his thanks to the Mayor and JConpoillors for the hearty reception given; to him on that important occasion. He jnade| a feeling reference to the sad news cabled that morning concerning the serious {lineal of our beloved Queen. He was sure he wfs only echoing the sentiments of the peopfeof this colonj m their one wish, viz : that |le'who rules a'l things may further prolong her liX (Hear, heai). He wished to congratulate the people of Ashburton on the progress their district was making, and he referred to the pleasant duty devolving on him of bringing under the notice of their youjig people and also of reminding the oldtfr folks of facts concerning the postal and telegraph services. The Post Office m iishburton had been first established m August, 1868, under Mr John Turton, post master, with the munificent salary of £20 per annum, thus giving evidence that there was not then a Liberal Government) m power. (Laughter). In 1871 the telegraph office waa first established, and Mf Doherty (a right good name) was appointed In oharge. In 1873 Ashbnrton was first made a money order office, and m 18f77 Mr Douglas was appointed postmaster, an!d remained In that position until 1897, and he pointed out that) this long period of uflryic* showed that Mr Douglas waa able to obtain tb« necessary advancement m Ash burton, rising with the place instead of leaving for a larger town. Mr Leohner, who \e hi)l m Anhhurton, was first appointed m 1874, and harl been there almost continu ously since the permtnent office had been established. The progress of the town as indicated m post office matters, was certainly ma'ked. The total of all articles posted m A?hburton during 1881 was 292,315, m 1895 313,881, whileb the total for the year 1900 was 414,069, This showed an increase per year m the latter case of 23 per cent, which he considered wonderful. A comparison of the articles posted m Ashburton showed that I in< the year 1887 the total was 195,416; m [1895,270,900; and m IPOO, 418,800 ; the latter period giving an iuoreaaeof 129 per cents The money order and savings bank business |;wa» next referred to, and it; was shown that Un 1895 2218 money orders value £7200 were i issued whilst m 1900, 3312- orders value j£t 1,200 were Rent) out. Savings banks Ifdlposita m 1871 totalled £2494, but m 1900 ,th« figures iocreaeed to £21,428, another wonderful increase ranging from 33 to 53 per cent annually from 1895. He ventured |o exprest the opinion that this growth would con tin ae. (Applause) The adoption of the universal pen- y postal eystem by this colony was » matter he would bring home to their owd locality. People m public position? had to submit at times to be called pet names (Uughter), and they had to take the rough with the amooih. No public man could carry on unless be was able to stem 'reverse current, and be prepared to take 'annoyances smilingly, and at the same time Continue to carry on his duties. Some people would have taken the first waek of the introduction of the penny postage for purposes of comparison, but he would pass over to th* second week, which showed 6800 letters posted, »s against 4000 for the similar week of 1900, or an increase of about 67 per cent since the adoption of the reduced postage, which was only a rtflex of work m other portions of the colony. Before they were a few years older,people would look back and wonder why this reduction had not been made long ago. Referring to the enormous facilities created by this reduction, the Minister went on to show that with regard to the -£80,000 estimated loss of revenue, they hid already increased m their local office 67 percent, and this instance of the Aehburton increase would give them an idea of what was occurring to other parts of the colony Mr Ward then referred to their magnificent newspaper Prees, conducted by experienced and capable men, and went) on to state that he h»i been busy for some time endeavoring to enable thepoßting of newßpape?s at much less thin the present rates, and he hoped before very long to be able to Rffecb a reform m this direction favorable to newspaper proprietors and reader?. Proceeding to deal with the telegraph system Mr Ward read returns indicating that m the twelve months from the beginning of June, 1895, to the end of May, 1896, the messages forwarded by telegraph were 11,070, whilst for the year IEQO the totals were 23,942. Although the institution of 6i telegrams was expected to lead to a loss, he found that, comparing the periods quoted, £814 had been revenue, whilst for the 1900 quotation the revenue waa £1570, a resuh of the cheaper system of telegraphs. jTo briefly sum up from the time mentioned by the Mayor, when the single dog watched the sheep on the Abli burton-R&ogitata track, and to the time of their first post office, they could m the aggregate focus the result In an increase of 689 per cant, between now and the year 1874. He understood that there was a desire that the Aahburton office should be elevated to a higher grade, as indicated by their local paper—-the Guardian—and from the growth of the Ashburton office he thought the suggestion was worthy of careful consideration. By the time the new poet office was opened no doubt its increased business would lead to the alteration. Mails were made up at Ashburton for forty-five offices, m many cases from two to four times daily, whilst twenty-five offices are served entirely from Ashburtou. The employees m the local post office m 1887 numbered nine, which number was now inarmed to eighteen. In five years time they would require twelve more men, he thought), with a few girls thrown m [laughter] to carry on the work m this portion of tha colony. The building where they were sow met would cost £4300 when finished, and he had to thank Mr Hyndman, the successful con. tractor, for the mallet handed to him, and he hoped hi« tender for tha work would pay him, as the Government did nob desire to see their work carried out at a lose. The architect, Mr Campbell, waa one of tha ablest officers m the service of tha Govern ment and he waa satisfied the building would reflect on the latter ft large measure of credit. In connection with the aiz» of the new building, Mr Ward m referring to aome criticism upon this, pointed out) that unless they had made tpeoiftl provisions for the development of the town for say the uexb twenty years they could not erect; a building which would prove a otedlt to the town, but this special provision had nob been made with the object of interfering with public enterprise. The effect) of providing these (substantial premises must add to the value of the property of other people m the district, and he would expect to hear of enhanced rente as soon as the building was completed. Mr Ward then proceeded to deal with the agricultural developments, instancing the fact that m 1887 there were 127,000 aorea under cultivation, whereas m 1900 the area waa 174,800 aorea similarly used. The marvellous growth of this district m cereals was now known throughout) the civilised word, and their splendid records were well known m London and other centre*; In 1887 the acreage m wheat m this district waa 50,765 and m 1900 the total waa estimated at 54,100. The value of property m 1887 waa £3,385,707, whilst m 1900 the figures were £4,250,319, and they had prosperity showing on all sides of tb»m and they stood high m the estimation of people of the old world m their commendable action with respect to the regrettable war m South Africa. His task waa now about finished and he might aay amongst his many occupations he was not an inferior hand at stone laying, and he would now proceed to that portion of his work, wishing the town and district, together with the Mayor and people, every prosperity during the sew century. The Mayor handed the Hon. gentleman a bottle, m which were placed sundry ooinß of the realm, together with a copy of the Ashburton Guatdian and Lytttlton limes, also the following ootioe :-—" This atone was laid on the 21st day of January 1901, so the 64th jear of the reign of Her Most Gracious Mnjesfcy Queen Victoria, by the Honourable J G Ward, Poatmaster°General, the Bight Hon. the Earl of Ranfurly, KOMO, being Governor of the Colony of New Zealand John Campbell, Architect; Peter Hyndman, qonkraetorj W H Renner, Postmaster. Hugo Friedlander, Mayor of the Borough of Ashburton< Chaa, S. Fooks, Town Clerk." Continuing, bis Worship stated that it) commemoration of the openipg of the new Post Office it waa, he thought, a proper thing to hand Mr Ward ft penny stamp to be placed under the stone m consideration of

this being the 6reb building created since the poste.l reform had been adopted., Mr Ward then laid the foundation atone of | the new Poet Oflce m a manner that showed he wan bb expert at that bubiness as he has proved himself m penning progressive measures through Parliament. He declared ftmitUt laughter that* the stone waa well and truly laid, and before many years passed by it might be necessary to meet there again, considering the progress of the people. He would like to take this opportunity before parting to refer to the efforti of the member for their diatriot, Mr MoLachl&o, who, together with their Mayor, had never ceased to urge on the building. He called for three cheese for the Ashbunon Post Office, followed by cheers for the Mayor and Mr MoLaohlan. Three hearty cheers were also accorded Mr Ward on the oal! of the Mayor. Mr MoLachlan, m reply, stated he joined heartily m welooiringMr Ward as the second Rowland Hill. He pointed oub that m 1840 the penny postage wai adopted "throughout England, and m the* same year the Queen was married, and further, John MoLaohlan was born. (Laughter). When the prosunt Poßt Office was partly burned, and he received notice of the fire, he had urged against reinstating the old building and advo cated new premises, with the result that now they were having * structure creditable to Aehburton. the centre of a most progres sive agricultural district. He would con tinue to urge for improvements to the railway buildings opposite, and advooated the formation of an overhead bridge. (Ap plause). Mr Ward here made an apology for the absence of the Fob W. 0. Walker, who m his (the epeaker'B) absence had to remain at the seat of Government. The Mayor and Borough Councillors, ac companied by Mr McLachlan, And one or two old identities, including Mr T Bullock and Mr D Thomas, then took Mr Ward for a drive round the town m McDonnell's four horse drag. The first place inspected was Messrs W. H. Collins and Co,'a premises situated on the railway reserve m East street, which the Mayor and others asked should be cleared of business premises, Mr McLachlan pointing out that the clearance had been promised for years. On the way to the Domain various other subjects of local interest were brought up, which Mr Ward promsed should have attention. The new Domain track, baths, tennis courts, bowling green, crcquet lawn, and other fe*tarea were pointed on*> to Mr Ward.

Magisterial

ABHBURTON-TUEBDAY. Drunkenness—A firßb offender wat fined 5b or twenty-four hours' imprisonment, and another w»s fined 5s and 2s cab hire* Bail Accbpxed—Two Aehburton residents tendered bail far Henry Fawcett, which being accepted ha was released.

Wellington Items.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Wellington, Jan 21 The retail butohera advanced the price of meat by a half penny per lb. An there was an advance some months ago, tne&fc is now a penny dearer than It was a year since. During to-day £110 was collected m the city towardi a fucd for giving the Sixth Contingent^ farewell.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Ttlegram—Copyright. LONDON AND GLOBfi FINANCE CORPORATION. London, January 20 Mr Jaßiice Wrigbt has sanctioned j the voluntary winding up of the London and Globe Finance Corporation under the supervision of the Court; ESCAPE OF A MURDERER. The murderer of M Stambouloff, ex-Bulgarian Premier — who was attacked and dreadfully wounded while driving m hia carriage m December, 1896—has escaped from prison. DEATH OF AN EMINENT FRENCHMAN. The death is announced of the Due de Broglie, the eminent French publicist, at the age of 80 years. SERIOUS FIRE AT GEELONG Melbourne, Jan 21 A block of business places has been destroyed by fire at Geelong. It is estimated that the damage done amounts to sixteen thousand pounds.

The Federal Policy

«_ —-—- UDited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Received January 21, 8 50 p m Sydney, Jan 21 The Right Hon. JS. Barton's reference to a ' White Australia' has caused concern m Queensland Mr Barton explains that he has no Intention of stopping the Kanaka traffic immediately, although he would be glad to do so if it could be done with justice. He, however, considered it his duty to abolish the traffic within a few years.

A North Melbourne Tragedy

_ ♦■- — ■ , MURDER OF AN INFANT. " ONE LESS TO PROVIDE FOB." United Press Association—by Kleotrio telegram-—Oopyrighb Received Jan 21, 9 53 p m Melbourne, January 21 A man named Holland has nnwdered an Infant named Geach !n North Melbourne, Mrs Geach waa living apart from her husband, and Holland was formerly employed fco watch her manner of living, bat he became enamoured of her In Ma pocket was found a document stating that the act had been committed because it would benefit Mrs Geach to the extent that there would be one less to provide for out of the pittance allowed her by her husband.

News in Brief.

Messrs J Ballantyneand 00, Chriatohuroh, distribute with this issue a cirouhr regarding their 20th Century Summer Sale^ which oommeccoß on January 18th and will last for twenty days.

The Escaped Lunatic

. : United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph lUnnevirxb, January 21 The escaped lunatic Whiskey was captured by Constable Barker In the bash north of Ngitparup&ru this morning.

ILLNESS OF THE QUEEN.

Family Gathering ai the Bedside The Patient Rallies and partakes of nourishment Per Press Association—By EJeetrio Telegraph- Copyright.

Received W&kapnaka Jan 21, 7 40 p m This Office 9 £0 p m London, January 21 Tbe Duke of Albany has started for Osborne, A service was held m Whippingham Church on Sunday afternoon m memory of Prince Henry of Battenburg. The Princesses of Wales, TWtenburg, Christian and Louise were able to quit the Queen's side to attend. The Prebendary, Dr Whitwortb, preaching at St; Paul's m the morning, asked the congregation to join m the prayer of Christen dom which is ascending from men and women of every creed and nationality. Rev B. R. Wilton, preaching at the Abbey, said no such anxiety as that which now prevailed throughout the length and breadth of the empire and j the whole whole civilised world was ever manifested at any previous period of English history. Dr Parker, Rev. T. Spurgeon, and , many others paid eloquent tributes to the Qaeen. The churches, chapels, missions, and clubs were unusually thronged. The despondency and alarm m the evening and at night gradually in tensified. An unofficial announcement made at 11 p.m. stated that the Queen waa weaker and unable to take nourish ment, The Queen's illness caused a great shock m Capetown. Preaching m the Cathedral Dean Clarke said it was the worst news of the past unhappy twelve months. This indeed was a moment of a national crisis. Sir Alfred Milner and staff were present at the Cathedral. Received Wakapuaka Jan 21, 11 pm, This Office Jan 22, 12 47 a m On Wednesday morning the Queen took a drive m her donkey carriage. Tn the afternoon Bhe dismissed her pair of horses and tandem without her cus tomary airing. She rallied on Friday night but at noon on Saturday she suffered a relapse. Her strong consti tution apparently reasserted itself during the (night. The Princess Vic toria and Princess of Wales arrived at Osborne. The Dowager Lady Amphill, Lady of the Bedchamber, is m atten dance on the Queen. An anxious crowd waited throughout Saturday night at the Princes' Gate, Oaborne Many of all classes as sembled at the Mansion House, Buckingham Palace. An unofficial morning message that hopes were fainter created a painful impression. The Prince of Wales' journey to London to meet the Kaiser created a gleam of hope m London that the condition of the Queen could not be so serious. The Kaiser's journey to England was interpreted m Paris to mean that the worst ma) be expected, but residents m Berlin take a less pessimistic view;

of Whippingh&ra was summoned' at midnight. Tho Dailg Mail layg the silent prayer m a number of the churches and chapels was broken by ba!f-stifled sobs. The crowdi m the streets, and old friends are speechless, and make a strong effort to hope for the best. The Princess of Wales and Princtm Christian, with their ifmtltublt experi ence, are constant m their devotion to the Queen. The Telegraph states that there it sincere Borrow m every capital. Kings Victor Emanuel (Italy) and FraDz Joseph (Austria), Prince Chrit tian, and President McKinley are much concerned. The Pope evinces great sorrow, and prays earnestly for the Queen's recov ery. " God save the Queen " was sang with fervour m all the military places of worship, and many churches,

THE NATIONAL SORROW AND ANXIETY.

Received Wakapuaka January 21, 11pm, this Office 1 30 a tn) London, Jan 21 On Sunday morning Princess Beatrice telegraphed that the Queen'a condition was very grave, but she was not entirely without hope. The feeling m London, as through out the kingdom, is one of profound anxiety and suspense. Innumerable telegrams of sympathy and inquiry have been received from all parts of Britain, Ireland, Canada, India, and South Africa. Prayers have been univeisal m Anglo'Saxondom and m the mosques and temples of India.

THE QUEEN SINKING FAST

THE NEWS IN AUSTRALIA INSOMNIA CAUSING TROUBLE London, January 21 The Queen is sinking fast. .. Sydney, Jan 21 The Governor-General has no official messages ira reference to the Queen. The subject is the engrossing topic m the city. Knots of people are continually round the newspaper offices seeking the latest bulletins. Lord Hopetoun has cabled to Mr Chamberlain :— " Ministers desire me to assure you t that the people of the Commonwealth participate with their fellow subjects of the kingdom m the national anxiety and distress caused by the lamented illness of the Queen," Brisbane, January 21 Lord Lamington has telegraphed to Mr Ohatnberkin :—• " Self and Government deeply con cerned at the news of the Queen's illness. Anxious for further news. Earnestly pray for her recovery," London, Jan 21 The Kaiaer, on starting for England, remarked—' I am her eldest grandson. My mother ia unable through illness to hasten to the Queen's bedside.' The Berlin correspondent of The Times Bays that the Kaiser's prompt decision created a profound impres sion, and is regarded as fresh evidence of intense personal devotion to the Queen. All Germans agree that it is natural, fitting, and right, inasmuch as filial duty ia one of the traditions of the palace and tht cottage. The London crowd greeted the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, and the Kaiser with silence and hushed respect There is great reticence at Oaborne regarding the character of the relapse. Insomnia is admittedly the great trouble, The drowsiness of the day is an ominous sign. Her Majesty was sleeping at six o'clock m the evening, but the midnight bulletin deepened public misgivings. The Times says ?—• No bulletin can convey the precise impresiion m the minds of the skilled observe?! on the spot, All our hopes And fears are baled on very imperfect knowledge,^ The Chronicle *t*%w that the E»<, tor

A MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, Jan 21 The Premier, wiring to the Hon. J. Q. Ward, re the Queen's illness, saye the latest) bulletin announces an improvement, The earnest wish and prayer of all will be than the improvement may continue, and crar good Queen may soon recover and be longer spared to her loving and anxious subjects. Mr Ward has replied :—'' I deeply regret, as tbe whole colony does, the distressing news concerning our beloved Queen, and trust the Ruler of. all things may, m Hit goodness, prolong her life."

Wellington, Jan 21 There has been keea anxiety m the city during the day as to the progress of the Queen's iilneiß. The cabl« meißages on bb« subjeoti were immediately on arrival potted jab the newspaper rffices and were cagarly teaoned by large crowds of people. UoNKDiN, January 21 The Mayor's oaU of meeting for pnbJlo prayer and supplication en behalf of bee Mojeßty was responded to m a manner that could not have been anticipated. Fnllf 2000 people were m the Agrioultur&i Hall where the service of prait* and prayer wai held. lo was conducted by miniatera of all denomination! m the city with the exception of the Bom&n Catholic*, cone of whom were present; on the platform. The proceedings were entirely of a, devotional nature, the prayers, which were all extempore, were most beautifully worded, and the hymns were appropriately chosen and rendered with moat inspiriting feeling. The meeting concluded with the National Anthem, whioh was sung ia its entirety

THE LATEST

A Slight Improvement I oid S&lisbuiy Snmmoaid to Osfcorne Business at a Standstill United Presi Aesociation—By Electric, Telegraph—Copyright ( "eeeivfd Wakapoaka Jan 22, 416 ft m, This Office 9 6am) (Despatched at 12-45 p m) London, Jan 12 The latest bulletin states that the Queen slightly rallied after a Bleep. The symptoms which are occasioning most anxiety point to a local obstruc tion of the brain circulation Received 7.49 » m (Despatched 1.45 pm) London, January 21 Lord Salisbury and the Hon. 0 T Ritchie have been summoned to Oi borne Dr Barlow the Queen's physician h»i arrived Scores of pressmen are at the gatei at Osborne Immense crowds are at the mansion house awaiting the bulletins. BDiineii is at a standstill Received Wakapaaka Jan 22,7 59 ft m, This Office 9 16 » m London, Jan 21 It h now admitted that she Qaeen'f health has caased anxiety m her en tourage for the last three month*. It slowly succumbed to the strain of the past year. Eentwtd tension wan caused by the loss of relations. During the illness of the Empress Frederick, who was lying ill at Friedreohshof* some weeks ago the Queen began to retire to rest earlier than usual. She was often sleepless, and her appetite failed, bat she improved slightly ** Osborne About two o'clock this morning tfaf Qaeen became comatose* Fearing the worst the family sarroimded the bed side; However, the patient rallied, and at five o'clock she partook ol food, Ihs Kaiser, The Priuce of #»!«■, the Dukes of York and Oonnaught left Yietoria Station for Osborce at eight o'clock The Queen is being nursed by the Queen's dressers, and not by trained nurses

Received Wakapuaka Jann&ry 22, 6am TbiaOffioeS4oam Sydnst, Jag 22 Mr Beddoa infortned an iuterviewer that be felt depressed and saddtned by the grave news, and prayed that divine providence, whom we alone can trust, that the beloved monarch would, be spaied a few yean All preparations connected with the viiit o! the Duke of York's suipinded festivities m connection with the Im perial troops have been cancelled

•Jflg Afl tJRIION GOAItOIAM i Tt?fcHl)it. JANOABY tl l^Oi



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THE 5881 BEMEDY FOB STOMACH AN» BOWEL TBOCBUI " I have been m the drug bucineu for 21 years, and have told must all* of the proprietary medicines of scy cote. Amoog the entire list I have never found anything to equal Ohamherlain'B Colic, Choler* an* Diatrhoea Remedy for all stomach and bow«l trouble*," a&ys 0 W Wakefield, of OolottihiM Ga. "This remedy cured two «evere ca«et of cholera morbue io my ta,mily, and I h»»« recommended and nold handredi! of bottlei of ib to my customers to their entire tatisfao Mop. It aflFords a quiok and Rare cure m a pleasant form. 1 For «»le by Aibburfcon Drug Oompady



Curb fob Cholera In:fantum--Nbybb Known to Fail Luring last May an infant child of our neighbor was suffering from cholera infantum The doctors bad given up all hopes of recovery. I took a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy to the house, telling them I felt cure it would do good if used according to directions. In two days time the child had fully reoovered. The child is now vigorous and healthy. I have recommended this remedy frequently, and have never known ib to fail, —Mrs Curtis Baker, Bbokwalter, Ohio Sold by Ash ksr%9i Drag Companf A fire m McKee'a grocery shop, Te Aroha, completely gutted the premises, The insurance is m the United office—£2oo on the etockf



THI ASHBUHTOH TRAIN SERVICES' i Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHBISTOHUROH—ab 7.20 am, 11 am 3.1S p tn, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—ab 1056 am,350 pm DUNEDIN—Rb 12.64 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-ab 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— OHRISi'OHUROH—at 10.45 »m, 12.48 I p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 a, m, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN-at 6.67 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-At 9.46 a m



STILL ADVANCING. CBAIGHEAD & BEBRYMAN HAVE just opened out, ex a.s. Paparoa from London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto Imported, comprising the most up to date Saltings from the bent Manufacturer! aa now wcra at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable tailoring Goods now affords customer* such ft splendid range of new materials of guaranteed quality and stylish pattern* to choose from as should please even the most fastidious, and their pricesg workmanship, and fib will compare favorably with those of the leading firms In Chriskobaroh or other oitieiß. They are alao showing a grand lot of mow Hata, Shirts, Ties, Boota, etc., tbia aeaam Cuatomera would do well to place their orders early at 0. &B. have already a arge somber of eulta on the boobs promiaed eforsXmae. 11 MO V Tamlslaker JF FOBNISBINtf WAEEHOGSB, f (Haveleok Street;} TTIS guariaiteeß to sell at Ohrtitehmroh prices for Casa or Time Payments. I 14 REPAIRS ! Repairs The beat m Ash borton,at— Mguon's ZeallQdia 800 l Store ■ ■ ___ W f~~~~ANTED Kown-ihat our Oiloteths and Llaoleumr are bought direct from the British Mills, and stand unrivalled i foE variety an<s ?rt*ej—Mitchell sod Toner



FOR SALE, PURE & HALFBBED TAU WORTH PIGS rPO Farmers purchasing Halfbrcd PIGS- We ure prepared to bay them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on «rain or Peas, VABMEBB' MEAT SUPPLY CO* 5 JH Rplb. _ WANTED KNOWN I HAVE ft splendid variety of fancy Chocolate Bos-ea juat to hand, both useful and oruamnntal. Please call »Dd Isapecb. Fr#»h Toffiea and Candies, English and French Chocolates and Confectionery always m Stock, Ice®, Btrawberriei) and Cream, Hob Pica and Light Refreshments always ready. A fresh supply of local and lßlacdfmit"rriVingdH IyiFLOWEB. km. 12 Confectioner & Fruiterer, Eaet S6 ' FOJUJALE). 6BEEP FARM OF \%\}% ACRES l<4Qf ("iHUATED about four miles from a Bail jj) way Station, divided into eleven paddocks, good Farmbooße of 8 rooms, Scullery ami Pantry, Stable, WooSehed, efaeep Yard t, and Dip. Wetlwatered with County-Water Races. Full particulars tmaiA**°V^pto*™* §moko New Ver.is ;



GEEAT JUBILEE SALE ■ :■' CF High - Class Drapery Clothing, & Boots, c COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY 19. (FOB ONES MONTH.) IMMENSE V EDUCTIONS IN EVk£fiY DEPARTMENT —— ANDREW ORE. THE VERDICT OF ALL PRACTICAL RIDERS IS IN FAYOUE OF RIDING BUILT with Butted Tubing, Short) Heads, Narrow Tread Aroh or Box Grown, m 110 pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheels I Any style Saddle, Handlet, Chain, etc, Auygear, any height frame ; also drasfc proof throughout, 0131 PRIOfi TO ALL—£2l GATES, LOWRY AND CO., Zealandia Oycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. 1901 MODELS JUST LANDED. MA>Y IMPROVEMENTS. COME AND SEE THEM. p0 0 R GOOD fbIOOND - HAND CYCLES TO BB SOLD CHEAP. NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED ' JOHN ORR & CO. N.Z CLOTHING FACTORY. „., «Q^ mm- WE have mit concluded ■ww HALF-YBABtY STOCKTAKING und have thrown oat a cumber of odd lines, which we bays marked afe prices that will effect a speedy clearance. =SEE THEM AT DOOK= MVW& HABD AFD SOFT HATS AT Is IAOH. MEN'S SOFT SHIRTS. A LABGrB VABIETY OF TIES, ALL REDOCEDTO 6d& Is Meo'e Leather Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Kid Shoea 10a 6d Women'i Oanvan Shoes 3* 6d, Children's 2« 6d Men's Tan Shoes 6a 6d, Men's Tan Boots 15s. N.Z, CLOTHING. FACTORY.