THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains cave Ashbarton daily for— (JHRISTOHUROH—afc 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 pm,7Spm (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,3 60 pin DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daily at Aehburtoa from— CHKXSTOHURGH-afc 10.45 » m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 prn TIM A KU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DDNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRIMGBURN-at 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon fox February

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following p!aoes at undar, snbjecb to the neceeßary alterations : ! WEDNESDAY, February 27 ! For Northern Portß, Westporfc, and Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, etc. Canada, United Stsf«« of Amerioa, United Kingdom, etc., due London Maroh 30, and Continent of Europe, via San Francisco, per Zsalandia at 6 30 p m, late fee letters guards van express, money orders 2.30 pm, regis ! tared articles and parcels for United States, < 5 pm THURSDAY, Feb 28 For Northern Porte, and Weatport, per Rotomahans, at 630 pm Late fee letters, guard's van, express FRIDAY, March 1 For Northern Ports and Westporfc, also Australia (due Sydney March 7th), lodic, China, Straits Settlement, South Africa, etc , also Unitod Kingdom, via Brindist, and Continent of Europe, per Monowai at 630 pm, late fee letters guards van express . ]

Commercial.

TEMUKA STOCK SALE

At the fortnightly sale ymt rd»y the en»ry was smaller thna übua! m all clacces. The attendance was good and the sale was a f»irly lively <ne f resulting ia a clearance at quotatif ni r— Phbep—Fat ewes, 14? 6d, 14j 9d, 15s 3d to 15591 ; forward lamfcs. 12-6 d, 13s to 13s3d; forward wethers, 16i6d, 17«, to 17s 61 j hslfbred full mouth ewe*, 16i to 16- 6d. Pies—Porkers, 25-*, 27s 6;! to 30s; slips 5t 61 >o 6s 6-1 !"roBB Cattle— Two and three year olds £2 11s, £3 10s to £4 ss; yearlings 25s to 32 6d

CLEARING SALE AT SOUTHBRIDGE.

Mc'er^ R Matson and Co. report having held one of the m-'Bt sucoesaful sales of th» Keaeon at Somhbridge, on Monday, on ac count of the trustees oi the late Mr J Bennie. 96 acres of land, situated on the banka of the Rakais, realised £9 7s 6d per aor«, the pai ot ater being Mr Thoa. McKae, of South' bridge. A few of the pricea of stock were as follows :—Dairy cows £7 to £12 ; two year old bull, ehorthorD, Duke of '. <> .*r.y, Ugs; yearling bull Ufa; els.ht mouths old bull 14gt; four months old bull, roan* 7§g«; Hoathdown rams, ligs to 4ga, Southdown ewes 2gs; lambs 12s; crossbred ewes, broken mouth, 12s; draught mares and foals, £45 to £52; three year old draught ma c, £38; hacks £14 to £20. Implements also sold we!!.

ABHBURTON STOCK MARKET.

The following completes our report of j yeeterday'a sale :•— Store sheep—The prices for itoro sheep were well maintained during the sale despite the Urge yarding of this olaas collected for ditposal, and the excellent stubble feed cow available will no doubt help to continue the demand. High rales ruled for good ewes Mr Thomas realising 22a 3d for 300 halfbred two tooth ewea from Wicdermere, 100 from same estate reaching 21s* The sales of stores during the day were— Friedlander Broi.—b'O merino ewes 9a 6^, 520 four tooth halfbred wethers 16s, 255 two tooths 14a 3d, 205 haifbred call lambs at 10a, 578 at lis 3', 944 marine wethers at) 8s 9d, ihe last five lo'n being from Mount Possession Estate; 178 halfbred wether lambs 13s 8d; 182 ewe larnbt 14s 7d, 900 threequarter bred »fc 13s 2d, 87 crossbred Jamba at 13s, 302 at Up, 82 at lie 10J, 27 at 15a 4d, 68 crossbred ewesQi 9d, 156 at 12s, 163 at 11a 6d, 48 culi two tooth wethers Up, Mr D Thomas'sates were—ls9 lambs at 12a 3d, 429 *t, 11s, 129 culls 8a 93, 210 lambs e.% I2i 11<1, 279 at 11b, 901 at 13s 4d, 277 two tooth wethers at 149 Id, 355 crossbred ewes at llsSd, 82 two tooths at 15s 103, 87 at 10f, 360 at 22s 3d, 100 at 21?, 187 merino ewes at §9 101, J49 merino ewes and lambs ab 9s 3d each, 909 aged halfbred ewea at 14s 63, 128 crossbred ewes at 12a 6d N>Z. Farmers' Co-operative AtepolaMon sold aa follows :—IJCO iambs at J2a '$i, 398 »6 12s Bd, 300 at 12* 3d, 91 at 12s, fS two tooth crosßbrod ewes 18a sd, 265 lambs &t 14s lid, 42 at 13s 6J» 27 at Us 6d

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are aa follows £ — Wheat (nominal)— Hunter's, pe^rl, and velvet 2a 3d to 2s 4d, and Tuscan 2s 4d to 2a 5d Oats (new) — Canadians Is 5d to Is 6d, short) feed Is 5d to la s£d, Duns and Daiiieh la 4d to la 4£d Barley (new) —Malting 2s (at country ■battons) Beans—(nominal) Peas—(nominal) Flour (millers' quotations nominal)—Koiiwr £7, atone £6, sharps £3 10s, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Oateheaf Chaff — 42a 6d at) near country gtatione. Hay—Jss 5a to £310 a, delivered } primes!) baled £4, f ob Seeds —Ryegrass, tarmere' lots Is 3d to Is 6d; prime heavy, town dressed, 2e 6d to 3s 3d, Cocksfoot, 2d to 2£d for bright seed, to %k for extra good, town machine dressed 161 b to 171 b seed, 3}d to 3Jd, oowgrass 5d to 6d s exfcra. choice 6Jrd, White clover, 6d to 7^d. | Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 4d to sd, ! factory 4|d to 6d. Butter—factory, looal, 10d, dairy 7d to Bd, Bait, m boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams, 6d to 6^d f factory baoon aod hams, |d pr Jb higher.

The above price?, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b, Lyttelton.

Ashburton Gusrdian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1901.

It is seldom that a public que-stion pxcitfg so much discussion amongst our townspeople as the proposal of the Borough Council to permit the Hos pital drainage to flow into the street channels has done. The matter has been quite the talk of the town for a week, and it is apparent to the ocoßt caeual observer that the feeling ie very strong against the Council's action. We have gone into this subject pretty fully m previous articles, and Ib ie only j necessary at this stage to draw special attention to the crux of the ques tion, vhich is that the wishes of the burgesses of this town are of more importance to those who represent them than the technical opinions of ail the experts and lawyers m the country. They do not care a straw whether this or thnt scheme of drainage may be legally adopted, or whether Baicrcbee are supposed to be killed by certain processes or not. What they require is that they shall not be called upon to undergo any possible risk beyond those which already exist ft em deleterious matter being drained into the street channels, That is bad enough m all conscience, seeing the uses to which «he water m those conduits are often put by the inhabitants. Cows are watered from them, clothes ara washed m the water from them, streets are watered from them, shops are sprinkled from them, including grocera', meat, and fruit shops, and flowers and fruit trees are sprayed from them,children play and walk about m them, and sometimes drink from them. To those who may have witnessed some of the operations necessary m a hospital, it seems incon ceivable that any inhabitant of this town could be found to advocate that the hospital sewage ehould be drained into the channels flowing pasb our doors. However, our chief object m writing to-day is to urge upon every man and womon interested m the conservation of the public health to attend the meeting this evening to protest against this pre posterous scheme being carried into effect. We may remind those living m situations out of the direct line of the channels that would be used, that they are equally concerned with all others m maintaining the health of the whole borough, since a disease once established m a town is a menace to all the residents m it.

Local and General.

A Notable Day—To-day is the anniver* sary of Mojuba Hill aod Psardeburg. The Inward Mails—A Britiih and Ana trali&n mail arrived by tha express from the south last night. Thh Cornwall— Four thousand pounds waa spent) m provisioning the Cornwall m New Zealand, Tinwald Stock Sale—Yesterday's yard" ing of sheep at tho Tinwald yards wm very heavy, a total entry of 18,000 sheep be'ng collected, and the conc'usion of the auotion was dolaye ! until a Hte hour. ' Bobs '—We hnve received from the pub lishers, Mpßsrs Ricordi and Company, Lon don, a copy of the new patriotic song entitled 1 B-ibs,' by Joseph Gillott. The New Judgb—Mr Justice Cooper will arrive m Wellington on March 5, and take hia seat on the Supr-me Court bench on the following <^ay. "Poverty Rat "—At a meeting of the Gi'borno Haibour Boar i on Tuesday, fchero wa? no seconder to a motion by tho Chair man that steps should be taken to change the name rf Poverty Boy to "Vlotori> B*y " Poblic Works—Aocoiding to a Welling ton telegram the ('ahinet. has authorised the • xpendiiure of £500 on the Hokitikf- Chriatohurch road, and JEJIOCO on the Blenheim-Waipra railway. School FXOUBBION~'I he eohool excursion to Sumntsr arranged for tomorrow should be well supported, as the weather looks fiae. The tickets must be obtained tonight from Mr H M Jones. Civil Service Examination-For the civil service examination of January, 1902, the period of literature will be the reign of Elizabeth, and the speoial books George Eliot's "Romola" and Shakespear's ''King Lear." High School Spobtb—Ab the combined schools of the county will not hold their annual meeting till December next, the High Sohool boys have decided to hold their sports sb usual. A meeting of old boys is called for Friday evening next m the school. Doboai Society.—The former members of the Dorcas Society are reminded that work will be resumed on Monday next, at 2 30 poi, at their rooms, Wakanul Road Board offices, when new members are also invitad to be present). Bowling.—On Thursday, March 7th, a team of bowlers ia expeoted from Ghrist ohureh to compete against the Ashburfcou Bowling Club. A large muster of enthusUste m the game were practising on the local green yesterday afternoon and evening. A Prosperous Si«n—lb speaks well for the prosperity of Hastings, says the Hastings Standard, that a, tradesman who ictired from business about; twelve months ago with book debts amounting lo £800 has m the interval collected £750. That is nothing. We appeal to thoße who ought to know to say whether we shall nob be just; as success* ! fui m the collection of the moneys owing to us, without retiring The Colony's Population—The arrivals m the colony m January numbered 3106, comprising 2076 males and 1030 females, a& j against 2840 for January, 1900 The j departures during January numbered 1465 males and 502 females, or a total of 1967, as against 1703 m January, 1900. The excess of arrivals over departures last month was 1138 Poblto Meeting. —The public an re minded that) the meeting to protest against the Borough Council granting the Hospital Board permission to drain into, the side chancels takes p!ac<J to-night, m the new auction roomß, Burnett Street,when a jUrge at tendance is expected, partieiilefly of mothers of families, who are specially interested. The meeting is convened to commence ab 8 o'clook. Personal —-Mr E W Hanmer has been oo'jfined to the house for several days past, and his illness, we regreb bo state, hns now assumed a pxpst serious form, and he lies m a vwy critical state. This morning a very slight improvement is reported. Mr Hanmer is being closely attended by Dr Maude.«- The Rev Blaokburne, lately vicar of Tinwald, was a passenger for the north by the express last evening. To Philatelists— Th« Victorian issue of Gomm#n wealth postal oards has proved a great success, no fewer than 250,000 m all six colonies being now m emulation* The Department intends to continue to print the cards so long as the publio demand warrants. With regard to the £1 and £5 series of alighbly post-marked Yiofeorian stamps, the snpply 1h ranaißg vary low, and no more will be printed. A Tommy's Opihioh—One of the noted Black Watch waa asked what he thought of j New Zealanders. ('Ob, tjiey are fine scouts, and brave fellows; still," he added <ppkly "if we did what they do m battle we would be ahot, for the simple reason that the New Zealanders are too independent, and at | time? di?obey orders." j

Wfather Refobt.—Oaptein Edwin fore*;! caste:—lSortheast do north amd west gale glass fad, indict*tions rain* Magisterial—A first offender was brought up at the Co art this morning', and was remanded for aeven days for medioal treat ment. 1 LONGBBAOH FoRTIOTCTURAL (^HOW—The annual horticultural show of the Longbeach district will be held m the Water ton Library to-morrow afternoon and evening. Special prizes are offered for the beat exhibis of bread, butter, eotioea, and buna. Entries for all exhibits clone at 9 o'clock to-night, and exhibits must be delivered not later th*n 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. A promenade concert, at which the best local talent will perform, should prove an additional attrac tion to this popular annual fixture, Thk Domain—Yesterdaj's fine weather drew to the Domain a large number of mem bers to the tennis, bowling and croquet grounds, where these games w«re played vigorously until a late hour.* The finale m the present teunla tournament take pSaoe at the Domain flourti on Saturday afternoon next, when some Interesting play i« antici pated for the valuable trophies presented by the President 0 W Farnell Eaq, and there should be a largo attendance of members and their friends ASHBURSON FIBE BIUGADH — The JoOftl team which ia competing at tha Ohrietoimroh meeting had a very successful practice afe the station last night, some excellent times being recorded. .Following upon the praotioe a meeting was held, at which the various details m connection with the forthoomtag contest were discussed, and matters satisfac torily arranged^ Two additional members of the Brigade accompany the team of five teleeted, and it) is expected that the return trip will not be made until Saturday or Monday next. To Ensukb Sam D»mvbby;.~A thought ful and commendable act, says the Southland Daily News is to be put to the credit of Mr W Horrobin, manager of the New Zealand Loan and M A Company, Bluff; Knowing how acceptable llteratute mast bo to the soldiers m South Africa, he suggested that newspapers and books should be placed m the top of the 801 b sacks of grain that were , being despatched bo the front, a plan that it almost certain to (insure safe delivery. The suggestion was ao'ed upon, a large quantity of literature being forwarded. The Indian Troops—The Indfon troops will pass through by rail tomorrow afternoon about half past five o'clock m route for the south. We learr. chat arrangements bave been definitely made for the Indian troops to go through the JJouth Island.' Immediately on arrival at Christchuroh they will proceed direct to Dtmedin and Inveroargill, and on the return journey they will probably stay a short time at the intermediate station*, and act m the same line, as the Imperial troops. However full particulars will be communicated when details are formally arranged. The npecial train will have to stay here for a short time to take m water for the engine, and the opportunity may be taken advantage of to ace the tr oops on their tray south, Valbdictort —The Baring Square school room was comfoiftably filled on Tuesday evening, on which occasion a sooial was held for the purpose of bidding goodbye to Miss Amy Steel, who will be shortly leaving for Sydney. Rev Thoe. Fee, who presided, handed to Misi Sit eel a travelling rag and writing cuie, as a slight recagnition of that lady's long and faithful services as a member of the choir, Endeavour Society, Sunday School, and m other departments of Christian activity; Addresses, also expressing hearty appreaiation of Mist Steal's devoted character, and oh«erful services were given by Messrs 0 Dixon, W H Collins, H M Jones, and G W Andrews. Mr F H Steel suitably responded, on behalf of his sister. During the evening vocal items were ren* dered by Messrs McOiymont, B James, Miss B Alcorn, and Mrs Herbert Steel, also inßtrumental pieces by Miss Collins and Mr Savage. Union Stbameb6i Movemdnts.—The Union Company have abandoned the idea r-f run ning & special exclusion train by the Waikare to the SiiUih Sea islands during the coming winter. It is anticipated that the visit to the colonies of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall will bring about v contidrr>b!f) increase m the passenger traffic between Australia and ftew Zealand, and the company wl«h to afford every faoHity to the travelling public by keeping the Waikare m the intercolonial service, although under ordinary circumstances she is not required during the winter months. They hope nex' year to resume thair special winter trips; meantime their regular South Sea island ser vices from New Zetland and Australia afford ample opportunities for tourists to visitFJ , Tonga, Romotv, Rirotonga. and Tahiti. OjITUABY— Th» Wellington /to/ohronJclee the death of Mr John Douglas Bangs at the ripe age oj 82, which occurred at his residence, Russell Terrace, last week. Mr Benge was born In Boohnetcr, Kent, and arrived m this colony by the ship Olympus m 1842. He was employed on the Upland E>*rrn by Mr Frankeriby for so*ne time, and afterwards served wfth Major Durie m the armed police. He was engaged carrying despatches durfng (ha first Maori war, and was present at eevural engagements. After the troubles with the Maoris were ended he returned to Wellington and was employed by Mr James Tain for twelve years. Then he bseame proprietor of the Fieemaions' Hotel for a time, and afterwards he was engaged m the timber yards of Messrs Compton, Bailey and Ewing. Mr Bang* was a hard, upright working man, and was much respected by all who knew him. He leaves a widow, nine i children, twenty-two grand children, and j three great grand children. Mr Beng* is the j father of Mrs Conborne, wife of our station j master.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not hold ourselves respeneible for opinion expressed b; our correspondents

HOSPITAL BEWAGF.

70 SHB BDIIOB Sib,—ls it possibly true that the liquid sewage from the Hospital is to be turned down the channels of our admirably olean town ? Is it, I ask you, possible that m the dawn of the nineteenth century we are to have a repetition of London m f ho sixteenth? Are we to imitate the slums of Constantin ople or the * Cloacae' of ancient Rome 7 Shame upon the idea. Have we no& had warnings from the terrible scourge of the bubonic plague, oostiog countless thousands m cash and tho desolation of hundreds of homes m Australia ? Someone has blundered. Oh, the pity of it: think of it, you mothers ; , think of it, you fathers of families; think of j ib all you who value the wondrous gifts of health, strength, and length of years, which a bountiful nature has bestowed on this | young nation 1 Ib surpasses all understanding ! thafc a town well known for its health, if not itß wealthy inhabitants, should turn a town boasting the possession of one of the prettiest domains m this beautiful country into a ' Bacillus Cultivation ' for the sake of a few paltry sovereigns, I hopo that every man and woman, aye, and toddling child will crowd Burnett street to-night, and by their presence protest against the iniquity. Bather let the Hospital and all connected therewith be ebifted to the ocean beach (the proper place for it) than that Ashbnrton be rendered the lesar house of the colony. I have written strongly, using many adjectives, yet I doabt not I express the feelings of those who admire Meni Sana m Cobfobe Sano. Ashburton, February 27, 1901.

Charge of Stealing Jewellery

United Frees Association-—By Electric Telegraph Auckland, February 19 Waugh, who was arrested m Sydney, be longed to Dunedln. He has been m the em ploy of Cohen for about a month. He is charged with stealing jewels with whom h« had been intrusted as a commercial traveller for Cohen. It) is believed that the amount m considerable. A cable message reoeivei by the police states that a large quantity of the jewellery was found on the accused. A local officer will be sent over to escort Waugh back, ___________________

SIR ROBERT HART PROTESTS.

A Foreign Seizure.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Lonbon, Feb 26 PSir Robert Hart, Director of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs, h«s forwarded to foreign Ministers at Pekiu a strong protest against the seizure Iby representatives of Austria, France, Germany, and Italy, of the maritime Custom* at Pekin, which he claims ac virtually his own property.

The Rival Cables

CONDEMNATION OF THE POOLING SCHEME

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Feb 26 The Daily Tdtgraph m condemning the proposed cable poo!, says cable rates would be kept high, and cable users would have to pay a high tariff to benefit by the Eastern Extension Hoes, as well as maintain the Pacific cabla on a bads of purely artificial profitableness. It would be far cheaper ! and more honest to let the Pacific cable run on its merits, the Govern ments concerned footing whatever bills accrued because it did not pay. The public was always willing to pay m a proper way for such works of national necessity as the Pacific cable. The wonder is that the Pacific Board which represents the Governments should bave started the pooling project

Wesleyan Conferences.

United Press Association—-By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

i Sydney Feb 26 The Rev George Lane has been elected President of the Wesleyan Conference. Melbourne, Feb 21 The Be? A R Edgar has been elected President of the Victorian and Tag msmian Conference.

America and Cube.

CONDITIONS OP CUBA.N IN DEPENDANCE.'

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Tel egraph —Copy ri gh t

'WABHiNSTtir, February 26 The Senate's Foreign Relations Com mittee agreed to an amendment m the Army Bill, authorising President MeKinley to band Cuba to the Cubans as soon as Government was established under a constitution defining the relations with the United States, recognising America's right to inter vene for the preservation of Cuba's independence, and providing for the maintenance of good government.

The Trade of New South Wales

NEW ZEALAND'S SHARE

United Press Assooiatior—by Electric Telegraph—Copyrifchb Sydnet, Feb 26 The imports into New South Wales last year totalled £27,561,000, an in crease of £1,967,000 and the exports £21,164,000, a decrease of £281,000 compared with the previcns year. The imports from other colonies reached £10,164,000, New Zealand supplying £1,348,000, and the exports to other colonies totalled £9,979,000, New Zealand taking £827,000. The im ports from the United Kingdom amounted to £9,928,900, and the ex ports thereto to £8,273,000. The im ports f^om foreign countries reached £5,120,000. and the exportß thereto £7,597,003. The export of gold was £1,008,000

SOUTH AFRICA

THE FLIGHT OF THE BOERS

BRITISH COLUMNS CLOSING IN ON THEM

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright) London, February 26 Mr Bennett Bnrlelgh state* that the Orange river is still flooded, and the Boers are trekking east and north. Who British columns are forming a wide cordon from the Orange -Elver Station to Norval's Pont, and are closing m tho only means of escape left. The Boers are swimming tho river, De Wet and Steyn are olose to Patrna villa. Prisoners admit that Botha received a j crashing blow. Ho, with two thousand men, ia retreating m the direction of Komati Foort. In the House of Commons Mr Brode rick stated that ninety nine Courts of | ifnquiry had baen held regarding twenty cases of British surrenders In Sonth Africa, resulting m the dismissal or the placing on hilf pay of ten officers, and ihe infliction <<f penalties on others. The cases involv ing eourttnartials would be madß public. Private A. Harrison, of the New Zea land Mounted Rifles, died of enteric at Naauwpoort. Melbourne. February 26 Lieutenant Wilfred « hesney Wi'son. of the Imperial Yeomanry, died of his wounds ab Hartabeesfontein, He was a son of the late Samuel Wilson, and went to South Africa last year.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, Feb 25 Colonel Edward Willis Duncan Ward, 0 B, of the Army Service Corps, has been appointed Permanent Under secretary for War m succession to Sir Ralph Knox, Fresh opposition is being shown to Jesuits m Spain and Portugal, owing to the detention of several heiresses m the convents of the Order February 26 Sir Arthur Lawley, the new Governor of Westralis, accompanies the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall to Australia m the Ophir

The Rifle Meeting.

ÜBited Pirets Association—By Electric Telegrspl.—Copyright Wbixinbtos, Feb 26 The of bandicappingin connection with the .303 and Martini rifles, to be used afe the New Zealand Rills Association Meet' ing, which opens at Wangunui on the 21st Maroh, has caused the Executive of the Association a good deal of thought, end Colonel Sommervllle, Chairman of the N«w Zealand Association, communicated with Colonel Tampletor, Chairman of the Vict orian R fle Association, on the nubieot. Colonel Tempieton hae oabled to Colonel Sommervllle advising that the following handicaps should be.'g^ven:—MartioiHenry, when competing againttb MBrtioi-Enfield .303, at 500 and 600 yds, 1 point • at 700, 2 points. This is with seven shots at each distance, so that m a 21 shot match the Martini' Henry would have 4 points handicap. The other ranges and ten shot matches will be based on this scale. I Colonel Sommerville admits hie dislike to * ; handicapping, bat) under the short supply of Martini'Enßelds, there ia no option, and m any case the competitors »t the forth' doming meeting are m no worse position than the Yicfcon*n« and New South Welshmen were at their respective gathering*, For the match confined to oar New Zealand men who have ?'■■-'$ m South Afric»» <t large entrance is tx^eoted, and it is understood the Defence Minister will authorise a large amount for allocation as priz<j money.

The Colchester Murder Case

United Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph Wanqakui, February 26 In the Supreme Court, tbia afternoon, Mr S T Fitzherbert mentioned that he had received & telegram from Mr Bell, Grown Prosecutor io Wellington, and another from Mr Skerrett, asking him to request Mr Justice Edwards to deliver the judgment of the Supreme Court m the Lilly white Biatch extradition case. The Oourti was moved for a motion for writ of habaai corpus, with a view of discharging the prisoner Lilly white from Custody, h« having been oommitttd by the Magistrate at Wellington under th« provisions of Ihe Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881 Mr Justice Edwards firsb delivered the Judgment of the Chief Justice, from which he dissented, and then read his own judg ment, which' was contrary to that of the Chief Justice. The opinion of the Conrb beiag divided, the reßulb presumably will be that the order ou the motion on ft rule absolute will not be made, and that the prisoner will ba extradited m accordance with the decision of the Magistrate

Indian Troops at Nelson

United Press Association—By Eleetrlo Telegraph

NsiSON, Febrmary 26 I The steamer J>alhou«ie was berthed at the Railway Wharf a little before 3 o'clock this afternoon, when - Colonel Peyton and the Indian troops disembarked. Hones were provided for, and all the volunteers of the locality were present. The proceisioa marched to the Cathedral Hill, where the school children were grouped, and thence to the Botanical Hardens, where fruit and ; refreshments were provided for the visitors* The Mayor, Mr J Hardy, briefly welcomed the Indians, and the Prtmier made a short speech. The whole town was gay with bunt)' ing. This evening the officers were entertained at dinner by the volunteer officers, a&d the remaining Indians attended the theatre, where a special entertainment was organised for them. Tomorrow morning, they are to be taken into the country. Nelson, February 27 The Indian troopa are having a general look round today. Some are going up country wiih the Premier by rail. The Dalhoueie leaves here this afternoon.

Mr Seddon And Colonel Penton

(feom Press' cokrbspondijst) WELLiNGSOif, Februsry 26 The fact that there are two commandants of the forces m New Zeala&d leads some* times to amasing complications, m was exemplified at Palmerston on Sunday, during , the visit of the Indian troops. Mr Seddon 1 wanted the people to have a look ab the troops after tho Volunteers marched siway, but Colonel Penton instructed Captain Campbell to march the men to their carriages Mr Seddon countermanded the order In load and stetn to.nev, and turning to Colonel Penton,fiercely salt?, 'Id like to know if I am boat her<*.' The Colonel rejoined, 'If yon have any ordera to give the troops, I should like them given through me.' The two glared At one another for a minute or two, and the member for Patmenton, who was standing near by, threw kerosene on the troubled fUmes by ejaculating m an audible voice : • There's only one person can do the bossing when the Premier is around,' Colonel Peufcon ordered the men to be brought ont of the train again, and they complied. ■„■

An M.H.R, and His Wife in Court

MR GE6. FISHER AND HIS WIFE IN COURT.

(FROM PBESS' OORBE»ON»1NT) Wellington, February 25 At tb.3 Magistrate's Court today George Fisher, member for Wellington, seed hl« wife, Laura, for the return of a * Picturesque Atlas,' two books of record, a watch and ohain, with a railway pasi attached, and a Maltese cross presented him at Dunedin. Mr Fisher said that m pursuing this case be had a definite aim m view, and porpoted placing before Parliament his experiences with a view of an alteration m the law re> labiug to husband and wife. The hoase had been practically denuded of goods, »nd he desired redress at law for the wrong done him Mrs Fisher counter claimed several articles of attire and turniture. Mr Fisher produced a quantity of dilapidated wearing apparel, broken looking: glasses, and othßr decrepit) articles of furniture, allegiog that they were the only things tallying with goods claimed by his wife Mn Fisher, m evidence, said Mr Fisher had lost the watch and chain when m a state of drunkenness. Iho plaintiff had taken from her the railway past, and given to a woman of immoral character. The books he required were hidden behind the mangle The Magistrate gave Mr Fither an order for the 'Picturesque Alias* which Mrs Fisher admitted having, and gave Mrs Fisher the articles produced m Court, and ordered the plaintiff to be left m possession of the sewing machine aod other articles , claimed by Mrs Fisher

The Recent Railway Accident

Sydney, Feb 21 The inquest on the Sydenham railway accident: was resumed. The Inspector gave evidence that the end of a rail at the joint wai a quartsr to three-eighths of an inch low near tha plaoe where the engine left the line, but he did nob consider this dangerous. Other evidence was to the effect that the line and engine were m good order, and the < train was travelling at the usual rate.

Sporting.

YR.C. AUTUMN MEETING,

United Press AteooiatioD—By Eleotrio Telegmph— Oopy right Mbiboukne, Feb 28 In the betting market prices are dull- Wakeful 3 io 1, Arirance 7 to I, Watchdog 8 to 1, Fulminate 10 to 1, Sydney, feb 26 The Daily Ttkgrdph warns ■peculation Wna are pinning their faith and money to ths New Z aland crack, Advance, and the Sydney fiyer, Fulminate, for the Newmarket, thabtt 1 new record m the matter of weight will have to be eatabtished for either to win. Actv&not will carry 9st IVb and Fulminate 9*{j 101 b. At'owing for her sex, the latUr Is really conceding weight to the much di»oa§s«<! visitor.

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB

DDNt»isr, February 26 The weather is fine and the attendance capital. The Indian Contittgc nt have aooepUd invitatbn to attend on Saturday. Results s First Hcrdlb Handicap, of 80 sort ;odi mile and three quarter*—llex 1, Dundee *. Won by Song neck. Time—s,39. Dividend —£1 6s Fibst Haok Handicap, of 60 sots ; oat mile—Muscovite L Dividend—£6 12i | Dunidin COT, of 400 sovij one mils ani a half—Jupiter 1. Dividend—£lo 9i, Champagne Stakes, of 150 eov« ; six furlongs—Mensehikoff 1. Dividend—£l 4t Maidbn Plate—Terrapin, Dividend— M 18s.

WOODVILLE RACES.

WILMNOTON.Febgi The firafc day* raoing of the WoodvtUf Jockey Club Autumn meeting wa« held bo* day. Results ;— Maidbn—Blackwing 1, Konrntu 2, Malta* toon 3. All started. Dividend—£6 la. HackHcbdlm—Sudor 1, Arabia Path* 2, Hutaoft 3. Scratched—Act Jewel* Dividend -£10 3«.

Russia's Designs in Central Asia

A Vienna correspondent lays:—-1 have ascertained the following details, not yet made public, concerning tht Rosso-Chinese agreement, The Russo-Ohineae agreement wii concluded some time ago. Its chief outlines were settled with Li Hong Chang at the "end of December 1899. Russia bad already at a time when not the slightest trace of any Obiness disorders wat evident concluded ft number of agreements concerning Central Asia, which paved the way for the present occupation; These treaties were :— 1 With the Emir of Bokhara 2 With the Emir of Khiva 3 With the Shah of Persia The treaty with the Emir of Bokhara principally lays down the Emir's obli gations m cage »f necessity—that Js, m the event of Russia becoming in volved m difficulties with any Power m Central Asia, to provide a military con tingent corresponding to the stats of tht case, which shall form part of the Rnr Bian main army, the expenses Incurred by the Emir to be refunded by Russia, The treaty with the Emir ef Khiva, which was signed m July 1100, at a time when owing to Chinese affairs ib ; appeared probable that Russia would require to mobilise a considerable force is diawn up m the same Hn^s a« that with Bokhara. '1 he treaty between Russia and Persia, concluded at the fnd of Decem ber 1899, presupposes the neutrality of Persia m the event of difficulties arising between Russia and any Power m Asia. Persia concedes permission m case of extreme necessity for the paesvgo of Russian troops through Persian terri tory, only making the reservation that Russia shall be responsible for all injury which may accrpe to Persia m conse quence of Buch % step,

The European Straggle Over China

The Furopean struggle over Chin*, it expected by some to begin ere long. Thf London Standard states that * whatever veil of decent reserve was once thrown over tht designs of Russia m Manchuria hat now been dropped. Under the form of condition! regulating the part which Chinese aatborUr 1a to be allowed to play m maintaining civil order, a tubstantial Protectorate, hardly to be distinguished, for practical purpose** from downright annexation, hat bwa asserted, The outbreak of Boxer fanaticism, and the ascendancy obtained by the Manohn party, rudely interrupted the persecution of Muscovite policy: For a time Russia had to keep m step with the Powers} but now that the crisis is apparently ovu ib makes haste to extricate itself from the entanglements of the Concert, and tt fall back on its own Hue of territorial absorption and the establishment ef practical control over the Imperial (Throne, ffhlf brings St Petersburg into sharp antagonism with Germany, for though the German Emperor professes to have so Interest In Manchuria, he is committed, beyend honour able escape, to a strenuous assertion of tht rights of his subjeots south of the Great Wall. It is anticipated that a straggle may soon begin

THE LATEST

SOUTH APBTOA

Farther Movements

The Raids m Northern Cape Colony

Ravages of the Boers

llertzog looking for He Wet

Leaf from a Back Pare

United Press Association—By Eleofceio Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaia Feb 26, 9 sft m, This office 9 32 ft m London, Feb 26 De Lisle reached Yoleburg on the 22nd. Since leaving the railway at Pieqaertberg Road, within fifty ailei of Capetown, the force travelled firs hundred miles through country despoiled of provisions and forage »nd animals by the invading Boers. The column patrolled With a front of sixty miles; On Sunday Brigadier Genera! Sir Pharlei Parsons engaged a teetlon of the Gape invaders under' Commandant Seheepers, near WiHowmore, eighty miles south east of Beaufort West. He shelled the Boers opt pf » strong entrenched position wfth heavy loss.* Hertjpg, with the western column p? raiders and fifteen hundred remoantj intended for De Wet, » moving east towards Kalkbalt, m the Priest* district.! A bine book has been publiihed showing that Botha m June a»k»d for an armistice to consider Lord Robert*? terms of surrender. Lord Roberts promised not to move east or north if (Botha did not move south or wMt« Botha refused to give tfce promise*

TiE AFEBDBION GPaBMAH : WEDKESPAt, FEBBUAaY i 7, 19



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4 12 9 13 26 21

3 0 ai 5 42 m ? 0 pi 215 pi 6 3 pi 2 Op



Ikie "ebraary 26 27 28 larch 1 2

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Rlies 5 3? 6 39 5 40 6 42 5 43

Beta 6 49 6 47 6 45 6 43 6 41



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