EPHEMERIS

i Phases of Moon for February

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following plaoes as under, subject) to the necessary alterations : THURSDAY, March T For Northern Ports, and Westiport, per Botcmsbana, at 630 pm Late fee letters, guard's van, express FRIDAY, MARCH 5 For Northern Ports and Weatport, also Australia (due Sydney March 14th), per Mokoia, aft 630 am ; Lute fee letters guards van eTprosa fiATURDAY, March 9 For Freemantle, Durban, and Cape Town, per Otarama, at 6 30 am For TasmanU mad Australia, due Mel bourne March 17, algo India, China, Straits Battlement, South Africa, etc., United Kingdom via Brindisi, also due London April 21, and Continent of Europe, per Weatralia at 10 SO am

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, March 6 Wheat, chick Is lOd to 2s 2d; mining, 2a 6d to 2a 7£d ; flour £6 to £6 10s, Manitoba £10 15s. Oats, feeding, N Z prime, 1« lid to 2\ : local. Is 7d to Is II?; other grades Is 7<l to li 9d ; milling, 2s Id to 2i 2.1. Barley, feeding 2< to2i Id, seeding 2a 3d to 2a sd. Ma,?.*, new, 2« 6', old 2i 8d to 2a 9d. Peas, 3s ,6i to 3a 91. Bran BJd ; pollard 81 Potatoes, Circular Heads £2 15s to £3, tocU (new) up !O £3 Is 6d j onions, £6 to £6 15s ; butter, dairy 8d to 9.!, creamery 9d to lOd ; cheeße, large sd. Bacon, New Zealand ft tches 8J to 5| I, htima B^d (The above qnotations are those ruling between merchant and rehu'ler, and do not represent the slightly lower va'ues obtained by »recognised broker.) MKIiBOUENR, March 8 Wi.e-»t-, m good demand at from ?a B|' to -2 8i l t with a tendency !o advance; oate, A'goriftn, 6d to 1« 71. M«? 2s 9J. Barley, pri^je J< to 3i 61, Bran 9^i to 9|i} poijftrd, lOd to 10i«i j pofcatoec, £2 to £3 10i ; c^lokb, £4 10a lo £5, i j?DELAIDK, M'irch 6 syhea\ 2i 7^ to 2s 8d; flour, £6 Ss to £6 ¥< fid ; oata. Alßoriaa, Is 8d to 1« 103, stout £<2I !0 2i 3?; Briia, lOd to lO^d. Pollard, lOsl to lid.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

UnUed Press ARBoc'ation—By Eleotric Telegraph Christchurch, Mnroh 6 At »lis Aficl'mgttan market to-day : Oatilb — 184 ke&& of fat cattle were yardtd. incla ing & few really good sU'pm. Bidding w»b dull an'l there was no alteration In pries per Ib, which are still rnllng at J7s 6d and 22s Sds good steers £8 10s to £10 12s 6d, othera £6 17s-6i to £8 ; best heifers £7 10? to £S sa, others £6 .-5s to £6 10*. c>wn £5 to £7 SL?B 6d. Dairy sows vcr- w. good demand, beat selling at £7 10i to £9 12s 6d, others £0 10a to £6 10s. Store cattle were a good entry and m demand, two year old steers £4 12s 6j, three year old heifers £5 5a to £5 10a, two year o£cL mixed £3 18s 6d, 18 month* £117s 8d to £2 I©3, 15 months £1 14e, yearlings 2§s 6d, calrea 26«, dry cows £2 5s to £4 51 Bp%K¥ —About 3000 fat cheep were fwdodp and tihey were of rather indtffareni qaality A fair sale for watbers took place at 16s to 19 *, three Chatham Island wethers 14m to 14s Id, besb ewes 15a to 17s i"d, others lie to 14s. The fat lambs yarding comprised .3400 of f&i?fy good quality, which met with an improved daraand and advanced 6d per head iot\ best sorts, 2300 were taken tor freezing at 18a to 15a 6d and up to 163 8d for extra prime; others down to lia; W0 were withdrawn to go to the facbory on vendor's account. In Btoreßheep 11,260, noostly ewes, were yarded, and v vh the exception of baab sorts the mai ket was easier. Wetfeera fetched 14b 2d to 16<7d ; good yonnjg ewes Wi to IB ■ medium 12s 6 i to 14b 6i, calls down to §s, lambs, 12s to 13s 5d for forward and down to .9 \ fur back ward. Pips —Aboab 400 fats met witfa good demand, but stores were easier, baeoners \ 3o« to 4&, equal to 3|d; porkers, 22s 6d to 32s 6d, equal to 4d per Ib. Stores 11s $28, email 63t09d,

GERALDINE STOCK SALE.

There was a good atteadaD ( aQ of buyers at the GeraldiDe live atook sale yeßteid^ t y f when the number of sheep yarded was larger t&an anything bociq m the district) for a long time.' By 7 » m the yards were fall and 1000 sheep had to be sent away, while others were put id paddao&c ne»r the town fend sold from sample ia the ywds, Ths entry of sheep, altogether totalled ao«i,3t|iing like 20,000, and prices on the whole werew«ll©jisiptained. Threequarterbred two tooth ewes brought 14? 2i, ]6s 2d, 17< lid, IBs, and a line was passed at 19s 21, ordinary ewes sold ab 11b to 11s 6d, fat ewee, 6 and 8 too'h, 13s, 34a sd, 15s 6d, and 16a 4d ; croasbred ewee 11s Id, Jla lid, 12s 66, 12< 9c\ 14s Id, to 16s, merino ewes 5s 6dJ, 7s, 8s 6d, and a big line averaged :6s4'« t&t wethers fetched 16t 10d, and forward watiiera were passed at 17s 6fi; halfbred ewes, siV and eight tooth, 16s 3d to 16a 6d; merino, 13s 4d ° three quarterbred lamba 9s Id, 10a 6d, We 9d, H« 5 lit 4d, lls 7d ; small lambs 10s to 10s SI; better lambs 11«, 111 4d, to 13s; Btfttioo ewes, halfbred, 12s 3d to 16s 6d, There was $ fair entry of pigs. Small stores sold at £« Itf ( 8s 6d, and good etores 12s to 15s 6d, Tiaere ,>>'^,y large estry of cattle, whioh was under the .fojppvsf when the mail closed, the eale being a ifito ogb .t-wit»g to the ezceeesive entry of atook ' *"

BURNSIDE STOCK MARKET

United Proas Association -By Eleotrio Telegraph DuKEpiN, March, 6 At' Subside markei to-d»y, 345 head of ; I*fc.e*ttl« were yarded, a fair proportion i being good to prims. TJie demand, except !lrt the last of tho Bale, wai i^ii'ly good, Jate i.ratep for all prime staff being readily ob- Jaloed. Competition {or medium.to \nfsr\i>e lacked animation, *nd prices wers diefcincfcly lower. B»»t ptillockt fetched £91S« to ,£11; medJam, £8 to £9 bu ; light and inferior, £6 10s to £7 10b ; bast: cow* *nd heifers, £7 10s to £8 12s 6d; light to medium, &$ IQi to £6 IQe

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Paævalebit THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1901.

Ws have already commented upon the remarkable method adopted bj the Government to ascertain tba feeling of (this country with regard to Federation. The Retting ap of a Royal Commission to toddle about the colonies, and inter view people who have given the matter 1 little or no consideration was an ex pensive farce, which wonld have been arousing if the unfortunate taxpayers of New Zealand did not have to piy the piper. And the piper io this case is estimated to coat as, at least £5000. It now seems that the nselessneßS of the labours of the Federation Com mission has been acknowledged by the Cabinet, for we find that it is intended to take a referendum vote m a few woeks, when the census is taken, on the question of New Zealand entering the Commonwealth. This proceeding is almost as funny a@ the Commission business. In fact, the disclosures during the proceedings of the Commission so far,us to*public opinion—or rather the absence of it—on how federating with Australia would affect New Zealand have conclusively shown that the majority of the people m this colony know as little about the subject of Australasian Federation as thty do about the social customs of the Mar tians. At leasfc seven out of every ten of those whose valuable opinions on this question have been given to the Commissioners have frankly con* feseed that they know very little about the matter, not having devoted any consideration to it. The Cabinet has evidently jome to the conclusion that the " opinions " collected by the Fede ration Commission will be of no prae« j tical value, and ao we are not even to get the benefit of them before giving j our vote on the question. We have got to give a decision upon the most important political question ever sub mitted to the people of this country without having had any time or any opportunity to ooasider it. We cannot; imagine anything more preposterous, and we protest m the strongest terms against the people of New Zealand being called upon to decide the ques tion of whether or not they shall join the Australasian Commonwealth until they have bad ample time and oppor tunity to consider* the question. It is far too important to be decided by a catch vote, , There is something about the way this Federation business is being dealt with by the New Zealand Government, which we cannot quite understand, unless there is some truth m a rumour that Mr Seddon has made j a certain compact with the Federal Government. There is no other ex planation of the decision to call for a vote at this stage, and bf f ire the Federation Commission has got half through the work it was appointed to do. In view of the new development ia the Government's treatment of the Federation question m New Zealand shown by this Referendum scheme, it is desirable that every elector should give tfie subject immediate and close attention. We trust, therefore, that there will be a large attendance at the meeting called by the Ashburton A. and P. Association for Saturday. This question should not be approached on clas- lines, although we fear the ten dency of those m power is to endeavour to get it settled m that way. It is a matter of the greatest importance to tho people of New Zealand as a whole, and the j^a^ner m which it is treated must seriously a|Tecfc every person living m the country.

Local and General.

No 2 Building Society—The No 2 In dustrial Building Society, last eight accepted a tende? of j843 for an appropriation of £300 Tkhs Sevenxk Contingent.—South Can* terbury is expected to fiud another 55 men forthsseventh contingent and applications are now being received by Lieutenant Colonel Bstiley at tho Volunteer office, Timaru. As^bueton TromihgClpb—The Ashbur ton Trotting Olub invite tenders for the privileges m connection with their meeting on the 2i "met. Tenders close on Monday next at 5 p m. THB C^ARGI Ojr WjXtt M^B^BB.—The hearing of the charge of wife murder against Eiwiri Te Ua was continued at Auckland on Taesday> The jury -^an unable to agree, and a new trial will take place. Donations to thk Hospital—The matron desires to acknowledge with thanka the following donations for the use of the patient Ein the hospital:-—Mr Braddell, oiftgnxineg; Mrs Stephens, ehitdrena' books; Aahburtoiji Qlvh, illustrated papers; Mrs GAM Buckby s illustrated papers; aißo pn>a vegetables ex'iihite^ ft the AshburtOD •how from Mr J 0 N (jJrigg. The HpmootOf A S^oolCoMwr.re.ttß — i At a meeting of the Gis borne school com- \ mittee it was stated that by way of enoourag*; I ing regular attendance at enhool " neyer [ absent never late " tickets were issued weekly to scholars and pupils who received I those were entitled to one shor ont. of en sir | ga0,12 of which had been purchased by the committee. la this a new way of developing affiarfciai spirit ? If so it te strikingly original. feISP- WAE-The most interesting ioeidenfce of the p.oer war have been busily described from time la i>ime m our columne; but nothing can tquai a d&appp^ion nj an : eveut by one of the actors m ii t V^ealt; know bow Donald McDonkld oharmad us bjr' hia vivid description of the charge of the gallant Devons and other deeds of bravery performed by our soldiers at the front. We .therefore look forward with plcapant an' ticip&Honc! to hearing Lieutenant: Hughes on Tuesday aad .Wed.nesday evening next for j be wfti even piose"ifln^ifldistely concerned with the events he will rejia'ts i}o uh, than was our friend Mr McDonald. ' " \ OaKTEKBCRT A6RICITLTURAL COLLEOK.— The reporiß of the external examiners of the lOanje^bury Agricultural College, Lincoln, N 7-t't *r>r t^i® year ending 31st December, 1900, together <feith of experiments m progress with crops, ladOrl-SOl h#ve been isauedi The students were examined m agriculture, chemistry, natural science, applied mathematice, veterinary science and practical agriculture, and on the whole the examiners reports are satisfactory. Other practical examinations m threshing, plrugh leg, shearing, ditching, hedging, milking, cxitke/ pacing, cheese making, horse groom ing,, pracsicaj. knowledge of live stock, blaokgmitha* worit, ictyuding horee ehoeiug, carpentry, are held by external 'erarainers tbroughoub the year, asd are rejpojrt®4 o« from time to time, ■ ; Gabdhn Pabtst at Coldstrbam—A sfaerfc timo sgo Mrs John Btudholme, Junr, of Ooidstream, gave a garden parcy to the Ooldstream and Lowclilfe children and their , friends, numbering aboaft fifty. Mre Btnd» ioir»i*.. ppiefced by Mieß Moorhouse, did all Jbhftt !^y m thdt power to make the people happy* Shey l|oine(i m all the games, aad every winner got s prfae. Stpd^olme gave every ®bUd (both bjg' and aniett) a present; Whea the nun was too warm fojr play, the children were taken into bkii' fry it garden and had what fruit theyliked to e»t under the trees>, while all who chose took fruit home with them. Aftsraoos tea ftibb dispecjsed on the 2s>wu, and everyone seemed! to ttooi-ocghly enjoy the day's outing : ' ' Wade's vVorm Figs are ariost e|fetj and not unpleasant children ihrlvd {after {iHfelDg them, price^ |i * ■ '

AtHBOBTON HoHtIOCIStTKAL SOOIETT — | I The Ashburton HartioulturAl Society prize i monies and accounts will bfl paid oat &t Mr Deßser'e offioe to morrow afternoon, bebwten i the hours of S and 6 o'clock. Coiari.iMßNXAKr.—Mr Harry Hardley was the aubjeot of vary complimentary r< ferences at) the annual Preebytorian meeting last , night. Mr Hardley ht,n climated moat sffioiently aa acting superintendents of the Elgin Sunday nohool for some years and his work, it was pointed out, had been well attended to. The Truaty With Tonga,—The M*n&" pouri s which arrived nb Sydney yesterday, from ths lilands, reports that H M 8 Tauranga, with the High Commission on board, has been ab Tonga with the object of exohanging with the King tha ratification of the treaty negotiated by Mr Bieil Thompson last year. (The Dmaß ot a Dog—Thsr« m somewhere m the vicinity of the office oi this paper a canine (hat is apparently troubled with indigestion or a bad conscience. It opea-t out regularly about midnight on note Gof the diatonic scale and gradually reaches the upper O when its dirge diet away m a note of pitiful agooy. The members of our staff not being capable of appreciating music of this class are nevertheless considering how to convey to that dog some evidence of their feelings regarding his performance. !■» Late $cbik Victoria,—The Home papers which arrived by the last mail are full of references to the illness and death of Queen Victoria. As an indication of the feeling evinced not only m Great Britain and on the continent of Europe but throughout the whole civilised wnrld, we reprint the expres sions on the lubj^ot of one of the leadingLan don dailias. The article will be found on our fourth page. FIRKWOBKI IN THE DOMAIN—It will be seen on reference to our report of the Sports Association meeting held last evening, that a resolution was passed by th 9 body, con demning the action of the Domain Board m granting the use of the Domain for * fire works display for the benefit of a Christ- i church exhibitor. It is understood that although the permission given by the Domain Board did not prrclnde the Oval from being used. It is now intended that the display must only take place on the Hockey ground There is however still the objection chat is pointed out by ths Sports Association, that the charge of £5 to outsiders is out of ail proportion to that made to local.olubp, the St T>atrlck» Sports Committee having to pay '£15 for the ground for their gathering next week, and nearly all the money they take will be spent locally. Tinwald School Committee — The monthly meeting of the Tinwald School Committee was held on Tuesday. Present- Messrs Clothier (chairman), J Gudsell, C Hawkins, and J Hampton, A written apology was received from Mr F Bonningtoa The master reported that the present number of children on the school roll is 148, and the average attendance for the past four weeks has been 113-5; the attendance since the holidays has not been satisfactory. The mtater suggested that some can or sand be place J under the hor:e total bar, as one or two boys have had nasty falle, fortunately without serious results. It was decided that the viFiting committee see to getting some sand placed under the horizontal bar. It was decided that the secretary be empowered to pound all stock found straying m the school grounds. A letter ws»s received from the Board of Education, enclosing the new Act for the election of members to the Boards. Acoounta to the Amount of £7 10* were passed for payment and the meeting closed.

SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

A meeting of the Ashbarton Sports Association was held last evening m Mr J 0 Bella offiis. Present—Messrs P H Cox (m the chair), 0 Campbell, L J Hobbs, H H Pooks, E Nordon, P Otr, F Pntcbard, W B j Denshire, J Moore, and the Secretary. CORRESPONDENCE Corrrepondence was received-—• From the headmaster of the High School, asking for the use of the Domain (or the annual sports meeting. From the Amateur Athletic Club, enquir ing as to when the asphalting of the track would be finished. The Chairman was authorised to rep'y to both the above letters. ' SECRETARY Mr I. Baigent tendered his resignation a» B«cieU»ry, owing to pressure of business, and it w as received with regret Mr E Nordon agreed to act as hon. •eoretary until the nexb annual meeting ACKNOWJ.EDGM ENTS A hearty vote of thanks was a-cunled to ls'r |!' Prttchard for hia valuable asaistanc at fhe j|Bsooia s tioh/s sports'meeting. Foteg of thanks'* were also passed to the donors of special p- ijees,, ajao to the ladies who 80 kindly provided afternoon tta. lb was resolved that the Executive Committee, together with Messrs L J Hobbs and W B Denshire, be requested to consider the question of the advisableness of eatab' Hshing a Sports Club m Ashburbon, and report to a future meeting of delegates i ME irISKWOKKS IN THE DOMAIN It was unanimously resolved that this Association views with grave dissatisfaction the notion of the Domain Board m letting the Domain to private individuals for money making purposes, especially as the charge was considerably below the amount paid by the local clubs forming this Association. Further, this Association is of opinion that, considering it provides si large proportion of the amouaa necessary to maintain the grounds, no permit) pjaould be granted to private indiyi|aalß, "Vit^ouJ beiag first' referred to the Association, ' "■ A vote of thanks to the ghalr cpnoluded the bnsiness.

ASHBURTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Annual Meeting

The aupual QOBgregational meeting of the Presbyterian church' y?a v a held last night, the Rey G B Inglis jin the,chair, was a good attendance of members and .the meeting was opened by singing Psalm b and prayer. The report of the Kirk session s'afced that during the past year many things had occurred, which rendered ie difficult to carry on the work of the church effectively. The minister had been absent for five months m the New Hebrides islands, and oa his return the building of the new Manse had occupied a goos deal of time and attention. The infcenefl inters?,* 9rpueed by the war m South | Afrfea had a distracting effect upon the community, and there had bpan 'jjo many pageants and publis functions, co many holidays and excitements of varions sorts that it had been impossible to carry on church work with the efficiency and zeal possible m quieter times. But, notwith standing all distractions the congregation had feelf jpeH together. The sick had been faithfully vi'sitei bofrhby Mr McKenzie and the minister, and most eJigienth help had been willingly rendered by various miiajsfcerß when Mr Inglia was absent Lasb autumn there had been an election of elders,' when Ifessrs Higgs, Dodds and McKerzie had been chosen snd ordained to represent the congregation m tlie yanosif ojjurtsof the church. The Ladies' Misirionary Association had meti once a month during the year, and made up many metal articles to send to our mission stations m the Now Hebrides. The Sabbath schools bad been In good working order all the year, and the parents were under a debt of lasting obligation to the young men and women who had devoted their time and energies to teach the chil ds»,a fch? word of God* The Wanganai 4.ssefl9&fy $»d 'an»niji?pu«ly agreed to unite with the ohur.ch of pXago and -Southland, and progress »»d chpnge of tjatr happiest kind wars to be aatieipafced from the Union, Home and Foreign Missionary operations would be directed and managed by com* mittees of ministers and elders, who were universally trusted and esteemed, and the Ohurch would zealously follow her adherents pa every corner of New Zeulanu, and provide them witfe fcjje ordinances of religion. Mr MoKer^le hud parried on his work m the outfields with 'ifffrted ' ajoi|ity sad saocees. He conducted service* m fijT- grearqhtatf stations, and the attendaaoo was ~mosV eaoouragirg. Reference was made to the death of the Queen, and the accession of the Prince of Wales to the throne. An earnest ' appeal was made to all members and adhe rents to take an interest m the church and ' nil iti settrioes. A praying oburoh was

always a working, giving and living' church, and a power m the community. There was a clear field for our energies here, and we should try to live so that) our influence m the community would be for tha grlory of God The Minister earnestly appealed to all true eons of the Church to fight againab the liquor traffic with the wisest., moot relentless and determined opposition, avoiding all cause of scandal themselves, and doing all m their power to keep tempted ones from the drink, and encourage ihetn to practiie self control and live a worthy life. They had to regard the sanctity of the Sabbath, and turn its holy hours to the best account, Tbey should love the house'and worship .of God, and aim strenuously at becoming better men and women. They were to guard against a censorious and uncharitable spirit, and live toge'her as brethren, pro voking one another to love &nd to good works. They were Presbyterians by birth, by intelligent choice, and deep religious oonviotion, bun they did not claim to be the only Church of Christ m the community. Wherever Chrlab Is there is the Church. God alone was Lord of the conscience and freedom of thought, of choice and opinion were the priceless treasures won for us by our Presbyterian forefathers, who fought and bled and died for truth's and freedom's sake. We prsse these treasures for our selves and we fraeiy recognise that they are the common possession of all around ua. Let every man be fully persuaded m his own mind, and choose his Church connection as the Bpi rid of God, his own conscience, and intelligence shall direot him. For ourselves we have made our choice. Our own Church is unspeakably dear to ua by all the holiest and tendereat associations that can move m the hearb of a man- We shall never cease to labour and pray for her prosperity, Let us be loyal to our Church and do what we can to widen her influence and extend her usefulness on every hand. The Financial Committee's report referred bo the very good attendance afa its meetings during the year, to the satisfactory arrange* meats re the Church organist; payment of the old manse debt, and th<3 completion of new buildings and the renovation of the old manse prenvses, at acosbof £420; the visit of Rev G 8 Inglis to the New Hebrides as a , delegate from the Assembly ; the annual tea meeting, which took the form of a reception 1 to the Minister on his return from the 1 Islands ; and the renewed engagement of Mr McKerzie as assistant to the charges of ' ishburton and Flemington. On the motion of Mr Baxter, seconded by Mr A Orrj the report was unanimously adopted The Sabbath School reporb and balance } sheeb was read and adopted i The balance sheet of the Church and . out districts, which was printed and had ! been previous'y circulated, was taken as read, It showed that (he Church was m a very healthy condition financially, and after ; a few remarks by Mr C Reid, the general treasurer, and Mr Swanson, the Manse fund treasurer, wan adopted. The following were appointed a committee i of management) for the ensuing year:— i Messrs W Baxter, Brock, Swanson, Grant, Moore, Reid, E G Oraighead, Whiteombe, Barrett, D Wilson, Cunningham, and M ; Bruce. i Votes of thanks were passed to the Superintendent of the Elgin Sabbath School, ; the Rev G B Inftlis, (the minister), Mr Market zie (the missionary); the organ: it, the choir and tha choir master, and Mr X W Inpriis, of London, for hia handsome donation i of £100 to the manse fund. i Tea and cake was then dispensed by the r ladies, after which the meeting was cloned by the pronouncing of Ihe Benediction

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not hold oarsoives responsible for opinions expressed by our corrojiondents

VISIT OF THE IMPERIAL TROOPS.

TO THE EDIT. E Sik,— Aa one who contributed towards the coil of nerving the Impeliai ttoojps, may I sak if a statement of the money at d provisions handed m by the public is going to be published ?—I om, &c , UONTRIBCTO3.

Mount Someis Road Board

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Mount Sowers Rbad Board" was held on Monday. Present—Messrs Chapman (chair' man), Harmon, Herring, and Hood, PROPOSED NEW OOADTO LASCELLEI*. MrDuubiir wrote to the effect that he cou'd ?ot at present agree to the Board making a new road through his property on the western side oi L*ke Heron, but would however interview the members at an early date, and ascertain the Board's requirements* VALUATION RAIL. ; A circular \vas received from the yaluation Department icQuiring the probable date upon whiph the rate for the year If Jl would be struck, and also requesting that the Valuation Roll be forwarded for correction not later than May 20th 1901. cambbon'stback. The County Council wrote stating that as soon as the necessary funds were available the above work would be puu m hand, aad oare would be taken that the same should be made as permanent as possible. CONDITION OF ROADS* There being little monthly builoeiss before | the Board the members discussed the con dition of the roads throughout the district and decided on future work; ACCOUNTS! Accounts amounting to £§2 2s 3d were passed for payment and this concluded- the business. > ' J

Wesleyan Conference

UnifedJPress Association—By Electric Telegraph

Wellington, March 6 The Wesleyan Conference met thismorniDg m ministerial session, and it was resolved that the Revs William Beckotl, M X Gilmour, R P Keall, D Weatherall, W Will*, H Greeusladr, J H Saslam, A N Scotter, W R Tuck, and R Wilson should past their respective years of probation. The Rev A Reader and Jses7 W J Osbrow were received on probation and ' g>ill be appointed to circuits. The Cocferonce m cb ia representative session m the afternoon Speeches m Biipport of therxtsting state of things were made by the Rev J J Lowis and Dr Morley, and m support of some tuggesbed alterations m the management of fund by Mr A C Caughe3T, of Auckland, Further consideration of the subject was then deferred to next session. The Stationing Committee's second draft of sfcatippG waa submitted to the Conference, when a nujjjtjer of'amendments were pro posed, involving several" changes m the stations. Thete were referred back to the Committee for consideration, ' The following reaolutio s of the Committee referring to the church building cmd loan fund were carried r—That it is not desirable to divide the church building and loan fund or aM:<s!) the central committee by which the came is Ktianagsd, That nay change m the location of the Committee is unnecessary and undesirable. The report and balance I sheet of the building and loan fund was! presented %nd adopted V^teß of thanks were passed to the eecre 1; tary apd treasurer for their gervlpes |

New Zeeland Parliament.

PROBABLY OPEN IN MAY,

i United Press Asßooiation—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, March 5 The usual date for opening Parliament is June 22 or 23, but as the Duke and Ducheps of Cornwall will be ia the colony from June 11 to 29, and it id $tot considered advisable for legislators to assemble during that period, it is quite possible that Parlia ment will be opened at the end of May for the transaction of some necessary business, and that both Houses will then be ad> journed until the first week m July.

DISGRACEFUL SENE IN THE COMMONS.

A Free Fight

United Preaa Aesooiatios—By Electric (Telegraph—Copyright

London, March 6 In the Commons, sixteen Nationalist members at midnight during the de bate on the Education vote refused to vot« on'the closure and were suspended, but declined to leave the House. The Sergeant-at-.Arms called for the police and a free fight ensued over Crean, th» i first member ordered to be quiet, the others helping him to resist. It took six policemen five minutes to carry out Crean, amidst struggling, yells and cheers, several singing "God save Irelard," Most of the others resisted and struggled similarly;

THE DEATH ON THE TALUNE

A Case of Alleged Poisoning A Dunedin Woman Implicated- Staitli&ff Kevelations Expected United Press ABBoni&tioa~by Elpetrin I'elegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka March 6, 3.43 p m, Thiß office 816 p m Bydn«y, March (5 Jane Smith, aged 32, who is under stood to be a resident of Dunedin, was remanded at the Police Goart to the 18th, on a charge of being concerned m causing the death of P. Oonway. Meanwhile, it appears that at the coroner's inquest on Friday a rumour, which, however, lacks oficial confirma tion, wag current that the analyst found strychnine m Oonway's stomach. (Received March 6 1130 pm Jane Smith who is charged with being concerned m the death of (Jon* way is described as a married woman. The police are m poiaession of what they consider strong circumstantial evidencp, and startling revelations are expected at the inquest. It is understood that evidence wil) be submitted st the inquest bearing upon the transactions between Smith and Conway with regard to certain promissory notes and a bill of sale. The money and valuables m Conway'a possession aboard the Talune, and which it is alleged disappeared, are stated to be between £300 and £400.

Dcnedin, March 6 Mrs Smith, who lias boen arrested m connection with the Conwa/ mystery, lived at Bavensbourne, and is the wife of an employeein the Cicy Boot Palacei Before leaving Dunedin she circulated % statement among her friends that she had inherited a fortune, and was going to Sydney to fix up matteiß. Her husband has consulted a local lawyer with a view lo obtaining legal assist* anoe for his wife m Sydney, and it ia under* stood he will leave for there by the Mokoia to morrow. Some of the witnesses who were oeq'aioted with Mrs Smith are scattered over the district, and difficulty is experienced m finding thtm oat. One mule witness has so far escaped the vigilance of the poI.CP, tun they are coiifidert of ultimately tracking his whereabouts. Fresh facts are daily coming to light, and judging by the strange rumours is float the cage ia likely to pn ye the moEt EenaatioDa! one heard of for mary a day

Opening- of the Federal Parliament

Uni'ed Preea Association —By JClnctric Telegraph—Copyright (Pteeived M*ieh 6, 1014 pno) Intimation has been received that the Czar has ordered the first class cruisfr Gromboi to proceed here to take part m the naval demonstration. The Chinese residents m the city have offered to erect a national arch. The State Ministers have dfcidedto tajka no persona! part m the 'Federal elections, on the ground that they have no time to spare for Federal electioneer ing. It is expected that about 1000 Australian troops and 6000 cadets will participate m the Melbourne Federal celebrations,

United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph Obristchcrch, March 6 The opinion of local members is mostly unfavorable to Bending a Federal Contingent to Melbourne. Messrs John MoLachkn and Meredith emphatically oppose it). Some amusement has been caused by an interview with Mr Charles Lewis, who states that he has not sent a reply, and does not intend doing so. 'On the last Saturday morning,' he explains, * the House was discussing the Supplementary Estimates,on which appeared an item of £jjQO, expenses of representing the colony at the Commonwealth celebra tions. Nothing was said about a military contingent, and the item was m fact a direct, I deliberate, and etnphatc declaration that no [ military contingent would take part m those celebrations, and the Minister m charge , stated that it was to defray the expenses of Ministers. Since then two military contin gent? bare been despxtched to South Africa, We were not consulted aboat them and it appears to me to be nothing short of the grossest insolence for the Premier, after completely fgnprjng tfye House ia the above , matter, now fco corsulfc hb '

South Africa.

(Jotted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copvrighfc BOTHA CONSULTING SHALK BURGHER.

CAPTURE OP DE WETS PLANS,

Received March 6, 10 44 p m London, March 6 Botha has moved north m order to consult Scbalkburger and commandant Fouries, A paper containing Ec Wet's Gape invasion plans has been captured. Details of the capture of De Wet*s fifteen pounders on February 28rd by a detachment of Victorian Imperial Busbtnen, under Gapfcain Marker, sbjow that the Victorians'saw the enej^t's two guns. The British horses were so fagged that it was difficult to force them to trot The Boere pointed a gun and rammed home a shell,, bat the pursuers went forward without faltering. Cap tain Marker was olose up before the cartridge was fairly inserted, and the guns were thereupon The enemy were so demoralised that Captain E'fiyej, of the who greatly distinguished himself, pursued 3000 with only sixty men for several miles.

The Indian Troops

(By our Special Reporter)

Though the morning was yat »o young, afc half-past nine, when the I diem troops came into the city, a larger crowd than on »oy previous occasion r reft eel their arrival, la faef, but few of their mounts were on the epot. They came clattering iv a few minutes latur m twos aad threes, ho* with riding, led and ridden, and draw up into a ragged ho#. The lodiaim teem to be much keener judges of horse flssh than their Imperial brethren. They tried whether ihe bits were emblems of authority or otherwise. They ran their haade from wither to tail looking for tender backs, and cast furtive eyes over doubtful fetiocks. Then bearers and servants ap peared, for the contingent hat every grade, even the man with a smalt handful of iplit bamboos, searching dirt from corners: the much despised sweep caotr. In but a few cases did the servants taddle up. The officers teemed to look to everything personally, evidently being of the opinion of the cbnghty \ Miles Standish, of Plymouth 'If you want a thing well done you must do it yourself.' Colour flashed everywhere. It oi»sy needed a brilliant sun to make tins sight danling, Fast a8 the horse* were saddled, the troopers sprang up to try their steeds. One lithe and splendidly accoutred figure essayed to mounb a fine black horse. His servant held his stirrup ar,d he stood off at a perfect right angle to the horae'e tide to mount* Hit actions were angular and awkward In tube ex reme, but once m tnewddle h» gave the impression of being Ixed eternally. A totally different mode of riding to any of onr colonial ways — a series of half circles described bia figure. Hia hand, email and dark, hold the reina downward?, almost on a a ievel with his breast; but never ia all its manifold experience of Antipodean horse rmnship had that horse'B legs and body cab such graceful cuivata as under that immov able broDss image. The crowd became (least on every side and the handful from teeming millions formed but a splash of georgeoas colour on the moving whole. The order rang clear, and the volunteers came fillog by, followed by the Ltneers—Bengal and Madras —big bearded men with coal black beards. Trained into a divirion m the centre, they sat their horses like centaurs, looking neither to the right nor to the left. After them came two slight, tall figures m slate blue, keen of face and sharp of eye—the whole story of their warlike t.noestry snmmed np m three personalities Then passed thrie, only three, sqaat, ugly Hi tie men to whom all hearts with knowledge wurmed—those ball* dogs of the East, the fighting Ghoorkas. One amidßt them, a short barrel of a man with a plain Mongolian head and swarthy honest faoe, was dear to many hearts. He was Lord Roberts' devoted orderly who shielded the little English hero with his own body. They passed, end others came with step so free and clear, carriage so haughty and proud. Few thty were, and were soon swallowed op m the huge 9 cheering crowd. Once again they swept by another spot and one's imagination ran riot as you marked the splendid Sikhs and greal broad-shouldered Rajputs go swinging past. It was the history of the Anglo Saxons ability for conquest dene up m an easily readable hand book, and held wide open before the Empire's face. An English officer rode ahead, gorgeous m many colored raiment- Bis head, massive, ttrotg m every Sine, haughty and bold looked as if cut by some masterhand with clear strong blows from the solid marble, almost rugged m its reserved power suggested the reason of the resistless match of the English raoe. Strength and justice, dauntless courage, and a power to endure ; this face snmmed up m one fleeting glimpse all the wild and warlike history of that mysterious East to which our thoughts turn like steel bo load atone. And that is a eloped book to balf the people of this jjrpat empire, at least those born \n these landos ' For th<s East is E*st and the West is West, And never ihe two shall meet, Till enrih and eky «tand preseDtSy At God's groal judgmtnt seat; Brt there is neither fast nor « e< t, Borr'er, nor breed, n<ir birth.' When two stroDg men stand face to face, thro'they come from the ends of the earth,' sang the Empire's poet. After ihe march came difmis'al, and dttr icg the nvddsy hours groups of huge gorgeous tiooptrs were to be teen being escorted along by crowds of atnneed md amusing admirers. la seme a stances their English was fluent but m many it chiefly consisted of Stock replies like 'Yerra good, 5 to itfck questions re the colonies beta tits, and their opinion thereupon. Immediattly after lanch Christchiirch city or so it seemed to tin onlooker, wended its w»y, attired m i'.e best to the Polo grounds, where the originators of the'gaaio were going to give an exposition cf their methods. The crowd was go dense that b ;t snatches of the game could be seen through the dull thunder'of ealiopiug hoofs was cnrietantty'in your ears; One Indiau m an orange blouse, g crimson turban, and with what looked like a lying eagle embroidered over bis heart m colours rode fast and furiously. His pony spurred the ground and was "thrown apok fts haunches, whirled and ' wheeled' witn dszz'iag rapidity, the eyo failing to follow its rapid evolutions at times, while the small white sphere, the c&ace ol all the strife flew hither and thither abroad and aloft till time bell broughtthedrippingponlet back for a welcome reit. The quivering tails and heaving Banks testifying to the hotness of the pace. "Go ft ! English" yelled the small boys, perched thick and fast tfoa the rail*. "Well played mustard" to ths rider m orange. "Xnd-yah» Ind-yah I for all your worth" the voices shrieked and howled as the furiously racing ponies swept up, and pasb wheeled and skirmished, and disappeared towards the goal posts. But interest tagged end the troopers were about io all kinds of picturesque* attitudes, In conversation of a fragmentary pharaoter with one, 1 asked to have one Mierl Khan pointed out to me. 'Mieri Khan' he 'laid "<!' nil eyes laughed down, breaking up the austerity of his war dug face. He looked to right and to left, till I had almost lost hope.- Then a thin black hand beckoned me to follow. I followed and was face to face'with a huge giant of a man. A few guttered words fol lowed from my guide, and the giant ■aid'lam Misri Khan* holding out his hand, I shook hands with the beet horseman m all India: I held m my hands the heavy chued dagger given to him by the Prtaosof Wales, now onr &!og, and felt the weight) of the iword a prfesenb from his Highneie, the Dukie of Connaught, so the medal bearing 'Shah' en' graved ihereon when he was with General Bryne and had an exposition of what) the gleaming dagger might be of use for on fche graceful form of my lancer acquaintance} much to the amusement of the latter* Huge m bulk was the great trooper, a broad face bearing two relics of a fl^hiog sabre, ai rememberanceit of frontier campaigns, two bright keen, but when smiling kindly eyes, lit up the weather beaten and ttime moulded face, when they lit on a congenial subject;. When passing through th? towft X sawjoise of the horseman perhaps the |tr*bude«t A fao>, where many were haughty,surrounded by his little court of admirer*. These were treated with a dignified reserve amounting m a lesi courteous race to something resembling con' tempt In his hauds he was moving a goleen orange, showing brightly against th« deep green of the 'Guides' tunic. Suddenly a small morsel of English babyhood came by, sweet and enticing ia her soft swishing silkc The officer's face broke into the «ofte«J; sotila as dropping gracefiilly on opo kpee-' Ho pressed the fruit iqto the child's ha»o%geaUf touched the velvety cheek with: a loving linger, rose and smiling, gravely shook hands with the slightly astonished mother.and thui passed grave and dignifies! on his way.

Federation Commission

United Pcess Aesociation—By Bi*dtrio i Telegraph - AtJOMAND, Maroh 6 Evid«noe taken by the Fedsratioa Com mission today wat on the whole advert* to Federation, sg far as New "ealtnd it con- Uepaed, Two of lh© wit>ne»i& approved of thaidea, bub advooau <i >& waiting polioy, t* see how Federated Australia was going to Mbtto its tariff, coloured labour, and othtr uigaut q lestiona. Representttwn of th* boot trade exprepsod the opioinn th»fe Hot nm uf c uria^ m this colony would be badly oripp'ed, if not killed, by the removal of a pralective taiflf through the Federation.

THE"; ASHBOftlUft GOaBDIAS*: THtJRSPAI,| y fMAROfi 7, 1901



Fall moon Last quarter Apogee New moon Kirat quarter Perigee

4 12 9 19 26 21

3 0 am 5 42 Am 7 Opm 215 p m 6 8 pm 2 Ojpm



'Date Maroh it si M

5 6 7 8 9

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Ri»es 5 48 5 49 5 50 5 51 5 62

Hets 6 36 6 34 6 32 6 31 6 29



FOR Sale, cheap, for Cash—Several him dred pairs of Boats and Shoes. Apply to Mbmor's Zsalacdia Boot Itore \ ■



T>BMEMBBR that Meliob's Zealandia .tv Boot Store is the leading Boot Shop, Wonderful value ab Mel&ob's WANTED KNOWN—Men's Bluohesi 5s lid at Mellor's Zealandla Boob Stored - . Smoke New Yenns



OPTS AND BRUISES QUICKLY HEASjED Chamberlain's Pain Balm applied to a out), ferula fiiitDj, scaldc, or like ifjury will instantly allay the paio 9 and will h»al the parts m less time than any other treatment Unless the injury is very severe i'; will not leave & scar.- Pain Balm also cureii rheu matism, Bpraiop, swellings and Utneness For flale by Ashbur&on Drug Oompiny j



( ri T. STEPHEN'S QHUROH £5 Ashborton. THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT, (March 10) 1.30 a m— Holy Communion 11 a m—Mfttios and Sermon Sal jeot—'The Necessity of Religion.* 3 p m-DROMORE. The Ticar 6.30 p m—EvemoDiz and Sermon Subjeot—' The Ideal m Buginess,' R. A. WOODTHORPB, M.A, Vicar HE ICSHBUKTON~TRAIN~SERVIOIS Trains cave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—ab 7.20 am, 11 am 5.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashbarion from— OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 %m, 12.48 p m (expeew), 8 pm^ TIMARU—at 10.35 am. 2.65 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.5? pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m



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