SUPREME COURT

United Prose Association—By Electric Telegraph Napier, February 11 At fche opening of the Supreme Court this morning Justice Denniston referred to the death of tha Queen, and to the immense improvements that had taken place m the administration of criminal justice during her reigo. The humans spirit which had been Introduced during her reign had been largely civs to the practical influence'and advice of the Queen< and he could only express the hope that the same progresa would be made darieg the century just commenced and under the reign of the present sovereign, The calendar is light. Two prisoners, | Hewold, charged with causing actual bodily harm, and Oonchor for false pretences had been adjudged innane since cheir committal. The Grand Jury lihrew out the bill against Phi! Smith, oharged with indecent assault. DtFNBDXN, Fernary 11 At the Suprasno Court to-day a caie was hoard ia which Mrs Whale claimed £200 danmsea for iujariee >u«tain<d on tha Bunedia and Kaikost! Tramway Company's line She was a paisenger man up car. On fche lop of a steep grade Ihe oar stopped and the driver Ist it go back to pick up a cable rope. Mrs Whale got frightened at 4he speed and jumped off. She herself said ehe did not remember what happened through the fright, but »he had no intention of jamplng off, ac the thought of th» Chinaman being killed by doing so was running m her mind. The injury consists of the cod of the lhamb bone being enlarged >»nd ehe had not recovered the normal use of her thumb, though she might do so. The Jury returned a verrlioh for £I3oa»nd the Judge gave costs; and sUy of execution waa granted pending & (notion jSr a nonsuit. Chbistchurou, February 12 At the Supreme Court today, Donald Meß&a was charged with breaking »nd entering at Lytfeelton, and found nob jlßiHy Ditnedin, Feb 12 Barman Booth aged nineteen who pjeaded guilty m the lower court .on the 22ad inst to theft from b dwelling was admitted to proba' tioa by Sir Juatioa Williams for twelve months conditional on paying 63 2d by weekly v atslments of half a crown. The total lost of l-'qaidatins? the Ooloaial Bank up to date ia £6533 6s 81, The jadge today gmnted Vigors ani Simpson an ad' diiiortffll £160 "each, when they ask for a fiaal order t-f disaolation. Tnc liquidators dsxpeet retarn to the shareholders about Is per share

The Fifth Contingent at the Front

The following are extracts from anotner letter from Corporal Vernon Steward KLEBK9DOBP December 16 I am entirely on signalling duty now, and mtn-here on a kopja by myself while Parsons Is about a mils off on anotiher. There ia an outpost gq either side of me. The column returned ra week ago from its ten days' trip, »nd we will ail remain here until after Christmas, I think. I understand that our (A) equadron will be left here eventually, m company with a few men from the Fourth New Zealand and uome artillery, to garrison the town. What » Christmas I shall have ? I shall be on duty oub on this kopje on the 25tb, and ehall for B eertaiuty have biscuits mir d simple for my Christmas dinner. I have never eaten meat for five or aix weeks, except on my day off, when I can buy musagep, polonies, or brswn from the Government butcher. The weather ie so terribly hot (thin Is the worst month) that meat ie very bad for you. Another member of my Company, W Caldwell, died laet week m Pretoria hoßpita.l of enteric. There are a great many Boers about _ here, end the town hae been fortified against r poßßJble attack on the garrißon. Our camp teaants are moatly Kaffir • bojs.' My section {four men) has one. Ho is a ftaitf; pay 5* a week aud tucker. He boils billies, oookss meals, and makes himself generally useful, but I am away so much thafc he does not do a grtat deal for me. Tuesday, December 18— We geb a new rig out m a week or two, and we wanted it very badly, aa we ato aadiy dilapidated We have no idea when we. are to be disc, arged, BfX hi month or six months hence. The Boers, five milea out, wrecked the morioing train from here to Johanneaburg about aa hour ago. The engine got through to th© mxr, station. Except the garrison, every man has saddled up and gone out with all the ruus ('.co). All our (tho garrison's) horses are eadd!ed, too, and we expect to be off any minute. It was a grand sight to see nix squadrona of mounted men and th© artillery go oat at full gullop just now, followed by three companies of infantry. They W9'6 ftl! away within a quarter of an hour after being warned. Three Boers were killed yesterday m a skirmish close to my | post, the Australian* making their stand oe j the kopje where I w»a signalling. I got m | & few rounds myself at 16C0 yards, bub can't e»y certainly whether I accounted for any of the three. Barbed wire entanglements imrround the place j half a mile oub. and outsida these numerous gun-cotton mines are laid j while loaide are trenches and forts innumerable. UStmv street leading oub of the town ia closed by » 10ft barbed wire fence leaving only one way of ingress or egress. We had a tre» mendtons storm here three days ago. It only , r»ioed 2| honra bub fche effect was terrible, And mast bo seen to be believed. The appearance of the street c ate, reminded me of tihe photos of the floods on the West Ooasfc a y«»r or two ago. Hiding into casrp from bere I had to cross half & dozen rivers Wfesro before the rain it was all dry open veldt* In one plane which was formerly & said hard ro*d, my mare bad to awim and wa« washed clown several yards. The river irpso lOfb whlcli is more than it has done m 10 ahort » time lor the last fouc years. All $he pikifvea were terrified end the jaokalß, whose underground homes were swamped, were rnnniag round and round us. |Si lhandered tmrrifloftlly; During the atorm the Boers succeeded m getting away with some of our cattle which were being minded by fenfire some miles from camp. This morning the Boers (m force) were firing fropt the grand stand of the racecourse on our patrol i I have not heard the result yet. I tee D© La Key last week captured four oompaniia of our Infantry and it is amusing "to read m an old (Julyi New Zealand p»per that fche war was then 'practically fimehed*

Sporting.

THE NEWMARKET HANDICAP.

■

Wellington, Fefa 11 Advance and Boreas, ia ohwge of J Prot ler, left fop Australia on Saturday by tha Moaiia. Elaborate provision bad been mado m the matter of accommodation on the steamer. Advance will make bia Srsb appearance m the Newmarket Handtoap at PlomiDgtoQ. After his recent phenomenal trial at the Huto it ia thought here be must fan well if he keeps atl right. Boreae ia very fit, and will run ie the minor handioap •venfcu. C Jenkins will ride both horsea m fehelr eogagemenba.

New Plymouth, Feb 11 Tbe following are the 6nal payments for the Taranaki Cap:—Coronet, Tortulla, Battleaxe, Materoa, Will o' the Wiop, Legion of Honour, J

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB.

Champiok Plate—Blazer 9s* Blb, l)tm. i dsa Sat 121 b, Meoohikeff' 7«t 10lb, Wind whistle 6st 121 b, Gfuoifofm&sS) 101 b, and Soldecmore 6st 71b. '

Chrtstohtooh, Peb 12 GleuaSa lale and Somerled got over seven furlongs In company on the plough m Imin Sl^ieo ; BSazer and Cherrystone tha asm© distance m i.32§. Blvxes- easily holding the mate. fathion had the best of Terrapin and Proposal, taking 4se«B longer. Duadaa ran six furlongs well within himself m 1 18, and St Denis at his beat pace made similar time. Huku, ridden oral) with a atone over hie handicap weight, ran the same distance m I 8&, Whirlwind with a, light weight keeping him company. Qoldearnere bead Wind whißtle by a length, m 1.20. Calibre and Military finishing together m the same tiros, a little performance on the oindera being recorded by Lady Killer ; Margot, half a tfiila la 523603 ; Rougemont, 52^seo; Hor mosa and Bp;der, 51|spos, did the smariast of sprinting baqfcs. Cameo ran a mile m 1.47, Cadet finishing with him over the last six furloogi m 1.20| aeoa

Chbistohubch, Feb 11 I

The following acceptances have been re ceived for theO.J.O. Summer Meeting:— Halswell Hursle Handicap, of 100 sow. J| mile-—Skipper and Ilex list 9ib. Dundee list 7ib, Derry lOab 71b, Larboard Watch Qafci • HORHBf WULTEE HANDICAP, of 100 (SOW • seven furiouge,—-Benzoin 9st 111 b, lamene ftndOadeti 9ab 10tb, Fashion 9^b 91b, Fro poiftl Sat 51b, Sozanaah 9at 31b, FemaSes Fraoob'ba oat 2lb, Westguarfi Bsfc 51b,; Teirrapia gst'Slb Olandeboye 83b 21b, Vulcaa, m& tady'-Agoes, Bst. ' Lyttbwoh PtAra Handicap, of 130 boys ; five furlongs.—Naroisaue, Romany, Battle cry, S»b Patrioio, and Battler 7»b 71b } Anti gone lit: Obaven Pjdaibb Handioapj of 150 soys ; leiren fatlcE-ga,—Dundee 9sb 31b, Cor »binn and Fermosan Bab 131 b, Sfc Denis Sat 21b, SoaserM Vat 11! b, Whirlwind, and Terra pie „ 6i& 71b. MppiLß Park Platb—Menchikoff and Oslibra 7eb 121 b; Oeaoiferm 7at 71b, Goldea teitre 6rt-81b. : ';

EGMONT RACES.

Haweba, FeblS Following ate aoasptaaoes :— Cup -Coronet 9 4, Ghlanand Batfcieaxe 84, Dayntree? 13, Sylvia Park 7 11, Will of WlspjKohiwalfNobility 7 5, Calceolaria 73. Brown Bill 6 7 F elter—Lasting 98, Hemple 90, GMpsy Queen 8 11, Scora*; 8 9. Scallywag 87, Vibration, Brown Bill, Bfanowar, and Bowsp:itß7.

ARRIVAL OF THE INDIAN TROOPS

I United Presa Assooiatioa—By Electric i Telegraph—Copyright

Auckland, February 11 The English officers leave tomorrow at the invitation of the Premier, on a trip to Re torua, whtjre they will «pend a few day§, ra turning to take j.arb m tht recaption of the Imperial troops. la disstsesing the arrangements far the entertainment of the troops during the next) few days, Colonel Peyton said the Indians would be perfectly content if they were allowed to wander round and see the city for themselves. He readily agreed, however, to a suggestion that the troops should b« Uken for a harbtur excursion to-morrow, and arrangements to that end are being made The Indian troops will not parade for review until the arrival of the Imperial contingent. After remaining m the fit ream for about an hour, the D&lhouaic came alongside the railway wharf, where ft crowd of people bad I gathered to witnena her .tfrival. The orowd gave three hearty oheem for the Indian "Soldiers of the King, 1' whiah were as heartly responded tjo. The scene on the vaseel wast moub inter' estitg, the brilliant uniforms of the noldieri lending almost a blaza of colour to the sombre surroundinga. The troops, m their fcurbaas and gorgeous uniforms of blae, red, green, grey—indeed, of most) every ooloor of the rainbow, lined the starboard side of the boat, the bright colours mingling^ into a harmonious picture. In all 62 different regimenti are represented. Borne of the man were clad m khaki, but the majority were m the more showy uniforms—re^ blue, and light green being the predominating colours, After the Dalhousie had been berthed, Oaptain MoKen^'ie, of the No 1 Service Corps, boarded the vessel and welcomed Colonel Peyton on behalf of th@ Commandant of the New Zealand forces. It was decided that a larga she:] at the sad of the whaif should be used aa & barrack room for the men, and a, Bpot m the vicioity m the cooking grouad, as the Indians do all their own cooking. The wharf was barricaded, so m to exclude the public. There vim no formal reception at the Hteamcsr'ii aide, the Mayor being do' ! tamed at % Council meeting [[during the i forenoon. Later m the day, his Worship ! called on Colonel Peyton; Tha Indian Contingent) will be taken through the colony from fnorth to aouth' If the neoafcaary leave can be procured they will visit some of the out-of-the-way towns nob m the itinerary of the Imperial troopa ! proceeding north*

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents

THE ASHBURTON BRASS BAND.

TO THE KDJTOB I am very pleaaad that this question has at last coma before the public through the medium of your columns, and as a lover of brass band muuic 1 can appreciate the senti ment of your leading article. I think, how evur, thwfc you have been too severe on the members for the existence of "the present state of things. They have, no doubt been very backward m supplying the borough with open air concerts ; but who are the most to blame m the matter 1 I have been closely connected with the band for several years and both as secretary and librarian know what) ib is to get the band oat lor an open air concert, only to find, time after * time s that the pablio, whom you support contribute a entiling or eighteenpence when the haf-, :'s passer! round, an t-monnt quite insufficient to provide kerosera for the torches; An ci bandmaster has assured me that this state of things has existed ever since the band was formed, and the older oitfzsna cannot bub admit (hat m former years the band was a credit to the town. Notwithstanding the fact that it was fre quently out m public, and often assisted m some philanthropic cause, there was always the same strain on the finances Tho baud of today is, lam sure, as wiliii g as ever to assist; m any deserving cause, Rut who I would oare to parade m tha uniform they now possess ? I have douo so and have had to lintea to many uncomplimentary remarks from tha public. The members have to provide their own uniform, musio, instru ments, light and pay rent for gtheir band room, and an inspection of their books will reveal the fact that the * loyal' support received from (he Aahburton pablio has been : the means of forcing (hem into their present unsatisfactory position, The sooner the public realise that the band is a borough society, the sooner will they have a band of which they may be proud. An 'A Disgusted Bandsman' suggests let some of our patriotis citizens provide the membem with & raew uniform, and I can go bail that the band will show its appreciation m a proper manner. Trusting thab the agitation will continue till we have a band worthy of our town*—l am, &c rKtx Bandsman

The Midland Railway Commission

MR BACK RESIGNS HIS SEAT.

United Prere Association—By Rleot.rio Toiegraph—Copyright) Wellington, Feb 11 At this morning's meeting of the Midland Railway Oommitßion, Mr Back announced thab be had resigned his Beat on the Com mision. He explained that his leave of absence from 'Tasmania expired during the present month, and aa he found thab the Commission would ba sitting m March and part of April, he had deemed it necessary to send m his resignation. Me DslaboD, formerly General Manager of ' the Midland Railway Company, produoed i two returna showing tho euma whioh had reached thtt Receiver and the Company from i sales of land granted to the Oompany by I the Crown. The total amount was £312,125 i for 375,692^-acres. The area remaining ud» ! sold totalled BG63| acres m the Wentiand and Oanterbuxy fllatriots. The Commission will ait again to-morrow to receive further returna prepared by the Public Works and Railway Departments, &nd will leave on Wednesday for Nelson, whence they will prooeed to make an inspec tion of the BeSgrove-Motapiko eootiea of the railway. Wbixington, Pabmary 12 The Midland Commission held a ahort I Hitting fo day »ad than ad joarnel to Nelson for which they will leave tomorrow. A return has been produced nhowing that while m the hands of the Gooernmanfs the railway hrn yielded a revenue of £12366 m excess of the expenditure. i

Federation Commission.

; United Frets Association—By Klectric j Telegraph Dpnedin, February 11 Mr Frederick Rev*na Chapman, solicitor, and Chairmin of the Conciliation Board was the first witness bo ho examined before the Federation Comn-.uuion to-day. Speaking generally as an idea! to be obtained he was ia favor of federation, but he saw difficulties m the present Australian constitution, which Beemed to debar New Zealand from entering, j He had the opinion thafe had New Zaaland from the ficat shown extreme anxiety to go m with the reet of the colony it wonld nob have advanced the scheme for Victoria, which was j mainly responsible for the ultimate federa tion, would have seen m New Zealand & competitor, whereas Victoria's objaot was the extension of the protective area for their goods. Referring to ihe constitution he thought that the treatment of the native race* would put a stigma on the Maoris, which would be a hreat drawback. That), however, was remedial,aa the Commonwealth had power to alter their constitution m some w.*ys. He preferred that his address, delivered before the Otago Institute m 1899, which contained his matured views regarding federation, should be taken by the Com tniifion as hi* opinion on the subjects To the Chairman—Had considered the question of the establishment of a Federal Oottrt of Appeal and personally he disagreed with what bad been donp, for ib practically did away with the appeal to the Privy Council. That might do all right m (he case of Australia, but m the case of New Zealand ifc meant that an appeal from our Supreme Court wonld be an appeal from Australia and it would bo better if the Privy Council were retained as a, final Court of Appeal seeing that the appeal had to go out of the country m any case. To Captain Russell — The question of defence alone made federation desirable* He thought that, Mr Lyne'a protest againut New Zealand acquiring any inrereßt m Fiji also debarred Australia from acquiring an interest not only m Fiji, but aiao m c;ther Islands m <h Pacific. Power is given to Australia m the new constitution to inquire territory m the Pacific Thia would nob jdehar New Zealand from federating with F<j or any other of the islands, hut, ufoourpp, all *uob mu<t recdvo iho approval of tbe Imperial Govurnment. To Mr Roberts—As a whole he did not think the manufacturing and agricultural interests would suffer by federation, but j thought it undeniable that some classes of manufacture would suffer. ! Dunedin, Feb 12 Bafore the Federation Commiseiou this morning, Alexander Burt, head of the firm , of A. and T Burt, was the first witness. He said he employed about SCO hmde. Feder ation would affect his business greatly, as , they would not be able to compete with Australia on even tariffs. The most Important point; m hio objection against federation from a manufacturing point of view was the facility with which She raw material could bo obtained m Australia. They had got copper and tin which we had to import from New South Wales and Victor!'. Another point that handicapped u<i was that coaland coke, largely used m the iron tredo, was only abnub half the cost m Australia that it was here Then m the matter of freights, the carriage <f heavy materials was 25 and 50 per cent less to Melbourne and Sydney. Another thing was that the larger manufactures were cheaper. , ! Taking all these points togeber it would be i mpoosible for engineers, ironfounders, brass workerß, and copper workers to compete successfully against) Australian manufac turer?. If federation were to take place now, a great many manufactures that were going on m Dunedin would be annihilated, I If federation was to be entered upon it would be necessary for Government to pay very serious attention to the question of trchnical education, which was po liberally encouraged m Australia. He did not despair of the New Zealand copper deposits being ulti mately worked successfully. Not only from a financial, but from a population point of j.vinw. Federation would have a retrogade I effect upon New Zealand. To Captain Russell—lf ihe Para Para fislds were properly developed, he thought i pfg iron could be landed m any centre m New Zealand at five shillings per ton. The j iron trade had not been seriously affected by legislation, and tha Conciliation and Arbi tration Act bad been an advantage alike to the trade, and tha men employed ia it. Robart Gla^dinning, of the firm of Roes and Glendinning, said ho had given the question of federation very little consideration. From a warehouseman's polat of view he did not think federation would be an advantage, and also m the matter of woollen manufacture he did not | thinK we corald oompete againab Australia. In the woollen trade here we paid higher wages and worked shorter hours than was the case m Australia. Possibly federation might b« an advantage from an agricul tural point of view, but m his opinion tha manufacturing industries were of more mv portance to the colony than agriculture and they employed nearly a thousand hands. Altogether, abcut 400 of them were at the mill. From a colonial point of view, he thought that would be more to the advan 1 tage of New Zaaland to remain oub of the Commonwealth.

A Colombo Sensation.

RUSSIAN OFFICER ARRESTED AS A SPY. I .. IJ LI I I "

A, somewhat exciting scene was witnessed near the Galle Face Battery i at Colombo on November 7tb. A Russian officer m full uniform, booted and sparred, who bad arrived that morning by the Saratoff from Vladivostok, waa Been loitering about with a camera, with which he was patiently snapshotting the defences. He waa promptly arrested as aeepsy s and sent tinder a military escort to headquarters, where he was taken before Colonel the Hon. E Noel, chief staff officer, and questioned. The examination elicited very little beyond the fact that t the Russian officer did not understand English, and the | English officer did not understand i Russian. The Russian's camera waa over hauled, however, and the plates devel oped and examined without any incriminating results, and after a few hours' detention the Russian officer was permitted to depart. He left the headquarters office whistling blithely, and leaving behind him the impression that he had got the better of the British officer after all.— Daily Express.

THE LATEST

CYCLING

Ualfced Preßs Aaßooiation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapaaka Feb 12, 10 30 a tn, This office 11 5 am Melbourne, Feb 12 The A.N.A, wheel race resulted an follows :—Martin 1, Murphy 2, Mathias 3. Martin also won the first prize m the gold stakes

Australian.

United Psress Association—By Kleotrio Teleg aph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka Feb 12, 101« am, This Office 11 sam Melbourne, Feb 12 Speaking at the A.N.A. luncheon, Mr Barton said the Federal Ministry desired, if ife could be done without embarrassing ihe Empire, the creation 1 of an international tribunal to remove the sources of dispute m connection with the New Hebrides

The Bush Fires

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received Wakapuaka Feb 12, 10 30 a m j This office 11 5 »m I HoBART.FebII I Eighty dwellings and many small j buildings were destroyed m Queens town and its vicinity Him i mi m imi—> i

The Methven Case.

j MIDDLETON ACQUITTED.

United Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph Chkistohurch, Feb 12 ■ I At the Supreme Oourb this morning a verdict) of not guilty was returned m the ■ caee m whioh James Middleton was charged with assaulting a man named Power with a long handled shovel.

Arrival of the 'Frisco Mail

Auckland, February 12 Arrived—Sonoma, with the 'Frisco mail. Wellington, February ]2 The Frirco mail will reach Wellington about 2 o'clock tomorrow, and the southern portion will be sent on by the Rotomahana m ihe evening

Serious Assault

United Preßs Association—By Electric Telegraph Chrxstchurch, February 12 A young man named George Richard Wilson was sentenced to one month's imprisonment by Mr Beefcham this nv-rning for biting a piece out of the lip of "ihomas Downie during a quarrel last week. Accused was the worse for liquor at tbe time and Dnvnio swore he gave him no provocation. Tho Magistrate 'said Wilson had Dehavtd' like a wild beiut

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

The usual-weekly sock pale was held to day ah the .Sinwald Yards, before a good attendance. A better entry of cutla than usual was brought forward, comprising 27 head, which met with good competition, and the following sales eventuated ;— Molars Friedbnder Bror—Fttfc steers, £5, £6 19a; heifers, £5, £7 12a 61, £6 15s : fat cows, £7, £5 10s. £5 17a 6d, £6 2a 6d and £6 ; springer,. £4 15a N Z Farmers' Oo op Association sold— Heifer, £5, £5 6b D Thom&b' sales were—Cows, £57s 6d, £6 ss, £6 15s; heifers, £5 7a 6d, £6 si, £5 15s ; dairy oowe, £2 10s, £4 . The collection of fat eherp fc r butchers' requirements made up about twenty five pens, for which competition was nob so brisk aa usual, although the reduction m j prices w*B but slight, D Thomas sold pens of crossbred owes ab 12* 6d, lla Bd, 14s 4;1, 14a lid, 15s 3d ; halfhrfd wethers of good quality brought 19a ?d ; for 80 freiy/ng lambs Mr Thomas reached 141 Id, and or 98 wethera, crossbred, 19ii Bd, these bting 'the only two linea of freezing sheep brought forward, Messrs Fricdlander's ealcs of butchers' sheep were penß of merino wethers, 13a 2d, crossbred ewes, 13a &■!, 12s 3d ; 3 crfx-dbred wethers m wool, JEI each. The N Z Farmers' Co op sold crorehred wethers at 17s 3d ; ewes 13», two tooth maiden ewes ■■ 16s 6d. In the store pens about 6000'bheep. wera yarded, comprising lines of •u-rsock-fed lambs and a few good sized lo'h of station snerino ewes, somo of which had, however. spent a soason on the plaino, Messrs Friedlander had a largo entry m the etore she^p pens, and with the exception of four lots passed, all lines wme cleared at satisfactory rates, Tho following wrre their Sales :~140 halfbred lambs 12s 91, 53 at 12^ 3d, HI very small at 7s 6d. 570 ub 13a, 141 merino ewes at ]0i 61,33 crossbred ewes \ and 35 l*mbs Us 7d each, 320 merino ewes on account of Mr D Oliver full nicu 1. hr-d iit. , 9i 9d, 305 Ashley merino evv'es ntloj6', | 105 four to eight tooth orostbred ewe* 153, 53 crossbred wethers 16s. Half of a line of 570 crossbred lambs changed hands at Us 6d, the balance beiDg t assed. The sales made by D Thomas were 55 n-.orino ewee >it 10a lOi, 312 well forward store lamba at 143 3;1, anr] two lines of merino wethers ( ff^red by him failed to r<-aoh the owners reserve. The, New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Asßociiktion cleared 30 lambe at 12. Sd, and 232 at) 14s 2d, paasing 260 halfbred rwca a* 13s 4d. Mr E W Hanmer cfF-rt-d 138 An am a ewes with 137 lambs, which were passed m a f lls 3d i i mmjj———l—«—ify "iini mm iinn* i" iiiiti iin ' 111 >' ii n i

MINING

! Dukedin, February 11 The return from the Nelson Creek, Wesb ! Coasts, amounts t0490z for 136 hours. During the week ended fcoday, returns have been received from 34 dredges, the total gold return being 798nz I9dwt lflgr. or an average of 230 a. Additional returns— Success, 230z 4dwt; Mejeatic 16f 7. 13dwb (opening up) ; Tu»pek» } 16oz 13rlwt ; Ohafcto Greek, 13oz 15dwfc; Upper Waiporl 120 ■' Qdwb The Skipper Sluicing Company have ! washed np for 70oz lOdwts

A Sad Case of Poisoning.

United Press Assooiation—By Electric Telegraph GISBORNE,.Feb 12 I A sad fatality is repotted from Teararoa, | m the East Oape district), where a young woman Darned Miss Biddell, lister of Mr Bidrleli, a much respected sheep farmer, fa stated to have taken oarbolic aoid and died from^ihe eflxetß. A later message st&ten that Mr Biddell communicated with the at Awanui by letter, m which he statea that he iegretted to inform the oen. stable that his Bister had died from the effects of carbolic acid, which ehe had taken. Ha further asked that the constable should corns on to Teararoa, and firing a doctor. As there w*s no medical officer available Constable Smith could not c mply with the lattor rfquest, bat has himself left fotlearfc +o,l The occurrenco haa casb a gloom over i hat part of the <.iistrio". Deceased arrived from England about a month ago.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

United Press Association—By Electric ! . Telegraph Palmesston North, Feb 12 AiUn Slrang, captain of the Ororua polo team, met with an accident while practising on the Pa'm rston polo grounds yesterday His pony fell, dislocating Mr Sbrang'n shoulder and spraining hla thumb. The accident will interfere with the arrange ments of the Ororua team for playing Victoria. Gisborne. Eeb 12 At Awaoui, a native named Eorlki hM been committed for trial for assaulting another native, who has been unconsotoUß since January 14.

fflß ASfi UfetOß GOABDiAIV: TOESDAI > FEBBIJARt i2 s , 1061



300,0001 b TEA. IpEW people ever itop to thick, when measuring out a teaspoonful or when baying a pound of tea, of the enormous quantity required to supply the people of New Zealand. A viMt to the wharf daring the past month would have been an eye opener- Nelson; Moate and Co , Limited, receive shipments of tea by almost (every steameE from Ceylon and India throughout the year, and have landed, during the last three weeks alone, the huge amount) of 300,000 pounds, which is enough tea to provide every man, woman, and child m New Zealand with 3 cups each of strong lee. Nelson Moate & Co., Limited, are the leading tea merchants m the Australasian colonies, a position which they have gained solely by Riving the public a really good article HEBBkRT A. FLOWER, MANUFACTURING CONFECTIONER. FRUITERER, &c. /CHOICEST Eoglish Confections, Toffies. \,/ Dandies, and Pure Boiled LoUies, Hob Pies, Gold Luncheon, Tea, Ooffee. and Chocolate always ready* FLOWER'S REFRESHMENT ROOMS, East Stree Ashburton. PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS rjlO Farmers purchasing H&lfbred PIGS, We are prepared to buy them for Bacon provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO« 6 J H Rulh, BULL ADVANCIIIG:- QRAIGHEAD & BEKBYMAN HAVE just opened out, ex b.b. Paparoa from London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto imported, comprising the most up to date Puttings from the best Manufacturers as now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customers such ft splendid range of new materials of guaranteed quality and stylish patterns to choose from as should please even the mo si fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, and fib will compare favorably with those of the leading firms m Christchurch or other cities. They are also showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Tien, Boots, etc., thia season Customers would do well to place their orders early as C. &B. have already a arge ruiTiber of suits on the books promised before Xmas. 11 14 ~~ iTcTtTo eT ~~ Kennedy & Miiir BEG to Notify the Farmers and Horse Owners io the Ashburton County that they have TAKEN OVER Riid & Gbay's Ashburton Branch of JOBBING & ENGI NEERING, and are prepared to carry on all classes of work »s usual; and also intend to extend the Business by adding HORSE-SHOEING, COACH BUILDING & GENERAL WHEELWRIGHTING 1 Both having been employed by Reid & Gray for many years, and having large experience as Horse Shoers, Implement Makers, and Coach Builders, all wjfk entrusted to their care will be executed with despatch and at moderate prices. 10 " aToard; * MESSRS STRINGiR & ORESSWELL BARRISTERS * SOLICITORS, CHRISTCHUROH, HAVE OPENED A BRANCH OFFICE at Ma Davison's, West Street, Achburton, where they will attend every THURSDAY and on other days when necessary. They will be represented m Ash burton by Mr J. Davison, who is authorised bo receive instructions on their behalf, and to whom communications may be addressed. We have various sums of money awaiting investment at lowest current rates. stringer & oresswell, solicitors christchurch * ashburton. ( ___JIJ!2 REMOVAL NOTIOifi. \ T. H. WILLIAMS, Bookseller, Stationer, etc., has REMOVED his business to new premises m East Street, next door to Mbssbs W. H. Coluks & Go's. *" WB~~BALB* ~ BACHELORS' ESTABLISHMENT* 2 Boods 3J Perches. mOGETHER with Cottage, Small ehed t X etc., situated at Treverison, For particulars apply to T. BUL^O€K, * W LET Rooms m the Arcade^ Apply to • t& BULLOCK



JAMES BAKER. Tcrnishino Warehouse, , (Havelock Street: TT E gaaranteea to sell *fc Qbriitehuroh prices for Cash or Time Psyments. 1 14 4 o» 8e mo }w "5 s . g i 'E O HSI ] O si* g ° d S a 8 I. PH O jig I << fc.. 1 1 i i Ph j § ? :- r w w -I "S as m s j ;■ 8 y P^ E3 J . S M OG w = g | GG g I o a <1 1 6 g Extract irom the JVrta ttaland 7imes, January 22, 1901. EXTENSIVE IMPORTATIONS.



ILEWEILYN OWEN, M.0.8.M., CERTIFICATED TEACHER, Local Representative of the London College of Mudo And of the Musics! International College, TT7JLL Re. time Music Lessons (pra-Jtical Vf ami theoretical) on FEBRUARY 4. Students prepared for any examination held m the Colony. Candidates presented, 107 average marks gained 93 per cent). SHEEP FARM OF 1252 IS 1252 SITUATED about four miles from a Rail way Station, divided into eleven paddocks, good Farmhoufle of 8 rooms, Bcullery and Pantry, Stable, Wootshed, Sheep Yards, and Dip. Wellwatered with County Water Races. Fall particulars farnhhsd on Application l _ a __ T BULLOOK t j TRIANGLE BAKERY, TO LED AW A LOW RENTAL. fiENTRALLY altered near the Post \J Ofioa and Railway Btation. Apply to T BOLLOCK. ~foe~slle7 SHEEP COUNTRY BSEEP COUNTRY Hinds District 1500 ISSiS 1500 IN its native state for Sale at a reduced Price. Fronting the road leading to Lowoliffe ; For particulars apply to T BULLOCK 6AOK E S O ACKEB O VERY GOOD LAND. FRONTING Grove Streeb. Tinwald, originally part of the celebrated Grove F»rm Fstßte; pipe drained ard otherwise improved; Liberal terms can be arranged. T BULLOCK, Agent HOLIDAY SUITi*—I have a large stock of Men's, Youths', ond BoyV Suite, made to my orders, special finish for wear, style, »n& appearanoa cqaal to anything procurable. Suits made to measure m best style, fir guaranteed. Gents', Ladies' and Children's Boots and Shoes :j great variety, • Robert Alookk 1 PIANOFORTE AND SINGING MBS JOHNSTON KE9UMED Teaching on TUESDAY, 29th Jan. Haveiook Street VIOLIN TUIIiON "TUTISS BEBSIE SIMMONDS, Teacher of the Violin, resumsd Teaching on MON DAY, January 28lh insr. 178 Burnett Street MISS JPOLSOJN, (C/o Mks DodbSj Peter Street), TEACHER of Voice Production, Singing, and Pianoforte. PIANOFORTE^ THEORY & lIARMONY Ernest Eiopson, 0.T.A.8. CERTIFICATED Teacher of the Aesocia \J ted Board of the Royal College of Music, and the Royal Academy of M>iaic. London), is prepared to receive pupils for the above, Rooms above Mr H M Jones, East Street PIANOFORTE & ORGAN TUNERS, HAVING taken over the late MkOsborn Coombes' connection, will visit Ash barton and surrounding dietriots three times par annum, vz., March, July and November. Orders may be left at the Commercial Hotel or with Mr Llewellyn Often »t hie Maslo Studio, Arcade Chambers, Ael.burton 287 FOR HOUSE T)AINTING, OUSE X MINTING, SIGN WRITING, TJ'TC, IGNWRITING, JIjTO, TRY J 1,. HIGGS, . Takcbbd Stbbkt. FOX SALE, Nice Building Site, fronting the Wakaoaf Road, juifc beyond the corner of the East Belt, being parts of Lots 42 and 43, oontain ing about 1 Rood 26 Perches. Capital site for a private residence Apply to T BULLOCK MONEY. SPECIAL turn of £450 to lend on first Mortgage aleo &HOQQ m sums to suit borrower* Apply to T BULLOCK TRIAD JPJWIIZPI OOJUIMiiTIXIOJ* npHE "TRIAD" offers a prize of two JL guineas and a second priz? of ona guineas for Photos of Scenery by Amateurs, not' leas than cabinet size, mounted or unmounted. No photos sent can be re* turned, and may be reproduced m TRIAD. To oloie 20th May, January, 1901 CONDITIONS. All that Is necessary to enter for thtß com petition is to post photo or photos (enclosing * receipt for ss, or more, from any Teiad advertiser) to " The Manager of the Triad, Dvnedin.', Ajar Washing Powders Anglo N.Z. Cycle Co. Auckland forwarding and Parcels Delivery Agency , Bermallna Bread —all Grocers Brlailey and Go.'a Ranges Bing, Harris ft Co, Arrow Brand Boots Curtis, F, Jeweller Dunlop Tyrei Gawne*« Sauces, Piokles, Vinegar j etc Gear Meat Co Gregg and Co, W, Coffee, Starch, etc Howard's Pickles and Sauces Jones, H M, Triad Agent Klrkpatrick, S, and Co, X Jams Kharki Cigarettes, Eagle Go's Kozla Teas, all Grocers Lane's Creosoted Emulsion Loasby's Wahoo, Koolibah, Benjamin Gam, and Cinnamon Cure Meidint, G., Ironmonger N.Z. leturanoe Co, (0 Jefferson, man'gr) Nelson. Jdo&ts and Cob Te« Mioholas & Piokford, bootmakers Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corpora tion, Ltd. Orr, A, Draper Panrose Bros, bootmakers Priest) and Hotdgate, Ironmongers Sanderson's Scotch Whisky Shag Point) Coal, John Cowles, agent Somerset Hotel, H S Pruraraond Spring Blossom Te&. Suratura Tea, (Teed And Cos Corn Cure Tonking*s Linseed Emulsion Waltke's Soap Wills' Three Castles Cigarettes & Tohao Woodrow's Hat*, Gollin and Co, agents ¥»te* Jc Co, Arthur, need merchants WANTED Known—That our Oilcloths and Llcoloumr are boughb direct fcrom the British Mills, and stand unrivalled for variety and value:—Mitchell and Turner /""I ET yoar Lawn Mowers sharpened at the VX EoLires eyoie works. Taucred Street, W«6t



1 FRIbDLANDER BROS, LTD WKBT STBBE3J HORSE MARX. OUR NEXT| HORSE FAIR Will beheld on FRIDAY, February 15, 1901 For which we ahall be pleated {to^reeeiv Entries, FBIKDLANDER BROS.. Ltd! COKNUCKB. OUR Nfxt Shipment of full eze CORN* SACKS, ex • Wha»«epi,' ie doe at Lytteltoa shortly, »nd we are now bookicg Orders for delivery, ex ship. Farmera will please advise us of their requirement* promptly, to eav« extra milage and handling, 2 86 FRIEDLANOER BROB, Ltd. TCVMORROW WEDNESDAY, February 13. At 12 o'clock. HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, SUNDRIES, Etc, Ew ON account of Mk G T Park, Mount Somers HENRY SrEPHENSON, 2 87 Aootioneer ASHBURTON COUNTY STOCK k SALRYARDB Co., Ltd. KAM AND EWE FAIR TT7RL be held at Tinwald on THURSDAY, 21sfc MARCH, ISOI. 2 91 By Order Board of Directors OTICK it hereby given m pursuance of the Public Reserves Act, 1885, clauses 5 and 6, that) the Aahburton Domain will be set apart for the Sports Association's Oaroiral on THURSDAY, the 21at» day of February, insfc, on which day charges will he made for admfs«ion thereto on the following scale, t"z :—For children under the age of 10 years, free ; for each child under tht age of 15 years and over 10 yean, iixpencs ; for each person ot the age of 15 years and orer, one shilling; for each hone, one shilling ; for each trap, one shilling. HUGO FRIBDLANDER, 2 96 Chiirman Aehbarron Domain Board - —i^t;~ A CHEQUE for £19 dated January 24th 1961 and drawn by FritdUadur Bros Ltd, ontheßank of Auatralnela Ashburton, ia favour of No. 17817 has been loit and pay ment) of it stopped. 2 56 * urn « ' PTIHE Quarterly Licensing Meeting- for X the Ashbarton Licensing District will be held m the Court Home, Achbnrbon. on THURSDAY, the 7th day of March, 1901, at 12 o'olook noon. T. W. iDAYLER, 2 83 Clerk Liceoting Qommittee. ABHBURTON MUSICAL UNION fTIHE adjourned Annnal General Meeting X of the above Society will be held THIS EVENING at 8 p.m. To be followed by a full vooal and instrnmental practice. Membera and intending members ar* requested ro attend. 2 88 Li Ji HOBBB. Acting Ron.Bee. DISTRICT ORDERS. Volunteer Offioa, (Flmara, Bth February, 1901 f TIHB Officer commaudiog the District is X inatrcotfd by the Commandant of th« Forces to thank the Officers and Yoluntsert of South Canterbury tor the imart and efficient manasr In which they performed their duties at the Reception of the Imperial Troops on THURBDAY last, and to convey his entire approval of the Arrangements made O S BAILEY, Lt-Coloßßl 290 __ Commanding S.Q, Snb-Distriot ASHBURTON SPORTS ASSOCIATION. annuallarnival THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21. TN OL U DIN G Volunteer OompctltiGns, Amatiar Bicycle Racee, €Snsh Bicycle Raets, Amateur Foot Races, Cash Foot Races, Fire Brigade Competition, School Bsys Races. —rX'XJ« OF WAR)—- For Particulars see Postals. All Entries close THURSDAY, February 14, at 9 p.m. at the Sports Assooiatieo'i Office, opposite the Club. 295 I3AAO A. BAIOTKT, Swrarary NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS AND FARKS IN OOHNBOfIOK Wit* OHRISTOHURCH RACES, Feb. 14 & 16 EXCURSION Tickets »t far.s of 2d per mile first class, Id per mile second, minimum 4s and 2s respectively, mileage counted one way only, will be issued to Christchoroh from Timara and *il etatiens north thereof on 13th, 14th. »»d l^th February, and from Ashburtos and atatiens north thereof ap to Walfcart inclusive, by firifc train on 16th also, all available for return till 19th Febrnaiy, On 14th and 16th February tht evening train from Ohristohorch for Ashharton and Methv«n will start at i».3£ pm 6 aad ran correspondingly later than timetable times, ezoept that the AshlMirton train willlw only 40 minntes later sosth el ?7f ITOBDiR.



WA L L PA PER S. IX/E HAVE TO H\ND, per the last Home boat—29 Bales of the very latest ARTISTIC PAPERHAKGINGS, th© Colourings and Designs of which are decided works of art Included m the shipment are Beautiful Friezes and Borders to match the Papers. I hold tlio largest stock of WALL PAPERS m South Canterbury Clients can therefore rely upoah ing a large variety of each respective sort to choose from. J ______. pj/-A**T HOUSE DECORATOR AMD SIGN- W I I m! F \ Opposite Mail Ofice, • IT JLJLJKJ W JLI • Barnett Street. / P O Box 16 Telephone 65.



■ "wanted."""" W! ANTEbKNOWN—AshfeurtonHortii; cultural Show 22nd and 23rd February, m new Auction Room, Burnett StMet L_ _ 288 TfTANTED — A first-class Ploughman. W For particulars apply to ' The N.Z, Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd.' 2 92 ANTED by two young Ladies— Comfortable board (share room.) Apply ' H.W. Guabdian Office. 2 95 W"~ ANTED immediately — Furnished Bedroom. For particulars apply Mbs Taskbk, East Street, Ashbnrbon^ 2 94 WAITED— -Girl aboab 16, understand general house work. Mrs H. 0. Babbete, Havelock Street. Apply to H 0. Babbeit, old (Town Hall, East Streeb. __2_97 ~TEWI !"TT~FTsbmonger and Poulterer, is ti etill buying Old Hena, *a& any quan tity of Hares. Fresh Oyatera by expreei To-morrow night. Opposite MAIL Office. OTJLu the Lady who took the Ore»m Silk Shawl by mistake from the Oddfellows' Hall on Tuesday night kindly return to John okb and Co. 2 79 ■\Tr7ANTBD^-Young GeaeraTServont, m W family of threes—Apply by letter to I « Mbs A.B ' Mail Office. 2 48 B 0018 ! Boots ! From la to 30a, at— Mhllob's Zealandif Boot Store | ; YOUR REPAIRS done at once at D Stook' Oaah Boot Stow IN th(Trace"foFvalue, MEtLOß's~Eealandia Boob Store leads. WELL, it ia like this—lf you want a real good Boob or Shoe for little money, hen go to Mellob's Zealandia Boot Store ANTED KNOWN-~Men'e Bluchers 5a lid at Mellob's Zealandla Boot Store. ____. KPAlKSTßepairs The besT m Ash burton,alb—Msllob's Zaalandiaßoot Store WHY pt*y inidalumen's proncst when yoj can buy direct from the manufac turera—Kolipse Cycle Works Tanored Stret West TTIOR Sale, cheap, for Cash—Several nun ID dred pairs of Boots aDd Shoes. Apply to_MELX,OR's Zealandia Boob Ptore T^EIIEMBER that Mbhob's Zealandla jLL Boob Store ia the leading Boot Shop, Wonderful value at Mellob's OOTS ! "Boots Boots Nothing bu Boots ;^;—Mellob's Zealandia Bor Store, Tanored Street /^"aRDEN Hose from 4d per foot, Rubber VX and Canvas Hose of the best quality, Nosel Spray Tape, etc, Large stock to select from at Ihe lowest prices.—HABDLET Bbos OH Where, oh where is the best 800 l Shop? Why Mbllor'sZealand!*Boot ; Store, of course. ffTENBERS W&ntetUTFor the~wearing o JL two thousand pairs of Boots. Apply i to—J Mkllob, Tancred Sbreeb UR Beiotis and Bhoeß sell thenaielve have a look ut D Sxqok's prices. i "oT O Tfn" a the line ofGenta' i AOS Bioyclesj well built, up to date ; equal to any £20 machine ; the ' Matohlees,' guaranteed ; do not mies this opportunity to secure a good machine At a low price.—H M Jones. i W" ANTED~^Wise~mol)herTfco bay thefar Boya' and Girls' school booti»t Mil lob's Zealandia Boob Store."" W~ ANTED KNOWN-Thi^t ME^LOR'i Zealandia Boot Store is the ohe&pMt , and best boot shop i» Asbburton,



Weather Report —Captain Edwin fore casts :—Moderate Westerly winds ; glass rise, Obituaky.—News was conveyed to the Tinwald saleyards to-day by telegram, an rouncing the dea»h of Mr P 0 Tabart the well koown jGhristchureb auctioneer. Frksbyterian & ssßMiSLY—Several local repreaentatives to the sitting of the Preaby terinti Asßembly left by last nighb's train en ronto to Wangftnui where the annual meeting at*rting from to day is to be held. Wesfeyan Century Fund —The atten dance »t Baring Square Ohuroh oa MoDisy evening was only fair, and not at all com mensurate with the importance of the occa sion, or wi'h ifce excellence of the address given by Rev G H Garland on God's Univer sity. During the course of bis remarks Mr Garland incidentally mentioned that the in terest seeming on instalments paid to the English Century Fund would more than oover the expenses connected with the movement the result being one million guineas net, So far jis New Z aland is concerned, a thank offering of £60,000 ia desired, bub up to the present about one third of that figura has been promised. The period for making new pro mises and redepming tha ssme hns been ex tended to 31tt December 1901 The century roll is now m Rev Thomas Feti's bsnds ; and opportunities will bo fcff rded to contributors *iO insert their autographs. CONSULTING OPUCfAN rilr Ei-neßb M SaDdetein, DBOAJ, F8 MC, who b&s lately rrturned nfter six years' Kpecial study m Kngland and Con 'irifuf, may bo crnsnlled on all c&sca o r'rfr-ctive fiyehipht. Daylight nit nfceßsary artificial light being used* Doctors' p p c script ions prepared!. Fees moderate, stilting rooms, Cashel Street W,, over^M ?andstein, jeweller, ChriatchurcJ». 9to 1,-? 'nfj daily , _________



O. MAQNUSs I), PAfERSON Dredging Expert Member Stock and Exchange Adviser. of Canterbury. MAGNUS, PATEISOi MO 00 Gold Dsidotng Bboxebs, 208 High -SbtMt, Christehurob Reliable and straightforward advice given on Otago and West Coast Dredging Olcims. Mr Olof Magnaa has nad 16 years practical experience oa the Molyueux River, Otago ALFRED HARRISON, Esq Aehburton Rooreeentotive



In the Otago Stock Exchange monthly lisb bhe following calculations are given :— Yield of gold during 1800: From dredges, 62,2750!5 2dwfc 2gr, at 77e pef oz (roughly), £239,750. Yield of gold for 1901: By dredges, four weeks to January 28, 21320z 15dwb lOgr. Monthly dividends paid m 1900: January, £5053; February, #14380 ; March, £7133 j April, £9004 : May, £7384; June, £9912; July, £13,802; August, £7241; September, £12,209 j October, £10,790; November, £8136; December, £6169—total, £100,211. These dividends were the results of the working of 28 dredges, whoae capitals total £202,652' The return equals 50 per oenb per annum. There were at the end of 1900 seventeen dredges (with a capital of £125,000) working, which, up to that time, had nob paid an? dividends, The amount invested stands; Paying dividends, £202,652; not) paying dividends, £125,000— toul, £327,652. Dividends £100,211 to ! capital invested £317,652, the return on the | capita! employed, gives (approximately) for bhe year 31 per cent. All the Ruby Gold Dredging Company's contracts have been let, and, a portion of the timber having reached the c'aira, the contractors have started building the pontoons. The company have part of the machinery made, and have paid £1000 for progress» The Nelson Creek Company's dredge since it was started has dredged about Isooz of gold The gold export from Weatland during January amounted to 11760z 18gre, valued ab over £4700 The Paotolus Gold Dredging Company's dredge will commence operations next week The work of erecting the machinery on the Greenstone Creek Gold Dredging Company's dredge is nearing completion, says the Ku mara Times. The top tumbler was put m position last week, and all the rest of the machinery is at hand. The dredge, which should be starting to work by the end of the month, will open up close to where the last prospecting shaft was sunk. As this shaft yielded s|gr to the load, very good results i should be obtained. It is now over four years since a fsw enterprising persona of the town, first sbarted to float this claim. They spent? a largo sum of money In prospecting, i and it is to be hoped they will be well re worded for their trouble and patience Hartley and Riley and Vinoenb have re' sumed work, and good tihings may be espeoted ! from both these* dredges I



J ' Smoke-New Yflnw i