THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES.

Trains cave Asbhnrton daily for— OHRIBTOHUROH—ab 7.20 am, 11am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.65 a m, 2.50 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive dally at Ashburton, from— OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 * ra, 12.48 p m (express), 3 pm TIMABU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m

EPHEMEEIS

Phaaes of Moon fox January

"sunT

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following placet m tinder, subject to the necessary iterations : WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 For Northern Poria and Westport, per Tarawera, 6 30 p m g lata f«« letters, guard's tad, express train. THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 . For Northers Forts and . Weatporfc, also United Kingdom, Continent; of Europe, specialty addiesßed per Kotomahan», South America, via Rio, to connect with Gothic, at 6 30 p m ; late fee letters, guard's van, express train FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1. I Foir Northern Ports, Weatport, and Aus tralian Colonies, via Wellington, also India, China, Straits Settlement)!, South Africa, etc, and United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, etc, via Blind is i (speohlly ad. dressed}, per Mokoia, at 10.30 am. Dae Bydßey Feb 7, London March 17 Alteration ik Dath or San FaAsoisco MAit—The Baa Fraucisoo mail steamer will leave Auckland on the 6th instead of the 9th prox, »s notified m the printed time table. The London mail will therefore be closed m Aehburton on Monday, 4th February, at 6.30 p m c-!-! 3 .■■■■ i.' ■»»ri!  ■.'.„' ,i ,j„, ■",',',:'.jia

Commercial.

TEMUKA STOCK SALE

The entry at the Temukei yards yesterday was a representative ooe of sheep and cattle bub only a few pigs wens yarded; Store sheep wero a little easier compared with last) site, but sold freely at quotations. There was a good enquiry lor cattle, especi ally for good stores, aud nearly every head was roid. The following were prices realised : — Bheep—Two tooth wethers 16a Id, ewes 12a 41, threequarterbred lambi 12a 10J, 13i 6(1, 13s lOd, fat lamba 14a 4d. Cattle—Fat cows £6 10< to £7 sa, store cows £5 to £5 10a, eighteen months old steers 30s auci 525, yearlioga 335.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1901.

We willingly insert Mr Parnell'a letter criticising our article m yesterday's issue, the more so, beennse that man bavioghimse'f a- rved m tbe Volan teers is m a position to say what officers attached to the service may not. He, m fact, puts h< fore our readers the other side of tbe sit I face discussed by us. We may say nt once that Mr Purnbli is m error m stating that we censured the senior cfticer of the volun teers m Ashburton for refusing to iet tbe two Jocil infantry companies take parfc m Monday's cereraony. We merely criticised his action on the ground that he did oot attempt to exercise any discretion m an important emergency. And we may further aiy that we should not have even done that, if we had not been aware that a nug geutkm to htm to apply to tbe officer commanding the district for instruc tions had been declined, although there waa ample time for the purpose We are quite aware of tbu importance of maintaining military discipline and all that sort of thing, bat o need only point to the history of oar disasters m Sooth Africa to chow that something more is required now-a days m a British officer, than the mere ability to obey orders. He must be able to think for ( himsel£in special cases—and if need be, to act for himself. The old order is passing away,, and if we are to profit by the bitter lessons of tbe past, intelligence and reßoorc&falnosa will be regarded or much more valuable quail ties m a British officer, than those hitherto regarded ac essential to the! position, The opinion Is general that the Volunteers should have been repre sented at the function performed by the Mayor on Monday, and we have little doubt that instructions to that effect were not issued on account of the hurried manner io which tho whole matter bad to be dealt with. And although we know that thi senior officer of folanteern m Ashburton is a pains taking officer, who is thoroughly conversant with the routine of military duty, wo consider that he failed to rise to the occasion on Monday last. Ab to the rest of Mr Purnell'a letter we need not say more than that it Is mote than probable e?erj person entrusted with the duty of reading the proclamatk n of the King did it m a different way with regard to details, We are no; often called upon to discharge Buch a duty, and mayors and others way be excused if they weat a iittio astray.

Local and General.

«,—»- ...,.- <Jjpl> ■-.-.. — FosTrowED.—The Harrison Garnett Com! 1 pany have postponed their season here 'ill after the funeral of Queon Victoria, Ah Artesian Boeb— The bore at the F&irfield Works is now down 240 feet. The progress made lately has been slow, 'n account of the formatioH passed through belts of rock and atone of » conorete nature having been met with frequently. The Hatuma Estate—Tbe work of subdividing the H&tuma eatate will prob ably be finished abemfc the end of nest month. It ie understood that the various ; areas will be thrown open, for selection m March. Posr Office Nonce — Saturday, the second prox,will be a pabllo holiday. Th® local office will be open m all branches from 8 a.m. till 10 a.m. The telegraph office will re-open from 7 till 8 p.m., and a delivery of correspondence will be made. The telephone exchange will be open as usual; no mails after 10 a.m. St Stephen's Chukch—The memorial BeryicDß at St Stephen's Church on Satur day next .will be as follows:—8 a.m. Holy | dommanlon, followed by Matins; 11 30 $ di. tbe Office for th» JBumi of the Dead. I The service at 11 30 a m. will be identical with the speola! service naed at the Inter fljentflfopr late Sovereign. ! Hew Yep^e

&PKCUL Bank Holiday.—Tbe local benks I will be ok Bed on Batur<?ay 2nd February the day appointed for the funeral of her late Majesty the Queeo, an adveittsameat appears herein. } The MimciPAL Buildings —The laying of i the foundation itono of the new Muncipal buildinas has been abandoned, m consequence of the death of the Queen, The Weekly Half Holiday.—At a. oor - ference the Borough Council with tbe looal bodies, held on Saturday, it was resolved that the weekly half holiday should be observ ed m Ashburton on Thursday, as heretofore. The Home—A gentleman whose name has not been given has presented the inmates of the Home with armlets and I gloves on the occasion of the mourning for the The F airfield Wobks—Mr Way month has telegraphed instructions bo the man ager of the Fali field Worka to close down on Saturday, the fnneral day of Qaeen Victoria. Cricket—The following team has been selected to play for the Anhburtoo Imperial Cricket Olub, against the Mayfisld team on the Domain oval tomorrow. Game to start at 2p m :—Bobllliftrd, Pilbrow, Prltohard, Choate, Richards, Marsden, Taylor, J Frledlander, G Andrews, Mcoli, and PL j Orr ! Mourning at TH*itAHWAY Station— The station master at Awhbarton has had | the building suitably draped with crape and also the carriage entrance. Over the eiationmaster'a office the New Zealand! fhg was placed, and m the centre et the g'atlontha Onion Jack. Pkbscdtai.—The latest news of Mr John Ortgg this morning indicates that he ie now making & fcab recovery, and ia able to sib up.—The friends of Mr Harry Hardtay will 1)9 pleased to le»rp that he underwent a puocesiful operation m Dunedia yesterday* Telegrams received from his brother, who accompanied him south and the nurse m charge, indicate that •he result has been satisfactory, and the patient is doing well. PiaKONaßAMß—Through the enterprise of Mr Eiobard Williams, of Samoa a pigeongram (serviceis about to behwtitufced IntheSamoan group. The birds were shipped by the Bot< kino, and apon their arrival m Apia will be at once handed over to Dr Solf, the German Governor who will make every effort to promote the new service. I Borough Cotocil—A special meeting of the Anhburton Borough Council to consider the How Mancipal Corporations Aat took place last evening. But beyond oritioieiDg adversely a claims of the act making the Council liable for damage to adjoining buildings by firemen m endeavouring to stop the spread of a fire, nothing was done m the matter. It was understood however that the question of inviting the Co-operation of other oounoi!sin an endeavour to get the obnoxious olause eliminated will be considered at an early meeting of the Ashburton Borough Oounoil. During the evening & message was received by the Mayor from Mr Ward which is referred to m another column. Colonel Fbancis—A telegram from Danedin states that Colonel Francis, who left for South Africa m command of the Fourth Contingent, arrived by train fr m the south last night, having been a pass enger by the Mokoia from Melbourne. Ec was received by the Mayor of Danedin Colonel Webb, and th& Patriotic Oom mittepi Colonel Francis la m fair health, but will have ty Jake care of himself for twelve months to get rid of enteric. In the coarse of conversation he said that while m Xondon he accepted the honours o2Ferad.net on his own account baton behalf nf the colony. The feeling m England towards the colonials were of a most cordial nature. New Water Cart—The new water sprinkler obtained for the Bororjgh Coun» cil for watering the streets was at work tod'.y f->r the first time, and m the presflnco ol the Mayor, and several Councillors a trial trip was made through West: and Fast fitnetß. The machine worked satisfactorily and its advent was duly spp-eclaed ty those who watched i a operations. As rather a hea^y shower ot rain had just previously jassed over the town the actual bent fit to be ultimate ly obtained could not wbll be judged, bu f there is no dou v'fc the sprinkler will prove of immense bentfit.. ft waa woiked by two horses Umted Memorial Service—We wis'i 'o draw attention of our readers to the advertisement which appears m another column ai to the United Memorial Ssrviea which tht« ntiulster« of religion m As> - b-irt >n purpose to hold m the Domain on Saturday !*exc, F=biua>y Sadat 2 30p.m. Ihe choir's of the respective eharchee will atßembla m the Domain at 2 15 p-m., and the public are requested to bring their hymnbookfl. The outlines of th« service ia as follows; — Sentences from Holy Scripture; Hymn "When onr heads are bowed with wop;' Pinl'ma 39 and 90; Lesson, I Oor xv 20-58; Hymn, "O God our he?p i*i sgee pasts" Sptcial praygrs; Hymn "JDayaand moments quickly flying;' Addresss Bymn "Thy way. not; mine, O Lord; 1' the Benediction. understand that it is the intention of the various ministers to hold special nervioee m sheir respective charcht»»fi 1130 a.m. Fandbr & Sons' EtrcALYMfi Extraot— Under tbe distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition; Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globt, f bat the orude, resinous oils, which are now. foisted upon the public nader the name of Eucalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sodb 1 Pure Volatile Eucalypti Eztraot, we | ■tata :—lt ia proved by tests made by the \ Medical Clinics of the Universities at Boon and Qriefswald (Prussia), that only products thab are saturated with oxygen and freed o acids, resinous asd other euhat&nces adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative propertlea possessed by the plant. To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitutes, etc., m croup, bronchitis, diphtheria.dysentery, internal inflammation, eto., insist ?n getting SAi*PBR ANJ> FONS' FpBJS VOLi t EC|3A Lvmpi JbXTBAOT, and be eaf»

News in Brief.

__ «. Mr LVweljn Owen advertises thab he resumes duiblq lessons on Monday next.

THE ROYAL VISIT

. : * i NOT ABANDONED. Onibed Presa Association-—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, January 26 Tho Dth'dy Telegraph's Cow.ea corroa" pondent is informed^ on good authority, that the Pulfe and Duchess of York will proceed fco Australia as arranged The King is unwilling to allow the private sorrows of his family to interfere with a public undertaking of such Imperial significance.

OBITUARY

. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright! Rome, January 27 SBgnor Verdi le dead, after two d*ys illness, All the Italian theatres are closed.

The Visit of the Imperial Troops.

—-——♦■ ———— United Press Association—By Eieotrio Telegraph Melbourne, Jan 29 The Imperial troops have been in-. 1 structed to remain here till farther orders. It is presumed that this means that they are to wait till after tbe faneral of the Qaeea.

The Imperial Troops At Ashburton.

I At the special meeting of the Borough Council last evening, the Mayor reoeived a telegram from Hon J G Ward, stating that the Imperial troops will make a stay of one hour m Ashburton. A discussion took place as to the best way of eotertaioiog them, and eventually it was decided to call a meeting of all those detirioas of giving the troops a fitting reception for three o'clock on Thurs day, {tomorrow), an advertisement to that effect being published m this inns Mean time a special committee consisting of the Mayor. Crs Ftul, Jones, and Timmins, was appointed to draw op a preliminary programme. As the opportunity to see the troops conveniently will very much depend upon the arrangements made for their recaption, it is evident that a large and representative meeting should take place to-morrow. I* should not be forgotten that these troops are selected from those rtgiments of the British Army, tbe stories of whose gallant deeds for hundreds of years have inspired poets and orators, and have doubtr less assisted io lead our brave sons along the §ame path of heroism an-i devotion* Thft is an occasion which will probably never again present itself to the people of this county, to see the representatives of those brave British soldiers who have been immortalised io the pages of history. Tho Mayor subsequently received the following telegram from the Hon J G Ward In reply to a wire sent by him. Hsroo FwedIiAKDKB, Es«, Ashburton.— Will arrange for stopping at Ashburton for sn honr. I am afraid that m consequence of the long Journey from Dunedin, this is the loßgesfc time tho train can he given.— J G Wabd. On seeing m this morning's papers that the troops had received instructions to remain io Melbourne till further orders, thejfollowing telegram wat sent:— The Hod. the Acting-Premier, Wellington —Telegram this morning's Press states tbat the Ii» per ialtr cops have received instructions to remain at Melbourne till further orders. Have you any official information to that effset. Reply.—Hireta Fbieolandkb, Mayor. His Worship the.Mayor, Ashburton—For your information I thtak it ooly right to inform you early this morning that the stoppage of the Britannic with the Imperial troops m Melbourne is only temporary. I received official advice Utt night of the temporary stoppage, and also that the visit is still to be made. The delay m Melbourne will, m my opinion, render it Impossible for the steamer to arrive by Saturday, which was at first arranged. Undsr the altered circumstances I think possibly it would be better for all parties if the date of arrival can be deferred until the following week ; this will, of course, alter the dates of arrival at the other centres throughout the colony. In any case, as soon as I am m a position So advise you definitely, you can depend upon it being done;—J Gt Waiid The receipt of the oable mess&ee published elsewhere announcing that the Imperial troops do not leave Australia until after the funeral need not interfere with the proposed arrangements, but will really give more time to carry them oub Messrs W H Collins and Andrew Orr are oolleoting funds m Ashburton for the purpose of providing refreshments and suitable entertainment for the Imperial troops, whilst m Ashburton, Any persons who may be njssed by these collectors are requested to eend to them their donations to the fuod.

ASHBURTON CLUB.

The annual general meeting of members of the Ashburton Club took place last evening m the Arcade Chambers, Mr C Truck's m the ctmir. Over 100 members were present. The annual report, read by the Secretary, referred to the prosperity of the Olub, a'so to tbe fact) that considerable improvement was being made m the Club building; it also made reference io the strong fioanchl position of the Olub. Tbe reports waa adopted. The balance sheet allowed that the reciepte for the year were £3049 6i 8!, whilst the expenditure amounted to £2900 2a Id, leaving a bal&ncs of £149 4-7 d. whilst the assetn fxipad the liabilities by £3336 14s 101. The balance ehept was adopted. There was considerable ducuKiioa upon a propofsd hew rule to otdse the Club bnr on Sunday evening*, but the proposal was negatived by a large ms<j »rity, rJhe bye-lawa submitted by the Committee were then adopted m globo, Mr Bute, the newly elected president, having taken the etui- briefly returned thanks for his election, and there being; no further business the meeting closariL

South Africa.

_^» —_ A BX,QEMFONTE{N OPINION United Press Association—By Eleottio Telegraph—Copyright London, Jan 26 The Bloemfontein correspondent of the Times describing the mourning, jsays (hat however aoufce the bereavement the pre dominant feeling is that every effort must more than ever, be made to bring the war to a speedy conclusion. De Wet ia between Winberg and Lady • brand. Colonel Cunningham, moving from Oli» font's Nek southwards, captured seventeen Boers engaged m De La Bey's commando. General Knox attacked Haasbrock'a laager, and captured a field comet, four prisoners and twenty horses. Lord Kitchener aid a number of troops proceeded by train on Wednesday m the direction of ]$iddleburg, preceded by an anpourod pilot engine, which was derail* ed by dynamite near Balmoral. When the troops train arrived a number of Boers opened firp, but were repulsed with loss. There were no Brltfeh casualties. United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Oamaru, January 29. Mr Orawehaw, of Oamaru, has received a telegram that hia eon, Captain Orawshaw, was severely wounded m the muscles of ih.9 back ob Janwary 13th at Balmoral.

WITH THE FIRST CON TINGENT.

Trooper Wilkie's Experiences: Trooper Alexander Wilkie, who, as our readers are aware, went to the front with the First Now Zealand Contingent fifteen months ago, and returned last week, has given us some very interesting notes of his' adventures and experiences daring the campaign, the first instalment of which we give below :— The First New Zealand Contingent was the first body of oversea Colonials to land m South Africa, the first to get into action, and the first to lose a man. Upon arrival m Cape town we were despatched immediately to the front. At Arundel, m the Oolesburg district, we were fortunate m being placed under General French, who subsequently became so famous. The country around Colesburg is extremely rough—lookf, kopjes, and sand meeting the eye for miles arpund, and the Boers, who were m great force, had taken all this strategical positions. They also had several very long range guns (range at least 3 miles) besides pom pomtt She only guns General Frenoh had at first were 12 pounders (O Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery) with m effective range of only 4000 yards. The New Zaalanders ware appointed escort to the guns, and m this capacity saw 10ms fierce fights. The Boere were able to open fire long before our guns could, and our men had to gallop into action for the distance that our guns were deficient to get close io the Boer guoi to m»ke their

shots effective. The first fight of importance took place at Jssfontein. Here we lost George Bradford, the first Colonial killed m the war. At this fight the rifle fire was terrific, and a great number of our horses were wounded. The New Zsalanders were mentioned m despatches by General French after the fight. Ihe other mounted troops under General French were the Inniskilliog Dragoons, the 10th Hussars, and the Dragoon Guards. Fights were an every day occur rence. On account of the superiority of the enemy's artillery, reconnaissances had to be made every nrrnfng to dr*w the enemy's' fire to ascertain if the Boers had tnov d their guns. The Boers never disclosed their i positions till ws got oloaa up to them,tad then they opened fire with rifles and guns. Captain Thompson, of the Garbineerß, was shot m one of these expeditions, The babble of Arundel, where the Boers lost heavily, the disaster at Pink Hill, where the Suffolk Regiment- lout 11 officers and 137 men m a bayonet charge, and the battle of Porter's Hill came m quick succession. Our horses were vary seldom unsaddled and the marches were usually started about) one o'clock m the morning to enable ns to get m position before daybreak. At Porter's Hill the Royal Horse Artillery did great work, for although the Boers poured m shells from pom poma (Maxim-Vickers quick firers) and 3 big guns our artillery managed to silence one gun and disable the Maxim-Tickers. This hill was a considerable distance from our camp and food and water was very scarce. Ib was impossible to put any blankets on one's saddle on account of the great amount of work which our horses had to perform, consequently we had to sleep without blankets, and the nights were intensely cold. Soon afterwards General French made a bold attack ob a Boer gun which commanded an important pas*. He galloped his 12-pounders into action simultaneously, but the Boers were too strong, for after killing 7 men, 14 artillery horses, and wounding a great many, our gunners had to retire. Our next move was Slingersfontein. Soon after onr arrival there General French reoaived a battery (six guns) of Field Horse Artillery (15 poundars. Two of these gunß were subsequently placed on top of Coles Kop, a huge kopja near Ooleaburgi The height of the hill gave the guns a very long range, and one morning the Boers m the laager were surprised and shifted very quickly by our shells. The enemy loat heavily. The Queen's Life Gnarde, who had ju*fc arrived from Home, joined General French at Slingersfonteio. Their first patrol met with bad luck, as Captain Ricardo, ot the 'Blues,' and several men it ere captured. The New Zealanders had previously done these patrols, but their services were required to another direction—that of holding an important kopje, afterwards known as ' New Zealand Hill,' and where Gourley and Oonneil (a nephew of Mrs Ingiis of Ashburton) were shot. A despatch having been sent into oetmp chat the Boers were marching on this hill m great force, No. 2 Company (mostly South Island), of New Zealanders wbb ordered to immediately occupy the ridge at any oosfi, as this hill overlooked the British canip. There was no time to saddle up, but our fallows jumped on their horses bare backed, galloped over dongas and sluits, and took the hill m the nick of time. Sniping commenced next day and continued and grew fiercer and Qarcer until tha Bo9rs made the charge which proved so disastrous to them. We had been reinforced by a com* pany of the Yorkshires previously, and when the charge was made a picqnet of the Yorks got a rough time* Their Captain was ehoi through both lepa, their Bergeant-major and three men were killed, and the remaining men wanted a leader. The Boers numbered about 1500, half of fthom kept up a terrific funilade, 6weeping the hill with lead, while the remainder charged Captain Madocka, who was m charge of the New Zaalanders, grasped the situation immediately, and leading the New Zaalandors and Yorks, repulsed the Boers and defeated them with heavy loss. The patrols which were cent out every day invariably got a hot reception, and on one occasion the Now South Wales Lancers lob 610 men when out patrolling. The Boers managed to shell us out of camp one day, bub we regained it again soon after. They also tried a night attaok, bub that failed. After several Bttirmishes the battle at Worcester Hill was fought. Hero Harold Booth, of Oarnaru, was killed by the first shell fired by the Boers. The shell bur t near him and a piece penetrated his skull just above the forehead, killing him instantaneously. At this fight tha Boere made a bold attempt to capture one of the British guns, but they were repulsed by the Worcester Regiment, but the gunners were loading with case shot to fire at close range, had tha Boers got past the Worcesters. Soon afterwards we started on an fSpedition which terminated m the relief of Kimberlpy, which turned the tide m favor of the British, as the relief was the cause of tho capture of Cronja and his army, and the relief of Lady smith, as the Boers had to leave that place to endeavour to repel the invasion of the Free State. We travelled from Remburg to the Orange River by train. The nighb following our arrival at Orange River, the column marched out m the direction of Kimborley. The second day oat the march waa inter rupted, the Boera having taken up a position on a bigh range of kopjes, and poured m a steady fire on tha 'roineks.' The colonel who waa m charge of the column dismounted his men and advanced them towards the kopjes, ostensibly with the intention of storming it. Ail advanced towards the Boer position m extended order, and the Dutchmen set) to work m earnest, They rattled the shots m at a great pace, and the Bedford Mqnnted Infantry, who were on 'the left flank, suffered severely. {The New Zeaiaaders advanced m the oentre, and although other regiments were losing men, the Maorilanders with their usual extraordinary Juok did not stop aay bullets. When the Britishers got close up to the Boers' position, they were ordered to lie down. The day was intensely hot, and the Boers continued firing at the men lying m the open below, and who had little or no cover. In the afternoon the order to retire was given, and In doing so the casualties on the British side were increased, and much to the surpritie of all, the Boers brought two guns into action. The first shell they fired struck a man who was holding four horses. The man bad both legs shot off and died soon after, and three of the four horsea were killed. The seoond shell was fired m the direction vt the convoy and it struck a Kaffir m the stomach and disembowelled him* The Boers then either made bad shooting or they deliberately turned their guns on the ambulance waggon, which was picking up the wounded, as the shells dropped very close to the wagon, which bad a very plain red cross on it. Water was very scareo hare, and i&fter retreating for such a distance m anything but a slow pace, a drink was badly needled- There were over 100 casual ties m this engagement! The column halted till dark and then proceeded. More fighting occurred ab Reib River, From here we carried water m bags for our horses, as there is no wateir between the Reib and Moddsr rivers. At fifodder River General French surprised a Boer laager at a, farm house where a Boer wedding was m propreasi Needless to say. the festivities m connection with the tying of the knob were brought to a speedy and abrupt termination when French's guns begats to roar. Next day our column crossed the Modder River «nd an artillery fight took place. There were ft great) num ber of gun!) m action, ours numbering sixty eight pieces of artillery. French had a very strong force of mounted men with him. The Boera burst their shrapnel very accurately, and one of our batteries suffered severely. The noise was "deafening, and our artillery ultimately forced the Boera to retire; General French saw an opportunity for a charge, and he sent hie Lancers after the retreating Dutchmen;; Our Lancerß got among the Boers, who had the misfortnne to be badly mounted, end ran their lances through some of them. The Captain of the Lanoers was kii'ed, and when following the Lanoers we galloped over his dead body, as well as over some dead and wounded Boers, After pushing through the Boer defence, we heard the roar of the Boer gans (one firad 1001 b shells) pounding away at ipmberlty. The column moved at a great pace, and when the huge smoke stacks of the diamond mines, and the glaring heliograph at Kimberley flashed out * Who are yon' (they hardly believed It was the relief column) thare was a great shouti The Boers, however, made ont more final kick, by lending m a few more shrill About; 10 ware fired and most of these fell among the New Zsalanders, bub none were bit. Our gun« shifted the oppo sition, and the column proceeded onward and Kimberley waa relieved. Horee flesh waa Belling for lOd per Ib when we got there.

VOLUNTEERS

—— <lh —. , 1.111,. PRESENTATION OF LONG-SERVICE MEDAL TO LIEUTENANT HAVES. WELCOME TO TROOPERS WILKIE AND POWELL, 1 There was a good response to Colonel B'tiiey'e order for a Government inspection parade of the local battalion last evening, C*ptain Do'man waa m command, all the rfficere being present, except Lieutenant Niooll, of the Guard?, After inspection, Colonel Bailey presented Lteuteftaab T, Hayes, of the Rlfles r with the Imperial long service decoration, and m so doing s&id it was a pleasure for him to be present to pin the medal on the recipient's breasfc. He bad completed twenty-two years' service ia the volunteers. He (Colonel Bailey} trusted ho would be long spared to wear it. After the Inspection, the member* of both companies were Invited to the orderly room by Captain Dolman, where the R fla» would entertain Lieutenant T Hayes, and alse extend » welcome to Troopers Powell and Wilkie. Bong and music would be eaehowed, acd the proceedings be «s brief m possible.} Golocel Bailey occupied the obair, and proposed the health of the " Returned Transyaalers," Troopers Wilkie and Powell. He said he felt cony that three times thrt« could nob be accorded them, but felt pleated to welcome them, and hoped that their experiences would prove valuable to them, Trooper Wilkie, m responding, said he was pleased at the reception accorded thtnt. He did nob expect to be called uposa for h cpeecb, bat as he had given the editor of the Guardian an account of hi* experiment at the front, which they would probably read m that paper, he would oonfine hi* remarks to a few incidents that cam* to mind* It was now sixteen monthi siooe the Contingent left the colony, and there appeared t> ehanoe that they (the returned troopers) might yet hare to go back to the frost, bub this was improbable. The First Contingent were extremely fortnnate m opportunities for distinguishing them* selves. Their first chance wai at) New Zealand Hill, m which they lost Sergeant Goarley and Trooper Connell, two men M game «s pebblts. The Contingent felfe disappointed that Major Madocks was not awarded the D.S.O. decoration for hip services m that engagement. They then proceeded to the relief of Kimbsrly. (Ehey detrained at the Orange River, and fought the Boers all along the line. All lost heavily but the New Zealanders, who lost none. General French found he coald thoroughly trust the New Zealandere, and assigned to them some ticklish work, such M Cossack post duty, etc, Jusb previous to the relief of Kimberley an artillery duel wat witnessed-—the Boers using shrapnel, and with one shell had killed bb many ax six men. At the commencement of the war the Boers were fairly euccessfnl with their long range artillery, with which they wrought) havoo among the British, but the British were afterwards their match with the time fuse and percussion cap shells, The contingent were attached to the R.H.A, whom the German Emperor described as the best gunners m the world. They would after racing into'action, dismount, unlimber, range find, and fire within 3Osec». The British Intelligence Department had been blamed for their lack of knowledge of the Boer artillery. Their guns had a range of four miles, or more than twice the range of the British, After the artillery duel the relief of Kimberley followed, and there the Kaffirs were dying for want of food. The contingents disabled horses were eageriy demolished by these black fellows* Paadeburg followed, ani the reason why Orooje held out so long w&i on aoeount of the river banks being sandy, the percussion shells bursting better on rocky forma* tion. He bad passed through Cronjs's laager after the fight). The sight was awful. They want to a stream for a drink, only to fi.id a few feet above two dead Kaffirs, which rather spoilt their relish. A baby with a bullet; through its temple WM found m the laager. The contingent then went to Blnomfontein and joined Generate Hamilton and Hutton, and before reaching Johannesburg nine battles were fought m ten daye. On the way ha (Trooper Wilkie) witnessed the memorable charge of the Gordons at Hootutk m which Captiin Towse fought bo gallantly, afterwards re ceiving his V.O» and being appointed Sergt, at aims to the Queen, la the fighb Just before reaching Johannesburg, Corporal Byrne was killed. Byrne and he were near each other, and Byrne remarked that they cauld not blame anybody for ducking such a fire, when a percussion eh ell burst a few yarda away, and killed Byrne. Preborl* was then reached, and the Boers m th* vicinity were m tears. The Boer girls shook their fists at the Tommies, and always treated them to an astonishing amoant of blasphemy. After a short spell an expedi* tien was organised to chase De Wet, bat instead ef catching Da Web he (Trooper Wilkie! caught malarial fever, bob luckily waa able to return to the front within three weeksl He joined one of a patrol of seven to reconnoitre for a Boer commando,, The New Zaaifcndera were badly mounted, their horses being done up with overwork. They observed the picket out and passed it. The Boers then surrounded them. The want of good mounts was then felt, they made for camp, each man of a patrol being expeoted to do his beat individually. The Boers opened a deadly fire* Sergeant L'Estrange mi collared, and then the fire was directed at the rest of the patrol. He (Trodper Wilkie) joined Castles, who had only joib been released by the Boers, having been taken prisoner at Kooraepruit, and wag desperate about his freedom. A section of . the Queenslanders then came bo the relief of the patrol, and they made good their escape. They then proceeded to Barberson, where the best fun of the campaign w»« m Btore for them. They enjoyed an occasional diode with the Boer girls, many of whom wert upwards of 14st, and locomotion at time! became difficult. In concluding, Trooper Wilkie said a difficulty to be contended with by the Tommies was what Bobby Burns called a ' loos.' They caused insomnia, and the skin became irritable, and the sensation aa bad as fever. They multiplied every twenty'four hours, and Dr Burn, of the Gop,' tingent, had described them as fcee Statert and 'Transviateß, there being two kinds, black and White. The speaker concluded with a ufcory about a monkey, the pefe of th* Contingent. They were hungry, and went to a Boer house, and while two of his matte were bargaining for the monkey he and another commandeered two loaves of bread, and they went their way rejoicing. The monkey was lost m the Harlech Oastle on the voyage to Australia. He said m con* 1 elusion that.he wonld never regret being 6$ active .service, ib was a great experienced Trooper Powell briefly responded; His ex' peneaces wen not bo varied as Trooper Wit* kie's, and hie career at the front waa cab somewhat short. He had seen a aouple of good bayonet charges. The trip fromßiera to the MarandeHas was full of Interest, which he would nob have missed. Captain Dolman said he had a pleasing duty to parform. Eighteen years ago 1, when* he accepted a commiusion m £he RiSw ha was minus a aword* The late Mr WUkie» senior, with whom he was well acquainted) came to the rescue and presented him with one. Mr Wilkie having held a commission m Nelson Artillery. He now thought the proper person to hold that sword, waa trig son, who had returnee! from the wa.r, £ff woiiid nob have parted with Va to anyone siM| he greatiy • prijsad it. He asked Trooper Wilkie to accept the sword for his father's B%ka. Trooper Wilkie bhanked Captain Dolman, and promised to look after 1b and pass ib oil ia due course. The proceeding* thon closed. It is not generally known when volunteer^ w«re requested for the First OoniiQgent item the 0 V 0 , who were at the time on parade, m Chrietahurah, and probably the first to bt asked m the colony, Trooper Wilkie wat the: first man to step forward and offar his aer* vioes.

THE DEATH OF QUEEN VICTORIA

Sorrow m England

Feeling in Europe

United Press Association—By Electric. Telegraph—Copyright) London, Jan 25 Two thousand people attended the morning service at St Paul's sad five thousand the evensong, which was a special memorial service,, A similar service ia held daily The annual festival of St Paul has been postponed There Is sincere mournicg m Germany, Denmark and Italy Purcell's music will be conspicuous m the Queen's hurit»l service The Kaieer, the Crown Prince of Germany, Princess Henry of Prussia, Archduke Fran clh Ferdinand, the Crown Princes of Portu gal, Greece and Belgium, the Dukea of Saxe-Coburg Gobba, Aosta, Chartrea end Arnulf of Bavaria, the Grand Duke of Hesse- Darmstadt, the Crown Prince of Denmark and many other royalties will t^end The Kaiser will remain m L y' md until the end of the ceremonies lac Germ&D warship* HoheDEollem and Kaiser Wilheim will also remain m British waters The Sunday School Union is organising memorial services for Feb. 3. and suggests that similar bodies m the colonies should do | the same | There will be general mourning for six weeks m Malta. The Australian troepi, under Colonel De Lisle, heard of the death of the Queen on arriving at Clan william. They were terribly shocked and grieved. Mr Van Wyck, the Tammany appointed Mayor of New York alone refuses to holsfc a flag half mast m honour of the Queen's memory. For miles of Fifth Avenue droop ing fl»g8 are displayed. The English competitors and several Australians declined to ehooo tor the two thousand guineas pigeon price at Monte Carlo, as a sign of mourning, though it was considered that Macintosh, the Australian shot, would prove the winner. Professor Hubert Herkomer, artist, sketched the Queen lying m etate. King Edward's Message to Parliament states that he is conscious that Parliament will share his and the nation 1* deep sorrow. The Queen's devotion to the welfare of the country and people, her wise, beneficieot rule and her glorious reign would ever be held m affectionate memory by her loyal and devoted subjects throughout her dominions* Addressee of condolence with the Royal Family and congratulations to the King were passed. The Marquis of Salisbury, Ear! Kimberley, the Archbishop of Canter bury, Mr Balfour, and Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, paid high tributes to the Queen. Mr Balfotir's speech was the greatest piece of oratory he has ever given to Parliament. It was simple, touching, and magnetic* The Archbishop of Canterbury test fied to the influence of the Queen's truly religious and domestic virtues on the whole nation. The King and Lord Roberts will ride at the head of the London procession. Lord Kitchener has issued a special order, m which he expresses the great grief of the army* Lord Salisbury, when speaking m the House of Lords, was almost overpowered with emotion. He declared that the abate ment of social friction, the increase of public prosperity, and the expansion of Imperial power were largely due to the tact, wisdom passionate devotion and incomparable judgment of the late Sovereign, who was a great instance of government) by example, esteem and love Mr Balfour, m the House of Commons, said that the importance of the Crown m the Constitution was an increasing factor; Every citizen felt an irreparable personal loss. The Qaren was without an enemy m 'he world. Even those who lovad not England loved her Prince Henry of Prussia wiii command the nine German warships participating m the funeral ceremonies. London, January 27 One of the Queen's last acts was to transfer to the Patriotic Fund £1000 sub scribed by Canadian children for herself! The gun carriage which will bear the coffin will be drawn by the Queen's eight cream-coloured ponies. The coffin will be covered by a large white satin j?old-fringed pail with the Royal Arms embroidered iv colours m each corner, the Crown of England surmounting them. Jhe officers of the British Navy will go into mourning for rx months. . Sympathetic telegrams have been received from all parta of the world and from the leading towns of every colony. The con dolences from authorities of public and private bodies have filled pages of the newfpaperc All the Russian newspapers ara aympa* thetic, fxcept tha Novee Vtemya, which declares that the war killed the Queen,

A TRIBUTE FROM BOER PRISONERS.

The Boer prisoners at Green Point have suspended their amusements until the Queen has been buried, THE FUNERAL. The Grind Duke and Duebesß Sergius will represent Russia at tha funeral- The French and other navies will be represented, Members of the House of Lords and House of Commons wtll meet the coffin afe Victoria Station, and march m prooession to Padding too Station. The coffin will be carried on a gun oarriage. The obsequies m London will consist of a military pageant. The remains are now coffioad, After a special religious service yesterday they were taken to the Chapel of Best m the diuiog room ab Oeborne* Only a privileged few were admitted to spo the coffin, including those on the Queen's visiting list, mayors of municipalities m the vicintity and officers m uniform. Received Wakapuaka Jan 30, 9 10 ft m, ODbis Offioe 10 20am London, Jsd 28 Masonic monrning will la«t three months. The King has allowed forty British end foreign journalists to visit the Chappelle Ardente. There is predominant one red wealth of flowers, and stately palms. In the centre of the Chappelle, resting on a dais covered with the reyal standard lay the coffin, of corbr, If art and oak, covered with a white ra*?n laco pall, and also partly draped bytbeQjeen's ermine robe of the Garter. The King placed on the coffin the diamond crown used m the drawing room, also ihe insignia of the Garter around the coffin* Countless wreaths of laurel, "Uiiee, and sza'eis, have been placed "on the coffin, and a colossal crown of blue flowers. Four Grenadiers stood motionless at the four cornet* of the coffin, with heads bowed and arms reversed. The scene w*s most solemn aa.l impressive. The family meet "daily for worship around I the bier. Received Wakapuak* Jan 30, 947 am, This Office 11 50 a m London, Jan 29 The Duke of Norfolk has annouuoed that) it is not desired or expected that the public wear deep mourning after March 6th or half mourning after April 17th.

Further Details to Funeral

Received Wakapuaka Jan 30, 9 30 a m Thia office 10 10 London, Jan 28 The funeral arrangements were mainly arranged by the Queen. The Channel reserve squadron, eighteen battleships and IScruUers, will form two Jiaes from Oowe to Portsmouth. Ina southern section of the line includes sixteen vessels representing the fleets of Germany, France, America, Russia, Portugal, Denmark, and Italy, Eight destroyer! eioorb ths yacht bearing: the body, followed by the Royal yaoht Victoria Albert, with the King, Queen, mothe;, and Royal mourners, the Admiralty and Trinity House yachts, aod probably tha Hohenzollern. It is expected that the passage will occupy two hours. Twenty thousand troops will line the streets, A hurricane demolished the staffs bearing the royal standard on the Homes of Pariia* ment and Windsor Castle, A few small vessels were wrecked, and the storm was attended by fatalities on the ooaiti.

Tf-B ASBBDBaON GUaEDIA^ : WIBNESDaY JAKUAisY SO, 1901



Full moon LastquMte* Apogee New moon First quarter Perigee

5 13 12 21 27 24

11 44 am 3 8 am 10 30 pm 2 6am 8 22 pm 11 opm



IMte January !»

29 30 31

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Ri«es 6 0 6 1 6 2

Beta 7 27 7 26 7 28



CONSULTING OPTICIAN Mr Ernest M. Saadatein, D£sA2,Jr&, MO, who baa lately 'returned after six years' special study m England and Ooa tinecb, may be coceulted on all emm of defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary art.iScial light being used, Doctors'pre scriptioiss prepared. Fees moderate. Coo Baiting rooms, Caehel Street W. f over M Sandstein, jeweller, Chriitchuro^, 9to 1,2 to 5 daily



The representative of Loasby's " Wahoj, " manufacturing company is at present m this district, and reports that sales of their well known preparations are still large, MBS ALCORN is now showing beautiful assortment new Millinery new Mantlet, new Dregß Gooda, new Silks etc., m the enlarged premise*, Ladies and Children's Pinaforee, Aprons, and Underclothing m stock and made to order. Wade's Worm Figs art most effetive and not unpleasant; children thrive after i takin them. Price, JLs Sipoke Ncfw Yenis *



GKEAT - J U BILEE SALE OF Hish - Class Drapery Clothings & Boots COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY 19. (FOB ONJKJ MONTH.) IMMENSE FEDUCTIONS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. ■ANDREW ORR 1801 MODELS JUST LANDED. MANY IMPROYBMBNTS. COME AND SEE THEM. POOB GOOD SECOND - HAND CYCLES TO BE SOLD CHEAP. NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED JOHN ORR & CO. THE YBBDICr OF ALL PRACTICAL RIDBES IS IN FAVOUR OF EIDING BUILT with Batted Tabinj?, Short, Hesiis, Narrow Treat! Aroih or Box Crown, or lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheels! Any style Saddle, Handles, Ohaia, etc. ujgear, any height france ; alio disat proof throughout. OKB PRICE TO ALL— £2l OATES, LOWKY AND CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. N.Z- CLOTHING FACTORY. WE have just concluded oar HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING mod have thrown oot a number of odd Jimes, which we have marked at prices that will effect a speedy clearance. =SEE THEM AT DOOR.— ME]y3 HABD AFD SOFT HATS AT Is lAOH. MEN'S BOFT SBXBTS. A LAEGE VARIETY OF TIES, ALL REDUCED TO 6d& Is Men's Leatbcr Shoes 6a 6d, Men's Kid Shoea 10a 6d Women's Canvas Shoes 3s 6d, Children's 2^ 6d Men'a Tan Shoes 6s 6d, Men'a Tan Boots 15s. lirm _ mmmi *j%» r<m N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. G. JESSON, STILL ADVANCING. """"Awtttra" nI"ND OBAI6HBAD & BBBBYMAN HAVE jusb opened out, ex B.s. Papatoa, from London, the largest shipment of New Goods the; have hitherto imported, Hatriwn i«i i« ,»* - t f»,« «ompirißiDgfchetnoßtuptodatoßHitJDgßfrom AVJNG taken a lease of one of the the best Mannfaotarers as now worn at t i t\. „'«, «„„»»  „ Home. Their immensa etock of Fashionable new shops m Davis s corner, ][ am now Tai | oring ooodß BOW affordß CHB 6 OmerB , uc h , , , ,  , , ,n7 , l * splendid range of new materials of etowSßßii large and varied atook of Watofae. gmr F atjtMd qml * tf m& rtylhh patterns to , , , r „ ,», . T . w . choose frooi »a shop Id please even the most Clocfcß, and Jewellery Electro-plate, Eb f aß6 idion«, and their prices, workmanship, i Li it nu • i ,ro j.. s and fit will compare favorably with those of snitable fcr Chnetmas aad Wedding Pr the , cad , og firn f ß , n Ghpißtchuroh or other . . . ..  t t . „ oities,, (They are also showing a grand lot of ■entiat prices which defy TOmpetibion. B ew Hats, Shttts, Ties, Boots; etc., this ieaeou CJostomera worald do well to pl»oe *—— their orders early as 0. &B. have already a arge number of suits on the books promised Vote the Addreßß—Daw' Clurnfi 1 afore Xtnae. ' 11 I^o ■ HAVE » xplendsd variety of fanof „ __ I Choookte Boxes fust to Lad, both Fobkkhino Wabkhootb, tusM and oritametita). Plotise call and (Hdvelock Btreeh eiwaye ready. A freeh supply of local and FOR Island frnits arrivinß daily. TTOUBB T)AINTING t H A FLOWER, JdLoUSB X AINTINO, 12 Confectioner & Fruiterer, East 8t Ii) h&l, DIGNWRITING, HiW, Rooiaiß m tiie Aroade. | TRY J Ij. HIOG^ Apply to f fl?, BULWOK V TANOJHD gXB»EX.