Commercial.

United Press Association—Bj Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, April 12 Th» American visible wheat supply is estimated at ?3,87i,000 bushels.

Mail Notices

Mails dose for the following places ai under, subject to the neoesßatv alteration! : SATURDAY, APRIL 13 For Northern Ports and Westporb, per Rotomahßua, at 6 30 p m MONDAY, APRIL 15 For Tasm&oift and Australia (dne Me!* bourne April 22nd), Oeylon, India, China Sferaits Settlement, South Africa blbo United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, (dan London May 26th) via Brindisi, per express to connects with Waibralia »b 12 30 p m Tor Northern Ports and Weitpont also Monte Video, Teneriffe, and United Kingdom, specially addreesed per Wskatao* also parcels for United Kingdom and Gun' tinenb of Europe, per Rotorua »t 10 30 a m

Ashburton Gusrdian MAGNAEST VERTAS ET PRÆVALEBIT SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1901.

Wk need make no apology for return ing to the subject of the proceedings of the Trades Unions and of their repre spntative* m the Trades and Labuor Conference ju^t held m Dunedin, seeing what m remarkable influence they have been able to exercise of late upon the making and administration of oar laws. It will be observed on re ference to oar news columns that oar forecast as to the Unions interfering with the conditions of labour m the agricultural districts has been fully justified, and that an attempt is to be made at once to induce all farm labourers and others connected with agricultural and pastoral pursuits to form Unions. We have had abundant evidence of the manner m which the officials of the Unions pull>the airings, ■o as to be continually bringing pres sure to bear upon the employers of labour; and we may rest assured that the moment these organisations set a footing m the rural districts the mi i dustrles carried on m them must de cline. W« would not fora moment condemn workers for striving to get » fair day's pay for a fair day's work. That is the fundamental principle of industrial progress. Bat we know well that the everlasting demands of the Unions m the many industries with which they are connected keep the employers m a constant state of unrest and effectually extin guish ail hope of successful com petition with outside countries. Tim must eventually kill the industries that are now being carried on under each high pressure conditions Under the guidance of the Unions the workers are trying to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. There must come a time when capitalists will give up the struggle, and go where the conditions are more favourable. Let us hope that the agricultural and pastoral wo. kers will be wise enough to see the pitfall that is being dug for them. In ibe ordinary course of events, the majority of them will become farmers themselves «nd employer! of labour. We counsel them to have nothing to do with the regular Trade Uirons. In case of injustice they can atjanj time combine to appeal to the Conciliation and Arbitration Boards witbomlplacitsg themselves, bound hand and foot m the power of an organi sation, which forbids freedom of con tract, and creates cootinanl friction between employer and employed. %( there be any farmers or employees of labour m the rural districts who are not treating their men as liberally as they should, now is the time to mend their ways, and endeavour to make their employees comfortable and con tented. If they do this the emissaries of the Unions will not meet with much success m their projected cimp«!gn iv the country districts.

Local and General.

TiMAEO Racke.—Bxoursion farms for the Timaru races are advertised m another column. Ham?btjiad Town Board.— Th« ordinary monthly meeting of the Hampstead Town Board, fixed for 3a»t evening, lapsed for want) of a quorum. Another meeting will be called for Tuesday next at 7 30. Overhaul of Races — The Connty Oocmcli advertise that water will be shot off to ena'de occupiers to make the annual claarano? of their races Particulars will be found In advertisement. iMAGiMPHtUfc—- A man named Wiliam Turner, foraerlj afresident m the Old Men's Home, w»a charged at the Magistrate's Courc this morning before Mr Aloorn J P with stealing blankets from that institution. He was sentenced to one months' imprisonment, Constable Fry effected the arreefc very smartly. Dan#kb Au&xp fob Farmers. — The at tention of our farming readers is directed to tha report of ths proei eJicgn of the Trades I aad Labour Oounoil at present sitting m Dunedln, at which a resolution was paised requesting tha* eteps be taken to organise tha agricultural labourers throughout the country districts. Teachebb' Salaries —The teachers' sala ries allocation grant for North Canterbury has not vet been forwarded to the North Canterbury Board of Education though a request for the amount doe was sent to the Department some three weeks ago, when the Board agreed to the Minister's amendments to its scheme ot allocation. Tmb Cash Bbown v Bbown—The long landing and interesting family case of Mrs Brown v Samuel Brown has reached another stage. Fortified by the opinion of eminent Council, Mr Samuel Brown has decided to appeal to the highest; tribunal of the Empire. Security for tha prosecution nf fcbe appeal to tho Privy Coudqll has now been lodged, and all the necessary documents will shortly be remitted to London for the final deotaion of the Bnglish Law Lords. Land Sales—Messrs Friedlander Brt» held 'an auction of farms at Waksaul And Flemiogtoa this afternoon before a very large attendance On account of Mr S Holland they offered three blocks, and on account of Mr Alez Kidd another homestead lot. For the 98 acre farm at J*lemlngtoD, £25 10s an acre was bid c and fos: Mr iUdd's farm of 121 acres £17 was reached. Biddings for these two properties were brisk up to the amounts offered, but) no sales of any of the blocks resulted—»Mr D Thomas submitted the fruity of redemption of R 8 4354 m the Estate of J Stephens, Tinwaid, but) m this cms also the property was pofe disposed of. Mayfield'—Oh Easter Monday a capital concert was held m the schoolroom, (under I the auspioes of the Sports Association) which notwithstanding the inclement weather, was fairly well attended; Mr A Pearse was m the chair, and Mrs Nell, of Spring barn, proved an able Accompanist, ihosa taking parti wire Mrs Walker of Mount Somers, fcvro songs ; Mr Bsseett, af Hinds, two ooroio songs ; Miss 0 Whiting, two songs ; Mr Hewitt, cwo recitations; Mr <S Mpj^mery, with hie Grammaphene; Misaee A anal B Whiting, comic duet J and Messrs Sewell, ©ellow, aad/Sooper tn * farce, entitled 'The .Qtiaok Doctor.? 111 w«r« w good, but that which seemed best to take tm fanoy of the audience was the duet, 'You shan't play m our yard, 1 whlofa was capitally rendered. A danoa was held after vhe jpopeett;

Weather Report.—Captain Edwin tore casts:—West to southwest and south g»l<\ glace rise, but foil again after 12 hours from sow, and wind baoking to northwest. 1.00. F. Church PABADB-lhe Odd* fellows a. c to meefc at the Oddfellows' Hall tomorrow for the Church Parade at 2 p m., and net $ p.m as stated m a paragraph m onr last issue. Dttkr, Dumb, and Bund Ensertaikfks. —The first Kppenrftnoe of fchi deaf and dumb and blind entertainers m Aefaburton is announced for tomorrow night m the Odd* j fellows Hail when a snored cor cert will be giyeo. There will be exhibitions of the' manual sign and the oral systems of conver sation, novel recitations, tableaux and light- Diog sketching by the deaf and dumb, whilst the musical portion of the programme will be rendered by the Blind Musicians. A collection will be made on entering and threepenny pieces will not be accepted from adults. An Objectionable Praoti«s.—The dis graaeful practice indulged m by some evil miadsd person m writing indecent words on and otherwise dufiguring various public places m the town is still being carried os: This morning the grain store and footpath at Mr D Thomas m Burnett street was dis figured io this manner evidently by some youths.. As the matter is m hands of the police it is hoped an example will be made of the offenders when caught. AoMdbn*—Mr W Kerr, of Kerr Bros-, (who it will be remembered lost; his arm through an accident at the Brlckiln,) was driving the firm's trap m Hampstead today when the horse, getting the rains under hia tail, commenced to kick Handicapped as he was with only nne arm Mr Kerr wss unaolo to prevent the animal from getting away and the trap was clashed against a post. Mr Kerr was thrown ont and seriously bruised and cab about, and the trap was badly damaged. The horse was also hart. Dr Bolger attended Mr Kerr, but the extent of his Injuries Is nob yet known. Looal War Funds—A meeting of tha subscribers to the War Fund and Patriotic Fund was called for yesterday afternoon at the County Council rffice to consider the distribution of the balance of the above funds m hand, but owing bo tbe absence of a quorum the meeting lapsed. We|understand that tha Third Contingent war fund stands m credit to the amount of £103 6t 4 i, whilst the oredit balance of the Patriotic Fund is £40 9a 101. Of the original eleven members, who formed the Ashbur toa portion of the Third Contingent four are expected to*ret«rn to Ashbarton m about three weeks, and it was intended that their reception should form one of the scb> jeots to be discussed at the meeting. When tho local members left Ashbarton to join the Third Contingent, it jwill be remembered they were promised a royal reception on their return, and no doubt steps m this direotion will be taken. Ci course all those already here bhottld bs included m the demonstration. The Christohubok Jubilee Mim»rial— A recent! article m these columns npsn the subject of erecting a public memorial m Christohurch appears to have accurately represented public opinion upon this sebj^cb amongst the farming community of Canter bury. At a meeting of the public memorial committee held m Christohurch yesterday, the chairman stated that subscription lists had been placed at workshops and offices of companies, but the result had been disap pointing. At several places there had been do response. At the Farmers Co-operative Association, lists had beeu posted up m order to induce farmers to »üb*cribe. The speaker regretted to hays to announce that the total sum subscribed wae one shilling. {Laughter). The employee? ef the Associa tion, however, hbd given £1 14s 6rl. Tho auctioneers had also been approached, with a view to getting ordinary country tubscrip tiooß at auction sales, but the resu its had b«eu niL Good Templars—-The Grand Lodge sees ion of Good Templars he'd m Nelson this week has been largely amended and very successful* The election of officers rssulted si follow:—Grand Chief Mr EH Taylor ('htunee) Grand Yiceolttef, Miss Baritrop (Neison); Grand Counsellor, Mr G Peterick (Wellington) G 8 J T Mrs Cameron (Danedin) Grand Saprttary. Mr D OCameron (Dunedin) Grand Treasurer, Mr J O Thoro, (Caver shair.); Grand Ohaplain, Mr T D»lbon. (South Dunedin); Grand Marshal, Mr J Irmos (MorQiogtcn)( GE 3, Mr T Thompson (Wellington) .— A Dristrict Lodge of Good Templars was organised m Ashburton ob Good Friday evening. Delegates from tho subordinate fyirigpfjirere present. Many brothers mid si.ttera of the Grand Lodge on their way to the Grand lodgp, stayed aver? night at Ashburtop, to help to aend the new Lodge on their way successfully. Bro D Cameron, G.S. presided. The following officers were duly elected,*and installed into their respective officae: —D.O.T. Bro G V Westbrooke; T. Counsellor Bro Pearton, D.V.T.* Sister C Andrews; D.S J T. Sister Rands D.B. Bro R Slvewdght; D. T. Bro Higgs, D. C. Bro J W latteriok, D. M. Bro Mahoney, D. G. Bro W Batteeiok, D.S. Bro H Rands. Bro B Weafabreoke was appointed on motion to the office of DPC T, DAS Sister A Blair, DDM Sister Butler. The next meeting will b« held m Methvem on May 24th at 2 30 p m. Congers at Tinwaldj — The Ashburton Musical Union may be congratulated on the success of their concert) m the Tiowald Templar Hall last evening. The hall was wall filled, and the audience gave repeated demonstrations of its approval. The orchestra duriag the evening gave three items, viz: —'The Jesters,' ' Dorothy,' aad ' Geisha,' m a very efficient manner, *lao accompany ing the clarionet solo by Mr B Undrlil, * The Soul's Awakening,7 and the cornet sole by Mr Savage, ' The Deathless Army,' both of which were much appreciated by 'the audience. 4lr Burgass sang ' L«t me like a soldier fall,' m hie tisnal •^pressiye and pleasing manner. Mr Son wart?, sang * The Song of Angrtlg,' which la new to us. It is a good matt, and reoeived masterly treatment at the hands of Mr Bohwartz, with full string accompaniment We hope lo bear it ag»in m a larger hall. Mr W Brooking sang 4 Kmpreee of the Wave,' m his n«u»l robusO etylf, and Miss Feoks sang a very pretty song entitled 'The Old Country,' which was well received. Mr and Mrs Snodgrass pleased the audience with their excellent rendering of the vooil duet Maying,' which they were oalled upon to repeat, m this instance fche accompanimen; being nicely played by Miss Saodgrass. Bub nnth» lag sitlsSed the audience to much as Mr McClurg'fl rendering of 'Alice, where art) thon!' on the violin. He surpassed himself, ani responded to an enthusiastic encore by playing a piece of quite a different character. Mr Tlmmins' limelight views were much appreciated, Epecialiy those illustrating the songs «Anchored' and 'The Children's Homo/ tendered by Mr Schwartz and Mrs Dee respectively. ' Leb the hills resound with song ' was well rendered by the chorus, and i sncoesaful oonoert wae brought to a olo*e at ID 50 by the singing of • God save tha King.' Mr H f#ates pondactetf In his usual efficient; manner, and this piano acoompsnimenta were played by Mrs Olatidge, Miss Snodgrass, and Mr F Curtis.

News in Brief

The Coronation, according to one Hondo journal, is to be on July 24th. Holland's wedding present to Queen Wil- Memina will be a new orown of great value and artistic magnificence— Express Beprei^atjtjivee of the London drapery trade have already made private represent tionß at Gourb m favour of some curtailment of the period prescribed for public mourning la a reoenfe issue we circulated an Intefc containing a few nub of hundreds of original and unsolicited testimonials m reference to a new patent waahiag machine which the D.1.0 are introducing into this distrlob. We are informed that the grit shipment of these j are all sold out and that the second ihfpmenb is due oa the 13bb iask, and at tome people doubb the ability of these machines to do what is claimed for them, the firm—-until the end of the preient month—offer anyone a free trial of the maohine m their own homes, stipulating only thai m the went of not purchasing country client* shall return the machine free of coat to the firm, the firm taking aU responsibility as regards damage, breakage eto We would remind our readers this splendid offer of testing the machine free from any responsibility is only available until tbe 30th April, aad all orders for free trial mujfc c« m on or before that date.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

\ The following concludes our report of yosttrdaj 'a meeting : CCRHBiPONDKNOI Correipord«ac6 was rrad as follows: — From the Rangitata Road Board r* fence ereoted across the Hinds riverbed, and re* questing tha Council to cause its removal The Ohairmfcn pointed oat that pur chaser! of land had the idea that shsy had a right to the me of the riverbed Mr Wright stated there were dozens ef fences across this river, He thought the engineer should report on the matter, and this coarse was decided upon Markey's Bridge—-F?om the H&mpstead Town Board re footbridge adjoining Mar key's bridge, to the ef «* tb»t they oould not contribute more than the £7 previously cjforud Mr Frledlander's nofciee •! metlon tabled at a previous meeting to rescind t former resolution to adhere to a contribution of £10 was then dealt with. As » 'member for the riding he was of opinion that the Hampstaad Town Beard should be rellevtd of any contribution whatever, and he thought the former rnsnarks made by the Councillors were mad* under a misapprehen sion when they considered the Hatnpstead Board bad attempted le dictate to the Council m this matter* From the records it appeared that the Council had decided to { take over Markey's bridge, and they gave notice to this effect to tb* Hampstead Board. After this tha questien was raised j as to the erection of a footbridge, and the engineer reported m its favour, but made a suggestion that the Hampstead Board should be consulted, and the latter was only asked to give an opinion opon the proposed structure. He eontidered that under the circumstances the Board w»s very reasonable m their offar of £?. Sinoe 1816 ap to 1900 the Board bad contributed £808 to the Council, whilst only £60 had fcsen spent as a retun.,, and he considered it the duty of the Coanoll to erect this bridge, seeing the Board had contributed thirteen times as much as th«y had received In reply to a question of Mr Johnstoc's, it was stated that the Board contributed according to the general rating Mr Wright seconded Mr Friedander's motion, and added that he would go even farther, and dispense with the application for the £7 asked. Th« question of M«key's bridge was always cropping up, and he could oos understand why. The bridge was gene* rally useful to all m the county on sale and rao* days, and he thought it wrong to make the slightest dev.ur to doing this work for the Hampetead Town Board. The motion was then pub and carried, Mr Johnston opposing. Mr Friediander farther moved that the of ar of JR7 tendered by the Hampstead Town Board be accepted and that the successful tenderer Mr P Norman be instructed to proceed with the work ; and this was agreed to. The Winterslow Track—A letter was read from Mr Duncan asking the Council to ascertain from the Government what was the position m connection with the formation of the Whitcomha Pass Track, and as a result of enquiries the Government stated that) most of the formation was on the Westland side and that Instructions had been given to proated with the portion In the Hokitika valley, as soon as plans were prepared. The members of the Council appeared to consider this rrpfy unsatisfactory Intimation was further received from tbe Government ihat it approved of the Winter slow track being carried cut by contiaot Instead of by co-operative labour. Ranflitata Bridge—-From the Government respecting Rangitata light traffic bridge, aad supplying particulars as to how the question of subsidy originated and asking if any pro posal was to be mfcde. The petition had besn prssented m 1898 by Mr Fiatman and £500 had been placed on the estimates. Mr Friediander moved, that the Council considers a light traffic bridge unnecessary «fc present, and r< quests the Government to denote part of this vote to extend the present ■took bridge to the north cad of tha present railway bridge, seconded by Mr Harper and carried. Mr Wright stated that Mr Fiatman's pro posal would run into £6000 and he (the speaker) was satisfiad they would not be justified m askiog the Gevernment to oarry out this work, Californian Thistle—Fr< m tha Canterbury Go Urge on the subject of California!! thistles on Reserve 2254, and declining to pay the Council's account of £4 8s 114, ia getting rid of this weed. Tbe chairman Intimated the work had been done at the instance of the College, and it was ultimately decided to leave the matter to the chairman? Bubonic Pkgne-—A circular waa received from the Department of Public Health re garding the bubonic plague, but it was ■hows the m».ttior eou'd not then be dealt with by the Council, Slaughtering Act-—A letter was read from the Ashburton Borough Council, and from the Department of Agriculture rt Slaughter ing Aot, 1900, and It was decided that the chairman and Mr Stitt be appointed to ooafer with otheir local bodies to take united action. Thompson's tobd. wkwald Mr Harper gave * verbal report of the committee appointed to deal with this matter, and Sbeir suggestion was to do away with oos ford, and substitute a pipe* The report was agreed to. MtSOKL&AHftOC* It wa« resolved that the chairman be authorised to attaofa the County seal to the Ashburton Forks debentures, and other documents. The application of Gallagher Bros, for extension of water race was not granted. Mr Stoddart's application was agreed to for a pond service? PUNBBAL BAT! It wai decided to strike a id late at nnt meeting from Ist April, 1901, to ?isb March, 1902, payable on 20th May m one instalment: The Wakanul protection works scoount was shown to be m credit £$5 12s, a»d a payment of £24 Cs 6d had to be made to I the Government next August i In this o&se ! no rate was struck. CLEARING WATEE HACKS OK ROADS A letter was read from Mr Puruell, tbe I Council's solicitor, m connection with the I Court case reoently tried and lost, versus Price, and enclosing a draft of a new bylaw making it clear that the adjoining occupier must maintain any race next to his land. Mr Frisdiander moved that tho lubjtot be dealt with by a Committee comprising tbe Chairman and Messrs Wright, Johnston and the mover, and this was decided upon. Alteration of Boundaries of Ranglbata and Aaama Road Distpiot-—Mr Parnell wrote that this alteration would necessitate a cor responding alteration m boundaries of Raogibat* and Mount Somera Ridings of county. The Clerk was instructed to pre pare a ret»ru of tho rateable valuj of tbo new districts, and the Chairman and Mr Wrighb were appointed to act as a Com mittee m this connection, RtTAFUNA WATBR SUTrLT In connection with the proposed concrete or iron piping to be inserted to repair damage at this quarter, the engineer read details of the coat, which <how«d that iron pipes would cost 80 pcs cent more than concrete, which could o« made on the

ground ' Mr Wright considered concrete would prove everlasting, whereas iron piping of the proposed thickness would eventually mat through On a motion by Mr Johnston, it was resolved to form the repairs m concrete piping of 36 inehet Mr Wright here made an explanation regarding the remarks mads by Mr Taylor at the meeting of ratapayers, wherein the latter had stated Mr Wright obtained water from the Ruapuna race without nuking payment for same. Mr Wright pointed oat thsfe the engineer when present at the mating bad given a oorreob answer to the misstatemeat made by Mr Taylor. Mr Wright went on to explain that the tail race bad a mile frontage to the river and it entered his land, but certainly not for bi» convenience, 9nd when the question of getting rid of this tail raoa arose Mr |S»zter asked lor permission to take the race into his (Mr Wright's) land, and hie reply wai to the effect that he would prefer not as an accusation ot the character made "by Mr Taylor might eventually be made. Mr Baxter had pointed out to him the difficulty of getting rid of this water, and ultimately m order that the water should not be wasted he had agreed to allow it to pass through big land. Mr Harper here said that when a person atli public mettingwai hostile be mail

unreasonable statements m m this instance, and he would road a totter from Mr Wright *o the County Eogineesy!»t«rl 4th December, 1899, bearing oat what Mr Wright had said when the question came op originally. Mr Wright had granted aooomodation'to the Council whereby it was saved double or treble the cast, but Mr Taylor's misstate m«ot w&8 not tha only one mads by him at I feht Ruapana meeting. Mr Wright's letter referred to, which was as follows, completely cleared up the matter to far *s he was concerned: — 1 If you c»n dispose of the water from the tail race, I would rather that you did so without entering my land. The water will be of no use to me, at the water nevar fails m this paddock, and I shall tome day be told that it wan run for my beneSt. With ! this protest I shall not oppose if the water is really wasted through my land.' A letter was read from Mr R Davlp, com ptainiag of undeiirable men camping m the ! river bed near his land, and the chairman was deputed to make enquiries and deal with the complaint it is the powtr of the Cosnoi!. Ik w*s resolved that the work, *s reoom mended by the Engineer, be carried out. MNANCK Accounts amounting to £42415s lid were daly passed for payment, and the followingi statement of various accounts was read :—

THE CONWAY CASE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph _, „ liUNMnr, April 12 Ihe Sydney police bare cabled for Oooway's litter; Bhe will probably leavt tin Melbourne on Monday, Chrissdhubch, April 12 MrsHaskett, Mite Lancaster and Mr B Smith, assistant at Bonnington's chemist •hop, have left for Sydney to give evidence fa the Cod way osse. It is etated that the evidence of Ifiai Lancaster will be sensational Laxib I Three more witnesses m the On way ctise' lefb for Sydney by the Taravera tonight. The Star states that one will give evidence to hearing Mrs Smith tay that «h» had seen a forboneteller, who had told her that the wat about to take a tea voyage, and that a man should die on board tbe ship. This witness also deposes to being asked by Mrs &tinith what sort of poison strychnine war, whether i% wat solid or liquid, and wh&t wrre the tffectg. Witnaas will also state that after the day when Con way was allngad to have been drugged at Stunner, Mrs Smith had «atd the had given strychnine to a dog at Sumner, and the animal had died immediately, amusing her very much by its convulsive struggles. The witness will further give evidence a« to having bean told by Mrs Smith that she had some pretty nuggeta of gold, whioh she would show to the witness, mud which, it was stated, had been obtained from a olaim near Duaedin — It is known lhab Conway had, previous to the Sunnier affair, carried a number of small imggett m his pocket book.

South Africa.

United Press Association—by Electric? Telegraph—Ooßvrfoht

COLONIAL CASUALTIES.

Received April 12,11.50 p m Lonboh April 12 Liencenant J. G, Rose, of the New £oal*nd Rough Riders, has been dia charged from tbe hospital and has resumed duty. Corporal W. C, Lawrie, of the New Zealand Mounted Corps, bat been severely wounded. Private Fraser, of tbe Tatmanian Bushmen, wai killed at Pietersburg. Private Angel, of tbe Auitnlfen Bushmen, hat died of woanda received at De Feer'i Pass.

TWO HUNDRED BOERS SURRENDER.

BOERS EVACUATE SMITHS DORP. HOOPSTAD BELIEVED. Beceived Aptil 12, 11 50 pro London, April 12 General Plutner is cfearing th« Northers Transvaal; Two huadred Boers ear rendered with s quantity of etock. The Boers have evapuated Stpiths dorp. The Boer leaders are using the severest coercion to prevent surrenders. Major-Genera! Lord Errol has re \ lieved Foopstad, whiph w«i isolated and on short rations, He withdrew the garrison and destroyed the fortifi cations! London, April 12 The Tim* states that there m no foundation for the Oape Town story that Botha baa renewed peace negotia tiono, Resident; Magistrates, chiefy local Afrikander barristers and attorneys, who have sworn allegiance to Great Britain, have been appointed to exer cise at Pretoria, Potchefßtrooro, Johan nesburg, Krugersdorp and Boksburg all civil and criminal jurisdiction m the Landdroßts' Courts, Special crimi. nal Courts, consisting of three mem bers sitting without a jury, will meet at Pretoria and Johannesburg under the Transvaal law procedure with English pleading. Military tribunals have been abolished at Pretoria and Johannesburg, The British War Office has ordered oncers or soldiers displaying tjje white flag to b* court oiarfeiaHefJ [ Two hundred rsbels, under Com mandant Froneman, have reacoed Kbama's Country, crossing en route to German West African territory. Berlin April 12 The Capetown correspondent of tht German newspaper Frankfurter Zti^ lung^ describes the Boers' position as desperate, and declares that De Wet is insane, and his troops are threating bis life. Paris, April 12 The Dihats Bays that it is impossible for the Boers to (gain anything by continuing resistance.

The Advantages of Australian Morses.

United Press Acsooiation—By Elect rio Telegraph—Ccpyrigb b London, April 11 The German forces m China find the horses obtained from Oregon noroly and hard to train, and altogether inferior to Australian hones,

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD

The ordinary monthly meeting of the High School Board wm hold yesterday. Presents—Messrs Andrew Or (chairman), M Sfcitl, 1) Williamson, and W B Denshire. Apolcjjie» were received for the absence of Me*Bre Friedlander and Chapman. jD o^*r, d- bi* baUno* »* b»°k was reported as The master's report stated thufc the roll num ber wai 47. He recommended that the piano ab the tohoo! be retained, as it waa of benefi, to pupils. Mr Denshire fchotsghb the piano had originally been purchased with the object of making revenas, whereas is now appeared there was a> desire to keep it for the amusement of the students, Air Williamson considered that if it be left at the school it should be under the supervision of the teachers Jl wai resolved to allow the instrument to rem .m, the headmaster to be responsible for its care. As Mr Oorbett bad declined to clear gone on his rescrv, a tender was accepted from Mr Alfred Megeon, sni it waa decided that he should carry out th<s tile - o\ THB BOARD'S RKSEBVJiS: Mr Denshire brought up the subject of inspecting ths Board's reserves ; he was m favoar of the members holding a persons 1 inspection Mr Williamson advocated at least a periodic*! inepeo ion. Mr Denshire moved that Messrs D. Williamson aad M. Stitt inspect the reserves m the Fork* district, the chairman and Messrs Denshire and Chapman to inspect m the Hinds and other quarters, and this was agreed to. Mr Da- ehire waa deputed to have the fence round the girls' school attended lo» Accounts amounting to £61 19s 8d were pause! for payment, after which the Board rose.

Rating on Unimproved Values,

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Invisoabgill, April 12 A petition is m circulation here, and is being rapidly signed, to demand that the Mayor should submit a proposal to & poll of ratepayers for the adoption of rating on unimproved values. The proposal wbea submitted three years ago wai defeattd through the requisite number of ratepayers nob going to the poll. The present action is due to the amending Act of last session, which enables a bare majority to ssttlt the faettion.

Wreck of the Ariadne.

United Presi Aggooifctvoß—By Kleotrfo (Tolsgfaph Oaukuv Apiil 12 The inquiry into the stranding of tht yacht Ariadne was resumed tc-day J O Kerry, the owner of the yaoht, after expressing an objection to divulging the price he had paid for the yaoht, a* it was praotioaUj a gilt, laid h« bad paid Lady Ingram £2000 for her. The vessel was insured for £20,000, witnt«s Uking on* half the risk of £10,000. Sho wai insured itf London, hi April of lub year, for twelve moDthii The vessel was overhauled in' Sydney when the arrived there. He had discharged the ortw he brought) horn Home, knd took on a fresh one; The captain* orders were to proceed to Dunsdin to be provisioned, nob refitted, but since he gave these order* he had cabled to proceed to Auckland to be refitted fnr England. Noth ing was taken otu of the yacht before the left Sydney for New EcsJand In the course of hi* examination, witnc«t> «ppealsd to the Coarfc for protection against question* relating to his transao'loQ with Lady Ingram over the purchase of the vessel, but) the Court ruled that, the quratioas must be answered Oouosel also asked questions regarding the past history of the witness. He said that he had served ai a seaman on board the ship Lochie', but it was m order to get to Leper Island, m the New Hebrides. He j was never charged by a man named Aiher, , who wai owner of a schooner named the Harold, with participating m the t heft of a bag of sovereigns. Asher charged every body. Ashst had not sufficient money to pay the orew, and stdd a bag of aorereign* had been stolen. He had been searched, at his own request, and the marked coins found on him were proved te have been given him by Asher m Noumea, »ud were returned to him. He oould not iay whether he had anything to do with the New Guinea Exploring Company, and he dclinad te say whether he had produced to anyone a nugg«t of gold which he wa« reported to have aald t wa3 found on the coast of New Guinea. He had never promoted a compaiy To Mr Hanlon the witness said he hai b«eo offered, m writing, £17,000 for the yacht, and she was under offer at £19,600. Percy Atfcwood, who was steering at the time of the stranding, said hs was engaged by Mr Kerry, but had do conrersatlon with him, and did not see ths captain till he stepped aboard. He had only been » few minutes at the wheel when hs noticed breakers Both the mat* and captain ordered the helm hard np. He did not go to the companion to sing out)' bresktrs,' as he bad been rebaked once for leaving the helm. The diioipline on th« vessel was bad. He iaw the breakers at 8 7pm, but as there was a man on the look out he did not consider ib his duty to report it The Court adjourned till tomorrow.

A Melancholy Affair.

(Jcited Press A««ooi*tion—By Eteetrio Telegraph

DfNEDJN, April 12 Dr -I Ward of Biversdale, who died m the Invercargiil Hospital yesterday, was a rletim to the mining boom. The de* ceased was charged ab Gore last week with attempting to gomnrlt suicide by catting his throat. The circumstances surrounding the case are very sad. Some* time ago the deceased invested heavily m dredging shares, and became financially embarrassed. He left Riveridale a few months ago, with the intention of starting m practice at Fielding, but; returned to River adale about three weeks ago. On Tuesday, April 2, Dr Q Copland, of Gore, was called mto attend Pr Ward, and found him suffering fom the effects of poison. Dr Ward admitted that In a moment of desperation he had taken a dose of cyanide of mercury v and expressed sorrow at what ho had done. Next d»y when Dr Ward and hia housekeeper were sitting at dinner, he picked ap a knife and attempted to cat his throat with it. Dr Oakland was again summoned, and as Dr Ward's state was then such that he was thoroughly bent on self-destruction, the police were communicated with, with the result that Dr Ward was charged with Attempted suicide. The wound m his throat was % mere scratch, and on re* moval to Invercargiil Hospital he was treated for poisoning from the effects of the cyanide of mercary. ijowever he never recovered, and he died yesterday. Deceased was over sixty years of age, a widower, with one son, who la stated to be fn Sweden.

The Plague.

United Prtii A««oes»fcion— By ESeefcrio Telegraph Brisbane, April Ig Robert Kennedy, a fireman on a steamer, died m the hospital, and a post mortem examination disclosed that death was duo to plague*

The Chinese Situation

United Press Association—-by Eleotrio telegraph—Copyright L»ndon, April 12 The Chinese murdered Bartacb, a German infantry captain, outside Pekin.

SOCIAL COLUMN.

[The matter included m this column is contributed and paid for.}

Catholics *&& Protestant*

BOTH PLEAD FOR CONTINUED PROHIBITION, "Cambridge, M&ieachasetti, is * city of 85,000 inhabitants. In 1185 it rotei the saloons or public-houses oat of existence. Each year sine* it has reaffirmed that decision. The 'annual minister*' appeal for No License It written by a Roman Catholic prieit, i tign«d by nine prieits of that faith, and by every Protestant pastor m the city. In ten years previous to the No License victory th« city valuation dropped to the tone of £600,000, In the ten years coder Prohibition the city valuation, rose to the tune of £4,800,000." —"C ofE famperwm Chronicle" June 10th 1898. CATHOLIC LIQUOR 7IGHTBBS, Father Oleary said : "There never was a time m the, history of oar coin* try when it was more important than oar Catholic people make no mistak* m the discussion of the great social problem imitating the public miod, The rights and proper privileges of the honest labouring man are m danger, more, however, from the intrigues of the liquor-seller than from the en croachments of capital. It is ft well recognised fact, that the widespread •ril of patronising the saloon has taich to do with delaying a settlement of labour dificnlties^as also of multiplying their number. If the giant corse of drink were removed, the way woild bt easy and plain to a solution of the labour problem. It is not surprising therefore, that the leader of the labour Ing men declares he would prefer a following of 100,000 total abstainer! to 12,000,000 moderate drinkers, pat rons of the liquor saloon. The labour ing man will never secure the rights and privileges due to honest labour 40 long as the saloon receives a large share of his earning*. The most prudent economy can suggest no more reliable safeguard against foolish and sinful extravagance than a total abstinence society; It is the most practical kind of an antipoverty society. Bishop Ireland, m his address m St Paul's Cathedral, August 2nd, 1882, said :—" The populations of the nor thern countries of Bo rope and of Amer ica m a special manner safer from the ravages of intemperance, A most un natural thirst for alcohol, as the intoxi cating fluid is called, devours them. The thesis is maintained by most able physicians that alcohol is no food, pro ducing neither heat nor strength ; that it is no stimulant, increasing the healthy activity. oJE a.n,y organ , of the body, although it may allow of a dis orderly action. I will never cease pointing oat, with tin tindeviating finger, the harbour of peace and of security—-total abstinence. Believe not that it is a difficult task to lead men to total abstinence. Yoar records toll a different story. Oountiug ail Catholic total abstinence societies m

Americ*, whether connected with the Union or not, we have 100,000 total abstainers. la this m small number, when we know that not very earnest, persistent effort has been made 10 far I Remember the magnificent success of Father Matthew ! See what Cardinal Manning and Father Nugent hare dont m England ! To the priests of th« Oharch who laboar to farther the ctan of total abstinence I offer, m a ipecial manner, my congratulations and soy thanks. With them pre«emin«ntly resss the future of their people, Their earnest co-operation ii all that ig nted ed to ensure the success of the total abstinence movement, " The Bishop of Salford gives many causes for the loss of faith of the chid* ren, bat one demands onr special atten tion, <( The drinking habit of parents, producing thriftlessness, poverty re* ligious indifference, and a general degradation of mind and body, m which the children participate. " This cause is, indeed, only too obviooa. What are we doing to lessen it. ' It is more than ten years aince Car dinal Manning said: "If we had begun the League of the Gross twenty five years ago, we should have a huo« dred thousand more Catholics m Lon don. If, twenty five years ago, men and women had been sober, there would hare bean that number of Oath« olics more today than there is, " There are thousands of sons and daughters of Irish parents m th« work' house. How did they get there f By drink, They went into the work* house to get bread, and their children were brought op without faith and without religion, And ye% so far at wel^to-do Catholics are concerned, tht Catholic Temperance movement if practically ignored, if, indeed, h is not actually and openly despised; whila even amoag those who abstain them selves there is far too little zeal for the welfare of others. "THE CHURCH OF FN6LAHD TIKOPEKAKCS CHRONICLE** Pl/EABS FOB GLEAX £K» TIKONMENTB.

The basis o! our movement as a Chris' Man movement has been dearly laid down by the " Chnrch of England Teraperanea Chronicle" of Jane 3rd, 1898, In » l»sd* lag article, from which we take th« follow' log :—•«* We are qnite aware that modem Church'life demands frtom the clergy and Church'workers of to b>y *a very varied application of their talents Hfen and women are beginning to realise more and more how closely the|health and prosperity of the eon! is dependent on the health and prosperity of the body. \f« are beginning to understand that, although there are some noble souls who pas tend their spiritual life m the desert^ of the world, and yiho ara able, by the grape pf God, to rise superior to degrading en* Vironmente, and a dead tot Jon of spiritual agencies m the common walks of life, still the number who can do bo is comparatively small, and that, as a rule, immoral com* panlons. dirty and disreputable homes, poverty and disease so weight down the Inner and spiritual life that, If Church work la to be effectual, and the Imitation of Christ is to be a real object m the life of Church workers, we mast straggle la an infinity of different directions tc remove the hindrance to the proper development of the spiritual side of humanity.^ 1 MORI DREADED THAN IPX££W. Chas.' A Dana, D^. Secretary ol War from 1863 to 1865, m his remlatsenees, tells the «t ory'of the transport of an Army Corps, 14,000 miles m eleven days. Eta says: " Liquor shops were ordered oiose^ along; the route, and arrangements ■were ttia.de for the comfort of the troops by supplying as often an onoe m every hundred miles of travel with an abundance of hot coffee m addition to their ratiom,

188 ASHBURTON GOARDIAK * SA'fOBDA*, APRIL 13, 1901



BilsncM— 31/3/00

£ ■ d General Account Dr. 835 17 6 A«hbarton«Rakaia Water Sapply Ac oounb ... Dr. 2912 13 8 Anhbarton Forks Water Sappiy Ac count ... Or, 74 4 9 Aihburton-Bangltata Water Supply Ac couofc ._ Or. 595 16 8 Plantation Rtssrva Account Or. 244 3 10 Land Fund Account Cr. 16 12 9 Tramway Loan Aitotsnb Cr, 74 11 11 Aihburbon Foika Protective Works Aooount Or 149 15 4 Wakanui Protec tive Works Ac count .. Or 18 13 0

£ • d 1147 16 3 2324 19 3 46 2 11 804 7 10 309 15 2 16 12 9 124 4 5 69 I 7 43 12 0



Smoke New Venus



U WANT A GOOD CYCLE LAMP. Hew will a 'DUPLEX' suit you? %Jl Si. JL Ja-' -»- KliHjf X3!iliWt f iflsMinßßs^a^ailssMarTsnr^^^^^ iaSISn ISHK^aHB^BBfe 1 rOOL.-lbi» extlaina it all. The Dnplex h 0001. A 000 l lamp> means,y'jM. wW«h J is easily controlled and makes an automatic Lamp possible. Oorf gaj Imeans a a white light, no c«e ß * prcaaorr, and len«r burning capacity. Cool R"P"« nt" the burner and valvee from cfcoking, ancl does away with the danger of expansion €LE/N.- ccA Pcfe 8 Bnni 6 «)p alwaye woiks the beet. QTbe Duplex Ss slways clean. The tops we always bright. Bemovtog the bottom caps you remove all dirt and sediment, and the lamp can be filled mi charged m one quarter the UmeuMMlly required with other lamps. Mjiuama (•naniiipr #JJ ■■WV-'iasjSiliiSHSjr JOHN ORR & CO. AJB H^B ÜBTON, j sole xmpobt|elb;s.



GREAT CLEARING SALE OF PIANOS & ORGANS. NO BEABONABLE OFFER BEFCSED. The Dresden Pianoforte Company A RB now holding their Annual Sale of Pianos and Organs, when their large and A vnrird stock of first class instruments will be rfifcred to che pub io at wholesale (.rinee for csfh ny on the ino*fc rt*«onable termi. The hwtrnmpntli an on *tar at Thb Dhndbw Aomav, Mb Benby Ftkphkkspn's Aijctiok Eooms, Havtlock Streets Their Mr R A Home and Mr J A Coombs, Haleem o, from the head office, Daeedio, wilt be m attendance at the abtre addreEa. The Sale will laet for » few week® only, an 3 intending parohuen are Inrltod to oftli itopoe ftrd inspect the atoofe, when «fr Home will inpply all inlorroitaon riquired. If you h*ve an old PIANO, we will tako II In exchange, or fcreab it *s the Depwlb If required. Full value allowed. 0 g 252 J A x RBIDLB, General Muager-



OATES, LOWRY AND CO., HAVE jrUHI? OPKNJEJ3 rpHB VERY LATEST IN ACETYLENE GiS LIMPS, ■ THE VERY LATEST IN OIL LAMPS, THE VERY LATEST IN BELLS. Including the Electric Prash Button N Z Flag Bell. Large Bupply of Fresh CARBIDE also to hand (Our Carbide k crushed and ready for use.) „„ „„. ,, lo]_ .m m ACCESSORIES at Cmkistchurch Pkices, and Everything a Touriit requires can be obtained at Zealandia Cycle Works, BURKETT STREET, ASHBURTON.



NX CLOTIIING FACTORY. f\ UR Winter STOOK is now opened op- All Wool PANTS and SINGLETS ... ... 2i lid. COLONIAL PANTS tnd SINGLETS ... ... 4i «<J. Largest, Ohe*ppifc, and best Assortment erer shown m Afhhnrtoo. Yi.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY.



WALL _P_A P E RS. "•pjTB HATE TO HAND per the last Homo boat-~29 Balea of the very litest ARTISTIC £ .*PURHANGINGB, the Colourings and Designs o whi«h are decided! works of art. Included m the ghJprjoent are Beaatifu Frieaea and Borders to match the Papers, I hold the largest slock of WALL PAPERS In South Oanterborj Clients can tbeiefore rely upon having a large variety of each respective iori; to obooae from. J-tf-CY"!'**!- /N r\ "IT HOUSE! DECORATOR AND SIGN -IA/ I I VllM WRITER, VV I I ill! I \ Opposite Mail •%»>, I H XJ-JkJV/Xlu Burnett Street. PO Box 16 Telcprtonw



MR F. N. WHITCOMBE,, SURGEON DENTIST, gAUNDERS* BUILDINGS, (Opposite Railway Station, Aahbarton) BEGS to intimate that be has commenced practice a!) the above address. Having imported the latest sppliaacas direct from London aod New York, h® is preparfid to do first o!»bb work at) moderate fees, AH work dome with csire and despatob, and only the best materials used. Stoppiugss and g»« of Children's Teeth a specialty ME WHITCJOMBE will Viaifc as ■ follows:— BAKAIA—Firsb and Ihird IHURSDAYS of every month at the Hallway Hotel. MBTHTBN—Last THURSDAY of every month at the Canterbury Hote» c H@WRi—9 till 1. and 2 till 5.