THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

I Trfttaß cave Aah barton daily for— UHRISTOHUROH—at 720 am, 11am 3.15 p m, 7 6 p m (express) TIMARU—a' 10.55 am, 3.50 pm DUNKDIN—at 12 54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN~at 4.25 p-m

Trains arrive daUy at Ashbnrtoa from— 11 OHKISTOHUKCH-ftt 10.45 vm, 12.48 p m (exprtis), 8 pn>" TIMARQ—at 10.35 am, 2.55 poi DUNEDIN—at 6,57 pm(expreu) SPRINGBURN-.»t 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

Phasei of Mood for February

BUN.

Mail Noticis

liftili close for tha following placet si under, subject to the necessary alterations FRIDAY, Marsh 23 For Northern Ports and West Gout, also Australian Colonie* (<*ue Sydney, March 28tb), and South Africa, per Talttne, at) 630 p m. late fee letter*, gourd's van, exprcu train. SATURDAY, Mwoh 2S For Northern Ports, her Moura, at 10 30 c m, For Northern Ports tod Weaiport, per Rotomahana, at 630 p m ; late fee letters, award's van, express train. MONDAY, March 25 For Tasmania, And Australia, (due Mel bourne March 81th), India, China, Strait! Buttlemeut and South Africa etc; also United Kingdom (due London May sth) B and Continent of Europe, via BrindisS, pet exprw, to connect with Mokoia at 6.30 p m.

Commercial.

RAM AND EWE FAIR.

A.« numeroa* farmers and aheepnwnera are now, raising their own rami, the enquiry at yesterday's Fair was anything butbriik. A fair amount of bueinoas in raroi was trans acted privately before the auction, bub when the auctioneers offered the varioni linen under the hammer their own opening and oloiing bidi wers the only ones received in a gnat many instances. Although ialet of rams by auction ia the county are nevee large, yesterday's collection seemed to meet! with perhaps worae trmtm'ttt) than usual, Meura Friedlander Ero*. cleared 9 English Leioecter two tooths up to £5 ss, three •hear 2£ guinea*, aged rams 1 to 1| guinea*. For Hampshires they realised Ui to 3J guineas, nearly ail their entries Ij this olasa were cleared by their sa!e»men prior to auction taking plac«. In Lincoln they made from 1 to 2£ guinea"), Shropshiras I to 5 Ruinea", nn(i Border Leioaster 1^- to 3 guineas. Mr D Thom»B sold 209 oat of hie uvb*l entry of 323 as Mlowb :—Shropshire! %*° H Saimt>*> fcwo »Of>thß 4to 4i goineaa liongbciflb lamb rums 2f to 3| guineas, old sorts ibroushtl fco 1J guineas, In English Leioestter* f feo 1| «uine»s was made for old olasges, younger !ot» Krtoging 2^ to 3 Kuineas, J Bongs 4tofl| guinsat. Border Leicester old, «t f guinea, round mouthed up to 4 guinoa*. two foth* 3to 3^ guinea*, and lambs 2 guineas, old I mcoins i to 14 guineas

Ashburton Guardian Magna est veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY MARCH 22, 1901.

When it wa« officially stated at the meeting of the Borough Council on Monday evening that the doctors bad not reported any cases of infections disease in the town, Or Davis chal lenged thin,, saying that he knew of a*> Jeast one f unity in which there were ciSO3 of s^irJfttina £ and it is well known Ui£»t ihia is af<-ct.. The Mayor explained the position to le that nl* thoagh the Public Health Act required the medical practitioners to report at once to the Health officer for the dis trict, all cases of infectious disease coming under their notice, there was at present no such official ir * h^ur. ton, the officer recently appointed by the Ooancil, (Dr Botger), not being the " District Health Officer " defined in the Act, who mast be appointed by the Governor in Council. It would seem that when one of the Councillors : called attention to thia subject about a month ago, it waa decided to refer the matter to the Council's solicitors, and the opinion read at the last meeting of tbe Ooancil was that under the Public Health Act, provision ie made for the appointment of a chief Health Officer, and of a (District Health Officer,' bat there i» no reference to a local Health Officer. It may be assumed, although it does not seem to be certain, that Dr Symes is the district Health Oscer for Canterbury, since Dr Mason i§ chief Medical Officer. If so, it; is needless for us to point out the absurdity of the present position. The doctors and chemists of Ashbirton urn called upon by law to report oases of infectious diseases occurring in the town to the District Health Officer ; and he resides in Ohristchorch J It is ejuite evident that the reporting of cases of disease in a borough to be of any avail, moat be prompt; and we think that tbe sooner the Health Act is amended in order to ensure that this can ba done the bet ■ ter. We cannot understand why the frames-s of the Act, who cannot bo charged with undue economy in the use of words* djd not provide fur the nodical practitioner^ reporting cases of infectfous diseaata to the losaj fcody in oharge of th§ ganitary arrangements in each district. In the caseof Ashburton the Borough Council is expected to do all things necessary for the preservation | of th@ public health, and yet there is no legal obligation upon the doctors or anyone eke to make known to it ; the existence of any disease, no matter bow deadly it may be. One of our local oaedicaj man might even have a case of plague or smallpox on bis hands, but as the law stands he peed i»f nothing about it, and we may bs pretty •are that except under very ejpecial circe instance", no .cases of infectious dieeaiei will be reported to any public Authority ontil a> local Health Officer i« appointed. We think, therefore, that it is the obvious duty of the Borough Council to atk for the immediate appointment of a Health Officer for tbe Asbbnrton town and suburbs. Tbe recrudescence of the plague in Aus tralia, and tbe appearance of smallpox also in the adjoining colonies render it absolutely necessaiy that nil possible precautions should be takea to protect ©pnelvPß 9 g a inat tbesa dreadful fteoiurgißs- ; ■ ". '. ■;,;

Local and General.

Weather Report —Captain Edwin fore cauls :—Moderate to strong west to south west and south winds, glass rise, indications frost tonight.—The Captain is ft day late Farm for Salb—-Messrs Friedhnrfer Bros have received instructions to tell Mr Alex Kidd's farm at Flemingtoc, particulars to be advertised. • Ambnton School-A meeting will be held At Ailenton tonight ro consider the advisability ■of urging the Board of Education to raise the status of the school. Ham and £wb Faib.-—The high prices obtained at the opening of yesterday's auction »b Tinwald for *wes were well maintained throughout the day/and an advance of Is 6d to 2« per head on recent, sales of breeding ewes was made. Musical Examination, —At the last examination held hy the Musie*l Inter national College Master Ernest Hughes, who it studying under Mr Llewellyn Owen, ■nooeeded in gaining the possible number of mirki. Municipal Elections—The Municipal elections are beginni g to excite intercut in various parts of the colony. At Greymouth a score of candidates are already named for the nine seat* . Deaths.—There were 145 deaths in the four centres of the colony from cancer ; 171 from heart disease ; 266 from phthisis and other tubercular diseases. There were HO violent deaths during the year. Thi Sevmnth Contiugint—Two Aahbur* ton men are in the second draft of the Seventh Contingent, namely, .Sergeant Wil | fred Willis and Trooper Tom Soott. The former is the fourth of the Willis Bros, who have enlisted under the Imperial banner fot service in South Africa. Carriage o* Dynamitb—At the Invar corgill Magistrate's Couri> on Thursday 33 M Stewart, manager for Mr John Edtnond, ironmonger, was fined JE2O and costs £3 2s for having §>enfc,. a package containing dynamite by rail without giving notice in writing of the contents to the Department. Niew Council BoiLDiNo—For nearly a week operations at> the Borough Council new building hare been delayed owing to a shortage of bricks, and we understand trese will not be in supply until early next week. The main walls are very nearly completed, and the woodwork for tbe roof is partly in position Fink Xcbers—Now that the big gooseberry season hat passed phenomenal vegetables are much in evidence. Some fine specimens have been shown to us lately, but probably the best all round crop seen this season has baen grows by Mr Charles JTtff«, in Haveiock street. The tubers are of the Beauty of Hebron variety and each it almost enough for a meal for » small family. Bahfscead School Fxodbsiw.—About 300 of the pupils of the Hampstead sohool went south this morning by the excursion train Arranged for by the aohool committee to f imaru, and the weathtr being fine it is estimated that 300 other people took a j vantage of the excursion. In all fifteen eam*gei were used iv convoying the holiday makers. Women's Christian Tkmfkrancb Union --The annual Convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was opened at I Wellington on Thursday, under the presi dency of Mrs Sohnaokenberg. The report of the treasurer showed thai) there w»a » credit balance of £41. The cum of £990 had pasi«d through the local treamrers during the year, the local brandies having now a oredit of £163, i A Recokd Sale -At yesterday's Ram and Ewe Fair a record sale wag made in two tooth ewea. At the Ou'verden sile where rates were considered exceptionally hi./h tho bet-t figures nude in thi« class reached 22s 9l* but at Tinwald 23s 3d was obtained for 63 halfbrert English L«ici»R;or Cro s c*es gr z*l by Mr W Clements on light Rangitata country. Theap sheep were knocked down to Mr R8 antou.of the Hinds* after .very strong c, m petit i -in. Tbansvaal Trophies -It ia not often the local infantry Ootps have nnvihins* in the ebipo of trophies to compete for, but, thaokß to tb.B g*neroßity of Trooper Alex Wilkie, who has presented a lumber of ocine to be competed for, by members of the Ashburton Bja-B anji JSusroY, an irtereftirg Htle rifls meeting will be held at an early d ite Th'n coin- rnngd in value from a Transvaal pa»ny fo a KfOger sovereign All members who ioti u4 to oornpefce nauit hsnd in their napes no£ later than Jfrfonday evening nexf. , Gooo FEKPJNjqt—As evidence of tiia exoe!. lent pasture available this soasou, the ehpep coilfitsd from th* (aoan'y tho fmlt were in capital condhifem Several large lines of ewes were offered on behalf of dealers, wh*> had travelled, ihetr entrif* from Blenheim and CulverdiD, nt.d these of course had gone >ff considerably in condition. Al though high r<*te» ruled thronghout the sale the quality and age of many of the entries of both ram* and ewiß for breeding purposes met with adverse comment, but their prime condition saved their livva for Another ■Baton's breeding Ra?<OITATA Libbaky—A meeting nf sub- Wibere to the Bin^iUta Librasy wfts held on Wednesday evening. Oa the motion of Mr F Webb a vote of thanks was passed to the ou 1 going Coramijktee. The following wen elected a new coppittee for the ensuing year—Messre Oonnai, Dorward, Taylor, Irwin. Ohalmere, Webb, ana Misses Cpu Her, ?^bar~ ton, and Edgar. Mr Connal w»b re-ekjoted President, Mr Irwin Secretary, and Hn fcmn Librarian. The receipts for the year amoun* ted to £12 7a 7<3, and the expenditure £11 Ofi lOd leaving ft oredit balance of £1 6s Q&. This with the Government grant just to hand makes a total of £7 6e 7d to begin the year, irrebpeetive of aubecripions wbieh now fall due. Bontine business was transacted, fttiri the newcommiftee will meet at an esrly date to seieot book@ and to oensiier ctlnr matterg. A Heavy Yiej,d We he^r of an (xcoptionally heavy yield of oats at Rangitata, Mr Duncan Taylor (jdnr.) 8 Orfcon, South Rangitata, having just threshed from a fourteen aero pad* dock, a total of |1438 bosh els or an aveiageof 102£ bushels per acre. The oats were sown down in August after a previous crop of tape. The crop preced ing tha rape was wheat which thrashed 47| bosheiii »-.*r acre. In another pad dock Mr Taylor had oirer gO bushels of Canadian oats per acre. Thece figures are strictly accurate and can be vouched for by our correspondent. Many of the crops In the district are turning out very well, and the most Interesting yields will appear In due course. | BooKKY~T.he annual general meeting of the Rakal* Hockey Club was held In $#r Palmer's; studio on Thursday March i4th'< Present—JJ|rQ-.S. Hardy Li the chair and a^air ai,t.erid*^cfl s sf membera, The fclio-n'.ftg »ero duly elepted— patfpn, ! D Gr Holmes Km| ; president, £T A ,C Hardy Esq; vibo president, Messrs L White, A D Mcllrafth, A Craisjhead and X>r Gordnor ; captain, Rev H H Mathias | enb^captain. OMay t secretary. O Hardy, treasurer J O Thompson- Committee, Measre Austin, Bryant, DaVlson Doerok; Palmer and Ftargess. Selection Com mittee, Messrs Mathias, May, Hardy and Piowpaon- It was decided to open tha seaapn at an efrly date. 1 Ac- ftpijUGi— k* y Mr rMtpty Jtephenson,' janr, wai coming down East street last eren* Ing, on his bicycle with a bright lamp barn ing, » couple of young mem attempted to cross the street in front of him with the result that all thre,« wtre upset, oasofth* pedestrians performing some interesting acrobatic performances before he succeeded regaining control of his legs. Strange to say no one was much hurt, and the philosophic manner in whloh the cyclist proceeded to make his machine a going concern, excited the admiration of the sympathetic onlookers. It (s only fair to the young men who caused tho wlshap to say that they seemed most anxious to giy« every assistance Seeing how aeripps suoh an ao.oidepb might be people should be carefuj pop tp attempt olose shaves witb a bicyol'*, etpeolally" at) night, Wade'a Worm Figs are most effective and got unpleasant; children thrive after taking (hem Price Is Smpke New V*»w

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not btld owitlves respmribla lot opinions esprtned *j our corwpoudeuti

BOROUGH ELEOTIONS.

TO THS SDH OR. Sir,—l agree with your correspondent, "Ratepfcyer," tlut canvasoisg by undulate* for the Borough Council ought to be checked, if possible, but I cannot ngrre with him on the delegating of the ohoioe of suitable candi dates to a Committee. Such a body must be only * smili section of the bwgetce*,- and its ohoioe might not meet with general ap proval. A better plan would, I think, be for the ratepayers to mark off the list of eligibls candidates any one mho personally i oMsvasee- for vote.—l am, etc., Bcbgiss. [How wnuld " Burgess " aot ifanattrao' tire vouae lady relative of a candidate interviewed him?— Kb]

A CONUNDRUM

TO THB EDITOR Sis,—Can yon explain to your readers why first olaes excursion fares on our rail ways arc double those for second olass, wbtlsd fn the cat* of ordinary fares first class is but a half more than second 1 If you give it np perph»ps the railway chiefs, or the member for the dUtricb,o*n furnish an inswar.—l am etc., 21«t March. Inquisitive

THE PRICE OF MEAT.

10 TEK BDITOB. ! Sin,—l was very pleated to read in your journal th«. oth» r evening that the but chers of Ashburton had decided to reduce the price oi meat one halfpenny per Ib, In a family of ten ths« reduction meant something in the month** batchers' bill. It has been a puzzle to me why butcher's meat should be so muoh dearer here than in Cbristohuroh 5 bub it is * fact, sir, and I should be obliged if you ooald ' •xplaic why 'this (fineness,' Why we should have to pay from 20 to 40 per cent more, according to the various joints, I cannot understand, especially when we remember that the meat sold in Christchusch sheps has been inspected and killed in the most op to date manner. Hoping to hear of a further reduction before long,—l am, etc., Consumer

Social at Tinwald

WELCOME TO TROOPERB SMITH AND ROBERTS;

Tinwald was en fete last evening, quite 350 people assembling at the Templar Hall to extend a welcome home from South Africa to Troopers 0 Bm(th and Carl Roberts, of the Third Contingent. A committee con' sisting mainly of old residents, inaugurated the welcome, and the success whioh r«warded their efforts was well deserved. The hall was tastefully decorated with evergreens, military designs, etc;, tha centre piece at the eastern end embracing the words '* welcome home," worked in various oolored chrysanthemums being particularly striking, Th Rev Blakiston occupied the chair, and in opening the proceedings, said it was intended to make the welcome of as social a character as possible, that the many friends of the troopers might have an opportunity of convening with them, but the large attendance had U}>s»t the latter part of the proposal. In referring to the returned troopers, the sposker »<>id it was a noble sacrifioe on their part to leave relatives to facts death and dieeaeo in support of the Fmpire. They had recognised perhaps the novelty to colonial", and tha exciting times incid' nral to active warfare. The news of the reported deaths of Troapors Morris and Robert*, received on Easter Monday last, which waa contradicted later, had acted aa a stimulant to the we'eome home safe and sound. They had faced tho ordeal of battle with the courage characteristic of the British race, und thoy h«d nobly done their fhitre towards ttrengt heniogthellnks between Britain and Greater Britain. Ho concluded by calling for three cheers for the troopers, which were heartily given. Troopj* Smith, in replying, saH that unfortunately his career at the fronl ha<? j bf en out «hort by illness, but he managed j to pull through th" engagements throughout j the Orange Rivr Cplonys He thanked them I for the splendid reception, which alone was i»<:iih cnrninj?baok for, and he and hi& com' ruio would ever remember their thoughtful notion. j Trooper Roberts endorsed the remarks of his pomrader Mr Meharry, reprresentine;the old rt-t-ideitu, pxtend.ed n hearty welcome to the Tiawald Boughi Rider?. during an interval, refreshments prepared ,fay Mesdftnies feppett, Gudsell, McL'eod, '§M otherc, were handed round, and ap 1 parently thoroughly en|oyed. During the evening musical items were contributed by Mead ernes Teppett and Bigg*, Mlsxes O ark and Meharry, and Messrs MoClorg and Tromayns, a ?tep dance by Mt M Fitzgerald, and a recitation by Mr C Poharty. At> the conclusion of the social, a dance was held, the merry couples trjoyed a couple of fleeting hours to mutio supplied by MrAndsrson.

The Grand Lodge of Oddfellows.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph jtavEBOABOHX, March 21 The seseioß of the Grand Lodge of the American Qrdor of Oddfe'iws closed yester day. The Grand Master's report showed the total membership of the Order to be 1,393,899, the net gain for 1898 being 42,669 making the largest Friendly Sooiety in the world* The valuation report showed the Order to be iouriahing. The funeral Benefit Fund had increased from £20 to £30 per member. The proposal thit members of a Lodge for twenty five years who had reached the ag* of sixty five should ceafee paying pntributfoni, 'Lodges to be repaid the fmpunt) from' the surplus of the Funeral Fund, and members to be entitled to all the benefits of the Order, was parried $ The election of officers resulted as follows ?— Grand Master, Bro J M &itkm (inveroargill Deputy Grand Master, Bro A Small {Otaki) Grand Warden, Bro Dsf Millar (Bucedi») ; Grand Secretary, fifo W Reid (Dunedin) ; Grand Treasurer, Bro J 8 Alexander (Dune din). Past grand Masters Bros Braithwaite Miohie and P G Springer were elected true tees. The banquet* last night was largely attended, The visitors left for the north to day.

Dundin Framways

Dunjbdin. March 21, The city tramways were taken over by the Corporation to*d»y. The deeds having been signed, the Mayors and Councillors of suburban boroughs through whidh the trams ran, and others, were entertained at luncheon by the city Corporation and the''tyimjray directors The Mayor, i i tpaajtlng, eaid thajb the City Council had made a good deal. If they had not ta^en the trams otherß would have 6tepped"fa. This was confirmed by Mr <J Fenwlck, Chairman of Directors, who aald that the Company had' in offer of £48 000, and could get It to morrow. The Mayor wenb on to s*y that Dnnedife »&w had its own water-supply, gasworks, abattoirs, and its own tramways. AH thab was wanted t© make It' an Idealjciiy was to own the whole property *nd become Us own land" lord. Jle said It In all seriousness, and did not care if he was called a Socialist of tjhe deepest dye. Afterwards the Oifcy Councillors and gneete, In three decoratad ears, wend over the line, followed by aboat twenty cars piaoed at the dlspof &1 |f tb» public. For the rest of phe afternoon and evening free rides ware given. As a matter of fact the oars were mostly taken possession of by juveniles, who fcjravelied up and down, while most of the ordinary travellers had »o walk.

You can depend on ridding your children of worms with Wade's Worm F:gs, the wp#derjEu£ Worm Worriers—ls

The Gaining and Lotteries Act.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright - ' ; ' Mangaweka, March 21. Thomas Albert, publisher' of the Manga' iveka SeiNer, was fiaei £2 and ooeta for pub™ iiihing an advertieement concerning a "£IOOO for le art union' 1 at Sydney. The advertise ment vie Bent to him from the promoters, and waa inserted in the ordinary sourae.

THE CONWAY CASE.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney March 21 The inquest on Oonway will be resumed on March 26. The woman Mrs Smith waa formally charged at the Police Court with causing Oonway'g death, and remanded to March 26.

Athletic.

United Press Association—By Kleotrio Telegraph Inveecahgill, March 20 Th« sports of (ho Irish Athletic Sooiety, held today, were favoured with fair though ooid weather, and chore was ft good attend* anee. The winners of the. events were all district men, and there were no notab'e performances G McKettriok, llydfe, won the Sheffield Handicap for the second time in saocoßeion, Time—l3§»ee He also won the 75yds from lyd behind scr. A Ralston won the three mile bicycle raoo from scratch in 7min eOgaec.

N.Z. Rifle Association Meeting

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Vv akganui, March 21 The annual meeting of the New Zealand Rifta Association opened this morning, under the moat favorable auspices, the day being fine and bright, with only a light front wind blowing. After a few wotds of welcome had been addressed to the competitors, Mr Willis, member for the district, taid he hoped that future gatherings of riflemen, which would be tinder the Government csntrol, would be as successful as those which the Association, under Colonel Somer* ville't guidance, had carried on. The proceedings opened Xt 11 30 am. Some fair shooting was done at the 200 yds range of the Nelson match, Ohnrton (the Wangaaui veteran) scoring within one point of the possib'e. At 500 yds, Sergeant O Key (Taranaki), Marshall (Karori), Remington (Wapganui), Irvine (Waimes), and Cox (Auckland) gained the possible, and take 10s each, the prize for *' possibles " at this range being reduced from £1 to the sum named. Marshall fired with the Martini-Henry, bat, having made the standard score under the handicapping system, hfi did not derive any benefit from his handicap F Ingpen (Woodvil)e), also with the Martini Henry, made 34, and, being allowed one point, hit total for tho t&nge was 35, but ho does not receive a " poßsibln " priz). Going fcack to the final raDgo, 600yde, the following were the chief scorers: -Ktephens (Timaru) 65, McK*y (Christchurch) 64, Marshall (Karori) 64, and Craw {Petone) 64 As the men took up their position at this range the light changed considerably, and from the bright glare ol the early portion of the day the sky became overcast and dull, and it was feared that wet would set in. NorsinffT, however, and itonight there is every pronpect of the weather remaining fine. At 6 Oyds the ehooting was only medium McFarlene (Reserve Corps, Christohuroh) was en top with .34, Bunting (Pa'merst^n North) and Moose man (Wang&nui) being, ana point away. With the completion of this match Shooting ceased for the day, but greater progress will have to be made with the other matchoa if the mcc ing is to be finished next week. The competitions for mounted companies, which were set down for March 29, have been abandoned, owing to the refusal ot the authorities to grant free passes for the horcee and men. The following Is the pm? list in the Nsxsoj* Match, 200, 500, and 6CO yards; seven shots at> each range, kneeling ci 200 yds. Oltovoday, Woodville, £7 ». «• |7 Lieutenant Cox, Auckland, £6 •• 96 Sergemt Stephens, Timaru, £5... „ 96 Mooseman, Wanganai, £4 ... •• 93 Peasb. Wairarapa, £4  .. »• §3 Sergeant Allport, Stoke, £5 .. .. 93 MoFarlane, Christchuroh, £3 *. ..93 Burns, Karori, £2 .. .„ .. 92 Best, K»ibangata, £2 .. «. ..92 Henry, Taapeka, £2 ... .« .. 92 Lester, Ohrletohuroh, £2 M .. 92 Maingay (Piako) 91, Sergeant O'Koy (taranaki*) SI, Head (Wellington) 91, Churton (Wangabui) 91, Jones (WalHngtoo) 91, Perkins (Ohristohurch) 91, McKnight) (Dunedin) 91, <»akley (Nelson) 91, McDonald (rimarn)9o, Ferguson (Hnntervillt) 90, W Battinger (Wellingtob) 90, Hobbs (Hattlnge) 90, Wain (Studholnif) 90, Winslade (Wan ganui) 90, McKay (Christehnreh) Henderson (Auckland) 89, Adams (Patea) 89, Smith {Kaitangata)B9,Whilley (Kaiapoi) 89, Lester (Taranaki) 89, Love (Wanganui) 89, Bolevn (Charlton) 89, and Trevethick (Petone) 89, each £1. ' Counted out—Marshall (Karori), Domigan (Gore), and Chlng (Stoke). At the !ait meeting 95 won tbil match, while 84 was counted out. ; Wanganui, March 22 Kb ii a lovely morning for ehoofclng with just a light breeze from the right' quarter. Some excellentr'BhooMng was made at 500 yards. In the Hawke's Bay match Marshal!,, I of Wellington, who made the possible ftb the i same range yesterday with seven shots, repeated the performance this morning, but with ten shots, Marshall is firing with | a Martini Henry, and therefore has a handi ; cap of two points. In the next range, 600 ' yards, Watts, of Christchurch. tcored forty plne s and there wera several others close up. The challenging of shots was frequent, and in the majority of instances the decision was in favour of the competitors. The markers claim that at times ib is most difficult to discern the small hole made by the >305 bullet*. Priaes are to he give a to markers having the less percentage of challenges against them This is likely to be an im provement in marking as the meeting progresses. '

Fire on a British India Liner

A PERILOUS TJME.

United Prose Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oop .Tight London, March 20 The British India steamer Jumna' has arrived from Queensland ports, after an alarming fire, which was discovered in her bunkers on March 9. The vessel pat in at Algiers, removed three hundred tone; of coal, and sailed again. On the Monday following the fire re appeared in the main hold, and raged f6r ten hours. It Bprea4 seriously, the engine-room becoming alipost untenable. The boats were proviaionad ready for lowering,- The crew and passengers, under the leadership of the chief and third officers and the purser, jettisoned many tons of cargo. With great difi ! oulty they finally subdued the fire. A steamer which came in sight remained alongside the Jumna all night. The cargo suffered by the water which was pared in. After calling at Plymouth on Tuesday, the Jumna proceeded to London.

POLO.

THE VICTORIANS Iff NEW ZEALAND,

United I'reis Association—By Klectric Telegraph—Copyright; Sydney, March 20 . Mr Manifold, one of the returned Victorian polo players, upeaks highly of the treatment | whioh the team received in New Zealand. 1 The fastest ponies and the beet ground were I found ab Christohurch, and the largest «twndaitoo at Welliogtoft,

The Dispute

United Press Aswooifttion—By Elootrio Telegraph—Copyright London, March 20 It is reported at Port Ar»hur that troops have been ordered to Tientsin, Ninety marines have replaced the Sifcbs at Tientsin riding. The Fusiliers *ra expected to arrive today; The. Australians atPekin sfarted for Tientsin on Tuesday.

South Africa.

United Press Association—Ry Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London March 20 Commenting on Botha's reply, the Times says:—' Botha speaks of his Government. It would be in*rresting to know ••What ig his Governuj.' t. The unpleasant necessity of prosecuting the war baa not abated his energy, and gives emphasis to General Kitchener's appeal for comforts for the troops daring the approaching winter.' Neetbing, tbe Landdrost of Klerks, dorp, presided at the Boyd trial. Some of De La Bey's econts were sent to Wolmaranstaad on March 9, to act as .executioners* M'Lachlan and Boyd, and the two Dutch prisoners, tint gain's eon and eon^n-law, were withdrawn from gaol, They clapped hands, and were subsequently placed in a row,-and f hot separately. M'Lachlan'a heart-broken widow arrived on March 13 with coffins. Lord Kitchener confirmed the sen tences on Jan Ninabar, Sarel Ninaber I and Jan Nieuwoudfc for treason, mur« der and trainwrecking at Talboig, The men were shot at De Aar at sunset. A Dutch pastor was present. The War Office is lending three million blankets to South Africa and 1 many comforts. | Colonel Deane is returning to organise j a central camp of 16,000 Yeomanry at | Gormiston. Sir Alfred Milner will remain at Johannesburg for three months. Sinking and crashing have been be gun on a limited scale at the Simmer Jack, Jubilee, City and Suburban, Salisbury and other properties Kruitzinger has b«en driven north. He lost forty killed or wounded on March 19, also seventy horses and many saddles

CABLE NEWS.

London, March 20 It has been decided to erect a natio nal memorial to the Ute Queen, by subscriptions alone, to be placed in front of Buckingham Palace; The Niobe, bj means of wireless telegraphy, sent a cablegram to Gibral" tar conveying the wishes of the Duke and Pochess of York witri regard to their reception there. Lord Cmington, announcing King Rdw*rd's accession, and speaking in the King's name, exchanged congratulatory addresses with President Loubet, at the Elysee Palace. He said that cordial relations existed between Britain and France, and it was the desire of the King to steadily strengthen them The House of Conrjoaonp, by 372 to 54 passed the second reading of a Bill to prevent the sale of liquor to children under sixteen. ' New York March 20 The Kane as convict mutineers have surrendered.

Sporting.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

Owner* and trainers are reminded that acceptances for the Ash burton Trotting Club's Autumn Meeting, to be held on Thursday next, Match 28, close to-morrow (Saturday) evening, at 9 30, at the Secretary's (Mr C J Styche) offioe, Burnett Street.

CHERTSEY SPORTS AND RACES.

Nominations for Horse HSvents for the Gbertrey Annual Sports and Racec, to be held on Eaeter Monday, close with the secretary (Mr B A Shannon) to-morrow, {Saturday) evening, at 9 o'o'ock. Entries for Athfano events will also olose at the same time.

THE RAILWAY TRAIN

(BYOHASWPURNELLJ

What sound is this that rumblea through the air And micgleß with the soughing of the breeze, A «ound that bids the list'ning ear prepare For throbbings that will rise in louder keys ' Tie the rolling),' tie the rolling, of the train* Nich and nigher atilE it oomea. Like the beating of great drums, For a moment dies the strain, Then more proudly swell* again, " Tis the rollings 'tis she rolling of the train. Till a full and strong vibration j Fills tho air with animation, ' And reverberating round Spreads the volume of deep sound, •Tie the roaring, 'tis ih<j rearing of! the train. With its sombre ecaign Moating, Trails of smoke its course denoting, Like a Titan in his haste By Jove's thunders hotly ohaaed With iti swift feet shod with light' mag flies the train, Bearing onward in its madntss Freight of human joy and sadness, In its keeping tightly grasped Men and women's lives ace clasped, - In the keeping of the rushing, roaring brain. On its iron pathway borne From the night until the morn, From the morn until the sight, Moving with impetuous might, With its rushing ana Hi rowing roils ■• the train. When the moon and gay stars ps? Downward from the ebon sphered' Through the gloom which bides the world Flames a ruddy spkndour hurled From the full eye bright and gleaming of the train. O'er the broad plain's meadows green, Through the vale which lies between Hills, and then in sinuous course Mounting to the oataraol's Bourse, Like* Destiny relentless rolls the train. Where the pity's busy strife Wakes tbe'ho|>ee of human life, ! Where the marl and crowded street I Make the pulse tumultuous beat, Eitherwards, in royal progress, rolls i the train. ! By a mighty giant led— From two potent foroee bred, Son of water and of fire, Breathing deeply in his ire— With its voice of muttered thunder, Thrilling all the world with wonder, On its way, its way resistless, rolls (he train. *»Cimteriury 7inw

The Education Commission

United Press Aeroctetioe—By Bleetrio Tetajirnpli T . WELLiNaios, March 22 It is understood tb&t the following will b* the personnel i>f the Royal OommtMien on toachera 1 BaUries :~EdHcatinn Board rfprf- Mntaiiveti—Luke, Atfokiand ; Hcb». II MR W.lllnr.n 1 T Uuknml*, M H^ Ot^fj MH R, Wanganm. So- 00! inspectors—Bill Hawke'a Da>; Smith, Martborough. laachcn' reprwoDtatives—Gilfeddcr, MHK) JD»yid> «on, President of the Otseo Bdaoatioaat Iwbitatf, and Stewart. rx-P«sideni> of th» 1 Auckland Educational Institute, .'

KOREA.

RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

ASSEMBLING OF FLEETS.

United Press AswcUtioa-~By Klli.flo telegraph—Copyright! London, March 29 TheCbicd Gazettes Tokic txtm&^Om advised on Wednesday that |aH the Mttslaa wanhipg in Japanese waters haTeiaiUdlK Korea. Tbe Japanese tquadron is OKnraiax and going to Korea immediately.

An Illicit Still

United Press Association -By jßUottlo Telegraph AvcKtutv, ifcreh 21 An officer or the Auckland Customs dls covered an illicit still sfc Tsttawa, sear Ooromandsl, today, and arraittd fcbre* uea named Fergunon, M'Cormick and M'Uan, The exiitance of thin still hae beea itupesttd for two year*, and several nnmoooMfnl searche« have previously beta mad*

The Royal Humane Society

United Preis Association—By Kleotrip Telegraph Cbkistchubca, March 21. At a meeting of the Conrb of directors of the Royal Humane Society of New Zealand today silver medals were awarded to William Hammond forrweu ing Lilian Burns from drowning In the Rangltata River on October Ist. 1900; to Patrick Nolan for rescuing three men from drowning at Bruce Bay Match tttfc, 1900; W J Miller, for rescuing Settfie Scotb from drowning at) Wanganai, October 3rd, 1900- Brocsa medale were awarded to Marae Bangitahua and It* Pakeha, two Maori girls, for rescuing Bakeranga Oeborne from drowning In the Wanganal River on November 26th. 3900. George Doim and Patrick MoJ OafiFerty w ; re granted first olsgs certificates for retcuiug JRfehard Robertson from an exploding blast at Wal.o-waha, December 21st, 1899; H C Cariyjs a oerti Scate for rescuing Frshk Haydon fiora being run over at Chtist church on November 15rh 1900. An in memoriam certificate was directed to be sent to the next cf kin ofiKW Watte, who was drowned at Wanganui on October 3rd, 1900, in an attempt to rescue Bcesie Scott from drowning. Letters of com* raendation were directed to be sent to A F Field tot rescuing W Jacob from drowning at Wellington, December 30th, 1899; Wlliiam Harper and Uoucan John ston for attempting to rescue M Lauren son fiorn drowning afc Parsons .Rocks, ChariUn, July 12th, 1900; Cecil Dixon for reecuing H JReardon from drowning at Masterton, October 19 h 1900j James Knowles for rescuing Ma- y Myhlii from drowning at Napier, January 2ml} W. Oliiver an 3 J E Lnnd for rssculrg T. Barlow from drowning at Davenport. November 8 h 1900; WOL Biice for rescuing KatiV Collins from drowning at Lyttelton, January 6 h 3901; to Rupert Rich for rescuing a boy from drowsing at; Lyttelton December 22cd, 1900

THE ROYAL VISIT

United Press Association—By Eleatrio Telegraph Christchurcji, March 21 A publ'O meeting, attended by betweaa 30 and 4C cit zm«, was held to day to con eider matters in connection with the recep tion of tho Duke and Duehe>B of York, The acting Mayor, Mr J T Smith, who presided said that the cost of decorating the city Would be about &150Q, sad ib had been aug* getted that the City Council should find £1000 and the neighbouring iooal bodies ijie balance. The central opinion of the m«tt ing was tha^ the cost should be por»e by the Goveroment, On the motion of Mr W Chrystal!, it was resolved " that, in th« opinion of this meeting of th« olt?z»ns of phrietchurch, called to gonttder Wh»fc |teu« should be taken in connection with the recep tion of the Duke and Puohcaa of Cornwall all expenses attoDdtcg sach reception should be borne by the Consolidated Fund, and that the chairman he requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Premier ; and that this meeting be adjourned until the receipt of his reply. " It was r«iol*ed to send a copy of ihe resolution to the May ors of other cities, asking them to co-opetati in the direction indicated. '

News in Brief

The New Zealand Clothing Factory advertise the arrival of Winter goods, including the latent shapes and style* is hard and soft felt hate, Intending bay«n should inspect the large and varied stock before making their pnrchasea eUeyber*,/'

THE LATEST

SOUTH AFKieAn

Philip Botha Killed

pe Wet WorjLtnjrrtp *J»e TrtlwTOl

United Press Association—By Kleofcrlo Teleg »ph—Copyright

Received Wakapnaka Mar 22, 93 am This Office 1017 a m London, March 21 Lord Kitchener reports that Philip Botha was killed at Doom berg, mad his two sons were wounded. Tilt Boers in the Orange Colony are dis banded and scattered. De Wet it id the neighbourhood of Heilbron.

The Anglo- Russian Embroglio.

THE POSITION ACUTE

IRITISH PRECAUTIONS

INDIAK ARMY United Press Association—by Bleetria Telegraph--Copyright Received Wakapaak* Tdfaroh 22, 9 8 ft on, This office 9 45 » m London, March 21 The British at Tientsin are rein forcing to maintain order in the event of trouble from the French Bjmpatbit* ing with the Russians. According to a Matter ruetsage th« sentries at the siding on either file art under orders to refrain from aggression unles^the conduct of the other party compels action, gearipg tbst (Apt bell and Wogack had received iaitrac tions from their Qovprnmentß, OonuC Walderme replied that diplomacy mnsfe settle the question. Persistent repotto of friendly negotiations have been mad« between London and St PetrrsbgrK to decide the real facts of the concession* Ei;»ht hundred artillery to en have sailed from Odessa for Port Arthur. The British outposts and lines of com I moxicatioa are concentration at Tien.*

THE /UJhßt ij( is GCAIJUA ; FBIDAY, MAJiCH 22, ,M)



Fall moon Last quarter Apogee Hew moon Firnt quarter Petfgee

D I 4 12 9 19 26 21

H m 3 0 »m 6 42 »«i 7 0 poi 218 p M 6 3 pm 2 Opm



[uah •» M M »»

19 20 21 22 23

6 3 6 4 6 6 6 7 6 9

Sett 6 11 6 9 6 7 6 S 6 3



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BE SOEE yon atfa for the Rapid Shlrfc Gloss, and take mo other. AH leading Grocers



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MJ'JdUIX AND TURNER?



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