THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains eavo Ashburton daily for— CHRIBTGBURGH—ab 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN—Rfc 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashbartoo from— CHRISTOHURCH-ab 10.45 » m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm" TIMARU-at 10.35 a m, 2 55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGRURN-at 8.45 am(»

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Mood for February

BUN.

Mail Notices

Mails close for the following placet ac under, subject to the necessary alterations MONDAY MARCH 18 For London, via L<*s Paltnis, per Star of Now Zealand, specially addressed, at 6.30 pm, late fee letters, guard's van, express train* ■ • TUESDAY, MARCH 19 For Northern Ports And Westport, per Upoln, at 6.30 a m For Northern Ports and Westporn, per Rotomabana, at 630 p m j late feo letter?, guard's van, express train WEDNESDAY. March 20 For Northern Ports and Westpor*l, also , Samoa, Hawaii, Pnillipinea, Japan, United States, Canada, etc, United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (due London April 20,) via San Francisco, per Waikare, ab 6 30 p m, I late fee letters, guard'a van, express train, \ money orders 2.30 pm, registered articles and parcels for United States, spm From 3pmoo Monday, March 18, postal i aad telephone buain»Bi at Sum' er will he ' carried on In the Government bnildingt The office will transact money order, eariugs back and postal note baaliaesa.

Commercial.

_ „„ A | 1.1 ■ HAVELtOK STREET MART. Mr H Stephenson reports that thore was & smaller attendance than usual at his sale on Saturday, and consequently competition was nob bo keen. Prioes as follows :—Pigs (small entity)— Suckers 5s 9J ; we»nera 6b, 6a 6d, Bs, 8a 6d ; stores (small) 9a. Poultry la6dto3a6d per p»ir. Potatoes (slow of sale) 5s to 6i per sack. Carrota 2s per sack Onions la per Ib, Wheat 5s 6d to 7« per Back Applea 2* 6d to 3<6lper case, Plums 2d pet Ib. Tomftfcoes3l and 3£ per lb. There was a largo entry of furniture and sundries which realised very satisfactory prioes.

DEATH.

1 Morgan.— Oa March IB,«fc the residence of her son-in-law (Mr John Paviaon), Catherine Sophia Mor»an. Aged 88.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1901.

" Neither the meeting re Federation at the Aahburton A and P. dissocia tion rooms some days ago, nor that convened by the Canterbury Agri cultural and Pastoral Association to take place m Ohristchurch shortly, nor any other similar gatherings can have an important pjfVph upon the subject of New Zetland pntering the Commonwealth. We may take it for granted that the question will not ba decided for at least, two years, for there is really no hurry, now that the representation m the Federal Parlia ment has be?m settled on the basis of the states that have already joined. This being bo, it ia not ft matter of much consequence what the gentlemen who are going to fcha C ■'s x uroh meeting as delegates from South and Central Canterbury may gay there. All the same, it is a pity that on a question of such importance as this, at anyrate, the President of the Ashbarton A. and P. Association allowed the motion proposing the appointment of two delegates to be scrambled through m the way it was done. When the motion was proposed most of the mem. bees had left the room, there being only tea present including himself. When it was passed, all of thoae members were on their feet, just leaving, and although at least one had objected to the appointment of delegates as an* necessvry, The president appears t© have considered the motion agreed to. In fact this is how he settled it. He said 'I suppose it is agrord gentleman, that Mr Studholme and myself shall be delegates to the Ohristchurch Con ference.' That w..8 all, and some members who did not bear the motion pat m the usual way though it had fallen through. We Bhonld not refer to this matter just now, were it Dot that Mr Leadley, who holds very pronounced anti-Federation views, distinctly stated that if he did did act as delegate from the Ashburton meeting he would not be bound by its decision not to express any opinion on the matter nt present. Apparently Mr Leadley wishes to make the Metropoli tan meeting believe that he has the ABhburton county behind him, or at least that the farmers here share his views, which they certainly do not. We emphatically protest against any at* tempt to convey that impression or to commit the farmers of this district to anything more than their opinion an nounced the other day,, that they have not sufficient information at present to come to any decision on the question, of New Zealand joining the Common* wealth. If Mr Leadley confines himself at the Conference at Ohristburch fco seeking to con vince those who may differ from him, thatjbe understands this difficult question better than they do, no one can have the slightest objection; but he must not claim to be a representative of public opinion m the Ashbarton county on the matter. We have not referred to the other delegate, Mr Studholme, whose views «re quite opposed to Mr Leadley's, as he was not present when the delegates were supposed to be chosen, and it is quite possible he may not accept nomi nation. Indeed, m view of the noa committal resolution passed at the Ash barton meeting, *nd of the improbability of any really valuable contribution to the Federation -question being made at the proposed HieetiDg, it is very likely that Mr Studholme will not attend iv the capacity of a'delegate,'

Local and General.

St. Patbicks Day—yesterday, Maroh 17bh, w»b St P*triok'a Day. The banks were cloned today m honour of Ireland's patron Saint. Diath m A OnOECK-—A Press Asßooia tioa telegram from Wanganui states that an elderly man named John Oronin, * painter, ' dropped dead m St Mary's Roman Cifbo'io CJhuroh during Sunday rooming's service. Heart dia* ase was the supposed came, CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION-Among the passengers by the * a Mc.koia, which left Sydney' on Saturday, is a Onmmisßioj appointed by the Government to enquire into the working of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act m New Zealand, Personal—The friends of Mrs G Bryant, of Gsraldine, will regret to hear that she passed awiy very suddenly parly i on Saturday morning, after having been i ailing for some time oast. Mrs Bryant leaves a husband and four children. Grain VEwnixv Pbason. The grain ! shipping season is about to commence and the barque Canterbury chartered by Messrs Friedlander Bros ia expected daily at Lyttelton to load 16,000 of wheat for the Home market. This is the firms first ship of the season. Rifles Association Meeting —Seven members of the Timaru Volunteer Corps passed through by Saturdays express and two members by this mornings train for the New Zealand RSas Association Annual Meeting which takes place At Wanganul on Thursday netfc, Tbe Ashbtjrton Band—The members of the Ashburton Brass Band proceeded to Lugmhor by MoConnell's drag on Sunday afternoon, arriving m time to witness the return of the Mounted Rifisa from thtir expedition* After performing some music m front of the men's quartern the Band attended Church parade with the company at tha Lftgrnhor Ohnrch. Excubsion Train—The excursion train from Christohuroh this morning, proceeding south, comprised sis carriages, but they were only about half filled. Only a few I passengers joined the train »b Ashburton, | the threatening weather doubtless preventing i the looat people from leaving home to take advantage of the trip. Ciroos Tbaih.—Afber performing afc Aah burton on Saturday evening the stuff of Messrs Fitzgeralds Circus had a bu*y time packing up and the special train conveying the members and their Rear together with the horses and animals did not leave noli! 4 25 yesterday morniDg proceeding to Christ oharoh where they open tonight. Tennis Towrnambnt.—A projeot is on foot for holding a tennis tournament between the Oamaru, Timaru, and Ashburton Clubs once & year, during the Easter holidays. This year it is proposed to hold the tournament at Timaru, and thereafter ab Oatnaru and Ashburton, as may be arranged. The Idea, which we understand emanates from the local club, is a good one, will we trust be heartily taken up by the cluba m the other two centreo. Mokihinui Tiaduct — Mr Samuel Brown, of Wellington, informed a Post reporter that he had been [informed by a Christcharch gentleman that ha had tendered for the construction of the Moklhinai Viaduct: at £48,000. The Government elected to do the work them selves, and it had already cost £72,000, and was nob yeb finished. But money is no object. '■ m, ' Pot Hunters —Complaints reach us (The Timaru Herald) from pretty well all parts of the district that wild ducks are being already shot at by the pot hunters Even on tuch waters aa the Mi'ford, which are "protected '' l=y law. and the ranger is puppoaed to b- specially on the watch, there is shontl.ig almost every night. The Acclimatt-a f ion Socto'y In tend to take vig. rms steps if any of iht? offenders are caught). A Dumb Waiter—A Chicago invent ct has patented a pch< me for the abolition of the writer. Tne customer is to sit before a frame m whi his a menu with the price of each article advent ed as usual. Opposi'e each item will !>e a slot. Having dropped into this the necessary coin for the dish he requires, he will have to wait only a f»w seconds before a lift will appear, and he will take from it, with his own hards, the dishes ho his automatically orde'ed. —' JL»a''!y News." 11 Dbbioh." —Some years ago Mr E Gj Wright, who was ihen member for the district, at the suggestion of Mr John Lambie, obtained from the Government a promise to provide some meteorological instruments for use at Kyle, which is a very convenient locality for observations. More than once the authorities have been reminded of the non-fulfi'Rient of that promise, but up to the present time nothing has bee-.) done beyend sending Mr Lambie a few polite letters just to show him that the Scotch term " Dreioh" is well understood at head* quarters. Burnham Bots —The escapes and exploits of Burnham boys are becoming matters of common notoriety, and something rre«h is heard almost daily. Go Friday night last the railway station at Bnrahtim was broken into, anji a quantity of passenger tickets, together with » signal lamp and other small thing", were et&len. Detective Casselfo, of the Cbristchurch polioe ferae, immediately proceeded to Bornham," and with the assistance of the loo&l constable arrested two escaped Burnhsm boy!, who, it) is alleged, are guilty of the offence* A shbubton and Ms Holmks.—Ashburton evidently stands on its dignity with regard to the reception of the royal visitors, says 7ruth. The local member received a tele gram from the Premier stating that Mr Holmes, the New Zealand Royal Pienipoteni ary, m ordinary, would visit ABhburton f3r the purpose of consulting with the local authorities as to the reception. The reply from the 'city of tussocfcfe' was short and unmistakable. 'We are quite able to look after the resep&ion ourselves",' the wire said, •and we don't want to have anything to do with Mr Holmes.' What will happen when Mr Holmes meets Mr McLachf»n with his food upon his native heath it is hard to say. Religious Papers Amalgamation —The Wesleyan Conference has recommended the incorporation of their churohes organ, the Advocate, with the Outlook Fully Beven years ago the Outlook was Bbartc*, supplant ing the New Z«uland Presbyterian, to supply for the home a Christian weekly paper, under the able and fearless editorship of the Ray Dr Wsdd^Jl of Sc Aodrewf, Dunedin, The pape? has steadily increased fn popula rity, and ie fasfc sttainlui? the or-j<et'for which it was started. Tjtje incorporation with it of the Advtcatt wo»»ld bring it at once a large mftaaure of support) and graatly increase its influence, as it would then be the representative organ of the Presbyterian Congregational and Wesleyan Churohes of New Zealand.

St John Ambulance Associa tion

ASHBURTON BRANCH, . The lecture room of the Sooiety wag well filled on Saturday afternoon on the occasion of the presenting of diplomas to the sHoaesc ful students during the past year. His | Worship the Mayor, Mr Hugo Friedlander presided m the absence of the Central Presided Lord Ranfarly, and when aftw noon tea and cakes had been dispensed by ' tha Committee, comprising Meedamen J Davidson, W Baxter, Missies Mao Andre k , and the business of the afternoon took j place. Th.B Mayor stated that this con cluded the third year of the Sooiety and complimented the members on their Bucoesi. ful work. The cumber of certificates he held m his hand spoke volumes for the diligence of the stndtnti and the capabilities of the medical lecturers. The Committee and members desired to place upon record tbeir high appreciation of the eervioeß rendered to the Society by Doctors Eolger, Trevor, and Hunter, and Mies MoAndrew, matron of the Hospital. The Mayor then handed first and certificates to the following?— Miss M Barrett, Mas'dames W Baxber and W Brock, Misses L,Watt, A Browa, Ourd t Doherty, Fawoett, N Fook», D Tnllarboß, E Gates, N Harrison, Mra- H-A M'Ka/, Miss Mulhol' land i Shearer, I OChomas, M Tresiaa, F Tuoker, L Turner and WiUamson The Mayor stated thab |he Society recognising the valuable services rendered by Dr Bolger, desired to shew their apprecia tion m a tangible form, «nd he had therefore much pleasure m handing that) gentleman on th< ir behalf a handsome travelling rug with his monogrccm embroidered m the corners Dr Bolger suitably acknowledged the gift and ie reply stated that) it had given him I great pleasure to conduct) the classes as the lectures had always been listened to m a, most intelligent manner, and when on occasions he had not expressed himself to hie own satisfaction, yeb they had all grasped )ther'ght conclusion. He wished to refer to the work of Miss Graham as aiaislant secretary, complimenting her on her efforts and m referring to Mr Maokay's labours as Secretary, stated that the reception and continuation of the classes there was entirely due to him. The Mayor on behalf of the Committee then handed Mr Maok&y a beautifully bound copy of Longfellow's works, as ».token of their recognition of the interest and assistance he had given m the aession 1901. Mr Mackay suitable replied. Daring the »fternoon the Mayor and the members inspected the Ambulance stretcher the property of the Association, and the former intimated that the vehicle was available for public use, and was housed at the Fire Brigade station for that purpose.

Fitzgerald Bros.' Circus.

■•. -—■ •♦— — Despite the inclement weather all the seat* ab Messrs Fitzgerald Bros' circus were filled on Saturday evening. The reputation of this well known show Jwas more than main tained, and a great number of new features since their '"last visit to Ashburton were I introduced. Three huge tents had been erected, and the first of these contained the menagerie, the inmates as usual comprising lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, wombats, monkeys, eta, Following an inspection of these the audience seated themselves m the centre gigantic tent, and punctually at 8 o'clock an overture was played by ihe excel lent band accompany ing the circus. - Eight horeeß with their riders i hen entered the arena performing a number of wonderful evolutions, after whloh two cream ponies camo forward imitating a drunken man, and alao waltz ng and performing other tricks* The miniature pony hurdle aob by • Silver King..'and the performing; pony ' Commc dore, ■ an old 'favourite, elicited much interest and laughter. The tramp cyclist gave a wonderfully amusing and clever performance, which was a revelation as to the capabilities of a bicyclist- Ihe picture*que Spanish Andalusian donee m national costume met with the appreciation at the audience, whilst the toreador's..comical performance with the marvellous trick dog excited great amuse* m'nt, the astonishing lady juggler, the world-famed horizontal bar artists, daring hurdle riders, and ihe tiger performance on horseback, combined startling and wonderful acrobitic fonts, and daring horsemanship, which were very highly appreciated. The whole performance wa? a diatiDOt success, and a special word of praise is due to the management and the large staff, which combined to keep thinps going merrily and bripkly from start to finish. The clowns were especially good, many of their jokes being quite new.

Why New Zealand Adopted Penny Post

MR WARb'S ARTICLE. The Horn J G Ward, Postmaster General,has an able and instructive article m the last fssue of the Bevibw op Bevib'WS oa *■* Why New Zealand adopted Penny Postage." Mr Ward takes his readers back ten years to 1391, when the question of a penny inland poet for the Colony was dealt with m Parliament. The then estimated lojs to New Zealand on the first year was £40,000 and the revenue was expected to recover itself by the increased nee of the service m three or font years, The Act of 1891 was however never brought into operation and the earnings if the department were allowed to go on increasing until In 1899 ---1900 the »evenue txjeeded the expeiidl turet>y'£97,7Bsr.-' uVihe Po^t Office" says Mr Ward had thus unconf ciously become a taxing machine, and the time appeared to be ripe to free, to some extent, the users of the post; or, rather (as they would naturally write more letters), to give them more direct value for their money, How many mor« letters the people of New Z jahnd would write time alone wou'd i-how. In the meantime, I was confronted with the fac*-. that, although the community here waa well educated, ihe number of letters posted per head of the population was 34.37 only, as against 43 5 Jin the United Kingdom I believed, and still hold the belief, that, cinder similar conditions as to rates of postage, the average number of letters per head of the population should be at least ten per cent higher than m the mother country In point of fact, the average haa risen m New Zea land, even under the twopenny post, to ! 46,31 m 1889, m compared with 55.3 In the United Kir gdom." Since the passing of the Post Office **ill of 1891 public opinion has entirely changed as to the effect of Its operations. Then the oppo I nentH of the bill held that it would only I benefit the large financial and commer cial Institutions. Now is genor* j ally concocted fchab all classes of the community will bone fib alike, 99 every rank and class hus an Interest m the safe speedy and economical transmission of postal communications. Unlike the proposal of 1891, which was only for an inland penny post involving a supposed loss of £40,000 on the first years working the accomplished act of 1901 is for a universal penny post at an estimated loss of £80,000. This is a large sum to drop but when |t Is remembered that; the department made £07,?97 over expenses on ita last years working It will be seen that there is no cause for alarm. The lncreasoof business which will naturally follow the redaction In the rates, will, !b is hopefully expected, soon put the finances of this useful branch of the public service again on a sound footing. It la difficult, however to jolu with tho postmaster-general !n h's sanguine ex pectations when he says ** An ideal post office would be one which carried letters for nothing.

OUR ROYAL VISITORS.

-—-— } ON THB ETE OF DEPARTURE. GREAT DISPLAY OF LOYALTY. London, March 15 The Royalties were heartily cheered at fiotoria. Station. The ships were dressed m Portsmouth harbour, and salutes were fired on the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. The Agents-General were not invited to witness the departure, bub Bent a united telegram wishing the Duke and Duchess God-*peed and a prospproue voyage. London, March 16 The Ophir was illuminated all last night* She sails at four o'olook this afternoon, the King and Queen following some mile* down the English Channel m the Royal yacht. 7ht limes comments upon the unparalleled spectacle, for which preparations are being made at Melbourne m oonneotion with the opening of the Federal Parliament to fulfil wbloh is the first great purpose of the tour. Ib adds that thr Royal visit to New Z^ftlan^ can hardly fail to quicken the growing desire to join the Commonwealth, and that it is likely that the visit to South Africa will awaken In Boer sympathisers the merits of the Crown and the advantages of the Empire. The stay of a month m Canada is a most fitting recognition of the dominion's great services to the Empire. London, March 17 King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, the Dukes of ConDaught, Fife, and Teck, Prince and Princess Gari of Denmark, the Hods. Mr Goschen and J Chamberlain inspeoted and lunched aboard the Ophir, The Kinsr was much moved when he gave the toast of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall's healths, »nd wished them a happy and prosperous voyage, and a s»fe return, concluding with the remark that the Euke of Cornwall was discharging a national duty, testifying how greatly the King and nation appreciated the splendid practical loyalty of the colonies, The Duke of Cornwall proposed the health of the King, thanking him for according permission to undertake so inter esting & voyage. Shortly before 4 o'clock the Royalties went aboard the Alberta. The ships at Portsmouth Harbour were dressed, and saluted. Then the Ophir started amidst tremendous cheering, the Duke and Duchefß of Cornwall from the hurricane deck bowing m acknowledgment. At Portsmouth a flotilla of destroyers followed astern, escorting the yaohts seven I mitaa down the Channel, until the Alberta, after exchanging farewell signals, returned. The cruisers Diadem and Niobe escort the Ophir to Gibraltar. The scene was animated and inspiring Melbourne, March 16 It being against etiquette to stop a Royal yacht entering a harbour, a pilot will be sent from Melbourne to join the Ophir at Colombo Dunrdin, March 17 A suggestion has been made to the Educa tion Board by Mr J F M Eraser, Grown Prosecutor, to (bring into Dunedin on the occasion of the visit of the Duke and Duchesß of Cornwall all school children over ten years of age, billeting them under the charge of their teachers is the various city and suburban schools, and keeping the boys and girls m different) school!'.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA

AN ANGLO-RUSSIAjST RUPTURE ARMED FORdii~FAOING ONE ANOTHER SERIOUS TROUBLE IMMINENT United Press AHSoitation—by Electric Telegraph—Copyright; London, March 15 Mr Kinder's siding has been strongly reinforced, and trouble is imminent unless the Russians retire The. respective guards of both nationalities are m close proximity to one another Later new? states that Russian I forces are entrenching at the siding A Hong Kong regiment is confront ing them with fixed bayonets and awaiting instructions In the House of Commons I ord George HUnrsiiton said the authorities on the spot at Tientsin were dealing with the sidinsj difficulty. British j officers throughout the operations m i China had shown such excessive con ciliation that it was unnecessary to specially instruct them m the matter. A Renter message states that the Russians occupied the railway siding which Kinder was constructing at Tientsin Major General Barrow hesitates to act m Genera! Gaselee's absence, and is consulting with Sir E 51 Satow, British Ambassadpr m China The Russians consider that they are victors m the matter. They declare that the siding interferes with a pro jected road through the territory con ceded to Russia ■ Eighty Australians have volunteered at Pekin for the Shanhaikwan railway service for half a year General Alexieff has reinstated Tseneghi as Governor of Mukden, with four thousand Cossacks to support him M De Giers, the Russian Minister m \ China, has vehemently declared that he would sooner lose his right band than consent to any more decapitation. 4 Berlin, March 16 In the Reichstag, Count yon Bulow, Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that Germany was indifferent aato the future of Manchuria. He thought it undesir ab'e that China's resources should be diminished, Li Bung Chang's beautiful promis.es and Chinese dodges ans sop histries ware insufficient to secure the evacuation of the province of Cbill until peace conditiotss had been substantially fuiailed,

The Cattle Plague

The British Board of Agriculture have ordered the farther destruction of a large number of cattle and swine on certain farms In JTssex on which the dreaded esze?>ia eptzpttica has occurred, and so lm* porUnt was their earlier destruction considered that, rather thaa lose time m collecting suitable labourers, a gang of twenty navvlea waa borrowed fcom the Great Eastern Railway Company for the purpose of torylng the carcases m one district, and these men worked all night at the gruesome task At Oar.field, four miles from Dunmow, twenty's!* bullocks and twelve swine were killed by London butchers and buried In a trench 30ft. long and 7 ffc. deep, while at Harlow and Stanstei m Hertfordshire, a like execu tlon was effeoted recently. Ib is understood, however, that the owners of the slaughtered animals will be coropen eated m fall, but none the less, the outbreak has produced consternation among Essex farmers, who m recent years have taken to raking stock on acoeantof the unremunerative price of wheat. Half the county of Essex and part of Hertfordshire has been officially declared au Infected area, and ther« Is reason to hope that the vigorous action taken by the Board of Agriculture will confine the outbreak to the declared infected area. mmmmmm _ mm^mmmmm .

Defences of Gibraltar.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright "L< kdom, March If Artillery experts at Gibraltar declare that the British guns would dominate tha Spanish guns on the mainland, thus preventing an effective bombardment of the new harbour at Gibraltar.

Smallpox at Melbourne.

—_— ™«a» ». United Press Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Mklbournk, March 16 A case of smallpox was discovered at Can'field to-day. The patient is a horse dealer, who arrived from Calcutta six weeks ago.

The Population of India

United Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, March 36 The census taken m India gives the population as 294,000,000, despite the excessive decline m the native States owing te the visitations of famine and

MURDER OF A RUSSIAN MINISTER

SHOT BY A STUDENT. United Preta Association—By Electric Telegraph Si PiTßießUßflf, March 16 A stadent amongst a group of peti tioners who waited npon M. Bogols poff, Bnssian Minister of Education! at St Petersbnrg, shot M. Bogotopoff, vsho SBGcumbed yesterday, after suffering for a week.

THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

United Pre«» Association—By Eleotric , Telegraph—Copjrighb Brisbane, March 17 Mr G. Reid opened the Federal election campaign at Toowoomba, m reply to Mr Barton's campaign. Mr Reid fought shy of the coloured labor question. Be said he would defer expressing definite views until he had had a fuller opportunity of studying it. He intended to make a month's tour, probably next month, m Northern Qaeensiand,before coming to a decision,

two priionrrs. There were six Botr CHguftllies and five British, The Hon W St John Brodrick, m the House of Common*, announced that if further shipments of Boers were necessary, the Government would con sider the suggestion to send them to Australasia, instead of to Oajloo and ' India.

CORRESPONDENCE

{We do sot hold ounaivss responsible tat opinion» ozpronjied by our corre«pon'l«ct*

"THE EXTINCTION OF THE COLONIAL."

TO THK EDITOR. Blß,—The article under the above heading m the New Zealand Illustrated Magtmint by Mr W G McDonald, referred to by you im Friday's Guardian, appears to me to be » further contribution to the doctrine ex« ' pounded by Lamarck, the great Fr*nofa naturaliet, a century ago. The first principle* enunciated by Lamarck were those of moral and physical fitness to rrodnce a * healthy union' 1 He also earnestly advooaiod ' medium families * aod ' individual industry' to produoe a ' healthy xaca and a healthy nation.' Perhaps no nation more thaa fata '*' own has adopted his doctrine. The general health, industry, and great producing power of the French people are not equalled by thoae of any other nation. Lamarok wm ft great exponent of individuaUem and WM himself one of the greatest thinkers and bftt men France has produced. I have not seen | Mr McDonald's article, but it appears froth ! your retntrks to be worked out on the Lamarckian doctrine of industry and mdi! --! vidaaliim.—l *m, etc, w.w.s.

SANITARY.

' SO THB EDITOR Sib,—l fully sndone Bnrgen' remarks re the urinal at the Aehburton itation. Ik ■*■ been a disgrace for some time, and dOM nod . reflect much credit on the intelligence «f | those, who were responsible for planing it | there. Why m the name of common aeoM i wu it nob pat at the other end, or » little farther back from the path leadicg to ta« station. Hoping some improvement wilt •oon be made m the matter.—! am» to, [ CotJNTKY RISIBBKS

An Ethnological Expedition

THROUGH THE CENTRE OF AUSTRALIA.

United Press Association—By Electric ' Telegraph—Copyright Adelaide, March Hi Professor Baldwin Spencer aad Mr J P Gilien have started on their : Central Australian expedition.

Fires on Large Steamers

United Pries Association -By .Electric Telngraph London, March 16 The damage by fire aboard the new P and O steamer Syria at Glasgow is now estimated at £80,000, instead of £8000 as previously calculated. Hobaet, March 16 A fire occurred m the linen locker on the Orient mail steamer Austral on her trip fiom Sydney. It is supposed the outbreak was caused by a spark from the funnel Nearly the whole of the ahip*B linen—twelve thousand pieces— was destroyed, the damage being about £500. __^

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Aeeooiatioa—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright New Yobk March IS ThG American steel trusb has purchased the American rights of Mephaa Farputon'a patent) process of iron pipe makiogt Fergu" son ia a well known Australian engineer, and has a pipe contract for the Coolgardie water Rupply scheme Sydney, March 1$ m examination of the barqueutine Silver Giond, which collided off Sydney Heads with the steamer povedale, showß that) the cue water was carried away, th« bow planking burst, and the waterway teams opened up. The vessel is making little | wrter, andl is discharging her cargo pnor to her overhaul Adelaide, March 1$ Gmaby'a large grocery store has been destroyed by fire, and the damage ia esti« mated at £10,000. The insursnees include 1 £2000 m the National (New Zealand), and the building was almost insured with the New Kmland Insurance Company

Imperial Reciprocity

CANADA AND AUSTRALIA United Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Ottawa, March 16 Mr Mulock, Postmaster Genera! of Panada | h»B been authorised, durir • his visit to Mel bourn? m connection with) * opening of the j Federal Parliament., to o ufer with the j Commonwealth Government with reference j %a an intercolonial tariff, <

SOUTH AFRICA

United Preßß AasooiaHou—By Electric | Telegraph—Copyright j Lon»ON, March 14 Troops arriving m South Africa are landing at East London and Port Elizabeth instead of Capetown, owing to the plague, Lieutenant Oollett, of the New Zea land Mounted Rifles, has been dis charged from hospital and resumed duty. The British victims executed by. the order of De La Rey were named Boyd and McLaughlin, and they were natura lised burghers. The Dutch victims refused to violate the oath of neutrality. Commandant Fourie has collected 600 Boers m the vicinity of Dewets dorp. De Wet has declared that next to Britishere he hates Tranivaalars. He repudiates Commandant Botha's peace negotiations. The Tinm Itaeilaproit correspondent states that it is reported that Bqths, D« 1» Rey, and De Wet meet on the 18th inst, to discuss the situation, A Renter's despatch states that De Wet is concentrating the roving bands of Boers at Dornberg and Koranna berg, Colonel Park captured Abel Erasmus at Lydenburg. The British surprised and captured a laager at &ruger«poat, securing a; quantity of cattle and grain, «ad thirty I

Sporting.

HAWKES BAY RACES.

United Press Association—By Klflebrto j Teleg »ph~Copyright Namee. March 18 NcKSßßr—Nonette 1, Rer« 2, Menura 3, Dividend—£ll7e Hack—Ngaio 1, Somnolent 2, Blackwinf 3. Dividend—£3 16s Sc¥bby—Warwick 1, Mongonui 2, Queent Signal 3. Dividend- £5 16s Railway—Oaonie Cbie! 1, Robin Adair 2, Okoori 3. Dividend—£2 9i.

SECOND DAY.

HASTiKfis Baoi«of8K, March IS Heavy rain fell yesterday, and *s*'res»ls the course for to-day's races is rather heavy* The weather is still overcast, but the. attendance la good. Results :— March—Jadoo 1, Warwick 2, The Hemp!* 3. All suited ; won by a length. Dividend -£8 Is. Stakes—Octeiform 1, Cannie Cniel 2, Nonette 3. Kahuwai, SucSsh and Slingerer were Ectatched. Cruciform led from Itatd to fioieh, wionlog comfortably Jy twt lenjfchs. Dividend~£3. Hack—Ngaio 1, St Just 2, Mongonn! 3. Scratched— Rags. Dividend—£2 10s»

The Army Reform

United Press Association—Bj Eleotrid Telegraph—Copyright Lohbon, March 15 In the House of (Jommoni Sir H 0 Bannercnan and &ir W Raroeurt, condemned the army reorganisation scheme as unntOM* ■aril; aggress ye and suggestive of -a oomSng - ' conccription, The Hon A J B&lfour denied the obargt of want en aggression, and said that it w»l imperative for them to be ready to defend the Empire and comply with treaty obligations In the House of Lords, the debate on Iht question of Army reform, initiated by th* Duke of Bedford, wai continued, Lerd Wolselsy traversing the criticisms passed on ... him, He moved for the production of all p»pe?s * conceded with the advice he had given to the Secretary of State for War, with a view to proving that his advice bad been over* ruled. He stated that he never considered Lady* smith tenable. He advised that m the event of war, tho Biggarsbnrg and Van Reenan'a Passes should be occupied^ and chat Ladysmith should be used as a anpply depot' He recommended m Jane 1809, th« mobilisation of one atmy corps m the WaiV of England. He recommenced early 1q September the despatch of an army corps it South Africa with other forces. Lord Wolseley admitted that he had underestimated the Boers' preparation! fer war, and the fighting power o! the Individual Boer. Lord Lansdowne, replying, a»id that the proposals made m the summer of 1899 to mobilise an army corps later to occupy X)«l»' goa Bay, and to land 10,000 mules m readl' ness for ttansport purposes were disregard^ because the Govt romept'i policy was ptaoa not provocation. 4 ..- . L-.rd Kosebery supported Lord Wolaeieflp , motion for the production of his written advice ■.•'.* Lord Halisbqfy suggested (hat the motion should be withheld until it) was indicated which among the confidential memoranda Lord Wnkeley required to be prodaoed. Lord Wolseley pressed for a division end the motion was negatived by 62 votes to 28*

A Trout Case

1 AN IMPORTANT DEOIBIOM United Frees Association—-By Electric Telegraph IKVXKCABGILL, Match 15 An important decision was given by |hf Magistrate^ Mr MoQarthy today, In a o«ft iti which JtitxieH Ponieroy waa charged with selling trout, not being lake treat. The fish was netted on RircrtoD beMh t two miles seaward of the Grati river. Defendant contended th»t both troct and salmon were indigenous to New Zealand water*, sod therefore did pot corns within purview of legislation relating to these ftoh; aiso, (hat as the trout sold waa cimght oat* side the boundaries of the Southern acoll tnatiaatioD iistrlct, the prohibition m the regulations did not apply. Regarding the first contention, the Magi* strate laid it was contrary to a matter «f public history, on which much legidatlofi relating to fisheries was based, and a« t a the second boint, he read thas the pvohibibipQ contained m ckate II of the RegaUtioM of 1892 was ge&eral, except m regard to lftict trout, and it wan imtnatorial where the fiah was caught sa long as it was C6ught m Naw Zealand waters. The scope and intentioo of the Act clearly include the protection of all fish inhabiting New Zswland water*. Defendant wai fined £5, and oosta £9.

•rffK ASBBURTOS GUaBIOA^-: HONDA? MAKCH 18 1901



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THE Rapid Wgbtning ShM G^esl works woodere, Try a tin j it will I more th»»F»y y°u *



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