THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trftlnß save AehburtoK daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 5.50 pin DDNH.DIN—»b 12 54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-ati 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Aahburton from— OHRISTOHUROH-ati 10.45 * m, 12.48 p m (ezpreis), 8 pm" TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DONBDIN—at 6.57 p m (exprsss) BFRINGBURN-at f1.45 a m

BUN.

KPHEMERTB

Mail Notices

' Mails close for the following places ai under, enbject to the necessary alteration* SATURDAY, March 16 For Northern ports and Westporfc, p«i Rotomabana at 630 pm; late fee Jotters, guard's van oxprtss MONDAY, March 18 For Tasmania and Australia, due (Mei bonrns Marsh 24th}, United Kingdom (due Linden jApri! 28th), and Continent o! Europe, specially addressed via Brindisi, India, China, Straits Battlement and Soutii Africa ; also Hawaiian "Islands, Victoria (B 0), Vancouver, Canada, and United States of America (due Vancouver April 18) United Kingdom (due London May 1), a,nd Continent of Europe, specially addressed via Vancouver, per express, to connect with Monowai at 12 30 p m, late fee letters guard! an ixpre-ig For Northern Ports and Westporfc, pel Rotorua at 1030 a m For Westport, per Poberuo, at 10 30 ft m iWEDNKSDAY; March 20 For Northern Ports and Weetpor*, alsc Samoa, Hawaii, Pfcillipines, Japan, United Stntea, Canada, etc, United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (due London April 20,] v'w Btn Fraaoieco, per Waikare, at 630 p m, late feoSpt'cnl, guard's van, express traini

Commercial.

i | Units') Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph—Copyright London, March 14 The American visible supply of wheat is J 79,3C0,000 quarter?. At yesterday's wool Bale* prieeß were fully maintained. "But croußbrrds improved 8 ightly, Kuketß.hl sold at 6d, Kulnine l^d.

CHRISTCHURCH RAM AND EWE FAIR.

Christohuroh March 14 The anninl ram and ewe fair under the auspiceu of the Canterbury Agricultural ar.d Pas'oral Association began today, The entries, which were large, is eluded consign ments from Auckland nnti the leading Ob-go and Southland breeders. In Kngliah Lei oeaters the gi neral run of prices for shearling rams was from Sgne to 5f gns, several pecs going to P-jgQ*, smaller lots to Bgnß, and single shtep at 17goe, I3gns, and 9gna. R>mi In fc»rceiy first rate condition sold a 3f gns to 4|gn8 f and ram Hmbs at 2gns to 2|gns. For Lincoloß there was practically nu demand, and the majority were with, drawn, the few whioh were »o!d fetching from I'.n to 3£gns for pens of slitarlings, »nd op to Sgiis for single sheep. Border Leicea'era met a moderate dbm&nd, about half being sold at 2gns to 4^na. The only pan of Bomney ahe»rling rams were pftaeed »t 4^n». Shropshire rams were not so keenly competed for, as had been s"' V«<tted useful lineß of shearlings being sold ... iiom 2gn» to 4gns, and ft few iotx up to 7£gnß ; | while inferior lots sold m low as |go. Chbistchurch, March 15 The ram and ewe fair was concluded today. The demand for flock rams entirely collapsed, nod lots for which sgcs to 6gn« were offered yesterday failed to obtain & bid at half that prloe, consequently nearly all were passed, thie applying equally to Shropehiree, South* downs, merinot, Wensleydales, and half brede. English Leicester ewes, bred by the late J M Puize, fetched from 2<zns to 3|gns ; Border Leicester owes,bred by W Hendenon, 2gns to 3gm ; Shropshire Downs, on account of Mr Burnett |Waibato), 2gns to 2fgnß ', Mr Beid (Montd Ohristo) 4ge ; Messrs AHken and Seth Bmith (Oamaru) lit. Stud rams met with an irregular sale. Quotations were j —English Leicester up to 52gns, Lincolns ; np to 20gns, Border Leicester* up to B^ns, Sbrop&hires up to SOgne.

The following were the operations of local breeder on Thursday :— I English Leicester sales—For the late Mr J'< Furz >,of Bacoleuch, 5 one shear rams at s|gs, 40 at 52&8, 30 at 41-ijub, S at sgn«, 5 at 4£sns, 10 at 3Jg» ; for Mr b Grant. Temuka j —4 outs shear ram afe 6gne t 5 at s^gns, 30 at sg*; for Mr P G Threlkeld—2l oneehsar rem at s^ns, 6 at 4|gns ; for Mr T Maweoo, Westerfiald, 17 one"shear rame at ofgna, 5 at s^(?db ; for Mr John Grijjg—lo ram lambs at 44eop. 10 at 23*ne, and 10 at Sans,

THE WOOL SALES.

Mesßra JMgety and Co. report und#r date London, Match JZ'h, aa follows:—" Tne s«cond series of wool sales opened wilh a large RttenJ^oce of buyers. There w»a a fair selection, nod fairly animated competi tion for the bulk of the merino wool?, the prieeu for which are od a pur with fche closing rates of the last aeries, and for crossbred 5 per oeat to 8 per cent lowar on the average. i

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The As%burton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Oanter bnry, Ltd, quote as follows on March 15. 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl «. 2s 2d  „ TußOftD.. 2s 2|d „ „ Hunter's 2s id New Oata—Dans 1b 23 to ia'^i „ Danish Is ?A to Is 2|d  Sparrowbills le 3d M Oanadian la 4d Barley—-MaltiDg, prime 2s Inferior la 6d Peas—Pftrtridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oafcsho*! 37a 6d 6ra» Seed—New Is to 1b 6d The above are prices current paid to 9>tm«ta oq Iruoke ab Aebburton.

DEATH.

Hesei/tike—At> Tinwaid on March 16tb, 1901, Flork.^ce Margabfs (Flo), dearljr beloved youngest daughter of Jttmes and Mary Hoeeltine, aged nine (9) years and seven months

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1901.

Ths Lyttelton Times recently made a curious Rdtciesion m its editorial columns regarding its vie«?s on the gtibjpct of selecting Parliamentary representatives. Referring to the marked ability shown by Mr Recce, the Mayor of Ofariatcharcb, oar con temporary said 'Parliament at least, has room for men of his mental capacity provided, of count, their colour is right. The itahca are ours. The above is undoubtedly the opinion of most be lievers m the party system, wbiofa the Thnti, by the way professes to con* demn. Bat it woald be a poor prospect for New Zealand if worth and capacity were always to be subordinated to •colour. We think it woald b« a good thing ior the country, if the people were sufficiently ed nested m the principles of political economy and social science to be able to choose their representatives on more sensible and intelligent lines than «re followed at present. That men and women should send their representatives to Parliament, merely to follow the leader of a party into a lobby is altogether repugnant to the spirit of the age, and to the trie principles of representative Government. Men who surrender their freedom of thought and and action the moment they enter the Hoobo of Parliament cannot possibly be said to represent a free people. They have been ironically named 'dumb dogs/ but that is scarcely appropriate, ainca Borne of them are far from being dumb, for they could talk till doomsday. Nevertheless they do possess one qaali ty of dogs ;tbey are faithful to their master, the leader of their party. The interests and wishes of their consti* taents ; their own knowledge of what would be the best for tneir electorates; the dictates of their own common sense are all ignored at the command of the leader of a so called party. Where does the " Government of the people by the people '* of which we hear so much come ia I Wb\t influence have the electors of this district or any other m the colony upon the legislation when once they have placed a particular party m power. If we abolished both bouses of Parliament and merely elect' ed a Premier, ora sort of dictator once every three years, the Government would be every whit as representative as it is now, a good deal cheaper, and very much lees complicated. There may be sometbiug to be said m favonr of party government m Great Britain, where no single minister can nowadays obtain supreme power m the legislature But m New Zealand party government is now generally admitted to be a delusion and a snare. In fact it is at its brst »n oligarchy, and an often as not an absolute autocracy. While it is maintained m this country,let us banish the foolish idea tbat wh sre enjoying rcpreser.tative government, because wo are not. And if the Lyttelton limes may be taken to be the mouthpiece of the party m poweron this subject, as it occasionally assumes to be on others, the electors of New Zealana must also surrender the right of private judg ment and send m representatives ti> Parliament on the 'colour ticket.' Ts this the reEiilt of New Zealand being fifty years ahead of tha rest of the, world, as somebody said at the Feder>' ation meeting last week?

Local and General.

Weather Report —Captain Edwin fore oasts :—Moderate to strong easterly winds, gla9B riep.. Clsarimq Balk —The Canterbury Far-1 mors Association advertise to this issue» clearing sale of live and dead stock and farm' ing implement* at Bankfield, 8t) Andrew*, on Blaroh 21st, 1.0.0.F, A.C—Messrs R Armfger and G Fell, of the Grand Lodge 1.0.0.F, American Constitution, passpd through Ashburton m the express last evening on their way to the annual conference of Oddfellows. PSBMANEH9 BmLDIKO SOOIWY—The annual general meeting of shareholders of the Ashburton Permanent Building Society, wiU be held m the Society'! office on Satur day, March 30th at 3 p m. The Aiienton School—We under' staged that steps are being taken with the object of getting the status of the Allen ton School raised to a Main School and a meeting to further the object will be held m a few days. I S»RiOU9 ACOIDENJV-We regret to learn that Edward Biokerstaff a son of Mr Bicker* ■ staff of the Ashburfcou Railway staff employed at Anderoon'a Foundry, Lytteltou had his foot crushed yesterday afternoon I by some iron falling on it» The injury ' was sufficiently serious to'necessitate his removal to the Christchurch Hospital, BOBES—Mr J Miliichnmp, of the Terrace Nursery, had a btand of twelve assorted roses on view to.day m the Arcade window of tha Ashburton Drapery Company which a bracttd a good deal of attention, and drew fottii imny expressions of admiration fiom on looker*. Feesonal.—Mr J A McKorse, assistant to the Rev G B Inglis, will not officiate at the services at R'verside, Seaview tomorrow I on account of his brother's death requiring his presence m the North Island. Arrange' merits have been made for filling his place »nd the services will bs held as usual, Hai^psthad School t xcorsion.—The excursion of the Hampatead school will take place 00 Friday next to Timatu. The train I leaves Ashbartoa *t $ am and Timatu on ; the return journey at § p ijs, Tickets may ! he obtained from Mr JH M Jones, and the I headmaster, and at tha office of Mr .1 0 Bell. The OIHCU3-—A special train chartered by Messrs Fitzgerald and comprising 2 carriages and 10 trncka arrived at Aeh barton from the South at 10 55 this forenoon. The menagerie part of the show was contained m nine of the special vans and discharging operations at the! station wtpe witnessed by a . large crowd of juveniles with a good sprinkling of grown op people. The psrformancs this evening should be well attended notwithj standing the unfortunate stale of th® weather. The Seventh Contingent—Last evening ia the Club Hotel, Timaru, a very en thus iaetio gathering was held, when members of the City Rifles tendered a smoke concert) to Corporals Fritter sad Tennent, Sergeant WBj Willis and Trooper W»ll»o*,a!l of whom havfl joined the Seventh Contingent, and will be leaving Timaru mt> few days. Their comrades here determined to give them ft hearty send off, and id was with this object that the gathering was held last night-. Captain GHllies occupied the,ohair, *nd Cap. tain Amos fchfi yice ohair. During the evening a long toast lieb was gope through, ail the I usual toasts being honoured, and a number of songs and recitations by dift'arent t&embeii of the company, were given m excellent style, Altogether a very pleasant evening was spent, and at the siose many were the good wishes which the departing volunbeeis c»r. ring mih tfeem for »»cpei» m South Africa

Sam: o.r A Sialmon—Mr Reginald j Curtis acting for Mr David Thomas has ] effected a sale of Mr J Smalls' well known stallion Dr Seddon io Mr BT Reid of tho Auckland Province. The price wo understand was 300 guineas. No doubt this transaction will prove satisfactory to seller and buyer. Clearing Sai»—Measrs Frledlander' Bros had a most; successful auction sale at Methven on the farm of Messrs Dobbin Bron. Although the attendance waa bmall, those present were intent on busi^ ocas and a firnt class clearance resulted at god rates, sheep and stores broughb high figures. AbobmunaL DISPkAT.—The Home Secret ary m the Queensland Government intends to make arrangements for an aboriginal dis play as a distinctive feature m the functions m connection with the visit of fche Duke and Duchess of York. Mr Weston, the protec tor of aborigines, hopes to have a novel dis play, and ha will collect a large number of aborigine!. Oaktbb*prt A. Sc P. Association—At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Agrioult i ural and Pastoral Association on Thursday night the report showed the income to be £3421, and tbe expenditure £2994. The prize money for last show amounted to £1814 There were now 117 life members and 532 annual members. Appreciative reference was made to tbe service* of Mr Murphy, who had relinquished the jcflSoo of secretary. Mr F A kroner was elected president for the eoeuiog yean Claim you Dama«ks—lna casein wbloh Samuel Boyd claimed £200 damages from Hnbbart, Parker and 00, for injuries eustained while working on the steamer Zealandia at Lyttelton, Mr Beethsun, S M gave judgment for defendant, holding that the winch was m first-rate order, that there was ft plentiful supply of steam, and that the accident was due to the manipulation of the winch by the winebnun. £ta«s HiADg—Some remarkably fine stags heads have been purchased recently by Mr T N Gr*nge, of tho Commereiai Hotel. They were scoured m the Wairarapa dhtricb, where tbe animals are becoming plentiful. The heads are about the siae of a Jersey cow's bead, and the antlera are very fine. One specimen, ia the possession of the person from whom Mr Grange boaajht those he has, was a magnifioent one, for which £15 was refused, the owner intending to keep it until the Bake of York arrives, when he expects to get a still better price for it. N?w Zealand Loyawt. —Mr W H Hrihnes, of Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada, hae (a«ys the Fest) written to the Premier, ask ifi'g for a copy of the ofSolal Tear Book, at he is anxious to know more of the country and of the people who, next to England, have won the chief glory m the war. The writer states that the admiration and pride of Canadians have been heightened by the splendid exhibition of Imperial loyalty oi their fellow subjects io New Zealand, and by this colony's decision not to withdraw hsi troops from the scene of operations, ac Canada and others have done. The request of the writer will be complied with, The Census—The sub-e&umer&tors of the census have commenced the delivery of their papers m tbe back country diatriots, owing to the large ar«a that has to be covered. Settlers are reminded that the sub-enumerators are responsible for every paper given out, and should therefore take care that they are nob mislaid or mutilated. Parents are particularly requested to notice the instructions re definition of schools their children are attending, and also the questions relating to Sunday schools. It may be well to remind heads of households that they are liable to a penalty oi £20 for refusing or neglecting to fill, sign, and deliver the form, or to answers he necessary enquiries the sub enumerators are authorised to make, or for making false returns or arswers. The papers are to be filled up on the night of March 31et, and will be called for soon after that date, GebaiiDinb Xt Patrick's Fpom9—The entries for the Geraldine St Patrick's sports for the meeting on Monday, March 18, are about the beet that the Association has ever had. The foot rnces include MoLachlan, the New Usaland champion, who h s lately been putting up such wonderful times m the North Island, J Divison, of Bakaia, onf) of the fastest men m the colony, is to be v competitor, and this meeting between McLichlan and Davidson should be one of great interest, and alone worth going any flintfinee to see. In the lone distance event* J Frchney »nd E McFadden, two crack half-milem, are on the back mark with McLtohlan. The hurdle race baa BHsseb, McFaddan.Hußfcon and other cracks. Among the bicycle entries are G Sutherland. A R Barker, W Olarkion (who lately won the mil* championship at Napier) R Connell, A Huston, and several other weliknown riders. Given a fin*- day, the meeting ought to be most iuoe«siful, Westebjieu) School, — On Thursday afternoon the pupils attending W oster field School spent a very enjoyable time at Lsgmhor, where they were invited by Mr and Mra GAM Buckley. At 2p m they were taken m the Ligmhor three horee lorrie from the school to the grounds. First " bran pies" occupied the attention of the pupils, and were m charge of Mr and Mrs Buckley Mr J Oook and other?. The youthful divera, m turn soon brought up the concealed toys and presents, which were numerous and valuable being JprovWed by Mr and Mra Buckley. Then raced were Indulged m under the direction of Mr Buckley, aspisted by the master and others, The winners were presented with suitable prizes by Mrs Buckiey. At this stage and ad journmant was made to the lawn where afternoon tea was dispensed and to judge by the merry voices and pleasant ap pearance of children, seemed to be hlgh'y appreciated, A scroll round tbe well kept grounds, not forgetting the hill whese top was gained by every youthful scholar m record time, and a visit to the , pets, brought as to a beautifnl piece ©f grass on which parents, friends, and children played games, Bub every day has its close, art! though hnrd to leave yefe forced to do so by fathar Time. They were driven back to the school, from whence they separated ro go to their several homes a}] well pleased with their day's amusement.

CORRESPONDENCE

\\ a do not held onrieives responsible for opinions oxpre«s«d bjr our oorraspphdenti

THE RUAPUNA WATER RACE.

TO ?HB EDITOn. Sir,—Mr G P Williams' report, recently published m the Christchurch newspapers on the scheme for ' Harnessing the Waimaka riri,' rather suggests the advtsahleness of getting an outside opinion on the proposed reconstruction of the Rnapuna head race. Ib is a very small matter compared with the Waimakarjri spheme, and no doubt a very much simpler one m every way,, still they have some features m common, and although the amount involved jn the Ruapuna watei 1 race ia a very small one comparatively, yet, on the other hand, the district that has to pay the rates m also a very small one, and ib is a matter of very serious consideration to the ratepayer therein. I have do wish whatever to run down our county engineer, who is, no doubt, a practical and pains taking man. Still, like the resb of us he has made mistakes, and I fancy will find greater disßult!sii about the Ruapuna head race, than m any work he has so far under taken m the county, I have no wish either to bliuno him for bhe failure, so far, of this race, though perhaps the exouttos may seem »little weak. It is stated thab the flood that caused the damage was higher than known before, and thab the water from the river percolated through the shingle, and thus flooded the race. I have always under* stood that engineers make a point) of prc i vidicg against considerably higher floods \ than have ever buen known, and surely it Is a well known fact) that it takes very little pressure to make water percolate through lnofg shingle. Ia his article about) the Wkimakariri scheme Mr Williams sounds a warning note; against the possibility of the wiite? through crocks m concrete and scouring out liuderneatbj. Jf conerefce pipes are used ia the Buapuna bo*d rase is there nob ■ 1 danger of tb« wnter loenrtng out andi«?ne»th j

them, causing perhaps a (mall settlement at) first, which might) rapidly increase and result m a general collapse ? In a serious illness it is no insult to a doctor to obtain a second opinion, and acting on this principle 1 think that the Ruapuna ratepayers would do well to take outside advice before they pledge themselves to higher ratee. —I am, eta, Stoic. :

HAMPSTEAD AND SANITATION

TO THI EDITOR Sir,—l wish to draw the attention of our neighbours of Hampstead to the little agi tation on the p-rb of a few to get thia subur* ban or embryo town declared a scavenging district. In my opinion this is unnecessary and prematnre. I maintain * proper system of drainage with, concrete channelling ii of the grab importance; after that comes the removal ot aooutmnulalions, auch as rubbiah I vegetable refute, animal dung, and e»pr | oially pig dung, the most obnoxious of all. I 1 have noo the slightest douhfc if sanitary principles are adopted by any thiokiy prp«f fated district. They should earnestly reoommend the powers that be to start at the root of jtha evil, and advise that all pig sties, horse yarda, or stables, fowl houses or oow sheds or yards, shall not exist except they be at the distance of at least a chain from any dwelling house or pubiio road, and that) the yards be k*pb olean, and the floors of sheds be concreted with a proper fall, sabjecfc to the approval of a competent person appointed by (he Boards or Councils, Sir, why should those who are careful m the disposal of night toil, etc, be forced to tolerate the comings and goings of the night cart men with the expenses 1 I challenge ! the to called experts, to prove if night'soil it covered with six inches of soil, what harm o&n result. In a few weeks it is deodorised, and it is m a fit state to fertilise the aoii. It is a manure, if scavenging is decided on of course, the Board wiil adopt a fair and straightforward charge, and geb an approxi mate guide how often each householder wiil require the services of the eight oarb, and charge accordingly. Thanking you for space.—l am, att, A RWIDIHV

MOUNT SOMERS TRAIN.

TO THE 891908. ! Sib,—Complaints are heard frequently from reiidenti m th« Meunt Homers distr iot s of the want of punctuality m arrival of the trains from Ashburton. This is appar enliy due to the want of power m the engine used, which is of ben called upon to draw a heavy train. The arrangements for taking m water also appear to be quite Inadequate. Some little time ago with a fell train, after I watering at "the omal tanks at Valetta, the water on nearing Cavendish gave out, and the passengers were left) for two hoard wait ing, while the engine went on to Spdnghurn for a fresh supply. When it is remembered that many passengers have after reaching Mount Bomers to drive a long way to their homes the annoyance caused by this little departmental management may be readily understood.— I am, etc, Mount Somers.

An Ashburton Arch.

The Premier's suggestion telegraphed yester day as to inland towns being represented ab the celebrations m connection with the Royal visit, opens np a wide and interesting Bubjacfc. Towns like Ashhurton osnaot expeob to be visited by their Royal, High neasoH, bub thab m do reason why the Royalties should not have an opportunity of seeing aotnethlDg o! us, even if we may not as a town, see anything of them. Ib would be a serious disappoint moot to tbo heir appnrenb to miss seeing or hearing some thing of ua The Premier's idea J8 bhat arches should be erected by each inland town m a centre to bo visited, characteristic of its leading features. For instance, ABhburton might have a remarkable arch, made up of say blocks of coal and stone from Mount Somers, fr< z^n lambs from Fairton, fctuhels of wheat and oats grown on one acre, photogtaphs of our Domain (and Domain Boaid), also of sundry notable individuals. The whole structure might be surmounted by seats to be occupied by the Chairmen, President*, &o, of our local bodies, nob forgetting our genial member, from which position they could have a good view of the celebrations, and might fUeo serve to give their Royal Highnesses an idea of the manner of men who represent the dwellers on the Canterbury plaiDS. The effoob of o«r effort might be greatly enhanced if an enlarged framed photograph of the Ashburbon arch, with its interesting bu er •bructure, could be presented to the Dnke aod Dnohess by the Premier, m his well known style. We have iiot the least doubt that their Royal Jlighnesees would derive great enjoyment by and by,, when New Zealand shall have worked out the brilliant destiny Mr Seddon has arranged for her, m f?az;ng ab such souvenirs ot their visit to the Queen of the Pacißc.

The Auckland Boating Fatality

FURTHER PARTICULARS.

United Press Association—-By Eleotric (Telegraph Auckland, March 15 In connection with the boating fatality m the harbour, William Reed, a sarvivor, states that he and dames Pert, the crew of the fishing boat Swift, were proceeding to the craft m company with May Mills and Mary Campbell, after having been drinking about town during the evening, when a large wave came through the Bail way Wharf, causing the dingey to roll. This threw Mary Campbell on top of Pert, and the dingey capsized, Reed was a good swimmer, and May Mills could also swim, but the others were unable to do so. When the dingey capsized, May Mills grabbed Reed round the neck, while Mary Campbell petard her, and Pert m torn took hold of Campbell. Ail four sank together, but Reed managed to loosen the hold of the girl, and they then rose to the surface, He then etrupk out for the dingey, but it sunk when all were holding on to it, 3Pert and thf women were then crying out for help. Heed swam towards the scow Flora to try and get a dingey to rescue the others. He told the girl mills to swim to shore but being hampered by her clothing she was unable to do this. Reed safely reached th« scow, but found that there was no dingey. He then lapsed into insenaibllity, and knew nothing more until the morning, when he was reejued by a fisherman named Petone. [According to a previous message Reed and Mary Campbell were saved and the others drowned.]

THE ROYAL VISIT

United Press Association—By Klectrio Talegraph—Copyright London, March 15 The King aiad Queen Oonsort, with the Duke and Ducheaa of Cornwall and York, proceed to Portsmouth this afternoon, and sleep aboard the Royal yacht, Victoria and Albert, m readiness for the embarking of the Duke and Daphesson the Ophir to-morrow.

Wbllinoion, M»roh 15 The Premier has made a suggestion that as it will be impossible for the Duks and Duchess ot Cornwall to visit tha inland districts, these should be represented by the oonstruotion of arches m the large centres ■&y for instance, m Wellington an arch to be erected representfng Hawkes Bay, and one < each for Wairarspa, ManftWfttu, Taranaki, and Wanganui. The idea is that the various local bodies and leading and ipfiiiential'/ oit'zsns uonibine, each bo4y to have a i representative aroh ereotedl, (she co«t would then be scarcely felt, whilst it) would add to the luosete of the reception and be a means of advertising the products and manufae. urtri of vek doai di«tr|ot*.

THE CONWAY CASE.

A Strange Story,

United Press Association—By Eleottio Telegraph—Copyright

Received March 15, 11 31 a m Melbourne, March 15 The Agt states that while the Talano was here, Fletcher, chief steward, stated that on the trip to Sydney Mrs Smith, m a conversation with him, related a I strange story setting forth her reason j for visiting Sydney. She said that some years ago ihe was instrumental m saving the life of a child named Smart, To mark their gratitude the parents of the child insured its life m her favor for £500, Latterly she heard by letter that the child was dying of consump tion, and she was proceeding to Sydney I to claim the money from tbn Insurance ! Company,

The Inquest Proceeding.

Evidence of the Chief Stiwavd

Received Wakapuaka March 15, 433 pm, (This Office 7 45 p m Stdnit, March IS The Con way ie quest was resumed to-day. Fletcher, the chief steward of the Talune, deposed tbst Mrs Smith joined at Lyttelton, Before leaving Wellington she came to him and said ebe was short of the saloon passage money to Sydney by one pound and asked if she could bave saloon passage by giving security over her luggage. This was agreed to. She mentioned she had a draft for £50, which, by mistake, had been forwarded to Sydney on the night of February llth. Witness taw Mrs Smith going forward about a quarter past seven. She was carrying something covered up m a napkin, which appeared to be a plate with a glass on it. She said she was taking something for a friend. Witness then described the death of Oonway. From certain remarks made by a passenger he received the captain's instructions to go and see the lady passenger, He went and saw Mrs Smith and asked her if she knew Oonway. She replied that I she knew him slightly. Witness said to her that be had been told that Oonway's wife was aboard. She replied that she did not know he was married. Witness then went back and on the captain's instruction saw Mrs Smith again. Before Oonway died ho asked ker if she know anything about his people. She replied she knew his sister, who lived at Roslyn, Dunedin. Next day witness had another conver sation with Mrs Smith who said that at one time she had given Oonway her garden to do up as he had been out of work and was not well off. (Received March 15, 9.12 p tn) Fletcher deposed that when he told Mrs Smith Con way was dying she said "Poor fellow," The day after they reached Sydney eho said she had not been able to cash a draft. Witness explained that the non-payment of the balance of the passage money caused some annoyance. She said " Wait a minute," and brought him £2. Witness repeated the story Mrs Smith told him with reference to coming to Sydney to look after some insurance money of the child Smart, She showed him a medal and said she received it for saving the child's lifp. Fanny McDonald, stewardess of the Talune, gave evidence that when taking an order for lunch on February 19th Mrs Smith asked " What sort of poison is strychnine V Witness told her she did not know. Mrs Smith then mentioned about taking a dog to a Ohristchurch chemist who gave him something that caused him to drop of m a minute or two. The same evening »t 6.80 Mrs Smith gave an order for half a pint of stou\ She said she did nob wish to take it then but witness could bring it then. About 8. SO witness caw Mrs Smith near the foot of the companion way on the main deck. She told witness she had been to the other end of the ship to see some ladies she often spoke to. Two ladies who were travelling steerage heard her tell the chief steward she knew nothing of Oonivay, only that he helped her aboard with her boxes, She said afterwards she knew hi* brother and sifter slightly. She believed he was a poor man coming to Sydney to ieek work; Found the stoat bottle m the r»ck of Mrs Smith's cabin and threw it out of the port hole when she reached Sydney. Had several times provided Mrs Smith with stout. On reaching Sydney witness and the other stewardess lent Mrs Smith £1 each to pay the balance of her passage money, She left a watch and chain as security. Mrs Smith asked the way to the gas works of which she said her uncle was manager. The following Saturday she repaid the borrowed money. Walter Strachan, greaser on the Talunf) said that on the night of February 18th saw Mrs Smith pass the starboard alley way carrying what appeared to be a. bot;le un^nr a napkin. He then saw her seated with Oonway on the hatchway and she appeared to hand him what she had been carrying under the napkin, Elizabeth Holey, housekeeper m a hotel m Sussex street, Sydney, deposed that Mrs Smith was a hoarder at the hotel. In conversation she told witness that she was looking for Mrs Browne, who came over by the same steamer. Sh« was going to give Mrs Browne some biscuits and ffruit but failed to see her, so gave them to aMr Oonway, On the night of March Ist, the day the detectives had been to the hotel, she asked witness to Bleep with her. She said she was frightened to sleep alone. During the night the kept jumping and saying thsre was someone m the room. Some days before being arrested she told wif.ness she bad a box at her aunt's m Faddington containing two ladies 1 and one gentleman's gold watch which coet 4525, She asked witness to say nothing about the gentleman's watch, and also told witness she sent £200 worth of boots to her husband m New Zealand out of the £500 she got for saving the child's life. The day after Mrs Smith viewed Con way's body she was reading a news: paper. She exclaimed, "Good"God, this ii supposed to be a poisoning cage; all X gave him wts biscuits and plums." The inquest w«s adjourned till March .28th." - ■■' ■■■./ /■,;;■, All the witnesses, so far, have described the woman who wts eeen going forward tud sitting by Conway jaet before the fatal seizure, ts dressed m a brown mackintosh and black sailor hat.

Received Wakapoaka March 16, 93* am This Office 1015 am Sydney March 16 Mre Healey gave evidence that Mr* Smith told her thab Oonway had money and jewellery and it wa» taken, but they did not know by whom. Thu was after she had read the newspaper account of the case. WBixiHATOir, March 16 Four witnesses subpoot «<i by the Kf* Zealand Police Department go to Bydi*«y \f the Mono a tonight, to give evidence m the Oonway c«e, namely O M Brooke, ohemM, Cbrisbchurch ; A G Winsbrne, one wf nil employees ; Dennis Poparky, Hole keeper, Obristohttroh ; Constable Trebey, of Baoiner.

Cases of Poisoning.

United Press Aesooiation-~B? ElettTiQ Telegraph WELLIMOfOFt M»roh 15 In tbs Tory Street poitc&iag oast the Hospital authorities find that the symptoms are those of an irrltont poison, but ■© far investigation has failed to di«flo**r Us nature* The patieats are now almost recovered '

The Probable Sittings of Parliament.

TWO SESSIONS EXPECTED.

Dunediw, March 15 It is considered here th*t there will be two sessions of Parliament this y«»r 0 a *horjb one m May far vofcinp supplies and the pasesgc of the Indemnity Bill dealing with the expenditure of corporation! m connection with the visit of the pake and Daoheei of Cornwall, and an adjournment thereafter over the period the Royal visitor* will b« ia the colony; These matters will be decided at) Monday's meeting of the Cabinet, together with tee question whether the oolooy shall incur tht expenditure involved m the despatch of » Federal esconrt to Melbourne, and which Ministers shall attend the opening of the I Commonwealth Parliament).

The Coningham Divorce Case.

United Press Association—By Eleofcrto Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Slarck 16 The Cardinal wai examined at length, A fetter, dated November last, from the Cardinal to Dr O'Harao, wat pat is m evidence. Ih says—" I consider it ft matter of duty to convey to an official maoner my linceresb condolence m the terrible ordeal and persecution you are being eubj«eted to," After ft tribute to the mtgnifioent snccest Of Dr o'Haran'n miaistry, the Cardinal lays —" You may rest »ssored that this attempt of SaUo will be ditoomfited, and all these present trials will only add to the splendor of religion amongst a°. Our Divine blaster permits this preseab burden of persecution as a lesson to baar His cross faithfully, whilst looking solely to Heaven for reward. Should you require any material aid m four defence against this malicious conspiracy, you may draw on my account) for any sum you require."

Victoria College.

United Press Association-—By Electric Telegraph ) Willihwcon, March IS. Mr Charles Fharazyn hue communicated with th« City Council offering to increase hw donation to the Victorian College to £20CO if the question of the site for the College it dealt) with to hia safcisfuotion. He adds thai a friend of his is williDg to cor tribute £1000» He suggests the sale of the Kelburn* Park reserve as a site for the College, and the purchase of a section of land near the Botanical Gardens for Kelburne Park Th« Mayor, speaking at) the City Council, raid tkey were much indebted for the offer, baft he thought the question of the University College was one purely for the Government) to undertake. Mr Pharezyn'a offer would ba better if he made it conditional on th« government finding a site. The speaker wai opposed to selling Kelbame Park. Ultimately the matter was referred to tfat Reserves Committee,

South Africa.

United Press Association—By Eleofe Telegraph—Copyright BOER PLANS FRUSTRATED.

(Received Match 15, 917 m London, March 14 De Wet on the 11th was looated between Brand fort and Ennegwoden. The ponninf columns «re refitting prior tolmaking another combined movement. Lord $Utobener,« and General French's combinations frustrated De Wet's and flert?og'« attempted dash on St Heleßa Buy to meet a vessel bringtog arms and ammunition, while Botba oatried out the invasion of Natal, De Lisle ».nd Gorringe forestalled Krutizinger at Ad*' laide, 65 miles west of King WillUmst»w«, Krultzinger turned north The Boers derailed a train at Wilfte i River, but a blookhouce m the Tlplnitr prevented 600 Boers two hours frera plundering. Eventually the train wet sacked and burned, three British were killed, and the Boers shot eight natives travelling m the train. Reinforcements arriving, fifteen Boers were killed and many wounded.

BOER MOVEMENTS.

MORE CAPTURES OF BOERS A^D STOCK.

{Received March 15,1120 pm) London, March \i The Australian Bush men and scontf at Pienaar's River capturad twenty-five natives going to Petersburg, carrying rifles and with their bandoliers filled with cartridges. The Brussels newspaper Indtpenctmee JBelge,'* strong pro-Boer organ, d« clafes that the emanpipation of the Republics is impossible. The straggle m useless, barbarous and criminal, and all eflorte are desirable to prevent the extermination of the people. London March 15 Repeated attempts of a small com mando to break north through tb« British line between Bloemfontein and Thabancha have been repulsed with loss, Kruitginger forced a passage at Leeuwdrift, foiling De Lisle'g plan to, jam the Boers m the fork of the Great Fish and JLoonap rivers. Commandant De Jager, a noted Natal rebel has been sentenced to five years imprisonment and a fine of £5000 for treason and looting Two of De Wet's chief scouts have i sen captured, also a thousand cattle, and horses. The Mm York Sun has apologised for the garbled account* published by it some tirat ago of letters written by Lieutenant Mtrrl son, of tbi Canadian Contingent, describing British atrscitUs m South Africa. Th« Sum bas dismissed the anthor of the garbled accounts, who waa it* Ottawa oorrespeodsnti (One Boon »hob two British prisoners at Wolfna»nat*d, alto three barghm for refill* ing to fight. De Lty Rey ordtrtd their execution In revenge for bis defeat at iHartebeeitefoatafn, [Jord Methcten captured Oommaodtßt Peereon, who was largely responsible for tf»f» tragedy, The Brasilia new«p»p-<r, Vlndependence. Welgt, ft strong pro Boer organi declare* tae ein»ncipfctiou of the republics impotsible ; that the struggle is vselet*, batbarous, and orimmal : and th»l all efforts are desirable io prevfnh th-' cx'eTin'c«tion of the ps-p'e.

rHB ASEBUBaOE GtAB lAN : SATUBPAY, MARCH 16, 1901



n*to March »» »» >• »>

14 15 16 17 18

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Ri«en 568 5 59 6 0 6 1 6 2

Set* 6 SI 6 19 6 17 6 15 6 13



Phases of 1 Fall moon Last quarter Apogee New moon First, quarior Perigee

Moon foi

Feb D 4 12 9 19 26 21

bruasry H H 3 0 am 5 42 nm 7 Opm 215 p m 6 8 pno 2 0 pm



THE Rapid Lightning Shirt Glosa works wonders. Tiy a tin ; It wIU more than pay you



IT 13 Wonderfal hosr nice yoar Shirt will look after oeiug the B<*pid Shirt Gloss CUTS AND BBUIBES QOICKLT UEALEDiS Chamberlain* Pain Balm applied to a oat, bruise, burn, eoald, or like injury wiU inetaotly allay the pain, and will heal the parts m leas time than any other treatment Unless the injury is very severe i*> will not leave % scar. Pain Balm eleo cures rheu matiam, sprain*, awelSioga and lamenes* F r sale by Ashburton Drag Company YOUR REPAIRS done tst) ooe« at © Stcm'a Catb Boob Store i



ST. STEPHEN'S OEUROH Ashburton. FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT, (March 17) HARVEST FKBTIVAL. 11 » m—Matinß, Holy Communion, and Sermon 4 pm—Holy Baptism 6.30 p in—Choral,Evemong and Sermon The Bishop of Chriatohuroh will ad minist.fir tha Holy Bite of Conirmatlon on THUESD^Y, March 2let, R. A. WUODTHORPE, M.A S Vicar



AHEAD-OF THEM ALL. ALL PBAOIIOAL AED EXPERIENCED BIDKRS SAY (ARE THEIB FAYOfiITES. They are the best that money can bay Tfaeyjare the cheapest; m the long ran They are thoroughly up to date They are good, honest machines PBIOE—£2I* Oa*! and inspeot forTyonraelf. We will guarantee to please nod tnit you, GATES, LOWRY ANi CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASHBTJRTON MJT(BHLL AND TURNER "T.ZCL( »TI3ING FACTORY. TJLJ E have just concluded oar HALF-YEABLY STOCKTAKING and *"* have thrown out s number of odd lines, which we have marked at prices that will effect a speedy clearance. —SEE THEM AT DOOR.= MEN'S HABD AVD SOFT HATS AT Is EACH. MEN'S SOFT SHIRTS. AI M 01 TABIE3 yOF TIES, ALL BEDUCED TO 6d &1b Men's Leather Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Kid Shops IDs 6d* Women's Canvas Shoes 3s 6d, Children's 2h 6d Men's Tan Pboes 6s 6d, Men's Tan Boota 15s. NZ. CLOTHING FACTORY. i WALL V_A PERB. TT7I HAVE TO HAND) per the tot Home boat—29 Bales of the very atest ABTISTIO FAPERHAHGINGS, the Colourings »nd Desigus o v/hich are decided works of art laeladed fa the shipment are JSeaotifa "frieses and Borders to match the Papers I bold the largest slock of WALL PAPERS m South Canterbury Clients can therefore rely uponh ing a large variety of each respective sort to choose from. J-r-i-T-r*-** m ait house deooiutor akd sign -11/TT VA AT • WRITER. VV 1 1 il 11 I \\ Opposite Mail ©"Bee, « If XXJKJv/JLlit Bamett! Street. P 0 Bo* 16. Telephons FOR TOURING AND' ORDINARY EVERY DAY RIDING MASSEY-HARRIS BICYCLES ARE ESSENTIAL. THE Ttoino, Sprockets, etc, m a MASSEY ahe or sues man geabe MAWSEIAI- and the w-rk put into ifcs tnanDfaotur© «o carefully carried ! not, that the MA.SSEY-HARRIS bicycle wra. wmhstakb th« sevbrbst OSAOB Codntbt bi»ees who trade wtrh the MAS6EY HARRIS CUMPAKY CAN BBIY UtON ABSOLIOTB SATISFACTION BEING GIVEN. : OX3B OUARABTBB if A ÜBERA.Ii OSE Hild the TIBHS EASY, Jr ECONO haw) M ACHiHES are taken m pabld paybikkt. '. Canada Cycle & Motor Co,, Limited. (MASBBY-HARRIB BRANCH) ; . DUHEDIN BEPOT-12IA GEORGE STREET. Branches nnd Agenclea everywhere throughout Kew Zealand. SMOKE ONLY NEW VENUS A PERFEOf TOBACCO. McDCNALD & COY TJOtTSB T)AINTIKG, QD&ILOR", Burnett Street. IIOtJSE X AINHNG. -—' „ , IN Gomequmce of having oompftfatlveiy iGNWRtTiKQ. JQiTO, MO BAD DEBTS L**) it\ try e T i,. higgs, NO OLD STOCK 4-1 111 Takoubo *n**_ N0 Mife» n^ oMIIU 4" Ooogh Core,, Waheo, Koolibah and WE o»n offer you ft Rplsediid Snib »b BanJKffiio Gam go to Abhbuszon! the »hoy« 6gar*. $106 X3>BO 0}