THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains eave Ashbarton dally for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, llatn 3.15 p m, 1 8 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am,3 50 ptn DUNRDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive dally at Aahbur' --n f. im— OHRISTOHUROH—at 10.45 »m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm" TIMARQ—at 10.35 am, 2.55 ptn DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-Rt 9.45 amf

EPHEMERIS

SUN,

Pba«se« of Moon tot May

Commercial.

HAVELOOK STREET MART.

Mr Henry Stephenaoa reports that th«e wab a good attendance at his weekly wle on Saturday, The following are the prloes for tha various lineg told :-»Pig« {large entry sad good demand), Backers 5» Sd, w«*ne« 6s 33 to IGsSd, email stores J2s to Mb, porkers from lbs to 25b 6d nocordiDg to si;s« ; fowls la 3d to 2s 4d r roogtei 2s 4d to 3i ,6d, tarkeys 10s io ll», ducks 3s ; potatoes (tiew of sale) 3?, 3a 6d per sack { osrroti, Is 3d and Is 6d per bap ; pork, B}d to 2|d par Ib. Tweeds (suit lengths) sold at 14a and 15s. Furniture and eundriea sold at good prloe«

Ashburton Gusrdian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, MAY 20, 1901.

The figures we published a day or two ago with reference to the comparative rate of wages, aod the cost of living in the chief provinces in M&w Bfl^ftD^» hskwe considerable significance whei? WJ3 look at the densu^ returns for the four centres. These are as follows :-r-

Auckland hag cot only maintained Ita poiition as the largest city in New Zealand, but ita population nas in creased us much as Christchurcb and Donedia bare together and by nearly 0000 more than Wellington has daring the last five years. It is hardly nmeg tary for us to point out that this result must tee largely due to the superior inducements offered by the northern capital as a place of reaid^nqe. It does not appear that the trade and shipping of Auckland is greater than Wellington, but we can quite under stand that, because Dtmedin and Ohmtchureh are connected with

tbt interior by railway communication much more than Auckland is, while of course Wellington is greatly j beneltted by being the capital city, and by being so centrally situated. We have no hesitation in saying that Auckland, owing to its lying practically at the northern limit of the trading area of the colony, and also to its not being so well supplied with railway communication as the southern citie?, is handicapped in the march of pro &ress t and therefore the figures shown by the census are the more remarkable. Commenting on the present position of Auckland the Herald says :—" The Government baa by no means done it* doty in promoting the settlement of our waste lands. It has been far more anxious to acquire estates in the South, so as to compete against the waste lands of the North, But that process must have an end. Our waste lands are becoming gradually mora accessible, and may almost be as readily occupied as some of the estates purchased in Otago or Canterbury. There is no industry before the colony in which there is a better prospect than the dairy industry, and it is to that that the lands in the North will chiefly be devoted."

Local and General.

W bather FitoßT.—Ci»puin Edwin fore o&stß :—North to West) and southwssb gale ; glaiß fall; indioationa of rain. Stranded Fibm.—Vieitorg to the seaside yesterday found the shore strewn with barra* ooatn and cod fish which had been cut where fey the tidal wave. Wkbmyah Confssjcncb —The Genera! Conference of the Außbrala«iiD Weeleyan Churoh has opened its tension. The Rev George hunts, of New South Wales, has been elected preiident, Anama Road B»akd:~A notice appears in j oar advertising columns of the intention of the Anaina Road Board to strike a rat« of one farthing in the pound ab its meeting on June 6 Trottin©—At the Metropolitan lrot« ting Oiub'a meeting at Ohriatcharch on Saturday, the chief event, the High Class Handicap, was won by Alraont, with Fritz's |btother, The Heir, second, in the excellent time of 4 48. The dividend was £118s. Passing Thboc«h — Captain Bourne pasßed through by the express for the North on Saturday. Colonel Jowsey was not on the train »a expected. We under- j stand he wlil go North on Tuesday night ] Faibvibld Wobks — After being closed j down for a few day* on aooount of the! annual water race cleaning the Fairoald ; Freezing Works commenced operations again this morning We learn that the space ab these worka is booked ahead for j some time ; Water Gas—The Olutha Leader states! thai; Mr Watt anticipates having the ! township of Balclotha lighted with water 1 gas at the beginning of next month should j no nnforseen hitch occur. Soutm Canterbury Stock Saleß—lt ! has been decided by Sooth Canterbury auctioneers to commence the live stock sales in that district in future at 10 a.m., the new rule to come into force at the Temuka sale tomorrow. This has been agreed upon ao that salea may ba got through earlier than, they have been of late. New Railway Plant—ln addition to the eight American locomotives landed from the Bechuana on Monday for the New Zealand Government, there are two more shipped to the same order on board the vessel. Theae will be landed ab I Lyttelton and put together ab the Adding* i ton Workshops, Promotion—A cable received in Christ' church states that; Captain Andrew (Hyderabad Lancer>) who wenfc to South Africa in charge of the Can tery bury Com" panyofthe Sixth Contingent, has been promoted to the rank of Major in the Imperial service. Fobqeey—Ab the Dunedin polioa court , on Friday a man nam^d George McOombe [ pleaded guilty to forging and ottering a ©tuque for £10 15a 6d purporting to b« signed by J Crow of Tinwaid. He tendered the cheque to a Palmerston publican who advanced £3 IBs on it). Accused was aent to the Supreme Court for sentence. Holidays fob ths Royal Vi it—The following are the holidays for the Royal Visit:— Auckland District— 11th and 12th Jane j Taranaki, Hawkea Bay, Wellington, Maryborough, Nelson and Weßtland—l7th 18th and 20th ; Canter' I bnry—2lst and 22nd ; Otago 25th and 26th. I Salmon Fry—The O&msru Mail !■ in formed that the a&lmon fry at the Hakatara~ | stiea station are doing Tory well, and that) very few deaths havo ocoure! amongst them. The fry, which are now about 3in long, are still in the hatafeiag shed, at the ponds will not hold water $ but the work of oonjoretipg is being rapidly pushed on, and the young fry will most) likely be transferred to the ponds next week. Obituary—The news of the death of Dr John Thomas, of Pleasant Point, which oocorrad yesterday, will be read with regret The deceased gentleman, who was a brother of Mrs J T Matson, Dr Thomas, and Mr D Thomas of Ashburton, came oo Canterbury some seven or eight yeaua ago. He then went to Fieasant Point, where he commenced to practic^ hjs profession He renaafnpd at Pleasant Point till his death Arbor Day—lb Isnotifi din the Gazette that Wednesday, 17th July, will be observed ae a public holiday in the Uoveromenb officer throughout New Zealand for the oeiebraMon of Arbor Day. Id order that the movement may be made as successful a« possible, the notice adds, the Government hopes that the Mayors of the various municipalities, and chairmen of local bodies, will place the matter prominently before the people of the colony, and do all they can to encourage the planting of public reserves and other avail able lands, Jboth public apd private, with trots united to the locality. The Tidai. Wavjc—Tlks Akaroa fylail states that the tidal wavs which caused «uoh damage to she Mapourik* did nob leave the Peninsula unsoathed. In oouth*s Bay tb did a good deal of damage, destroying the ih pd In which Mr Manefield places his wool and stores in transit, from the beach to his house, and alss breaking up part of the tram way. Ab Lavericks it Oaine up the creek a considerable distance, washing away the bridge over the krepk. Even in Akaroa there was a considerable rise of .the «oa above high water mark, though nothing fo ffapf the least damage. United Gathering—The Oddfellows' Hall was comfortably filled on Sunday afternoon, oa which occasion Miss Voak, late of the Chiaa Inland Miesion. addressed the united Sunday schools of Ashburton, Mr Win Crakhead, superiotendanb of the Presby terian Sunday school, p raaided. After sing ing a hymn, Rev W Lamb offered prajor and read a portion of soripture. Miss Voak then sung a familiar children's hymu in the Chinese language, and followed thi* with a mosr eabertalniog *ad jnatruptiye address, comprised mostly of her personal experiences in the mission field. The singing of the opening aad closing hymns was (efficiently led by Mr E^win Oaighoftd.—On (Sunday evening Mm Voak conducted eeryioe In the Baring Square Churoh, the Primitive Method Set Qhuroh having the bauefib of her services iti tfee morning.

VoiiCJiTBERs' FiKiiD Day—lb has nob beea definitely d< osried whether the volunteers* field day on Victoria Day will oeme off A PROMI9IK« PAOEHOR"B.—A OOUpl* of offers of thice figures were made for the Tinwald nwned horse Rye, during the second dfty of the Ashburton races, iLIiNKSS Or THB HON J CAREOIit..—The Hon J Carroll, who has been laid up for some time with a> sever* Affection of the throat, Ins been removed from hit hotel to a private hospital, GoAStING Pilot—Captatn:Cha»field, of the Mosowai, hae been appointed coasting pilob ' of the Opfeir during the Royal viiib to New Zealand. Captain McDonald of th« Ooriona will have charge of the Monowai. Illuminations.—Messrs H&rdley Bros, announce that they are prepared to fit up illuminations oa the premises of citizens who desire to do honour to the Duke and Duohast of York on the occasion of their arrival ab the port o! Canterbury— Ly Melton. The Rangitata Hkadwobks.—A special meeting of the County , Council was held this morning to further consider the damage to the Racgitata head works. Present— Messrs 0 J Harper (chairman), Q A M Buckley, £ G Wright, H Frledlaader, 3 Lambie, J Johnston, M Bbitb, 8 Chapman* The Engineer's special report on the matter was read. An Extraordinary Case.—The Welling ton police have arrested two men under extraordinary oiroutnstanoes. It is alleged that the; passed themselves off as police, entered a house, and terrorised the only oooupant, a woman, by threats of Incrimin ating her in regard to certain Police Court proceedings into handing over all her money »nd jewelleryt They then forced her to take nil het clothes off and left her stark naked but physically unharmed. Weather at Ramaia—On Saturday after noon we had a bitter ocl«. wind from the north east, but in the evening it changed to north west, and howled Mil about one o'clock on Sunday afternoon.'Then t> audden shift to south east and a heavy gale was experienced for over an hour. Rain threatened, but only a, few cold drops felL Ho strong was the wind that a truck with the brake down was started, and dashed into some others j which were stopped at the goodshed dooro, | which were broken. Borne sheep trucks also gob oa the move and made for the bridge, ■top blocks notwithstanding, bub these wert; seen by the sbatioomaster, who managed to j pub the brake on and stop them. There was a heavy burab again lasb night. A: couple of days' rain would do much good, but there i« no appearance of it; Feed is soaroe over the district, and there has beta considerable blowing of soil from the tut nip paddocks:—Own correspondent! Ladles visiting Dunedin are invited to visit the hair dressing rooms of A M Hendry, Princes Street They are replete with every comfort for halrdre<reing, ehampooning, singeing, etc. It speaks well for the prosperity of Ashburton and snrroandlng districts that their continued success has induced the D. I. 0. of Chrlatohutch to maintain their local branch so long. The sale was announced for ten days in the first place and it is now running well into ten weeks. The seventh shipment; of pianos and organ is just to hand and all intending bayers would do well to inspect thia op to date establishment.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not bold onrieives responsible for opinion* expressed by our corroepotidentii

A MATTER FOR CONSIDERATION.

TO TUB BDITOK. Sib,—ln your i«eue of the 16bh inst there is a letter signed G B Inglis, ia which he writes about the number of prohibition ordera that hare been issued here during the l«at twelve monthc, and makes some strong statements, whioh appear to me to require some proof before they <an be accepted as gospel. He says that "In thia community men and women are falling everv week before the demon of drink "; that "Itis a matter of common talk that many people here, young and old, are being swiftly rained through giving way to indulgence in strong drink " These, sir, aro startling statements, and as a " Moderate ' I should like to see eomo proof of them. Prohibitionists are generaiiy credited with making rash statements! I assume that ths Rev, G B Inglis bolongs to thab fra ttroi y, and think whan these stat • moots are pub into print some evidence of their accuracy Bhould be giver.. Having been a resident of this town for a g"o£ many years, I venture to question the correctness of the statements made, and would retpeob tuily ask your correspondent to give mb something more definite than mere assertion; If they are true, tb is more than time that very energetic steps were taken by this professedly Christian community to pub away this terrible evil, in order to save our homes and our lovad ones.—l am, etc, Moderate

The King's Birthday

NO OFFICIAL CELEBRATIONS ON THE 24th

United Press Association—By Bl«3brto Telegraph London, May 18 It is now Announced that there is to be no official celebration of the King's birthday on May 24th, The announce' ment that the Law Courts would be suspended on that data was % mistake which arose owing to certain other official announcements,

Eclipse of the Sun.

United Press Asuqoiation—By Eleobrlo Telegraph

Lonpon, May 1$ Oloude partly interfered with the observation of the eclipse of the sun at Sumatra, but better results were obtained ad Mauritius, where three con tacts were observed- The ccrona was fainter, but yellower and more diffused than that of 1900.

THE ORISIS IN CHINA.

United Frees At-sodabion-By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright

A PKCFOSAL^Bf RUSSIA. LoJWN, May }jB Ths Tokio correspondent of The Times states that M de Giers proposed to L Hunj? Obang that Russia should guarantee the indemnity in return for political concession made to Russia by China. Li Hung Obang expressed a fear that such an arrangement would lead to inisiejireseatation. He should restore Russia's intimale'irel&tJQna with China when the Court returned! 'to Pekin ' The Germans defeated the Chinese at the Ansu Pass, and occupied Kwaog Chang, which is outside Count Walder. sea's sphere of action Id the House of Gospmons Viscount Oranborne stated that'{tie proprietary rights in the land claimed by the railway pompany at Tien-tsin, through which Rnasja is pushing roa'ds ? were not prejudiced by Russia'a actioii. Tiie question of the ownership of the land was reserved for negotiation

South Africa.

United Press Assooition—By Electric TelagraphaCopyrighb

London, May IS The King has intimated that he will accord Sir Alfred Milner ah audience immediately on hia arrival from South Africa on Fridayi Lord Salisbury and Mr Chamberlain will accompany Sir Alfred Milner at the audidnce. In the House of Commons Mr Cham berlain announced that the Govern ment did not intend to rebuild the farmhouses burned in South Africa* Ninety more Boers, including Com mandant Baraend Yornten and Hay gtek, ex Landrost of Pieteraburg, have surrendered. It is now stated that Commandant Letter Van Reerian, not De Wet, led the fresh fores) across the Orange River into the Zurburg range. They •re trying to join one of the bands I roving over Cape Colony. The Pretoria correspondent of The Times, and Reuters Durban correspon dent agree that the daily stream of voluntary surrenders everywhere is the result of the British campaign in the bush veldt, aod the severity of the vinter. United Press Association—By Klectrio Telegraph—Copy righ b Dunedin, May 18 A special to the Star from Gisborne states thab there has been some misapprehension as to the terms under whioh Lieutenant* Colonel Porter went to Africa with the Seventh Contingent. Ib now appears his instructions were to go straight; to the front to relieve the Fourth and F ftb Contingents, and to take command of the whole of the New Zealaoders, using his intaenoe with Lord Kitchener to permit the men from this colony keeping together.

Lougbeach District Horticultural Society

The annual Chrysanthemum Show tinder the auspices of the above Society, was held in the Waterton Library Hull on Friday, May 17th, and lika ail previous shows held by the Society was vary suooesaf ul. Not withstanding that the neason in Canterbury has been a very unsatisfactory one for the growth of this favourite autumn flower, the display by the ioo tl amateurs was a very creditable one indeed. The exhibits in the open class were confined to Mrs Bushel!, who brought forward a really fine exhibit, and fully sustained her reputation as a suc cessful grower of chrysanthemums. In the bouquets, vases, and decorated designs, there was strong competition, and the awards were in this seotion as well as throughout the Show widely distributed. A pleasing innovation made by the 8oo:ety was the in. (reduction of industrial classes for patching and darning, from the schools of the JLnng beach Road District, and as exhibits oame from all the schools, viz: Lo»gb«aoh t Effel tot>, WiHowby, Huntingdon, Flemington and Aehtoo, the competition was very keen and as the work waa of such excellent merit the judges, Mrs Grigg and Miss Irving must i have had considerable difficulty in making \ the awards. The farmers' root o'aas brought ! oub some fine exhibits of mangolds and i oarrotß, while a specially fine collection of i turnips was sent forward by Mr Tout of Longbeach for exhibition purposes only. M- Porter of AUenton, acted as judge cftltb flowers. Mrs JON Grigg and Miss Trying, patching and darning, - and Mr Tout the farmers' roots, and with such exp«rt& in the resp°ctive sections it Is needless to say that general satisfaction was given all round In the evening a very suocoe&sful promen' ade concert, Including nail driving competi' tion for tfa* ladies, was rendered in an i efficient manner. The following contributing items on the programme, Mrs Burton, Messrs Wallace Smith, J Bond, W McKay, W Hop wood, Walter Smith, J Jnmieson, F Jones and E Smith. Th« following Is the prige lisb:—»' Ofhn Class—Two speoimen plants, Mrs Bußheli 1 and 2. Cub Blooms—Collection, Mrs Bushel! 1 ; 12 trusses outdoor grown, not leas than six varieties, Mrs Bushell 1; stand of 12 blooms, Japanese, one of each, Mrs Bushell 1; stand of 6 blooms, incurved, one variety, Mra Buahell 1-; stand of 6 blosms, Japanese, one variety, Mrs Buehell 1; bloom to open class, spsoi&l entry, Mrs Bushell 1 and 2; three vases, doaorative effect, Mrs Buahell 1 and 2; flora! design, Mrs Bushel) 1 and 2 ; basket of chrysanthemums, Mra Bushel! 1; bouquet, 'bridal, not wired, Mrs ' Buehell 1; bou§uab, (natural foliage), table, not wired, Mrs Bushell 1 and 2 ; bouquet, (natural foliage), hand, not wired, Mrs Bos* hell 1 and 2. , Amateur Ox,ass—Pofi plants, staged for j effect, Mr Watson 1; one specimen plant, Mr Houston 1, Mrs Jaine 2 and h o ; oolicc-, lion, Mr Werren 1, Mr Houston & Mrs Jaine ho; 12 trusses, outdoor grown, cot less than air varieties, Wataon 1, Houston 2 and he ; 9 trusses, pompom, outdoor grown, three varieties, Houston 1 and 2, Wation h.e; stand of 6 blooms, varieties, two of each, Watson 1, Werren 2, Mrs Jaine h,c; stand of 6 blooms, varieties, two of each, Werren 1, Watson 2; stand of 6 blooms, inourved, one variety, Houston 1, Mrs Jaine 2; eUnd of 6 blooms, Japanese, one variety, Mre|Jaine 1; stand of 6 blooms, reflexed, one variety, Watson 1, Houston 2 ; bloom in amateur class, speoial entry Mra Jaine 1; three vases, decorative effect, Mrs Jaine 1, Mra Sampson 2, Mrs Watsoßghto; floral design, Hediey Watson 1 and 2j basket of chrysanthemums, Miss Houston I, Mra Jajne 2, Mrs Weston fa.o; bouquet, bridal, not wired, Mrs W March 1; bonqaeb, natural foliage, (table), Eot wired, Mrs Houston 1, Mrs Jaine 2; ouquet, (natural foliage), band, not wired, Miss F Houston 1, Mssb Houston 2. Ohildbbh's Classks—Kxhibits to bo made up on morning of Show before a person ap pointed by the Committee. Basket of Chrysanthemums—Christina Sampion 1, May GoMns 3, Edith Maroh ho j Floral Design—Hetty Houston 1, Ejmily Houston j|, Edith March h c ; Bouquets—Emily Hous ton 1, Vida Watson 2, Christina Sampson ho; Decorated Dolls-wpram, go oart and orarlle. Yida Watson 1 and 2. iHOUSTBUIi Classks—Open to sohooU and district, over 12 years and under 14, Daraing woollen stocking—B entries, Edith Maroh, (Longbeaoh school) 1, Emily Houston (Longbeaob) ?., Ina Taylor (FJemington) 3, Olive Prebble (Flemingbon) ho ; Patching 01*88—11 entries Lily Watson (Wiilowby) 1, Olive Prebble {Flemington) 2, Kmily Houston (Longbeaoh) 3, Lucind* Bie? ( \eh ton) ho | under 13yrs, Darning—7 entries Ada B.ocly (Hunfingtoci) J ? Alice Woods (Huntingdon) 2, Yida Watson (Longbeach) 3, Dora "kinner {Flemington) h o{ Patching Ciagi—Oalico, 3 entries, Vidt* Watson (Longbeach) 1, Dora Skinner (Flemingtoo) 2, May Gillespie (Flemington) 5, Eva Addis (Flemiogton h o. Fabmkbs FOOTB—3 Mangoldp, Yellow Globe, 7 entries, Walfaae Smith 1 and 2, Houston h c; 3 Mangolds—long red, 4 entries, Wallace Smith 1 and 2.; 6 Carrots—red, Watson 1, Houston 2. Spscuii i?jiip»—Decorated Bicycle—-Miss OTiylorJ, Miss Houston 2; Bouquet and Show—Spcoiai entry, Mrs Bushell I; Naildriving Competition—(Ladies) single, Misa K Horsey 1, Miss E Watson 2°, married—Mrs Wat»on 1. Mrs Oroy 2.

SOCIAL COLUMN.

[ The matter included in thi* column i$ and paid for.]

The Archbishop of Canterbury on Intemperance.

Speaking at Bartholomew the Great, London, on March 15, the Archbishop said ;— Intemperance is certainly not the worafe of all possible sins, There are much blacker sins than the sin of drunkenness. There are sins which are in their nature far more alien to the Spirit of God ; but if we look at ail the consequences of the sin there c*n be no question that of all sins into which men are liable to be drawn, there is nothing, there is Bone so per nicious in its attack h, There is none which works so enormous m nmount of misery ; there is none wh.ch is so infections ; there is none which so ter ribly realises the warning that the sins of the fathers are often the cause of punishment of their children. There is no other sin upon which can be heaped so much evil as the one sin of intemperance. Let it be granted that there are very ordinary sins which, taken by themselves, are blacker than that sin in the 'sight of God and in the sight of our own consciences. Let if be granted ; still there remains, is there any other sin which passes so ■urely from one condition to another, which causes so much of, as it were, inheritance of evil ? Is their any other sin which ruins men, body and soul, more frequently than this 1 Ie there any other sin which Is met with at nvery turn, and, when we come to trace out its history, astonishes us by the dreadful record that we can read of what .evil it has inflicted upon its unhappy victims f It is well that we should fight with all our strength against the dreadfulnesa of such a sin as this, and yon who have taken up this cause, be you sum that it it well worth your while to take it up and pursue it to the end.. Be you sura (hat there is hardly any other single blessing that you can bestow upon your fellows better worth bestow ing. Be you sure that among the ser vice? you can render to your Heavenly Father and your Redeemer this will not reckon as the lowest or the least, for the cause is the cause of man's spiritual life. It is the cause of Christ and of God.

What Canon Wilbikforch says About Liquor Traffic.

At Chichester, Canon Wilberforce, preaching in the Cathedral, said he unflinchingly declared that the licensed liqaor traffic in oar great cities was the peculiar fosterer of that particular class of social outcasts to which the poor victims of the Whitechapel murders be longed. Multitudes would be drawn out of the mire, would be disentangled from the network of evil round their feet, would be started in the paths of honour and Tirtae, bat for the frenzying temptation of the gin shop and the pub* lie house. And no rescue work, no attempts to raise from the dust the daughters of our country's shame, would avail eo long as the common Bale of intoxicating liquor was permitted and encouraged by the State, and sanctioned or allowed to go unrebuked by the Church. —People's Friend, May Ist, 1901.

It is stated that between 460 and 600 Inebriate? have been lodged In the Ohriatcharch Police Station cells since last December, of whom one-third were women. The female element is a con' stantly recurring ona, and it is satlaf&c fcory to know thafe a new face is seldom seen among them. It fs asserted that for aorae reasoa the free lodging provided In the cells is always taken advantage of at the present season to a greater extent than at any other period,—Ohrlstchuroh Press, May Bth. _______

Strange Affair in Servia

United Pre«i Auooia&loa—By Eleoferle Telegnph—Copyright Belgrade, May 18 i Great excitement prevail! in Servia over a reported embroglio. King Alexander was stupefied »od pained owing to the Czarina's physician, who was sent to Belgrade, announcing that there was no prospect of the expected accouchement of the Queen at the present time; The Kiag, doubting the physician, left him in high dudgeon. Other medical authorities, however, confirmed the diagnosis. The diplo matieta asked the Premier whether the Queen had deceived the King, or whether she suffered from hysteria Hit is proved deception has taken place it is likely that the Queen will be divorced ; Kiog Alexander's abdication is even mooted The populace is extraordinarily excited There is a current peporb in Belgrade tnat the Queen failed to substitute her Bister's child as her own King Alexander married Mdme Draga Maschin, formerly Lady-in- Waiting to Queen Natalie, in July last year . ._

The Royal Visit

Unibed Press Aflaociatiou—By Electric Telegraph - Copyright ' MpLBOURWE, May 18 The Dake presented the Bight Hon £ Barton with a beautiful gold gouff box, handsomely embellished, with the Royal arms and monogram in blue enamel. On the ltd are krge brown rabies, and Prince of Wales's feathers in diamonds tied in a clasp of emeralds, In the box are set six large diamonds. Mr Jenkins, Clerk of Parliaments, Mr Ohomley, Oommissionei' of Police, Mr McQulioch, Chairman of Celeb rations Committee, the Hon J T Ifea ■jockj and the Lieut-Governor also received valuable gif tsl The Royal guests left Government House at J.l 80 for Port Melbourne, joined the train, «nd left for Brisbane |t noon, ' ■Subnet, May 18.- ■ The Royal train will consist of the .Governor - fteneral'a' state bar, ' t the Commissioners' special inspection car the fining par, and two Pullman com posite Bleeping parriages, ail handsomely upholstered. Extraordinary precau tions are being tafcen to guard against aoy possible mishap qv delay, A patrol is maintained over the in tire distance of 862 miles between Albury and the Queensland border. All goods trains preceding the Royal train will be shunted on the sidings, and no f bunting

' will be allowed on line* ac [ joining that which ths Boysl train passes. The train is expected to reach Brisbane at noen on Monday. It is anderatood that tha Ophir, and thi omisers Judo and fit George, will be docked aud painted while in Sydney The new Government ite«m yacht Schemara, recently parchased in Eng land, has arrived. After bring decked she will be placed at the disposal at the Duke and Dnchess of Cornwall daring their stay in Sydney. By the Monowai, which sailed yes terday, the Hon J G Ward, Hon Mr J enkineon, and a number of other visi tors to the Melbourne celebrations, with 200 of the New Zealand Federal Contingent, are passengers

Cricket.

MACL&SEK'S TEAM FOB AUSTRALIA.

United Ptsis Association—By Efsetrio Telegraph—Copyright) Lohdok May 18 Mr A 0 Maolaren undertake! to do hif beet to takb a criokat team to Australia. The arrangements will be similar to those of the team which visited tha eolonies oadsr Mr Stoddart'i c»piainey. Mr Matlatrafeas contradicted reports that it would bi t ipeonlative tear.

Fleminton

(From Oar Own Correspondent} The opening meeting of the Flemirgton Temperance Society was heid in the achocl room on Monday evening, May 13th. The Rev Mr Skinner occupied the chair, and introduced Miss Roberts, who Is making a tour through the district In the Prohibition cause. There was a large attendance, and Miss Roberta address was listened to with great attention* She spoke for an hoar-on the effeots-of aloohol, and advocated prohibition; A good pro*. gramme of songs, recitations, Ac., was contributed by the following ladies and gentlemen :—Songs, Miss O Prebble, Mr She*?, r, Mr McOottnell, Miss E Taylor ; dialogue—Messrs J and T Bell j recitation, Mr Hyde. At the close refreshments were handed round in abundance, and a very instructive atsd pleasant evening was brought to a close in the usual manner. Tbe'namea of Messrs Freeman, Smith, and McClnrg were ommitted from my report nf the * Harvest Home' ©oncer* al Flemlngton, at which they rendered very valuable assistance

Troopers' Reception Committee

A genm-al meeting of the above was held on Saturday evening. Present—Messrs H Friedlacrier (chairman), Timmlnt, Morrisssy, Garner, Ferriman, Cox, Nordon, and Collins. It was decided to vote £2 2s to Mr G Whit* on account of injury received daring the reception proceeding!. Acoonnti amounting to £28 6b 9d were pauad for payniast. A hearty vote of thankilUa pttued to the Ball Committee, and nil others who took part in the bat!. Ib was re»o!ved that £33 6f 6d and £3 lOi be paid on socoanfa of Domain and Fhrr> works Committees respectively, and a sam wag_ voted to the hon B«cretary. Before olotisg the meetiog ib was decided to record » hearty vote of thanks to the Demain Beoeption Committee, and ail others who assisted to make the afternoon function such a success.

THE LATEST

Chinese Pirates

United Praai Association—-By Eleofcrlo Telegraph—Oopy right Received Wakapuaka M*y 20, 8 45 ft m, This Office 11 17 »m London, May 20 Count Waldereee reports that the German gun boat IHis is se arching the Chinese Coast for pirates who are repeatedly enforcing exactions south of Shaohaikwan.

SOUTH AFRICA

More Soon Dispersed

United Prm Allocation—By Bleotrie Telegraph—Copyright Received Wkkapuaka May 20, 8 45 an, This oflSoa 1117 a tn LoNDOff, May 20 A force of the ;Midland ,'Mcunted Rifles engaged and routed a strong force at Zwagsrsbock Ten dead Boera were found on the field, Lieutenant Oolooel Gorringe had suc cessful skirmishes with some raider* eastward of Stormberg.

Home and foreign

Dnlted Press Aisooiation—By Bltotrto Telegraph

londok, May IS. The fact of the Court being in mourn ing precludes the observance of the 34th as the Kingi birthday, bat ieit the oivil servants shonld be deprived of a holiday the King has ordered that the day be observed quietly in memory of hl§ mother. There are indication* that some functions associated with the Sovereign's birthday have been fixed ultimately for a day in (he summer, probably the anniversary of the corona* tion. DRUTOABDS BILL. The Government adopted and remo delled the Drunkards Bill introduced into the House of Lordi by the Bishop of Winchester, One of the Govern ments amendments granted a husband separation from a wife proved to be a habitual drunkard.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

United Frets Association—By Electric [Telegraph Invekcakoiil, Hay 20 In response to a request from a public masting, the Premier wires to the Major— 9 Am in comman!o»ticn with the General commanding in South Afrioa, and will endeavour to arrange for the fourth and fifth Contingent! to land at the Blnff, Inver» cargill. Tbe Blnff have not parfclvipated in sending off any of the New Zealand troops, and the refuest ia reasonable, and I feel assured an enthusiastic and fitting reotption will be given A railway porter named Wilton Wallace, while engaged in taunting at Lttm<tdeo, fell in front of a moFJng track. The wheel crushed three of hU rlbe and injured hU lung*, but hope's are entertained of nii reoovery. This is the fifth teriont aod^ent at Lumideo, attributed to the want of ballasting ' ' WxLUNGioir, Mtjr Sjl A deorw nisi was entered this morning in the ease Snook vSnoak, heard lilt weelc. Posts, £|2 wire'allowed on the petJUoaer undertaking to make no further 'olata il ocMrtmenUw f. -*: ■ • \ * '** ■. -*F Mr <Jillot, Mayor of l^tlbourne, eables to t^e Premier h(i regret It being unable^ •ccapt Now go»laad'« Invitation; owing to tfap pressure of his Parliaipentory and lfatti« ptpal du^eu The Premier has reoelred advioe from th« governor of Cape Colony ? that Prtfat^ Barraf of th« Fifth Qontingent, of Tfmaru, died of entaric at Ktmb«rley on |4th Pauibrstok No»%u May 20 Annie Harris, domestic tervan^ waf found dead in bed ai the residence of her mil trees yesterday morning. An tasatttlt being held today

THE ASBBURTON O^ARDCiN: MONDAY* MAY 20, 1901



Da be day »» »» i* •>

14 15 16 17 la

««

Rliea 7 8 7 9 7 10 7 11 7 12

Sebi 4 44 4 43 4 42 4 41 4 40



Full moon Last quarter Apogee New moon First quarter Perigee

4 25 20 18 25 17

5 49 Ai 5 10 pi 4 ZO ai 5 8 pi 6 30 p:



Auckland Wellington Ohriitohurch Dunedia

1896 57,616 42,196 42.163 47,280

19(01 loareMi 67,498 f?,BBi 49,154 6,-76(1 46.083 3,03: 68,294 6,01'



BOWEL 00|pEiiNTlFCHILDREN paring the summer months children are subject to disorder of the bowels, and should receive the most carefal attention" As soon ftaany looeenes's of the is noticedi Chamberlain'a Colic, Cholera andTßlfttchoea Bemedy shoald be given ?yhen chlWtei) are teejbbing they have more or less diarrhoea, vhich can be pontrolled by giving Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy. Fai directions with each bottle Sold by Asbbnrton Drnjy 'On Price Js gdand 3a OH Where, oh where it th« Be«b Boot; Shop ? Why Millor's Zealandia Boob tore^ofooarse mBSBEBB Wanted— For the wearing of I two thousand pairs o Boots. Apply bXj Mbixo3, (Canored Street Smojce j«ew yenns ;



CONSULTING OPIIOIAW Mr Erneet M Sandatein, DBOAJ,FB MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all caaeeof defeutivo eyesight* Daylight not necessary arUGaial %ht being used. Doctors' pre scripbibna prepared, moderate. Con (tilting rooms', Cashel'Btreet W. s over M landstein, jewelkr, Chriitchurc^ 9(o 11 ".to^d % •' * : ::



The p^enpjnenal ran on the new wash' iog machine hav.e^ared the D I. C. oab of first, second and third shipments. At preaent the Inn are unable to supply t^a deniand, and it will be the end of the. present p&onth before the next consign* ment |now on the water]) will arrive. Spoke Few Fens*



MONEY. MONEY TO LEND oo Freehold Security, in sums to salt borrowers. Apply to MR 0, W. PURNIfiLL, Solicitor, Montgomery's Bnlldicgg Old Harness Machine Belting, Etc, SKU with a Hammer. From all Iron mongerb and Storekeepers. BIFURCATED RIVET CO. Ltd., London, England. Full particulars from Harrison & Webb, Auckland. (Cut Shis out and show your mrononsr er. THE DAINTIEST LITTiiTwHEEL THAT EVER WAS" " The Rambler: 9 HAVING sold oat of my old stock of these superior Bicycles, I have use opened up a fresh consignment} of the LATEST PATTERN "RAMBLER" SPECIAL LIGHT RACERS, ROAD RACERS, & ROADSTERS n all pisses and all fittod with the eve* hettng G & J detachable Tyre> '•THIS UAMUBI^KBIfc.' OALU AJNii INSPECT THE STOCK. Prioe Easy. Riding Easy. Machines the Strongest en Earth. ACCESSORIES IN STOCK. OTHER MARES FITTED WITH G & J TYRES, D. THOMAS.



KAYE & DARTER ABE GASH BUYERS, highest current rates, all FARM PRODUOBJ. Agents tor Sctton'B and Lawson' Unrivalled Seeds, New Season's Supplies of RAPE, TURNIP, MANGEL GLOVERS, & &o, JUST LANDED, LARGE STORES at LYTTELTO EXTENSIVE CLEANING MAOHINERY. COBNBAUKS always on hand, KAYE & CAKTER, OHRISTOHUROH 4Oough Cure, Wahoo, Koolibah and BenjanatD Gum go to ABKBUBTON T)vv Oi



Manning & Cos 9 NEW SEASON'S BOTTLED ALES AND STOUT, IN QUARTS AND PINTS, THB BIST AN THB MARKET j Equal t< the Leading Brands of ENGLISH ALES. Agents for Ashbnrtoc—Messbs Shbab I MAN BKOB



TS.Z- CL<-THING FACTORY. 'ITT ATEBFROOF OOATS aod Oapes, 91s to 80s OOVIRT OOATS, 24*. OHESTBRFIRLPS,I2«3 6d r BOYS' WATERPROOF COVERT COATS and REEFERS; |—(oV — GREAT VA^IISTY. Waterprooh Made to Meaatsre—Wear Guaranteed 200 Patterns to cbooaa from. nww IWWi arf ß| timnii mim ft.Z. CLOTHING FACTOUY. FOB TOURING AND ORDINARY EVERY DAY RIDING MASSEY-HABRIS BICYCLES ARE ESSENTIAL. ■ rt'HE Ttjbiko, Sprockets, etc, in a MASSEY abb of suca high orabk JL Matsbial and the wrk ptsb into its manufactnra £O sirefallf carried oat, the MASSEY HARKIS bicycle will withstasd thb sbvbebst XKST OotnrafßT eidbbs who trade with the MASSEY HARRIS COMPANY OAK KBLT TJPOW ABSOMTE SATISFACTION BEING GIVEN. OtJB GUABABTBB is A LIBJS&AL OKE aud the TEBMS EASY. SIOOND BA3SD Machineb are taken in pabt faymbht. Canada Cycle & Motor Co., LimlUd (M ASS EY-H ARRIS BRANCH) DUKI DIN DEPOT-121 a GEORGE STREET. Branches and Agencfeß everywhere throoghont New Zealand OSBORNE SPRING TOOTH CULTIVATOB, *.* 4s&£ 7^'«; ■*»----«™~. INVALUABLE for GRUBBING TDRNIP3 and CULTIVATION OF ALL KINDS. We ar© prepared to give a trial to anyoue requiring one of tbese IroplcmentaJ OH VIEW AT JOHN OR R & CO'S. ABHBORTOJH,; j j __ ( : iMtiiwyi'ui'iiii''iiiiiitfipiiT»ijiiiiiiiii i' i'iL.ijWiwu,M. m hw»iwiiiiiinr—WiMjiiiiTiwwn'wnP jiWiiWi"lf iriHiil' mtilii ri_l_i"lL-~ §§f " JO--T IN TIME guns. gT;ns. guns. Single and Donble Barrel, from 80b to £7 10b CABTBIDG&S~""' S> CARTRIDGES. Bill's Blae, fmokelesß, ind rniversal ; NEW OLUB, NEW RIVAL HO!JSE~CLTPPERS OHEAP AND GOOD. T> A "VT £~*i 17Q ("Orion," "Zealand!*," and "Scotta") Register JjLx\ 1^ \JT JLLi^ Gratee, Mantel Pieces, Garden and ..Oarpenterß' TooSe, Lamps, Boildere' and Farnishiny Ironmongery, etc. Kindly Pay Me a Visit, and Save Money. G. MEDDINS, Tbe People s Ironmonger, Burnett S*reet, Opposite Arcade LAMPS. LAMPS. LAMPS. SEE OTJB DISPLAY. ugmmi *. O X« ■<l«il •"■*■' HANGING LAMPS. Hall Lamps. Library Lamps; Table Lamps. fiftttd Lamps. Miller Lamps, Mammoth Lamps. And lastly, and as important as any, :; CARBIAGE LAMPS. Call and see oar selection, and if you have old Lamps, you will want to get new one*, and if you have none at ali, the reason is all the greater for visiting as. in- w—-If—iiMrrr Horse Clippers. Horse Clippers. PLANT'S HORSE OLIPPKRB. Used In every principal stable iu England. Imported by tu direct from the makers. The very bost value m the market AMMUNII'rON: :i:AMMUNITION Heaps of Cartridges for sale. Bivals, Clubs, Oartis and Harvey's Aaatra?, and Eley's,, at the lowest price in town. Al-o—Double Barrel Guns at special prices to clear. Yea will save money by visiting oor establishment W. U. COLONS & CO., IRONMo-NGim PAINTERS, TIMBER & GOAL MERCHANTS. *oENTS, ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY WIISTERGOODS, WINTER GOODS. NIOHOL&S AND PICKFORD hare just received ex B.ui Wakaoui and Papsroa, their Wioter Supply of WARM SLIPPERS, EVENING* SHOES, WALKING- SHOES, BOOTS, &o. Children's Winter Slippers at B*l, ICd, 1% 2s 6rJ, and 3s per pair Ladies' Winter Biippers at 1», la 6d, 2a 6d, 5s 6d, 4s 6d, 5$ 6cJ, 7a 6d, and 8s per pair ' Qentt< men's *»t ».i! pricea i Also,—Children's, ladies', and Gentlemen's Goloshe;, The Baat Golosh maD'jfaotnred INSPECTION INVITED; NICHOLAS & PICKFORD, BAST STREET. J