THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

fDraina cave Ashburton daily for— . OHRISTOHUROH—afc 7.20 am, 11 am I 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—a- 10 55 am, 3.50 ptn DUNEDIN—at 12 54 pm (express) 3PRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daUy at Ashborton from— QHRISTQHUROH—at 10.45 %m, 12.48 p m {express), 3 pm. TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at f1.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

Dafee Ei«es Sets Maroh 25 ... 6 9 6 3 „ 24 ... 610 6 2 „ 25 .. 611 6 I „ 26 « 612 6 0 „ 27 .. 614 569

Phasea of Moon foi February

BUN.

Mail Notices

Malls oloie foe the following placet as uadert subject to the neoessary alterations SATURDAY, M«oh 23 For Northern Ports and W«stport» per Rotomahana, at 630 p m ; Into fee letters, guard's ran, express train. ! MONDAY, Marsh 25 For T»«mani» and Australia, (due Mel bourn* March 81tb), India, China, Straits Settlement and South Africa etc; also United Kingdom (due Ltndon May sbh), and Continent of Europe, via Brindlsi, per expret?, to oonneob with Mokoia at 6.30 p m.

Malls for the United Kingdom and Cont inent of Europa via Monte Video and Teneriff* per 'Rimataka' close at Wellington Thursday 28th mat ao noon,

Commercial.

DUNEDIN WOOL SALES.

(Jnited Press ABsoci^tion—By EStctrlc Telegraph Dukedih, March 22 At the wool Bales today 400 bales were offered. There was an excellent attendance of buyers considering the smalloMs of sale, and competition was good throughout, m fact most; animated where anything at all showy or of good quality was offered. The seleofcion was for the most part very inferior, consisting mostly of shabby, seedy, gtained, stragglers' lots, and Into shorn elipsi Prices as compared with last auctions showed a slight advance for merinos and £aer grade halfbreds, while orosebreds and coarse wools show co change.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on March 22, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl — 2s l^i I „ „ Tuscan... 2s 2d   Hunter's 2s Id New Oats-Duns Is Id to Is 2d „ Danish la Id to Is 2d c , Sparrowbilla 1b 2£d to 1» 3d „ Canadian 1* 3d to la 3^l Barley—Malting, ; rime 2s Inferior Is 64 Chaff—Good ofttsheaf 37s 6d Grass Seed—New In to la 6d The above ara prices current paid to j formers on tracks al Ashbarion. :

RAM AND EWE FAIR.

The following were the sales of MESSRS FBIEDLANBEB BROS., LTD. On account of Mr William Langdon—■ 100 haifbrerl ewea 16b 91, to Mr George Lucas ; 53 merino ewes lla 3d, Mr T Tarbotton. Mr W H Clement—62 haifbred two tooth awes 23) 31, to Mr Thomas Staunton ; 232 4, 6, «nd 8 tooth ewes 17-. 9d, Mr George Me* Farlaae. Mr ,1 Farrell, Geraldine—22o two tooih threequarterbred ewe-, bred by Mr Trarton, Woortbury, 21s 51, to Mr W Jameson. Mr Max FriedUnder—2so h*ifbred ewfft IS'? 6d, to Mr M Wil*oo ; 399 haifbrcd ewes 15s, Mr 8 Holland ; ISO halfbred ewee, Mr A T Maldene; 201 halfbrod ewes 15*, Mr J W Watson ; 100 halfbred ewes 15', Mr P Bheehan ; 40 Lincoln ewee 9s, Mr D McKay ; 49 ewes 12s, Ctpon Broi; 36 two tooth Linooin ewes 13) 3d, Mr W Lmgdon; 24 two tooth Shropshire ewes, 295, Mr J Strlngfellow, aenr. Mr R Kenninpton—s4 merino ewes 10a 8&, Mr T Bid< --l ;65 crossbred ewes Bs, Mr W Davlion ; 86 merino ! ewe* 10s, Mr T Richards. Mr S Fargaseon —209 merino ewes 9a %\, Mr W B Olarkson, Mr John Orr~l3B crotmbred ewes 9a 9d, Gapon Bros. Mr J P Ohristopherson—6ll 4, 6, and 8 tooth merino awes 14s 3d, Mr T Rich&rds ; 250 eight booth merino ewes 11s od, Mr D Oliver; 50 8 tooth merino ewes 11b 9d, Mr F W Hilt. Mr F Judd-67 half bred ewes Ss 65, Capon Bros. Mr A Batter* ick—loß 6 and 8 tooth orotsbred ewes 14s lOd, Mr F Amos ;Mr Hay Smith—loo two tooth ewes 17s, Mr W Dawsoo; 100 two tooth ewes 17c, Mr W Jaioe ; 50 two tooth halfbred ewes 17s, Mr R Johnston; 50 two tooth haifbred ewes 17t, Mr W Ho«st;on« Rims.—Hampihire, bred by Mr Max Fried. 1 lander, 2|g« to 3gs ; English Leicaster, aged, bred by Mr John Giigg, up to 2ss?s ; Border Leicester, bred by Mr Max Friedlander, np to 3gs ; Border Leicester, bred by Mr Thoa. Beaty, 2igs; English Le'oßsfcer, bred by Mawsos Bros, sgs j English Leicester ram lambs, bred by Mr JohnGrigg '2s%* jJL'nooln rams, on acoounfc Mr I M Thtjsnpson, 2|g« to 3ga ; Lincoln rams, en account of Mr Max Friedlander, up to 2gs. NEW ZEALASO FARMERS 1 O-OPBRATIYE ASSOCIATION. Ewes—oa aooounfc of Mr Thos Harrison, 718 halfbred ewes, 100 At 16a 2d to John Stevenson, 150 *fc 13« lid to James Oroy 468 at 15a 7d to W Ashfcon. Messrs Dixon and Cow, 347 halfbred four tooth ewes 18« 4d to H J Harrison ; 48 six tooth owes 16 j 6d to H J Harrison, Mr John Grlgg, 250 merino ewss He 3 i to H Haydook. Mr H A Lloyd, 7.0 two tooth halbred ewes 17s 2d to Orossoa Bros j 176 two tooth halfbred ewes l?a to John Cowan, Mr A J Huston, 114 halfbred ewe lambs 14* lld to J S Bland Mr W MoL&uahUs, 5@ orotßbred ewes 10a Id to George Aston 5 78 halfbred ewes 11s 9d to George |Aston. Rams—Mr Thornai Harrison, 5 Shropshire rams sg« to T Taylor j 2 »t 3}js to R Gilmour ; I at 3gs to W Frampfcon | 4 English Leiaeiter rams at la to J T Muirhead; 2 afe l^g to W F Jaine. Mr John Grigg, 1 Shropiblre ram l»mb afc 2|gs to John Lambie; 1 afe 2|gs to James Bruce; $ English Leicester rams 2|g« to F W Bi»hop} S at %s to John Emerßon ;2 at l£gs to W Ash Son; S at }g to A Weston; 3 at 22s to D McKeegie, Mr W H Rule, 2 English Leicester rams 3gt to James Bruce j 2 afe 3g« to John Lambie. Mr W N Dfgby, 1 two 600 th »t> 2g§ to R Houston. Mr McCarthy, 1 English Leicester ram sgs to Edward Taylor ; 4 at Sg« to Alexander Graham j 2 afc sgs to A O Cameron ;2 at srb to R Btnnden. Mr M A Giles, 1 l»mb at £2 to P Butteriok. Mr R Miller, 5 Shropshire rams (J ahear) 3gs to ' W Jamieson and A Lnsk. | us d. vhohas. 47 orossbred ewes 9a 9d, 92 do two tooth 18« Bd, 120 oroisbred ewes 15s, 158 halfbred ewes 16s Id, 402 baifbred eves ewes 15s 3d, 297 halfhrftd ewe« 15s 4d» 199 halfbred «we« 13j lid, 455 halfbred ewes 17s 6d to 17s 10d, 376 halfbred two tooth ewes 19s 9d, 1056 halfbred ewes, 6 and 8 tooth, 15« 7d, 37 half bred ewes IJJs 7d, 103 merino ewes 12s 6a, 83 crossbred ewes, 15s Bd, 173 baifbred ewes 17s 4d, 200 crosibM* »wes I3e 6d, SlSorois bred ewes 10», 96 halfbred ißwes 14s 6d, 185 merino ewes 7», 633 halfbred ewss J3i 6d, 555 oroßsbred ewea 17s Bd.

Ashburton Gusrdian MAGNAEST VERTAS ET PRÆVALEBIT SATURDAY MARCH 32, 1901.

Thb latest stage of the Teachers' Salaries question is the publication of the names of those who have been se lected by the Government to form a Royal Commission to investigate the subject of a colonial scale of salaries. We may §ay m passing, that the Government would have shown more courtesy towards the Education Brards, and a better appreciation of the petition, if it had invited the Boards to nominate their own representatives on the Oomnmsion. The gentlemen! selected by the Minister n%y be very suitable for the duty they will have to perform, but the Boards must be better judges than a Minister of the Grown, | or a Secretary of Education of the special qualifications of its members, for the work to be done. The selection of the teachers' representatives has' also been made m the same of! hand and arbitrary manner, and unless we are very much mistaken, the choice of the Department witl not meet with the general approval of the teaching pro feesion. However, we suppose this will have to be submitted to,is nobody expects to have much say m the ar rangements of the Government of this country, What we specially wish to draw attention to however m connection with the appoint ment of an Education Com mission is that the scope of the dutieß understood to be entrusted to this particular commission, might with advantage have been extended to a general investigation of the working of the whole system of public education, As we have so often pointed out there are a great many directions m which the Education Act of 1878 might be amended. The whole machinery of the system wants overhauling—co to speak, and should be materially simplified, There are too many authorities, and they are continually clashing, often with deplorable results. The status of the teachers should be raised, and their position as members of fehe profeesion should be assured. Under existing con ditions, a teacher often finds that a difference with one or more members of his school committee may result, not ouly m a temporary loss of office but, m his being unable to secure re-emp'oy i ment m the calling that he has spent : years m training for?. There must be a j radical change m the method of ap pointing, promoting or removing teach ers if they are to retain that indepen dence of character which is absolutely necessary to enable them to exercise a beneficial influence upon the rising generation of New Z^aSanders. More over,under the present regime teachers and inspectors are confined within the limits of each education district, and naturally their views become nar row and provincial. If they were eligible for removal from one end of the colony to the other, we can easily understand that they would bring to their work a much wider knowledge of men and places and things than they can be expected to bava under the existing ridiculous systtm of limiting promotions to the teachers of each education district. A colonial scale of sal-tries is of course a lair aud reasonable subject for the consideration of a commission, but it is quite evident that it is by no means the only educ ational question requiring to be dealt with. Indeed there is a Vf>ry important reform that should bo made, and that is the revision of the syllabus. This should certainly be done without delay. It is far too complicated and is nearly useless to n't boj • <md girls for the ord c[ ary business of life. As, therefore, there are so oiany matters m connection with our education system requiring investigation, it seeme to us that the scope of the duties of the proposed Commission should be made to include the whole subject; Some amendment of the act has been already promised And it would be well if Parliament could have full information on the question when it comes under consider ation. We are not much m favour of Boyal Commission?, but if there is any subject wbiuh might be advantageously dealt with by such a body, it is the question of national education.

Local and General

Railway Tramio REQOiREMBNTs.—Ib is estimated thab »bo»& 20QQ additional tracks are required to oope with the requirements of railway traffic ffa the Qtmusui-Bluff section* WILLOWBT WbSLBYAN Ch USOH--A epeoial effort by the Willowbf Wesley an Church, m connection with the re-buildlug had additions to the ohuroli f by holding a gifti auction and «ale of work, will Uke place on Thursday afternoon and evening otx\ . TheClotbbHarylST—A number of far mers who have had field* la:d down m clover are turning the stock is or cutting the olover for hay, as this season il has turned out practically useless for threshing purposes says tho Star. Several reasons are given, and the farmers generally believe that the cause was through the wet season preventing the beet from fertilising the flowers, and as 10 much clover has been sown, and only a limited amount could ba fertilised, very few crops have been worth threshing. Pabis Ejjhijjitiqn Balanob #Bhem!>— The A Paris correspondent says ;~The balance •heet of the Exhibition hai bean issued and, is considered satisfactory. The receipt! which include 60 000,000 francs from the lottery bonds, 20,000,000 franos from the Paris municipality and nearly 9,000,000 francs from rent of sites amount to 114,000,000 francs; while the expenditure, comprising 89,000,000 franca for buildings, 8,500,0i}0 f ran 08 for management, and 13,000,000 frames (m general outlay amounts to 106,000,000 franco Bampstkad School Exoobsish—A special train consisting of 15 oars and oarrying about 800 passengers left for Timaru yesterday morning at 8 o'clock. The weather was delightful, and the run down across the plains was greatly eDJoyed, Timaru being reached about 10.30. The principal attrac tion for the visitors w»b the shipping at the wharves, the tipping of tht stones into the ccii to form the bow breakwater, and the heavy se» breaking over tht mole. Ib wai rather cold and too rpugh for the youngsters to paddle is the sea at Caroline Bsy, but the run on the sands wm a novelty, la the afternoon • steamer came m and the seaport must have appeared fall of istereib for the young people from the intend oifcy of the plains. The train left on the return journey at 5.25 and arrived at Aahbnrton at 7.30, the large party alt seeming to have thoroughly enjoyed their day at the seaside* Th«, excursion was arranged by the ffampstead 8/ohool Committee and reflected gr»ab oredib oa all oonneoted with the fnauagement), Mr Brock, the head master of * thjs 's#bool ? de° serving special mention for tha energy ho displayed and tho thonghtfulueis h« mani fested for the oomfort of the excursionists.

i Tub Ihwabd Mails—An Australian aal English mail arrived by the fint train from Christoharoh to-day. Almbnton School — Householders In Allonton are requested by adrertUeraent fco meet at the Allenton Schoolroom next Tuesday at 8 p.m., respecting the proposal to raise the status of the present side school. WinslowSpobts an» Racin« Ultji—A meeting of the Winslow Sports and Radng Olub will be held at the Wineiow Hotel on Saturday March SOfch at 6 30 p.m All Interested ace requested to attend Thb Naw SOTMB—That this is the age of the young ban been strikingly illastrated by the recent establishment la Montreal of a firm entitled " Harry Good and Father," which is a curious reversal o the time honoured fontn, " So and So and 8on." Mail Notices.—The Post Office au thorities notifies that outward mails for Europe, &o, per Talone close at Welling ton to-day at 7.46 p.m, and per Hlmutaka at Wellington on Thursday,"2Bth, at noon Holiday Farbs—ln reply tn a request from the Secretary ot the Ashbarfcon Trott ing Club the railway authorities have decided to issue tickets at holiday excursion rates on the 28inat., from Christohurch, Springburn and intermediate stations. Old Men's Horns—The following are the successful tenderers for supplies to the Old Men's Home :—Mr R McOallum, groceries ; W H Collins and Co., fuel ; ■J "EL Role, meat ; Ash burton Drag Coy., df oga I J Hepburn, milk j W Bryant, bread ; Undril! and Co., interments* Personal—Mr R, Lechner, of the Ash* burton Po»ti Office, returned from his holiday tour by Friday's express.— Mr Alfr«d Harrison has returned to Ashburton, bnh wa regret to say that hit) condition causes much anxiety to his friends • ALLESSCOK School—\ meeting of Allen ton resident!] was held laßt evening at Mr Wt Preston'ii residence. There was a fair attendance, and Mr Preston was voted to the ohair. Mr A. Hewson was the prlnoipal speaker m support of the object of the meeMngt which was to urge upon the Education Board to raise the Allenton aide school into a main school. Mesarß Oraig headjchftirroan of the Borough school com mit>tte,and Mr W J Siloook, oaa of the mam* hers, strongly condemned the movtment,the former paying a high tribute to the head master of the Borcngh Main School, aod expressing the opinion that if the desire of the promoters of the movement were acceded to, the AHenlon school could only expect a second class master to take charge of it. After a long discussion it was decided to eat another meeting, to be held m the Allenton school, to further consider the matter. Land Boabd—A meeting of the Canterbury L»nd Board was held on Tharsdayi The Selwyn County Council wrote declining to accept the old railway reserve between Bankside aod Kakaia, for plantation par' poseet It was resolved to allow the land to remain available for the convenience ef the (ravelling public and stock, and to take no further stepn at present for its disposal. The Board deoided to approve of the renewal ef the N Z Atford Estate Company's license over Ban 191, Alford Estate, until selected or otherwise required, A letter was read from Mr T. Scaly, licensee of Bun flc, Peel Forest, objecting to an increase m his rental on account of increase of surveying area* The objection was not entertained. The Priob or Boots and Shoe*.—ln an article published m a London paper, entit led " Yankee v BritOD, " written to show how America ha« «' captured " the Austral asian markets, New Zealand is taken as a typical example. " Boots and shoes are the goods instanced, and it is stated that " In the face of a tariff of 25 per cenfa upon im ported bootfi and shoes, which one might reasonably regard as prohibitory, the Ameri cans succeed. They acbaally buy up all the hides'ln New: ZaalanA they can lay their hands on, ship them off co the State*, send the made up boots and shoes back to New Z«a!and, and there underae Jl all other com petitors to the extent "of 5s or 6s a pair." Nearly Ljjm-Qn Thursday two of the southern delegates to the Ashburton Lodge District Oddfellows' meeting, very nearly losb their return passages by the afternoon train. It teems that the Mount Bomers carriages were shunted on to the tail end of the tsain for the south, and, nn&ware of this they got into one of these, aod oom fortably enacsoottd themselves m a corner where i hey might have remained, so en grossed were they m fighting their friendly society battles over again, until the hill country terminus was reached, had not a friendly policeman given them a bint of their mistake On fully realising their error they stopped their wordy warfare with remarkable suddenness, and betook them selves to the south touni train muttering imprecations against the authorities for patting two trains so close together on the platform, without indicating In any way their destination. Consumption an Infectious Disease— Chief Health Officer (Dr Mason) m. furraa Mr G. H. Ell, M H.R. for Christ chnrch, that tuberculosis, or phthisis, or pulmonary consumption, has been placed on the list of notifiable disease. This means that any medical practitioner attending upon any person suffering from tuberculosis mast announce the fact to the District Health Officer, who may, if it is thought necessary, order the isolation of the patient. The occupier of any house m which a patient is suffering from each a disease must at once notify ihe Dial-rich Health Officer. In New Zealand tnere are more deaths from tuberculosis than from any other disease. In 3899 it claimed the following numbers of victims m the different provinces :—Auckland 158, Otago 3161, Canterbury 97, Welling ton 96. Nelson 30, Hawke'a B»y 25 'EVrsnaki 21, Westlaad 12. Maryborough 8. Hockey—The opening garni of the Ashburton Hockey dab took place m fine Domain on Thursday. There was a gocd muster of members and sides were chosen by the Captain Mr I) Stock, and the Vice-Captain Mr H Millichamp. The results of the game was a win for the Vice-Captain by six goals to three. The play was good on each side. Good* dribbling rushes were made by Millichamp Clark. Millar and Sllcock and they were opposed by Smith, Stock, White and Dodde. Somo of the juoiars showed good form and % vast improvement on the play of last season and will undoubtedly do credit to the team provided if they appear regularly at practice. In the removal of Mr J R Smith the Club has lost a staunch member and one of Its bast players, but this has Id a measure been counterbalanced by the addition of mem bers from Sydenh m, Kalapoi and E&angfora. There is every prospect of a 1 successful season and a strong team ts hoped for. Matches are being arranged for Easter and members are requested to attend regularly at practice In order that) their unbroken record of last year may be upheld.

News in Brief

Messrs Sinithson and Raymond, solici tors, Timaru. have a boarding house business at Waimataitai, near Tlmara, for «ale as a going concern,

The Education Commission

United Press Association—By Bieolrio Telegraph ; Welmnwton, March 22 : It Is understood that the following will be : the personnel of the Royal Commission on teachers' salaries :—Education Board reprr sauUtiveß—Luke, Auckland ; Hogg, MSB Wellington ; T Mackenzie, M H R, Otago ; T 8 Weston, Canterbury; Lethbrsdge, MHE, Wanganui. Schoolinnpectorn—HUl, Hawke's Bay j Smith, Marlborongh. Teacher*' representatives—Gilfeddor, MHR; David son, President of the Otago Educational Institute, and Stewart, PX-President of the Auckland Educational Institute.

N.Z. Rifle Association Meeting

United Press Association—By Elaotrlo j Telegraph Watoahui, March 22 | There was beautiful weather all day for • shooting, but the wind, though light, changed at least three times during the day and upset the calculations of some of the men, and this was noticed where a competitor was rattling on a good score, but the sodden shift of the wind carried him away, and be would probably finish up badly. Compared with the shooting here at laet meeting the scores are much higher, and the 0 303 rifles had all the best of it. OC'his will probably bo dtmonetrated more clearly at the meeting progreisea. In the Hawket Bay match Winslade (Wanganui) and Nelson (Wood* ville) finished first and s«aond with the good soore of 94 out of a possible 100, G Loveday jWoodville) finished third with 88, while there were two aoores of 92 and a similar number of 91. In the afternoon the Marl borough match, 10 shots at 600 yards, was shot, and here the shooting was again an improvement, that at last meeting there being three 3'49's and while 43 counted out last year 46 was counted out m today's shooting. The following are the chief prizetakers m the Marlborongh Match r— Waugh (Timaru) £6 .. 49 Feast {Wairarapa) £6 ... M 49 iogpen (WoodvllleJ £6 .., 49 Captain O'Key (Taranaki) £H 48 Garr (Dunedin) £2 .. ..43 Buntin (Ohrlstoburch) £2 .. 43 Newall (Auckland) £2..  48 Turner (Wellington) £2 .. 46 Waugh, Feast and Ingpen fired off for Kynoch and Company's cup, which goes to the highest scorer m this match, and Waugh wen, making a possible with Ms three shots, while the other two made eleven points each. At present Nelson (Woodville) leads for the Beit with 140, and hit fellow townsman, G Loveday, is second with 139. Winslade (Wanganui) and Turner 138 each.

The Plague.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph«—Copyright

London, March 22 A Lascar aboard the Cape transport Simla, who was sent to the hospital at Southampton, wai found to be suffbr iog from bubonic plague.

South Africa.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

MUNITIONS OF WAR.

IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE BRITISH FORCES.

(Received March 22, 9.55 pin) London, March 21 The Government is manufacturing grpatly improved cordite, and is also testing the qualities of a new rifle.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT.

(Received M&roh 22, 11.55 p m) London, March 22 Oolonel Knight, who baa heretofore been with Oolonel De Lislo's column, commands the latest New South Wal»e contingent. James Egan and Walter Hodgkineon, Tasmftnian- Buebmen, were captured near Winbarg. I>e Wet is reported to have gone to the Trao&vaal after suspending the Free Staters' operations until he returns a low days hence. Twenty thousand mounted troops are distributed In four divisions m the Orange River Colony.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA

THE DISORDERLY OONDUOTOF FRENOH SOLDIERS.

United Press Association—By Electric (Telegraph—Copyright

i London, March 22 I Lord G, Hamilton states that General Barrow has restricted himself | to the protection of British rights to the land he believed to be the property of the railway administration. Oount Waldersee was present whan Geoerala Barrow and Wozaok arranged i for the withdrawal at daybreak yesterday. Work is suspended until a diplomatic settlement is arrived at. Received March 22, 9 31 p m London, March 21 General Bail loud is enquiring into the French soldiers' recent disorderly conduct; French gendarmes outside the British concession prevent soldiers entering, and the Australian Naval [ Brigade outside the French concession prevent tha Sikhs entering. In his speech m the House of Lords Lord Landadowne sitid Oount Larm dorff proposed to Admiral Scott simul* taneous withdrawal, and the reeerva-! tion of the qaesfcion of the title to Kinder* Siding. Great Britain agreed f and orders were thereupon vent; to both forces to withdraw under Oount Walderaee's supervision. The incident had ended,, and what was a small Matter of strictly local importance would not disturb the relations of the { Governments. (Cheers). . i Yiseoant Oranborne said the Go- 1 vernment regarded LantßdoriTa •■sur- j ances to Admiral Scott on February Sill, and 27tb, as applicable to the Russo Chinese Manehurian agreement The Marquis of Landsdowne said that owing to the affront offered to the Russian fag by Great Britain oa the 16tb, be had instructed General Gaselee to invite Oount Waldersee to arbitrate, reserving the questions of titles. He bad also requested Genera! Gaselee to avoid force' except to repel agreision. It was understood that il either side were found blameable for Irregularity an apology would be forth coming.

CORRESPONDENCE

(He do not hold ourselves responsible Cot opinion! expressed by oar correipondenti

RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.

TO THIS IDIXOB. Sib,—l set m other towns that the rate payers art taking a live interest ia municipal matters and fotming Associations that they may consider matters of importance m their oitits. This is surely a wise and proper thing to do. I think the time has more than come when Ashbnrton should do the same, | and the people take a keen interest m 1 matters affecting their own welfare. There I Is first oi all the constitution of the Council itself, which should be composed of the best mtn to be got for tht positions. Then tbert are questions such as tht proper maintenance of our streets, lighting, drainage, channel ling, asphalting, finance, library, reading room, and Domain to be considered, all these are matters m which a strong Aeso> ciatisn could help the Council to get the best result! *nd assist ia oarrybp "nt our domestic politics, quite apart from J qu«, and party feeling. Perhaps Mr Editor you would through the medium of your valuable journal take this matter up, and to assist the ratepayers to study their best interests. —I am Ac, Pboqbxbs [Our correspondent evidently gives our Borough Council credife for doing very little. —En J

BATING ON UNIMPROVED VALUE.

TO THE EDITOR Sib,— Basing the great interest that it beiog taken m this important subject, mud the number of boroughs that are adopting this system of ratisg, I ask permission to call attention bo this important matter through the rued urn of your valuable pa par. Being convinced that this is tht fairest, soundest, most equitable system of rating, I hops a meeting will be called to deal with the matter. Since the pasting of the Act, authorising valuing on the unimproved value, twenty-five polls have been taken on i it, the boroughs of Sydenham and Ooslow being the two latest to brinp this system into force, and only m one instance has there been a majority against it, and, it far, not one of the boroughs who have adopted the system has shown.any desire to reverb to the old order of things by exercising tht option given under the Act. Under the new Act, owners who improve their holdings would pay less, and holders of unimproved would have to pay more. This is undoubt edly a right principle. Seeing the election for Borough 0 -uncillors is at haed, it* will be & good opportunity to get the views of the various candidates on this question* Trusting others will take op this matter, and the necessary steps to get 8 poll of the burgesiaii—l am, eto , Ratepayer

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleobrfe Telegraph—Copyright AN AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Loxbon, March 20 A meeting of Australasian importers and exporters, Sir John A. Cockburn, Agent-General for South Australia, presiding, appointed a committee, in cluding the Agents-General, to formu late a scheme for an Australasian Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. DEATH OF A NOTED FRENCH ACTOR. The death is announced of M Fran cola Got, the French actor. GFRMAN LOAN OF FIFTEEN MILLIONS. Berlin, March 21 Germany shortly issues a three per cent, loan for fifteen million pounds, the minimum being fixed at 87| Received Waknpaaka March 22, 10 46 pm, This Office 11 40 p m ENTERIC DECREASING. London, March 22 The deaths from enteric m South Africa are decreasing. A BARQUE IN DIFFICULTIES. The Papanai occupied two days m bringing to Vigo a French barque which was rudderless for 34 days and almoßt foodless. j VESSELS STORMBOUND. | Thres hundred vessels are storm bound at the mouth of the Thames. SHIPS LAUNCHED. The battleship Duncan and the Antarctic ship Discovery have been launched. VICTORIAN FEDERAL ASSEMBLY Melbourne, March 22 Sir G Turner has been returned unopposed for the Federal Assembly, the Opposition candidate withdrawing, NORTHERN AUSTRALIA LEAGUE'S REQUIREMENTS. 1 At a meeting of the Northern Aust ralia League, a body having for its object the construction of a trans continental railway, ifc was pointed out that by means of a railway and the completion of the Siberian line, J«ondon would be brought within 23 days of Melbourne. It was eventually decided to interview the Russian Consul and urge the establishment of aline of steamers from Fort Arthur to Fort Darwin.

The Trangyaal Executive.

United Frets Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, March 22 The Transvaal Executive Council includes Mr G T Fiddes, Sir Alfred Milner'a secretary, as Secretary of the Administration, Mr Duncan, Comp troller of the Treasury, Mr Solomon, Attorney General, Sir Godfrey Lagden, Commissioner of Native Affairs, and Mr Wybergb, Commissioner ol Mines

KOREA.

RUSSIA. AND JAPAN,

United Press Association—By Electric telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka Maroh 22,10 46 p m This Offioe 114§pm London, March 22 News from Yokohama dated Thurs day says that the Oorean crisis m settled. The official responsible has been beheaded.

Sporting.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB,

Owners and trainers are reminded that acceptance* for the Aehburton Trotting Glubfa Autumn Meeting, to be held on tPhiirsday next Match 538, close this (Saturday) evening, at 9.50, at the Secretary's (Mr 0 J Styohe offioe, Burnett Street.

United Press Aeioclabton—By Kieebrlo Teleg aph—Copyright

Napibb, March 22 The following acceptance! have been received for the Napier Park Biolng Club Aututpa Meeting s~ titans HirpßLM—Buihraan I#IS. Water* port 102, Manawanui 97, Eau deTi 90. K*JC Hack-Lady'sjdnk 910, Moßgonul

[810, Uila 710, Qus«a't Signal 77, Katriona 73,00b5a68» Bapmkg Stakes—Btre 811, Dpstroyer 712, Laureate 77, Comfort 74, Apres 71» Kowhete and T»waha 7 0, Snooze 610. Napibr Ctn?~l<ieal 818 Jortulla a«<f Battleaze 89, M*taro» 80, J*doo 74, Sir ins and Bonnie d'£au 67. Hurdles ~ Torpina 1212, Troubadour 110, Evening Wonder 107, Vaoquish and Rhino 100. Rkdgmtfb Hack—Ngaio 102, Lady's Link 97, Uila 77, Manawanui 72, Katriona 7 0, frown Prince 6 12. Fltiko Handicap—Jabber 96. Okoarl 92, St Mark 85, Ostiak 80, Oingo 7 IS, Amourcux 7 5, Robin Adair 7 2, Ngato 612, Kissmary 67, Welter Hakdicap—Derringcotte 100, First Blood 918, Autaia 97, Passion Knife 9 0, Warrick 8 13, The Weaver 84, Salklrk 84, Goyb 8 3, New Forest 82.

SALE OF THOROUGHBRED STOCK.

United Petes Association—By KlMtrlo Telegraph jNapibr, March 22 An important sale of thoroughbred stock took place to-day at Hastings. The Tt Mo> hanga yearlings wen first ofiertd tod at tracted buyers from all parts of the coiMf. Fair prices were givtn for most of tht •took, though m many osset the animals wtav well within their value, and ia some iottanett agents acting on behalf of outeidt bsytn secured yearlings at much btlow tht Halt they were prepared to go. A very iat illy by Mahaki-Melintte topped ;the tt.lt, and went to Mr J T Moore, of Kaf iwi, Waugaaul at 165gs There was brisk competition for Tortulla'i fall brother, who bronght 150gt, a»d for Penrose and Bush Rose's full brother, whom price was 120^6 Some rasing stock of Mr IS J Watt's wm then put ur, bat, the best of them—lndia* Queen and 8t Mark—failfd to reach •wntr'l reserves, and wtre passed m A cumber of yearlings and two yaw eldfl from MrS fl Gollan's Mangaterata Stud brought fair prices, though some of tht lota were withdrawn owing to tht animals sol having properly recovered from an attaok tf strangles

REEFTON RACING CLUB

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Wellington, March 22 The following are the results :-» Tbiax, Hamdioaf, of 25 coys; six furlongs —Surrey 1, Artillery Maid 2, Htrta 9. Dividend—£9 16s. Petroline was coratohc4 Broadway Handicap, of 26 *ovsj sevsa furlongs—Garmoran 1, Petroltns 2, Mill stream 4. Dividead— £4 The Btvwards disqualified for six months Barns, the rider of Garmoran, for font riding Ar/SOKH Haksxoap, of 65scts ; one mil* and a quarter—Will o' the Wisp 1, Bp#cu« later 2, Heiress 3. Dividend—£l Ss Hurblk Handicap, of 49 soys; oat mil* and a half—Naybofn 1, Hotu 2, Tukarangi 3. Dividend-JE2 4» Flying Handicap, of 25 soys % six fur longs—Petroline 1, Seabreeze 2, Artillery Maid 5. Dlvldend—£ll 14s Rbifton Plate Handicap, of 40 soys; one mile—Heiress 9st 21b, 1; Abavdor, 9st 7>b, 2; Will o' the Wisp, I6*t 41b, 3. Divi dend, £14 6s. A protest for inconsistent ranniog was dismissed. '

Interprovincial.

I United Press Association—By Eleetrio Telegraph Wellington, March 22 Mr Purvis Ruseeli's solicitors have beta communicating with Government urging it to allow Mr Rusasll to retain the hilly country and ECO acres on the fl».t for settlement. The Premier replied that the time when Government could entertain tha proposal had gone by. The property had been subdivided, and will be thrown open for settlement at an early date. Representations have .been made to Government with the object of allowing Mis Westpart-Cardiff coal mine now its thtir hands to be worked under the Co operative principles. The matter is under consfdeia' tiou. New. Plymouth, March 22 The agitation against toll gates la iba Taranaki county has reached an acute stage. Information has been receired th»h at Tuniho, the gatekeeper wu looked m hit house while several persons carried offth* gate, which has not yet beep fcand* It Is reported that another gate at Iteimama m similarly treated. This extreme step has been taken m view of the impending tale of the right to collect toils for tno year oom menoing Aprlli The police are investigate There has beon an unusual rush of business at the Magistrate's Court daring the past few months. Paring the last quarter 646 summonses went through the Uourfe for arrears of calls 1b dNdglag companies. Tftls is probably rtipoßs{t|lf for the large increase.

A DOMAIN COMEDY

Ad individual has been frequenting tht Domain on several evtnings lately whoseprft ceedings h.ave* been—to say the least—epoeflf trio. He has generally appeared befer* jo^sng girlt,Kod although the police are under? stood tp be trying to |eep ao eye op bin. lit eeemc to be like the Will o' the Wiip, ana !■ seldom lighted by the guardians of the peaot. In this connection, Iti is whitpered thai one amarti member of fche force In plain olpthet, and somewhat diigulsed, w|s on th* look oufcforthe party referred to when he was espied by another person, who forfebwlti luopoaing him tp be the aforesaid Will** Mit Wlip ? carefully shadowed the first watohar, and aoon came to the coocluaion tb»fc hu actions were peculiar, and that he was "vp lei no good. " Being unwilling to reveal himself, watcher No 2 followed No 1 for ft good while before he ventured near eseagh t« diaoover that he had been abalking a welt known officer of the local police. It is said that the latter early reoognieed his shutdown and could not resist the tenapratio* to pra« long the little comedy. While these two were laughiairever their little joki,iils reported thab the ♦• real Maokay? took tht alarm and escaped to cover;

New Zealand Horses

interviewed at .Adelaide by • reporter, Colonel Wyndham was asked ;—** Aftof seeing the mounts of the local forces, do you still hold the opinion that the New Zealanders have a better lot 1' His reply was: " Yes, They show more slnekneM. look as if more care had been Uken with them, and I should say were better bred. Still your horses look hardy." *' Perhaps their being reared }a rfoh pastoral country would account tor th* bttter looks of the New 2ealand«s!'* uQoite likely, bnt the better breeding has a lot to do with It." " Do you think the horses raised In New Zealand and fed os their rich grasses would last longer m a campaign than those brought up m this colony oa good, hard dry feed? " Yes, I do. The blood of the thorough bred always tells m a campaign Should a march be an arduous one joti will ice the horses of Inferior class drop oat one by one, bat not ■so the animals with * little blood m them. They are tod game to say die, and they will take a* rider whenever ha wants to go, even if it ootti them their own lives m the end." •• Well, Colonel, what woold the amy authorities say to a horse raised on a good solid, nourishing feed whioh may bt obtained m this State, horses showing plenty of.muscle ; and with $ bit of gqod blooa running through their veins V s "They would only be too willing to pay the breeders' price for them." " What shall we breed from V "A good stallion, veil .bred, and thick set, one cf the big*little class, and {mares of substance eh :uld be used." " A man who begitia breeding this class of horse has nothing to festv." " I should say uot. The authoriilea In India are always only ioii an^lpoe t| obtain a good stamp of horse for remount purposes. It would take a tremtndooi number to cause a glut m the markft,'*

TEE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN; SATOEDAf, MABOH 23, 1901



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WANTED Known—That our CJHoloths and Llnoleumr are bought dlreob from the British Mills, end stand unrivalled or variety and vaiueiawMitohel and {Earner CONSULTING OFIIOIAN Mr Ernest M Sandetein, DBOAI.FR MO, who has lately returned after eiz years' apeoial study m England and Con tinent, may be oonsalted on all cases of defective eyesight* Dayiighb not necensa ry asrtifioial light being used. Doctors' pre Boriptioni prepared. Foci inoderajw. Cop i snitlng rooms, Oashel Btreeti We, over M ! Sanditeln, jeweller, Chiiabohurc^; 9tol $ to 6 daily



FAFppjj & Sons* Eucalypti Extbact— Under the distinguished patronage of Hit 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, which are now foisted upon the pablio nndor the name of Eucalypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract^ we state :—-It is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), that only products that are maturated with oxygen and freed o aoids, resinous and other sjdbgtanopa 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, iniisb ?n getting Sahubr an© Sons' Pobe Voiatinb Euoa LYPTI Extbaot, and be safe,



Wades-Worm Ffgt, the wonderful Worm Worrien, never fail for adults or children— Prioe Is



WANTED KNOWN-That Meuob's 2ealandiftßoobßtore ia the oheap«rt.| an<S best boot shop m Aahburton, THE Rapid Lightning Shirt Gloss worka wondera. Try a tin j it will soore than pay you i New Venus



WEBLEY & SONS PIANOFORTE & ORGAN TUNERS, HAVING taken over the late MbOsbobH Coombes 'connect lon, will visit Ash burton and surrounding districts three times per annum, viz., March, July and NoTsmber Orders may ba hit at the Commercial Hotel or with Mr L'ewelljm o*ea at hit Music Studio, Arcade Chambers, Ashburtoa PIANOFORTE AND SINGING l MBS JOHNBTGN KESUMED Tenoning oa T(J 29bh Jan.



T\T &11UN&L MUKIUAUK 5f AGENCY' J3I CO. OF N.Z, LTD, Timaku, IMPROVED FARMS I"OR SAIE. $30 aores Baogitata, 250 acres Claramonb 250 acres VVaitotio, 200 acres Waihao, £50 aoroa Kingsdown, 1000 acret Ota'o, 1500 sores Totara, And others of various ute la Sot tih Canter brary improved Farms for lease, with right o I purobaee J 1170 acres Fairlie, 505 aores Totara, and J 265 aot-as Qtatam Atso unimproved agricultural and grasdng Tims of various eimu on the Rainolift'o and JLevele Estates, and two well Improve Station properties o| IQQQ asr«s o»cb,



WALL P_A P ERS. T¥TB HAVE TO HAND per the last Home boat—-29 Bales of the very atest ARTISTIC PAPIRHANGINGS, the Colourings &n& Defigm © which are decided works of art. Included m the shipment are Beaotifo Friezes and Borders to match the Papers. I hold the largest slock of WALL PAPBBS m fcouth Canterbury: CHcote can therefore rely Mpowh ing a large ?ariety*of each respective sort to choose from. JTTTTT fi /\HT HOXJSK DECORATOR AND SIGN- W I I jNI I \ Oppodte Mail-eSoe, • H XJJKJV/JLI ft Burnett Street. P O Box 16. Telephone



TOR TOUBINO AND ORDINARY EVERY DAY BIDING MASSEY-HAREES BICYCLES ARE ESSENTIAL. T:Ha Tubwo , Sprockets, etc, m A MASSEY ake op streH high gkade MATfiRiAt, and the w >rk pub into lbs manofactnre bo oarefolly carried >at. f.h*: chi Af-ISdEIT-H iR- RiS bicycle will withstand the severest USAGE j Country shucks who trade with the MASSEY HARRIS COMPANY CAN RELY UPON ABSOLUTE SATISFACTION BEING GIVEN- Our Guaramke Ih a liberal one aud the tebms easy. Micond hand Machinks are taken m part payment. Canada Cycle & Motor Co,, Limited. (MABBEY-HARRIB BRANCH) •• DUNEDIN DEPOT-121A GEORGE STREET. I Branches and Agenclee everywhere throoghoat TSew Zealand.



U WANT A GOOD CYCLE LAMP. How will a ' DUPLEX' suit you? COOL — Ihie exfJains it bIL The Duplex is cool. A cool lamp means cool gas, which is easily controlled and irakea aa automatic Lamp possible. Cool gas means a white light, no excess preefurp, and 3»nper burning capacity. Cool gas prevents the burner end valves from ctokinp, and doe§ away with the danger of expansion and explosion. CLEAN. —a clesn lamp always woike ibe beet. The Duplex Js always olean. The tops are always bright. Removing (he bottom caps you remove all dirt and sediment, »nd the lamp can befi!!en ar.d charged m one quarter the time usually required with other lamps. JOHN ORR & CO., ASH B'U ETON, SOLE IMPOKTIRS.



CLOTHING FACTORY. ■■I ■IIIIHllWl'W—l" Q' VWMMMM NEW GOODS. FEW GOODS. 25 DOZEN HARD AM SOFT Fi«LT HATS. All the Neweßt Shapei from 9b. GOOD VALUE lOR THE MONEY; Ts'.Z, CLOTHING FACTOIiY.



AHEAD OF THEM ALL. ALL PRACIIOAL AND EXPERIENCED RIDERS SAY ARE THEIR FAVORITES. They are the beat that money can buy They are the chpapeefe In the long ran They are thoroughly ap to date Thpy are good, honest machines PRIOE—£2I« Oall and inspect for yourself. We will guarantee to please and salt you. OATES, LOWRY ANi CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STBBBTj ASHBUBTON.