EPHEMERIS

I Pbaßee of Moon fox January I

BUN.

Commercial.

WELLINGTON WOOL SALES.

DECLINE IN PBIOEB. United Press Association—By Electric (Felegraph Wbixington, January 25 At the local wool sales held tc-day 2836 bales were offered but the greater portion was withdrawn, The prices were disap pointing, showing a decline of |d to |d on crossbred fleeoe wool and ?-i to £d on pieces. The prices ruling were aa follows:—Fine orostbred s|d to 6£d per 1b; olean n.ediam oroßbbred 5d to s£d : coarse orossbied 4^d to 4|d ; legatained and inferior crossbred 3|d to 4d ; pieces and bellies 2kA to 3|d ; locks lid to 2^d.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburtoa Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on January 28, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl — 2s 2d „ „ Tuscan.. 2a 34 ,s  Hunter's 2s Id Old Oats—Duns «• Is 4d „ Danish Is 4d ,5 Canadians *Is 6d „ Sparrowbills Is 5d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 45a to 47s 6d Grass Seed—New la to 1b 3d , Th« above are prioes current paid to farmers oo trucks at Ashburton.

THE LONDON MARKETS.

The agent m London of the Associated ! Farmers' Co-operative Companies reports as i follows, ondsr date London December 22nd, 1900. The report anivefl by the Frisco mail yesterday afternoon : — Wool—Since the commencement! of the present month a more confident tone has pstvaded our market, and there has been j considerable enquiry for wool here, but owing to th« firmness of holders, businrsi has been restricted, the total quantity dis posed of m the city since the October- November Auctions having amounted to come 2,C00 bales Australasian, and 1,000 bale* Gape woo). In ths north, merinoe maintain their position, as (hero ac not larga stocks m the hands of topmakera and staplers. Oa the part of topmakers the tone is confident, and the pieeenfc tendency of values is upward. The supplies of the finest merino wools and the baßt oroesbrads are hold very strong'y, and merinos can only be secured at an advance with cheek transactions There is a good consumption of medium and btrong crossbreds, and values are fairly steady* WHEAT.—There is nothing very fresh to report m the abate of the wheat; market, which remains ettremely dnl', *••'* business is Btiil considerably interrupuu by the ; London lightermen's strike which continues, I Owing to the firmness of holders, values j have shown little alteration since the beginning of the present month, but stocks m the outports are accumulating, the arrivals having been heavy for some tiime past, while prospective supplies are said to be abundant. On the other hand, the quantity cow afloat to the United Kingdom has diminished, and the stocks m farmers' hands are smaller than they have been for tome years. The Board of Agrioaltare has published its official estimate of this year's wheat crop m the United Kingdom, which places the yield per acre at 28.55 bushels, against 32.75 bushels last year, and give* a total crop of 6,800,000qrt, as compared with B,GQO,OGOqrs ira 1899. The quantity of wheat and flour a float for the United Kingdom is now estimated at 2,295,0Q0qn, as compared with 1,756.0G0qrs last year, and and the quantity on pas«»ge to the Contin ent, brings up the total to 3,130,000qrs against 3,260,000qr5, three weeks since, and 2,700,000qrs at thia time lasb year.— Of New Zealand wheat off coast, the Corryvrechan from Timara with 97^ rqrs hr,B been sold at 28s 6d for North Shields, and the Hedvig at Lyttelton with 3281qra at 29) for Bristol. Supplies on the London market continue heavy, and millers on thia account endeavor to force the hands of holders, bat prioes for round berried have kept fairly steady while long berried has declined about Is per qr. Ex granary here long berried is worth 28s 63 and 29.1, and abort berried 28? and 28s 6d per 496! be. Oats are m fair rcqu b*). ami common descriptions make 3d and 6d per qr more money. New Zealahds are m limited supply. Ordinary bluffi make 25s and 26a and Canadians 27e 6d and 23? 6d per 3841bs ex j store. Duns are worth 13s 6d and 19 < 6d j per 336!b5. t BaBLHY.—-In finest) malfclDgs descriptions there is » fair business passing, bub other descriptions are negkotod. Very few sales of New Zealand barley have been effected as malslera will not turn their attention to thia deeoription. It is hoped that some improve" ment will take place ftfter the holidays. Values are quoted at from 25s to 29n for 448 ibs ex store Cocksfoot 1b nofc much or^ulred for, and values remain about the aajji£, vi^ n 33s and 34s for old New Zealand seed, »st{ #5« And 36s per owt ex store, Fbozbh Meat—Business on the Meat M&<ket has been any thing but brisk for some weeks past, the consumption being smaller owing to the mild weather, bub m consequence of short supplier, Canterbury carcases have continued to harden, values being now 3d per atone over those ruling at the cad of last month, best sheep small weights now making 3<J and 3s 3d, and a few selected even 3« 4d per stone of 81b at Bmithfield. Heavy weights le-l at about 2s lid, and second quality of good weight and condition at 2« lOd and 3s Id. Australian sheep have alto advanced m sympathy with New Zealand, Sydney and Melbourne, large are now worth 2s 7d and 2s 8d per stone, and ordinary imail 8s 6d ex market. Frozao Beef is «teo m better demand, and is Id per stone better. M»w Zealand fores are now quoted at 2s 3d, and hteda ?» 7d and 2s 9d der atone at SmUhfield. Qt Canterbury lambs there are but few offering which make full rates, viz., 3s Bel and 4s per stone. About 13,000 oarcases new season from Australia, have recently arrived here, the condition and quality being generally good. Prices have ruled at 3s and Zs 6d, a few roajkiog 3s lsd and 4a ex markjib.

WIMARU GRAIN MARKETS.

The improvement noted last week m the price of wheat has not been maintained, the firmneßß given very early m the week, and ab time of writing prices are so scarcely wall maintained. The mills have been operating sparingly, and the present) top quotation for Tuscan, red chaff, and velvet, m lines of equal quality and prime quality is 2s sd. I. ot b. Actual sales have token place at this figure within the week. Many farmers are asking for 2i 6d, bub not more &h*n 2a 5d is obtainable. The Farmers' Association shipped about 5000 sacks during the week on growers account, and obher shipments are being arranged for. The oat market is dull and the volume ef business doing is not large. The present quotation Is Is 5d on trucks at country stations. Barley Is a drug and ia the absence of operations nominal quotations are given. Is 3d to Is 6d for medium, 2s prime milling.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1901.

In tho file of fche Canterbury Standard, referred to m another article, there is a good deal of interesting information eonceraing matters that were happen ing m the world forty years ago; There had jast occurred &n incident which came very near plunging Eng land and the United States into a war. This was the Maeon and SHddell case. It may be well to recapitulate the facts of this celebrated case. At the time the circumstance happened, which gave rise to such a commotion, the so called United States were divided amongst themselves, and were waging the greatest civil war the world has probably ever seen, the northern States against the southern on tha sla very question. Mason and Sliddell were two commissioners sent by the latter to England to negotiate for intervention. They were passengers from America by a British steamship called the Trent, which was stopped at sea by a United States warship, the San Jacinto, and Mason and Sliddell were taken oat of the Trent and con veyed to America, where they were impr'aoned. The reception of the news | m England created immense excite ment, and there was universal indigna- \ tion that the sanctuary of the British j flag htd been openly violated. The news arrived m the evening and was read oat at the theatres during the representations, when the audiences rose and thundered "God Save the Queen." The British Government (Lord Falmerston'B) immediately de manded the return of the captives, and apologies, and began making formidable preparations for war. The Senate and Congress at Washington decided that the Southern commissioners were pro perly taken, and declared they would afford no satisfaction to England. The captain of the San Jacinto was awarded a sword of honour. Bat wiser counsels prevailed on the receipt of an ultimatum from Great Britain, and some months later a British gun boat carried Messrs Mason and Slid dell to London. It is not clear from the old records, whether the good sense of the United States rulers (Abraham Lincoln was at that time President), or the fact that the country was suffering from the effects of the great civil war, brought about a peaceful settlement of this great quarrel between mother and daughter. But the rulers of both those great cuntries have reason to be con gratulated upon tbeir action under circumstances demanding the most deli cate statesmanship. Popular clamour is at all times difficult to deal witli, and there is no doubt that nations Imvn often been plunged into war through the inability of their rulers to with stand it. The action of the United States m the Trent case has some sort of a pamllel m the attitude of the French Governm* nt, all through the Boor attempts to promote a crusade against England.

Local and General.

Long Service Medal.—We understand that Lieutenant Hayes will be presented with a loeg service medal on Tuesday night; at the drill shed. Ashburton Club & M.S.A—The election of President, Vies President, and six Commttteemea for the Ashburton Club will take place on Tuesday next. Tinwald Yards. — Heavy entries have already been received for the sale at the Tinwald yards on Tuesday next, as may be seen from a reference to our auctioneers' advertisements. Thb Crops—Some excellent crops of wheat are to be observed In the Willowby district, which is justly noted for ita large yields. The area under crop, however, appears to be Dataller than usual. • The Train "SEBvipas-The express trains running both north and south yesterday contained full complements of passengers. By the express for the north Inspectors Bell and Oow, of South Canterbury, went through to attend the Inspectors' Confer ence to be held at Wellington, A Runaway.—A harae attached fco a milk cart of Mr Nealon's of Bampatead. bolted from Wills street when on this morning's round, and colliding with a lamp post a general emtflh up was the reeult, the trap and contents being badly damaged. No further it jury fortunately occurred. The PtrMNEB iKQtfES*. —An inquest was held yesterday &itamooa, ab the Marine Hotel, Sumner, on the body of James Thompson Park, wS»o was run over and killed by the Sumner tram on Thursday night. Mr H W Bishop was Coroner, and Mr John Hughes foreman of the jury. After ooniid* erablfl evidence was hear j, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and no blame attaching to anyone. The Intelligent Comp.—The auoonaoious humour of the festive compositor Is pro verbial, bat his finest efforts are strangled m the proof room, and survive only as printing office traditions. Some, however, are worthy ot record, as m a recent case, where a reference to •• Tract No. $0" underwent a strange metamorphosis. "At this time," ran the compositor's version, " Dr Newman wrote the famous tract < No Go,' for which he was aenapred by his bishop." CoLpMJKi *? D LIEpENAOTS DlS lassEp—The notion m the 'pasetfe dismissing Colonel Ewen, Lieutenant Kerby, ana Surgeon-Lieutenant R Johnson front the Ist Warwickshire Volunteer Artillery;, for alleged unseemly conduct at camp, has caused a good deal of sensation m Volunteer circles m Birmingham^ Colonel Even's brother officers threaten to resign as a mark of sympathy. The Colonel has seen forty years' service. Bltjejaokbts Esoafadk A» Rochbstbb,— The people ot Rochester were lately consid erably amused, and not a little alarmed, at the extraordinary and perilous antics of three btuejaokets. The sailors paid for admission to Roohester Oaitle, and making an tisosnt found there way barred by a looked door. With the object of getting to the top of the Castle they climbed up outside the battle ments and then mounted th« tall flag etwff. (The leader, having climbed bo near tn the top of the staff as possible, waved his cap and haukerohief to the people boiow. To com plete the performance, the Jack Tars walked round the parapets and then coolly made their decent m safety, muoh to the relief of hundreds of spectators.

Wbatheb Forecast. — Captain Edwin wires:—South eaet to south and west gales, glass rise, New Zealand and Africa.—Some idea of New Zealander'e neglect of the South African markets may be gathered from & letter jusb received from Mr H H Stephens an Aahburton man now m the Transvaal, whioh will he found m another column. Mr John Grigg —MrH Friedlander has received a letter from MrJONGrigg, who says he is very thankful to say hie father ia very much better thvi he was, having slept all day. He was conscious and answered when spoken to, aud Dr Jennings says there Is no farther hemorrhage, Sccokss of A Whjsatstonb Boy.—A Press Association telegram Bays that the name of W. P. Prebble, Ashburton, appears m the list of those who qualified for matriculation m the New Zealand University junior scholarship examination. (Master Prebble is a bod of Mr William Prebble, of Wheat ■tone, and has been attending the Asbburton High School). Nbw Cyoxb AttENCT.—Mr George Magnus, manager of New Zealand branch of the Can ada cycle and motor oar company manufac turers of the Masaey Harris bicycles, wan In town to day arranging for premises to open a branch here. Mr Philips will be the manager of the local branch and will stock the *• Imperial" wheel as well as the other well known makes of ths firm. Coincidences—lt may be noted as a rather singular coincidence that the Duke of Kent, the father of the late Queen, died on the 23rd January, 1820, and that the Duke of Teck, father of the new Princess of Wales, died exactly a year before the illustrious monarch who has just passed away—on the 22nd Jan, 1900. The Duke of Clarence, the elder son of the new King, also died m January—on the 14th January, 1892. Wab Medal Ribbon—Coventry is to supply the ribbon to be worn with the war medals, and there is someone with a pretty fanoy at Coventry. The ribbon is of orange, navy bine, and chocolate* The orange running down tho middle represents the Orange River Colony, the navy blue, of course, commemorates the Naval Brigade (it should be spotted by white), and the deep border of chocolate obviously denotes the Quean's interest m her troops. The R»adß—On the main road from Willowby to Longbeach a considerable quantity of shingle has been laid of late, and although at present it is m a heavy state for traffic, the grain carting which will shortly commence will quickly reduce the metal and assist to form what is generally considered one of the best thoroughfares m the county. The Wakanui Road Board has carried out sections of road shingling and forming which should prove of great benefit to settlers during the coming winter, Another Giant Bteambb to be built,— The Norddeutscher Lloyd has ordered an other large twin-screw express steamer which will be 706 feet long, with a displacement of 24,700 tons and the powerful engines will represent 38,000 indicated horse power, dimensions which were deemed impossible a few years ago. There will be accommodation for 1760 passengers and a crew of 620. The name of this giant steamer will be the Kaiser Wilhelm 11,, and as the largest, fastest,*and fines&.'will take premier place among paiiaog* er steamers. Fall m the Price oj Coal—The boom m tho Scottish coal is at an end. Within the last week or two, prices have fallen to about tho level of last January, and though the masters and merchants would fain believe that bottom has been reached for the'year, seeing that the demand for house coal must increase daily and that the needs of the gasmakers must maintain the price of splint, the consumer is not without hope that a further approximation will be made to at least the level attained jast before the end of 1899. A Pko-Bobr's Ihdisobetiqn m the Pul pit—A t the Congregational Church, Clacton on Sea, lately, the pastor, m the course of a pro Boer sermon, remarked that the* troops were sent to Pretoria for a picnic, with a ha'porth of chocolate. Several members of tho congregation lefb Ihe church, and ope of the trustees rose and protested against the disgraceful statements about their Qieen and fellow countrymen, nuch as they had often to listen to there. They were, he declared, uttetly unworthy of the rev gentleman's profession, and he ought to feel ashamed of himself. The incident caueed considerable sensation. No Bad Beer m the Isle of Man—The Man* House of Keys and Legislative Council held meetings at Douglas m December last In the Keys Mr Quine, metnbtr for Roshen, a- ked the lieutenant Governor what steps had been taken to analyse beer sold m the Isle of Man His Excellency replied that he had taken the greatest passible trouble to find out that beer was not contaminated m tho island, and from the reports iie had received there was no chacce of any centamrnated beer being introduced, reem» ster Kneen congratulated thp hon member on being anxious on behalf of teetotallers that pare beer should be lapplied. Under Manx law, only sugar, malt, hops can be used m beer. Proßoxr Meeting Stopped At Livkr fool.-—A meeting under the auspices of the Celtio Literay Society was to have been held recently at the Albert Hall, Oaameau Street, Liverpool ab whioh Miss Maude Gonne was to have delivered an address upon the Trans' vaal »nd the war. Tha well known pro Boer proclivities of Miss Gonne excited consider able public comment beforehand. On the day previous to that fixed for the meeting the Head Constable of Liverpool wrote tha licences of the hall, pointing out the possl' bility of serious results arising, and advising him to cancel the letting of Che place. This advioe was taken, and the meeting was not held. HARVEBTIM6—The well known «♦ whir " of the reaper and binder is heard m all directions throughout the Aehburton district, and m the absence of nor'wester's & con siderable quantity of oats is already m stook. On either side of the main Willowby- Locgbeach Road heavy crops of oats are m Btook and look particularly promising and should yield somewhere about eighty bushels per aore. Twenty-six reaping and binding machines have been at work on the LoDgbeach Estate, and about half the oat crop is secured. In the paddock where operations are at present being oarrfed on the oats were eaten off by sheep up to the middle of November last, yet a return of cob far short of eighty bubhela is expeoted. Of the promising wheat crop on the Estate, thirty aereß of a new kind of early wheat called "Allora," from New South Wales, has already been reaped. The Sheep Betubns—The annual sheep returns prepared by the Department of Agriculture have jusb been published, and show that the number of merinos on April 30 last were : North Island, 146,496, South Island 2,566,757, total 2,713,253, as against 2,694,043 m 1899. Of longwools and croes breds there were : North Island 9,851,677, South Island 6,790,265, total 16,641,942, as compared with 16,654,463 m 1899. The total number of sheep m the colony on April 30 hst was therefore 19,35 b, 195, as against 19,348,506 on the same date m the previous year* The North Island shows a net increase of 44,774, and the South Island a net decrease of 38,085, leaving a neb increase for the colony of 6689 sheep. The North Island increase occurs m the cross bred and other longwool olassec, the total of merinos showing a slight decreas?. The South Island, on the oontrary, shows an increase m merinos, m all classes except) wethers, and a decrease m longwoois. The increase m longwool and crossbred Hook ewes over the previous year was 91,436 for the whole colony. Pander & Sons' Eucalypti Extract-™ Under the 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 globe. That the crude, resinous oils, whioh are now foisted upon the public «nd*r the name of Eucalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lb is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities ab Bonn and Griefswald {Prussia), thai only products tbab are saturated with oxygen and freed o acids, resinous and other Bubstanoes adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by the plant. To avoid the appalling consequences result' ing from the application of substitutes, etc., m croup, bronchitis, diphtheria,dysentery, internal inflammation, etc., insist ?n getting Samdkk A!n» 6ons' Ptjbb Volai Ewa XOTTi ExißAOf, and be jaf? > ■■ - ■■ ; i .■

Memorial Service,—A united memorial service will be held m the Oddfellows Hall tomorrow night at 8 o'clock Distbict Order.—A district order te iating to officers m uniforms and military bands wi 1 be found m our advertising columns. Flourishing.—The aotual imports and exports of Timaru for the past year exceeded those of 1899 by 9000 tons, and those of 11898 by 50,000 tons. Shot m Twknty. Six Plages and Re covers—-Of the many wonderful experiences ! of the British soldier m South Africa, fcha \of Lieutenant J Evans, of the Ist Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was shot m twenty cix different places at Pieter's Hill and afterwards recovered, is perhaps one of the most startling. Lieutenant Evans, having recovered, is now on his way to South Africa to rejoin his regimen i for duty Feeding The Imdbriai, Troops .—lt i» perhaps a peculiar thing that the neighbour leg towns of Timaru and Oamaru should be debating the question of how they are each to provide a lunoh for fche Imperial troops. In order that Timaru should be able to do io it has asked the Hon J G Ward to give the troops two hoars m that town, and he has givtn a partial promise that he will endeavour to arrange for this. As it is unlikely that the troops will require a lunch at both towns it might be advisable to ascertain at which town the troops are expected to be entertained m this way. They cannot afford to stop two hours at each town, and they cannot be properly enter tained m less time. Neither town has possibly been aware that the other is making a similar effort m respect to feeding 1000 men ; bub as the troops oannob wish for two lunches within an hour and a half, is it not possible that one might be dispensed with ? —North Otago limes

ARRIVAL OF TROOPERS WILKIE AND POWELL.

— «.. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a large orowd assembled at the railway station last evening to welcome Troopers Alex. Wilkie mi Wm, Powell, who returned by the express from the south, A« the train steamed into the station the two troopers were quickly recognised by the assembled multitude, and so carried away with enthusiasm were the orowd that they almost fell over one another m their haste to catch a glance of the " Boys from the front." The two troopers were hemmed m on every side, and it was not until a cry went up to " shoulder him " that they were released from their uncomfortable position. Those present were quiok to take the hint, and Wilkie was hoisted shoulder high, and m that position he was carried to his mother's trap, which was m waitiDg, to convey him to hie home* As the trap drove away three ringing cheers were given. . Trooper Wilkie looks remarkably well, bat Trooper Powell looks very pale and haggard, and will no doubt greatly appreciate a much seeded resb It may be mentioned that) during the campaign his horse was Bhot under him. The other men, who received a rousing welcome from their friends, were Troopers Flavell, Dickeßßon, and "Thorney" Wilson, of the Christ College Rifles, and Oaptaits Smith, Sergeant-Major Neave, Corporal Hall, Troopers Wyon-Williams, Edwardt, Hean, Tasker, Pepper, Ellison, Murray all of Chriatcburch, We understand that Troopers Wilkie and Powell will be suitably entertained during the coming week. In a conversation with a representative of this paper Trooper Wilkie said he had nob been invalided home as some supposed, hut) he and other! of the 'First' came home for a spell, so to speak, as they had been at the front for over a year. Trooper Wilkie was unable to say right efl how many engage ments he had been m, but may be able to do so later when he counts them up. Ths most sanguinary were thoße which were included m ths Paardeberg affair, when Cronje was taken. Trooper Wilkie is enthusiastic m his opinion of South Africa as a field for enter prise m mining of all kinds, He showed our representative a piece of quartz he picked up m the msrch between Barberton aid Pretoria, about the size of a hen egg, which shows gold on it worth nearly 203. Trooper Wilkis is looking and feeling very well, and spent the morning m being interviewed by his many friends m Ashburbon.

THE THIRD CONTINGENT.

I Letter From Lance-Corporal ; Harper. Extracts from letters by Lance Corpora! HJO Harper :- RHENO6TITRKOP, Dec 3 My last letter was written from Pretoria, Since then we have been pretty busy, leaving Pretoria on the 21st of lasb month, we travelled east about 20 miles north of the Delagoa Bay line. After being four days out we fell m with ft few Boers, and followed them steadily for two or three days doing a little fighting as we went along. At last they stood m a very good position at Rhenosterkop, abont 20 miles north east of Bronkhmstspruit. The engagement of November 23,1 think 1 may safely say was one of the hottest that any of the New Zealandera have ever been m. We hap' pened to be the advance guard and the Boers open the proceedings by giving us a few shells from a gently rising slope* bat soon retired the gun as we came on. When we got near the top we dismounted and went on foot to the sky line, when the Boers opened a heavy rifle fire from some rough rocky and scrubby kopjes, a few hundred yards to our front. Of course the only thing we could do was to lie down and orawl to the best cover that was handy m the shape of anthills and tufts of grass, and let the Boert have it), though all we could see were the kopjes, and occasionally a man dodging from one rook to another. We lay there from 6am till 9a tn m a burning sun. That night our casualties were five men killed and 21 wounded m the second and third contingents. If I had time I oou'd give you full accounts, which would fill pages of note paper, bat doubtless you will gee it all m the newspapers. The Boers abandoned their strong position during the nigho. We have occupied it and for some reason, have been posted m this strongly entrenched camp for over a week, patrqting round about and doing a great lot of out post duty; The day of the big Sghb I was not on the hill all the time, not being m the ranks the first thing m the morning, but I soon caught the chaps up, and devoted most of my time carrying water- and ammunition to the men. I have been made a Lanoe- Corporal and have a new set of duties. I had to leave the first division m No. 1 Company and go into the second division, and have a group Id which Laohlan Raine is one of the men. I have to draw horse feed from the Quartermaster, and serve if out) to the division* I take charge of email outposts, and have various duties about the camp, but one exempt from j all fatigues am not supposed to do sentry duty though we usually do it on outpost duty but not m camp. December 12th. We are now camped exactly where the big fight took place, three days ago we rode out to j the place* I wrote from on the 3rd, did two days' patrol and saw a lot of Boers, and j last night started back at 11 30 pm, and j arrived In camp at 8 a m having travelled ' most of the nighU I have washed all my clothes and have had a sleep acid feel oleaner and fitter than I have done for the last fort" I night. Ab I suppose you know, we are still under Generals Paget and Plutner, the latter being our General m the field. At present we are holding a very strong position and I hear that other columns are trying to sur' round the Boer commandos or drive them down to us. 1 should think the Boer Laager is about 20 miles from here"; we sometimes hear distant guns going, to know thpre are other columns about; We expect Colonel Robin out from Pretoria tomorrow, and wa hope he will bring a mall as we have not had one for a long time I hope you will be glad to hear I have earned my first stripe. I am very well In health. Lieutenant Tucker states m a letter fust received by his relations m Ashburtou, that Trooper Harper's gallant conduct at the Rhenoster affair well deserved the Victoria Gross. As it was he was promoted to be Lanes Corporal.

HIGHBANK

Own Correspondent Thursday was br.e big day of the year for the satblert cf this district, when the annual school picnic wan held. The parents and scholars gathered ab the school grounds m large numbers to hold their sports, concert, and distribute the pr ess for the past year's work at the school. The Oommit f-eo, with the master and mistress, had worked bard to make the past year a greab success, and the parent* and children turned out m large numbers bo take part m making the annual ev«snb a success. Bub when the mail cart arrived ab 1.30 p.m. bringing the sad 1 news of the death of our much beloved Queen Victoria, it was »b once decided to abandon the sports and concert, and to send I a telegram to the Governor conveying our sorrow and sympathy at the nations great lose. The parents and ohildren were assembled m the main school and the chairman (Mr W O Davis) spoke on the advantages received more particularly by the ohildren duriog the record reign of oar late Queen, The large picture of the Que»n that h»ngs m the school was then draped m black* Afternoon tea was prepared, of which parents and children partook, bub nob m the lame merry mood of former years. Before the prizes for the p™*l year's work were gives oufc, Mr H Win;' a poke very I feelingly to both parents and scholars m the lost the Empire has unstained 00 the death of our late Queen. He felt) sure that sorrow would be felt m every home represented there thab day: The prizes were then distributed and the master and mistress oompHmented on their work, and this brought bo an early close whab m other yeari has been a midnight meeting* The school broke tip for five weeks for the harvest holidays* a ___ m '

Robert Burns' Anniversary.

— a> — Jancart 25, 190!. Revolving Time 00 chariot wheels, Once more with joy to as return*, . The day when worth to genius kneels, 411 hail! ihon shade of Robert Unmet The day that CoiJa lodged to tee, Whan waiting for his natal hour, (To breathe the soul of poesy, Like sunshine ob the opening flower. She watched him through hia ohildUh yeari, Whale grew hii patriotic fire, She raited his hopes, allayed bis fears, Taught him to tune old Soetla's lyre, Id every phase of nature's charms. Wall tended as the choicest flower : She nurtured him within her arms, Till dawning genius felt its power. O'er every nation far and wide, Oar love aod fealty true we show. Oh 1 Freedom's Noble, Bcotlnnc'a Pride What debb of gratitude we owe. Death swailowi all unto bbc bomb, And ages pass beyond recall, , Forever verdant thou ahalb bloom, Thy name and fame shall never pall. ' __-»—«, "~ A'A'

The Selati Railway Scandal.

(Jnited Preen Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, January 24 Last year judgment was given m the Brussels Court m the criminal prosec ution instituted by DrLeyds, Transvaal representative m Europe, against Baron Oppenheiro, bis brother, and four otber persons m connection with the promot ion of the Selati Railway Company m Belgoira to build the Selati railway m the Transvaal. The two Oppenheims and the advocate Henri Warnat, were found guilty and sentenced to one year'a imprisonment, and Terwkgue, was sentenced to cix months' imprison ment, while Lonis Warnant and Brac onnier were acquitted. On appeal the Brussels Court has confirmed the acquittal of Louis War nant and Braconnier, but has increased the sentence passed ou Eugene Oppenbeim to three yearß* imprison ment;, that of Henri Warnant to eighteen months, and Terwague's term of imprisonment has been increased to twelve months. Robert Oppenheim is reported to be I ill. I

Colonial Trade Returns.

- -♦ ' Melbourne, Jan 25 Compared with 1899 the imports show an increase o! £343,000. The gold and silver bullion imported de creased by £1,834,000, but the mer chandise increased by £1,683,000. The exports decreased £1,145,000; the decrease m wool was £1,574,000, m wheat £359,000, sheepskins £184,000, and m bullion and specie £289,000. Other good* increased by £1,246,000, thus bringing down the net decrease. Brisbane, Jan 26 The total value of the exports of this colony last year was £9,Q72,000-~a decrease of nearly two millions, com pared with the previous year. The imports amounted to £7,052,000, an increase of £400,000 on the preceding year. The export of sugar fell from £1,163,000 to £660,000, and the wool export decreased bj £1,182,000.

THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

_ _» i United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, Jan 25 The Mayor was informed this afternooD by the Acting Premier that the Imperial Troops, including the Indian Contingent, will arrive m New Zealand on the 2nd prox, and will travel through New Zealand according to the timetable already fixed. They are doe m Wellington about the* 5 h

THE N.Z. RAILWAYS.

„ «~ i~ —_ Funeral of the Queen; Complete Cessation of Traffic for a Half llour. United Proas Association—By Electric (Telegraph Wellington January 25 The Minister for Railways has issued the following instructions m connection with the funeral of the Qusen —On the day of the funeral no railway business of any kind whatever h to be transacted m any part of the colony between the hours of 11,30 aim. and 12 noon, and every member of the railway staff, whether permanent or casual, js to cease work for the half hour epeoified, and go Btand reverently by during that period. No train is to be started between the times named and every train running on any portion of the lines of the colony must; be brought to a standstill at 11.30 a.m. and i remain motionless until 12 noon, at which { hour the ordinary business of the Depart ment is to bo resumed. Trains which have been atopped on their journey will continue and run correspondingly to their destination.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegram—Copyright (Received January 28, 9 54 p on) AN UNFRIENDLY ACTION. Sydney, Jan 25 The post office is surcharging New Zealand penny letters, EXPRESSIONS OF SORROW. The Admiral, on behalf of the officers and ships' companies m the fleet, cabled expressing heartfelt sorrow and their devotion and loyalty to the throne. Melbourne, Jan 25 It is suggested thai the Duke of i Connaught be cominisfiioned ie open the Federal Parliament, and that Sic George White or General Redvera Bnller occupy a prominent place on his staff. ARRESTED. Bki&bane, Jan 25 Woodfall has been arrested for , stealing £4800 from fcho Grenfell Bank, and remanded.  Perth, Jan 25 Sir John Forrest bm been sworn In as State treasurer, eweiiriog allegiance to the King.

The Cable Services

United Press Asseointioiu—By ESeotrlo Telepaph*-OopyriKbfc SYDNEir, January 2i The Eastern Extennion Cable Coro patiy'a Bteamer Recorder has arrived to effect repairs m thu cable between New Zealand and Australia.' A fault exists about 400 miles off the New Zea land coast. The vessel will also shift the Australian end of the cable to the new station, recently erected at La Fe route. Owing to the interruption of the Singapore cables some alteration m the vessel's instructions may take place ,aa the Company's other repairing steamer, Sherrard Osborn, is at Hong kong.

Interprovincial.

...,» , —;— United Preia Association—By Electric Telegraph Chbisxchuroh, Jan 25 ffhe Chrigtchoroh men who returned to New Zealand from South Africa by th» Orient) arrived to-night, In spite of the heavy tain a large orowdl assembled »fe the railway station and the men were cheered heartily bub no formal ceremony took place* Mr Sihart, Secretary ol: the New Zealand Swimming Association, received » oabla message from Melbourne this morning asking if Mr Champion had left New Zealand for Melbourne, as the itmateor swimming championships m that city would likely be postponed on account of the Queen's death. Mr Champion is, however, now on hit way to Melbourne. * Ddnkoin, Jan 26 The Recess Committee of the Senate met this morning Rfc the Otago Univeroity to consider .the results of the matriculation and janior scholarships and the solicitors general knowledge and medical preliminary exami nation. There were present the Chancellor (Sir James Hector), Professors Shand, Sale, and Cook. The following have gained junior scholarships for the year 1900, the names being m order of merit;—lsabel Robertson, Grammar gchool,Auckl»nd, 4069; John Gillboys Lanoaster, High school, Christ* church, 3872; Archibald Ernest Carrie, Boys Hiph school, Chrißtchureh, 3676 { Frances Violet Josephine Jackson, Girlt College, Wanganoi, 2469; John Anneiley Braileford, Wellington College, 3316; Henry Gilbert; Dive, Collegiate school, Wangacut, 3186; Charles Frederick Denman Cook, Christ's College, ChristcJwrcb, 3181; Henry Norman Prior, Grammar school, Auckland, 3169; Beatrice Kippenbetger, Girls High school, Christchureb, 30%; Edward Kidson, Boys College, Nelson, 3014; William Wilson* Crantner Boys schoof, Chriatehutoh, 2985 1 Hilda Margareb Northcrcif t,Grammar school, Auckland, 2983; Phcebe Jessie Jone»,GirU High school, Bnnedin, 2965; Charles Morton Bolt, King's College, Auckland, 2963; Philip Wilfrid Robertson, Wellington College, 2950.

The Barton Ministry.

United Press Association—By Ehottio Telegraph—Oopyrighb Brisbane, January 25 Mr Drake, Postmaster General, has accepted a portfolio m the Federal Cabinet.

The Late Queen's Faithfulness

The late Queen Victoria premised once to bring a certain small Scotch lassie a present when she came back to Balmoral next year. The year pawed by, a stormy one, fa il of anxiety for Qaeen and people—and the child for* got the promise; the Qaeen remembered^ TnMl the excitement other new Qaeen* ship she remembered a sick child shft bad visited as princess* Another instance is that of a pilot, who had saved her from being crashed by » falling mast on board the Emerald yacht m 1333. He was invited to Court when she cams to the throne, and when he died his wife and children were provided for. Another touching story is that of the Royal children^ governess, who hearing that her mother was dangerously ill, wished to resign her post. This the Qaeen would not hear of. Goat once to yonr mother child; she said, staj with her as long as she needs you,and then come back to ns, I will keep yonr place for yon. Prince Albert and I will hear the children'! lessons; so, m any event, let your mind be at rest m regard to your pupil*, The governess went and returned. On the anniversary of her mother's death she was quite broken down with grief. The Queen went to her and said : " I meant to have given orders that yoi should have this day entirely to yottf elf* Take it as a sad and »acred holiday, I will bear the lessons of the children," These are small things, perbaps; but at straws show how the wind blows, triges like this iell of a true.kind hearts Prince Arthur's Welnh nurse once said that " the Queen was a good woman, quite fit to have been a poor man's wife." •I will be good,' the little Princess laid, when they told her she would one day be Qaeen. "I will be good." And through all the sunshine and the stprmr of life she has royally kept her word.

Tfifß Afl CJBTO3 60Aft!)i4Jl j SATURDAY, JANUARY 24,1 1901



Date January it •• »» it it

26 .«. 27 .. 28 ... 29 «. 30 . -31 ..

Bines 4 56 4 58 4 69 5 0 5 1 6 2

Sets 7 29 7 28 7 27 7 27 7 26 7 25



Full moon Luet quarter Apogee New moon First quarter Perigee

6 13 12 21 27 24

II 44 »m 8 8 am 10 30 pm 26 * m 9 22 pm 11 opm



Ctr»E fob Cholera Intaneom—Nlfiß Known to Fail During last Mayan infant child of our neighbor waa suffering from cholera infantum The doctors had given up all hopta of recovery. I took a botitle of Ohamberltin'a Oolio, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy to the house, telling them I fe'ib sate it would do good if used according to directions. la two days time the child had fully reoovewd. The child its now vigorous and healthy. I have recommended this remedy frequently, and have never known it to fail.—MttOartfg Saker, Bookwalter, Ohio Sold hy MaH hm** Drag Companis "" ■' " Wades Worm figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, nover fail foi adults or ohlidrea Pri"els



CX)NSULT!KG OPiIOfAN Mr Ernetttj M. Sandstein, DB 0 At, FB, MO, who haa lately returned after six years' special atudy m England and Con* tinent, may be consulted on all cases of defective eyesight* Daylight not oecessar y I arfcifioial light being used. Doctors'pr < acriptiona prepared. Fees moderate, 0 I suiting rooms, Gashel Street W., ov or Sandstein, jeweller, ChriitehurcJv 93 1,8 to6d»U? *



TTOLJDAI? BOITS—I have a large stock JOL of Men's, Youths', and Boyi' Suits, made to my orders, special finish for wear, Btyle, and appearance equal to anything procurable. Suits made to measure m best style, fit guaranteed. Gentm', Ladies' and Children's Boots and Shoes ?a great variety, a Robkbt Aloobn'



ST. STEPHEN'S OHDROH Ashburbon. THIRD SUNDAY~APTHR EPIPHAKY, (January 27th.) 8 30 a m—Holy Communion , SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICES I WILL BR HELD AT 11 a>m and 6.30 p.m, And afc BEAF3ELD and DROMORE I Xt 3 p.m I R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A, Vioar HE ASHBUKTON TRAIN SERVICES TrftSan leave Ashbnrton daily for— UHRISTOHUROH—ab 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p tn, 7 5 p m (expreas) TIMARU-at 10.55 a m» 3.50 pin DtJNEDIN—a6 12.54pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m Trains arrive d&Uy at Ashburton (from—• OHRISTOHUROH-at 10.45 » m, 12.48 p m fexpms), 8 pm" TIMARU—afe 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—afc 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN~ab 9.45 & m



FOR SALE, PURE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS fTPO Farmers nrarehaniinsr Halfbrtd PIGS. We are prepared to boy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grain or Peas, FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY COi 6 JH Rplii. *" " WANTED KNOWN I HAVE » epleisdid variety of fancy Chocolate Boxes just to hand, both useful and ornamental. Please call and iBMf ec'j, Freah Toffies and! Gaudies, Inglish and French Chocolates and Confectionery always m Stock, Ices, Strawberries and Cream, Hoi Pies and Light Refreshments always randy. A. irmh supply of local and lelftftd fruits arriving daily. HA FLOWER* 12 Confectioner & Froiterer, KwtjHi^ FOR HOUSE T)AINTINO t OUBB X AINIINO. SIGN WRITING, Til TO, IGNWRITING, JCiTO, TRY «J. I* ' EEI Gfr €t «#, Tak«sebd Stbies. Smoke Hew Vena* OUR Boobs and sell themielvei have & look t»t D Shock's prises. Smoke New T^nna



STILL ADVANCiRG. OBAIPHJBAD & BEKBYMAN HAVE jost opened out, ex a.n. Paparoa from iiondon, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto _ imported, comprising the moetup to date Stsiiiags from the best Misnufactnreirfl -as now worn at) ■ Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable (Tailoring Goods now affords customers euch ft aplendid range of new materials of guaranteed quality and stylish patterns to choose from as shoold please even the mosfe fastidioae, and their prices, workmanship, and fib will compare favorably with those of the leading firms m Chriatchureh or other cities, (they are also showing a grand lot of new Hate* Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., this season. Customers would do well to place their orders early as 0. &B. have already a arcs number of suits on the books promised dforeXmw. 11 MO WKEIIN FORNISHIKO WAKEHOUSB, " (Havelook Street; TTE guarantees to sell at Ohiriatchurcb prices for Cftßh or Time Payments. I 14 ; WANTED Known—Tha* what we do we try to do well. Bear thia m mind, Getstlemen, when ordering yoar Summer Outfit;,and, Ladies, remember it before fitting up yonr Boys for the holiday — , Mitchell and Tamer _



! GBKAT JUKI L£E SALE OP tfigh - Class Drapery Clothmi, & Boots COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY 19. (FOB ONK MONTH.) IMMENSE FEDUCTIONS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. ANDREW ORR 1901 MODELS JUST LANDED. MAHY IMPKOVEMENTS. COME AND SEE THEM. P O 0-R GOOD SECOND - HAND CYCLES TO BE SOLD CHEAP. KG REASONABLE OFFSB REFUSED JOBN ORR & CO. N.Z- CLOTHING FACTORY. WE have just conokded oar HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING and have thrown oat a number of odd lines, which we have marked at prices that will effr eta @peedy clearance. ' =SEE THEM AT DOOB,= MEN'S HABB AND SOFT HATS AT Is EACH. MEN'S SOFT BHIBTS. A LAEOE VARIETY OF TIBS, ALL REDUCED TO 6d& Is Men's Leatbfr Shoes 6a 6d, Men's Kid Shoes 10s 6d Women's Oanvan Shoes 3* 6d, Children's 2' 6d Mea'a Tan Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Tan Boots 15a. N-Z. CLOTHING FACTORY^ THG VEKDICC OF AT.L PEACTICAL 'EIDEES 18 IN JTAVODK OF RIDING BUILT with Butted Tnbbg, Short Meads, Narrow Tread Arch oar Box Orown, 01 lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheelel Any style Saddlffl, Handlea, Chain, etc, Arygtar, any height frame ; also dasfc proof throughout. ONE PRICE TO ALL— £2l OATES, LOWRY ANI CO., Zealandift Cycle Works, BURNETT STBBBT, ASHBTJRTON.