THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains eave Aahburton daily for— OHEISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11am 3,15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN—at 12 54 p m (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daUy at Ashburton from— CHHISTOHUP.OH—at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

Phases oi Moon foi February

BDN.

Mail Notices.

Mails oloie for the following pUoea at tinder, sabjeob to the necessary alterations : (PURSDAY, February 26 For Northern Ports, and Weeiporb, per Kotomabass, at 630 pm Late fee letters, guard's van, express WEDNESDAY, February 27 For Northern Ports, Weutport, and Samoa, Havali, Philippines, Japan, etc* Canada, United States of America, l/cited Kingdom, etc., due London March 30, and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, per Zealandia at 6 30 p m, late fee letters guards van express, money orders 2.30 pm, regis tared articles and parcels for United States, 6 pm

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, February 24 Frozen matton—Crossbred wethers and truideu ewn, Canterbury 4|d, Dnnedin and Southland 3£d, North Island 4£d. Lamb - Prime Canterbury 6d; fair average, inoluding Dunedin, Southland, Wellington, and eecondary Canterbvry, 6*l River Plate mutton—Crossbred or merino wethers, heavy 3 15-16d, light 3 lM6d. New Zealand beef, 180 b to 2201b per quarter, fair average quality ox, forequarfcera 3^, hindffuarfcers (Last) weak'a quotations were : —Frozen mutton—Crossbred wethers and maiden i ewea, Canterbury 4f i, Dnnedin and South land 4£d, North Island 4§ \. River Plate matton — Crossbred or merino wethers, heavy 4d, light 3|d. New Zealand beef, 1801b to 2201b per quarter, fair average quality ox, forequarters 3 l-Bd, hindquarters 4,1).

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Aahburton Agency of th© New Zealand Farmers 1 Co-operative Association of Canter* bury, Ltd, quote as follows on February 25, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl «■ 2s 3d   Tuscan.„ 2s 3d  „ Hunter's 2s 2d New Oata-Duns Is 21 and la 3d „ Danish Is 2d and Is 3d  Sparrowbills Is 3d „ Canadian Is 4d Barley—Malting, prime 2a Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2» 3d Ohaff—Good oateheaf 45 s to 47a 6d Grass Seed—New 1° to Is 3d The above are prices current paid to farmers on tracks as Ashburton.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

The U'ua! weekly sale was held today at i the linwald yards. A good matsy farmers having «afely secured their crops, and in ennr quer.es of a large number of sheep being advßitited, the attendance was »n Exceptionally large one. The entries of ca'tle (otßlled 27 head all fat aorta which | mail a good o'uarance at Batisfactory rates, although u lirsb bidding was somewhat d(»e<;iße, Fh'i following prioee were obtained for fat cult If.—D Thomas, In fat c%ttle, sold ><« foliowg —Cows £5 15s, £6 ss, £4 2s 6J, £4 ss, £2 7s 6d ; 3 st»er« afc £4 ; 2 Bteera at £6 17a each. Fa'-mers* Go op9<ative AB»oci:<ti^n—2 heifers £7 2.1 6d each, eteet and hoif-r £6 7a 6d, cow/ £4 ; 2 BiriaU oowb £5 4t each. Friedlander Bros sold—Heifers £6 7 61, cows £5 sil »nd £5 7s 6d ; vealera fillOs ; 0..W in calf £6. The aheep entries were not far short) of 18,000, including all aorta, this exceptionally large ectry making ab least, double the total usually brought forward. The hu'k of the entry was made up of store lam "ceding with the butchers' pent, the whole of thU j portion of the yards *as occupied, and com- j prised 45 pens, which were cleared at satis- ! factory rates to the vejdora, the quality, on the whole, being only medium. Fat Sheep—Friedlatidet? Bros, sold merino ewes at 10a 7d and 10s 8d $ 40 at 13a 9d and 13s 7d ; 80 at 7a 6d. For crossbred ewes were realised 27 at 13s 9d ; 3 at 18a 6d ; 3 prime wethers brought 18s 9d> \ Mr H Thomas" sales were—2o crossbred ewes 14«; 62 at 13s ; 12 fat lambs 14s 7d ; | 6 half bred wethers 17s ; 11 crossbred ewes | and wethers 15s 7d. The Farmers 00-Op lalea wore—lß cross bred ewes 13s 6d ; 2C crossbred ewea at 13s 9d j 7at lls 7d; 20 at 13a 7d ;79 at 13 8 10d; 25 lamb", 14s 6d ; 40 at 14s 3d ; for 70 Clecfc Hills merino wethers, sound mouths, 10s lOd and lls were realised. For freezing lambs, there was first class competition, and sales were made at higher rates than lately obtained. Mr D Thomas sold 167 -it 14* 10J j 47 ab 138 5d ; 251 from Lowoliff nountry at 15s 6d ; 198 unfinished, at 13c 9. Messrs Friedlandnr Bros sales were—37 at 14* 31 } 202 at 14a 9J. The Farmers' Oo'op e'eared 9<f Down lambs at 14a 4d ; 77 ab 15a 3d ; 77 crossbred lambs 16s 3d. Mr W B Olarkaon bought the balk of the fat lambs on offer.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1901.

Every cablegram relating to affairs in South Africa shows that the Boer lenders are being daily driven closer to the moment when death or surrender must terminate their resistance to the inevitable. The position of Da Wet mast be critical when he is reported to have actually «ept at the effect of the relentless and dogged pursuit of the British, We can quite understand ho# demoralising this steady unceasing chasing of the Boer leaders most be upon their followers. And although we cannot ayoid condemnation of the foolish and wicked policy which has been pursued by De Wet and Botha since Kruger deserted them, and Steyn became a wanderer, we are compelled to admire the bulldog courage which appears to have actuated the Boer commanders in their utterly hopeless fight against overwhelming odds, We must not, however, be led away by the remarkable achievements of De Wet to put him down as a model soldier. Unfortunately for himself and his reputation his actions during the past few months will prevent him from occupying the high place in South African history that would have been given to him had hostilities ended sooner. Dogged courage and great resourcefulness are high qualities in a soldier, but they 6»Q&ot<;omp@ns»t@ for

'savage cruelty, and a total disregard of j the laws of war, let alone those of humanity. A man who will flog a I British officer taken prisoner for com i plaining of the treatment accorded to | him as being a breach of the laws of war; who shoots and flogs his own countrymen because they recognise the hopelessness of the struggle, and will not volunteer for further fighting ; and who treats similarly peace envoys from those whose cause he profeßses JLo champion, is no longer to be regarded as a hero, but is a savage fanatic, whose longer possession of the power to work evil, should be cut short as soon as possible. The news we publish to-day that the the Imperial Govern ment approves of the action of Lord Kitchen*-r in suppressing all s* jdi tious publications, and all literature calculated to encourage the Boers to continue in arms, must meet with universal approval. We only hope that the Cooamander-in-Ohief in South Africa will institute further rigorous provisions for the punishment of the traitors and misguided men who are caus ingsuch needlesssacrifice of life in South Africa, It is high time that drastic mbaearea were introduced in the conduct of this war. It is an Indispu table fact that if it bad not been for a widespread belief amongst the .Dutch in South Africa that a majority of the British people were firm believers in the policy of "Peace at any price,' this unfortunate and destructive war won Id have ended long ago. What makes the matter all <he more lamen table is the fact that the longer the Dutch continue the straggle, the worse their" ultimate condition must he. There can, we think, be little doubt that stern measures are the most merciful in the end. But the sooner the Boers are made to fully realise the horrors of war the sooner will they be brought to see the wickedness of the Gourse they are pursuing. In this connection an article appeared recently in the London Daily Express describing how General Sherman crushed the rebellion in the Southern States of America after guerilla tactics were commenced by them. We give an abridged account of the article in question in another column, and it is well worth perusing.

The evidence that is being given be fore the Federation Commission may not eupply as with open information that will be of value' in settling the question, whether New Zealand should federate with Australia or not. Bat it has already demonstrated two facts that were probably not generally known to the people of this country. One of these is that very few indeed of the persons, who have appeared before the Commission have any but the crudest ideas upon -the subject of federating with the Commonwealth. Some of them frank* ly own up to thin, and some of them say that they have only considered the question from the stand point of how Federation would affect their own busi ness. The last appears to us the most natural one, and it is certain that the information soppHed by this class of witnesses will be of more real valuo to the Commission in making up their re port than the speculative opinions of I those who havo professed to know I something about the probable politic*! I effect of New Zealand join'ng the Commonwealth. We believe that the most astute and experienced politician in this colony cannot foresee al! the ways in which »o should be affected by | entering the Commonwealth. The other point, which has been made clear to the people of New Zealand and the rest of the world, is that a number of our industries are only kept alive by the heavy duties?, which drive all com petition out of the country. It muit certainly have come as a surprise to a number of those in this colony, who have been eloquent on the subject of the vast capabilities of New Z aland as amanufacturingcountry,to learn that if free trade were adopted,even between these islands and Australia, some of the industries which were thought firmly established, such as woollen and boot and ehoe manufactories, must collapse. No point has been so clearly empha sised by the evidence given bo far before the Commission, than that a number of industries in this colony are being carried on entirely at the expense of the consumers. This is surely a matter which the people of New Zea land will have to consider carefully. They cannot afford to be traded upw for every speculative effort, however promising it may seem for posterity. We should consider posterity to some extent, but the self-sacrifice now exacted from us is a little unreasonable. There is one thing in connection with the proceedings of the Federation Com mission, which has been the subject of considerable comment, and that is the class of men who have been invited to give their opinions. One would sup pose that in a country where the agri•'ultnr&l and pastoral interests bulk so largely, the farmers and sheep-, brefiders would be fully consulted on this question of Federation. But up to the present time very few of our leading farmers have been interviewed. So far as we know none from the Ash burton county have ber>n culled before the Commission, and hardly any from elsewhere. That is iurely not the way to ascertain the true feeling of the | country. The farmers and pastoralists are certainly the backbone, of the southern portion of these islands, and it is they, and not the persons engaged in exotie industries, or even the middle men, who will eventually decide this great question, There is ■ yet another point in connection with the trade relations between New Zealand and Australia, which deserves consideration, and that is the fact generally admitted by those competent to judge that everything is carried on in Australia at a higher pressure than in this co'ooy. A writer in the Otago Daily Times* day or two ago, commenting on this fact says of Australia: l( The trams were quicker, the trains ran faster, all vehicles were quicker in their move ments. In the shops, restaurants, and hotels the shopmen and waiters worked at a marvellous speed ; business people in the streets were always in a hurry. Energy was rampanb. When I started work in a large factory employing 850 hands it was just the s*me—« quick and lively " from start to gnish. After knowing how work is done fn Australia no one is surprised at the New Zealand manufacturers being so afraid of federation, ae their hands pimply won't or can't work like Australians," The wuroe writer added?"-*"After three

years of Sydney T returned here, td find that 4 the people were just aa the Australians said — "JTafc and slow." I And now ; after working in the two places I unhesitatingly eny that the | Australian is the more energetic, ond therefore the better worker." If this opinion of the relative merits of manu facturing hands, and other workers in Australia and .New Zealand be correct, it is not easy to see how we can hope to hold our own with Australia as a manufacturing country -—at least under the social and economic condit ions At present existing in these countries.

Local and General.

Business Notiob. -Attention is direoted to an alteration in the advertisement of Mr Andrew Orr. \ Wxathbb RUFOUS.—Oaptein Edwin fore easts :•—Northeast to north and went gale after twelve hour* from now, gtaia further fall, indications rain House Burned.—The home of Mr J W Joynt, survey to the Aihly Road Board, tu burned down at Rangiora yesterday. The piano and some furniture was saved Sevbnth Contingent. — In addition to those men from the Ashburton County, whose names were published in the Gwabdiax on Saturday last Mr D Bruce, of Aehburton, has also gone into camp at Timarcs. A notification has been issued by Colonel Bailey that the llsb of recruits for South Canterbury is now closed. Dbskctive Bicycle Bims—Several cues have occurred recently of wooden bioyole rims giving way, and the riders narrowly escaping accident. This would seem to indicate that one at least of the makers of this class of rim is put'inß an inferior article on the market. Buyers of bicycles with ] wooden rims would do well to be oateful. As a rule, however, rims of wood give general satisfaction. Thb Pbkmixb And The Ikdmh Tkows— It is reported that one of the native officers of the Bengal Lancers expressed his astonish ment whoa informed that Mr Seddon was the Prime Minister oi! New Zealand. Ha thought he was somebody hired by the Go vernment) to go about with the visitors and give the same old jabber jabber everywhere. Oodlin Moth—Notwithstanding the pre caution taken to prevent the spread of the codlin moth, this destructive peat may ba considered to bo pretty well established in New Zealand ; even in Ashburton it is very much in evidence. A few days ago the pro prietor of a girden clone to that town showed some apples to a gardener to ascertain why they fell from the frees, and fchey were found to be badly Infested by the moth grub. A Pkospebops A & P Absociamon.—The Mastarton A & P Association which has just concluded a most successful shew is in a very prosperous condition if we may judge from the statement mi.de by the Wairarapa Star that the membenhip stands at over 600 and it has a ctedit bank balance. This lat ter however was accompli*had by borrowing from the government under a recent legisla tive enactment Dahlias,—We wero shown last evening by Mr Couth a splendid collection of Dahlia blooms from the garden of Mr 0 A 0 Hardy of Rakaia. Some of the varieties were nob shown at the recent Ashburton show, notably a magnificent specimen almost bi*ck, It is to be regretted that Mr Hardy did not show some of these at the Aahburton Show here the other day. AsaxcßTON Tboming Club. — The programme for the trotting meeting to be held at Ashburton on Thursday, March 28, has been approved by the New Zealand Trotting Association. The programme is i similar to that of last meeting and the stakes i are heavy, ('-mounting to £220. A good day's sport eh u d be ensured Easter Encampment. — Many of the volunteers are anxiously irquiring about: whether therein to be an Easter encamp-; ment this year or not. It is within five weeks of the usual time for holding it, but ho far no announcement on the eubj'ot hat been made, and some volunteers have a'ready tnak e arrangements for spending their Baiter holidays. It is time the authorities were making a move, U.A O.D.—The quarterly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge was held lest evening. There was a large attendance of members, the A.D. Bro Kennedy opening the lodge at the usual hour. A cumber of apologies were received from members for ■ton attendance. Quarterly and doctor's accounts were parsed for payment. One candid**e wns initiated into the Order, and the business eheet for the next 6.L. meeting was then fully discussed. After considering a lot of correspondence the Lodge closed. Fohool IfxctFßSiON—The ticiiotß for the school rxourslon to Sunnier may be obtained during today and tomorrow ab the office of Mr C J Btychf>,the secretary of the school committee, and at Mr H M Jones' shop. At the latter p'ace they may be secured up to 9jo'olook tomorrow evening ; but no tickets can be obtained anywhere ok Thursday morning. The prices are Is 9d school child' ren, 3* older scholars itnd teaohers, and 3s 9d for other adults. At hot water will be provided by the committee, excursionists will only have to take provisions and cooking utensils. It is to be hoped that the weather will be fine, in which case a great many will avail themselves of Shu opportunity of having a good outing. Sander k Sons' Eucaiypti Extract— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medioal Clinics and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, rciinoai oils, which lire now foisted upon the public under the name of Euoalypt Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by teats made by the Medical Clinics of this Universities at Bonn and Griefswald (Prusciia), that only products that are saturated wilth oxygen and freed o acids, resinous and other substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop tht curative properties possessed by the plant To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitutes, etc., in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria,dysentery, internal inflammation, eto., insist 'u getting Sandbr and Pons' Pure Volatinb Euca lypti Extract, and be safe.

CYCLING.

United Presi Association—By Bleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, Febraary 25 At the League of Wheelmen's Carnival moat of the cracku were engaged, and there were some splendid contests in the finals. Beauchamp won the Albnry Mile in linin 58 3 -6th sec, a world's competition record. McDonald had previously won his heat in Jtnin 59«ec. In the Internatioiaal contests Green and Megeon, representing England^ beat W Martin and Jvor Lawson, Americana, by 19| to 18J pointt>. The Wheel Race, with £100 prize, resulted —Tucker, 165yds, 1 * Gudgeon, 160yds 2 ; Lawßon, scr, 8. Three Miles Scratch Race—McDonald 1, Lawson 2, Martin 3.

A Drowning Fatality.

United Press Association—by Elsotrio Telegraph—Copyright

(B«celved February 25 $ 9,27 Pm) SfDNEy, Feb 25 A man named M'Kaj war drowning, and a friend went to his assietance. M'Kay clutched his would-be rescuer in sacb a way that both mast have perished, and the friend Appealed to him not to drown him union he could gave himself. M'Kay thereupon realeased his hold, and was drowned,

WAIMATS SENSATION

RE-OPENING THE MURDER CASE

M'OAKTHY TO BE CHARGED AGAIN

The prisoner Jeremiah M'Carthy, who was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment at Timaru recently on a charge of incest, nnd who is serving the sentence in Lyttekon Gaol, was taken to Timaru by the express train yesterday, where he will be charged at the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court with the murder of a swagger, believed to be named Sullivan, who was found dead on the road about four years ago. Inspector Ellison also went down to conduct the prosecution*

ROAD BOARD.

UPPER ASBBURTON.

The ordinary monthly meeting of th!s Board was held in the Board'a office, West Btreet, yesterday. Present — Messrs C J Harper (chairman), M Stitb, and J Tucker. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs E Herring, Q A McLean Buckley and R Campbell. CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was received :— From the Aahhsrton Borough Council, stating It had received an Application from several residents of Allenton for a loop water race to be taken from Winter's road race, and bas granted the request provided the whole cost of the woik in borne by the applicants and the Upper Ashburton Road Board consents to the water being taken across the different roada by fords.—lt was moved by Mr Stitt and seconded by Mr Harper *'Th»t the request be acceded to provided the fords are properly made to the Board's s&Hsfac'lon and culverts put across the footpaths, the maintenance of the entire work to be paid for and undertaken by the Borough Council," which was carried. From the Valuation Department re questing to be Informed of the date approximately on which the Board intends to levy its rate for the coming financial yea* 1901-2. —The Clerk was instructed to forward the information that the next rate would be rnadn about September. ROM ALTERATIONS. The Clerk was instructed to submit the following to the supervising valuer subject t« all rates being; paid to date—From Mr John McCormlck to Mr Jamee Storey Bland—Ratal Sections 32960-1 36 acres 3 roods. Tha Clerk was instructed to make the alterations on the valuation roll as authorised by the Vainer-General WORKS. The Clerk waß interacted to call for tenders for next meeting for the shlnglin? of some 120 chains more or less of McCann's road, 10 yards of shingle to the chain. account*. Accounts amounting to £56 12s lid were passed for payment and the Board adjourned.

SPECIAL MEETING

A special meeting of the Upper Ashbur' ton Road Board was held in the Board's Office, West Street, Ashburton, on Monday, February 25th, 1901. Present —Messrs O J Harper (chairman), M Stffefc and J Tacker. The Chairman stated the meeting had been called to muke a special rate for the Ashburton Forks River District In pursuance of special order passed by the Ashburton County Council. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Harper seconded by Mr Stitt— That in compliance* with the fepeoial order made Iv that behalf by tho ABhburton County Oounoil acting in us capacity as thn Kiver Board of the Aehburton F< rks River District and for the purpose of providing the interest and Mi,king fond upon the principal sum of nine hundred ponnds, being the outsb»ndinp balance of a loan of one thousand pounds borrowed by the said Council, acting in the capacity ] aforesaid, from chflNew Zealand Govern 1 meat Life Insurance Department, the Upper Afehburton Road Board doth now make and levy a special rat*» of one halfpenny in the pound sterling upon the rateable values t f all rateable properties within the Ash burton Forks River District, wh'ch sal ? rafee shall he payable in two equal Instalments on the fifteenth day of March and the fifteenth day «f September, one thousand nine hundred and one, and annually recarrieg upon the same days year by year thereafter until the said loan is paid off. The meeting (hen adjourned.

Visit of the Heir Apparent

United Press Association—By Electt (o Telegraph

(Rtnelved Wakapuaka Ftb 25, 10 51 p m This office 11 41 p m London, February 25 The Daily Express states Parliament will be asked to rote £20,000 to cover the cost of the Duke of York.s visit The cruisers Niobe and Diadem escort the Ophir to Gibraltar

SUPREME COURT

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Dtoebiw, February 25 At the Supreme Court, in addition to finding no bill against Alexander Thompson charged with the murder of Gibbs & shipmate on the Otarama, the Grand Jury a'ao found no bill against James Leddingham who had been committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter in connection with the drowning of one of the dredge hands, Alfred Smith alias Morton, who was charged with housebreaking was found nob guilty. DiravDiN, Ftb 26 At the criminal sittings today, John Ramsay was convicted af houaebreaking and theft, sentence was deferred. In the case against James White and Frank W»tsori ? , charged with attempting to steal £109 from Joseph A Braithwaite in the Bank of New Zealand, White failed to Appear, and his recognisances were ordered to be estreated. The trial of Watson is now proceeding Alexander Thompson, a sailor, belonging to th» Otaratna, whose bill was ignored by the Grand Jury yesterday, was rerarrested on a charge of murder. The police are : acting under instruction* from the Crown j prosecutor. i Wansanui, Feb 25 The afternoon'^ session of the Supreme Court was occupied in hearing a charge of indescent assault against Patrick Heahy* Accused was found guilty, and sentenced to two years. Mr Justipe Edwards, in sentenc ing the prisoner, said it was his duty to pro* teot decent women from wild besets, whether two footed or otherwise, and stated his int«n> tloo of ÜBing the lash in future. Wawunu?, February 26 In the Supremo Court this morning James Burns pleaded guilty to attempting to assault and rob Hickson a bank olerk, in possession of a large sum of money. Mr Wilford for the defence pleaded for the leniency of the court ae a t first offender, as the crime was a silly act of bravado. Judge Edwards said it was a deliberate attempt to ■hoot, and sentenced prisoner to 14 yean. : Poako a native was sentenced to three years for assaulting his wife, by kicking her about her head and knocking her teeth down her throat. Arthur Wood, to one year ; Walter Johnston to probation for three yean ; iTradcriok Patterson one year for breaking and entering,

South Africa.

United Prp«f Aw>eiaUfHi— I'y Eleotrio Teloßißp!-,—Copyright

Garbled tetters

British Casualties

(KeceSved Fob 95 10 30

London February 25 Lieutenant Mourison, of the Canadian Artillery, declares that the New York Sun garbled his letters from the front, and that pro-Boer journals in England copied the garbled accounts, and the I Conciliation Oomnaittee founded by Mr leonard Courtney reproduced them. The exposure by ihe Daily Chronicle , has led to the withdrawal of the pro Boer pamphlet, and a promise to publish Lieutenant Hour icon's letters in exteneo Casualties in recent engagements ;— Severely wounded—Lieutenant Mann, Sergeant Boss and Privates Garbide, Davis, Siddle and Stev -, of the Victorian Bushmen ; Privates Strick land and Bolisto, of the Western Australian Bushmen ; Privates Bourke and ( nns, of the New South Wales Bushmen ; and Corporal Mayne, of tbe Queensland Mounted Rifles,

Central French's Movements.

In Pursuit of Boers.

His Captives.

De Wet Flees Across the Vaal With a Handful of Followers.

Further Boer Reverses.

(Received Wakapnaka Feb 25,1037 pm, Thii Offioe 11 65 p m) London, feb 25 General French reports that oa Friday he occupied Eietretief. His troops are protecting the Swaziland frontier Five thousand Boere are retreat ing in scattered and disorganisedpartieg.' The pursuit is much hampered bj continuous heavy rains. He gives the. following list of losses inflicted to the; 16th ; 282 Boers known to he killed and wounded in action and .56 taken prisoners, 133 surrendered. A fifteen pounder. 462 rifles, 160,000 rounds of small ammunition, 3500 horses, 74 mules, 8530 trek oxen, ] 8,700 cattle, 155,400 sheep, 1070 waggons and carts were captured ; 5 British officers and 41 men were killed and 4 officers and 108 men wounded Lord Kitchener states that De Wet's invasion of Capetown has completely failed Renter's correspondent states that it is reported in Capetown that after the engagement at Diseilfontein De Wet crossed the Orange River in a boat, fleeing with a handful of followers Lord Methnen captured at Brokpan 1300 cattle and 1000 sheep. A party of the Imperial Yeomanry surprised and captured » Boer past at Bethlehem, bayoneting five. The Boers stubbornly defended for six hours a strongly fortified position , at Uartbeetfifontein, extending for ten | miles, with much fighting at close range. The Boers only retired when both flanks wers turned. All their cattle wore captured. London, Feb 25 Colonel Plumer reports that Colonel Owen, with detachmentß of the King's Dragoons, Victorian Imperial Bush men, and Imperial Light Horsp, on Saturday captured L*e Wet's fiftoen pounder and pom poms, The Boers are id full retreat and dispersing, being vigorout-ly pursued. Fifty prisoners and some carts and ammunition were captured. There were no British casualties' Other reports state that De Wefc on Friday thrice failed in attempts to cross the Brak aiid Orange Rivers, Colonel Flumer on Saturday chased him from Krimeldrift towards Hope touo. Fancying the British were exhausted, Be Wet laagered in the evening; Then Colonel Owen charged, capturing tha enemy's artillery, The Boers fled, leaving their hones saddled and their cooking pots full Mr Bennet Burleigh states that Colonel Owen also captured a Maxim, The Boen scattered In small bodies. De Wet's party is reduced to three hundred, Steyn told the Boers, many of whom were dismounted and Bhoeless, to shift the best they could, and return to the Orange River Colony. He and De Wet took three hundred of the beet horses, crossed the railroad at Krankuil, 60 miles north of De Aar, early on Sunday, going eastward. Colonel Thorneycroft and others, with fresh horses, are closely pursuing the fugitives. Lord Strathcona entertained the officers of Strathcona's Morse, who were en route for Canada, on their return home. Lord Roberts, Sir Red' vers Bailer, Lord Lansdowne, and Mr Chamberlain were present. Mr Otianv berlain, in the course of a speech, said the volunteering for active service of the colonials had an enormously far reaching result. lc was difficult to limit the numbers of colonials willing to sf rvr, While the Empire had such noble sons it could defy the four cornerß of the earth.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Kleotrie Teleg aphe-Copyright Sydney, Feb 25 A middle aged man named Walter Waugh has been remanded for eight days, on a charge .of having a quantity of jewellery, supposed to have been stolen, in his possession. Acpnted arrived by the Elingamite and was arrested after getting ashore. At first he stated his name was Ward, but afterwards admitted it was Waugb, and that he was lately in the employ of Noah Cohen, of Auckland, as com , mercial traveller, Jewellery was found in his possession valued at over £200. Seven victims of the Sydenham accident who remain in hospital are progressing satisfactorily. Mrs H H Dapper, of West Maitland, daughter of the Rev Edward Ensor, of New Zealand, succumbed to terrible burns, caused by her bed curtains taking fire, The yacht Ariadne, which arrived from England tome months ago, has sailed for New Zealand. Newcastle, Feb 25 The quantity of coal exported bayond Australia for the week was 78,113 tons, a record for the port,

! Melbourne, February 25 Sir Arthur Havclock, the present Governor of Madras, is mentioned as the next State Governor of Victoria; The sura of £591,000 has been tondered for the Board of Works" £300,000 3| per ceufc loan. Ifc averaged £99 3a lO|d. London, Feb24 One white child died of plague at Capetown, and three others are suffering. The War Office is raising from the infantry reserve battalions a regiment for solely garrison duty in the Mediter ranean and other non tropical station*,

Affairs in China

♦——— United Press Association-—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London February 25 Prince Chun, brother of tbe Emperor, states that since China bag complied with all the requirements, excepting with regard to indemnities, the amounts of which are not yet fixed, the Powers ought to evacuate Pekin and enable the Court to retain

A Lively Week at the Front.

Trooper F Knox, of Grcenstreefc, who weab to South Africa in the Fifth Contingent, hat written one or two Interesting letters to hit family, and we have bean permitted to Me one dated 22 January, which ll th» latest trooper'* letter we have «o far heard of. In it he given joist one week's wort, and oer' tainiy & good deal of adventure !• crowded into it, as will be seen from the following:— Kimberley, January 221901. Dear Father and Mother—ln the laet letter I wrote to you I told you that we were going with a convoy to Bothof, At this hat been the moit interesting march that we have had since being in South Africa I will try and describe it at fully a* powlble. We left Kimberley for Boihof on Wednet• day, January 26bh,wlth a oonvoy of 40 bullock waggons, 30 mule waggon*, and 6 traction engines (4 Fowleri and 2 McLarens), each drawing fibres waggons* When 4 mite* out of Kiinberley we found that a pass knows as Framforb Pass, waß occupied by the Boera and that with the escort that we had it wae impossible to get through the pias, therefore Colonel Milne ordered the traction engine! back to Kimberley, while he with the re* attainder of the transport marched a roasd about way and attacked the enemy from the rear, thus clearing the way for tbe traction engines, an it was impossible to take the engines the round abonb way on account of no water. We got round to the back of the past on the same sight and on tbe morning of the 27fch, at 2,30. am, Che 14fch Company and the Imperial Teomanry Company with 2151b guns marched into the pass. The Boers finding themselves about t«. to be attached from the rear, fled, leaving ui in command of the pass, but they took up a position in the kopje just in front of the bullock convoy* Major Parish, who wai in command of the party sent me back to Colonel Milne who was with the bullook oonvoy with a despatch to say that the pases w»js olear bub that the engines were stuck in the sand. I had to ride about three mileei and what was my surprise that when I had jusb gone about a mile and a half I was being fired on from a kopje about 900 yards away attd one bullet ploughed the dust up right under the nose of my horse, I immediately put spurs to my horse and the next mile and a half was done in quick time. When delivering the despatch, I told the Colonel what had occurred, and he told me to remain where I was ae it was unsafe to try and rejoin my column. Is was now about dinner time and as I bad not had time "to eat that day I loosened my girths and fed my horse and then s»t. down to dinner. I had barely finished dinner when the Boera attacked the convoy, lufc a few shells from the pom pom soon drove them to seek cover. They, however, kept up a straggling fire on the convoys and the outposts. One outpost which was in rather an exposed position was gebtiug a rather hob time of it, and as I was the only mounted man in this camp I was ordered out to tell the Corporal in charge of this outpost to shift his men more to ihe left, and I tell yon f did not like having to go. However, I went out-, and as goon m the bullets began to fly I set sail, and went at fall gallop for the outpost, told them in a few words as possible what to do, then turned round and g»lidped out of tange. For the rest of the day I was merely a spectator, .and whsn night set in the firing ceased and our losses were found to be one man of th^ Dennison scouts, who wae wounded sad fell from his horse. The Boers captured his horse and then rode up to where he was lying, and cub his throat. Nexb morning I and Bix others were told off ab 2.30 am to reconnoitre a kopjs, and as i& happened we gob on the kopje without being molested, However, jusb at daybreak twelve Boera were observed approaching tbe kopje, ani we got very excited with the result that we opened fire instead of waiting till they cob olose up. They immediately tur ned tail and fled. As soon as the oonvoy moved off, we rejoined oar column and then began the fight in real earnest. First thing shelled the kopje then ordered as infantry company to charge it, but the fire was so hob that when they got within 2100 yards of the enemy they had to seek cover, and then we were ordered to their assistance and we galloped up to within 900 yards, and the fire being then too hot for the horses to face we dismounted under a rain of lead and started off up the kopje. When within 500 yards we stopped to give them a volley, and the fifteen pounders pelting away all tbe time was too much for the Boers and they fled, leaving us a clear ride to Boshoft They however, kept continually harrasstng tbe rear right up to the next morning* Oar Company escaped without a matt being hit, but the Scottish Rifles were not to fortunate as they had three wounded and one horse shot. Jack Smith had his horse shot through the mouth just about an inch above the bit, bub is nothing the worse for It. On our return journey we saw nothing Of the enemy and trrlved in Kimberley without further adventure. The main part of tho fig rib lasted six hmrs, and the Boers' losses were 15 killed and wounded. We march for a place tomorrow called Stnithidrift with another convoy.—-I remain your loving son—Fred. P.B—Two of the traction engines were blown up, and we had to leave the waggon* to the Boers

It will he remembered that Troopers H. G. and T. 8, Andrews, of Longbeach,wcat to South Africa with the fifth contingent. The latter has been invalided home, and has jdst left Capetown for this solony Trooper H 6 Andrews writing on )he 22nd January to his parents says, he was present) in tht week's expedition with a convoy to Boahof, referred to by Trooper Knox. Ha lays there is now nothing bat convoy running for us cow, and that is more dangerous tban column fightiog, for they do pour the lead la for a start) which is the first we know of the game."

Flotsam from the Britannic.

| United Press Association—By Eleotrip Telegraph—Copyright Auckland Feb 2& Four life belts, three tied together and marked Britannic, were picked up on the ocean beach at Whangarei Head*, also » blue silk trooper cap with a gold band an inch wide. The custom authorities think the articles hrve been merely washed »v«r board as the vessel did not signal the lost of anyone at Gape Maria or Cape Otway. It is just) possible a deserter took this means of leaving the vessel.

Fire Brigades' Conference.

[ United Press Association—By Eleotriq Telegraph I Chbistohurch, February 16 It wm resolved in order that the firem«B of the oolonj may make better aq^aalntanoe with up to date ffre brigade appliances, that the Association fcafee into consideration the advisability of endeavouring to arrange for tbo holding of » large exhibition of tnob appliances, say one year hence j also that frhe Conference Bet tip a committee to draft & scheme for suoh exhibition and report to the conference before It cjoees. It wm Kite

THE ASBBUmoN GDAfiDIAH : TWSBPA*, FEJBBtJAat 26, 1901



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TE NDiflKSi Wanted-"MPtorthewearing two thouaaod pairs of Boote.ariug of to—J Mellob* Tanored Street Spoke New Yeans ,



CONSULTING OPTICIAN Mr Ernest M Sftodstetn, DBOAJ, PR MO, who has lately returned after MX years* Bpeci&l Btndy in England »nd Com tiaenfc, m»y be consulted on *11 cmm ol defective eyesight. Daylight uofc »eo««B» Sf arMSoial light being used. Doctors* pw soriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Cob snltiag rooms, Caßhel Street W<, over M Saodetefn, jeweller, Cbrf«tcfau«*. 9 fco 12 1,2 to 6 daily ______^__~ BOOTS ! Boots Boot* Nothing bat Boots a*j—Mbllob's Zealandia Sorb tw% T«neredl Street



POR TTOUBE "DAINTIKG, JdLoUSE J: MINTING, SIGN WRITING, Til TO, IGNWRITING, HiTO, TRY J J*. JaiG&a** Takcbbsd Etbeet^ "Wades Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, nnver fail foi wultß or children Prifw 1b Waie'u Worm Figa are most effetive and oob oopleßsaut; shildren thrive after



N.Z- CL</iT!ING FACTORY. W' E have just cor.sluded our HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING and have thrown out a r umber of odd linr-p, which "we have marked at prices that will effect a epeedy clearance. "SEE TTTEM AT DOOR.= MEN'S HARD A^D SOFT HATS AT |g EACH. MEN'S SOFT fcBIKTS. A LAEGI VAEIEIY OF IIES, ALL EFDUCEIVi'O 6d& Is Men'a Leather Sloes 6s 6d, Meu's Kid Shoes 10a 6d Women's Canvas Shoee Ss 6d, Children's 2 6d Men'a Tan Shoes 6a 6d 8 Men's Tan Boots 15a. :o: N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY. THE VEKDICr OF ALL. PRACTICAL BIDBES IS IN FAVOUB, OF RIDING BUILT with Butted Tubing, Bhorb Heada, Narrow Tread Aroh or Box Crown, oi lin pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheel*} Any style Saddle, Handles, Chain, etc, ear, any height frame ; also dust proof throughout, ON® PRIGE TO ALL—£2l OATHS, LOWRY AN! CO., Z6»landia Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. COOPER'S_SHEEP DIP. Facts for Pheepmea and Figures. 1, Britain is the great manufacturing centre of the Sheep Dij-s which are being pushed in this colony. 2, It Is ako Iho Country which eutjects them to the hardest possible tes fH in use, for nathia^ taxes the abiding properties of Sheep Dip* so severely as the WEATHER, and tew dips there are that can withstand it. 3, Ihi "BOYAL" Is the Greatest Annual Sheep Bhow of th© World and fche Representative Stock Gathering of the British Isles. These three disconnected facts c-mbine, however, In adding to the weighty figures of the last Royal Show :— Total Prizes Won by Sheep ... ... ... 162 Cooper-Dipped Sheep Carried off ... ... ... 140 Balance, for division amongst- all other Dips ... ... 22 ANALYSTS. *" - — I champion. | First, second. Ihird. C-> *l. OOOPER ... i 5 | 61 55 .19 If) _fViher__Dips ... | 1 [ 7 II 3 23 _ COOPFB'S DIP tins secured 90 per cent of the Fikst PBizrs or FINE TJMKS ARMAUY AS ALL OTHtR DIPS POT TOG! IHKR. 125 Liadiug Sheej men exhibited, 104 practically voted for "COOPER." It is near'y the sp-me with the Sheep owners the world over, who last year 18P9) used sufficient of "CUOPfcR" to dip abont 200 Million Sheep An increase of nearly 25 Millions over the sales of the previous year. FKITDLANDFR BROS., LTD., AGENTS. - - JDOI MODELS JUST LANDED MAhY IMPROVEMENTS. COMB AND SEE THEM. noDfi GOOD SECOND - HAND CYCLES TO BE SOLD CHEAP, FO REASONABLE OFFBR REFUSED ■ JOHN ORR & CO. WA L L P_A PERS. WE HAVE TO HAND, per the last Home boat—29 Bales of the very latest ARTISTIC -PAPERHANGINGB, the Coioiiringe aad Deaigna of which Bre decided works of art, Insiaded in the.ihipment are Besotlfal FtUz-b and Borders to match the Papers. I hold the largest stock of WALL PAPERS In tmlh Ganterbary Clienta can therefore rely aponh ing a large variety of each mpeotive sort to choose from. lIIIIIBIWII *O * "■■IIIM1nl" T TI7TTGAAT HOTSE DEO^S AHD SIGN- J. WILbUJN, °-cs|r- 9 ri xj-iiv w y POBoxl6. Telephone