THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains e&ve Anhburton daily for— OHRIBTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11 am «... .. *'*& P h>> 75 p m (express) TIMARU~at 10.55 a m. 3 60 pm DUNEDIN—at 1264pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive datly at Ashburtoa from— OHRISTOHUROH-at IQ.4S »m, 12.48 pm (express), Bpm" TIMABD—at 10.35 am, 2.65pm DUNBDIN~at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN—ab 9.46 anf

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon (or February

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following plates as under, subject to the necessary alterations : TUESDAY, ftfaroh S For Northern Ports, and W«sbport, pec Rotomahana, at 630 pm Late fee letters, guard's van, express For Greymouth and West Coast, pe* Petone. *ts*2 46 pm WEDNESDAY, March 6 For Northern ports and Wcstport, per Mararoa at 10 30 am FRIDAY, MARCH 6 For Northere Ports and Westporb, also Australia (due Sydney March 14th), per Nokoia, at 10 30 am BATIRDAY, Much 9 For Freemanbie, Durban, and Cape Town* per Otarama, at 6 50 am

Commercial.

THE MEAT MARKET

United Press Association—By Eltotrlo Telegraph—Copyright) (Received Maroh 4, 9 18 a na London, March 3 Frozen Mutton—Crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, Canterbury 4|d, Dnnedin and Southland 4|d, ttorth Island 4d. Lamb- Prime Canterbury 6d; fair average, includ ing Dunedln, Southland, Wellington, tad secondary Canterbury. ss<i» River Plate Mutton — Crossbred or merino wethers, heavy and light, both 3|d, New Zealand beef, 180<b to 2201b per quarter, fair average auality ox, fort quarters 3|d, hindqnartsrs

HINDS STOCK SALE

The stock «%!e at the Hinds yesterday wats fairly well attended, but buyers were scarce* About half the entry of 5000 sheep sold at the following prices t— Limbs, 11s 91 to 14s 43, merino ewes 10s to 10s 3d, cross* bred ewes 15* to 16a Id; do. (failing) lit 101, 142 aged merino ewes with 138 lambs at font, 11s 7d all counted. Oattle—J33 10s to £6. Most of the lots did not find purchasers.

ASHBORTON GRAIN MARKET

! The Ashbnrton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter? bury, Ltd, quote as follows on March 4, 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl M 2s 2d „  Tuscan... 2s 24<i   Hunter's 2s Id New Oats—Duns Is 23 to Is 2£d „ Dauieh Is 2d to Is 2|d  Sparrowbiils Is 3d „ Canadian !<t 4d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Cihftfl—Gnod ofttsheaf 37 ■« 6d Grass Seed—New Is to Is 63 The above are prices current paid to farmers on track* at Ashhnrtoa.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1901.

T#a last animal report of the Agricu! taral Department gives some informa tion on that dreaded disease known as anthrax. It has been understood Jtfeat anthrax hag existed is Australia for the past ftw years, bat it is not so well known that cases have occurred in New Zealand. In fact, there weie several undoubted cases of thif deadly disease in the North Island, actually discovered by the Government Teterin ary Surgeons, and there have been other cases of a very suspicious character which were not actually proved to be anthrax. It is extremely probable that «a*ay of the mysterious deaths amongst stock that have been from time to time recorded; might hairs been traced to anthrax had its presence in the colony been inspected. Occasion* ally sheep jjost shorn have died as have freshly tailed lambs, without any apparent cause. In the report of the Agricultural Department for last year it is stated that at Eangiura in the B%y of Plenty there was an outbreak in J one last which continued top &bfitit a fortnight, during which besides sope sheep ß three cows, seven pigs, two gats, and a mare, as well as Mr John Fenton the owner of t,he animals, all died, According to Mr- CHlruth's report the pigs and the nitre fcbowed distinct swellings in the throat, which are a characteristic of the malady, and an enormous enlarge* meat of the spleen was noticed by the batcher who opened the cattle to procure specimens |or Mr Gilrutb. Some of the pigs and the sate were known to have eaten some of the Hash $ a cow that had died, and they suceerabed very soon afterwards, show ing that the disease was of a very malignant form. The c*ae of the owner of the infected animals is thus described in the report:—•" John Fen ko&t pwner of the infected animals, opened fchu #?are himself, and on the following day noticed a sore place on his ijreSa Two days la£er he sraa taken to a doctor at Taaranga, who found his arm in a very bad state, and ajEUr an illness of five dsys* duration he died. These are not all the cases of anthrax actually discovered in the colony last year, According to the report, Mr orjhjal) ; Stock Inspector for Taranaki, found tJae bacilli of anthrax in a heifer that died en a fajrm at Manaia. In this ease too the sp]sea showed the characteristic enlargement already mentioned, Three cows died on th» : lamtifarm, and it is worthy of remark that all the aaimals bad been fed on turnips grown on land manured with bdnmtasfe that had been supplied by a firm Itsportlag from Australia, Mr OrbjH a!so fosiQjl tfeat iome cows and tpigs that h*& died oa auothf r hrm }* the Taranakt diaiicfc bad *ho alj the symptoms of anthrax. Floi out of seventeen pigs fed on the carcase of a> cow that had died, also saccambed. A nmobar of cows oja another Taranaki farp ftlio died, and Mr Dcenor a stock

inspector, found the anthrax bacilli in j the dead pigs which h«d been fed on t the carcases. It is spncially recorded in the report of the Stotk Inspector that these cows were also fed on carrots or turnip* from land that had been treated with bone manure. It is well known that anthrax it one of those diseases whose germs retain their ' ?irnlenee for years, and it seems more than probable that the hones of animals that had died of the disease in Aus tralia were converted into bone manure itnd exported to this colony. So far as the authorities have been able to ascer tain, the manure used on the farms where the outbreaks have occared seeme to have been procured from the same firm. But it is somewhat surprising that the disease assumed such a malignant form,, seeing that all im ported bones have to be subjected to a sterilising process, by being steamed at a temperature of 250 degree*. Our special reason for referring to this matter is that the information published on the subject toy the Department of Agriculture shows that anthrax may exut without being inspected by those not familiar with its characteristics. It would be well for farmers to keep a very careful watoh in all eases of death amoogst their stock from disease, in order to be sure of the true cause. The death of Mr Fenton should also be a warning to everybody to be extremely careful in conducting any investigation into the causes of suspicious deaths.

Local and General.

Gibauhnb.S* Patrick's B*OETS.<--Entriti tnt the Geraldine 8b Patrick 1! Sports olose on Thursday, Si. Patrick's C©ncebi!—The St. Patrick s oonoert will be held on the evening of Thursday, Marob 14, instead of Friday, the 15-h, m printed on the tickets. Hookey Club.—A genera! meeting of the Aihburton Hookey Club will be held la the County Council Chambers tonight at 8 o'o!ook a Coldstrbam Road Board—Ths meeting of the Coldstream Road Board, to have been held yesterday, lapsed for wiint of a quorum, only Me«ira Dobnon and Btudholme being preient. t'OMMANDIR Of Ml FoßOia-Ifc !■ Stated that Colons! Pole Fenton, the commander of bhe New Zaaiand Forces, will return to England for good in three or four month*. PsRBOKAI.>~Th» friend* of Mr T Pitfe the proprietor of the Smlthfiald Nursery will be sorry to learn that having Injured his kg, hit removal to the Aihburton Hospital hat been rendered necessary. Liedkrkranz—A genera,! meeting of bhe Ashburton Ltederkracit i« called for the purpose of winding up the society. Part' ionlars will be found in our advertising columns** Conceit At This Hospital.—The Presby terian choir under the leadership of Mr Craighead gave s saored concert at the Hos pital on Sunday. Several of the lady mem bers also rendered solos and Mr MoGlurg g»v« a violin solo. Mr McKerzie acted as accompanist. The various items were highly appreciated by the inmates of the institution. THK WyjJDHAM POISOKIKG CABp. — The Wyn^ham poigoning oases, in which Arnett is charged with tha attempted murder of three rabitterp, will not come on at Invor oargi'l this week, the Crown Prosecutor having elected t'> lake advantage of the law which permits him not to pr-sent the bill until thn next sit-ing following that after the »ocu»eri'(i committal. Sbootisg -!the following wlil reprenpnt file (Guards in the twitch against the Rifles on Thursday next:—Col Sergt Schwartz, i»'ergt Percy. Corpls Tucker and Anderson, Lance Corp! Willis, Bugler Lelteh, Pri« yasns Bell. Grourdle, Stock, Tait; Emer and Page. Team will loavo drillthed at 2 pm THB NjCHOLgON " HEKpULES " CULTIVA TOR—• A v#ry srcce»sful trial of the now famous '• Hercules " cultivator took plac* on Wednesday afternoon last at; Mr Alex. MoLpnnon^ farm, Tha Glen, Pudding Hill, in a fairly rough paddncle of ctonea, tus?ooks, and sorrel, in Ihe presence rf a fimiHor of interested farmers and others. On« and all expraigerl themselves highly satisfied with the work done by the oultiv*tor. AllkqkdsCbimxnal 'Assault — A man Dam«d Gambling was brought before the Magistrate* Court this morning, Mr R Aloorn presiding, cl'urged with committing a criminal assault upon his neice« After formal evidence was taken in camera accused wm remanded for i» week, ball being allowed self £200 and two surlties each £100. Mr Watson appeared for accused. Accountancy-Thots of our retderi who have to earn their livelihood with the pen will have an opportunity given them on Thursday afternoon of hearing a lecture on accountancy. The lecturer, Mr W H Gun» dry is one of the leading Christohnroh accountants and auditors, ana as the opport unity if a veiy rare oue all our young men should ttke advantage of it. Further particulars will be found in our advertising column*. Lisuf xkahx HrjGKEl—Lieut F 6 Kughts, who it to deliver two lectures in A«hburio* on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week was the central figure of a most heroic action during the $eige of Wepeoer. Hughes made his way through the enemy's lines at great risk to himself, and was able to communicate to Col. Dalgety some very valuable information. For this signal act of bravery he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. latb Councillors,—ln order to overtake the large amount of business which has been accumulating tha meeting of last) night's Borough Council was called from seven o'clock, half an hour earlier than usual. At the time appointed however only the Mayor and Councillors Davieon and Andrews were in their seat*. As no quorum had been formed at 7 $0 by the council clock the May* er was about' to decUre the meat log to have lapsed, when Cr Willis arrived and theMay= or decided to go on with the business with out reading the minute*, the work done dur ing the evening to be confirmed at next meet ing. A considerable amouot of business was got through by 9 30, which somebody attri buted to the absence of one of the council lors who is usually very much in evidence.

Fireworks in the Domain.

The report ot the Domain Oomtiiittee &>? the Borough Cfunoil on the Application of Mr Wrlghtson. of Christchuroh, for per mission to held a fireworks display In the Domain, and charge for admission, recom mended that permission be granted, and £5 be charged the applicants to make good any damage. Cr. Davia moved! that the report of the Committee be adopted 'pt Andrews seconded tayiag that he though!) the charge of £5 was under the circumstances a fajr one.!"' !;" Oje /yiarje oo.n®ur/s.il. ' Or Willis entirety dissented from the recommendation of the Committee, He was quite sure that if the display took place in the Oval it would Ibe impossible to prevent damage being done, and he did not think that any guarantiee to make good euoh , damage would be tatUfaotory. He moved as an amendment) that permission be not granted. This was not seconded and the motion was carried after considerable discussion as to whether the right of the Domain Board to grant close dayt extended to nights as well.

CONSULTING OPTICIAN

Mr Ernest M Sandetein, DB 0 A», F R MO. who ba« lately returned after «lx years' special study in England and Con tiaept» cs&y be consulted on all caaes of deteptfvl eyflrfg^bj Dayligbb nob necesea ry artifioial light b'eio^ u^4 y Rotors' pie ■cfiptlont prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting roomi, Oa»bel Street W;, over M Sandsteln, Jeweller, Ohriitohurt* 9to 1 2

The Indian Troops

Tho following concludes our report of the viaitof the ladian Troops to Ashbur os '—The Ashburton schools were eloseu »t an earlier hour than usual, enabling tho pupils to mutter in force. The local volunteers, under command of Captain Dolman, paraded and formed a guard in the square and several members of the local Fire Brigade, under Lieutenant Nokes, took oharge at the railway platform and kept the station clear, assisted by visitors in the' persons of Captain Witn and Lieutenant Sutherland, of Lawrence, and, Fireman HoreftUl, from Petone, Regret was expressed in various quarters that the Mounted Riles, who proved a specially attractive feature of the King's proclamation ceremony and the Imperial bi oops reception were not on parade. Half tn hour before the train reached the station a great) crowd had collected and on iti arrival about ten minute* late the whole of the outside railing of the Square was lined by several rows of *peot*tors, whilst the new Post Office building, owing to the kindness of Mr Martin, was also taken advantage of for a view. The roof of the County Chambers wm also covered with spectators, as were other bnlldings in the vicinity. Detraining was quickly effected, the Mayor and Councillor Seaiy meeting Colonel Peyton, the Mayor •imply welcoming the visitors, among whom was the Hon 0 H Mills and Mr G*w, District Manager of Railways, who have accompanied the troops from Inveroargitl. Tho brilliant uniforms of the officers »nri their marvellous variety of color created intense interest amongst) the onlookers and the unusual stature and bearing of come of the troops, together with a reoollection of the great importanes of the representation, all helped to form » highly imposing and intensely iaterestingspectaole After forming into line the troops were marched past the Post Office down the eastern side of the square, entering opposite the County Council chamber!*, where the ladles supplied them with refreshments, whilst the remainder of the men,together with the servant*, who remained in the carriages at the station, were regaled under the super* vision of Mr W W Smith. The chief English officers were Colonel Peyton, Major Scott, Captain Hennig*n, Lieutenant) Pocock, and amongst the Indian officers was Lord Robert's orderly, who wore five medals, including the Star of India. Captain Stanton, ofjgthe Viotorlaa Mounted Rifles, from Aus tralia, and the first Lieutenant of the Dklhoukie troopship, was also a visitor with the troops, perhaps the most aristocratic of the Indians were the Queen's Own Guides, in whom special interest was shown. The officers appeared to be quite bright and cheerful after their long train journey, and when seated or standing in the square during their short vuib all were objects of great Interest to the well behaved and orderly crowd of onlookers. After a few photographs had been taken, the troops again fell in, and ; marched by the southern end of the tquare i along East Street to the station, thus giving all a good chance of seeing them. On the departure of the train, consisting of twe engines and fifteen carriages, at 4.20 p m, th< visitors were loudly oheersd, and they ai heartily returned the compliment.

THE RETURN TO LYTTELTON

,'Ey our Special Reporter)

Lytxbltov, March 4 The misb and murk of a keen winter's night hung over Lytteiton this evening, when His Imperial Majesty's troopers, gor geous in green, red, and gold cams home, that fs, to the * Dttlhoutie.' The train of carriages was drawn alongside the troop ship's glistening white sides, and as bosb they could tha troopers threaded their way through » friendly and udmiriDg throng Irate policemen talked boldly of putting the crowd off tha wharves, but that wou'd have been a difficult job for even the brawny sergeant) in charge. The wanderers that had gone " a long way over there,' us one on I ho troopers explained to me with n fl urish of a lioewy haud tlal inoluded uil the South Inland, were not expected till much later, so the crowd had taken up their p- sition previously, and grumbled loudly when a»ked to move on. There are three galleys on the troopship, One on each side of the fore upper deck, and one for the ship's officers, a much more common affair on Ihe 'tween decke. With cooking is usually con nected a litter of poMatid pana. Here, there were only two or three, and not by any means a brother to a saucepan. Rather wtre they eeoapees from some collector's museum, shallow brass vessels, broad and with thin necks of gleaming, (and in some instances ohaserf) brass e>oh like its neighbour, small and queer. Th?y s'O'h! alone on a huge expanse of greasy stove top ; charcoa' stoves presumably, judging from ihalaok of cinder or smoke. Io the colonial mind the word mutton is very little removed from the word pot-, but evidently in the Eastern, it has a yet closer connection, for the sheep rail* j An the stove end, and the gentle victims stood head by jowl with the puts and the cooks. Lounging around each furnace were their tenders, I presume, not by any means our idea of snowy cleanness, in garments of every shade of grey, perhaps of natural colour, perhaps of an acquired grey. From the cooks I passed towards the sleeping placet, accompanied by guides galore; Bow they talked and explained thing* to me. In what a multitude of tongues from the sound of a ohain jingle to the liquid tnusio of dancing water. Some had a amitberine of English, and others understood a little, but my means of information wail the eternal one understanded by all men since the world began, that actions speak dearer than words. My guide in chief, was a stately Bengalese of a type made so vivid to ois by our own cricketer Raojfi I followed down ladders into the inward* of the troopship, iookad into the ordinary galley and into the engine room, then down a dark passage, stopping before a door, One lithe brown hand h«lti up the heavy folds of a chocolate colored curtain, while the other gracefully waved entrance, I stepped smartly in. It was an officer's cabin, three bunks held beds the others held saddlery aud boxes &o, labelled 1 Gwalior Horse ' anl ofctfer names. Wav ing hia hand round he said ' Oftcers cabin,' and with a jerk indioitiug one of them,' My bed-' It) was rather strange to our ideas. Only a white covered mattress, no pillows, no blanksb*. A gorgeous rug in green, scarlet and gold lay in a h jap as bad clothes. 1 made a motion ' might I touch it.' la* Btactly it was? in my hands, light as thistle down, and 1 should jadge warm as fur. The troopers sleeping quartet s were equally strange to our ideas, only the bare' deck divided into squares of about twelve feet by a raised bo&rd, of perhaps half a foot hgh Names and numbers were painted along the board. One brown heap was moving rest" lessly under a brown rug, heavy and cisr-s. I asked ' was be sick,' and my guide said 'No sick 'so perhaps he was resting from the b ttet cold that troubled them all. A splendid specimen of a man six feet or over with regular strong features, almost blue iipe, aad tfefl pathetic, faithful and trust" j worthy eyes of a br»utiful $°g'wa» wrapped from turban to slippers in a huge great coat and Htill shivered as he stood by my side. I aßfccd was he cold, bub only hii eyea could speak his thoughts. He had oialy one of his own liquid tongues to command, It waa a queer feeling to be shown into a perfect babel of noise, where the Lasoars were in all stages of outer robing One donning his grey outer garments over a loose knicker ana blouse suifc of the most ipotlens white, Ib was ihe dressing room of a theatre over again with all the actors real I flung niV arms about, gastulated and talked 'first l to° one'" and then to the other, till your correspondent must ba>ve rathsr reaembled that boy of childhood's day, a jumping monkey on n stick. Then tea time oame, or its eastern equivalent!, A boy ran along, a huge milk pan full of rice upon his head, down it came noiselessly upon I he deck, and another smaller pan followed* With a ladle he helped certain portions round upon the rice, it was curry and of a mont appetising appearance. Tho Mahamedan h\nws, &s was their religion they informed me, drew around and thrusting a hand into the dish deftly conveyed it mouthwardt, It w&tnot ho ditguisting a process as it sounds It was clean and as of old time it was 'he that dippethwith me in the dish ' Afterwards each dipped hands in a ewer of water and meal was over. They all laughed and talked, in & way fch&t gave a good idea of the state of ao*irs abtbe building of Babul, or n!l the sounds in nature from that of a rasping saw to the murmur of|les;lng, gurgling water. Whan the soldiers who had been travelling returned aboard, the babel was, if pouible,

more confoudiug, Groat gorgeous giants ' strode by with swag under their arms, and little weazened men staggered along bearing their masters chattels. Over all towered, olese|te the galloway one solitary bronze figure, splendid in proud isolation. Are you a sergeant asked a mite of Impudent colonial breeding. "Mayor" came the courteous response from the dummified figure above him. But no expression broke the haughty reserve off his pose. His voice rang out in strong, yet liquid orders right and left, orders that were taken , with open palm held towards him and executed instantly. * Is that a Lancer ' I said, as one most faedizined figure, a splen did manly trooper, walked by. Instantly round he swung* ' Yea Bengal Lancer thank yon * came the retort in purest Eng lish, My last impression wai obtained from a tiny fair mite of English childhood, hold" ing out a hand to the haughty officer stand' Ing upon his post arms folded over his chest I *be looked like a Lance in rest' truly. * Goodnight' said th« piping voice of the English child and as the big brown hand dosed over the tittle fair one, a wonderfully tender smile broke up the pr"<-r1 haughty faoe as be answered < Goodnight hue one. '

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

CHBiSTCHCRCH, Maroh 4 The Indian troops arrived this evening from the south, and went through to Lytteltoo, where they will spend the nights on the troopship. No ceremony took place here on their arrival, but) parades will be held both in Ohristchuroh and Lyttelttm tomorrow morning.

BOROUGH COUNCIL

The ordinary meeting of the Borough Council was held last evening. Present— Mesin H Fried land or (Mayor), 6 Andrews, J Davison, H Willis, E J Paul, B Clark, aad H Davis. Apologies were received from Councillors Jones and Timmins for their absence* Owing to the absence of several Councillor* in the early part of the meeting the confirmation of the former minute* was held over until next meeting FIVANOE The oredlb balance at the Bank wm shown to be £183 Oa 7d and £217 Os 9d had been received lisce last meeting, inoluding the Government anbsidy of £140 12a 6d COBBBOTONDBNOE Correspondence was read from Paymaster Genaral remitting balance af Government I subsidy!— Received From General Manager N.Z. Railways re lavatory oar on morning train, replying that none of these special can were available at present.—Received and Olerk instructed to enquire whether other rtquests made by the Council would be attended to From the Ashburton County Council, for payment of £20, for water rent.—Received, and the amount Was ordered to be paid. From the Upper Ashburton Road Board, agreeing to the request,for a loop race for water, applied for on behalf of Alleoton residents at the last meeting of the Council, the race to be formed and maintained by the i Council.—Reoeived. It was decided to inform the members of vhe deputation of the terma. From the Solicitor of the Municipal Corporations, giving the oplaion that the Council had no power to appoint a medicil officer.—Received, and disouesion held over till next meeting , From Commissioner of Crown Lands re reserve for dumping ground,—Raoeived and it was decided to hold the matter in abey anoe untii the Mayor or a Councillor might : be in Wellington, when he could confer with the Department From Lucai Bros, ibating they regretted to hear of advene criticism upon the water , cart forwarded, ana that it waa superior to ; the Chriatcburoh ene, and stating thab the machine and its work had been passed by the [ expert appointed by the Counoil and it was in thorough order . ; The Mayor said this letter was the out come of Cr Jones' remarks at the lasb meeting Cr Davis pointed out tkat Messrs Lucas Bros, had offered to send one of their own staff down to see the cart fairly started* A break in one of the cog wheels had occurred, but he thought the delay in getting the machine to work again was uncalled for, He considered the letter should have gone before the Works Committee before being placed on the Oouncii table, bub the Mayor ruled that he was In error Or Paul supported the Mayor, and moved that Meesrs Lucas Bros, be asked to send a man to attend to the water cart, even if the Counoil had to pay the expense, which was ultimately agraed to From Geo. Elliott, claiming for coat of repairs to his cart caused by bia hone being frightened by the w&ter being sprinkled close to his horse whilst the driver was absent Cr Paul moved that the letter be received, and the writer be informed that the Counoil could not entertain the claim This waa not seconded, but it w»« resolved on the suggestion of the Mayor that the water cart driver be asked for an explanation. From A Wbittaker, foe permission to ereob a small outbuilding in Moore Street as a bath room,—Referred to the Engineer for his report From Dr Mason (by telegram), Intimating that he did nob consider it desirable to drain from the Hospital through the town channels*—-Received ENGINEERS' BKPOB* The engineer's report was read as follows : Asphalting Railway Crossing.—The Works Committee recommend that the footpaths of the streets at the railway crossings be asphalted on one side of each street, with a light coat of asphalt. Your Committee also recommend that Cameron street (28 chains) and Wills street (13 chains) on the north west side of the railway be asphalted with a light coat of asphalt half the width of the footpaths, The engineer reported that the cost of light asphalt would not exceed two peats of tarring and sanding. Street Crossings.—your Committee have instructed the engineer to report) to a future meeting on the cost) of paving footpath crossings in East street with stone, -wood, and asphalt. A further report on this ; matter will then be m&de, Labour Gang—The men have been engaged during the past fortnight in preparing foot paths for asphalt and asphalting same, forming streets and footpaths and carting soil to sections, watering streets, fencing Council yard and Borough reserve, making and fixing bridges and oulvertß, oleaning bub water channels, can teg rubbish from streets, attending to WAter supply and general maintenance works. The Engineers' report was received, and before dealing with ifc the Mayor wanted to know how the scheduled work was beieg progressed with, ; Cr Davison replied that no streets had been scheduled for asphalting. Cr Willis said in certain districts some asphalting was very necessary, He pointed out that the footpaths to the Hospital required asphalting, as ib was impossible to gee there after rain without getting web footed, as the path was covered with grass* He advocated asphalting half the footpath in Walker Street fco the Hotpltali : :', The Mayor said id was a pity they did cob all live at the West end, as this portion of the town was getting all the attention, Cr Willis said the Mayor was among**! those who arranged the schedule of work to be done when the loan was proposed aodwhen there were not nearly so many houses at the west end as there were oow, and yst the scheduled work had nob been oompleted, Cra Davis and Andrews stated that) it was the Intention' of the Works Committee in future to put down only narrow asphalt 'tracks v' " ' ' Cr Clark urged that asphalting half the footpathi! be proceeded with. By titis Saving half the expense, they would be able to form much longer portions than If fully asphalting the full width INifSCfXOB'fI'RSI'OBZ The Inspects* reported satisfactorily on the Borough and the medical officer had no infectious cmmw. A long Hat of oases of ridlsg btoyoles without lights reported by him was ordered t» be dealt with as usual Cr Willis pointed out that many of these of ences were incurred through mere thought lessness or pressure of business, the offenders bJwlog do intention of breaking the by laws. He suggested postponing any action'on the Inspeotor's report, pending the consideration of Or Andrews' motion on the eubj ;ot t which he understood provided that offenders be rati fied and given seven days to pay a fine at the Council Office before being taken to a publ o . Court and having their names published ' The inspector's report was finally adopted*' or yrmtomfof <' • f

wobks oommitthb'b bbpobt The Works Committee's report was read and adopted as a whole KOXIOEB OF MOTION It was decided to hold over the notices of motion of Councillors Jones and 1 immios. tbey being absent Cr Andrews' motion in favour ef giving offenders for riding blejc!e« on footpaths aa option of paying fines forth is offence to the Borough Oooncil aud not through the Court was then dealt with Or Andrews gave his reason for moving in tbia direction and Cr Willis seconded, but the motion was lost A reporb of the discussion will be found in another column. Tenders were opened fur the formation of the East Belt, 62 chains. Mr Fitzgerald's [ was tho highest, £231, and that «f Mr Fleming, at £200, was held, and a copy of Rame was ordered to be sent to the Hamp stead Town Board LICENSES An application for a license for Mr I) Thomas' new auction room as a pubiio fouildiag was granted to the Horticultural Society, and ft Wai decided to refund to the Society the amount of the fee. AOCOOKIB Accounts «mounting to £146 4» 9d were pasted for payment. DOMAIN BOARD. The Counoil then sat as a Domain Board, when the usual routine business was gecw through Ttte Domain Committee recommended thai a charge of £5 be made for the use of the Domain for ths fireworks display, provided that any damage done to Board properly U made good aad that the display is held before the end of March Mr Davis mc>ved that the report be adopted Mr Andrews seconded and Mr Clark supported the motion Mr Willis was opposed to granting the ate of.the Domain Oval at all for the purpose of a fireworks display, especially as the show was a private affair entirely. He moved that permission be nob granted The report was adopted A letter was received from the Curator thanking the Board for the increase to his salary, and adding that he hoped to ooßtiasw to discharge his duties satisfactorily to tbf Board and Is the interests of the public. Cr Davison said the Curator's cottage urgently required attention, and he advocated tfeab the roof be repaired and other werk done. Be moved that the engineer prepare an estimate for re-roofing the house and the erection of an additional room ,whioh was agreed to This was all the business

Weather Report for February.

ASHBURTON

The weather during February was slightly more seasonable than any of th* thn* mouths preceding it Bain tell on 14 dayi, registering a total of 2 006 iochti, the highest being on the 24tb, recordtug .075 inches, the lowest on the 3rd, recording ,001 inches; The highest temperature in the shade—92degs—was registered on the 14th, the lowest—4odegs—on the 3rd. The wied blew from the N.W on 5 days, N.E 10 days, 3,E 9 days, and ?,Won4 days. Excepting the N.W wind those blowing from ethar points were somewhat chilly, but a«atraSfy dry. There was one day—the 28th—with out eunehine. W.W.B, Domain, Mttroh 3,1901

ALFORD FOREST

ALFOBD FOBBST (Che rainfall daringthe month of February s Alf ard Forest, 5 63inches; Aiford Btattoa, 1.75 inches. On the 28th—Alford Fortafc, I.23inches; Aiford Station, ,55 inches. E Hx»kih«

MOUNT SOMERS

Rain fell on 14 day*, most In one d»y of 24 boar?, on the 24th t whets 095 fell. Total rainfall for the month, 3 39 ; average rain fall at Mount Sotnere for the past tight years, 3.19. A E Pkachb

Riding Bicycles on Footpaths.

At the mesiing of the Brrocgh Council lastevcning, Cr Aadn w» n cved tccoidiog to notice "that in fu'ure the inspector of Nuisances be instructed to report at eoee t» the Town Clsik (he uaims of all persons in* frmging Section 14 of the Borough By-Law No. s§, by riding bicycles on the footpath, and that such offender* be not prosecuted for the first or second offences provided the following fincg »re paid to the Town Clerk with to eeven days of the committal of th« offences, namely, 7s 6d for the first and 15a for the second offence. If such fioei are act paid within the time mentioned, aed in »U other eases, a prosecution will follow." He stated that he brought forward this motion to ta?t the ABRoyane* and waste of time caused to persons who ♦ oocaßioßally indecently broke the l*w, by tha present eystem of hailing them before the Court.. He did not tee why the Borough Ooisuuil could not acfe in thin matter m the County Council did in oasei of tampering with water races, where ib St£<ottd asa collected a gee, without taking thecftodftf to coirt. Or Willis seconded, and auggested that Or Andrews should alter hie motion to direct ths Inspector of nuisancea to report to the Council instead of f> the Tom Clerk, and also raise the Sac to tea shilling* tor the first offence. He was lure that the majority of those who were reported t«f riding on the footpaths were nob Intentional lawbreaker*, offending more from thought lessness or haste thaa from any otbsr oacse. He deprecated such people being compelled j to have their names shown up In the reqer£ r of police offenoer,and thought It was not the duly of the Council to make its by-law* oppressive and annoying to the public. The Mayor thought he had never heard such an extraordinary motion brought before the Council. The people who broke tha tew knew what they were doing, and It w«i nonsense to talk of their doing to innocently, they should take all the consequences of their act«. He could not understand the mover and seconder trying to screen thtwt Cr Davis strongly opposed the crotion. Cr Paul agreed with the Mayors views, and argued there would be grave objection! to the course suggested by Cr Andcfwn AH hough he rode on the foos paths himc«lf t he kept a good look out ahead, but he ad mitted the practice of riding byolji on the paths was a dangerous one. '' Cr Clark agreed'that' the Council should nob be thus turned into a court ot law. ' CrDaviaon supported the Mayor'B viewi on this subject. ' ■ " ■' Or Andrews replied that the Mayor and other* had misled the real point at l«Uf; He had never asked them to do the work of the court, aud if the Council adopted bit motion it would simply give oftasdert who were not criminals » chance of keeping out of Court, aad witholding their names front publication. He quite iaiied'to see why the '■ Mayor should characterise Ihle motion m a most extraordinary one. l '" ■ Ou a discussion Mr Andrews motion was lost, only the mover and eeoonder votiß^ or it. ' ,-i

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not held ourielvwi rei(*Mib!« tor opinion! *spn«ed by oar corrtqtondents

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

TO TilH BUITPB Bib,—May I ask through your ralusWe paper who is to blame for the Athburton Trotting Oiub meetiog oiashieg with the Banff itata race meeting. By inquires I find that the Bangitata had to alter their 'date to please the Association, yet they had"their programme out before the Aahbarten club, Ashbnrton horse owners support the Kaag* itata race meeting, also we send horses from Rangltatato Ashburton. Is the Association *? Wmm •» li. *he AsbWrtos Club reepwi. slble for this mistake -I am etc, ■ A LovKKOj-IUnPUT*

T X Gt) BIA TUESPAY, MARCH 6, • J



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; F, FERRIMAN _______ FOB SALE. A OHOIOK A HOME"iii AUanton. fnllipartianlais on apptioation, F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agwb FO B SALE. ALLENTON. Ne*jr the Woollen Factory, AMfIDIAL HOMB ( with which! could , b» combined profitable Poultry firm. 1 havt b«in (ntlrnefed by Mr James Rkw to 8«! l hit wall known proparty, ■itcatw as above, comprliiag 2 aer«i of land, on which Is treotttd a,comfortable hoasc of fire roomt and lonllvrf with pump inside, stable, trap as<S chaff boasts, also a larga fowl hous« and roe; part of the land is laid oat in orohard and it well •fosked with choice fraft tr»e». Tht property adjoins Messrs Kenel, Dohtrty, aed Holboroagh. It bai an ample frentaga «n two reads, and is aiOated ia close proximity to t>he publto school. The reason Mr Reid has placed this froperty In the marie* It that he has purchased a Farm at Marten, in the North Island, and is deeiroas of iettHßgJgt<horeoa at at tarty date. F. FERKIMAN, Land aed Estate Agen4 TO LET, CJAETER'S TEREAOE, Tinwald, HOUSE |o! nine reoms, detaohed Wash home, also good Stables, with acres of land, part of which ii laid oat in a good erohard. F. FERBIMAN, Land and' Estate Agent TOWN SECTIONS' I HATE several Beotioos In various part of th« Town for sale, weil adapted for building porpotei or for holding for future profit. j f. frrrimanJ li4ND'A3SD ESTATE iGBNT. 21 I jam^s mm Fdrkishino Warehootb, (Hi.Te!ock Kireet; jTTK guarantees to sell at Jhristchurob [>ric«3 for (Cftah pr Time J t*ym&atts, I 14 MESSfISSTSSKGER&GRESSWdL BARRISTERS ft SOLICITORS, CHRISTCHURGH, HAVE OPENED A BRANCH OPFIOR at) 3d 9 Datibon's, West Street, Aihburt«a, where lk»f will attsnd every TOUBSPAY and on othsr days when »ecc*«ery. They will 1m represented In Aihbnrton by Mr J. Datison, who !s authorised to receive lostraetleae 00 their behalf, and to when eeamniJMfctti may fee addressed. We have various raws of money awaiting Investment at lowest correct ntef. STBIHGBR iToRESSWELL, SOLICITORS, CHRI3TCHURCH ft] ABHBURTON. """*"■" y"~t~~T * m te tti >* I 1 f O c■« § q 5 1^ £ * I I I S P3 011 I I i 4 -S "S a M 8 I ? 8 21 •si! B " CC a I g 1 "QO Ol I g F. N. wiITOOMBE, q CR^ECfrDE^TISI 1, Sauodtie'i Bai!c(}ng« s A«bbotioß> Boras 07 Azxxmoakob : 9am lill 12 p M 5 sni from 2fm till6pm. 1201



AHEAD OF THEM ALL. ALL PEACriCAL AND EXPERIENCED BIOEBS ABB THEIR FATOBITES; - They are the bell thai money c.in buy They are the ati**p®st io the long run They are thoroughly up to date Tbpy are good, hoasst msobfnee PRICE—£2I. Call and intppot for yonreelf. We «ill gnarantte to plewse and imio you, GATES, LO WRY AN > CO.J 2t6ftkndia Oycla Worke, ' BTJRNITT STREET, ABHBURTOH. ■. <■. _ T. H. UMDRILL- & CO., CABINETMAKERS & UPHOLSTIRERS. iihhim mil 111111 afj a inn i. in FURNITURE AND BKDDING •OF AJLI.. HINDS }■ J MADE ON TBB. PREMISES. '! WM ARE STILL MAKING orar Famoni Drawing Eeem B«i*ei i» Plub AQd Tapestry, which beat Christ church for price and quality. Call and nee them, JUST LANDED—A large asiorfment of Aastrian, American, and Quoad an Cbairi. These Good" were bought before the rfcrnt ris« io pricM, whicb enables ua to «ell at lowest prices. fT Bedstesda amd Toilet Ware—Largest stock in town ; at all prices. LINOLEUMS, T> VG9, i"\ILOLOTHS, IMOLIUMS, XX XJGS, ./ILOLtiTHS, In New and Chaste DeeigQi; at all prices. DOOR MATS—AII aortg, all aizei, W® mancfactara all oar own Goods on the premiise, of tfee becfc m»fc«rial and workmanship, bo boy from m and encourage Local Induitry ; besides, yon m&y go farther and fare worse than at T. H. UNDRILL & CO.'S, CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS. PICTURE FKAMEBS, AHD| UNDERTAKERS, TANORED STREET, Next to tfaw Building Society's (ffice, and opposite Aroade,) JfOl IViri)FXB JDST LANDED MANY IM.PBOVEMBNTS. COME AND 81E THEM» 'pI; Uli GOOD SECOND - HAND CYCLES TO BE SOLD CHEAP. M> EE A SDK ABLE OFFER EEFUSID JOHN ORR & CO. V MJ fRI!J-LL AT*D IIIHNER i in Mnuiiiii iiHßimumniiiwimimiiii 111111111 iii..ji_ _xhim, mji m, .111 ■In .11 ■urn "I -- — "-'T WALL P_A PER S. ITjTE HAVE TO HAKD, per the last Home beat—29 Bale* of the very latest ABTISTIO FAPEEHANGINGS, the Colouring! and Designs o •which are decided woiki of art. Iu«loc!ed io the loipment »r» Beaatifa Friezes »nd Borders t§ match the Papers. I bold the largest sieck of WALL PAPEES in tea tit Canterbury Clieiatß can therefore rely uponh ioga larga Tariety of escb resp&ctJT* s©ri to choose from. J mrvnx house dicoritor and sign- V V I I Jill I \\ Opposite Mail O«c», f ff JLJLJKJ\/Xl| Butnttt Stmt. 3? 0 B»x 16. Telephoae •