EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for April

SON.

Commercial.

OORWAR SALE,

The clearing fate of she«p, ntook, horse*, pigs, implements, and household farnitnfa at Oorwar, on account of the owner (J O Waaon, Exq.), took place en Thursday last. Special drags were run from Ashburton and Rakaia, and visitors were also present from all parts of the county, Christohurch, West Coast, Tlmaru, Leeston, and other districts, the attendance being exceptionally large. The Bale was started promptly to time, at ?leven o'clock, commencing with the furni ture, which wtt all otaared under keen competition' Implements of all olasaes followed, and every lot submitted (under brisk bidding) had good salts, the traotion engine bringing £450. The sale of sheep oaose oexts, and the whole of the 7000 under offer realised rpiendid figures. For pigs alto good rates ruled. Draught horses, both broken and unbroken, hacks and har ness horses, and light unbroken stook htd first class enquiry, and high ratea ruled throughout. The whole sale was concluded about) four o'clock, and credit is due to the looal auctioneers officiating (Messrs Fried lander Bros m conjunction with D Thomas), for the expeditions manner m which the auction was conducted.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1901.

We hear that ap to the tiro-.' the New Zealand Federation Commission left £ydnpy the evidence it had co'lected both m favour of and against this colony entenngthe Commonwealth was so amazingly complicated and contra dictory, that the members are wxpected *o fall back upon their individual opinions on the subject bffore the com mencrmeut of their tour. This is jast what we predicted a month or so ago. Tt is impossible that they can Jay before Parliament next Bession any informa tion of vUue to New Zealand. One obvions fact brought to light m the coaree of the investigations of the Com mission is that not a single person interviewed could do more than give a Bpeculativfl opinion even as to the probable effect of federation upon the States of Australia. It is true that some of tbe'witoesses' more dogsmtic than the reet, asserted positively that such and such results woald follow this greafc movement. But when w erne to aoalyae Buch statements they amount to nothing m the way of information that might help thß members of tfje Commission m coming to a decision,, The conclosios which mast be forced apon every thinking person is that this official investigation, which is goinej to cost the colony several thou« eand pounds, will be positively ageless unless the time for the report to be made can be extended for say, eighteen months to enable the enquiry to be conducted when people may be supposed to know something about the mutter. There is, however, one stock argument which has been exploded by the evi dence taken before the Commission 80 far, and that is the famous one first urged against federation, by Sir John Hall, thafe'Hhera were 1200 reasons again&t New Zealand federating with Aabinlia," because so many miles intervened between these countrieF. If there wan ono thing made clear m the course of the proceedings, it w*s that there is nothing whatever m the • distance ' bogie m febeae days of steam and electricity. But let it oof be sap posed that we are advocating federation with Australia; we have never done 83 m these columns. We simply deprecate the attempt to induce the people of this colony to commit themselves to either side of the question until ifc ii better understood. We need not be ashaajed to confess that we do not comprehend all the bearings of it, when we find the Argus and other leading Australian papers holding up the utterances of some of the most prominent among the Federal politicians as examples of extraordinary ignorance of the subject. We may conclude our remarks by referring to some statements made by Mr Hugo Fricdknder m, a recent letter to the Ashbarton A, and 3?. Association upon oar attitude towards Federation. That gentleman said we were m favour of it, and also that we supported the election of Mr John Studholme, junr., described as an oat and out supporter of Federation, as a delegate to the Ohristchrarcb Conference. We are at a loss to discover why Mr Friedlander-—who is usually pretty careful about what he Bays—made two such mistakes. We have never advocated New Zealand entering the Commonwealth | and we did net support Mr Stodholme's ap pointment as a. delegate^ although we do think that a better man c^uld pot have been selected, We simply opposed the appointment of any dele gate who should have power to commit the Asbburton A. and P. Association. If Mr Friedlander will take the trouble to refer to the article he criticised, he will discover that he quite misunder stood it.

Local and General.

Personal.—Mr James Kelc is afc prseent on a vmit to A»hbm-toni AnstraUau Citck Cyclists Eastke MoKDAT—Th« Gtwrdlan will not be published on Monday> To 008 RiADRRs.—The atteatlon of on^ readers is directed to * quantity of telegraphic matter on our first and fourth pages. i Grant! Invitatiftit Scratch Race [ Weather Report — Captain Edwin \ reports -Wind If W to W and SW; glass fall, bat rising after 20 hours. Magistrate's Cocm'—ln oar report of aati Thursday's Magistrates Court by the mistake of a letter, the neme of John Elston was sbuwn as committing » breach of the Fublio Works Act) whereas it) should have read John Alston. A New Bowlib,—The W«ic»»pA Star says that Mr William Harrison, of tdaatertln is about to leave for Ann burton. He has for many years been a resident of MMberton, where he is very popular. Mr Harrison is an enthusiastic bowler, and was one of the promoter* of the iooal Bowling Club, The members of the Club intend making him a presentation. Kershaw Amos, Ttirnbul], Key nolds- oil Holiday. Bajtis? Chusok.—At the Baptist Church, tomorrow, special Harvest Thanksgiving and Eastsr Services are to be held- Tha interior of the ohuroh has been beautifully decorated with sheafs of grain, flowers, foliage, and fruit. There will be special singing by the ohoir. ihe congregation will present the animal Thanks Offering. J,ast year this offer ing amounted to £27. "llon't Spoil the Piece," Monday

Hookey. —The following tmm wil repre* ■ent the Ashburton Hookey Club m the match against the Sydenham Hookey Olttb. to be played at the Sydenhan? Park m Ghristohnroh on Easter Monday. Forwards— F Clark, 6 White, H Milliobamp, W Moore, P Watt. Halves—B Amop, J Fitzgerald, A Silcock. Threequarters—H Smith, A Millichamp. Goalkeeper—D Stock, (Captain) Emergencies—W Amos, S Choate, L Mc- Donald. Any of the above players being unable to play must inform the Captain ab once. The team will leafs Ashbartoc by the train on Monday morniDg. A. A. C.& A-C. Ppobts—The programme for the A. A: C k A.Q'e. Eaeter Monday Sports are out to day; judging by the entries which include all the New Zealand, and two j New Bouth Wales crack cyclists, as well at New Zealand champion pedestrian*, th« public should be treated to »n excellent day's sport. Five brigades from Christchuroh, Timaru, and the local brigade will contest the brigade competitions. The Wooltton kharki band hat been engaged for the day. In the evening a grand oonoert will conclude the days amusetneafc. Id ia to be hoped m»t the public will respond heartily to the Club's efforts to provide a good local day's sport on the holiday, And especially it Uto be hoped the weather will be favourable. Chrlstclmrch Champion Fire Brigade

Juvenile Temple Lodge—An open lodge meeting wae held m the schoolroom, Methven, on Thursday evening last, when Sister Cameron, 6 8 J T, from Danedlr, was pres-nr, to institute a Juvenile Temple. Bro Westbrooke, D D G C T, from Sprltg burn, was also present, and occupied the chair. There w*e a large gathering of members of the Metbven Lodg^, parents, and juveniles, Stater Cameron put clearly before the meeting the objects of a Juvenile Temple, and road and explained the pledge, which all would have to sign. Thirteen adults came forward and took the pledge, and th » assisted to initiate twenty-five children. The offioere were then elected and suetallp.d. It was decided to name the Temple • Victoria.' Great interest was taken m the work by the childreu t and Sister Rands, «he SJ T, assisted by Sisters Sievwright and Stone, will d übtless soon have a strong and fi •uriehing Juvenile Temple, and great good may be expected from training the children m the true principles of temperanoe and parity Wbtre Gtaisgf Monday ?— Domain, of cfliree.

The Plague.

United Preas Asaociotion - B} Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 5, 1055.m I ONDOK, April 4 Of 316 caees of plague fit Capetown, there have been 117 deaths, including 22 Euro pean.*.

CYCLING.

United Prens Association—By Eieetdo Tekgraph Christohurch, April 5 The first dny of the Cycling Championahip*, under the auspices of the League of ftew Z aland Wheelmen, was held ab Lancaster Park to-day, m splendid weather, and before over three thousand spectators. Much interest] was taken ia the racer, especially m the Championships, and there were fast times and splendid racing right through. KershaWt of Sydney, had a spill while train* ing a few days ago, and w»6 unable to ride ; Barker, of Christchuroh, was also abseat through illness. Results ; — Two Mice Handicap (Amateur)—S Fmw lsOyds, 1; JR J Martin, gSSpds, 2 ; W H Heliaway, 135 yds, 3< Time—4 41. Half Mile Cash Chamwonshij? of New Zealand—R Connell (Temuka) 1, A Ralston (Dunedio) 2, G Sutherland (Ohrietchurch) 3. W Clarkson (Palmeraton North) also sorted. Connelt challenged Sutherland just before tht final bend, and wearing him down won by a length from Rilston, who beat Sutherland by a foot. Time—l 9. One Mils Amateur Championship <»f New Zealand—W Keymnlds (Auckland) 1, W Tambull (Sydney) 2, H Amos {Timaru) 3. Cuoksey (Auckland), Whitfield, and E Boyd (Christchurch) also started. Won by a length, Turnbull ju«t beating Amos for second place, Whitfield fourth* Time— 2 15f. Five Mjibs Ro?a& Enfield Cop, alto carrying five mile {3a«h Championship of New Zealand—G Sutherland j(Obrl»tehurch) 1, R Oonnell (Temuka) 2, A R*'o'on (Dunedinj 3. W Clarkaon (Palmerston North) and H Holland (Ashburto-i) also started. Connelt led from Sutherland &nd otherst, but with two laps to go Connell touched Sutherland's wlwl and fel', bringing Ralston down with him. Sutjhppland won by 30 yard?, Ralston mounted again, »'>/$ fc.oojf fhird place. Time —11.19. TSBJSE MlLie AWAMpBUpAMpi.QNSHH? OJ ' New Zealand—H Amos (Timaru) 1, OD Oatos (Obrintonurch) 2, W Reynolds (Auokr land) 3. W Tutabul! (Sydney), S B°yd (Chrißtchuroh), and H Cuoksey (4uckland|, also started. All the riders, except Cuoksey, kepfc together until the S&Bfe lap; Amos won by & length from Gates, who beat Reynolds by two lengths for second place. Time— 6.-564. „ Two Miles Rudgk~Whitwoe*h Lot Ahateub Handicap—X G Hammon (Onrist church), 95yds, 1 j S Boyd (Christchurob), 135ydn, 2 s H Lindsay (Ohristchuroh), low yards, 3. In a, sprint home Hammoo beab Bojd by alenoh and ft half, Lindsay a fan third, Time-#.4lf. , Halit Milk Cash Handicap—R Connell (Temuka), 36yds, 1; A Huoton (AihburtotJ), 55yd», 2; J Coonell {Temuka), 60ydi, 3. T!me-»1.4

THE CONWAY CASE

Sydnry, April 4 The trial of Mrs Smith commences on Thursday. A strong bar has been retained for the defence, with JU r G H Jieid as leader.

Many of ojsr reader* will no doubt have notioed the Maew Hard* jßioyoie runi almo»t absolutely aileot. TJje pemon of this is that the awaufaoturers have adopted ft special ball retainer, which is fitted on the coves of the hobs and crack bracket. This retainer greatly reduce* the friotion and pre venta tha constant! olicklng oauaed by the dropping of the ball* m bearings where thea rtinlotrs ire not used.

The Ashburton Mounted Rifles.

In their Easier oatnp the Asbburtors Mounted Rifles have been go far much more fortunate m the weather than during their previous manoeuvres, and owing to the general holiday andother favorable conditions there wbb a good attendance of members of the corps. Thirty-five of the members reached camp at Lagmhor or Thursday evening, and j y« efcerduy, Good Friday, the attendance had ! increased to fifty. Bovaille was sounded at 5.45, and at seven o'oloek on Friday morning a foot parade wan hold. Breakfast was taken af, eight »nd guard mounting at nine o'clock ; this was followed by » mounted parade at ten o'clock, a later one being oarritd oat at 3 p.m. i Lunch was taken at one o'clock and dinner at 6.30, first post was at 9 30, and last post at) 10 p.m., lights out) at 10.30. Colonel Bailey oonducted an inspection of the corps at the ten o'clock parade, when the practical examination of Lieutenant McLean was supervised by the Colonel, and we aadorst»nd the lieutenant) duly passed the various tests submitted. Th* men are messing out of doors, bringing their own knivts and forks, efco,, as m this instance ther* is not a canteen, A convenient marquee has been erected, and with the' usual forethought of tha popular Captain, the same has been provided with a piano. The routine to be carried out) today will be similar to y«»tmr day's proceedings, and this afternoon field msnseuvres will be oarried out at the Ashburton Fork*. All the arrangements reflect credit upon the Captain and the various other officers of the Ashbor ton Mounted Rifles. The operations carried out by the Mounted Rifle* this morning were similar to thoea conducted yesterday. About 2 o'clock this afternoon the corps under Captain Buckley with Lieutenants Fooks, Studholme and McLean proceeded to the Ashbiirton Forks where a sham fight took plaoe. Lieutenant Walker of the 3rd Contingent has been pre' sent during the encampment.

Bowling Tournament.

United Presn A«soatatiion—By Eleofcrlo Telegraph—- Copyright Oascabu April 5 The Easter Bowling Tournament began today In beautiful weather, with ao entry of competitors two short of last) year. The following are the results of the first and second draws of the doable handed four bowl matchs—First draw—Hodges and Cameron a bye; McHutcheson and Ciarkson (23) beat Bee and Rule (14); Patenon and Dal! (26) beat Williamson end Oanninghame (10): Davidson and Howell (19) beat Potter and Watioo (16); Bishop and Baroett (22) beat Sanders and Banders (6) ; Birth and Sinclair (15) best Ibbotsot and Moore (10) ; Barnta and Johnston (23) beat Rodger and Kennedy (8); Oole and Dall (18) beat Heron and Brown (14); Campbell and M&okie (35{ beat Ogilvie and Every (21) ; Green sad Wad del! (23) beat Christie and Christie (6). Second draw— Dr Thomas md Raphael (25) beat) Doddi and Thomas (8) ; Ompbali and Maekie (22) beat Bishop and Barnefcfc (7); B»rth and Sinclair (13) boat Stoke* and Sneddon (15) ; Reid and Maodoa»ld (27) beab Maofarland and D»n (16); Barnes and Johnston beat) Hodges and Cameron ; Payne and Smith (22) bsat Taylor and Bee (18) ; Pope and Young (23) beat Hay and Bee (19); Monson and Monson a bye; Morris and McLaren (20) beat Paterson and Turpte (15); Hnwß and Familton (12) beat Smith and McLnren (17) ; Hftidie and Snodgrass (35) ; beat! Green and Waddsll (14); Davidson and Howell beat Cole and DM ; Forester and Smith beat McHntoheson and Olarkson; Mercer and Neave (18) bsat Foster and Brown (15); Paterson and Dall (18) beat Oraifjheart and (Jolrman (8) ; Mollison acd Mollison (29) beat Coltman and Reid (10)*

An Exciting Incident.

CHINAMAN ROBS A BANK. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Brisbane, April I A Ohinauian entered the Bank of New South Wales, at Toowoomba, flourishing a tomahawk, and seized £30. Hq wae subsequently csptured, after hurling the tomahavk at a constable

Venezuela and America

* , Dinted Press Association—By EUoaio Telegraph—Copyright Washington, April 4 . Vemzaela demands that the Ameri can Minister, Mr Looni?, shall be recalled, A warship will fetch Mr Loonis home on short leave, President McKinley wishing to consult him.

Deductive Earthquakes.

.—,—«- United Frees Association—by Electric Telegraph—Copy sight London, April 3 An earthquake, on Sunday, m South Eastern Europe destroyed the lighthouse at Gape iLaliakra. An earthquake, which occurred m South Eastern Hungary, yesterday, damaged a number of houses,

Affairs in Russia

»..——— . United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) London, April 4 Th« Russian warships which went to TVulon for provisions have been withdrawn, lest their presence nhonld b» misconstrued !n connection with the Franco-Italian naval /eks on the 10th lost.

Federal Celebrations.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—-Copyright (Received April 5, 11.5 pm) Sydney, April 5 The Federal Government has received intirrtAfcioa that Germany will be represented at the opening of the Federal Parliaments by the warehips Hans* and Uormoraa, the former coming specially from the China I station. Rueftia will be represented by the Ororr.iboi, and America either by the New York or the Brooklyn.

CABLE NEWS.

United,Pme AssoßlaUoh—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright A NEW GUN London, April 4 The British Government is testing a | new 9,2 gun at Dover. WHEAT StTPPLY. ! The American visible wheat gapply Is 75,501,000 bushels. [ SUBMARINE BOATS FOR FRANOB. Paeis, April 4 M. Lanesstn, Minister of Marine, has ordered the construction of twenty sab mvrine boate. A GERMAN FLAGSHIP DAMAGED. Berlin April 4 The Prince Henry of Prussia's flag ehip Kaiser Frederick, grounded at Arcons, northeast of the island of Buegen. She was subsequently refloated but is seriously damaged.* A LOAN. A German loan of fifteen millions pfceriina;, 3 per cent,, was covered fifteen fold. *' ' ■

SOCIAL COLUMN.

\Tht matter included m this column is contributed and paid for.]

Our Responsibility for In- temperance.

B* the Bishop ok Newport and i Mbnevia. ' The «m, the evil and the misery caused everywhere m this country by intoxicating drink are ro gfat that it is the duty of all to exert themselves and to make sacrifices m order that the temptations may bo diminished, and the weak and tempted may be helped and sared. There are many demons that walk this earth and do their worst to slay the immortal sonl* of men. There is Pride —which so corrupts the soal made by God for Himself, that man worships himself m the place of God, and will neither recognise God's presence, hear God's voice, nor bond to Gods moat holy law. There is impurity—which seeks contentment m the base pleasures of lower natare, and, which, like some monster with a hundred-fold power o! grip, paralyses the spiritual forces and stifles every divine aspiration. There is Sloth or Spiritual Indifference—an evil spirit made op of ignorance and aullennesa, which persuades men to fall into fatal sleep, which makes the world pleasant, and religion hard and dis agreeable. There ia Hatred, there ia Dishonesty, there is Love of Money, All these have to be fought, or we shall perish: and this ceaseless fight gives our human life its seriousness and its peril.

Bat the drink temptation differs m many ways from all the other evil influences which threaten to drag humanity down to hell, Io the first place, it is far less a part of our own corrupt nature. The inclination to drink to excess is by no means ao inborn m us as pride, luxury, or lazineßs, There are wide regions of the earth where men are haidly tempted to m-' toxication. It is chiefly m the colder countries of the world that nature, being more subject to physical m. flaences which benumb and repress vitality, seems to crave for a stimulant, and even m those climates such a craving is far from being universal. Again, the drink temptation is, far more commonly than other inclinations, traceable to the bodilj constitution, either as inherited from parents or as perverted and corrupted by wilful ex cess. Thus there are those who are born with a strong inclination to intoxication. It is not true to say, as so-called scientific men often do say, that such a craving is sometimes so violent as to deprive a man of the power of resistance. In particular cases it is no doubt true that passion or bodily emotion of any kind may sub merge the reason and the rational will. But this is not true of any roan's life as a whole, Moreover, our natural inclinations, however viole-nt, can be met and circumvented—by avoiding occasions, by keeping away from temp tation, and by taking such prudent and constant precautions as reason and j religion would suggest m a matter so serious. As to those who have fallen j into bad habits for which they sire themselves to blame, they ought to know that habits are no excuse for sins if those habits are allowed to flourish unchecked. When a man has given himself a strong bias m the broad road that leads to destruction, it must bn his life long work to resist 1 hat bias, and to restore his nature to its balance; or sin will accumulate on his path to the grave,

Bat if the drink temptation fo, to a iarjge extent, of men's own making, and thus differs from most others, it is also more closely affected by a man's sur roundings Of these the moat impor tant is social companionship. Very few men or women care to drink m solitude; On the other hand, the evil m most cases begini m sociality. The young see their elders drinking, and they imi tate them; Too often the mere child, sent out for its father's beer, or treated to something stronger when others are taking it, learns wants which nature herself would never have prompted, ar,d the wild beast whfch lies asleep m every human breast wakes up as at the taste of blood. If ever men and women deserve to be drowned with stones round their necks, it is the fathers and the mothers who deprave the bouls and bodies of their innocent children by inoculating them with a taate for drink As our Catholic boys and gills grow up, they have to make their way m l life through an atmosphere of drink, as one walks through the miasma and the deadly peril of an African swamp. There is Beldom a christening, or a funeral, without unnecessary drinking, or even without disgraceful excess. There is a public house at every corner, to tempt the working man, and the working man's wife and the working man's growing sons and daughters There be finds light and warmth and companionship after his work, to in duce Mm to throw away his hatd earned wages, and to starve and shame his family. There, amidst coarse mirth, and treats, and wagers, and jests, and reckless language, be finds the dangerous liquor everywhere, ready to be called for, ready to clench a bargain or to honour a bet, to toast good luck, pr to drown disappointment m fire, Can this be the career of rational men? Can this perpetual fume and reek of alcohol be worthy of Christians who are signed with the baptism of Christ, and have been ad mitted to the Table of the Lord ? Oan this stupid quaffing, this inane hilarity, this irrational talking, shouting, and quarrelling, be the preparation which immortal souls should make for death, judgment, and eternity ? It is true that there are other motives that drive the poor to drink besides good fellowship, It is certain that the half-starved and shelterless find it very hard, when the means are at hand, not to purchase the transitory antidote to hanger and depression which ia aforded by a email quantity of alcoholic drink. The outcast of the streets, the woman who sews sixteen or eighteen hours «» day for a bare sub sistence, the labourer out of work and heavy of heart-—all who have neither food nor fire, neither home nor hope*— all these are grievously tempted to drink, and thus led on to tenfold misery and premature death. We may condemn them, but let us also under stand them and give them our com panion

Neither is it among the poor alone that the drink-temptation does its baleful work. Among the poor is seen most clearly the degradation and the misery that ensue ; but as for the sin, as God eeea the sin, we may often doubt whether it is more rank among the poor or among the weU-to-do. These become accus tomed to see alcoholic liquor connected with every turn and circumstance of life—with the daily meal, the evening hour, the casual friend, the honoured guest ; with the joy«, the festivals, and even the sadnesses o! existence; with social gatherings and public cele brations, and with all that men do or talk about, Even during business hours there is not a little drinking Ailments, fancied or real, nn th« excuse for wine or spirits. Depression, nerves, fatigue, worry, and a hundred other reasons, are alleged bb pallia tion for indulgence ; and such indul geuce grows by degrees into a habit which helds many a man, and many a woman, fast m its fetters. Thus health U ruined, homes are made miserable, religion is disgraced, the sacraments are neglected, and an inheritance of sin is handed on to children who will/ one day, rise In judgment against their parents.

It is not necessary to dwell upon the consequences of this widespread plague and pestilence, as they are witnessed among oar own people It is admitted by those whose love of their race and faith is moct unchallenged, that the Irish people, m this country and even m Ireland itself, ara most seriously weighted m the straggle of life by this unfortunate failing. Other races have worse sins ; and as regards drink itself, the Irish poor m this country are not the most guilty or the most degraded, although their characteristic tempera ment may make them the most easily excited. Bnfc what a force for good, what power m religion and m every depart ment of life, would they be m all the towns of the land, if they were uniform ly self denying and sober ! What ability, what strength, what capacity are marred by the drink habit ! What pleasant homes, what happy flocks, and what bright and happy children we should everywhere see, if no family had within it one member who drank to ex cess. What is it makej oar priests and our churches so poor—that keeps so many homes m a state of wretchedness —that sends the children to school m hunger and raggednese—that title the streets with quarrels, blasphemy, and even bloodshed-—that enables our ene mies to throw the prison statistics is our faces?-add, worse than all, that kills bo many eoula redeemed by Christ and sends them to the judgment with the devil's brand upon them—what Is it bat the madness for intoxicating drink ? What can we do, what can we dis cover, invent, or put m practice to stop this scourge—to lift this black cloui from the face of so fair a portion of Christ's inheritance ? Everyone of us from first to last, is here concerned, for this condition of calamity effects the whole community. There are unny of us, thanks be to God, who are free from the vice we are considering ; but not on that account are we free from responsibility for our neighbours and our fellow Catholics. St Paul said to his disciples, " Concerning fraternal charity we have no need to write to you ; for yourselves have learned of God to love one another." (l Titus iv. 9). It is the special mark of a child of Ohrist to love, not m word only but m doed and m truth, What, therefore, can be done? First, it is the plain duty of every man or woman, who is conscious of weakness m regard to drink, to make a serious and constant effect to avoid occasions and opportunities. There are places, and persons, and acts, which may be innocentinthemselves,but which to certain ttmpersmenta are deadly sin.' This is a principle which you iearn a& children with tba first elements of your religion. If a man has within himself the drink craving, he can only keep it quiet, and get rid of it, by shunning, like a pestilence, the presence of drink. To such a man, to enter a public house is like putting his head on the railway metais before the rash ef the express ; he cannot hope not to be killed, To euch a m«o, the presence of alcoholic liquor within the four walls of his dwelling is like the presence of a rattle* snake J only a miracle can save him from death. To such a man, to join a friend m a drink, is to touch the shaft that is charged with lightning ; his fate is instantaneous and inevitable. Therefore such * man—and there are hundreds m this condition—is bound, even under pain of deadly sin, to avoid such occasions. All those who know by experience that it is more or less certain that if this temptation comes m their way they will fall, must avoid the places, the persons, the acts, and the occasions that will cause the tempta tion. And, spe*Hng nenrraliy, it is the duty of everyone, however safe he may seem to be, to keep away from the company of driukers, to avoid unneces sary visits to the public house, and to exercise strict temperance even m the lawful use of stimulants, Not to speak of men, it is a well known fact, that many women, both among the poor and the well-to-do, bring themselves to degradation and ruin, m soul and body by the practice of taking small quanti ties. Common sense and religion should be strong enough to put a stop to this dangerous and insidious h*bifc ? which medical science denounces as strongly as Christian principle. 18 It goeth m pleasantly,' says the Wise Man,' but m the end it will bite like a ssake, and will spread abroad poison like a basilisk' (Provekbs xxiii SI). Alas 1 how many of these snake bitten and poisoned ones—these women who disgrace their womanhood—are known to the pastors of souls !

Is the next place, it can never be feoo strongly insisted upon, that one grand means to lessen drunkenness among the very poor is to give them decent houses to live m, and to see that they have enough to support Hie m frugal comfort. It may be replied ! that the worst and most incorrigible drunkards are amongst those who can earn good wpgeg, and who spend them periodically m * burst of reckless dissi pation. &M priest know how much truth there is m thisßßutt t for all that, there is more b,ope of reforming those who are m a position to be fairly comfortable than those who are destitute and starving, Every Chris tian, therefore, who labors to better

the material condition of the dregs of our population, is working m the cause of temperance. It need not bo added that a mere increase of wagea or donation of clothing is not wbat is hero meant, but chiefly the inculcation of that spirit of decency, that respect for soul and body, that Christian pru dence, and self denial, and resolution, without which yon raise men out of the mud only to see them roll back into it as soon as you let them alone. And here we approach the considera tion of the sovereign remedy of all the endeavour to obtain God'a help and grace through prayer and the holy sacraments. Temperance and soberness are spiritual virtues—and virtues, more than other good gifts, depend upon spiritual help. It ig * vain, therefore, to hope to reclaim the drunkard! or preserve the sobriety of young or old, unless you can bring him to the practice of Christiaa prayer and religious duty. Even if a nun reforms through natural motives and native strength of character, the vices of his sobriety are tometioiif more disagreeable than those of kit drunkenness. But the Christian ft, first humble—knowing that he can neither rise from evil nor remain con* stant m good without the help of God, Next, he it hopeful and full of faith, for he knows that he has a heavenly Father who has nothing nearer to Hie desire than to draw him to Himself. And thirdly he is obedient—resolutely adopting the means intended by hit heavenly Father to save him, and makmgaaeof thoee divine Sacramentt which convey the Precious Blood to bis weak and sinful soul,

Finally, among the remtdjti fa? intemperance, there is that will known resolution, pledge or pro mise, by which a man endeavours to bind his infirm nature and to streng then his wavering purpose. This pledge is not a vow ; but a good reso lution, made aloud and with bended knee, accompanied by a promise to a minister of God* It ia obvious that a person who is constantly taking the pledge and constantly breaking it, should not be encouraged m what seems to be mere mockery. Bat as long as there is a.serious intention to keep such pledges, the external pro* mise is a help and an encouragement As regards the resolution of total abstinence, it is one which, for some people, is absolutely necessary; be cause there are some who cannot save theit souls without it. But it is also m the highest degree meritorious m those who do not require it. It is a most admirable practice of Christian self denial. About nine years ago, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIII, m a Brie? addressed to Archbishop Ire land, of St Paul, Minnesota, after re citing soin** of the evils occasioned by intemperance, said :—' Therefore We commend m the highest decree those pious Societies which so nobly propose to practise Total Abstinence from all intoxicants. It cannot be doubted that such a Pledge (firma volwntas) is an rppoitune and most efficacioua remedy, for this mosfi grievous evil; and the greater the authority of those who make if, the greater will be the influence of good example m restrain ing others from intemperance, E«pe ciftliy powerful m this matter will be the zeal of priests.' n Like all other extraordinary morti fications, it should not be undertaken without consideration and advice. But when prudently taken up and faithfully practised, with interior ac ceptance of such inconveniences at it carries with it, and without pride, self sufficiency, or the habit of reflection upon other people, it cannot fail to draw the heart nearer to Christ, Moreover, it is, m this country, a work of splendid brotherly love, It is an example of the most powerful kind. It is a most precious encouragement to the weak and the tempted. It is a witness, a profession, a rallying to the side of Christ, m a matter m which the enemies of the Cross of Christ are counted by the hundred thousand; Therefore, may God bless all priests and people who join the League of the Cross, and take part m the battle against drink!

For those who do not make tbig sacrifice, there are other practices of i prayer and mortification which might be taken up for the same purpose. A custom which has been adopted m many charcheß might with advantage be extended, A card has been pub 1 lished Wy the Biahops, on which are printed nine different resolutions, *]1 referring to the praat evil of intem perance. The resolutions are read occasionally from the pulpit, and the faithful, are invited to choose one or mere of them, and to pat them m practice at least for a ttme. We may not be willing, or able, to abstain alto gether ; bnt we can at least abstain partially ; we can resolve to drink beer, spirits or wine not oftener than once a day—or only at meal times—or never m a public house—-or never on Friday (m honour of our Lord's Passion), or on Saturday (m honour of the Sorrows of our Lady) ; or we might give np spirit* altogether ; or at least; we might offer up Masa, or say the Rosary.or perform acts of mortification for the promotion of tern* perance and His diminution of int xica fclon. "Do you t*ke courage, and le. not your handa be weakened ; for there shall be a reward for your work(2 paralipomemn xy. 7). Yes, ib is a work which coocerua us all, It is too much the custom to treat the great) avil of drunkenness with levity ; to laugh, and to pass on. And there are many amongab as who. although they keep out of the cjaea. of drunkards* are for them little concerned for the exis* tence of drunke~n@se,drink far too freely, and are far too fond of intoxicating liquor. * It is nob too much bo say that if those who are at once mod era'e drinkers and far from fervent f/hristisna, would arouse themselves to the sense of the black snd widespread evil that continue* lo wreck the Kingdom of God m this country, their example and Influence would go far to bring a change for the better. May God Inspire them with Christian getteroe* "y- _____

The King's Civil List.

UoUad Fro»fl A-.ocißtion-By Elsctrlo Telegraph—Copyright Londoii, April 5 The committee of the Hotrso of Oomaidu rec mmended a civil iisb of £470,000 iat olu Mng dBHO.COO for the Elog'^priry p»rw, annuities to ih^Duke of Corewall of £20,000, to the Duohens £10,000, to each of the King's daughters £6000, whi'6 the present otmtltM gent annuity of #30,000 if Qwen JLlfxandr* survives King Edward is fixed at £70,0007 »n^ the Duchess of Oornwall't annuity *% £30,000 if the Burviven the Duk«. No prci nosftl ißmade for the Duke of OornwaU'i

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN *■; SATURDAY, APBIL 6, 1901



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4 12 5 19 26 10

0 69 pr 3 27 pt 6 0 pr 9 7u 3 45 az 8 30 & i!



Date pril » If »« »•

6 7 8 9 10

6 25 6 26 6 27 6 28 6 29

Sets 5 40 5 m 5 36 5 35 6 33



IT 13 Wonderfol how nice your Shirt will look after oslng the Rapid Shirt Gloss



Smoke New Ywoe



EASTER HOLIDAY. Notice to Advertisers and Sub scribers. mHE GUARDIAN will Not bk Published on MONDAY, April Bth (Easter Monday). MACK&Y & BELL, Proprietors



THE AHHBUHTON TRAIN BBBVIO BS Traina care Aehborfcon daily for — UHBISTOHUBOH—at 7.20 »m, Ham 3.16 p tn, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 1055 am,3 50 pin DUNEDIN—at 12.64 pan (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily »t Ashburton from— OHKISTOHUROH—at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p tn (express), 8 pm * TIMARU—at 10.35 am,265 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.67 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-ar 8.48 am



" t n COMPARE y^ITH TEA r at mor price ©TM«« I/ft I/ft 2/4, J/Q (S «¥kPHEN ' S QHUROH j!j Ashburton, 4 EASTER EVE {Holy Saturday) 7 30 »m—Holy Communion 9 am—Matina FASTER D4Y (Airll 7) 7 am—Holy Oommußion 8 30 ft m—Holy Communion il a m—Matins. Holy Oomaiuoloa, and B«rmon 2 30 p m—Child tm'e Serwict 8 pm-QKBBNSTBBBT, the Vicar 6 30 p m—Choral Evenaong »d Betmon. R. A. WOODTHORPB, M.A, - Vicar ; "Mali Notices Maile close for the following places as under, aubject to the necessary alterations: SATURDAY, APRIL 6 For Northern Ports and Westport, per j Rntomahanit, at 6 30 pm | For Dunedin, per Talune and ESingamifce at 6 30 p m MONDAY, APRIL 8 For Australian Celoniee, India, China, South Africa, Btraits Settlement, South Africa, also United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, specialty addressed via JBrinditi, pep express to connect with Xalune »t 10 30 »nt^



MR F. N. WHITCOMBE, SURGEON DENTIST, SOUNDERS' BUILDINGS, (Opposite Railway Station, Asbbnrtou) BEGS to intimate that he hao commenced practice at the above address, Having imposed the latesb appliances direob from London and New York, ha I! prepared to do first class work at moderate fees. All work done with care and despatch, and ouly tho beat Bißtorlali used. Stoppings and oire of Children's Teeth & specialty MR WHITOOMBE will Visit as follows :— RAKAIA—Fireb aad Ihkd THURSDAYS of every month at the Rallwaf Hotel, METHVEN— Last THURSDAY of every month at the Canterbury Hotel. Houns-9 till 1, and 2 till 5.



"""* MONEY. MONEY TO LEND od Fre ehol Security, ir puma feo suit borrower^ Apply to 0> MR C. W PURNELL, Solicitor, 2003 Montgomary'a BuUdiog^ TAKE OiRE ARE you getting the very beat value f or yon money m BootH and Shoes ! If do 6, why not try D r'TOCK's 8100 Boot Store next time, and aave 2* m the £1. Pend tJi your repairs, wo want them and will them well, WHY have to pay for other people debts tvhen you can get epeoial value for Oa*h at Gkobgb Lunoaw and Co, Cheap Oa&h Draperß and Clothiers. Special Bargains, Special B»reninE —Gr*>y Calicoes 2^d White do 2j}!, Art Muslina 2|,Cretonne» 3|d, Linen Tabling ll|d, Brown Tuik Towels S^, White do s|l, Laoe Cnrtainß, tiped edijef, charming designs, la 6d, Is lid, 2a 3d, 3i 3d, up to 15s, Toilet Govern Bid, Antimaccastirs 7id, White Satin Quilts from 4« 6d, Honeycomb do 4s 91, Colored ' do ga 3d, Americm Leather 11$4, Ticking DUNCAN & CO, BEADY MONEY DRAPERS, TAKCRED STREET ■TTjßT^Ulipackldk""diroob fro^m the Pub t) lißheia—Family Bib Sea (grand value), Pocket Bibles, Prayer and Hyma Books, and Picture Bookß. Also to hand—New Lines m Purses, Perfumery, Fancy Soap, Cheap Jewellery, Fancy Glass and Flateware. A T. H. WILLIAMS, Eaab Street, 'Next Messrs W H Cniln" & Co; ~"~CTrK NisAOKb. OUR Next Shipment of full size CORN SACKS, ex ' Whangapi,' m due at Lyttelton ehortly, and we are now booking Orders for delivery, ex ship. Farmers will pleaae advise ue of tne!r requirements promptly, to save extra railage and handling, 8 36 FRIEDLANDBR BROS, IfflJ).



GREAT CLEARING SALE OF PIANOS_& ORGANS. HO BEASOSABLE OFFKR BJBFCSED. The Dresden Pianoforte Company A RE now holding their Annna! S»ie of Pianos and Orgaou, when their large and I ■'■■ varied Block of first ela*a inetrumeutß will be .if red to fhe public afc wholaaalo M-iees for each or on the most reasonable terms. Ths lDsfcrumpota »r® on view ftfe JHB Dresden Mr Benky tTirmsKSMi's Auction Booms, Hwlock Street. Their Mr R A Hornp, EaleEnrna from the bend office, DuDedio, w.ll be m •Uend»noe at the abi ye addresu. . .  . ... j i_ The Sale will tot for a f*w we*ks only, »nd intending purchaser* are invited to call at orce &nd inspect the stock, whin Mr Home will tupply all icformation rtqaired. J A X REIDLE, General Manager



GATES, LOWRY ANJU CO., JiAVES JTUSS1 1 OJPJBNKJI3 mHE VERY LATEST IN ACETYLENE G&S LAMPS, THE VERY LATEST IN OIL LAMPS, THE VERY LATEST IN BELLS, Including the Electric Push Button N Z Flag Bell. Large Supply o£ Fresh OARBIDE also to hand . (Our Carbide is crushed and r@ady for me.) ACCESSORIES at Chribtchurch Prices, and Everything a Tourist; requires can be obtained at Zealandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON



N.Z- CLOTHING FACTORY. NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS. 25 DOZEN. HARD A NIC SOFT FELT HATS. All the Newest Shapes from ss. GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY; N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY-



WA L L P_A PE RS. TV B HAVE T0 HAND per the last Home boat—29 Bales of the very atest ARTISTIC P^PBRHANOTNGS, the Colourings and Designs o which are decided works of art. Included m the shipment are fieaatifn Friezes and Borders to match the Papers. . I hold the largest stock of WALL PAPEHS In fcouth Oanfcerbary 'Clients can therefore rely upon having a large variety of each respective sort to choose from. J-f-f TXT d iTVTIT HOUSK| DBOORATOR AND SIGN- W I I iiNl 1 I Opposite Mak mm, § f I JLJLJkJ \J i.l « Burnett Streefe. P O Box 16 Telephoo©