THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains cave Ashbutton dally for— UHRIBTGHUROH—at> 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7.5 p m (express) TIM ABU—at 10.55 am, 3.50 pin DUNEDIN—ab 12.54 pm (expreaa) SPRINGBURN-atj 4,25 p m \ Trains arrive daily at Aahbarton from— OHKISTOHUROH-at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m («xpreie), 8 pm TMARU-at 10.55 a m, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm(ezpreu) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a mf

EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of Moor for May

Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places ac under, eubjiot to the necessary alterations: FRIDAY, MAY 10 For Samoa,Hawaii,PhilipplnM, Japan, also United State*, Canada, etc, United King dom, and Uoatinent of Europe, via San Franoisoo (due London Jane 9bh), also Australian Colonies (duo Sydney May 16th), and South Africa, per Monowni, a&6 30 pm

Commercial.

METHVEN.

There was a small yarding of Bheep and lamba at Mebhven yeßterdaj, sndali changed owners at fair ratea:—Oroeebrsd ewes and wethers 15b Id, oroeebred wether* (stores) 14<i 15s 6d, store lambi 14a id, 103 3d, and 12s, moriro wethers 8a 7d, merino ewes 5s 9d roßs. Oows £7, steers £3 10«. Pige — Weaners 83 6d to JlOs 6d Dzaaght horses £24 to £35, baako £7 to £70.

LONDON MARKETS.

The Agent of the Associated Farmers' Companies of New Zealand, writing under date London, April 6th. 1901, reports as follows %•— , Wool—The second series of Colonial wool ■ales for the ourrent year which commenced on ihe 12th uit, closed on the 27th, having occupied 14 Belling days with an average daily of eriog of 12,056 bales as compared with 10,233 bales at) the corresponding tales of last year The sold quantity consisted of 160,000 bales Valuer at the opening for merino wool showed do change from the January level, while fine , erossbreda were 5 per cenr, and coarse descriptions 7£ per cent lower, York shire buyers operating freely, but Continen tal houses sparingly, ib* latter were evidently hoping to get mat » lower level aod held aloof for a week, but finding no further depreciation m value, they gradually increased their demand until it t quailed that of tho English buyers, and with tome American purchase*, merino proved up to 5 to 10 per cent, above last sales rates Of crossbred* the selection was large and gener ally of good growth, bub during the progress of the Bales the different grades fluctuated to some extent; the finest qualities gradually recovered their position and ultimately ruled a little dearor than m the moathof February. ftSedium growths of jjjod stylo and condition were freely taken for America and appreci ated to a moderate extent, but all others grades of coarse wools were disappointing, and fell short of last sales' level by 5 to 7£ per cent At the close of the sales, prioss for well pot up and good conditioned parcels of merino ruled v-ry fi m. at the highest level of the series, while Yorkshire houses piid full rates for the finer crossbred aelec tioais Sliped crossbred*, again m limited supply, were for the m-Mr- part about £<J cheaper ihan m ,) inaary, middling to coarse descrip" tiona showing however, a weaker front than the finer qualities S': ca the close of the sales there itas been n little enquiry for both merino and cross' bred, but the bueinees done has been iDßtgniSoant. Kepott? from Yorkshire do not indicate any increase m the volume of business, but the tcne remains firm and holders are asking full rate*. Oa the Continent, more confidence seems to fos felt, and the ' future' markets show an upward tendency Whs&U-^usinf ss at Mark Lane has been somewhat res!rioted, but owing to the strained relations between England and Russia m the Kast, there mm some specula tive buying which raised values 61 per qr. With heavy supplier, however, and weaker prices from America, the mark^ <-'-«"sfht, English wheat continues m u.unuished suoply, a»d some of the county markets are besoming bare causing millers to bora to imported descriptions for their immediate requirements. The average price is now 25s 3d against2ss lid m the corresponding week of last year* On passage from all parts to the United Kingdomjthe total quantity is now estimated at 5,760,000 %rs At compared with 3,416,000 Hast year, and the quantity afloat to the Continent brings up the total feo 6,185,000 q;« against 5,335,000 qr« la 1900. Australian for prompt shipment) per Iron sailarlfl now worth about 28* 9d, oif Lon don for Victoria, and oa spot, with dimin ished atooki, there h»B been * rather better demand ab unaltered prioee, viz, 30s 6d and 3is per 496 lbs. Of New Zealand cargoes, the •Maoduny from Lyttelton, with 8,366 quarters, nan been ordered to Hull, and the ♦HermionV from Oamaro, with 7,156 is still off coanr. For shipment, * oargo 0f,,9,000 qrs Is reported ■old for March'Apri! at about 28s 3d, c i I to United Kingdom fob* O > epot, values are 6d dearer, oving to the scarcity of English, and we now quote long berried at 29a 8d and 30 h and short berried Bl 23* 6d and 29a 496 Ibi ex store. Oa»§—Afß steady and about $£ dearer. New Zealand ordinary bluff and sparrow bills are worth 23s 6d and 245, and ffae Canadians 27s and 28» per 384 lbs ex store. Puna are quoted at 1B» 6d per 336 Iba ex •tore- Bar by--For malting there %re a few enquiries, but the trade ia sot active, white grinding «Orts are neglected. The utooks of New Zaatand here are now being worked of slowly at 25s and 28s per 4iH lbs tx store^ but the qualities vary considerably,) Frezsn Meat.—There has been bat Utklp alteration od the Meat Market) daring the past few weeks, supplies hare been liberal and trade clow, with a tendency to weakness m prio6B. Canterbury Sheep being still scarce, have firmly maintained their value, smalt prime o*rooeas being worth Id per stone more money, present quotations being 2« lOd and 3i Id per stone ex market 5 heavy shiep bringing the lower price. Second quality New Zealand may be quoted at 2? 7d and 2* 8d per stone. Lambs have been In good request and are greatly appreciated by consumers here, bub the late high rates have not been fully main tained, present quotations for prime Canter jjurys hiring 3* 6d to 3a lIS per stone tx Market, while Australians are making 2a lOd for tiie «.gnou!tural industry New Zealand to 3a 4d per atop*. The late tevere weather hai>, jb is ttated, caused great) mortality amnttg the English jjamJjs. Fr> zeo Beef has been alo^ of sale, the enquiry having been coafiued to prime qualityi Vdlues remain the sune, Zsaland Fores making 2« to 2s $d aad Hinds 2% M to 2% 64 per atone at Bmi6h£eld.

BIRTH

Smith-On theQthinst, at Pretoria Villa, Wills Street, the wife of Fred A Smith, of a daughter

Ashburton Gusrdian MAGNAEST VERTAS ET PRÆVALEBIT FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1901. Local and General.

i Atbxetiw—At the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Sports, at Timaru on Wednesday, 3 Friedlander ran second lv the 100 yds. More Pat—Oa Mr J Scaly stating at Wed nesday uigbt's mayoral installation thai j M H R'fl did not receive at much salary at the; were entitled to the member for the district promptly replied : ♦We are going to raise it? 1 ThbOciwabd Mails-The malls which left; Melbourne by the Cuzoo on April 3rd arrived m London on the morning of May 7, two daya late. The Aorangia mails which left Sydney on March 27, arrived m London on the afternoon of the sth inst, four days late. ! Shooting Match—-The shooting match between the Ash bar Jon Guards and the Ashburton Mounted Rifles did not come off yesterday on account of the mounted men not being abie to bring forward a team* Lokosbaom—The roads m this district have beoome considerably oat up, as the result of the reoent heavy grain traffic and the absence of a maintenance man—No School Committee has yet been appointed to this district. A Numhrous Body—At evidenoe that the position of Mayor baa been » rolling one m the pant, a l»rjje number of ex-May on were present at the installation on Wadnes day evening, and the member for the district being struck by the fact; enquired anxiously if alt present at the table were ex-Mayors What Was The Toast?-The member for Ihe district beoame entangled somewhat on Wednesday ni«ht, when proposing the toaat of« The Kz Mayors. 1 He began extol ling the enterprise of Mr Hugo Friedlander and of Messrs Fdediander Bro*. m their grain and other ventures, when he suddenly stopped, and enquired • What was the t»aut ?' and after being reminded, and the laughter had ceased, he continued his remarks The Abmy Contracts Scandal — A good deal of interest has beeu taken m Mr Arthur Chamberlain's action for libel againsi the Morning Leader and the Star newspapers* Puisuer claimed that de- j fenders had libelled him by asset ting that he had andnly need his relationship with the Colonial Secretary and friendship j with other members of Parliament to obtain Government contracts. The jury returned a verdict for pursuer, and assessed the damages at £200. The action byMrNevile Chamberlain againet the Star Newspaper Company was settled by arrangement, defend ants agreeing to pay £1500 m satisfaction of damages and coots, all imputations being withdrawn. AshboßTok, •• The Hub ° — Speaking at i the mayoral installation gathering od Wednesday evening, ex mayor tiealy strongly urged upon the member for the district the ! propriety of orbing upon the Government' the wisdom of moving the teat of Government) j to Ashburton, He pointed out that should a w*r break out with a maritime power, our port towns woqlii be at the mercy of an enemy's fleet, but Aehburton was out of the reach of the best guns yet made. As Mr .Scaly is not m the habit of joking, and his! manner was intensely serious when making this proposition, it is nob to be wondered at that Mr McL»ohlan appeared much im pressed, and promisad to bring the matter under the notion of (he Government. Troopers Beohption Dancb—The danca which is to bs tendered to the returned troopers to night bids fair to be a great success, Mr ShirpHn has sent down from Aiford Forest a tiuck load of feroa etc, and the hall has beea decorated win these and some beautiful motoes prepared for the occa lon. Messrs H rlley Bros have kindly lent some striking and appropriate designs to a?ti«t tn the work of decoration As m is desired bo make the hall as represen tative as possible, we are requested to men' tion that it is nob Incumbent upon civilians to appear m ovspirg dress, bub volunteers are invited to avail themselves of the p« j mission that bae been given by the oornm»Bd. inj? ojGßoer s and attend m uniform. Id may be as well also to know that persons attending the ball will be permitted In receive bsck their tickets if they wish to retain them as memotJt.og of the occasion. Of course the bill piogrammis will answer the same purpose. Troopers Alex Wilkie and J 6 Qook and Eggleetoue have stint apologies |or being unab'e to attend to day's fanc'ioo. The NoBMANBr Bridge Incident.— Thoush no mention ia m»de of the fact m the telegram, we (O %io Daily 7vtjts)ut&tt stand that but for the prompt action of an invalid worker named Wyatt m all human probabili'y there would have bsen a serious aooidenb, Wyatfc observing that the sea had undermined the rails and waflhed out the ballast, secured a red coloured petticoat belonging to a child and walked along the railway for about half a mile waving this danger aignal* He was observed by the driver, who promptly brought the express train to a stop. The passengers on the express train recognised the danger for which they had been saved, and took up a collection, with the result that £5 14s was handed ever to the invalid m slight recog nition of his services, which should meet with further recognition from the Govern ment, The train wat delayed until repairs were effected The express from the south went ou and passed the north bound train at 8t Andrews. No-Licehbb Crusade — Whatever dif ference of opinion exists as to the atilty or wisdom of Prohibition, the "never say'dltf" disposition of the party, Its untiring energy and splendid organisation, evoko universal respect if not admiration. Though it is at least eigh'een months before the next triennial poll is likely to take place, the "signal fires" are already being lit, and, on Thursday afternoon, a preliminary meeting was held ab the j Lesley an parsonage, to arrange for tha tendavofiß of the forces m this elect* rvi on Friday.' g*th innt., (Victoria Day) Rev ,(Jr B Inglia was yoted to rhe ehiSr. It was decided that jbhe morning and afternoon sessions take the form of a convention composed solely of no licensed workers and tiympathtserH. and the secretary (Rev Iffaos Bee) was asked to notify every Temperance organisation throughout the electorate, so that the convention might be »8 "representative as possible. Subjects to be discussed were submitted, and an agenda paper prepared. In the evening a pnbiic meeting to be addreeeed by prominent leaders of the movement from Chrlstchurch, will tafce place In St Stephen's schoolroom, where the convention will also take place The 3rd shipment of the new washing machine which is selling so freely has now arrived and may be inspected at the D I.C'a local branch m Tuncred Street, The fol* lowing 1* one of many testimonials now coming m from this district. Dear Sirs— I have given your patent washing machine a thorough trial and am very pleased to say that it has given me entire satisfaction- To give one instance of ite rapidity as a washer I might say that I commenced work at five minutes past eight this morning and by half past n;ne I had not fewer than five dozen otothee on the line. In the ordinary way it would take me four to five hours to do ihe same number. Yonrs truly Mr* Morlarty, C»J Street Aehburton. 30 401 Hrno^e New Vena.

Napier Hakbouk Mystbry,—lt fa ram« t oured that there willi shortly be some i startling disclosures In regard to the Napier ' lonnr Harbour mystery. j Game Licences Tiie secretary for the j Genaial Pose Gffi c, Wellington, bai] written to the Ouncil of the Acclimatisa tion Society cbttitg that a fee of sixpence would heucefnrbh be charged for every Poetise <o take or kill native or Imported game, iesuad through the Post) ©lice j ThbShootino Season-The oylinders » m vogue among duck shooters are not looked on with much favour by any esve those who use them At the Acclimatise^ don Society meeting In Christchnrch on Wednesday Mr Haydon said he knew of 600 ducks being slaughtered by five men, and the President fagreed with ihe desire to see the oylinders abolished One mem ber said he had known of 500 men capturing five dueke A Nbw Coal Find — It has been reported on good authority at Waimate that within th» last few days a valuable discovery of what appears to be good coal has been made m the Upper Makiklhi district, at the foot of the Hunter Range, | near the source of the Hunter Creek Some specimens have. been Peat to the Government analyst at Wellington for examination ALakob Oontbact—Messrs Friadlander Bros m conjunction with a Ghrisiohuroh firm have secured one of the largest eontwota m grain thai has yet been made by the War Office. Oa« steamer hag already left the colony, and with three other steamers now loading for South Afdaa a total oonaigment I of one million bushel of oats will have been I completed The produce has been waiting shipment for some considerable time past, but there is now every prospeot of prompt despatch. I SooiAi—The Druida of Aehburfcon have again decided to hold their annud social and ball this year on May 24th-, (Victoria Day). For years this has been an annual I fixture and the Committee who have been i appointed to carry oat the arrangements, I are determined that no expense will be I spared to make this social the most sue | cessfal and enjoyable one yeb held by the ! Society. The Oddfellows* Hall will be tastefully decorated for the o caaion. The catering ban been placed m the hands of Mr Stoddard and the music will be supplied by Mr Terris'a band. Messrs Hannigan and Kennedy have kindly consented to act as M.O A varied programme will be gone through including several songs. For those who do not care to trip the light fantastic the stage will be arranged with parloar games etc. Tickets for the Boclal may <bt) obtained from any of the members of the Com* mittee.

In addition to his usual sale of furniture produce, ate to mono w, Mr Henry Stephenson will offer wibhaufc reserve, fine assortment of tweeds, m suit lengths. The New Zealand Clothing Factory adver tise Men's and Boy's Waterproofs and Covert Coats, and as this is the season of the year when theae garments are required, no doubt their large stock will rapidly diminish; so intending purchasers would be wise to call early and secure first choice, though m the event of nothing being foand suitable, the firm will book orders from their large range of samples without any extra charge. I At the Maglstrate'sjConrt Ohristcharch, yesterday afternoon, one of the Justices on the Bench went into a deep and rf£ freshing slumber, which lasted thronghout the entire hearing of one of the cases against a bookmaker.— Star A beautiful "Boni3ch"pianoißmwon view m the DIO window m Tanored street, This maker has the honor of having supplied his instruments to nearly all the crowned heads and royal courts of Europe, and although nob co well known as some cheaper makes m New Zaalaud on account of its high price, litis an instrument which because of its beautiful rippling treble and tich magnifiaenb bass always places it a great favorite amongst) the great artists and leading pianistes of the day.

Catholic Literary Society

. ♦_ An event whioh has been looked forward to with considerable interest by those concerned took place .last evenipg, when aa "At Home," under the auspices of the Ashburtnn Catholic Literary Sooietj, wa* held, the Boyb' School being crowded to excess with members and their friends. A strong committee h»va had the working up of th« social la hand for some time, and they are to be complimented on the manner m whioh they carried oat the arrangements m connec tion with the same, for which they received the well merited ihanka of all present. The sohool was very prettily decorated for the occasion with evergreens, banner?, etc., and the whole presented quite a gay appearance. After a time had been spent m playing games, etc., m whioh each and all appeared to thoroughly enjoy them* selves, refreshments were handed round by % number of young ladies, and were greatly appreciated by all. The ladies who had charge of the refreshments deierve special praise for their courtesy and attention, and their efforts added greatly Co the success of the entertainment. . At) intervals during the evening songs and recitations, all of which were thoroughly appreciated, were contributed by the following j — Songs- Mrs Sorint and Mueller, Messrs 3 Healy, A J Mueller, M J Barges*, F Cooper, W Maddigan, J Qaughlan (Dunedin.) Mr M Fitsgerald gave an Irish hornpipe and Mr J Moriarty a recitation. An overture wm also nloely played by Mr J MoUonV orchestra. Mr J Shanlan played the accompaniments throughout the evening; ThePmidt»t(MrH MoSherry), In a neai speech thanked the audience for their attendance, and also all those who had helpsd to make the aoolal the great suooess it was, and trusted it would not be long before they had another such meeting. The gathering then broke up, all expressing themselves perfectly pleased with the evening's entertainment.

Railway sand the Grain Traffic.

At the mayor*! installation on Wednesday evening the railways oime m for a good deal of criticism. Mr Reid pointed, out the Agricultural interest* wera being to » great extent neg touted, and the railway carriage* to the I outlying disfcriota were miserable affairs, and incurring great inconvenience to travellers generally. The manner m which grain trii handled wai a great grievance, and this season worse treatment than ever had beep experienced, and owing to the absenoe of trucks and covers consignment* were dealt with m a reckless manner by the 4 R»llw»y Department. ', ■ '' i : V, Mr Fried lander stated that If ib were not fop the agricultural industry New Zealand would not occupy the important position it now bald m the eyes of the public. It was bo w (m open secret thai Aehburton firms ia ooDJunatioQ with a (jhi'iatchurch firm, had secured one of the largest contracts of oats over arranged. A total of )B,OjQQ tons of oats WQald be iitktn from this county y'atyed at nearly £160,0013, and «g a rasnlt th» whole polocy would re«p a benefits Wit?} respect to the trnpk question it) musi be remembered that the present had proved $v exoeptionally good season, with a oorr»s ponding heavy yield of oats. It was, there (ore perhaps, hardly to bo expected that the Government could eopo with suoh a tremendous orop as that which had resulted, and he thought everything possible had been done to meet the exceptional demand. The railways were carrying 20,000 toot of grain daily m tha colony, and thia was an extea tensive work. He commended the aotion of the Eton J O Ward since he had taken over the portfolio of railways, and ao far at the carriage! were concerned he would meet the demand m thit respeot. Ibe speaker had been assured that amongst the new oarrUgea imported from Home a supply would be provided for Alhburton. wbioh was admit tedly themwt promineat ngrioaltural and paetorai district fn the colouyi Mr Thomas said that already more grain had been despatched from the local railway station than ever previously forwarded, and yet every ator« m phriitohuroh and Ash barton was full to the door; The difficulty had ftdtaally arisen through thai small njimfae? of stfips m Jijyttislton.'and the station there flpuld n^t deal wfth thfi large »rriVale pi prodnpfp

RETURNED TROOPERS.

THE WELCOME IN ASHBURTOY.

Last evening at 6.30 the southern train with the returned troopers from South Africa by the Tongariro, m charge of Major Joweey, arrived m Ash burton. The station platform had been filled for almost an hour before the arrival of the train, which was expected an hr-ur earlier. Harried arrange, meats had been made m Baring Square by the looal Reception Committee to entertain bh* men, and light refreshments were tastefully arranged on tables presided over by the Mayoress, and Mesdames Mainwaring, Sjiodgrass, Gibson, Jones, Timmins, and Cox, assisted by members of the Committee and • number of friends. Hearty cheers greeted the returned contingents, who were accompanied by the Premier tnd party. On reaching the £qaare the Mayor, Mr W H Collins, welcomed the visitors m a few appropriate words, thanking the men on behalf of the town and district for their noble | services, and warmly welcoming them to Asfeburton. Major Jowsey here called for thrse cheers for the Mayor and resident*. Galls being made for the Premier, Mr Seddon addressed the crowd, stating that he had soaroely thought it possible so many oonld collect on suoh short notice to weloome the returning men. Ashborton, he knew, h»d always been a loyal and enterprising place, and he heartily thanked them for the splendid reception they had given. The good and noble deeds of the Colonial men had been highly appreciated hy the people of this colony, and their names are written upon the scroll of fame. He knew the feelings amongst the men themselves, and that they were quite prepared to return to the war ; bnt it wss only natural that they should now wish to see their relatives and friends. They were not featherbed soldiers, having Attended on biscuits and bully beet. Major Jowsfty, Captain Crawshaw, and other officers had spoken m the highest terms of the men m South Africa, and it is not, therefore, to be wondered at that the people of Asbbnrton should provide this weloome. He was proud of his colony m giving suota cordial receptions to those who had done so much for the cause of the Empire. Three cheers were here given for the Premier, after which the party moved off to thftirals. From the carriage platform Major Jowsey briefly returned thanks to those assembled, and referring to Captain Tooker he said he was a • Gem of a man,' and a ' Real good fellow,' and there was not a better man with them. The train continued its journey to Ghriitchutroh amidst the oheeis of the large crowd of onlookers assembled to see them of On aooount of the lateness of the hour and very short time at his disposal last evening, Major Jowsoy, the Commanding Officer of the Contingents desired His Worship the M«yor to convey to the ottizans of this town BDd district, and the Reception Committee the t hanks of hinmif, hia officers and men for the very hearty weloome accorded to them on their return from the seat of war, and to express their high appreciation of the thanks tendered to them for what they had done as ' Soldiers of the King.'

A strong nor wester prevailed at Aahbar ton this morning, and it was feared the demonstration ia the Domain would be interfered with, but by midday the wind had fallen and the weather was all that could be wished; Corporals H J Harper, W Lowe, Troopers 1 Lill, and C Lusk arrived by the •ipresa from the North and w<jre met at the Ashburton station by the Mayor, Messrs 3 MoLsohlan and H Frieilander, Hogetber with a number of. friends. The Woolston B*nd accompanied the Troopers from the North. On arrival the returnel troopers were taken by the Mayor to lunoh at the Commercial Hotel, and shortly after two o'clock the Mounted Biflee and the Ashburton Rifles and Guards Corps mustered at the Drill shed, and marched thenoe to the Domain where full preparations for the reception had been made. A thanksgiving •errioeformedthefirstportion of the reception which was proceeding when we went to press.

Bubonic Plague.

United Press Association—By Blectrio Telegraph—Copyright Brisbane, MUy 9 A bartender at a leading hotel had been attacked by plague.

Strike at Barcelona

THE OITY IN A STATE OF SIEGE.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Madeid, May 9. A tramway strike at Barcelona culminated m a general strike and rio'9. The city has been proclaimed m a state of seige, Ihe cavalry charged the rioters, injuring many.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

THI INDEMNITY \

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

London, May 9 The Foreign Ministers have informed China that the indemnity has been fixed at £66,000,000.

Two Murders

United Press Association -By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.  Sydney, May 9 Two tragedies are reported from the oountryl At Goulbarn Henry Sohnoor, an old man living atone, was found with his skull battered m. There are indications that on his entering his house vomeone hidden inside felled him. His purse is misting from his pocket. At Young, Nicholas Jusprazi, a weUfcnown orchardlst, and his wife were ia their bed room. Two shots were fired through the windowt Jaaprizzi was killed and his wife w*s wounded slightly. A man m J«sprizza's employ has been arrested.

An Education Bill

PROPOSALS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

Unlaid Freei Amociation—By Eieotrio Telegraph—Copy right London, May 8 In the House of Gomtnoos, Sir John Gorst, Ti(ja president of the committee of the Council of Education, introdnqod an Edu cational Bill. ' '' Ib ie intended to eatablieh local educational authority throaghoijt) fengland »nd" Wales, T-yith the idea 'ultimately of oont'plling a!t schooU, elementary, sepondary and technical. Under tha Bill county boroughs, acting through 8 atrator y Committees, will be tha educational autboritlei for the future, th c Board of Education acting ac a oonoiliator, •fid aeeing that all intereats are consulted as to tha looa! schemes. Large powers of com bination are given to Coanty OouuoHb, and ib ia hoped that some boiougha will throw m their lot with the counties, The Edu cation Committees will be powerles to etrika i a rate, but will merely spend the money [provided by the Oouaty Oouncila. The Shoo! Boards and their rating powera renrain untouobed regarding elementary 1 education tboagb (heir albltnate abaorptioo fa contemplated. The meaaare baa been well received, although the Badicala assert: that it got no mora than a half hear ted welcome.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold oarieivet reßpoonble (or opinions expressed by out eorreipondant*

SUPPLYING BUTCHERS' MEATE.

TO XHB BDIXOB Sir,—Would you allow tna tonk ntation holden, farmer*, blacksmith*, and others < who are m the habit of killing cattle, sheep, and pige, and selling the same, if they consider it fair to the local butcher wfco goes to the expense of running a carb four days * week round the scattered dietriots of Mount Bomew, Mayfield, and Rnapona, and finds his customers have been aerved by these gentlemen, more especially since 'the new Act came m force, patting the batcher to greater expense. Hoping this will be taken m the same spirit with which it is written, and thanking you for your valuable apace,— I am, etc, BpgciHta.

COURSING.

The first meeting of tht season of the Athfaurton Coursing Glob was held on Thursday afternoon atTtnwald, on excellent ground just opposite the raoecourie, kindly lent to the club by Mr Johnston: The litres, which were liberated as before f-rm boxes, did not ran so well as those u«ca it>«t year, possibly owing to the meeting being held two months earlier m the season. However, they ran quite as well as those at Oamaru fast week, and had the slips been as long as they ahoald have been, no doubt the courses would have been generally more satisfactory. As It was, there were some excellent courses —notably those between Hero Again and Heotor McDonald, andMispaband St Oinnon m the first round, and between Mispsh and Advance m the fourth round. The perform' tnoe of the Ashbnrton dog, Mispab, stamps her m one of the best m New Zealand. She ran well into the big stake at Oatnarn, and only got out by a bit of bad luck. On Thursday, at the beginning of the fourth round, she was left m with four other Napier dogs, all m one nomination. The nominator of the latter drew one, and Miipah pat one the other three successively. The win of Mr Lee was rery popular. The judge (Mr M Digby) gave general satisfaction, and the secretary (Mr W Shearman) andl other officials oarried out their duties m a rery efficient manner. With the one exception that the slips were altogether too short, Mr T. Alexander, the slipper, bandied his dogs fairly well, and the meeting as a whole may be regarded as a success. It should be speoiaily mentioned that Mr £ Ball, of Peel Forest, who supplied the haras, also liberated them with excellent judgment. The following are the results :— AsaßCßf sk Challenge Stakes—First dog £25, runner up £8, third dog £4, two dogs £2 each FIRST BOUND Mr Dalgleish's Hero Again 1 beat Mr Buttimore'a Hector McDonald Mr lee'a Mispah beat Mr Dalgleish's St Cannon Me Fiizitmmoii'i Austral beat Mr Wee* don's Rowena Mr Bulled's Dingo beat Mr Fox's Lady's Chain Mr Leo's Wildfire beat Mr Weedon's Rox&na - Mr Lelievre's Dead Bird beat Mr Oakley's Rangipuhi Mr Bulled's Secrecy beat Messrs Wise and Has tie's Mattie Collett Mrßulled's Emperor beat Mr Ldievre's Bell Bfrd Messrs Wise and Hastie'a Ilex beat Mr Harris's Gipsy Mr BuUed's Advance beat Messrs Wise and Hastie's Charming May SECOND ROUND Mispah beat Hero Again Seoreoy beat Wildfire Advance beat Ilex Dingo beat Außtral Emperor beat Dead Bird THIRD ROUND Mispah beat Dingo Seorecyan accidental bye—Emperor withdrawn Advance a bye FOUBTH ROUND Miapah beat Advance Secrecy a bye FINAL Mr A Lee's w f b Mispah, Heart of Grace ll—Deceit, beat Mr Bulled's blk d Beoreoy, Patahwood—Jennie, acd won the stake. Unfortunately th« hare liberated for the final was not so good as the two last, but kept going long enough to show that the better doc won. Secrecy, favored by puss, secured the first tarn about a length to the goo 1, when Mispah dashed m, acid after two turns killed.

South Africa.

Ucitied Prsis Assoolatioc—by Elecfcrio ETelegtuph—Oopytight

London, May 9 Captain Vialls, of the West Australian Baihmeo, with 260 picked men and Ihorses, pursued Commandaat Matthew Pretorius •nd 300 men m the direction of Wafeerburg. Ha captured thirty waggons, ft thousand ! cattlr, and twenty seven Boers Botlsa snu Ben Vilpeu have occupied Carolina The * Timei * itates that Colonel Plumer mirohed from Pretoria, and held the drifts on Olifaot'i Rlwr for ten days, imprisoning many Boers m m densely wooded, waterless semi olrole, »n<l driving them Into the haads of General Kitoheaer and oolumni from Middleburg Mr Banntbt Barleigh says thAd the Boers who are hidden In the bash with their stook led before Colonel Burner, leaving 380 of: their wives and children, who were m a lowsr and dirtier stare than Kaffirs. The Boere are actonnded and disheartened »t> fchetf fastness being Invaded. One hundred and forty three were captured, beiiden fifty who surrendered

British and Foreign

United Prese Association—-By Eleetrlo Talegrnph—Copyright Londoht, May 8 Mr J C Williamson, the w«U known enfcerproneur, h%s parchased the Aqs« trallan rights o£ the Savoy opera* The Emerald Me.' Germany and America are anxious fco secure a coaling station m the Asores

Interproviancial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph WgnuNfTON, May 9 There is & probability tihab the Roy a! party will visit) Southland travelling by rail from Duuedin Biid making thi Bluf the pott of floal departure. AlOhlakb, May 9 Ex Ooostable UulHnane has died m toe hospital. Three years ago he wai brutally kicked by a man h« was endeavoariHg to arrest, and was retired from the force on half pay, at the beginning of this year, Hit aiiailantt was sentenced to three yean im prißOument. The deceased leaves a widow and one ohild „, Tisukct, April 9 The retiring M«yor, Mr John Hole, U«t night entertained the new Mayor, and the new and old CoutclHoti and others at a aooial^gathsriDg, and presented to the Umnoil framad enlarged photos of the m •?•«•* -Mayor- and the Town Clark, Mr B H Lough, who has been m offio* since the borough io*ugaratiea io 1868 ■'♦• '•■SSedt^ for the "option of the troopg. The itreets are being gaily decorated \ Chbwtchcwm May 9 At the Arbitration Court the butchers dfepute was adjourned until evidence was «»ken m Wellington as to tht conditions of the tf atte existing there.

Auckland, May 9 loutists report that they explored the oaveß near the head of the Awaroa River, Kawhla, and discovered mummified re* mama almost complete. The remilns! are those of an extinct race hitherto unknown. The caves are on the face of an almost vertical cliff.

Remounts for South Africa Wanted

, United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Wellington, May 9 , Colonel Hunt and Captain E Nuttaii two Imperial officers arrived by the Wsrrioioo m connection with the pur' chase of remounts for South Africa and will visit all thw agricqUqral centres.

Smitten Death at Pleasant; Point

News was received m Tlmaru oil Wed; nesday by the police that a mas B*med John Oliver, a well known batcher, had been found dead at Pleasant Point late the previous nigh t Constable Madden reported the base, and an Inquest was arranged for yesterday afternoon. The Inquest was held at the Pleasant Point Hotel, before the Coroner 0 A Wray and a jury of six. * Robert Stuart Reid, a duly qualified medioal practitioner residing at Timaru t said that he had that afternoon made * * post mortem' examination on the body ot the deceased, and found that be died from fatty degeneration of the heart The jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Assessment Court

The Assessment Court sat Thursday before Messrs C A Wray, Joseph Scaly, and John Lamble. Applications for reductions on pro* pertiea, resulted as follows :—W PrebWe t Wheatstone, redaoed by 10* an acre on the capital value 5 P Daly, Hindi, redsotd I £20 on the capital value, bat no reduction wai made on the second application X Madden, deafieid Road, reduced £ an acre on the capital value j ifohann Hurley, reduced to £2 10b an acre on tk capital value.

The Horse Fiend

United Preee Asaootatton—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Chri£T'jHoEom, May 9 A £20 horse belonging to some peeplo on the South Belt was found outside Its stable this morning with a deep gash In the neck evidently caused by a knife. The horse fiend la suspected again.

CABLE NEWS.

THE TANTALLON CASTLE AGROUND. Capetown, May S During & fog the Union Castle liner Tan tallon Castle grounded on Robber Island near Capetown. The position is oritloal. The passengers and mail* were ia*sd.

GERALDINE STOOK SALE:

There wai a good attendance at the live Bfcook sale at the Geraldine Farmer* Yards yesterday, but the entry of live ■took wu small. A line of three quarter bred lambs brought 7a 6d, Steers and heifera sold up to £5 cowa m profit, £6 5s ; oowi m calf, 46s ;ft two year old colt aold at £12 6i. Weasbls m Allbnton—A good specimen of the weasel tribe was caught m a rat trap on Mr Pearce'a premises at Allenton on Wednesday evening. Tas Frisco Mail—The Frisco mail arrived by the express from the north yaitcrday Football.—At a meeting . held m the Templar H*ll on Wednesday it Wai decided to starb a new alub to be called tht'Mooi' football club. The election of cffioert re raited as follows ; Captain 6 JBrlght, ▼io« captain J Hllgrove, Seoretary H Addto, Tresaercr 0 Hardley. Afttr dlweutng T»ri ous dst^iU it was agreed that |b« olobs sol onrs should be maroon and goH and it wit left with the committee to arraoga a match for Victoria day with the Star club of Timara Charitable Aid Board.—At the mstting of the Charitable Aid Board m ChrUtohuroh on Wedneeday, the chairman stated that hs understood tbe Ashburton Home Commlttse I would soon take active it era to oomnumca building operation!. In the allocations of contributions for the year ending March 31st 1902, Aihburt/on County Is pat down at £7967«, and Afthburton Borough afc£67Bi li Plbci for the new home for old men wsrt submitted and approved t

THE LATEST

Home and Fortiffa United Press Association—By ElMtrlc Telegraph—Copyright) (Reoeked May 10, 9.8 am) COAL TAX London, Hay 9 After consultation with coil owners and a further lengthy debate, the miners confer enoa deoided not to strike against) the ooal tax THE CZAR The Cz*r visiti Englald at the end «f Augost, and then pays a visit) ef several weeks to Darmstadt THE PLAGUI The plagae at Capetown it diminish i og. Rats ire still dying m hundred!

SOUTH AFRICA.

HEAVY CAPTURES OF STOCK.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph - Copyright Keoeived May 9,8 66 » m London, If ay 9 Mr Arthur Balfour addressing ft meeting of the Primrose League m Albert Hall, London, declared theoountry was anwarer* ing la IU determination to bring the w»r to a successful end. Benson's column sooured the country f rom Middleburg m the direction of RoojMnkkl and Tonsbury, »ud rMchfd Belfast, where it had one stiff fight expriflng the Boars from concealed c*t«* fire British were wounded including three efieert [ Trtmendoai aa»ntitie« of »took aad aappllw were oftptarea and m&oy Been lurrandered m order to bats their stock, Th«re are thousand* of refugees m Middleburg.

A REBEL FINED.

(Beoeived May 10, JO a m) I*o»don. May 9 van 3?iazeii, a farmer, m tiarkley East, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and iined £l()0i) on charges of treason, Arrangements have been made to ship 1700 Boer prisoners to Bermuda,

American Gambling.

SPEOULATION IN WALL STREET

ited Press Association—By Slwttio Telegraph Losdow, Mayl The gambling m Wall Street has been revived chiefly m railway stocks. The excitement i 8 refected on the London exchanges. Phenomenal rim m Northern Pacific Railway shares of m Canadian P.cific railway shares of sixteen, aad the Union Pacific abarea of twenty six took place.

THE ASHBCRIOB GtJAKDIA s tfBtPAY, MAf 10, 1901



M*y n »» if »!

7 3 9 10 11

• » • «

Ri«ea 7 1 ? 2 7 3 7 4 7 5

Sets 4 51 4 50 4 49 4 48 4 47



Fall moon Last quarter Apogee New moon First quarter Perigee

D 4 25 20 18 25 17

H H 5 49 »m 8 10 pm 4 30 am 5 Bpm 5 10 pm 6 30 pm



-*- iF»fc*f Pan baking powtler j - ... i



Tkefolkmng appeared in'our Second Bditfon of yesterday ?



When children are teething they have more or less diarrhoea, which can be controlled by giving Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy. Foil directions with each .bottle Sold by Ashbnrton Drnp flo Price la 6dand 3s



FARMERS and othera, prepare for the Winter, and navo your Home made cheery and bright with tbe powerful Acetylene Gas. Estimates given by H^RDLEy 8803. •>• . Wade's Woem Figs are moafej effective and not unpleasant; children fjrfye'after{iakipgtbe^i; price, Is |



00N8OLTIN,G j()|?T||OIAN Mr Ernest M Saßdateln, DB O AJ, fII UQ, who baa lately returned after »lx years* appclal study m England and Con tinont, t»ay be oonealted on all oaaeaof defeotSvo eyesight, payftgbt not neoeasary artidoial Hght being need. Deotorp'We Boriptiona prepared. Fee* moderate. Oop ' lilting room*, Caahel Street VV., over M aandatsio, jeweller, Cbriitjohori^; @to II to 4dai!v



TWO STRONG REASONS ■-W.J Mollroy, Euq, Ktamar*. N s»|d recently:— " From actaal use m fliy own Jftmiiy, and remarks m&s® by all wbjt> hay« ever used Chamberlalne Cough Remedy, I know it to be tbe best cough mixture la tbe market* I have bad the agency for over four years, have Bold many dcjseasi, and have never had a eieg'e complaint. Sold by Anhburton Drug Company price i&d and 3s



MRS ALCORN is now showing new Winter Good*, new Jackets for Lftdioa and Children, tsew Mantieft, new Waterproofs, new Dross Goods, &o> Special —New Millinery, latest styles, Paris Models Felt, Velvet and Straw Hats, Ribbons, j Feathers, Quills, Flowers, *c, Gloves, Fare' and Umbrellaß ■ 7T"T R. AWOKH's !3ale^_~Spleßdid lob Xi. of Men's mil Boys' OiotbEng »b greatly redaoed prlcet!; Boys' Norfolk §nit» at 11« 6d, worth l£is fid % Men'i -Strong Kaiapoi Tweed Tromiers 3s 6d, u*n*l price lis 6d; Ladiee' Hues from 6d m pair, * Special line afc Is 1 a jgreftl) vartefey «f Men's and Boys' Straw Hats, mast; be sold Ladies cron QzlarA Shoes from 5s 9d __^ *ALB^nr&Doy WoTk, Silk*, Aramca j Perliaea, C&avue,, Berlin Weo'it, Ltispn : «ztd Statn{ißcl wotk generally, »U Reducet! ■ taring Mas himmi's lal) |



LAMPS. LAMPS/LAMPS. ■SEE OUB DISPLAY. ! If "—JWifMBiBr HANGING LAMPS. Hall Lamps. Library Lamps; Ttbfc L»mpi. Hand Lamps Miller Lamp>» Mammoth Lamps, And lastly, and as importaat aa any, CARRIAGE* LAMPS. Call %nd ace oor splectfon, and if you have old Lumpfl, yon will want to get new ones, and iff yon have none at all, the mason ss all the greater for visiting aa. Horse Clippers.. Horse Clippers. PLANT'S HOKSE OLTPPFR«. Hied In every principal stable m England Imported by na direct from the Bakers. The very hosts value m the market AMMUNn'Km'iMMUNITION Heaps of Cartridges for mh. Bivalf, Clnbi, Oarti* and Harvey'a Austral, and Eley's,' at; the lowest prioe m town. A! =9—Do'ab'e Barrel Gans at special prices to dear. You will gave money by visiting oar establishment, W. H. COLLINS & CO.. IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER & OOAI. MERCHANTS. 4«.ENTB, ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY ' IN.Z- CLOTHING FACTORY. TIT ATEBPROOf GOATS and Oapes, 21s to 80s OOTHRT COATS, 24?, OaBSTEBFIBLDS, 26* 6d BOYS' WATIRPBOOI COVERT OOATS *nd REEFEKB OKEAT VABIUTY Waterproofs Made to Miasure—Wear Guaranteed 200 Patterns to choose from, N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. MR F. N. WHITCOMBE, SURGEON DENTIST, SfACrNDERB* BUILDINGB, (Oppotite Railway Station, Ashburkro) BEGS to intimate that he has commenced praotios at the above ikddreea. Having imported the latwb appliances dirsot from Loudon and N«w Yoik, he is prepared to do Sret clan work at moderate ieei. All work &om with owe and deipstob, and orly th« beat materlali ui«d. Stopping! and oat® of Childron't Teeth * ipeoialty MR WHITOOMBE will Visit as follows:— R4EAlA—Fitat amd lhird THURSDAYS of every month »b the Bailway Hotel, Houbs—9 till 1, and 2 till 5. CHOICE SHA-DlliS U K?»nlng Dress Good« ART TONES In Evening Silks ALL COLORS In Evening Satins LOVELY DESIGNS I.*-*,,^- NO"YE LTIES io Fvooi-g sb>«i< VARIOUS STYLES ...«*,««. FAFS GLOVES, HOSE, LAOES, OHIFFONS RIBBONS SEE OUB WINDOWS MITCHELL AND TURNER, THE DRAPERS " MELLOR'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE IS THE KING 9F BOOT SHOPS. Pronounced by ttie Aihbnrton Publis to be th© Oheapesfe and Moat Reliable Boot Shop m Afchburton. THE FOLLOWING 18 A FFW OF OUR PBIOBS:— ./ Men's Good Blucbers, grmt Talne . . ... . 6i lid Men's Gaod Shooter Boot? from ... ... ... 9a 6d Bfen'ai L'gbt Sunday 8001, good value, at ... ... 8a 6d Lsdim' Pretty Omford Shoes from ... ... ... 6s Sd. Oblldpen's Boots from ... . ... la JJ Bofe* Strong School Btwts, very cheap; only ... ... 4s 6d Lsales' Lestber Slippers from ... ... ... 3s lid Men's Oauvas Shoes ••• ... ••• Sa 6d luai»*Thotlßßßd °N*er I*lnfiß thßb Defy Oomp«tltlon>t J. MELLOR'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, TANOHED STREET, ASBBDRTON.



*» 11 Eaalptor, 60 Stsflord 8N Timosn tA LWAYS Id Stock—A il. olaae oeleetlou of Marble aod Granite Monaments, o««{riis «,ud Estimates for warded on application.. Letter Oattiag m &nj styl You can depend on ridding joar cliiyren of Worms with Wade's Worm Figs, th© wonderful worm worriers, price, Is T>A"i'TY~P*inrbakiDg powder wants" one JL trial wifobeoS: prf jadict, two p&tty paas «# aethiag. '