THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains save Anhburton daily for— OHRIBTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 *m 3.15 p m, 76 p m (exprese) TIM ARD—at 10.55 a m, 3.50 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) BPRINGBORN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive dally at Aahbartoa from«— OHBISTOHPROH—»* 10.45 am, 12.48 an(expresß), 8 pm" TIMARU-at 10.36 a m, % 65 pm DDNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (expreacjl SPRINQBURW-at 5.45 a ""^^^.j

EPHEMERIS

Pbae»» of Moon f«i February

SON.

Mail Notices

Mail* olon for the folloMDg pleoea »» wider, isbjeot U the necetewy alterttioni s WBDNBBDAY, MARCH 15 i For Northern Forta »nd Weits Cowt, per EtiosKmUc, »t 6 30 p.m; l»t« fee lottery ga»rd'» T*n expr«M THURSDAY, Match 1* For Aa«tr»iUn Oolonies Ti» Bjdoey, per W*iher», »b 10 SO » m For Northern pott* And Wottpart, per Robom»h»n» »t 630 pn; l*te fee letters, so«rd'e rt,n ozpreii B FRIDAY, March 15 For jGr«yuKK»fcb ? per Rowmond »t 10 50 ft m F6rHcrth«n Port* wa4 Weatpftril, fclio Auitr»ii»n Oolooiea (dv« f ydaey tt«roh|Q)i United Kingdom (dne JLondoo April 2?) »n<l Oontfaeot of Europe, ipeoiftlly »ddfe»i«d>i* Brindld, indU, Cbipa, S&raitm BeMilsmant, oatath Afrlot. eta, »l«o pueeli for O»nkd*| Per Moan*, «ti 630 pm, Ufc« fea httsri

Commercial.

ABHBURTON STOCK MARKET. The following oonolodea oar report cf (be sate yesterday s— For the Urge entries of store aheep trade in young stock was spirited, and a good clear ance of this class was made, but other lota were negleoted although rather better enquiry existed thin prevalent at last auction. The high prices ruling at the Guiverden led to the belief that the drop r.f '8a reported at luet Aahburton bblb Wou'd be recovered bat this aid cot etentusto although a distinctlybetter demand existed. The Farmers' Co operative Aseqoiation sold 131 two tooth crossbred store ewes at 17a $€, 131 at IBe 81, 297 at I.B*, 192 old ewes at 10s llri, 83 at U, 246 6 and 8 tooth at 16> 9d, 241, h»4 bred »t lla.snd fromßsrford Estate 663 at 12-»~Mr P«s*ohe'« sheep brought good rates in 18s 9d, 13b 6d, and 18s for 300, 400, and 200 hsUfbred ewe», 697 wethers 16s lOd, iiftles q! »boi».l»oibi were 229 »t 10s lOd 99 at «?• ">d 15* »t 7s 6d. The Aisooifttlon hai » large yarding of store pigs which met with a good sale in 18s 3d eaoh I for thelloe« . MrDThnm»aao!d 200 Umha K b 15. 6d, | 117 at 12s, 27 »t 12t 9 , 129 ftb Us sd, 54 nierlno ewes at 8s 77 »t 12s 6d and from fWiodermere estate 503 »t 12« Bd, 280 half bred 4 tooth wethers brought 15s 6d, 330 at 16« Id, 350 two tooths It* 310 at 14s 360 %wt> and four touthcrogfbrod ewt» 19 < 3d,and 436 from ectate n! J Billantyne realised 14*. Meisrn FrirdUnder Bros soid 68 kmbs at 8« 6d, 166 at 11s 6-1,185 half br«ds at 13i -258 merino ewes 7s BiJ, 600 afc Bs-from J Grigg they cleared in oonjanetfon wi^h Mr Tbom»s 1106 msrlrio ew«B at Ms 3d 419 6u!)b at 7« 3d. 292 half bred «we» from Ooldstream bought 14« Bd, 114 at 14s 6d, other ewes brought 13s 6d for 757, 251 onlli at 9s— 602 half bred we *henl6i6d

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1901.

Ths idea of Captain GAM Buckley to give the corps he commands a thorough training in the kind of work, whfch would fall to their lot if on active service is an excellent one, and it is to be hoped that the volunteer authorities will carefully consider the propriety of giving our local soldiers Bitni'ar training at least once a year. The old fashioned system of yearly encampments may have its advantages, bat they are small compared with the benefit that must be derived by the troops from scouting and other kinds of work now requited on active service. Moreover we believe that the holding of volunteer rncatnp ments. ia open to the very Redout ob jection that tht younger and less ex perienced members of the force are too often brought into close contact with highly unsatisfactory—-not to say injurious—surroundings. Everybody knows that although the majority of our volunteers are very respectable young men, a fair proportion of thwm have acquired habits, which to put it mildly are not such that we should care to lee more extensively practised But we all know what ia the effrcfc of close association, assisted by bad example. Then there ia the canteen, a standing menace to the callow and inexpe ri»nced youths who form such a con , siderable proportion of our volunteer c rps. We aay without fear of contra diction that the volunteer encampment canteen has been the ruin of many young fellows, who would probably not have fdlen into dissolute habits, if they had not been brought into such close contact with the temptation to overstep the bounds of moderation. If therefore, there were no other reasons than those we have mentiom et for pre furring the system of military train ing inaugurated by Captain Buckley, it should raeut with universal approval. But regarded from the stand point of utility alone the training be proposes to give his e>rps tpust be infinitely more valoable than anything they could learn while encamped in a fixpd locality with pretty nearly every convenience at their tent doors. Tbia does not happen on active service. The South African war has exploded many ancient theories concerning military tactics, and it is the duty of the autho» rities to lose no time in adapting oar system of training volunteer* to the altered state of things. We are not aware whether o<»ptain Buckley i« acting under instructiona from head quarter* or not. We rather think not, since if we are not mistaken the Ash burton Mounted Rifles will be the first volunteer corps in New Zealand to attempt the rjoandiuvrei which they will begin on Friday. We understand that one division will go up towards tho bills and entrench, and that later on a W?nd division will start on ft scouting expedition, #ud endeavour to locate and, if possible, outsmk them. This being exac ly the kind of work which occupies our troops in South Africa, it is obvious that it is what is required here. We havo no doubt that [ farmers and landowners in the line of march will place no difficulty in the way. On the Other hand we understand that the members of the two companies have been instructed to avoid injuring private property in the execution of their qimr^avres, We •re sanguine that the forthcoming expe dition of the Ashburton Moan ted Riftes will inaugurate a very desirable cfoaogf jn volunteer training in New Zealand.

Local and General.

' ■♦ . Thai* ARfttKfit*¥9KTS -Excnrelon fanes for St J?*triekß Sports at Tiinaru and Geraldine on the 10th »jce announced by the Kailway department AGo A Hbad Borough —It) i& propoeodi to take a poll on the. question of raising a loan toprdvide a wsiermpply and drainage system for Tetnuks. Tho sum to bd raised is £5000—£3000 for the water supply and £2000 for the drainage. N«W ZEALAND iNtUKANOB COMPANY.—Mr Parsons the Ohrhtohuroh manager of the Now Zealand Insnraßoe Company wa» in Ashbnrton lasts week and appointed Messrs Kicoll Bros nub »R«nts for the company in the Aihbnrton district. Th« New £ealand ootnpany with a subscribed capital of £1,000,000 ia well knownas one of the wealthiest Insurance companies in the col ony transacts a large measure of business business from Auckland to the Btaff and his important branches and agencies in all parts of the world. Messrs Nlooll Bros advertise that ihey will he pleated to auppiy aii neoetsary Information ID intending Insurers, A BKWMX Absauw—The Magistrate *fc Duntdin yesterday made an example of a youcg man who did not appear to answer ■ oharge of assaulting bis sister. The defen dent, it was shown, oalled ab the boas* and Bttaok bis sister, a married woman, severe blow* on the face, blackening her eys and the whole side of the faae. The blow on the •ye was described by a mod foal mau as par* tioularly severe, the eya still being disco!* oared, although the assault was committed two months ago. As counsel did! oot^ pren 'f ot a term of imprisonment, the Ma*istta*« infiieted a fine of £5 anil eoit», £2 83. half I the fine to go towards jpaying ths mediosil giptnsesc b

: WxAHiHK Riport —Captain Edwin fore casts: —Strong southeast to east and north winds; glass full, indications of froat« Thb Cobhwam. At Thk 0a?«,~ The Premier Is adviaed of the atrivalof the Cote' w*U with the Sixth Contingent at Capetown. Ik was expected that the troopship would be sent to JPast London, seeing that the plague is spreading in Opetown. , . Bobr Ctimios—A large natnber of persons waited bi hind after last night* lecture for the purpose of Inspecting the big collection of Bsisr curios. It U the- intention of Lieutenant Hughes to again plaoe tbem on ozhibitirn tonight. CommwWMALtk Ftstirinm— Bud very few New Zealanders were privileged to use the ! decorations cf Sydney during the late Commonwealth festivities. Whilst over there ■L'eut.enant Hughes took a. largo num' her of beautiful views, nil of whioh will be put on the screen at tonight's leobtfre at tbe Oddfellow. Hall, Tiaohkr'b Sa&asin.—The Wellington cor respondent of the Obftgo Daily limtt tele graphs : " Owing to the diversity ot opinion that exiiti aa to framing a colonial aoale of teachers' salaries, the Cabinet) has decided to •et up a Royal commission to report upon the question of dealing with the matter per* mftnenfc'y. The commission ia to consist of five members, who will bo representative of the boards of education, the teaehera, the Government, and the Legislature, " In Fbaiss or If vw Zbaxahd—New Bealand always enterprising and go-ahaad, •«?• tfae lionduo Daily Chrtnitk, "is alieftdy mtkioß » bid forth* South African trade and! Mr Seddon ia o*Uiag for tenders for % tegular atearoiship service between tbe two ceuntries The New Zealsnderß have picked up a good d^al of the American style of "hustling" in matters of business, nad ff latu yeare thiy have gone ahead of their Aaatralian neighbors in i pening ont tbo trade of the Pacific. Now they are rushing past Australia's dooe to gat their prodnoti fir. t into the Afr'ean market, and, no doubt a lucrative oonneotion will goon spring up between the two places, 18 Discount Stamfs—-Dlaoounb etampa Insoed onder the provisions of the Trading Stamps Abolition and Discount gtarap I3ue Act, 1900, are now procur able at any money order office. The discount stamp is of one value only, namely, one farthing, and i« not available for prepayment of postage or purpose* of receipt f Discount atttnps will be re* deemed at their free value at any money otder office if presented in quantities of Is ;or any multiple thereof. Prior to presentation they mnsfc ba affixed to the special form provided for the purpose, a supply of which may be obtained at any money order office :£. St. Patrick's Bat Cohokbt.— To-morrow evening the St Patrick's Day concert j will be held ia thn Oddfellows' Hall, aad with thia iaaue we circulate the programme. The firat part is. oompoaed of inatrsmental and vocal items) which will be rendered j by some «f our best talent, and the numbers they have chosen being moatly of the evergreen and popular kind will no doubt find favour with their audience. Not the least attractive item during thia part of the entertainment will be an Irish dance by four ladies and four gentlemen, ! whioh Bhonld recall to many the dear old days of long ago. The second part of the programme it taken up with an original faioe entitled " Declined with Thank*," to , be put on the boards by the Cathoiio Literary Society's Dramatic Glass. The okas have been working hard at thia farce for some time and should give a good account of themselves. Great Clew's Ghost poor wasted frame, Thar omjo full vigor did possess. Can't be a man in else bub name, His o ugh has brought him such distress The undertaker Bmiles to think Next wlnber's oold he'll not endure Oh ne'er say die, bat take a drink Of W E Woods' Great Peppermint Cur

Our Boys at the Front.

_— <» • XTRACT FROM LETTER BY COR PORAL H. J; 0. HARPER. Balmobal, Feb 1 My last letter was written front Pretoria ?ibout the iniddtu of last mooth ; since than we hare had a grand easy time, camping thorn for three dtvys to be partly refitied after oqr tnarchir-g in 'he bunh veldt. VVe then startled for this place, and reached it in fr>ur easy dats march. On the way, one of fche 2nd Contingent (Earl, Colonel Cradock'f orderly), was sniped at from » farm near Bronkhiirit Spruiir. It was bad luck, but he should have known better than to go off foraging on hp own account to far from the column. He had an Australian with him. It appears they wer« surprised at» the farm by si* Boers and tried to Ret away. Earl wu the wotat mounted and his horse either fell or was hit; the laid saec of him was returning the fire The Au«tralian cam* in j and reported, and a troop wai seat oat j immediately, bat it was too late and they , only found his body. At Balmoral we \ camped several days f it was here again the 2nd Contingent had bad lack, getting two men killed and four wounded, one of whom hit sinoa died* It et>m« about this way A reconnalsance was tent out under Major Tunbridge including 60 of the second and about 130 of other oorpt, They went south west about eight miles and were returning, when the Boers attacked the rearguard (N.Z.M.R ) They stood their ground but were out numbered, and the casualties occurred before assistance oould *be lent. Oaptain Orawshaw (Titnaru) was grounded, not dangerously. This officer one of the gamesfc we have, was hit at Rhenosber Kop, und had only just rejoined u<n W« moved out immedinteiy to where our men were phot apd samped for several days and (entrenched. ?f c ejpeefced to be in the big general moye taking plape iv this district, but: wo were ordered back to Unmoral and are now under orders for @loemfontein or Norrai'a Point j most of the Brigade (Plutaer*) have started and 10 N2M.S, the rest »re waiting to entrain any minute. What oar work is to be dewn country we don't) know, but the general impression is that we join Lord Kitchener's general move to dear the Orangt Colony, »nyhow it will be a grand change for us 16 is surprisingly opoler during the last fortnight. I think wa ara y<4l jSjrough the summer eveiyone expected to be i'& Ireaifu! > certainly many jof our fellows »re sick, but it) is not so bad •8 I expect^, I «tn M fit as ever, and am itill in my good billet on the staff. Colonel Robin went into Hospital a week ago and | M»for Towsey is in command. I expect ■ Colonel Rofein Sflll rejoin «>g»in sinoe we are going loubh, We»re«,!l waiting anxiously j for the arrival of the Sixth" Qontipgent, to see if they are reliefs or nob. . '

Borough School Committee.

I The jusq*l wonthlj meeting of the Borough I School Committee wits held laab erenteg. j There were presenfc--Meßsr« W Craighead, (chairman), J Pbaup, H G Btrrytnto, H Steel, and W MoGallum After the general routine business, the chairman read an apology from 9 Mr H M Jones The committee had a credit balance In the hank of £1 14s Id, the chairman remarking that he bad cob known it ao low for some time OORR«SrOK9INOK Correspondence wan read ai follow* ;-— From the Board of Bduoation stating thai Hiia Scaly hid been appointed an pupil teacher to the eohael!; from ths same, that the allowance to the Committee applied for had been granted V; VAtTIB'B BBTOVS The masterU r«p<>ffc showed an RTgrage a^teodaooe of 355. th* bigheafc for one day 417. The matter pointed oat that a slight drizzle or Biokneii wonld keep away dozens, He did aob know what the parents were thinking of. There were over SO absent erery day. He also suggested to the Com mittee that a Hobby Show be held at the lohool, and suggested that a small tub committee of say two be formed to help Mrt Willis and himself to make all arrangements in concoction with the came The Chairman and Mr Phaup were appointed for the purpose ALMUfVOH SCHOOL The Allenton report was then read show i ng that th» ationdatici wai not good, The

highest number present on one day, 78 ; arer&ge ?4 ; number on roll 84 excursion After all matters in oonntoiion with the eiouriioß hud been squared off, the Commit 1 tee were 103 2d in credit. The Chairman explained himtelf agreeably Bur prised at the reult, Close on 500 people went with the excursion TISITIK& QOHHITTEI I The Visiting Committee forth* lait month: reported on the eohool, Tha steps lending into the puroh of the lofatiu school wanted repairing, »nd one of the windowa is the Mine department would cob open einoe the AltefmtioDH, and one of tha infant! black boards wild ted repainting Mr Berry man complained that they aould not get the ont door caretaker to out ihe fences fch« w*y they wanted th«m atst Menra Berryman itnd McGaHum wer* appointed a Tiiiting Committee for the en ■«ing month JOOOtrKva After pining accounts to the amonnb of £8 2c 5d the moating adjourned

CORRESPONDENCE.

: -»■ (We do not h#ld onrielvvg ren(wetiblt to* opinions ojcpremed tor onr corretpondenU

THE DOMAIN.

TO TH* 881908. Bib,— •& few things that require the prompt attention of the Domain Board, are, removal of aeverftl loads of till!! taken from the race at tho edge of ths bai/hi, torn* months ago, and still laying where then plaoed, Bapairn to dre«eing roomi and replacing spring board at birth*. Removal of Knbblnh heap in cernsr of domtin near the entrance) at, West) Street Painting of rail fence in tame locality, ihit time with white 1«*(] and oil. Removal of broken wilte". 1* tree in the reach of water near Mr IWki houae, this if allowed to grow in the water will b« muoK more difficult to re* ■ore later oo.—Yoora &o\ Casual Tiiiiob.

ST. PATRICKS DAY SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

♦.. Tha following are the Handicaps :— Halk Mi&b Bicrouo Handicap—First heatj—G Sutherland sor, W C Clarkson, 50ydi, J On, 65yd», H L William* 75ydt, J E Marriott 80yds, EC Wood 100 yds. Second heat—A R Barker lSydt, J Cornell 65yds, 0 0 Willis 60yds, B Burt 80yd>. F Sutherland 90yds, J Patterson lQsydi. Omb Mils Barren* Handica*,—Firit heat~-G Sutherland icr, W 0 Olarkson 70yds, C WiUii 80yd», HL Williams llSydc, J Paterson 135 yds, E Bart 14Qyd». Second he*t,—A R Barker 25yds, J Connell 75yds, T Olarkson 80yds, J Orr lOOydi, J E Mar* riot 130 yds, F Sutherland ISCyds. Two Mile S* Patrick s Whbki. Race.— 6 Sutherland tor, A R Barker 45yds, VV C CJarknon 120 yds, J Connell 130 yds, T Clarkson ISOydB, 0 C Wit! s 140 yd», J Orr 150 yd s( H L Williams 2Ooyd», J X Marriott 240 yds, J Pfttterson 250 yds, E Barb 260ydi, F Batberlt>nd 275. Lokgskaoh HANDiCAr, 1^ Miies (8?ooad Claas)—W O Olarksonior, Q O Willis 10yds, ,T Orr 30yd?, JOonnell 50yd8, H L WiUiaais 90yds ( Ed. Burt 120 yds, E C, Wood 130 yds, 3 Patereon 145 yds One Milb Amathur Handidap—H Amos sor, D Rodger* 35yds, R D Johnston 95yds, W Purchase 110 yds, W kmaa 110 yds, G T Kobinaon 120 yds, P Gray 130vds, P Kioholls 130rdB, W Bowling 150 yds, W J Bjbertnon 165 yds, W G Hawthorne 195 ATHLETIC EVENTS Sheffield Handicap, 155 yd»—First heat—F Somers scr, 8 A Lewis 7yds, W ] Maharry Byds, J Feohney 10yds. A J Parker 12yds, R Johnston 14yds, J McGee 16ydi.— Second heat— P O Warhurton Sydn. J Heg arty 7ydi, W Pilcher 9yds, W Houston 111 yds, W G Gunn 12yds, W Walls llyda.T] Noian I§J da,—Third heat—J Davison per, A M Murray 6vd«, J MoTigue Byds, J T Birch 9yde, F W Payne 12/ d», W Fitzger aid 12yd*, A Smith 15yd'.—Fourth heat—C Bridges 6yde, W G Waldeu 7yde, E MoFad den 7yda, A Bennett Syde, A J Bvriett . 11yds, T J Rossitcr 12yds, A Pilcher 15yds 440 Yards Handicap— F Somers cor, J Davison cor, R Bennison 10yds, S A Lewis 15yds. J Hejjarty 16yds, E McFaddtn 16yds, J Peohaey 19yis, J T Birch 22yds, W Pil ober 22yds, A Bennett; 23yde, A Witaou 25yds, E W Cobeldlck 25yd«, WFitzgeru'd 27yds, J Br»nkin 29yds, B Hogan 32yds, R Johneione 39yds, D Wilson 40yd? f T Nolan 42yda : B Moriarty 45yds 120 Yards Huhdles—Firtt Heal—R John stono ecr, W Walk 4yds behind, A* Wilson 7yds behind, A Bennett 11yds behind, E Mo Fadden ;ißyds bdhi'd. Second Heat—l) Wilson sor, J Braokin lyd behind, W Hous ton 3ydi behind, W Fitzgerald 7yds behind, J MoTlgne 15yds behind. 220 Yards, Amateur—J Lynskey ecr, J Priedtandar 3yd9, W Andersoa 3yds, A Robertran 9yds, A McNickell 9yds, B Culverhouso 12yde, E Mariden 12yds, W H Woods I3ydt, A May 16yds i 100 YABpg, A^atkpb—First heat—J Lyntkey scr, W Anderson lyd, A Robertson 4yds, B, Calverhoate syds, E Mariden 6yds. —Second heat—J Fricilander scr, Q Fried' lander Byds, A McNlokall 4yds, W H Woods sydsl, A Msy 7yds Maiden Handicap. ICOTds—Fitsb Heat— A J Parker ecr, X J Roisiter cor, J) Wilton 4yds, B Moriarty #yds, J McGee 6yds, A Hunt 10yds, M O'Connor 10yds.—Second Heat—A 3 Barretter, F W Payne aor, W G Gunn scr, W Walls lyd, J Kavanagh 4yd*, B Hogan 4yds, Jos Healf Byds, F Higgini lydi. «'"■■ Bots 1 Kaoi, 155 yds» tinder 16—G Campbell •or, 8 Grange aor, J Knight 2yds, J Lindsay syds, R Minnis syds, R Grange 6yds, L Madden 7yds, W Gobbie 7yds, F Moroan Byds, H FrietUander 10yds. Boys' Race, 250ydt,ander 14—G Oampbell sor, S Grange ior, J Lindsay 7yd», R Grange Bydi, L Madden 10yds, W Gobbe 10yds, F Moroan 12yds, V Hunt 10yds, H Friedlander SSydi.

The arranjiemonti for the annual gathering of Sf PAtriok'a Society wbjqb t^kaa plaos on ihe Dom»in tpmorrow, have been Tery iktii* !iotorfly carried out and »■ there are first olftdß entries and every prospect o! fine weather there should be a good attendance.

A Valuable Queensland Opal.

__— ♦ PROBABLE GIFTJTO TEIE KING. (Jolted Preifl Association—By Eieotrlo Telegraph—Copyright a Lon»ON, March 11 A Queensland opal, re ported to be j worth £600,000 Is being exhibited at the Victorian Agency' General. It is stated that the owner intends to offer It to the King as a contribution to his regalia in honour at tbe establishment of the Australian Commonwealth

Russia and China.

THE MANOHURIAN CONyENTJON United Press Association—-by Klftctrlo 5 1«legtapH--Gopyrighb London, March \ 3 The Shanghai correspondent of the limes statea thai RiusJa Hm notified Ohm» tbsfe unless tbe MaoohuriaQ Convsotioo is promptly iigned hareber terms will bo iub* •tituVed.

Wesleyan Conference

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, March 12 , The Weuleynn "Coßfereuoe h»s »ppro*ed jfcbn third draft of station?. Those for the* O»ntCTbury district are :— Chirstcburob— (Dm htm street J.Reyg. W. Baumber, C H LiW-, T F Jones R J Murray, J W Barton, R 8 Bonn, J Smith, and L M leitfc (without pastoral ohnrgo) ; oonaexsoan! lecrfUry, Rev Dt Motley'; Ohri«tohuroh Soofeh— Rev»- W Lee »»d T N Griffio ; St Albans—Bov W G P*riODton ;* Pap*n«l—R«». W D*w bow j Lytteitoß— Rov D McNiooll; Spring stoir—RevH J J Mother and J H H««l»m ; Lee»ton~HoT VV Q Beok ; Kakpoi, Bevc : J OrCH*rd »n' C Portbr % Rangier*, Revs A Petit«, S BnrD«tt, and T A Joa^hm ; Oxford—Rev, B H Gingvr ; Amberley and Wnikftrl — Home mi«iion»ry ; T!tn»ru— Re* J N Battle ; W»tmkts—Rtv J BSißht; T^muku—R«t W Tintley; Aihbartou— Btv T Fit | Willowby—Rev J D Jtty ; M»!vern—Rev A Render ; Methyen, Oheviot *nd U&ok't PanlonaU—lSach hnmq mi»iion »«"y. ■■ .... . 4 Th« Oonfereno* otmolu&m us itttSags fco-nlgfeb. A resolution wai p«sted recom msndiDg the Introdaotion into Parliamoct of «, Bill to deolda by reforendam whether It ie the will of the people that there should b« daily Bible reading in mhoola.

THE DEATH ON THE TALUNE.

' »■ RESUMPTION OF INQUEST. feTAETLTNoTiVIDBNOE. DISCOYBRY O~F~~BTRYOHNINB IN OON'WAY'S REMAINS. / United Frets Association—-by Electric Telegraph—Copyright Stdhby, March 12 At tha inquest on Con way, the Government Analyst deposed that at a remit of a chemical »nalysis of "the contents of the Btomacb, removed by the Government Pathologist at the post mortem examination on February 21«t, he found strychnine present in quan tity amounting to Dearly three-quar ter* of a grain, He also examined a ; kidney, the left side of the heart, tod a portion of the liver, taken from Oonway's body on March 2nd, after exhumation, and found strychnine in all. He found the poison in all the viscera and their contents. Three quarters of a grain of strychnine in some organs of the body was a deadly dose. The Government Pathologist, re called, said that half a grain would kill a man. There were indications that the poison wai introduced by the month. The symptoms manifested by Oon way when dying were, in witness' opinion, proof that death was due to strychnine. Strychnine could not be readily taken with food without the taste being detected. If it 'were ad ministered in beer it could be much more readily concealed. Alfred Allen, who worked his passage by the Talune, said he became acquain ted with Oonway a couple of days after the boat left Wellington. Before Oonway was seized with the fatal illness he saw a lady go forward. A few minutes afterwards she went away again. Shortly afterwards the same lady, judging by her dress, came forward again, ?■ he seemed to have something under her mackintosh. She spoke to Oonwiy, and the two sat down on the hatch. Oonwsy then put something to bin mouth as if drinking, Oonway and the woman sat conversing for about half ao hour Subsequently Oonway, while talking to witness and a companion, said, in referring to the woman with whom he bad been sitting, " that is my missus " Oonway handed witness and his mate each a plum, which be snid his missus bad bought. He also said she bad brought him a drink, said to Conway, " It seems funny that the lady should travel saloon and you forward," Conway replied, " You always save money ; you can never be too careful," Witness and his com panion went away for a short time, and when they c&tne back they found Oon way ill. In witness' opinion the lady in Oourt (indicating Sirs Smith), judging from her height and build, <#as the one he saw sitting on the hatch with Oonway, He did not notice her face, Witness, himself, next morning was seised with a fit, but did not attribute it 'to the plum Oonway gave him.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Elootrlo Telegraph—Copyright: London, March 8 The wreck of the Astlona (previously cabled ag Avlona) ,on the rocks at Bilbao, Spain, in which 23 personb were drowned, was due to a gale extinguish-! jug a light on the rocks where she perished. The price of steel in America has ad vanced 2| dollars a ton as a result of the formation of the steel trust The death, is announced of Baron Stumm, of the German firm of Krupp and Stumm, the famous gun *nd war material makers. The condition of the Karl of Kimberley Leader of tjae Opposition* in the House of Lottie, which on Sunday last was reported to be critical, is now improving. Mr Benjamin Harrison, who was President of the United States from 1889 to 1898, and who was appointed by President McKinley as a member of the International Court of Arbitration, established by the Hague Peace Confe rence, is seriously ill, his condition being regarded apt critical, % a toiler explosion at phicago forty persons were buried in the ruins. Twelve girls, who were badly injured, were extricated; It is believed the remainder of the men »od women are dead, ' ' ■"" .-.'■' .'" Great Britain, in a dignified reply, expressed regret that she was unable to accept the American Senate's amend merits to the Hay Pauncefote treaty in connection with the Nicaraguan Canal: Great Britain made no counter proposals At an inquest on victims of beer poisoning at Liverpool the jury found the presence of poison in the beer due to oareleisless, but not to culpable negligence, Mr Balfour has consented to the appointment of a committee to enquire infco the ooronation oath. 1 The steamer Kinfauns Oastle, belong' ing to the "Onion Castle Line; running to South Africa, is ashore at the Needle« i Isle of Wight.

Arrest of a Returned Trooper.

Unit*! Press AspooiiiHoc—ijf Electric Telegraph—Copy r i eh t Dunkdin M*rch IS The young man arrested at New Plynaotth on a charge of obtaining £5 by nnni of falie pretences from Mr Smith, fcoretaty ie the F<*triotie Fund Committee, here, ii no invalided trooper from Sooth Afnst, wbtrt h« wai wooridel on two or three Gflettioui. He is alleged to btre mftde • aeries of greii tnißrepreeeo(a*jo!i» (olbeooaimitU*, prawn* ftbly with the object of obtaining money, tad flnnVy he stated that he came down tron Wellington on receipt of information that hit mother, resident in Hilton, wai djriog. Lster on he ie said to have told (be aqmnittaa th*t his mother was 4ead, und aikvi (bua to git* him monetary aeßfotanee to bnry bm» This irrqaeat the aotnmittee agreed to, bat on enquiry being made, it wai diaoovered that he never had been a reiident of Milton, and had no relatives. It was alao diaeoverei—it ii alleged—that instead al being kt Miltos, he was intoxicated at Sooth Pnnedia.

The Coningham Divorce Case.

I _ —^ Semi Stußttfo&i Frottiitfc United Press AiitociatioD—By Eleettki Telegraph—Copyright Stdnbt, March 13 The eross-exaroinatton of Confngfcajß lasted * great part of the day. At the conclusion, in amwer to Mr Waatfa . statement that he would show (h« judge and jary this was a conspiracy, the petitioner said the letters alleged to hare passed between him and the respondent since the last trial, which had been put in as evidence, w«w forgeries. He would prore forgery, perjnry, seduction, and very newly ■nrder, The petitioner called respondent, whose examination was r.ot finished when the court adjourned;

Dockers Strike at Marseilles

■-»■>».♦ ■ v Paris, March 11 A dockers strike has been in opera* tion at Marseilles for a fortnight. The crews of vessels and clerks are unloading packages from ships, and troops are guarding the warehouses and docks. A number of warehouses h»ve been closed owing to the lack of raw material

THE LATEST Home and Foreign

United Pren Amooiatlon—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapnaba March 13, 950 am This Office 10 40 am THE TCAD MULLAH London, March 12 The Abyssinian forces under Rosma* komen, defeated the Mad Mullah with heavy lots, capturing many prisoner! and great booty. THE KINFAUNS OASTLB The Kinfauna Castle has been re* floated. PLAGUE The plague at Capetown is tpreading amongst the better classes. Received W«kapu«ka March 13, 9 54am This office 10 40 a m A SHINING EXAMPLE Sydsey. Marcb 13 The Daily Telegraph, commenting on Mr Chamberlain* despatch to Sir George O'Brien, with reference to Ml aspersions on the native policy of New Zealand, says that as it happened Sir G O'Brien selected for condemnation the native policy, which is attuning example of honourable intention! and solicitous administration. One other noteworthy phase of the affair is tbs extraordinary mrcuinstance that any Australasian Governor should not be folly informed of at least, the broad details of a prominent colony's native policy, We should have thought an acquaintance with Australasian native policy would be a sine #ua non tn tht equipment of any official holding the position cf Governor of an Aottra* latian colony, where there is compara tively an immenie native population. TROUBLE IN NOUMEA Advices from Noumea state thai some of the native chiefs have refused to pay taxes, and a party of soldier* were sent to enforce payment An. engagement took place and two Frtnch men were killed. Received Wakapuaka March 12, 9 16 a a, Thi>offi"<}9 52am Paris, March 12 In the Chamber of Deputies, M Pel letan, during a discussian on the Beli* giona Associatioss Bill, said that a member of the Head Quarters staff had confided the army mobilisation plane to a Jesuit father. The Bill represented : a fight for freedom. RtceiTsd Wakapnaka March 13,116 am This Office 11 45? a m Lospps, March 18 The coronation of the King ii e^p«pted ip takeplape jp Mayor J"ne nest year*

SOUTH AFRICA

KITOHENEK'S ESCAPE THR NEGOTIATIONS THE CENSURE ON GENERAL OOLVILLE United Press Association—By Elettrie Telegraph—Copyright (R»cetved W&kapuaka Mftrohl.3, 916 ft m This office 10 6 a m Lonmn, March 12 Particulars have been published'of Lori JJUtahener's escape at Balmoral og 23rd. Referring to this incident en officer narrates that a pilot epgine had gone over the' line' and reported all clear. , Kitchener ordered two heavily ladea tracks attached to the pflpt engine to retest the suspected spot. When they reached the spot they were blown to pieces. A hundred concealed Boers rushed upon the shattered trucks and found the mangled remains of the engine driver. The early result of the negotiation! between Kitchener and Botha are hopefully awaited. At Pretoria it is thought Botba will surrender, even if De Wet decline*. In the Commons, Mr Brodriok ex- - plained;that Lord Roberts had gravely censored Lieut General Sir Henry Ool yille. He was blamed for not attempt ing to save the «suns lost at Sannas Poet, and subsequently neglecting to ' help Colonel Spragge and the frith _ Yeomanry near Lindiey, / - Received W»k«ptiaka M»rch 13, II 6am* ftutOffioallttam Loxooh, March 12 Colonel Gorritige having secured fresh remounts, is pursuing Kruit sio|er Mstward«,

THE ASHBtJRTON Gi^KDIA: : WEDNESDAY, MABOE 13, 1901



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GARDJBITfiosa from 4d per food Rubba and OanvM Hoae of the beat quality, Ncsel Spray Tape, eto, Large stock to eelecb from at the lowest prices.—Hahdlky Baos Smoke New Venas



Bandbb & Sons' Eucalypti Exibaot— Under the distinguished patronage of Hit Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versitiee all over the globe, That theorode, resinous oils, which are sow foisted upon th* yublio under the name of Buoalyp*, Extracts, may not be mistaken (or Sander & Sons' Pare Volatile Eucalypti Exfcraot, we state :~-It 18 proved by tescs aiade by the Medical Clinics of the Universities ab Bonn and Qriefswald (Prnslia), tbftt only products tbafc are saturated with oxygen and freed o acids, resinons and other substances 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, lo croup, bronchitis, diphtheria.dysentery, Internal Inflammation, etc., insist) fn getting Sawdbb awd Sons' Pubs Vo&atini Euoa liTPTI Bxxbaot, »nd be safe.



BOOT Boots Prom Is to 30a, at— Mki.lok's Zealandj-? Boot Store timoke New Venus



g ; PBIBgIMAN_ FOB BALE. A CHOICE HOMBTin AHentosu Fall partlonlars'on application. F, FBRRIMAN, Und »»d Estate Agont FOB SALE. ALLBNTON. Near the Woollen F»otory, A Nf IDEAL HOME, with whleb could be combined »• profitable PouUry Farm. 1 have bean Ins&raeted by Mb Jamm Bkid to Sell hit wall knows property, situate at above, comprialng 2 acrea of land, on which It erected a comfortable honse of five rooms and scullery with pnmp inelde, atable, trap and ehasT honioi, alto a large fowl home and ran I part of the Untf 1* laid ont in orchard and it well stocked with ohoice fruit trees. | The property adjoins Messrs Kerael, Doberty, and Holboroagb. It hat an ample frontage on two roads, and !a situated in | olose proximity to the public ■choo!. : The reason Mr Beld has placed this property In the market is that he hat purchased a Farm at Marten, In tha North Island, and ia desirous of settling thereon at an early date. f. FERRIftiAN.3 Land wad EibaU Agtnt ■ TO LET, CARTER'S TERRACE/ Tlswatd, HOUSE |of nine roomo, detachedJWash honae, also good Stables, with | aorei of land, part of which is laid, out in * good^orohard. F.iFEBKtMAN, Land »nd Estate Agent TOWN SECTIONS I HAVE csverat Beotloos in various part of the Town for sale, well adapted for building purponei or for holding for fotar ptofit. F. FRBKIMAN, LkHW AND ESTATE AGEKT. "VIT B have jusS; opened op the mwt •elect varieties of Gr»te *nd He»rtb TZXtS^ ever Been '" AshburtoD, BEOISTEK GRATES BEGIBTER GI, TES John Orr & Co,, ABHBURTON



AT a. Amobh's S»Se—A phuMftUttk of Men's and Boye* Olotfeißi »t areatly reduced price*! Boys' Norlelk Sffllti at 11s 6d, worth 15e U % Men'« Strong Katapoi Tweed Trousers &t 6*» urtal jprkje 11b 6d ; Ladies' Ho§e from 6d a p»«r» * special Hoe at le; a great variety of Men's and Boys' Straw Hats, most be soldi Ladies Seron Oxforjl Bhops from Si 9d 4 Dough Care, Wahoo, Koolibah and Benjimia Gum go to Ashsubson, D«C Oj



A CABD. F, N. WHITCOMBE, Q TJR.OBOH DEH TIST, ' Saanflers'B Bbi^iogs, Aghbtiston. Trbms Modkbate. HonBS OF ATTENDANCE J 9am till Ipmj and from 2 r m till 6 v n. *j^ •^" Bmok®^©w,V®nM



AHEAD OF THEM ALL. ALL PBACIICAIi AND BXPEIiIWNOBB BIDBKS NAY I ABE THBIE FAYOBITES.* They"are thi belt; that raoney can boy They^are the cheapen*; in the long run i They are thoroughly «p to date I They are good, honest machine* ! PRICE—S2I« O»H anc* for yourself. We will gaarantee to pleaee and eaifc you. GATES, LOWRY ANl< CO., * Zealandia. Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ABHBURTON. > ! . ■ 1 ft. I'M UII AKD TURNER. FACTORY. 117 E have jail concluded our HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING wd * * .bare thrown out a number of odd lines, which we have marked at prices that will effect a Bpeedy clearance. "SEE THEM AT DOOR.= MF»'P HABD A2*D SOFT HATS AT.lfl BACH. MEN'S SOFT SHIRTS. A JAIQI VABIEIYOFTIES, ALL BIDUCEDTO 6d& Is Men's Lpatbrr Shoes 6s 6d t Men's Kid Shoei lOs 6d Women's Oanveß Shoes 3a 6d } Children's 2* 6d Men's Tan Sfaoea 6a 6d, Men's Tan Boots 15a. N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY- _^____ —^MJm<^,M M MM , MW M——» WALL L APE RS *w%T E HAVE TO HAND per tbe last Home boat— 29 Bales of the very atest ARTISTIC PAPERHANGINGS* the Colourings and Deiigw o which are decided works of art. Inducted in the ibipment are Bewtifa Friezes and Borders to match the Papers. I hold the largest stock o? WALL PAPERS in South Osnterbury CHenta .can therefore rely nponh ing ft large varietyK'each reipeotive sort to ehoow from. t H7TT anivT HOUSK DE«s ABDSION" %J f ff XXIMVX^i poßoxlfc Telephon* 'COOPJSR'S^^^SEP "DIP. I Facts for Sheepmen and Figures. 1. Britain la fct» ?re»b manafactoring centre of fche Sheep Dips which ara being pushed in this colony. 2 It Is also the Oonntry which subjects them to the hardest poealble testa In w, VnoThtag t«Jthe abiding properties of Sheep Dips so «everely «. the WEATHIR, ancl few dips there are that can withstand it. j * Thi* "ROYAL" Ss the Greatest-Annas! Sheep Show of the World ao«i the Kepreaentafcke Stock Gathering of the British Mm. These three disconnected facts combine, however, padding] to the weighty figores of the last; Royal Show :— Total Prizes Won by Sheep ... ... ••• JJ2 Cooper-Dipped Sbeep Carried ofi ... J*w Balance, for diviaion amongst all othef Dips 22 -—----~™~~TOb7mpioZT^irßt- Second. Third, Total. 8 nnnPIPTI 5 «1 55 19 14° OOOPJB .... I y I 11 3 22 Other Bips_ _»_. ___J___3.__JL_- -i- ■—■— -^ — It ta nearly the same wish the Sheep ownera the woria over, who last year Vm «8(d sufficient of " COOPER " 6o dip aboat 200 Million Sheep An Increase of nearly 25 Millions over the «ales of the previous y«ar. F! TSDLANDHR BROS., LTD, AO E NTS. ' . 'r'



NOTION TO ADTBRTISBRS ST. PATRICK'S SPORTB DAY IN accordance with oar usual enaiom the Guardian will be iaiavel early oa the afternoon of THURSDAY NEXr. St. Patrick's Sports Day, Advertisers are therefore reqaested to aend in advertisementa intended for that iesne by 12 o'clock Noon.