THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains cave Aebburton daily for— OHRISTOHURCH—at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—ab 10.55 am,350 pm nUNKDIN—at 12 54 pm (expreße) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Aahburton from— OHRISTOHUROH—ab 10.4S %m, 12.48 p m (express), 3 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DDNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at9.4sam I

EPHEMEEIS

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations: i TUESDAY, February 12 For Northern Ports, Westport, and Weßb Ooasb, per Rotomahana, at 630 pm

Commercial.

United Press (SssooUiion—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, Feb 10 Afc the wool Bftlep, fine haired, ohafty, scoured merinos, closed 5 per cent, and fine medium crcsubreds 5 to 1\ per cent, above the olosiog rates of the November series ; and faniiy and inferior grades were about the November level. During the sales, 95 OCO bales were pold for the Continent, 145,000 for She Home market, 5000 for America, and 95,000 bales were held over. Yesterday's sales included the Totara clip, 6fi. Mutton — River Plate, heavy, 4£l; light, 3|i. New Zealand mutton, lamb, and beef unchanged. >

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Aehburton Agency of the New Zealand FarmerB 1 Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on February 11. 1901:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl .- 2s 3d   Tuscan,., 2s 3d  „ Hunter's 2a 2d Old Oats—Duns .- la 4d „ Danish la 4d „ Canadians Is 6d  Sparrowbilla le 5d New Oats—Duna la 2i and la 3d „ Danish la 2d and In 3d „ Sparrqwbills Id 3d „ Canadian Is 4d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2a 3d Chaff—Good cateheaf 453 to 47» 6d Graea Seed—New Is to Is 3d The above are prices current paid to farmers on ffucka at Ashbnrtoo. --y

IN MEMORIAM.

Pakkin -In loving memory of our dear sou, Ernest Edward, who died on 12th of i February 1^99, aged 6 yearn and 6 months. «• A precioua one from ub m gone, A voice we loved is still." We mourn him now m silencs, No eye can hog us weep, Bat deep within oar bosoms Bis m-mory we keep. Inserted by hie loving pw pnts.

Ashburton Guardian TUESDAY, FEBRUABY 12, 1901.

It will he noted that the Government! has brought some more poultry experts to the co'ony, for the purpose of tssis* ing m promoting the export of poultry ftnd egt>B. We have mur«« than once referred to the sublet of breeding poultry for export, and hive pointed out how very successful this industry has become m the United Hate*, re presenting a greater va'ue than any of the other industries carried on ia that country ; and we believe that the breeding of poultry, properly conducted would pay the farmers of Nevi Z uaud handsomely. But bo far the business has been far from a success. Theoreti cally it may be desirable for the State to enccprage this and other industries, and it may be that the Government of this colony is deserving of commenda tion for striving to induce farmers and ! others to take up poultry breeding for export But unfortunately the methods adopted have been bad and the results so far have been very unsatisfactory Indeed we believe that the experiments that have been made by enterprising shippers will tend rather to discourage than to promote the prosecution of this industry. We have seen a leaflet issued by the Department of Agricul ture, which gives .directions for the preparation and shipmpnt of frozen poultry, end, amongst other things rnentious the quotations generally ruling m Leadenhull Market London for poultry, the prices ranging from January to June. These prices vary from 3s each chicken to 5s 6d ; and from 33 6d to 10a each for ducklings, Such prices, and the brilliant pictures p&intcd by the New Zealand poultry expert jpigbt well le»d farmers to be iieve that shipping poultry to England ' was a certain way to prosperity. His not therefore to be wondered at that many entered for this raco for weaUb, by making experimental shipments, We have the returns of some of these before us, and will quote from one, foeeaase we happen to have seen the birds that were shipped. Most of them were cockerels from' too to twelve lbs live weight, and it may be mentioned that some of them took first prices m the ABhburton and Invercargill poultry shows m the class for poultry for export, which is a guarantee that they were of first-class quality. They were forwarded to Ohristchurch according to the instructions givan by the .Depart ment of Agriculture, and they were graded by the official appointed by the Government. The fowls were shipped on March 28th and April 12th, 1900, the returns being received on October Uh, U(Xi>, md it may be added parenthetically, tfaafc a further ship ment on May 28th, is not jret accounted for. The account sales showed that sixty birds, including some Aylesbury ducks, realised £b lla 9d ; the highest prise haing 2s ,9d each, and the lowest Is 6d aaefc, Freight, charges, cartage, storage, insurance, cuatoms, grading, etc, came to ,£2 12e, leaving the sum of £2 Ida 9d aa net proceeds fej .the shipper, .or less than Is each! These $gurea ahow that under the existing conditions, poultry cannot be profitably j shipped to England, and the sooner the j / people of £thiß country realiae this the

[ bettor. We are quite satisfied that the [government Bcheme for promoting the poultry industry is a huge and expensive failure, and the estab lishment of poultry farms by the State m different parts of the colony is an absolute waste of public money, Wa find no fault with ton maintenance of a poultry expert to travel through the colony, and advise the farmers how to breed poultry on the most profitable lines, bat anything beyond that is needless and indefen sible extravagance. 80 long as the frozen meat, or any other industry; is fostered by the State, the poultry industry ia entitled to an equal measure of support. But to Induce farmers to | ship poultry and eggs to Great Britain by deluding them into the belief that they will get more there after paying middlemen, and all expenses, than 1 they can get at their own doors, is not the right way to foster an industry that will probably rank by-and-by amongst the most profitable m the colony.

Local and General.

Ram And Ewe Fair.—lt will be noted 1 from oar advertising columns that) the Ash j burton Bam and £w« Fair ja to be held at ] Tinwuld on Thursday 21sb March. 1

Licensing Gommittke — The quarterly I meeting ■ f the Anhburton Licensing Oom mittee will be held m the Courthouse on Thursday, Mar oh 7th. Retukning.—Among the New Zeaianders on board the Karamea, whioh arrived at Hobart on Baturdey last, who are returning homo, ia Private (D R Horns, of Methven, who left with the Fifth Contingent. Appbkciat on —The Minister for Railways has expressed his appreciation of the excel lent manner m which the troops trains were worked m the South Island and desires his thanks to be conveyed to the ataff for the good work performed by them, District Order—'The offioer commanding the South Canterbury volunteer district is instructed by the Commandant of the Forces to thank the rfficerr and volunteers for the smart and efficient manner m which they performed their duties at the reception of the Imperial Troops on Thursday la*b.' Brave Maoris.—At 'leaiuka on Wednes day evening, m the presence of * representa tive gathering of citizens, the Hon J M Twomey, MLC, presented gold medals to threo young Natives—Leonard, Torepe, and Pike—who during the food m October lust were instrumental m saving the life of an old man named G»rnty, whose camp m the Temuka riverbed was surrounded with water The Hospital Staff.—At the meeting of the Hospital Board yesterday a letter was read from Mr Taylor, wardaman at the institution, applying for an increase of salary. The Chairman and other members spoke strongly m favour of the application on the ground thac the wardaman had undertaken the clerical work at the Hospital, which he had so far performed very satisfactorily. Bub as' the salaries of the whole staff had been scheduled with the duties the question whether the increase could be made was referred to the Managing Committee to make enquiries. i Deputations-Two deputations waited on the County Council yesterday, one from the Hampstead Town Board asking that the I proposed footbridge over the stream at Murkey's bridge might) be placed m the direct- line of|the footpath; which" waa agreed j to by tl c Council, on condition, the Board pays £10 towards the extra cost of the work required. '1 he other deputation was of some Allenton residents asking that a race from Alford Forest Rood might be brought \ through their sections. The Oounci', how* | ever, oould nob entertara t*ie request, A repot tof the proceedings appears else* where U. A. 0. D.—The fortnightly meeting of / th? Star of Athburton Lodge U. A. 0.D., ' was held last evening. There was a fair attendance and the Lodge was opened by the A. L> , Bro Kennedy. Correspondence was read and dealt with* At the rtqupgt. of the Grand Lodge < fficers it was resolved ' to hold a Bj-'ecit»l meeting of tho Lo.";ge on Wednesday March 6th; also to hod a supper at the close of the Lodge meeting. A motion <^pressing the Lodgf 8 regret of fcho death of Queen Victoiia was ordered to be placed on the minutes. The motion beiag passed m si'ence, members standing. After transacting formal business the Lodge was closed. The "Mail" to thh Rescue—A wall known farmer who Is a subscriber to the I Aehburton Mait<, and ia m the habit of calling for it regularly at oun of our country agents, was indebted to thia fa«t a day or fcivo ago for thn eafoty of his horse and trap, i It appears that 'he farmer had to g>et out of : hie tr.-p while driving to some paddecke wi'h i provisona for his hai v*sters, and the animal, a young one, took frignt an 1 bolted- Ivstead ; of going towards its home, it galloped »'ong , the road until it came to the gate of the Mail »gent, wh-iro it stopped and waited until its owner arrived- One often hears of the influence of the nawtipaper oo the people of a country, but it is a new thing to find evea animals recognising it. Cricket—The return match, Moonfc Somerß v Mayfield, was played at Moanfc Sorners on Saturday, and resulted hi a victory tor the Mayfield Cinb. Ihe The wicket was a bowlers' one, and the the scoring was very small, only one roan, Harper, getting into double fignres. Tho scons were —M»y6eld 24and26, (Harper 10, not cut); Mount Somera 17 and 25. For Mount Somers, Kerr and Grieve, did the greater parb of the bowling, their places being taken towards the close of the second Innings by 0 and J Peter 5 while for Mayfield, feriffin and Cooper bowled throughout, each taking ten wickets. Monuments to the <|obhn~A correspon dent writes to us saying ' 1 think it a mistake to put up statues of our gooi Queen* 11-,11-, would have basn her wish to make use of money raised to commemorate her by ©stab* liahing some houses or institutions thab would ba of real use and help to the poor of j her people. lam sorry there has been so j much parade with her funera'. All thia can make her no more revered or loved. 1 Indeed, the press generally {I do not allude | to the Ashbnrfcon Guardian) has overdone! iteelf m recording the accounts of tho people's feelings. Facts ppeak for them-j I selves, and the great Queen's life and her i ! long and prosperous reign do not need so many words to describe-. In this connection 1 a correspondent of the Napier Telegraph suggests the erection of a Memorial Cottage i Hospital m Napier. j Cycle Tback to Fairfield—An applioa- j tion was brought before the County Council i ! %t yesterday's meeting from an Association formed for the purpose of mak:ng a trat k for cycles to Fftiifiald- The appLcttirn had i between 200 and 300 signatures, and the I Council was asked to reserve space for a rive feet track, to start from the Cemetery corner to the boundary of the Fairfield pro" perty ; and a further request for a substantial grant m aid was alto made. The Engineer pointed out that the Council owned a p'auta'tjpu reserve of half a chain west of the preseat*fences "and'between them and | 1 the railway line. Mr Limbie moved that; i the Council grant the five feet space requested j In the petition, and the resolution was carried, the Council, however, retaining the right of cancelling the concession at any time. With respect to the application for a grant m aid, the Council decided to reply ' that they oould not accede to this request. BoBTICJS'LT^KAIi SOGISTY.-—A meeting of the Committee of the above society was held last evening. Present— Mesdameg R Frie<3lan4er, F F Dodds (Sec retary), Messra Cox, Shrimpton, Leobner, Dunlop, Dodds, aod Teonant, Mr Shrimp ton occupied the ohalr* A letter waa re ceived asking the society to send delegates to a meeting of all interested la Horticultu ral matters to be held m Duuedin during May, Jb was resolved to ask Messrs W W Smith and R Leohaer bo represent the Ashburton Sooiety, .fand if possible to, arrange for them to fcnke an exhibit of fruit, Staging Committees were appointed and they were asked to tttbead at the hall'on Thursday, February 2Ut, afternoon or evening. It was also decided to ask exhibi «ora cf pot plants to have them at the rooms on the »ftarijopp before the Show. It was resolved thib enf rica 01039 on Wednesday ! %Qtih Febr«i.ry t and the Secretary ' to be at Mr Dodd's office all the af ternooa, Rpdevsaing

MAR KEY'S BRIDGE.

A deputation from the Hampstead Town Board waited upon the County Council yesterday with refpect to the proposed alterations at Markey's Bridge In the absence of the chairman, Mr Hago Friedlander presided. The deputation comprigfd Messrs G, Andrews (Chairman of the Board), W, J gilcock, and E. Thomas. Mr Andrews apologised for so fre quently troubling the Council on this matter. The Hampstead Town Board thought the foot bridge should be built m a straight line with the footpatb. Mr Johnston enquired what part of the expense the Hampstead Town Board would pay. Mr Andrews replied that their Board woald do the filling In. To the Chairman—He believed hie Board woald pay the cost of filling In to the Council, instead of actually doing the Mr Lambie -— Wonld the Hampstead Board agree to pay £10, because if not he thought the Council would nob entertain the proposal. Mr Slicook said that on race days and other occasions there was extra traffic on : thia bridge, and he thought the matter was a County one. I The Chairman pointed onfc that the ' hands of the Council would be greatly strengthened if the deputation could give an assurance that the Hampstead Town i Board weuld meed the amount suggested, I £10 i The deputation withdrew to consider the matter. On returning the deputation stated their Instructions were to do the filling, and the Council conld do the woodwork. The Chairman here stated the work muafc be under the control of the Council only. On Mr Andrews agreeing to pay £7, the Chairman moved that the contract of P. Norman be accepted at £43, providing Hampstead contribute £7. Mr Lambie pointed oufc that, at the request of Hampstead Town Board this bridge had been taken over by the Council, and now the Board appeared to wish to dictate as to the class of bridge to be erected. ■ Mr Johnston thought the bridge quite siiffioibnt for the present traffic. j Mr Chapmen, whilst agreeing as to the j necessity of a footbridge m the proper place, admitted the whole bridge would j have to be re-erected, he considered the present one the most dangerous m the dist rict> He was not m favor of accept ing anything less than the £10 abked for. The Chairman pointed out that the Hampstead Town Board could insist upoa stopping the water running under this bridge. The County Council had origin ally brought down a large quantity of water to supply the Wakarmi farmers, and with permission of the Mill proprie tors had used th's race, which had practically nothing to do with the H^npstead Board, and he was of opinion the Council should pay the lot. The Chairman's motion was list on an amendment of Mr Johnston, substituting £10 as the required contribution from Hampstead Town Board, which was carried, end it was decided to send a copy of the resolution to the H*njpgtead Town Board.

HOSPITAL BOARD.

The rdjonrned meeting of the Asb burton Hospital Board was hold at tbe County Council chambers yesterday afternoon, to consider the question of the drainage of the Hospital premises. Present—Messrs C J H»rp?r, H Fried land cr, S S Chapman, W Morgan, H M Jones, EJ Paul, H Willis, G Andrews. J W TimmLas, G A. M Buckley, J Davison, J Lambie, and J Johnatone. In the absence of MEG Wright, Mr Friedlander was appointed dnfrnian. The Chairman a^ked the meeting, whether, In the absence of Mr Wright, i chairman of tl c Bo*rd, they sho Id go on with the business, and it w.aa d> elded m tha affirm »tivo. A lettor was read from, Mr Wright, expressing regrrefc at his | absence, and forwarding the opinions obtained from Dr Synies and Mr C W Purnell. He addnd that as all the obstacles w> ra now removed!, he hoped the Board would no longer hesitate about carrying out she drainage on the lines indicated m Mr Owhbert's report. Mr Baxter, tho Ooonty Engineer^ gave details of hie scheme to pump the drainage from the Hospital by means of the present engine, And have tha drainage disposed of on the Hospital grounds. The Chairman stated that of the two schemes before the Board, Mr Cuthbert'a proposal was estimated to cost £251, whilst that of Mt Baxter's waß £93. Mr Harper moved that the Borough Conncil be approachei for permission to drain from the Hospital into the side, channels, m term) of Mr Cathbert's scheme, but, failing this permission, that Mr Baxter's proposal be then carried oni. This was seconded by Mr Johnstoue. Mr Panl wished to see the motion i amended so that Messrs Onthbert'e and Baxter's proposals might be separated. Mr Willis spoke m favor of the County Engineer's plan, but stated he was disappointed that other suggestions* hM not been brought forward, so that the subject might be folly ventilated. He moved aa an amendment that Mr Baxter's scheme of disposing of tho Hospital drainage be adopted. He always had j buen opposed to draining ihe Hospital sewage into the liver ot the open channels, which was neither a satisfactory nor an up to date method of disposing if it. The amendment was not seconded. An amendment moved by Mr Jones, that Mr Cuthbert'd scheme b 3 adopted, was lost; and this waa folio wad by a further amendment of Mr Paul's, to omit I Mr Baxter's scheme fiom the wording of the motion, but this was lost, and the original motion was carried, Messrs Willis, Jones, and Paul voting agalnefc it.

Water Supply for Allenton.

A deputation of Allenton residents waited ou the County Council yesterday to advocate a water Bopply for Allenton. Messrs Cambridge, Fowler, Silcock, and j Preston, who formed the deputation, admitted they did not represent the aetaal Allenton dlstrfeb, as they were only there ; to express the views of ten of ' the residents. The water scheme of the Ooiinty Engineer did nob seem to find approval m their district, bad 1 as those who were present, together with others, making ten m all, could have a supply brought m from Mr Tamer's through their sections, they urged the Council to give effeco fco their wishes. Qnly 30 chains oi' race would require construction, and this' work they pointed oat coald be done m two or three days.' They further pointed out that they were agreeable to pay any additional rates requited. It was decided that the' applicants should apply to the Borough Council, to whom the disposal of the water belonged, j

The Duke of Cornwall

United I?reia AnaooiatioQ—By Eleofcrio ' Telegram—Copyright London, Feb 10 Tbe Dnke and Duchess of Oorriwall have arrived id London from Osboroe

Colonial Produce at Home.

United Preat Association—-By Electric Telegraph DCNEDIN, February 11 Mr Thomas Mackenzie addreeted repre sentatives of tho farming class m the Lawrence town hull on Saturday night (Mr Bennett, the member for Tuapekn, presid ing), on the evils whioh ha had found connected with the handling of Colonial produce on thn London markets. He also referred to the prejudice which he had fcund to exist against the consumption of our frozen mutton, and de&sribed a method which he had adopted to break ib down. He advo cated several reforire, iaaluding a system of careful and reliablo grading, and that, failing' the Insurance Companies doing their doty, Government should establish a Btate Insur ance Department m connection with the shipment of our produce, and provide m the policy that a certain man, who should be named m the policy, should have assessment, and that hia decision should be final. Mr MacKeszie was accorded a hearty rote of thanks for h!i addiress.

Great Britain's Trade Returns

UnlUd Prcit Aiiooiatlon-~By Electric. , Telegraph—Copyright I London, Feb 10 The imports into Great Britain dar ing January increased by £1,431,600 and the exports m creased by £1,169,850 as compared with January of last year. The trade with Australasia cow figures separately, under the headings of Australia and New Zealand, owing to the establishment of the Common wealth,

The Plague at Capetown

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright London, February 10 , The first .symptoms of plague m Capetown appeared on the south arm of the docks, where the military trans port* discharge; The iats have since deserted this spot, and are migrating to Green Point, where the British camp will probably be abandoned. A reward of threepence a head is oliered for rats.

South Africa.

A LOYALIST'S HANDSOME I OFFER.

EVACUATION OF PETKUSBUBG

! United Preea Association—By ElSotde Telegraph—Copyrißhfi London, Feb. 10 Field-Oornet Steynberg, a loyalist of the Graefreinet district, offers to bring fifty landowners to join the defence force and resist; the invading Boers. Before evacuating Petrnsburg, '] the British destroyed the supplies m the town, and collected 3500 horses and cattle, and took them to Kirn be r ley,

LORD ROBERTS'S OPINIONS.

London, February 11 Tn a despatch of March 18 oh Lord Roberts singled oat Colonel Byron, ©f Queensland, and Major Fiaschi, of the New South Wales Medical Corps for special praise."" He 'would also have selected Colonel Uraphelby, of Victoria, and Lieutenant G J Grieve, of New South Wales, for reward if they had not been killed. Writing m January last Lord Roberta deeply regretted the departure of the first Australian and Canadian contingents -which materially impaired the mobility and efficiency of the army, but it was impossible to disregard the urgency of the reasons for their return. He rpcognised m the Colonials many Boldierly qualities and their self-sacrificing and uncomplaining attitude. No ppisode of the war was more praiseworthy than Mafeking.

NOT QUITE SATISFACTORY.

London, February 11 Colonel Pibher and Major Orewe, on opposite sides of the Tabaceberg Range, engaged a large force of Boers com manded by De Wet on the 81«t J Pilcber's lyddite sheila dispersed the Boers who, streaming down the range encountered Orewe's force of seven hundred with three fifteen pounders and a pom pom. The Boers, number ing %t least 2500, attacked on both flanks and rear, the pom pom was jammed and was lost, despite desperate efforts to save it. Major Orewe bri! liantly seized a rising ground, just forestalling the Boers who charged. The British fought a rearguard action against a terribly severe rifle fire, until their ammunition failing they retired to laagers of waggon, defending them untji nightfall. Though the Attack was renewed at ciaybreak Major Orewe and his convoy joined Colonel Knox, both regaining Bloemfontein.

DARING OF BRITISH TROOPS.

London, Feb 11 A wide flanking movement, admir ably executed by the New South Wales Mounted Rifles, commanded by Captain Bennett, compelled the Boers to evacuate Reggeveld range, enabling De Lisle to secure the pass leading on to Oalvinia. Captain Bennett crossed country hitherto considered impassable. Several horses of the force rolled over precipices two thousand feet deep; Ten men ascended the precipitous face of the mountain, five thousand feet high. Piet De Wet appealed to Christian De Wet to use common sense, and recognise that the struggle was hope* less. It would be better for all to yield and be loyal, and try to win responsible Government, otherwise the Boers would be m an impoverished and degraded condition, a mere' working class JHe is convinced that the other ! Transvaal generals would submit if I Christian did. London, Feb 11 Louis Botha, with' 2000 men, at daylight on the 6cb, attacked General Smith Dorrien at Bothwell. Twenty-four British were killed, and fifty-three wounded. ' The Boers left twenty dead on the jfield, including .General Spruit and two #eld cornets; Many were »everely wounded, including General Raade. meyer. The Boers wrecked three more trains on the Natal Johannesburg Hoe. Lord Kitchener reports that the British movement east has thoroughly upset the calculations of the Boers, and created a regular panic. General Botha, with 7000 men, 800 (waggons, and very large taumbera of stock, ia<going east De Wei and Steyn have usaed a

proclamation that they intend to enter I Oape Oolony, apd give the farmers a taste of the sufferings of the war. i De Wet, failing to cross the Orange Hivereastof ' eihulie, suddenly tamed west under cover of a detached cim- , g ando, and crossed the Jline south ?of the Jaggersfontein road on the 9tb, evading seven columns. Do Lisle has occupied Oalvinla, the Boera retiring towards Konhardt. Sydney, February 11 Sir W Lyne ie informed that 'he pay of the Federal Contingent will be five shillings per day.

THE SEVENTH NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT. ANOTHER 1700 MEN FOR THE FRONT.

Wavgahoi, February 11 The total strength of the Seventh Cont ingent will be about) 1700 men. They will go forward m drafts of 300 or 400 to fiil up { gape and relieve the contingents now at the front, ■• •■•- .■

The Visit of the Imperial Troops.

United Frees association—By Kleotrfo Telegraph —Copy right Wanganui, February 11 The Maoris 60 the number of about 300 danced hakai, war dances, and poi dances, and Topiftf on their behalf, presented Colonel Wyodham, through Major Asqisith, with a valuable Maori mat and him feashera. A party of twenty offiaeru are going tip the Wanganui river and on by coaoh past the volcanoes, and throngh the Hot Lakes District to Rotorua, Mrs Evelyn Wood and one or two of the other officers' wives are m the party, Faimekston Korth Febll The Imperial troops met with 1 good re* oeption on their arrival, shortly before II o'clock. The Mayor proposed their health at the luncheon and Major Acquit h replied on behalf of the troops. The troops left for Wanganui at 11 40 am. They return here to-morrow, arid march sound the square and then to the Show Ground, where they give a military display, after which they will be entertained by the public at luncheon. Wellington, February 12 Half of the Imperial troops who visited MasiertoD yesterday were accompanied by Mr Beddon, The visitors received an enthu siastic welcome, and were entertained by the citizens, A large number of visitors from the surrounding districts were present, at d the crowd who witnessep the arrival was the largest ever seen here, A large number of MaorU danced hakaß, and the troops gave as exhibition of physical drill. The men returned to Wellington m the evening* Palm^bston North, Feb. 12 These Is ipleodid weather today for tie reception of the Imperial troops. The men arrived here at midday, and tin arched to the •how grounds, whore they |wer« welcomed by the Mayor and Borough Councillors, and the member for the district.

The Troops on Route.

Although the atay of the Imperial Troops at Aahburton was brief, some very interest ing items of newi were elicited from several of the members. A member of the Seaforth Highlander* informed» resident that the detachment! of Devons included four, who were m the memorable oharge at Wagon Hill, bo ably described by Donald McDonald, That the section of the 'QueenV under Lieutenant Ofauroher had an average cheat measurement of 38 inches, and that several wear the Indian frontier ribbon, and one member Private Harvey, had seen a varied amount of fighting. He was present with his battalion, when the night attack was made on Sir B Blood's camp at Naugai, he assisted to save the guns of the Demjal Battery on the Khandharra Paa», when sur rounded, and firing B t very close ranga. He was attached to the 60th Rifles m South Africa, as servant to Major Mack worth, and was present at Wagon Hill when that officer was killed A member of the Black Watch stated thab among his comrades were four who answered the bugle call, ab Magersfontein, when the Highland Brigade, under General Wauchope, were altnoßb annihilated. Lord Falconer, who commands the detach* mend of Scots Guards, is a sob of Earl Kin tore, lats governor of South Australia. Mrs Wood, wifa of Captain Evelyn Wood, Is ft New Zealander. One of the Tommies, on be'ng marched up bo the Theatre last Thursday, Asked what they were there for. On being told, he said: " What! another feed % Weil, I suppose I must] make room for 161" and gave two or three jumps m the air as If to settle down what he had consumed at Duhedin, Paimerston, and Hampden. By the time he got to Ohrlstchnrch he might realise his inability to jump afc all. —-North Otago Times. The first train conveying the Imperial troops was stopped at Shag Point to drop the Seaforth'a (the Ross-shire Buffs) to allow them to visit the Hon. John McKenzie, a Rose-shire man, whose resi dence is a few minutes' walk from the station. They were most hospitably entertained, and Mr McKenzie was much afteoted. Miss McKeczle pinned a sprig of genuine Scotch heather to the coat of each of the men, who then joined the train.— North Otago Times, Of the three *' Tommies " who were lef b m Dunedin on Wednesday, one has since reported himself to the Mayor, and wag sent north on Friday to rejoin hie corps. His explanation was thab he sot on the tram and found himself at North-East Valley instead of at the railway station when the time came for departure. The remaining two have not yet reported themselves.— Otago Daily Times. The IR.O. Gazette, being the record of the voyage of the B.a. Britannic from England to Sydney, was published In pamphlet form m Sydney, and we have been shown a copy. In this it is abated that the Britannic has made 542 voyages across the Atlantic and five voyages to Cape Colony aa a transport during the Boer war. Inclusive of her present trip she hag steamed 1,700,000 miles. -— Otago Daily limes* The Britannic, while m Lytfcelton, was supplied with something like 4300 heads, bunches, and t ackages of vegetables, ranging from watercrees to cucumbers, and exclusive of a truckioad.. containing over 60 box^s of potatoes. The order was executed by Mr W, Cook, fruiterer, of Xyttelton, at very short notice, m fact, within the space of 13 working hours.— Truth* One of the Imperial men last night missed his passage by the troopship Britannic He was amongst some friends m Lyfcfcelton, and was under the imprest slon that the steamer would not leave till 9 o'clock. When, however, he heard •• Auld Lang Syne" being sang, he became aware that his comrades were leaving, and made a rash for No. 7 wharf, bat fonnd that ha was too late. ■ By the kind offices of some of the Lyttelton Volunteers he managed to get a berth on board the Moana, which reached Welling. ton Saturday morning, nearly an hour before the Britannic, ~lruth.

IMPRESSIONS OF A VISITOR

That ChrJstchurch was en fete on Friday would hardly describe the state of feeling* Before the hoar of the arrival crowds were wandering the streets and thronging the railway barriers m anticipation. The local Rifles, mounted and on foot,' were the sub ject of much oritioism, the oat of their ooatß; their seat m the saddle, and the form and manned* of the respective troop horses coming m for much comment. A grey mooßtaohed and flustered offioer drew hie men into double line, and with qulok oom mand had them out of the saddlt. Ooe nnluoky wight) of a trooper being rather casual In his movements bad bia future well fare enquired into and his state therein explained forcibly, with enquiries as to Whether be was a part of bis mount s anatomy. Then with a rattle of saddlery i their equipments were piled along the road, tide, Each man stood to bit borf * With bii

( most martial bearing, a whißtle blew, and i few minutes after a gorgeous cavalry officer | appeared upon the scene, followed m line by . his unbufctr-ned and bate-headed men, each J man bearing a huge sack. The officer* i (evidently) walked down the line, eyed the I waiting horssc, pointed to one steady-going old stager of a trooper, and then rapped out the order to ' chooes your horses.' An orderly seized the bottom of a tack and without any ceremony or resp'o6, out on the road oirac all Hia Mxjeßty'e most gorgeous saddlery. The officers, as far at I could see, took equal part m the saddling of their chargers, but after our own boys they kit appeared a trifia slow m movement. EThe extra ttappings were evidently a wonder to the kharki boye, who seemed to look frith distrust on saddles without) stuffing, even if there wore thick saddle cloth*. The high peaks before and behind also were & aource of wonder, and the three dlvistoned bridles were quite beyond them. Crupper they understood and pistol bolsters, bat the why and wherefore of the snowy or black sheep skin, covering the saddle entirety wui strange wonder. Immediatelytb« Gaards went back to' their train,. the kbftxkl boys were m their eaddles stirrupliM g bolt upright - they oapered up and down to the delight) of their surrounding mates and the amusement of the caloe&lng gunner*, whose equipment was of r more sober patters. Then r murmur of adnttra* tion ran over the gaping throng, HU Imperial Majesty's Body Guard* wen returning; The bright light gtltfetrtd fftfst the polished steel of helmet and oairasf, a light wind lifted the drooping white planet, hags Jack 'boots, knee high md immense gauntlets of snowy leather matching the whiteness of the doeskin riding breechet, made up a glittering whole, never before seen or equalled m this new land. Bus before beginuing their march, * kibS fore thought sent) amongsb them oar follow trooper* with light refreshment! The gunners with a touch of real rafmemant t turned their back to the crowd while they ate, thinking evidently it resembled a I managerie about to be fed, to nmtch*w)th fche gaping crowds looking on. Thee rang wxb the order to mount or at lent a gruff rear that subaequenb events led me to believe oould so be interpreted' Some of tha colonial and democrat equities showed -a tendency to refute imperial rule. But a little gentle persuasion aided by a punch m the ribs quickly brought them to their senses. The line presented by the B. H. A. wai to an unused eye level, but an Irate officer Wict down with a furious clatter and medea few remarks to one unfortunate poor young gunner that considerably disturbed hie countenance. Theß, H. A. struck'me me as far as the finest at drill. They sat bolt upright, swung their leg over, hung the fraction of a second m the stirrup, and came down amid a olabttr, with the neat precision of a well oiled machine. Then the staff clattered and glitteted up, swung around" followed by the Guards' erumpeter, a crumpling mass of gold brafd, his quaint hat and bannered bugle taking your mind away back into the dayß of good Queen Bess. •Do you like it sonny ?' a shabby woman asked of her ragged little son. His eager little face flatbed as ha responded * My, ain't it fine,' as roar after roar of cheers marked the' progress of the marching troops! The wailing pipes always brought out) a storm of cheere. The flatter* Ing Lancers ct»ma m for much comment, one sanguinary-minded young cornstalk asking another how he'd like * that thing stack into him.' This query as to what the • raga on them were for,' meaning thereby the pennons, brought out the ghastly retort of the utility minded colonial, ' Why, to wipe 'em of course, 1 Of all the cheering, I was i most struck by the return journey. The i High School boye had packed the balcony j outfiide their school, and the sea of brave young faoes, the flutter of waving hats, and the whole throated roar that rose front the grey building wae a fine augury of detdi to come m future years, Especially waithli so when the bonnetted heroes came swinging by. No heads turned, but on one sombre tanned face I saw a pleased and tender smile suddenly dawn. A gleam from his own lout) youth reflected from the turaultuone energy around. Of ill the Impressions left on my mind, I think I tarn to the continuous tramp of marching feet* A long continual tramp of heavy feet,' going with swing and dash, heard under and over the martial music at the brilliant band, and almost losing the skirling pipes. Ib seemed as an echo of the past ages. The relentless tramp, tramp, of tho armies of the English, till the earth was) gird ed with the one tongue, shadowed by the oce flag, and on the exact opposite land, England's armies march through tribes of Engl»nd*s madly cheering peoples.

CABLE NEWS.

United Prees Association—By Eleofcdo Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Feb 11 Officials state that the Lismore eai* is one of plague. Brisbane, February 11 M r Murray relinqishes the portfolio of Railways and becomes Postmaster* General, with a seat m the Council, At a meeting of the Bmbane Chamber of Commerce it was resolved to urge the Government to send a representative to South Africa to enquire whether there was an opening for Queensland products. Sydney, Feb 11 Daring the burning of a house at Leichbardt a fireman named Robert* was killed, the floor collapsing, Anoth - er fireman was injured A constable named Morrow shot him self dead on duty. He had been ill. Melbourne, February II Foundation day was observed as a general holiday, The chief event was a National Association Demonstration Sports, The speakers at the luncheon included Mr Barton, Premier of Auit tralia, Sir G Turner, Mr Deaken, ami Mr Drake, The Wheel Race wai won by Matkham. 2?o details are avail able. Mr W E Williams, Ministerial, hM been elected for the St Kilda seat fe the Tictorian Parliament, voeated by Sir George Turner.

The Anti-Ritualist Movement

AN APPEAL TO THE KING

United Press ABBOotation—by Electric QPtlegiftph—Copyright London, February 11 Mr John Kensit, the well known Anti-ritnalist, on behalf of the Protei | tant Truth Society, has appealed to King Edward to appoint a Bishop of London m succession to Dr Oreightoc, who will reflect the Protestant charac ter of the Church. He h&a urged the King to use his mighty inflaenoe to direct the bishops to faithfully fulfil their duties. '

KING EDWARD VII.

MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT McKMLEY. ;! ' «

United Press AHsoaiafeicm—By Eleotrlo Telegraph- Oopyrighb London, Feb II King Edward warmly thanked the President and members of the Amtri cart Cabinet for attending the meworial services of the late Queen at' Washing ton. " '•, ' '■■- ; president McKinley replied that the American tribute was general and heartfelt; The Sportsman states that the Dske of Devonshire leases King Edward's racehorses for the seagon.

TfIFV ASHBtRTOft GtAtUDIAH t FEBKTjAfft 12, 1901.



I

Phases of Mood fox Full mocia M Last quarter w Apogee H New moon — Firot quarter _ Perigee _ !

February n h m 4 3 0 am 12 642 am 9 7 Opm 19 215 p m 26 6 Bpm 21 2 opm



Date February 12 14 15 16

Rises 5 19 5 20 5 22 5 23 6 24

Bete 7 9 7 8 7 6 7 5 7 4



ALL Luasby's reparation —Oinoamon Cure, Koolibah, Wahoo, and Benjamin Gum—&fe <3 (E Ooooh, Storekeeper^ : " Smoke I^ew Venos j: •■ \ : 'i



1 I Cough' Care, Wahoo, Koolibah and *±. Beajftmin Gum go to Ashbobton



COOPER'S SHEEP DIP. ! Facts for- Hieepmen and Fi£Cures -1 Britain U the great manufacturing centre of lie Sheep Dips which are being | pushed m this colony. % It la also the Coumry wMih pabjcc'R them to the hardest possible tes'n m use, for nothing taxes the aMding properties of Sheep Dips so (severely as the WEATHER, and few dijs -here are t! at can withstand it. 3. The "BOYAL ' is the Great, st Aimal Sheep Show of the World an<i the Representative Hock Gathering of tbo British Isles. These three cSifieennectcd facts c niliiue, however, m adding to the weighty gores of the last 'Royal Show :™ Total Prizes Won by Sheep ... ... ... 162 Cooper-Dipped Sheep Carried off ... ... - >•• HO Balance, for division amongst all oilier Pips ... ... 22 ANALYSIS, ■ i ::. j_ ,———«— ——— -- ojj am pj O)3> I jPi rat ,, | y tC ond. \ Third Total, O(.< PER ... "I 5 1 61 S 55 | 19 140 OO<'PER'S DIP Umn sfcwred 90 per cent of tbo First Phizes or NINBTIMFS AS MAST &S ALL OTHf R DIPS PUT TOGETHER. 125 Leading Sheepmen exhibited, 104 practically voted for COOPER. It is nearly the same with the Sheep owners the world over, who last yeair 1899) us, d sufficient of "COOPER" to dtp akrat 2-00 Million Sheep :' An increaee of newly 25 Millions over the §alea of the previous year. FRIEDLANDER BROS., LTD, [AGENTS. iii>>iM<[Wiir[n||M^WllWTtlirn]ntrr ___» M _^_^» M^ COAL. COAL. COAL. TIMBER. TIMBER, TIMBER. aoney, you sboild buy SHAG POINT GOAL— and Oleanest Coal m the market, act a saving of 30 per cent. jo build, we advisse you to call and inspect our ■ ■■:.■■■ -: ■■:■-$, ENAMEL MANTLEPIECES, and ■;OKIMG RANGES. ■•■■;.,-;. r value tban any other house m the trade. t , , ■■;..)-.-■ ..- ■■. .;■,■ t Besidenca PAINTID and DECORATED, :":,, .. ,■:,. j-:-,^-, ,■ cest Stcck of WALL PAPERS m the County  , ■ ■■;. . ■.- ,■;•.■.:  ou e?ery Eatisfactlon. nives, BUTCHERS' KNIVBS," Pocket Knives, and Razors, ■:200 worth of Cutlery direct from the makers, of which is unapproachable, v ;>. :)LLIMS & CO., iKOIf MONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER &OOAI MERCHANTS. 4*>ENlB, ROYAL If BUBANOE COMPANY ICOI WODFLR JUST LANDER MAIST IMPKOYEMENTS. COME AND SEE THEM. poOB GOOD SECOND?- HAND CYCLES TO m SOLD CHEAP. NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED JOHN ORR & CO. N.Z- CLOTHING FACTORY. WE have iust concluded our HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING and l-.ave thrown oat a cumber of odd Hoes, which we have marked at prices that will efftct a speedy clearance. =SEE THEM AT DOOR.= MEN' 3 HABD AND SOFT HATS AT la IAOH. MEN'S SOFT SHIRTS. A LABGE VABIETt OF TIES, ALL REDUCED TO 6d& Is Men's Leather Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Kid Shoes 10s 6d Women's Oanvaft Shoes 3a 6d, Children's 2* 6d Men's T»n Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Tan Boots 15s. X.2. CLOTHING FACTORY. THE VEBDIOr OF ALL PRACTICAL EIDERS IS IN FAVOUR OP HIDING BUILT with Butted Tubing, Sfaorb Heada, Narrow Tread Aroh or Boat Orown, or lln pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheels! Any etyte Baddk ( Handles, UnMßi etc, ear, any height frame ; also dust proof throughout, ONE FRIGE TO. ALL—£2l DATES, LOWRY AND CO., 1 Zsalandia Cycle Works, BURNETT STREET, ASiJBUBTOJT,