EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for January

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH~at 7.20 am, 11am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIM ARU—at 10.55 am,350 pm DIJNfcDIN—at 12.54pm (expresu) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive dally at Ashburton from— OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 am, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm : TIMARU—at 10.35 am,2 55 pro DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following: places a under, subject to the necessary alterations : THURSDAY, JANUARY, 10 For NortherE Ports and Westport, per Rotomahana at 6 39 p t»

The next besb despatch to the United Kingdom is via San Frnnoiseo, leaving Chrietchurch on Jin 16th, and clue London Febl6. Note—The Australian Commonwealth not yet having adopted penny posbage.lettera for Australian Colonies must be prepaid ?.d per half ounce If only prepaid one penny they will be surcharged double the deficient postage Express delivery and Bpeeial messenger services will be established at Anhburton as from Ist Januacy 1901. Fxpresß delivery will cover letters and parcels noli exceeding three lbs io weight, for which an extra fee of sixpence has been paid. The special mes senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mile and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright,

|Received Wakapuaka Jan 9., 9 28 p m London, Jaiau&ry 8 Wheat at Mark Lane is quoted at 6d dearer on the week. Wool—The Antwerp sales have opened, and show an increase of ten to fifteen centimes as compared with ",lie previous sales*

AUSTRALIAN GRAIN & PRODUCE MARKETS.

, Received Jan 9, 935 pm Sydney, Jan 9 Wheat—Chiofe, 2s 3d to 2a 43 ; milling, 2s 6|d to 2a 7d. Flour, £6 to £6 10a. Thirty-five thousand five hundred sacks were shipped for South Africa. Mani toban £10 17a 6d to £11, Oata. feeding New Zsa'and, 2a Id to 2a 2d; local, Is 7d to Is lid. Barley, Cape, 2i to 2s 3d ; feeding, 2s to 2^ 2^.' Maim, prime, 3s to 3s 2d. Peas, 3a to 3«6d. Bran 7H to 7|l. Pollard, BJI to 9J. Potatoe?," £4. to £6 15». Onions, Victorian, £5 sa. Butter, dairy, 7|d to 8d ; creamery, B§d to 91 Gbfese, 6d ; choice loaf, 6|l. Baoin, New Zealand, flitchop, s<l to 5f J (The above quotations are thoso ruling between merchant and retailer, and do not represer-fe the slightly lower values obtained by a recognised brokor.) Melbourne, Jan 9 Wheat, old, 2a 9d ; new, 2' B<i to 2s e^. Oats, active, la 7d to Is 9 U Biirley, 2s Od to 2? 91, Maize, 2<< B|^o Bc»n, 91. Pollard, lO^d to lid. Potatoes, £6 to £6 sb. Onions, £4 to £4 s*. Adelaide, Jan 9 Wheat, sales 2s B|d to 2* 91; sellers want 2s lOd. Flour, £6 5s to £5 7s 6d. Oats, Algerian, Is 7<l to 1b 10-1, stowt 2s to 2s 31. Bran 9£d; pollard, 10^. •

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

Ualbed Preaß Association—By Electrio Telegraph Chrisxchttrch, .T 9 Ab Addington today the entries were 5500 fat sheep, 55C0 fat lamto, 3650 store sheep, 318 cattle, and 405 pigs. Cattle—The fab cattle were mostly light weight heifers and cowf, and only a few steers* Heavy sorts were elightly easier, bub handy weights sold well— Good to prime beef 22s to 245, others 18s to 21s per 1001b; steers £6 to £9, and up to £1118s for extra; heifera £6 15b to £7 12s 6d ; oows £4 17a 6d to £1 6b. Dairy cows £4 lOa to £8 ss. Sfcora cattle, good sale, thrte years steers £4 10a to £5 sa; do, heifera £4 ; three years mixed £3 19s 6d ; yearlings £1 10s; cows £2 8a 6cr to £4 17s 6d. Shbbp.— The fat sheep were a mixed entry. Good wethera for export sold; well ab 18a to 22s 3d, others easier ab Ibn and 17a 6d, best ewes, in good demand, 16s to 19s ; others, in excess of supply, 13a to 15s; merino wethers 128 to 17a 6J. Lambs—There was a keen demand for freezing, and 4000 were taken for export at 15s to 17a lOd, others I3s 93 to 14e 6d. The etore sheep were ail keenly bid for—wethers 16s, 17s 3d, 17s Bd, to 18s lOd ; ewes 15s to 18s 6d; ewes aiad lambs 9* to 12a sd, all counted j larabe l(h 5d to 14s 4d. P lGg ,_Fa6, without alteration j baconere 22f to 41b, equal to 3^d per 1b ; porkers 21s bo 31a 6d, equal to 3£d to 4d per lb ; stores, improved demand, lla 6d to 193, and 63 to 9s*6cl for small sortss

BURNSIDE MARKET.

United Press Association—by Elaotrio Telegraph—Copyrighb Dunbejn, January 9 &b Burnside rnarkeb JOO fab cattle were yarded, pricea being aboub the same as last week. Best bullocks brought £10 to £21 103, medium £5 da to £9 10s, light »nd Inferior £5 15s to £7 10b, beat cqwa &*>d heifers £7 to £8 sb, medium to inferior £5 £6 10a.

GERALDINE LIVE STOCK MARKET

There was & large attendance at the Ger aldine live Btook eale yesterday and a capital eale. Bheep.-*The entry of Bheep was aboul 10,000. Ewes and lambs all counted brought 9a lid, 10 Sdand 11s lOd, young ewes sad lambs all oounted 13s 10d, two tooth maiden ewes 12s 6d, fat ewes I4s 3d, to 15s, merino ewes 6s 4d, failing mouth half bred eweß 12s, 4,6, and 8-tooth ewißS 14a 2d, small two tooths 13e Bd, two tooth wethers 15s Id, 16 10, to 1?8, A nice line of store lambs sold ab 15a 6d, The cheep from Tripp'a station also Bold well, half bred ewes bring ing Ids, to 15a Id, and 15s 4d. Cattle—There was a largo entry of cattle. Fat heifers sold at £5 10b, £6 17s 6d to £7, fatcowa£slos, £6 sa, £7 to £8 2s 6d, springing cows £4 10s to £5 10s, steere, two and three year old, £5 10s, calves 24a. Pigs—Stores Bs, 9a 3d, 10a 6d, 11b, weanere ss, 7s 6d to 9e, porkers 2le (

Asburton Guardian Magna est veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1901. TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION

The satisfactory return read at the last meeting of the Ashbarton County Council showing that the Mayfield telephone has been worked at an annual profit, suggests that an exten sion of the system in this county would be a reasonable thing to ask the Hon Mr Ward for. There are several very important and cloeply settled localities not far from the town, which are very I badly ofi in the matter of inter-com munication, such as W&kanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, Newlands, &c, some of which have only a triweekly postal aervice, and none of them are within easy reach of a telegraph office, Long bea«h, Willowby, Waterton s Wheat stone and the settlements down in the same direction, although better off as to their mails,are similarly circumstanced with regard to telegraphic communica tion, the nearest station being Winslow from eight to twelve miles distant. It is surely reasonable to assume that, if the Mayfield telephone results in a yearly profit,it would pay to connect the rapid ly growing districts we have mentioned with the exchange. "We believe that should Mr Ward visit Ashburton | to lay the foundation stone of the new post office, as suggested, it would not be difficult for an influential and represen tative deputation to show good cause why some steps should not be taken in the direction we h»ve indicated, A prao tical business man like the present head of the Post and Telegraph Department would very quickly get an idea of what is required, and could Btate how far Government would be disposed to go to enable the people in the district to profit by the telephone system; now in such general use throughout tlie colony. . By the people of the district we mean the whole of the inhabitants of the county, for every new telegraph office or telephone exchanga that is opened brings that point into close connection with the furthest limits of electrical communication. Neither would the advantage conferred be con fined to the residents in the outlying districts, since the people of the town itself would be largely benefitted by being able to hold prompt communica tion with those whOj although only a few miles away—Bo near, are yet so far. An application from Ashburton for increased facilities for telephonic communication could not be considered unreasonable, because the official re turns of the Department show that telephone exchanges have been already established in many places throughout the colony of much less importance than the great agricultural and pastoral centres we have around as. We there fore strongly urge the propriety of moving in the direction w.e have pointed OJUt.

Local and General.

Weather—Oapfcaiu Edwin wires:— West to sou h-weab and south gate, glass rise, indications of rjiio, A Well Informed LADY.--Lady Sybil Primrose, Lord Koaebery's elder daughter, is s*ici to be one of the be3t posted women in the world on foreign affairs. Substantial Damagks.—ln the- Qaeea'd Bench division, recently, a child of aeven, nanriba Hamilton, was awarded £100 damages for th 9 bite ot a g<-,. Barnard dog. Alleged Theft. —Inspector Ellison, of Uhriatchurch, has received a telegram stating that a man was arrested in Auckland on Tuesday on a charge of having sWlan £10 from Mr David Thotn%n, of Ashbwrton, in Novembor last. The accused will be remanded to ABhburton. More Prime Canterbury.—A flick of 4000 sheep passed through BiloHitha. cays the Leader, on Saturday afternoon on their purney from tha Orepnki district South lmd, to Canterbury, They looked thin, and will require a lot of better feed than they have been accustomed to before they can grade as prime Canterbury ' Boer Methods—The following telegrams were published in the Bloerafontein JPost of December 6 : —Pieb Bosnian, the Transvaal Boer captured by the British, obtained five days' leave to visit his homestead and bury hiH mother-iu'law. He has not returned bub has joined the enemy. Mr MacCrae, a farmer captured by the Boers, was nob re'" leased, but is supposed to have been ehoU The native conductor of the passenger train wounded by the Boers baa succumbed. The natives in the neighbourhood are terror ■bricken A Contemjpiiblb PEAOTICB.—They are very nice people in Buenos Ayres. Resent ing the contempt which is shown them by British residents, they hare lately hife upon a cruel and cowardly method of revenge. Observing the English love of animals, they strike through the harmless pets. Stry chnine is squirted at) the dogs as they pass down the streets ; this sets up irritation ; tha poor brute scratches itself, breaks the skin, and dies in great agony, Aa the natives are nearly all in it, it is almost impossible to trace the offenders. Fat Lambs—This season's lambs aro turn ing out remarkably well. Several lines, frrz'mabthe Fairfield Works on Tuesday, realised 16b 9d net to the producer, and in no case this season has less than 15s 3d been received for fat lambs. An extra prime line of 128 lamba was killed ab the Fairfield Freezing Woiks yesterday on account of Messrs Wood &Co Ohrisfchurch. They were grown by Mr Charles Dohorty of Tinwald oub of cross bred and half bred swea by purebred Shropshire rams fromMr T Upton's well known flock. The average weight is 47| lbs per caroose and as thoy were lambed late in September or early in October ib gives ample proof of their quality and early ma turity. Ths Mount Somers Bridge—As our reporb of whab took place in the County Council last Friday does nob make the mabter quite olear as to whab Mr Wright said aboub the approach to the.' bridge ab Mount Somers, we nsay say he pointed out that a short time back Mr Baxter was authorised bo undertake some protective works (aboub 12 chains) to protect the south approach to the Mount Somers Bridge, the river having now left the south b»nk and is attacking fehe north, The Mount Somers Road Board had asked whether Mr Baxter could reporb on the mabter, and say whether ib is necessary to do anything to protecb the northern approach, Ib was accordingly agreed bhab the Couboll'b Engineer should inspeob and report; Ariel Biovclk Club—A meeting of the Committee of the Ariel Bicycle Club was held last eveninst, in the Arcade Chambers. Mr E. Norcion, Vice President, oocupied the chair. A good deal of correspondence was received and dealt with. Ib was resolved to forward ab once to tha Sports Association the sum of £13, on acoounb of the-£ls guaranteed by the club towards the fund for asphalting the tracks Mr Hanrahan was elected to fill & vacancy on the Committee. Accounts to the amount of £8 were passed for payment. It) was resolved to ask the Sports Association to allow the Longbeach Bicycle Handicap, the prize for which has been presented by J C N Grigsf, Eeq, to be run off ab their February sporte carnival. Ib was resolved to vote the secretary, Me H. Thompson, the sum of £2 2s, su a slight recognition of his services to the club. Mr Thompson suitably acknowledged the gift. A vote of thanka to the chairman terminated the meeting.

Pebsohal—-Constable Stanley, who has ] been laid up for about two months, resumes j duty next week PmaoNHiBS Work as Rotobua—Five prisoners, who are to bo employed in tree planting at Roborua, passed through Asb burton from Dunedin laafc evening r! hh Lost Leonids—Scientists are sprou J luting as to the cause of the con appearance of the meteoric uhowere, which were due in the middle of November, but did not put in an appearance "' Body Found—Ac Auckland 'telegram states that the body of E A Burton, missing 1 since December 20th, has been discovered in the bush in the Mount) Eden district with 1 the throat cuti. A razor was found close to fche body, The Nobthebn Maobi Seas.—A Welling tcn Press telegram states that the remit) of the native polling at Russell is:—Hone fleke 101, Wapete Henarenil, Pouka Parore nil, Eparaima 3, Kiri 9, Riapo nil. The final results have not yet reached the Acting-Pre mier. The Blackball Mihe Firb—-The late rains on the West) Coast have increased the volume of water in the Goal Creek, and the Blackball mine has now 30 feet of water in if-. According to the supposed location of the fire id ought now to be nearly ex languished. The Minis3?eb of Land at KiaHBANK.— Mr O. A. 0. Hardy, M. H. R. for Selwyn, informs us that she Minister of Lands (the Hon Mr T. Y. DanoanJ will visit Highbank next Saturday, and will be pleased to see the settlers in bhe school at 11 o'clock. Mr Duncan will reach Methven at 1 o'clock* S«c. Patrick's Sports Association;— The membera of the St. Patrick's Sporfts Association aro reminded that the annual general meeting takee place this evening in the Aro*de Chambers, at 8 o'clock, when all members are requested to be present. Cable News—The cable news about South Africa this morning referring to the invasion of Cape Colony Is nob pleasant reading. As for bhe rest, if we aie not mistaken, the people of New Zaaland are about full up of the Commonwealth oele briitionfc; yet three-fourbba of the cables sent to thiß colony are still about the happenings in Sydney as a result of the late jubilations; • Canterbury's Own.'—Troopers Garbutt, Hutton, and Arthur Willis, three members of the Ashburton Mounted Rifles who have been selected by the Canterbury War Fund Committee to form a part of the twenty'five being equipped by Canterbury s left by express tor ihe north last evening. Trooper Shannon, of Chertsey, who has also been selected, left on Tuesday. Cibcus.—Wirth's celebrated circus will give an exhibition in Ashburton to-morrow evening, when their noted equestrians, acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and educated animals will perform. This wonderful com bination vil! be seen in a marvellous and shrilling entertainment, which will doubtless attract large crowds of the public. The Soldier and the Doctob.—A good story is told of a Scottish Boldier at Bloem fontein who was just recovering from an attack of enteric. One day he suggested to the doctor who called to see him that he would be grateful fcr a wee drappie. No, no, said the doctor; Do you know that your stomach is in such an ulcerated condition 1 that a spoonful of whisky would kill you ? Awcel, sir, roplied the patient. I must juab do without it ; but, doctor, jast come up close to me. The doctor obliged. Ah doc tor, said the soldier, sighing contentedly, yer braith's verra refreßhin Absent Minded—Sir William Haroourb has pleaded guilty to absen^minded&ess, and tells a story against himse'f. He sus pected a man servant of stealing money, and at lasb reaolred to set a trap. Taking a handful of gold coins, he laid them on his writingdesk and went out. Presently he sent this servant to tho room to fetch some article. When John had returned, he went promptly to his room to see if the coins had been touched. On the table, in the place where he had kit them, were gold coins ! But were there as many as he had left. | He did not know, for he had neglected to count them before ho had Sad thorn down. Litebary Society.—The ordinary weekly meeting of the Catholic Literary Society was held on Wednesday evening, when there was a good attendnpea of members. Mr M. J, Burgess occupied the chair. A considerable amount of correspondence and other minor business being tracsjetod the programme for the evening, which took the form of a debate, was proceeded witht The question under discussion was " Should New Zealand federate with Australia,' 1 and needless to say this subj jot was the means of providing 8 very keen *>nd interesting debatp. Mr J Mtiaon to,"»k the affirmative and Mr V Oooper'the negative side of the question, and both debaters gave excellent addresses in favor of their respective sides. Several other members having explained their views on the subject a vote was taken, which resulted in favour of tho non-federalist party by a small majority. The programme for next Wednesday nighb was given out as a * Camp Social,' The meeting then adj turned.

Cycle Track to Fairfield

A meeting of those interested in the formation of a cycle track to Fait field was held in the Orange Hall last evening, (There was a fair attendance, Mr A A Carson in the ohair, and he explained that the road was very rough and unsatisfactory, being out op by the ordinary traffio. Ib had been ascertained that the probable cast of a four feet olearance by skim ploughing and otherwise levelling would be £5 per mile exclusive of bridges. In addition to this. there would be the question of asphalting or dressing with ashes. Meantime the' chairman pointed oui they had to approach the County Council, which required to be done through the member for the Wakanui riding, Mr Hugo Frledlander. The total distance was three miles. After several of those interested had spoken in favour of the proposal^ committee was appointed to obtain details of cost, collect subscriptions, etc., consisting of the following : — Messrs A A CarHon, W Schwartz, W Hiilier, W Adams, Geo. Oarson, Percy Orr, J W Maloolmson, and another to be appointed Mr F Orr was appointed secretary and Mr Hiilier treasurer A suggestion was made to hold a concert in aid of funds, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting terminated, A E committee meeting was then held.

Terrible Scenes at a Fire.

United Press Association;—By.Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright"

New York, Jan 9 A fire occurod in an asylum Id Bo cheater, New York State f containing 175 orphans, and a boiler exploding in one of the wings blocked the outlet. Many were suffocated and stunned by jumping from the windows; Twenty eight perished, and thirty were injured.

PROSPECTS IN THE TRANSVAAL

Mr H. H; Stephens, whom nr-a 1- of cur readers will remember in hu&inesb iv Burnett Btreet, Ashbarton, about six yearn ago, writes aa follows from the Southern Transvaal ;— VotKSRUST, November 26th, 1900 Dear Mr Willjs,--I know you will be somewhab surprised to reoeiva this letter I from me. but I thought you might feel interested by hearing a little news from South Africa. It in not my intention to try and enlightk n you on war matter because I feel sure you know quite as much as I do myself although I am here on the spot and at presenb am with the Imperial troops r>t Volksrust, which I may say is the first town in the Transvaal by rail after crossing over the border of Natal. The enemy still appears very active in this part of the country, but their commandos are very Email and their mode of tactics has degenerated Into more of the bush ranging stratagem than military science. However, they are sufficiently annoying and harassing to came the military authorities a lob of inconvenience. The 1 enormous length of line of communication to protect absorbs a vast army in itself; add to this the m»ny towns all which have to be well garrisoned. So you can see it is no light undertaking to prevent those small banda of marauders from cutting telegraph wires, pulling up the railway line, and ambushing convoys. People in the coast towns, refugees in particular, are getting very impatient;, and by their utterances one would infer they are dissatiified with our leaders. But I can assure you by what I have seen that there is nothing left undone that will insure a speedy termination of hostilities. Bub for all that, it is my firm opinion that the country, Johannesburg especially, won't be in a state sufficiently encouraging to return to for several months yeb at the earliest. The military leaders are now realising the f aob that in order to cope successfully and check the rebels a large mounted force will have to be employed, and in order to carry out this idea an enormous mounted force is being equipped for this purpose, A reconnoissanoe of both states is now early expected, so we will eagerly wait results, which I hope and trust will be i successful. I ace by the papers that a great many of the New Zealanders have retumtod to Maoriland, bub nob before acquitting themselves co well that ib makes one feel proud of his country. But the impression left here is that & great many anticipated an early return to South Africa in order to take up farming. Now, I have, especially during this war. knocked about a good bit both in the Garden Colony of Natal and the Trans vaal, and my impression is, apart from the many conversations I have had from time to time with what we would call here * practical farmers,' that there is really no comparison between the two countries as regards pastoral or farming pursuits. There are, I know, many obstacles farmers have to nooteed against even in New Zealand, bub here in this country they are, to my mind, twenty fold and in order to give you the most ordinary disadvantages, I append a few, namely:—The drought, frequent and ex tensive. The locust, which is a curse and a scourge. They eat up every bib of vegetation in their line of flight, and I have myself seen swarms bo large that their numbers would, while passing, hide from view the sun, millions upon millions together. Then there are the many diseases amongst stock. Take sheep, for instance. Blue tongue, thike, sticky sickness, heart water, wire worm, and in the low country ordinary foot; rot* In cattle lung sickness, (red water, almost certain death for imported stock), gaul stoknesa, quart) sickness, bush sickness, ; hoff (or hoof) sickness resembles foot rot. In horses--Horse sickness, which also attacks mules and affects the lungs, is very pre j velant In Natal; botfly (Tetza fly In swampy country} is almost sure death if bitten by. In fact the only animals which stand a chance here are the donkey and the goat. If I were not afraid of tiring you with too long an epistle 1 should give you a few particulars respecting the Angora goat, which appaars to phy a very prominent parb aiad a paying one 100 I understand where the country is suitable. I have •vondcred if they would cot do well in New Zealand. However, in my next letter I wi'l give you a few points I have been told re the Angora goat, also the moqb saleable lines in provisions, etc.—Yours, etc-, H. H. Stephens, N.L.& Supply Depot, Volksrust, Transvaal.

Supposed Leprosy in Christchurch

.Cnibe>i Press Association—.By Electric Telegraph

Christchurch, Jau 9 A meeting of the Oharltp.bla Aid Board was held today. Correspondence from Drs. Clayton (the Board's medical officer), Frengley, and Syiaes revealed a terrible casßj a female in the city being supposed to be suffering from leprosy. The Chair' man stated the casu had. been under the Board'srelief for some years at an annual cost of £60, but there was now a suspicion of leprosy and he had directed the attention of the hospital authorities to the case, but admittance was refused. Dra, Clayton and Syraes diagnosed the case as lupoid uloeration and lupus of a very virulent form. The woman is in a terrible condition. The matter is to be laid before Dr. Mason, the Government health officer.

Attempted Suicide by a Well Known Character

J®hn Burke O'Brien, an exceedingly voluble gentleman with a well-known reputation, was charged at Lyttelton yesterday before Captains McClafcohfe and Marciel, with being a habitual drunkard, and was Bent to gaol for a month, not withstanding his protestations that to sentence him to imprisonment was 'to sentence him to death.' O'Brien was further charged, and pleaded guilty to the charge, with having attempted to commit suicide in the Lyfctslton lock up. Sergesnb Itu'dedge, who obtained a remand till January 16th in order that the case might be dealt with by a stipendiary magistrate stated that on the previous night, while in the lock up, the accused had torn his shirt; up and twisted it into a rope, which he tied tightly round his nock. Fortunately the sergeant looked into his cell and relieved him of his novel neck cloth. Nothing deterred, however, O'Brien made another attempt to take his life, which nearly proved successful. He took his boot laces and tied them round his neck so tightly that the sergeant, who had misgivings which caused him to visit the prisoner after a very short interval, had to cut one of them bafore he could get it off. In fifteen m nutes, the sergeant said, the man would have been dead. He was sentenced to one month's imprisonment. '

An Abominable Instance of Officiousness.

A BRITIBH OFFICER DRAWS HIS SWORD.

A FIREMAN STRICKEN INSENSIBLE

United Pre«B Association—By Bleotrlo (Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, Jan 7 The Sydney Daily Teiep'aph saya a remark able) incident occurred during the Common wealth procession* It was a sweltering hot day, and the heat severely told upon aome of the troops, especially the Englishmen. The firemen of a suburban brigade, recog ntaieg their plight, had buckets of water on I the line of route' Not only the rank and file, but some of the officers, gladly accepted it. The disciplinarian gorge of one of the officers rose at the idea of a State military ceremony being interfered with, and he drew hia sword, and sfcruok one fireman on the head. \Bte Was baSiy hurt, and fainted. Ife wa« some time before he recovered sufficiently . to«H««p«f ifcteatmsifc.

Cycling.

United Press Asßociation —By Etactrioe Telegraph—Copyriphf-. JatJ 5 Martin, after winning the mile scratch from Green, the English crack, was b?atrn by Beaucharap in . the ten miles event. Megson was third.,

The Federal Rifle Meeting.

United Press ABeooiation~By Electrio ; Telegraph—Copyright

. Sydney, Jan 9 There was a fresh Boatherly wind, and ib ' was 000 lon the range. Ib the South! Australian match, J Wlleon woo £2, Dodds,' Tobio, J Mela tosh, and Winßlade £1 each. In the second stage of the Queen Victoria match the New Z?alauderß did net show up well, Wilson (Feildiog) 61, Wins Jade 61, Cox 59, BobineoD 58, Ballioger and Loveday 56, being their leading; eoorera.

Interprovincial.

United Preei Association—3/ Eieobrio Telegraph

(Thames, January 9 Major Frederick Swicidley died yesterday afternoons He caw service in India, and was aide-de-camp to General Whitmore; He was present at the Gate Pah and many other historic engagements. He was sixty years of aga, and suffered from an intsraa) complaint. Auckland, Jan 9 At tfae annual meeting of the New j Z 'dlancl Insurance Company today, Mr J L Wilson, chairmaD, presided, and stated that the results of the year 1900 were in every way fajrseable. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Messrs A G Horton and Thomas Buddie, the retiring directors, were re-elected unopposed. Maminborough, Jan 9 Last night Constable May reoeived newß that a man named Archibald Mclntosb was missing at the White Book, and it was feared that he had committed suicide whilst suffering from delirium tremens early yesterday morning* His clothes and dog were found on the bench, near the lagoon, 1 but although a search was made no sign of [ the body was found. Constable May has gone out to make a further search. Molntosh is a nephew of the late Captain Mclusosh, of the illfated b a Wairarapa. Hie relatives are supposed to be living at Banks Peninsula, Donedin, January 9 At the inquest on Mary Josephine Trower the evidence went to show that deceased must have slipped her hands out of the straps by which she waa fastened down, untied the buckles to the straps on her ankles and slid from under the sheet which restrained her, and then thrown herself out of the hospital window. The nurse was only absent about two minutes* The jury, without retiring, returned ft 1 verdict that deceased died from fracture of the skull caused by falling from a window while temporarily insane* No blame waa attachable to cnyone* At the inquest on Alexander Smith, one of the firemen on the Aotea, evidence waa given that deceased was about 24 years of age, and had a father living at Invercargill. On Boxing .night, with a number of others he visited Dunedin. All were more or less under the influence of drink. They returned by the 11 p.m train, but some could recollect nothing except finding themselves on board. On the Dunedin station deceased was said to have twice struck Thomas Woodstock, another fireman, who struck him back. On the second occasion Woodstock received a blow in the back on reaching the port; but did not know who from. He did not see Smith after leaving Danedin* The medical evidence was to the effect that there were no marks of violence but a wound on the left temple and two small punctures on the right side of the head were considered to be caused after death. The jury returned a verdict of " found drowned.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Eleobrla Telegraph—Oopyrighb

London, Jan 9 Ihe Times Pekin correspondent states that an assurance has been given that the acceptance of the terms will bo duly completed , • Colonel Tulloch has returned from an expedition to Kaoliying. The in habitants proved submissive Identical protocols representing the Allies have been handed to the Chinese Peace envoys for signature, and the affixing of the Imperial seal, Chang Obi tung is urging the Court to establish the future capital in the Yang4z& province The Germans, after several hours' fighting, expelled 3000 Chinese from a town twenty miles north-west of the junction of the Groat Walls, killing and wounding 200 t One German was killed and four wounded

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

THE DECLINE OF BBITISH TRADE. London, January 8 The Times, in a review of the year, says British trade is on the down grade, OOUNT ZEPPERLIN'S AIRSHIP Berlin, January S The Kaiser has decorated Count Zepperlio, and directed the Government Aerial Navigation Department to support the Count's experiments with his airship. A FIR® IN INVERELL. A fire has occurred in Inverell. Six shops were destroyed. The damage is six thousand pounds, THE MAILS Sailed—Talune, with 108 bags of English and Vancouver mailed The Tutanekai has 88 bags of English mails. MR SEDDON Mr Feddon has left for Brisbane: VICTORIAN BANKRUPTCIES. Melbourne, January 9 Last year 168 insolvency schedules were filed. The total of debts was over £93,000, and the net deficiency £57,000. DEFINITION OF A BRITISH SUBJECT, The Collector of Customs holds that under the Federal Constitution any Chinaman who is a British subject will be able to demand free admission to New South Wales, Sydney, Jan 0 Daring the week an interstate Omfetenoe of public accountants, including New Zoa land representatives, will be held. A fall of nix inches of enow at Klandraia reported. London, Jan 9 Bishop CraJghbon has had a relapse.

The British Army.

Unite'! Press Asaoeisfcion— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

London, Janunry 9 The Imperial Treasury will shortly pay five native regiments in India, who are going for duty in isolated colonie*, thus freeing a line of battalions, and adding five unita to the effective Home A rmy.

The Federal Ministry.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright

Sydney, Jan 9 Sir J E Dicksoa, of Queensland, a member of the Federal Cabinet, and now in Sydney ia dangerously 111 from diabetes. Bid condition is causing the gravest anxiety. Sir J R Dickeoa's condition Is Tory low, and ifc (a very doabtfal If ho will survive the night* : His eldest daughter is attending him, his other relations .left Brisbane tot Sydney this morning. The Federal Cabinet had a lengthy meeting, and discussed administrative matters, and the elections. t It is understood Mr Barton will outline the policy in addressing the Hunter floe* tors at an early date.

South Africa.

United Press AbßCos»Uob--Bf Elsotlio Telegrsph- Copyright

HONOUR FOR BRA.VB OFFICERS

(Received January 9, 8 66 p m) London, Jan 8 The freedom of Dumbarton has been conferred on Lieutenant Commander Oolqahoun, the Victorian who won the Distinguished Service Order in South Africa, and on Surgeon Major Babtie, winner of the Victoria Cross at fche Battle of Oolenso The generous response of the Common. 1* wealth tor contingents for South Africa has been waimly and unanimously appreciated by the Press Ihree new field artillery batteries &ro being foimedat Aldershot. Brisbane, Jan 9 The Queensland proportion of the new South African contingent will be three hundred;

London, Jan 9 A Centra! Peace Committee ha& bean formed at Kroonstad, including W D De Wet, late assistant to the chief com mandant. Three ex-members of the Orange Free State Yolksraad, and two Justices of the Peace have addressed an open letter to the Cape Dutch. The latter states 'The moment has arrived when the inhabitants of the Orange River Colony should strive td avert f urtker desolation- The country is a wilderness; with the farmers and families seeking refuge in the towns, This rain is due to a email and obsti nate minority. We have done our best, and fought to get Afrikanders under one flag, but we have been beaten, Oue duty is to accept England's irrevocable terms. Meetings such as the recent Afrikander Bond Congress at Wor cester do much harm. The encouraging ! of invasion is nnbrotherly, if you raise false hopes We uppea! to you to i deputationise Steyn and De Wet, they ! being the only obstacles .'to peace, Kruger ar d the late Transvaal Govern i ment are twice willing to accept British terms. Steyn'e refusing to aocept en couraged the burghers to hope tot j intervention, and it is your duty to assist in showing the hopelessness of this/ The newspaper Advertiser, published at Worcester, Cape Colony, has been suppressed. Every preparation has been made at Piquetberg and Prieska to resist the invaders. There are 1500 Boers near Sutherland, and othera near Jameg* town. Twenty-three of the Garrison ArtiU lery and twenty-one of the Hussars, reported missing when the Boers sue* prised Helvetia, are still missing. The Liverpool Begimenfc had eleven killed in the Helvetia fight The Capetown correspondent of The Times states that many Afrikander* are joining the forces enrolling for the defence of Cape Colony. They declare it is their plain duty to repel the invaders. The Botch settler* mast resent the raiders' pillaging A Beuter correspondent states that the invaders in the Calvinia district are freely receiving horses, food, and good wishes. They profess themseltet a big patrol preparatory to De Welfc appearance, and if he comes to the district there is every likelihood of the Dutch joining him, provided he can supply a sufficiency of arms and ammunition. Only the more educated realise the hopelessness of the straggle. Other advices state-that the British preparedness and the significant arming of the loyalists have genuinely im pressed the Batch ■ Brisbane, January t The Queensland proportion of the new South African Contingent is to be three hundred

The Sixth Contingent.

United Pren Assoolation-By Eleoteio Tolsgraph Wellikoton, Jan 9 i Qaartermaster Henderson hae beeo aoDointed paymaster to the 6»h Contingent, now camped at Newtown Parki Pay begin* 1 from the time the men are sworn io. The amoanb to be paid out will be over £100 a day. There are at present 450 men in o*mp, gfteen of whom have already seen active service in South Africa Five other officers beeiides Lieut.•Oelonel Banks will be appointed in charge of the Sixth Contingent.

ANOTHER PRESENTATION FOR BADEN-POWELL.

Whmmhgton, Jan 9 The Government employees throughout New Zealand have raised a sum of money by shilling subscription* for the purpose of a presentation to Lieut. General Baden Powell, and it it being expended on « »Urn salver of a design typical of the colony, 60 cost £300.

A Hawke's Bay fcroopor, writing In regard to the engagement at Khenoufcar Kcp,aiyi j— Troopor M Pickett, of Poverty Bay, rushed within fifty yards of the Boec trenobes. Fiokett claimed to have ■hot three Boen la the fight. In fifteen minutes he fired ISO round* of ammunition, leaving himself fehree iv reserve, which he had when he crawled back to Mb mates ab eight o'clock at night under a heavy fire from the enemy, Every one was armzsd when word was passed along that Picketb wat safe.

THE ASHBURION GtJABDIA» ; THtfESDA¥ $ jANtfAa* \% 1901



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Death-dealing and destructive Lyddite Shell , Forme part of modern soldiers'art, Not as of old when noble warriors fell Laid rudely low by spear or dart* Yet war's degrading to the human race, And will not make oar lives secure. Though one can now ill dirty weather free By taking Woods Great Peppermint Cure



Wades Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, anvil? fftll fot adults or children Prlo la



CONSULTING OP 110 fAN Mr Ernest M. Sandeteln, DBOAi, FB, MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight)* Daylight not necessary, artificial light being used. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con Butting rooms, Cashei Street W;, over M Sandeteln, jeweller, Chrißtchurc>». 930 to 1, 2 to 6 daily A GOOD COUGH MEDICINE Many thousands have been restored to health and happinesa by the nee of Chamber lain's Cough Remedy. If afflicted with any throat or lung trouble, give ib a trial, for ib ia certain to prove beneficial. Coughs that have resisted all other treatment for years have yielded to this remedy, and perfect health has been restored. Cases that teemed hopeleßS, that the c'imafce of famous health resorts failed to benefit, : hare boea perma nently oared by its uee. For Bale by Ashburtoß Drug Company BUY your holiday boots and shoes'at D Stook's Cash Boot Store; a large assortment to choose from. • Smoke New Vmua 4



tfmok© New Venus



Cube fob Cholera Inkabtum—Nbvbb Known to Fail Turing last May an infant child of our neighbor was Buffering from cholera infantum The dootorß had given up ail hopea of recovery. I took a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhciea Remedy to the house, telling them I felb sure id would do good if used according to directions. lo| two days timo the child had fully recovered. The child is now vigorous and healthy. I have recommended this remedy frequently, and bava never known ib to fail,—Mrs Curtis Baker, Bookwalfcer, Ohio. Sold by ABb [burton Drug Company gmofco New Yeuis i



FUB SALE. BY PRIVATE TftEATY. A AAA acres yfAAA 4UyU acres 4:i)\Jy OF spiendid Graz'ng snd Grain growing Land, situated in the for famed dis trict of South Canterbury, one mile from Railway Station; 15 roomed House, 4 roomed Cottage, Woolshed and Dip, Stable and Outbuildings, divided into 15 Paddocks, all well watered. The property is now carrying 8000 Sheep, also Horses and Cattle. Price £5 per acre, Terma Apply E W HANMER, Ashburton MONEY ON MORTGAGE. I HAVE a sum of £20,000 to lend on firab class freehold Security of farm land ab 4-£ per cent, in sums to suit borrowers t g FERRIMAN T. BullociT ""* TRIANGLE BAKERY, TO LET AT A LOW RENTAL. /"IENTR&LLY situated aear the Post \J Offioa and Railway Btation. Apply to !E BULLOCK^ FUR HALM. Iftff ACRES Longbeaoh District, being I X/«CJ Rural Sections 6492, 6493, 6494, I 6706, 28536, and 35557, containing In all | 135 acres 11 perches ; situated below Water -1 ton For particulars apply to T BULLOCK_ | ~ FOX BALK BUILDING Sites as follows:—T.S 795 I acre Cos SfcreeS East good land, 818 i acre Aitken Street' j T BPLLOCK i FOB BALK. sheep Farm op 1252 iS 1252 SIIUATED about four miles from a Rail way Station, divided into eleven paddocks, good Farmhouse of 8 rooms, ScuWery and Pantry, Stable, Woolehed, Sheep Yardp, and Dip. Wellwatered with County Water Races, i Full p&Eticulura furnished on application 8 * (C BULLOOKt



of o . m~> CO '*} <^*\ S5 a! 93 W* 2 Q I I. «| | 4 ■ I 2 tf w iff & M [V] ■ .s- g S I Pj M ©i {, < H 3§ i , ► § * « fi In I s I & 8 ft



I - & ASK FOR - , v NEW TARIFF V CHAMPION BLEND i# OTHER PRICES: fe CHINA TEA USED BY US. r



PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, I J3OYS' Guard Suits 8s 6d ; Boys' Blouses 4a Boys' Norfolk Snits 12s 6<3; Washing Soifca 2s 6d « Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18a 6d ; Best Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suite from 21 s to 65s PH Men's Trousers 7s 6d ; Tennis Trousers 1 & nice variety of Summer Coats in Kbarki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, Itc. | «n§M Mffiit"* ft * .illfc. Biwwii K.Z. CLOTHING FACTOID F. H. BECKINGSAL®, Manager.



NICOLL BEOS. | Nicolju E F Niooll, L A Niooll. Merchants & General Agents, BUYEBS OF FAT SHEEP; & LAMBS. AGENTS FOR- Christchuroh Meat Cot, Ltd ißliDgton Fertilisers - Little's Sheep Dip Ocean, Accidpnt and Guarantee Corpora tion, Ltd United Insurance Co. s Ltd. (Fire and Marine.) GKAXN BOUGHT AND BOLD ON COM MISSION We shall be pleased to receive samples rom farmers who have parcels fo* disposal. Station Books Kept and Audited. We have received eums of Trust (Monies, ranging from £100 to £1000, to lend on Freehold Securities at 4£ and h per cent* F E U"l T. Wo receive regular Consignments from Auckland, Sydney, and the Inlands .and have in stock Apples, Pears, and Fruit in TOwon all th® year round. SEED S. We stock Clovers, Ryegrasß, Rape, and turnip Seed of reliable quality.



FOR SALE, PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS rFO Farmers purchaslnp Half bred PIGS. We are prepared to buy Ujem for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peas. FIBMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* 2 5 JH RuLH.;



/ jsims BiKEfc Fpbnishiko Waubhodsb, V (Havelook Street.) TTE guarsntaas to sell at Ohristchurcb pricea for Cash or Time Payments. 1 14



STILL ADVANCING. CRAIG HE AD & BEBEYMAN HAVE judb opened oat, ex b.«s. Paparoa from London, ths largest shipment ol New Goods they have hitherbo imported, oomprieing the most up to date fiultings from the best Manufacturers as now worn at TBonaa. Their immense stock of Fashionable i Tai!or»ajt{ Oooae n»inßmii oustomera such a splendid range of new materi»»« »>t guaranteed qualty and stylish patterns to choose from as shoo id please even the most fastidious, aad their prices, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the leadioK rma 'n Christohuroh or other cities. They are also showing a grand lot of new H«tß, Shirts, Tien, Boots, etc., this season Customers would do well to place their orders early as 0. & B, have already » arge Ftimber of suits on the books promised bpforeXmas, 11 140



The Equitable Life Assurance Society,' of US Head Office for New Zealand—Wellington. DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and psy claims: H D Bell, Fsq, Chairman. j Vmct M Thomson, Inipeotor of Agencies. Albbbt Mabtin, Es«, MD, f B Teevob Gould, Reaideat Secretary; STRONGEST LIFE ASSURANCE- SOCIETY ll* THE .. WORLD Financial Position. Anannoe in force ... .„ £219,670,058 I Surplus over liabilities ... f12.7H.9T Accumulated fur.de.., — £58,373,185 | Annual Income ... ... £11,286,14Jj A Mutual Office. All snrplus belongs to the policy holders. Bend for particulars of the Guaranteed Gash Value Policy. ' NICOLT BROS, Agente, Aahburton. io 47



TflS VERDICT OF ALL PRACTICAL. KIDBBS IS IN FAVOUR OF RIDING BUILT with Butted*Tabing, Short Heads, Narrow Tread Asrch'or Box Grown, Jin or lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheelel Any style Saddle, Handles, Chain, etc. Any gear, any height frame ; also dust-proof throughout, OKI PRICE TO ALL—SSI OATES, LO WRY AND CO., Zsalandia Oyole Works, BURNETT STBIET, ASHBURTON.