THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains cave Ashburton daily for— \ OHRISTOHDROH-at 7.20 am, 1) im 3.16 p m, ? 5 p m (express) TIMARU~at 10.55 a m, 3 50 pin DUNEDIN—ab 12.54 p m (expresa) BPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashbartoa from— OHRISTOHUROH—»b 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m Cexpreas), 8 pin" TIMARa-at 10.35 a m, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—afc 6.67 pm(exppe«B): SPRINQBUfRN~»fc 9.45 a m?

EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of Moon for May

Mail Notices

Malls close for the following plages at under, subject to the necessary alterations : SATURDAY* MAT 18 For Northern Port* and Weitport, per Tarawera, at 6 30 p m 1 MONDAY, MAY 20 Fop Tasmania and Australia (doe Melbourne May 26th), Oeylon, India, China, Straits Settlement, and S. Afr!o», also Continent of Europe and United Kingdom (duo London July 2nd), (specially addrewed via RrindUi, per express, to connect with Weabraiia, at 12.30 a m

Commercial.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter* bury, Ltd, quote aa follows on May 17, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl _ 2» l£d , t „ Tuscan. M 2s 2d Hunter's 2a Id do 2s I|l New Oats—Duns Is Id to Is l}d „ Danish Is Id to Is 2£d  SparrowbiUs le 2d to la 2^i  Canadian 1% 3d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior is 63 Peas—Blue Prussian 2s 9i „ Partridge 2a 7d to 2s 9d Chaff—Good oateheaf 37s 64 QrßMrSeed—New Is to Is 6d The above are priced current) paid to farmers on trucks ab Ashburtca

Ashburton Gusrdian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1901. Local and General.

Personal — Mr D. Th< mas purpoßes proceeding Home m the Buteshire, leaving Lyttelton on the llt.h June next:, IXCOBBIOM Fakes— The railway depart menr. advertises m this issue excursion fare' for Victoria Day and Dunodin Winter Show and raceß. DorieChof.ch—The Committee of DorSe Churuh invite subscribe! ■=■ ami their friends to the consecration on Friday next at 11 a.m. Reception Committee — The Returned Troopers RecepfioH Committee are rcquefttod to meet at the County Council Chambers at 8 o'o'ock th<s evening, for the purpose of pan-ing accounts, etc. Ko Lickksb Convention —A rally of no licence workers will be held m 8t Stephen's Church on Victoria D*y. There will be three sessions during the day, and at a public meeting to be held at nigh*. »d;lres9ea will be delivered by Mr EH, M;fJ.R,, and others. At this gathering, con believers m No License are epeoially invited. Accident—A collision occurred m East S'rfe'- last; evening, which resulted rather unfortunately to one of the parties who wag driving his wife m a light trap. This was run Into by a heavy four wheeler, with tve result that it was completely broken op and th» occupants thrown violently to thu ground} Beyond a few bruter-, however, they were not muoh bar*-. i^e other vehicle was apparently uninjured: Clovbb Febd —The use of clover as feed &odf fertiliser extends bapk for over 2,000 years—yet there are still farmers who know little about it. The clover, m rotation, keeps up the fertility of the farm, ttnd pro vides for the manufacture of meat or nilk. Somehow, of late /ears, the agricultural writers have stopped talking about clover— *£ though the time hud oome to lay this good friend »«ide with the dust covered relioi of Old d»ye. Novj»l Lighting — The proprietor of the Lagmhor Estate adopted a novtl bot efficient means of illuminating the road to the homestead from Tinwald and elsewhere last evening, on the oooaeioa of a ball on **?e estate. Twenty straw sfcaoks In all were Bet alia*' 1 * an* '^l* me*QS c wno'e °' the roadway tf* brightly lighted whilst the guests were driving to «"> property, m fact ABhburton itaelf and the" ee»d« to the north were rendered very clear and light, j A Long Honeymoon — The longest honeymoon on record was that: of Mr George bigourney and Mies Henriquee, of Buffalo, which lasted fur six years. The lady waa not strong, and on tho day of the marriage the wedding cards were sent out intimating that tho married couple would be at home six years later. In the interval they travelled over a large part of the world, spending £12,000. Lady Detectives—There are not many lady detectives engaged m tracking criminals. Women are usa&lly engaged m cases where & firm have reason to suspect th»t their patent has been infringed by another, or that the>r novelties are shown to rival houses by some employee. Bogus companies and swindling oonoerns, aad any &ffnir where a woman's wit v serviceable, are where the lady det ective goes. Women have been more( successful than men In cases where employers wished to discover the money epenb and sooiety kept by an employee. It is not an easy occupation., bub it is an exciting one for an energetic woman. Length of Service—A remark-tbla in stance of length of service at Lancaster is reported by the " Lancashire Daily Post," Mr William Barrow, the timekeeper at Gillow'fc cabinet worka, hag been m the employ of the firm fot 66 years. Alfchon^h over 80 years of age, he Is still active, beipg invariably the first on the premises every morning and the last to leave at night. His fsther held the keys before him, having Joined the house of GilloW sin 1801, so that the present year crowns " a century of senrlao'* hf father and son. Mr Barrow waa presented with his portrait a few days ago by his fellow workmen. Uncommon Hybrid—The New Zea land Jimasaays:— An exhibit of » peoa liar character is at present on view afc the shop of Mr W H Tisdall, of Lambton Quay. Jt is a fall grown product of a cross between a cock pheasant and a ** barn door" fowl. The bird reached maturity before it waa killed »nd stuffed for eihibition. Although the hen parent of tbia strange bird is said to have had Leghorn characteristics, the prodncl is feathered like a Plymouth Rock. Its head, however, la that of a pheasant, and its contour is that of a, game bird tather than the *' barn door." It waa bred at Karori when a game farm existed at that place.

Maximus—Daring the progress of the racing meeting Maximus obanged hands, i and goes Into a local stable tor prepara tion for future engagements. The Bbbr Bill—When the Boer BUI was before ihe Heuse of Commons the Mght, Hon. Sir W Vernon Harcourt made one of his characteristic humorous speeches which we reprint on onr fourth page to-day. A Good Clan—At the Ashbarton I Couaty Baring Oiab'B meeting, the sire Olanranaid, was represented by five acceptors for the two days—Glenaladale. Terrapin iwiee, and Clandeboye twice, ail winners. General Feench,—The story goes that General French received his summons to go to Bouth Africa while one shooting on his sitter m law's estate near Wbitby. On open ing tbe telegram the gallanb eoldier astoa» ished his friends by crying, • Hurrah for South Africa ! Wbasels—Ai indioated m various para graph! that have appeared m our columns, weasels and stoats are getting nearer and nearer to the town of Ashburton, This morning Mr J Porter of Allencon brought into this office a good specimen of tht weasel tribe which was caught m his nursery. Strong Wind-—An exceptionally strong nor tester prevailed Jfrom shortly after seven o'clock last evening, and oon' tinned until daylight this morning. The wind strengthened very suddenly and blew ffith great force, but towards daylight it moderated as rapidly as It arose. So far as we can learn no damage ocourred m the j town. ! China Inland Mission—Miss Voak, for merly of the China Inland Million, (and who is now on her way back to China to undertake Mission work), will address a unlbed meeting of scholars from Sunday Schools m the Oddfellows' Hall, on Sunday afternoon, as per advertisement m another column, when all interested are invited to attend District Health Officer—The Oamaru Borough Council has decided to ask the Qovennmenb to agree to the appointment of a local doobor «t a sm*ll remuneration to acb as health officer. This proposal is made on the ground, that the salary of a District Health Officer as provided for m tbe Public Health Aob would be a considerable expense (o the Borough* The Message From she Sea—Upon look* ing up the list) of members of the Sixth Contingent we find there was nobody named Trumpeter (Coney, oneof thenames Heutiocti m the telegram re the message found m a, bottle lately. It la probable that Bugler Tovey, an Ashbarton boy, Utely of Timaru, was one of the parties to bhe message. A Cubiotjs Divorce—A young Parisian lady who is suing for divorce names her mother as co'respondsnb. The husband admits that he loves his mother m law. Said he to the judge :<—•' Though I disclaim any wrong doing, there is no doubb that my marriage was a great mistake, After fifteen months of wedded life I have found my wife to be Relfiih and utterly unable to under stand me, while her mother, besides being of a mature beauty which now appeals to me much more strongly, has always been a sympathetic companion tenderly careful of' my feelings and comfort; If the Court refuses the divorce, it will surely lead to unseemly complications, whereas, if.rsleased I promise to marry my mothertn'iaw, and lead an honourable life ever alter.' The Court reserved its decisions A Vain Resort to Law—An instance of over hasty resort to law cropped tip m Wellington Magistrate's Court the other day, says the Post, Walter B Mansfield charged a woman who had lived with him l Hs his wife with the larceny of £115 from the room they last occuphd ; but m cross examination by Mr Wilferd, counsel for tho defence he admitted that he had had the defendant anested out of temper, that he bi ll loved her pasa'onate'y. and th-U h!8 only ground f,r suspecting her wis thut no one eke was with him on the night he lost the money. Tne Stipen diary Magistrate uaid it weu!d be an iii^ulfc to any C urt to ftk it to go on wi fa sash a story. Mr Wiiford denounced Mant-field's action m scathing language, and His Worship dismissed the case with the remark that informant had had a bad half-hour.

Letter From the Front.

Lance Corporal Whitefoord Steward, eideet eon of the Hon M-pr Steward, who went with the Sixth New Z3aland Contingent), has writtea a letter to a fdend m Greytown, whioh has been published m the W&irarapa Standard The following extrauts will be found interesting : — Pretoria, March 24, liOl We had a good passage over, although somewhat) leogthy, f' r we were seven weeks from the day we embarked until diaembar katioQ. This, as you may imagine, wai very hard on our horses, who were stacked below depks, and we were lucky, I consider, In only loaiDg 14 out of 581, We called at Auckland, Sydney, Albany and Capetown, where we intended to land, but owing to the prevalence of bubonic plaga* were not allowed to land ; neither was anyone allowed to board us wb«re we lay anohortd In thf stream, or to seed acy papers or packages of any description on board. All our orders were bawled out bo us from a steam launch whioh came alongside, aad we were In* struoted to proceed to East London, whioh we did the same afternoon. This is a journey of three days by sea, and we anchored outside at 10 p mon Wednesday evening. The fpilowing morning instructions were brought to us that wo had to ; proceed ad ooce up country co we weighed anchor, and wore tugged into the harbour, whioh it certainly the funnieit X ever saw. It is made out of a river, and formed into A sorb of canal, the entrance of whioh is not more 'han a hundred yards tilde, Twice while crossing the bar we atuck fast m tfae mud, a-.,d ai we were only drawing seventeen feet of water you may imagine what the depth was, However, once inside that the water was much deeper, bhough the canal was no wider, and 1b would puzzle a saint how they managed to geb alf 'the eftips they had in* At least) thirty were tiioate^ *W° an^ sometimes three alongside one anothasr., We di«» embarked finally on Pelday, the 15th, and went Btraighb on to the trataa alongside. It) took three trains to oarry the whole of us with our baggage and horses (twocompanies per trains) 1 was m the first) one and will endeavour fcp g!?e you an outline of our trip of 700 milea fey rail without disembark ing. All the carriages are b#iit op the English principle m small ootnpaftmenia like our birdcage carriages.,:and when { tell you that eight of us were paoked into one of theao small f>p*ce« with our rifles, baggage, etc, you may imagine we had none ton much room. We got into the train on Friday and never left it (travelling day and night) excepb jusb to feed and .water th© horses for an hour till the following Tuesday night at 10 p m, when I can assure you, after travelling m a 3rd olaas carriage on a woolen ee&t with no cushions, and confined m such a Bisiall space, we were nob sorry to leave it On our way we ran into the tnoab remarkable aighb I Jiave ever witnpssed, and it breaghb forcibly before my mind the great curse mentioned m the bible, namely a pwarm of locusts' These wanbto be 88en to be belieyed^ and you may tbink I am drawing the long bow when I tell* you that they extsndsd In one blaok cloud, quite obscuring the sun at) leant four mllee ia length, and three across* Some idea of their numbers may be imagined when I tell you th»b wx slowed up to the rate of ten miles an houp and fb took us twenty five minutes precisely to go through themt

Sporting.

ASHBURTON COUNTY RACING CLUB

AUTUMN MEETING

Pbesident —Mr John Stud holme j Vice president—Mr M Soitt; Judge—Mr M Stitt; Stewards—Messn GAM Buok ley, P Dalgery, JON 3rigg, J M Hampton, P Jonef, L deC Malefc, "D McLean, F Russell, A F Roberts, U Thomas, T Stone, T E Upton ; HANDI cai-peb—J E Henrys; Treasures—Mr R Friedlander; SfAHTER-Mr H Pipsr; CE.WK of thb FoALES—Mr T Stone ; C&iRK of *H8 Coursk—Mr E Cnrti«; Timikbbpbb—Mr JV de Beer ? Seork iaby—Mr A A Fooks.

SECOND DAY.

Although «ot soon » fine day m on the ! opening of the autumn meeting, the second day proved ft good one, with a bracing wind from the hills. The attendance was fairly satisfactory, although Dot nearly equal to the first d ay. The express from Christchurch did nob convey as many passengers, those at » distance possibly having tht idea that the cloudy morning portended rain. The arrangements were again well attended to by the various official!, and those who were present had a good day's outing; The refreshment and luncheon booths were m the haadi of Mr 3 Ouiaok, who catersd with his usual marked success. The programme opened with the Wakanui Handicap, of 85 sots, second hone 6 soys from the stake; six furlongs 22 Mr D Campbell's b m Bealey, aged, Apremont— Queen Bee, Bst 81b ! (MoOluekie) I 19A Mr D O'Brien's be o Peerage, 7sb 111 b (Sooul&r) 2 15 Mrs T C White's b g Grandshot, 7»fc 111 b«. ... (King) 5 34) Formosan lOst 21b (Brown), 48£ Lady Duoda* 8»t (Derrett), 19 Hawthorn 7afc 91b (Fine), 35 Lady Medallist (Duff) also started. A little delay occurred m starting, but from the first Bealey took premier position, which she retained right through* coming m a winner by neat ly a couple cf lecgthß.althoogh all were whipping strongly. Time—i. 14*, Dividend—£7 16s Kolmab Pont Handicap, of 25 i<m, second pony 5 soys from the stake; five furlongs 56$ Mr A S Bonds b m Taranto, aged, by TarantalQß, 10s* 21b (King) 1 60 Mr J 0 N Grljtg's b m Stepaway, Bstl2lb .. .. (Doff) 2 354 Mr A Powell's br m Meroia, 9»t 121 b (Hig«ins) 3 24 Princess Perkin 7st 41b (Oox), 10 Roale O'Shea 7«6 31b (Oameron), 3) Minister 7st 31b (Darsy) also started. Prior to starting Minister bolted, going half ?ray round tbe course before being palled up, and delaying the race ten minutes. Princess Perkin took the lead to the straight, but Taranto passing had it all her own way the rest of the distance, winning by five lengths. Time—l. 2f. Dividend—£2 14a Autumn Handicap, of 60 soys, second horse 6 boys from the stake ; one mile 29J Mr J A Holmes' eh o Terrapin, Syri, Olanranaid—Teredina, 7st lllb (K'nu) 1 23 M.j'D O'Btien'e b c Cavalry, 6st 111 b (Cameron) 2 284 Mr F Holmes br f Heiress, 7at 10 b (McOluakie) 3 284 B Dzoin 9>t3!b (Wilson), 17£ Edelweiss Ist 12lb (Smith), 44 Huku 7afc 101 b (Riokaby), 9 FUtne 6st 9!b (Ratoliffe) also started This proved a highly interesting race. Xa the early part Edelweiss made the running, with Heiress and Cavalry going strongly. Ati the straight Terrapin forged ahead, and after a struggle U,t ween the three last named horses Terrapin ultimately gained firsts plaoe by half a length. Time—l 43. Dividend— £5 12s Trial Handicap, of 25 soys, second horse 5 bovh from the stake ; six furloogs 29 Mr G PlankeU's eh « Oyster, 3yrs, Lakeahell—Miss Webster, 7afc 7ib (Twomey) 1 14 Mr T N Grange's br g Larboard Watch, 7st 71b .. (Duff) 2 4 Mr J R MoKeD7,V» oh g Sho gun, 7it 7:b   (Sooullar) 3 22| Rent Day 8 t (Dave;), 11 Siiex 7«t 7ib (King) also started Lirboard WaMjh led to the straight-, when Oyster passed him and came m a winner by a baro length. Time—i.lfcg. Dividend— £2 8a A protest was lodged for aliegad Inooc sistent running, but after consideration was unanimously disnrpsed Wisohmobb Wilder Handicap, of 35 soys, second horse 5 sots from the stake: one mile 41 Mr T Sbeenan's oh g Olandeboye, 3yrs, Olantaoald—Psyche, 9ab (Harding) 1 42 Mr V Harrib' b g Magnificent, lOst 101 b ... ... (Brown) 2 23* Mr E Gates' b f Lady Lilian, Bs*> 71b (Derrett) 3 29 Lady of the Lake 9at 71b (Mollroy) also started Tbe group kept pretty well together until about baif way home, when Olandeboye and Lady of the Lake came forward. From ! hence a good race ensued, Olandeboye winning by a length. Time—l,44. Dividend j -«2 18a Disposal Handicap, of 2D soys» Five furlongs 117 Mr F P Clarldge's br g Bonaparte, by Phaethon—Adveaturess, 4yrs, Ist Sib _ ,«. (Derrett) 1 234 Mr H J Pioks' b g Baler, «yrs, 7st 91b 8 JPine)2 34 Mr H Beatfcy's b g Nor' Wester, aged, Sit. « .- (Pine) 3 23 Lady's Chain 6at 71b (Duff) also started. Lady's Chain Isd for half the distance, but all the distance post Bonaparte forged ahead, and won by a coaple of lengths. Time—l.BJ Dividend—£l 10a The winner was bought m by the ownen An enquiry was held as to the running of Nor' Wester, and after hearing evidence it was decided that there was nob sufficient evidence to take action, bub it was agreed to caution the owner and jockey* Fabewell Handicap, of 40 soys; second horse 5 soys from the stake. Six furlongs 49 Mr T Sheenan's oh g Olandeboye, by CUnranald—Psyche, 3yrs, Bst 31b (Harding) I 25h Mr A S Bond's b m Taranto, aged, 7«t 4^b ... .„ (L King) 2 28* Mr F Griffin* b m Edelweiss, 6yrs, 3 B«tslb ... ... (Smith) 3 75 Whirlwind 7st 9ib, 62$ Warrington Bst 81b, alto started Whirlwind gob the best of the start, With Taranto and Edelweiss following. At the d|stancffl Olaodeboye pub m his claim, [and won by aboub a length. Time—l.l4f l)ividend-£4 8s j The Stewards considered tbe running of Bealey as compared with her performanqe m the Selling Race at the Ohrlstohuroh Racing | Club's meeting, held on the Plutnpton Park racecourse on Baturday last, and it was decided to ref ar the matter to the Canterbury Jockey Club for consideration, the stakes to be withheld m the meantime.

News in Brief

There 1» already a large aptry for Mr D Thomas' hor»e fair, which will bo held on Thursday neit. Full particulars of the entry piij b,» fo» Dd m oar advertising °°Attention i« directed to ohaoge m the d>te of the clearing i»le by Mr D Tbom** on i behalf of Mr M Moßirea. The date r whloh was originally Bred for Friday, May &UJ, hai bsen altered to Thursday, May 30th. Beside* horses, cattle, implements and houit hold fnrniturt, a section m Cameron street, near the Post Office, will be submitted for sale. l

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Asaooiatloo--By Electric Telagraph—Copyright THRBE NEW BRITISH BATTLE SHIPS. London, May 16 The Daily Telegraph states that the Admiralty daring the current year commences building three battleships, with a dispiacemedt of 18,000 tout each. THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL. The Queen Victoria National Me morial Fund has reached £95,000. DISASTROUS FIRE. Daring a fire m a Stafford infirmary, seven of the inmates were horned to death. KILLED BY FALLING ROOK. A large body of rock fell on some houses at Acerra, m Italy, killing fifteen people. TPE QUEEN'S WINES. It is intended to sell by auction five thousand dozen of the late Qaeen Victoria's wines. NEW BIBHOP. The Rev H L Paget, vicar of Christ Church, Oxford, succeeds the Right \ Rev Wm Stubbs, late Bishop of Ox ford. ICELANDIC COAL. The $Pwk>j Copenhagen correspondent reporta that samp 1 ci of Icelandic coal, when tested proved equal to Nortbnm brian coal. A NEW QTEAMSHIP LINE. The Directors of the Hamburg- American line of steamship and the Atcbeston-Topeka and Santa Fe Rail road Company are concerting to ran a line of steamships between San Fran cisco, Honolulu, Yokohama, Shanghai, and Hongkong. {Reoelved 11.55 p.m) THE KING'S BIRTHDAY. Th c King expressed to Lord Halsbury hi? desire that his birthday should be kept regnlarly on May 24th. A SHIP ABANDONED. The barque Andes, bound from Rockingham, Westralia, to London, with a cargo of timber, has been aban doned dismasted off Fish Point, Cape Ooiony, A transport picked up the crew and landed them at Port Eliza beth. One was drowned. LIQUOR TRADE IN SOUTH AFRICA. London, May 17 A South African Alliance has been formed at Johannesburg with the object of bringing the whole of the liquor trade under public control, and eliminating private interests. ANOTHER CARNEGIE DONA TION. Andrew Carnegie has givsn £100,000 to establish libraries m Glasgow. DROUGHT IN THE MALLEE COUNTRY. Mblb^urne, May 17 A severe drought exists m a portion of the Mallee country. Water traius run there daily. THE PROPOSED APPELLATE COURT The Federal Cabinet has decided to appoint a delegate to attend thus Conference of representatives of self-governing colonies at London, to consider the terms of the Bill relating to an Appellate Court for the Empire, to take the place of the Privy Council* (Received 10.39 p m) PENNY POSTAGE IN CANADA, Mr Mulock, the Canadian Post* master General, states chat since the introduction of penny postage m Canada the postal revenue has largely increased-—£50,000 m the year more than tinder the higher rate. For many years the postal expenditure was annually £150,000 more than revenue. It is expected that the present year will show a shortage of only £50,000. CYCLING. The inster-State conference of the Leagues of Wheelmen hai decided to establish an Australasian Federal Cycling Union. The championships for next racing season are fixed, the twenty-five miles interstate race being allotted to New Zealand. THE PHILLfPINES Sydney* May 17 An Australian, writing from the PMilipinee, warns people against going there. There is no way at present by which they can become American citizens. The tales of rich gold deposits are tales only; nothing payable has been found, There is very little pro spect of employment, salaries are low, and the cost of living and rents are high. The native population is aa undesirable clasa

THE CRISIS IN CHINA

GERMANY APOLOGIES.

United Prcei Association -By Electric Telegraph—Copyright." Keneivcd May 17, 11 85 p m London, M*y 17e- Ohina's indemnity proposals are d n clared unsatisfactory. The Foreig Ministers mrp disenssing the basis of * guaranteed loan to cover the indemnity and the farther opening of the (3hina foreign trade, Ttya German authorities have offered a qualified apology for (swo repent incidents, the first being when German soldiers stopped and beat the bearers of Kockhill's the American Special Commissioner and Sir T Satow'e sedan chairs m Pekin, the second was firing on a British tug at TienTsin. London. May 17. The Pekin correspondent of The Times states that Count yon Waldersee Invfted the Allies to oc-operate m the expedition against the Boxers south beyond Chlng ting. Owing to the withdrawal of the French troops the expedition was post' poned. Jt now transpires that the Germans also arrested and flogged the orew of the lighter the JSwo *f^ towing, tjphe ex planation with regard to the matter is considered unsatisfactory, and the corns-" prmdenos therefore has been forwarded to Sir E Satow. the British Minister, with | a view to diplomatic action.

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press Association—By Eleetrio Telegraph—Copyright IReceived May 17, 1018 pm) London, May 16. Thirty of the Metropolitan Mounted Riflae, skirmishing at Karlsbnrg, lost fottr killtd and aix wounded. Thirteen of the South African Con stabulary have been outnumbered emd captured near Abraham's kraaj. A letter received from Roosenkel tells Mr Kroger a sensation*! story about the Middleburg Conference,! It states that Commandant Viljoen, adopting a ruse while Lord Kitchener and Louis Botha were at the Con f«r«nce, announced that the British were disregarding the armistice, and trying to surround the commando which was oheckmating General French's movements. Commandant Viljoen added, "We had Fiv, ,h fixed until this treacherous move." The letter goes on to say, » Viljoen's report came as a terrible scare to both leaden,; and Botha and his staff immediately galloped off." In the House of Commons,, Mr Chamberlain, replying to a question, said the sufferings of the Rand refugee! at Capetown were mnoh greater than the Boer refugees m the concentration camps. He hoped that circumstances would shortly allow a general resump tion of work on the Rtmd. - London, May 17 The following casualties are reported as having occurred m Colonel Wil'iam's New South Wales Mounted Infantry column on the 10th, the locality not , being stated :—Killed, Second Lieu-, tenant £ A Lamb, Privates Haraker, McKay, Barker; mortally wounded;| Private Green, severely wounded, Webster, Badie, Hobßon, Lock©, Far rell; slightly wounded, Seymour South Australian Bushmen—Killed Private Schumann, at Yenterspruit; wounded, Private Barnes Victorian Bushmen, at Qaaggaehoek —Mortally wounded, Taopper Moore ; severely wounded, Troopers Collins, Hyland Tasmanian Bushmen—Private War burton, died of wounds

The Royal Visit.

United Preis Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, May 11, Tho Trades and Labour Council, by a large majority, negatived the motion disapproving the expenditure of public money m street decoration Eight thousand troops take p»H m the military review at the Centennial Park on the 28th inst Melbourne, May 17 The Victorian Government presented the Duke of Cornwall with % magnificent trophy. The pedestal is of black wood, feetooned with gold, and there is a crest of the Prince of Wales'a feathers formed of New South Wales diamonds One hundred arid ninety-seven dia monds were used. The gift is a souvenir of tho opening of Parliament |

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

MR SBDDON'S INVITATION

Sydney, May 17 The New Zealand troops arrived from Melbourne, And sail by the -iSorvowrai, to— morFQW. The State Premier has informed Mr Seddon that it wil! be impossible for him or any of his colleagues to accept the invitation to visit JNew Zealand at. the time of the Royal visit, owing to the pending State elections. All are much disappointed. He wishes New Zealand the same success as Sydney and Melbourne had over the Common wealth celebrations.

British Army Reform

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS CARRIED

United Press Attoolatlon—»By KlsotHe Teleg »ph—Copyright) London, May 17 la the House of Common* the debate on tho Army Reorganisation resolution was concluded, Mr Brodriok, m the course of a spirited lamming up, irged that there was comparative unanimity on the Government Bide, and it was hopeless to await unanimity amongst military experts. Sir HOampbell-Bannerman'saaisnd ment was negatived by 827 TOtsa to 21J.. There was no cross voting, The Unionists who abstained from voting included Mr Winston Churchill, Mr Yerburgb, Sir John Oolomb, Major Rasch, Colonel Welby, Mr Gouldiog, and Mr Gratton. The resolution was then put and carried by 305 against 163.

ANOTHER RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

ENGINE ROLLS DOWN AN EMBANKMENT.

United Preßß A?«oni»tion—by Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, May 17 Another 'railway accident occurred to-day at Wyong, An etnpty titock train, with twp engines, by an overnight ran into/a siding instead of on the ipaiti line. The fprepaost engine jumped the bufer ends and rolled down »n embankment, beiDg badly iuuetffhed, The driver and firemen were fliightly injured. The other engine and nome trucks were damaged.

Collision in the Irish Channel.

CAMPANIA APPEAL,

United PreM Association—-By ElecfcHc Telegraph—Copyright London, May 16 The Oourfc of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of the owners of the Canard liner Qatjipania against the decision of Mr Justice Barnes respecting the col- Haion with the barque Kmbleton, Id St. George's Channel, on Jaly 21st Issi.

The New School Flag

(By a Schoolboy of 10 years)

The new school fig does fly on its pole, The wind does fl*p its coloured foldp. The children clap with their little hands As slowly it mounts the masthead grand. They gather around with many a song Ab they hold their fbga up brave and strong, As their happy faces gleam with delight When we hoisted our i*g so new and bright. And let it fly at long as it lasts, And fly long years when schooldays are past, Bub we will never forget the happy day When our flag went to the top of the pals away.

Mrs McKinley Sinking

United Press Association—By EIOOHO Telegraph—Copyright Wf 3BINGTOK, May 17 Mrs McKinley $* sicking

The Hon. Hall Jones Before his Constituents.

The flon Hall-Jones, MHRfor TlOara and Minister of Public Work*, addressed ft meeting of hit constituents at limara last night. He highly complimented .Timara en the two splendid receptions giv en te the returning Contingents Ha desoribed the finances of the colony m most satisfactory, there being a large surplus, despite the large oencoisiona m Oustomt dnfcies and railway rate's. The speaker also compared the present expenditure aad iacene with those ten yearsjago, with the objaot *| shewing that there bad been great Inoraaeee frem la creased population, and enhanced prosperity m every ease. The Increased expenditure had, he said, produced a still larger inortaae of receipts. He congratulated tPimarsv and the district on the evident signs tf pfesparlty , on every hand, and Attributed this U a lug* extent to the application of the Land for Settlement Act). Booth Canterbury had had, he contended a much larger share of money provided for this purpose than any other district Referring to the demand for she purchase of (he Levels Estate, he Mid the Government was waiting an offer from the owners, as compulsory, purchase might prove too oostly, Regarding his department, he gave some particulars as to the chief line* of railways under oonatruotion. The policy of the Government was the completion of the first main trunk line m the North Island, and also the Christ chsrch, Fioton, Midland, and Otsgo Central lines. The North Island Hue would be pushed on as fast as goa aible, consistent with economy. Lastiy ear £120,000 was provided, and £121,196 was spent. He denied the rumour that the Makohine viaduct bad shown signs of weak* ness, and also Sir Duthie's assertion that is» already had cost far more than the lowest tender. The Otago Central shoald be parried on with' all convenient) speed to assist the mining industry, and the country opened up was proving to be very prsduc tive under irrigation, He expected the line to reach Alexandra within two years. Of the £100,000 voted last; year, £81,350 had been spent. He explained that work on the Midland wat slack at the western nnd, owing to the delay In locating an im portant tunnel, but it was being pushed on at the eastern end. Last) year £44 825 was spent on this line, Regarding the Ohriatohnrch Pioton line, he stated that it would be well within the Cheviot Estate within twelve months, and would reach McKeozia within eighteen months. Progress ab the north end was delayed for the present pending theacqtsistion of certain large estates The sum of £39,951 had been spent last year on the line. (The above amounts ineiade permanent way). Though the policy of the Government was to confine its attention te the main lines, it was suggested that local guarantees might ba given for the payment of interest to obtain some of the branch lines aiked for. He advocatsd the starting of dairy factories m the district. The loSal demand for railway workshops coutd not, he said, be granted, and he approved of State ownership of coal mines, and, if necessary of vessels to carry the ooal. Ha ale* favoured State interference with regard to ocean freights and storage m London. Re ference was made to the probable legislation next session, and to various local matters* Messrs Meredith and McLaoblan, H H Bs also addressed the meeting, A vote of thanks and confidence, and m the Government, was passed unanimously.

Fears for the Safety of a Brigan tine.

| United Prs» Association—By Eleotrto ! Telegraph Auokiasd, May 9 It ii eight wseks today woo* tht Auckland brigantine|Linda Weber sailed from|Glaborne bound to Ngungara, to load coal for Aook laed, and sinoe being tighted at the Bast Cape, three days later, no tidings whatever have been- received of the vessel. Ik is bow fflared thabahehat been lost. The L!n4a Weber brought a cargo of ooa! Iron New castle to Gißborne In March last, and after discharging it, tookJia 3S tons of sand ballast and sailed on April2obh lot Nffunguru. The matter was interacted that if the wind was aot favourable to make that port to proceed on to Hokianga, and load timber for Sydaeyj It was blowing a light, northeast wind whea the vestel sailed ftom Gitborne, the being then m first rate order so far m gear was oonoerned, and having the usual quantity of ballast. The ve»sel was provided with •hi'ting board*. Three days after tailing the Linda Weber was sighted •§ tht Bast Oane by cho ketch Clematis, Wood from Gisberae to Ngunguru. The same eight a hsavy toatherly 'busteg* sprang op, and it is surmised that the Linda Weber oaptized m one of the fierce tqualls which prevailed. The crew .wbioh sailed m the vesssl went —Master, Bimon MoKersrte; mate, George Flnney; cook and A. 8., Alfred Hooper; A B *«, Molotyre (oommonly known aa •Sootty'), Clement Auttin, and a man who shipped atGisborne, whote nams is anknewn at Auckland. Oaptaia D J Shaw, owner of the vessel left her at Gisborne, having aot quite recov ered from an aocident h? had met with seme time previously, and came on to Auckland overland, intending to await the vessel's arrival at Auckland. Captain Simon McKer^ie was very well kno^n m Auckland, having tailed la %n$ out of the port for a number of ye|rs. f[§ had the reputation of being a parent epd skilfal seaman. The other members of the crew, with the exception of M atone, and the man shipped at Gi»borne, joined th« vessel at Sydney and Newoattle. The vensl was insured for £300.

Valedictory.

There was a large and representative gather, ing m the Winohmore Schoolroom laet evening, the occasion being to bid adieo to Mr Robert Miller, one of the oldest resident* m the Ashburtoo County, who it about to visit Glasgow, after an absence of nearly forty years Amongst those present waa a very old friend of Mr Miller'i, Mr W Qarruthers, from the North Island. Apologies were received from Messrs R Clarke, D Cameron, and Graighead Mr Donald Williamson presided Mr M Btltfc proposed the health ot &ff Robert Miller m a feejing and oomblfmmtafy Rpflech, m the coarse ol which he bora testimony to the sterling qualities ol Mr Miller, and referred to the great lateral* he had always taken la the welfare of the dlsfcrjbfcj»»d m the looal and public bidiee with whloo he bad been connected. Ha (»he speaker) »leo referred to the gnat diffioultiea whioh had to be aunnoaattd by the settlers In the early * six tie*.' But the pluck and ptrssveranoe of men like Mr Miller bad converted what was onas a desolate wilderness into wbat they bow saw around them Mr Stitt oonoluded by relat* log'some reminiscences of the past After the toast had been dnly hoeerej Messrs R Friedlander, tT Bopif^pt, 0 Digby' J 3 Bland, 0 Reid, Robertson and Wh»re took' occasion to expfess their esteem tor Mr Miller, whom they had all known loog and favourably ■ ■ In the course of bis acknowledgment of the toaiti Mr Miller laid be w*s taken fci surprise, He thought he would hafi baib able to get away <gaietiy, Q« was pieajHjj

n X APHBCFIO* GOARDIAK ; SATURDAY, MAY 18, 190K



»Abe May »» (I 11 II

14 15 16 17 18

»«0 »*

Rinse 7 8 7 9 7 10 7 11 7 12

Pets 4 44 4 43 4 42 4 41 4 40



Fall moon Last, quarter Apogee New moon First; quarter Perigee

D 4 25 20 18 25 17

H M 6 49 am 5 10 pm 4 30 am 5 Bpm 5 10 pm 6 30 pm



The 3rd shipment of the new washing machine which is selling so freely ban now arrived and may be inspected at the DI C's local breach m Q'anoredStreefc, The fol' 'owing !■ one of many testimonials now oomfog la from this district. Dear Sirs— I have given your patent washing machine a thorough trial and ant very pleased to cay that it has given me entire eatisfaotiou.. To give one iuttancoof its rapidity an a witsher I might say that I commenced work %t Sve minutes past eight this morning and by half past cine X had not fewer than five dozen clothes on the line. Id the ordinary way i would take me four to five hoars to do th eapfie number, Yoati truly Mrs Moriarty i Coi Street Aihbcttoß. }3 4QC ' I



Wade's Teething Powdeeb for Babies are soothing, reduce fever and prevent blotches; price, Is Wade'b Worm Fias are moat effective and not unpleasant; children hrive after taking them price, Is Wmokfc New Venn You can depend on ridding y°nF phildren of Worniß with WApE'ifWopi J'lqg, the wopjJerfjal wprm ybrrier'r price, Is



TWO STRONG REASONS W 3 Mcltroy, Etq, Kumara, N Z said recently %— " From aotual use m my own family> and remarks made by all who bay« ever need Chamberlains "Cough Remedy, I know it to be the best cough mixture m the market. I have bad the agency for over four years, have gold msny tkzzns, and have never had'a single pomplaint. Bold by Aahburtoa Drag Qompany pricj Xtfed and Sa ' _ ' ' f';_ 4 Cough Core, Wahoo, Koolibah and Benjtmin Gum go to Ashbubton



CONSULTING OPIIOIAN Mr Ernest M Sandatein, DBOAJ, FR MO, who has lately returned after six years' apodal study In England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all casesof defective eyesight. Daylight nofc necessary srtiQoial light being used. Dootora'pre scriptipns prepared. Feeß moderate. Con •ulting rooms, Cashel Btreet W;, over M aandetein, jeweller, jCbriafichHrcJ'. 9to 11 to 4d ilv WANTED Known—-Tnab we make oo charge to the public for the magnii cent exhibition of evening dress fabrics and requisites, now on view m our large windows. Iv view of coming festivities, we weald invite every lady to sriew thja particular window*—MiXCSKW* lUB>-KlB.



Smoke New Venua



LAMPB. LAMPS. LAMPS. SEE OUR DL-PUY. HANGING LAMPS. Hill Lun'pa. Libnry Lamps, Table Lamps. Haad Lampa Miller Laoap, M*mnaoth L^mps, And lastly, and as important as uny, OaKRIaGW J, a:VI PS. Call snd see oar selection, and if you h»nv o!d L«mp«, you will want to get 1 new ©new, mud if yoa have none at all, "the reason is all the greater for visiting as. lima jiiipiMi V -wm «rinimr Horse Clippe?R. Horse OHppers* PLANT'S HORBE CLIPPERS. XJi«d ia ©very principal etablw m England. Imported by u& direct from the makers. The very boat value m the market AMMUNTT£OnTaMMUN[TXON Heaps of Oftrtddgee for sale. Rivals, Clubs, Oartis and Harvey'a Austral, and Eley's, at the lowest pr'CT m town. Al-o—Dooble Barrel Guns at special prices to clear, Y«a will save money by visiting our establishment W. \i. COLLINS & CO., IRONMuNGEBS, PAINTERS, TIMBER & GOAL MEROHANTS, 9IoENTB, ROYAL INBURANOE COMPANY N.Z- CLOTHING FACTORY ~ TtjT ATERPROOF OOATS and Oapes, 21s to 80« 00V1RT OOATS, 249, CHESTERFIELDS, 26s 6d BOYS' WATERPROOF COVERT COATS and REEFERS GREAT, VAilfiTY Waierproots Made to Measure—-Wear Guaranteed 200 Patterns to chooaa from. "• imimii Wllilhii BO* ff— N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY. 30000 . g. Orion M" |g| m Cooking' Ranges yOD pfS*s>\ d 2) M Io Use In the Colony I'T.r.T' s*^x^£T^^^*^^^^. {[he^ born Lignite, True Coal, or Wood op &\ r""_6_~il] /s^S^=^\ to 2ft 6in f^^Plt j NO SETTING REQDIRBR « ft S-=4=-Jl) j N With Stove Pipe oao be worked oat In b V /®' >^J>sl\ open. Splendid Broad Bakers «k*£L«! hr^~^~*' i I With oftßfc Iron or copper boileri. The i-JOzmZ-ft. \ < -j*—-^Vkij jn Bopoer boileri are Urge »ad tin lined huide. js*!*s?J I i Repairs are a Mintaam. U |^=^ JP^TOil I Ma 4» In all slms, stogie or doable oviiis. JZI-*Lls==acCiAis^S^KS^- " Bgb or lowpreisore boiler rW 1115"^614^2321^ ' Sold ball Xronin rri( f f '*r ' i j ogaes a be ob^.a fd,ir lum 'If j H E SHACKLOCK, LTD BODTHEND FOUNDRY. Fmwm Stemt' D>'««iniN mmmmf^f>- _.N TIME GUNS. GUNS. GUNS "■""■"■".Ai tamwummmr Eisgle und Double Berrel s from 30b to £7 10s rAETBIDGESr~"' X"^ARTRIDGES. E\ef» Blue, Smokeless, snd rniyereal j NEW CLUB, NEW RIVAL HOP.SE^CLTPPERS CBEAP AND GOOD, Tfc A TkT/^1 T?U ("Orion," •«Zealandis," and "Scotta") Register JObAl 1 iXllj^ Grates, Mantel Pieces, Garden and .Carpenters' Tools Lamps. Builders' and Fumialunsj Ironmongery, etc. Kindly Pay Me a Visit, and Save Money. -—(x)-—- G. MEUDINS, . A The Peoples Ironmonger, BurEett Street, Opposite Arcade CHOICE SHADES «** ART TONES In Eventog Silks ALL COLOxlo In' Evening Satins LOVELY DESIGNS *>**«. NOVELTIES In Eve Ding Shawl. VARIOUS STYLES m ih^co.. FAFS GLOVES, HOSE, ILkOES, CHIFFONS? BIBBONS SEX OUK WINDOWS MITCHELL AND TURNER, THE DRAPERS MR F. N. WHITCOMBB, SURGEON DENTIST, PAUNDEKB' BUILDINGS, (Opposite Railway Statioo, Aehburton BEGS to Intimate that he faau commenoed practice at the above addresi. Hating imptrted the latest Bppliancss direct) from London and New York, he is prepared to do first claw work «b moderate fees. All work dose with oaie and despatch, and ot>ly the best material* and. Stopping** ftnd oaro °* Children's Teeth a epeolalty MR WHITOOMBE will Visit aa followat— BAKAIA—FifBt and Ibltd 'IHURSDAYS of every month at the K»llw»y Hotel, Hours— 9 till 1, and 2 till 5.