THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains cave Aehburton daily for— UHRISTOHUBOH—at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 am, 3.60 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.64 pm (expreaß) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive dally at) Aahburtoo from— OHKISTOHUROH—at 10.46 %m, 12.48 p m (express), 3 pm TIMARU-—at 10.35 am, 2.65 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-afc 9.45 a m

EPHEMERIS

I Phases of Moon for Fabruary

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Mail* dote for the following place* as trader, sobjeeb to th* neoessary alterations :

FRIDAY, BEBRUARY 8 Foe Northern Ports, and Australian Colonies, (due Sydney February 13), also United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, vis, Brlndisi, also India, China, Stralta Settlement, iSonth Africa ate, due London March 24bb, per Mount), at 10 30 a m

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright, i Lokdon, February 5 Wool—Amongst the clip* sold was the Tantane, at 6| i Sydney, February 6 , Wheat, chick, 2t 3d; milltng, 2s 6|d to 2a 7£d ; flour £6 to £6 lOe, Manitoba £11; oats, feeding, New Zealand, Is lid to 2t2d; local, la 7d to la lOd; milliog, 2s 4d 4 Maize, N. 2., 3b ; barley, feeding 2s to 2s 2d, seed 2s 4d to 2s 5d ; bran 8d ; pollard 10|d ; potatoes, £310s to £4 os; onions, £710s to £8; butter, creamery 9i; cheese 4&d to 5d } baoon, New Zealand 5d te s|d ; hams, New Zealand 3£d to 9d. (The above quotations are those ruling between merchant and retailer, and do not represent the slightly lower values obtained by a recognised broker.) Melbourne, February 6 Wheat, 2s 8d; oats, good demand at Is 6d to Is B|d ; maiza 2s lOd; bran 10^d ; pollard lid; potatoes £3 10s to £45a; onions £6 10$. Adelaide, February 6 Wheat, 2s B£d ; fluur £6 5s to £6 7s 6d ; oats, Algerian Is 7d to Is lOd, stoute, 2i to 2s 61. Brao, 10J. Pollard, lid

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are as follows: — Wheat (nominal)— Hunter's, pear!, and velvet 2s 3d to 2s 4d, and Tuscan 2s 4d to 2s 5d Oats (new) —Canadians Is 5d to la 6d, short feed Is 5d to Is s|d, Duns and Danish Is 5d to Is s£d Barley (new)— Malting 2e, delivered Beans—(nominal) Peae—(nominitl} Floor (millers' quotationsnominal)—Roller £7, stone £6, sharps £3 10*, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Oatiheaf Chaff — 42s 6<l at near ootsntry station?. Hay—£3 5s to £5 10», delivered ; primeut baled £4, f ob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lots Is 61 to la 91; prime heavy, town dressed, 2* 6d to 3b 3d, Cocksfoot, 2£<i to 2fd for br'ght seed, to 31 for extra good, town machine dressed 161 b to 17ib seed, 3|d to 4d, cow^rass s<l to 6d, extra choice 64d, White o'over, 6<i to 7Jd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 4d to fid, factory 4Jd to sd. Butter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 7d to 3d, b»U, m boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams s^d to 63, factory bacon and hams, £d per ib higher. Ihe above price?, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to furrmre, f.o.b, Lyttelton.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

United Press ABsociation—By Kleqtrio Telegraph Chkistchoboh. February 6 There wae » ftnall market at AddingtOd, comprising 3500 f&t cheep, 2800 fat lambs, 4165 store shetp, 293 cattle, and 489 pigs. Cattlb —In fafc cattle 152 head, mostly cows and heifers, were yarded, but very few steers. Tha market wan sligtitly easier. Good to prime beef 22-i Jo 23a 6d V' '^'b • other, 18s to 21s 6d ; steere, £M .v £9 ; heifers, £5 to £7 15s; cows, £4 10s to £7 and up to £8 12s b& for extra prime. BHKEP.—The fat aheap included Borms good lines of wethers, but freezing buyers were hanging hack and several lots were passed, but those cold brought 18a to 21s lOd ; unfinished, 16s to 17i. All but the best ewes were easier—beat from 18 3 to 18s, and np to 20i for extra het>vy; secondary 13s Gd to 15s. Fab lambs showfid rather Improved quality, bnt freezing buyers at the opening of the sale would not bid up to reserves, ana About 900 were wlthrawa and sent to the factory on owners" account. But later ea buyers operated more freely and about 1700 were taken for export at from 14« to 16s 101, small down to 13s 6d. Store sheep—A fair demand for good young ewes and wethers, and these kept np the prices when sold, bub over half the entry was withdrawn. Lambs showed the {greatest drop, 4 tooth wetheri, 16s to 17s 4d $ two tooth wethers, 14a 5& to 15s; two fcooth ewes, 14<« 5d to J6s 4d ; six tooth wethers up to 17s 2d, a.~ed lls 6d to 12s 6d, ewes and lambs (all counted), 9a ; lambs 11b 4d to 12s 3d for forward, and 8- 6d to 10s 2d for others Pigs—A fair ysrding of atores, which wire m great demand, 150 going to Timatu, but fats were slightly easier. Baoonera 32s to 475, equal to 3| A per Ib; porkers. 22a to 35», equal to 4d to 4^d per Ib ; stores, 15s to 23>, suckers and weanern 8s to 10s 6d.

GERALDINE LIVE STOCK MARKET

The live stock market held at the (Jeral dins B&ieyards yenterday was an excellent one. There waa a largo entry, about 15,000 sheep bdiog penned, and the saie was largely attended by flockowners, farmers, dealers, and the many others interested. Bidding was kooa throughout, and prices very good, though m some cases they did not rule co high as ab the last sale m these yatds a fortnight ago. The following are the prices for sheep :—Lambs, 12s Id, 12s 3d, 12a 4d, 12s 9d, 13a Id, 13s 3d, 13s 7d, 139 Bd, 13s 9d to 14s 3d (the latter good Hoes of fata) ; oull lambs, 9a, 9a Id, 10s, 109 41 to 10i 9d ; sound mouth ewes, 15s, 91 } four, six and eight tooth ewe», 149, Ibt 6d to 17s 6d ; cull ewea (station lines), 10s 6d to 14s 2d ; two tooth ewes, l?s 9d to 19s; crossbred ewes (full mouth) 111 4d; mixed linea of fas ewes and wecbers, 15s 9d j two, four, six and sight tooth wethers, 13s 6d, 16s 6d, 16s id, 17s 4d to 17s 6d ; meriae wethers, lls ; ewes and lambs, 10a lldi In pigs, stores sold at 5s 9d, 6s 6d to 7s 3d ( and porkera at 23s There was & large entry of cattle, and a very brisk sale. F*t heifers sold at £5 15s to £6a gs; fat cows, £5 10s. £6, £6 17s 6d, £7 7s 6d to f,B ! stornr, £6 B» ', springer?, £4 15«, £5 2s 6d to £5 14s | steers, and heifers, £3 Its, £3 Iss to £4 Is ; yearlings, 37s 6d ; and oowa m profit at £4 sb.

BURNSIDE MARKET.

Uaited Frost Association—By Eleotrio Telegmph Ddnhdin, February 5 Fttfc eftttla—l.94 he»d wer« |y»rdod; alm pens were good to prime beef, bub thct greater portion wsi^e WDEafuh*d and pediam quality? j Owing to the holiday the abteadwace wm small. Competition for »ny fcut prime lacked spirit, and the greater portion were withdrawn from sale. Beat bullocks, £8 Isi to £10 2s 6d; othera, £6 10 ato £8 8» ; best heifers, £6 l&a to $1 2a 6d: medium, £4

Ashburton Guardian Magnaest Vertias Et Pravalebit THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1901.

Perhaps no subject, except perhaps the I Boer war, has been so much diiecussed j daring the past month or two as the I weather. The climatic conditions that have prevailed over the«e islands have been remarkable, not to say extraor-\ dinary, and various conjectures have j been hazarded by non-scientists as to ■ the cause. Some have supposr-d that icebergs have come further north than ordinary, thus producing a lower tem perature, and more frequent condrn- j »*tion of the aqueous particles m the ! atmosphere than is utu»l at this time of the year. Some of the old identitii s say that there is a wet summer season every fifteen years or no. Wo are not m a position to combat or support any of these theories, but wft know that very unusual atmospheric influences have been operating m this part of the world with the result that we ar« having the most unseasonable weather ever experienced here since the district was settled. We know that the con dition of the atmosphere depends m a great measure on causes that are either local, or are at least, confined m their operation to a certain limited area. But all the same it is note worthy that while we—in the South Island of New Zealand especially—have had almost wihtry weather and actually more rain than we ' had m winter, the Australian Continent has been suffering from droaght. In the western and central portion of the ; continent, th<i average rainfall has been j over 25 per cent below the average of! I any past year. In many other parts of Australia, tha rainfall for the year has been aleo much lower than ever before, and onlva comparatively small area has received an average supply of moisture. The months of December and January were very dry m New South Wales, yet we know what sort of w ather we have had here, According to the reports published m our columns yesterday, rain fell more than half of the days of Ust montb,th»t is on m average, every other day. Then toe temperature cf the Be»son has been abnormally low ; on more than one occasion the thermometer has registered below freezing point. Although we hays not the exact date, before us, we believe that not for about eighteen years has such a wet and stormy harvest time been experienced m Canterbury. About 1582 there was a remarkably wefc season and farmers found it almost impossible to get their grain m stack dry. The result was that all ovtr Canterbury stacks could be seen come weeks later, covered with a rich growth of green. Of course a good many grain, I growers suffered severely. Wo trust' nothing of this sort will follow the pres ent unseasonable weather.

Local and General.

An Atj tbalian Mail—Ah Außtraiiftn mail arrived by the late train from the North last night.

Pbesbttebun Mansb —The new Presby terian Manse is now completed and m the occupfttion of the Rev G B Icglis and farni y.

Ihk Train Service—The evening train from Christ church for Aabbii'rton and Methven to-morrow will leave at 5 30 p m.

Fishing.—The Asbburton river ia now clear and jn good order for fishing. The R&ngibaU and Rakaia rivers are both m flood.

Railway Time Tabus. -The New Eaaland Government railways timo table for F^brnaiy hto baud. It is bulkier than ever, adver tisements occupying the greater portion of the book and makiug it a, very difficult mat ter to find information deiircd.

Pkrsonai, -The Newlande and othe friends of Miss Back, fcIioo! leaehrr, will regret; to learn that m ennetquenco of extreme weakness following upon two recent surgical operations, ehc hus been compelled, under dfctors 1 orders to apply fcr three months' leave of absence.

Hlkotrocoted —A horae attacked to a baker's cars, was electrocuted m the streets of Newcastle by a fallen eJectrio wire. A large foreign ooakroach, while struggling across a tank at the sJoo, W(kß e'ootrocuted by an elecric col. The eel discharged its battery at about Sin off, and tha insect instantly dropped stone dead.

fciKw Baths Foe The Bluff.—Up to date baths are being agitated for at the Bloff. The present baths are, it ia said, not only m bad repair, but are inconveniently located, Ib has been suggested that a sit* between the town and the point would be k finitely better m every respect, A pure sea water bath—the ouly one m Southland—would thus bo provided, and the coofe would nob be much.

Sale of Obam's Biotions,—We are asked to notify that the terms of payment will be 15 peraent cash 10 percent m four months— purchaser to hare the option of p&yiDg off balance at anytime within twelve months - interest at 6 per cent from date of nala. The whole of the seotione are so be offered by auction at the Arcade on Saturday next 9th msb ad 11 30 by Mr D Thomas, as per advertisement.

Clever Answbb—Agood story is told of Lord Halsbury, who wis once described by a distinguished judge as a Welfahman. 'ihe 10-d Chancellor, who is, m fact, sp-nng from Htberno Devo&iau cincpsiors, explained that he wan not a Welshman, 'though'he added, "I have made a goud deal of money oub of Welshmen io my time." 'Well, well/ siid the judge, %c may call you a Welshman by extraction '

To Shame Them —The daughter of a clergyman ha« collected all the buttons placed i» the churoh fffertory bega for tha past twelve months when special collections were made for the charities connected with the I'hurob. The young lady intends to figure at; a fancy dress ball, whioh is to be given at the end of tha year, m the character of Oharity, and she means, m an ironical sp;rifc, to have those souvenirs of meanness— the buttons—eewn m patterns on her dress.— Home paper.

A Maiden Lady's Club.—A curious olub which has been m ezietenoe for a year or bo i« CharlFStoD.U SA, has just closed its doors for laok of support. It w»s ran by maiden ladies who had a strong objection to matrr mony. Each member was pledged to impress on the tingle women of her aoquaiataaoa the allegation chat marriage is a fraud, and that »he would jSad greater happiness by remain ing a spinster. When the place woa opened it was noted that not one of the antimarriage members looked much under il'ty years of age , A Ftodent of Histobt- It is not gener ally known how keenly interested the new King is m history, especially of that of the Empire of whioh he is King. 16 is said, and ib is probably the truth, that no living man Is better acquainted with the history of India and with the ohsraoteristios of many of the native races than King Edward, who hat, moreover, read every bock that ha* been written on the history of ths Crimean War. Besides being an ardent student of history, Hlb Majesty is * most accomplished linguist. but then languages come to him naturally. His Majesty and Sir Charles Dilke Are credited with speaking French better than other Englishmen «f the day.

Sopbob o* Infection—There have be outbreaks of skin and other ailments m » number of sohoola lately which have puzzled the doctor*, and the school medical inspec tors, after considerable inquiry, now assert. that) the school pencils are to blame. The practice is that pencils are provided for the whole pchnni, and are collected at the end of each di»y and redistributed nexb morning. In thia way a single pencil makes a tour of the class*, and is sucked m turn by moat »f the children— Scotsman

A Bbavb Lady—A lady dined with 560 men recently. The lady ia a member—and the only lady member—of the Institution of the Electric Engineers, who were dining with their gueßt* at the Hotel Cecil. There was some difficulty on the part of the «p( akera »a to the form of address. The carlitr speakers said : ' My lorde, lady, and pentlemen;' the L->rd Chief Justice, 'My lord*, Mrs Ayrton, and gentleman}' Sir John Wolfe Barry, • My lords, madame, and gentlemen.'

A Geeman Custom—ln Germany it Is the 'eastern to advertise engagements and columns are set apart for snch announce ment*, just as onr newspapers dedicate a coiner m order to publish birth, deaths, and marriages. If an engagement !s broken for some reason or another, this fact la also announced, and it ia a deplor able fact that daring 1893 there were more of these announcements than has been the case m any other year. An authority states that German engagements and marriages are becoming more and more business like. For thia the mothers are chiefly responsible.

A Nkw Firm— Messrs Stringer and Oresawell, Barristers and Bolioltorß, Christ church, »re aboub to open a branch oiioo m Aahburton; They bavr appointed Mr J. Daviaon the Deputy Official Assignee their local representative, and he it authoriatd to receive iDßisruntions on their behalf. Mr Davison Informs »s that either Mr Btrlneer ,or Mr Cromwell 'will attend at his office Wesb Street, Aahburton, every Court day, and on other daya whea necessary. It it another evidence of the increasing prosperity of onr town and district th«t Buck an old established and well known firm of selieitora, with an extensive praotioe Srawn from all parts of the Province ahonld consider it m th« intertats of their business to have an office !a and make weekly vlsitt to Ashbim too. Mr Davison also loforma ua that the firm he represents have large anma of money for inveatment locally, and they ara prepared to lend on satisfactory securities In either small or large «uma at lowest current rates and oo the most favourable ttfini aa to repayment,

A Cußioirs Action to& Divobgb —• According to a San Francisco meaaage m the Daily Express, pleadings have begun m an action brongh* by Oonntese Festetica for divorce. According to the statements of (he & nnteFß, she w«e taken aboard her husband's yacht immediately after her marriage, and waa compelled to live a roaming life at aea foi? five years, seldom setting foot on shore, until at last her huebatid abandoned her at Yokohama — ostensibly to go to Africa. Though living together on the yacht, each paid their own share of bhe expenses, tho Count instating upon his wife supporting herself, He even wenb co far as to require that separate billa be rendered for all purposes, but ultlmatelyconsentedto joint accounts. The Counteßs produced one of the&e bills In Court, her Item* be'ng marked with a tick, and the Count's wHh a cross. The Countess states tint her husband even made her pay her own doctor's bills, and never provided her with a garment m his life. Once only did he make her a pre« aont, and that was 20dol. one Christmas. Witnesses corroborated the evidence of the Countess. The Court awaits the Count's depositions before giving jadg. mont.

Commercial Opportunities m South Afeica.—Althonght the war m South Africa has already lasted longer than most; people believed was possible, the latest news from that quarter indicate that the end is approach!i g, the Boers are Hearing the close of their heroic straggle, and m a short time the pacification of the country, already commenced m some Bectiona, will be In active progress everywhere. Without regard to the sympathetic; side of the question there can be no doubt but that the change from Boer to Biltiah role will be largely bene ficial to Sonth Africa, In place of control by phlfgmatlc, conservative Dntch, with their innate dislike of change of innovs tlon and the'r supine willingness to reap where they have never sown, ther« will be the restless, energetic Englishman, intent) on obtaining the largest results from m'nes, land, and all other resonrces. Progress will take the place of stagnation, and Sooth Africa and the whole commer cial world will beaefit by the change.— The Union (Berlin).

Sentenced to death ! the doomed man Btand To die m prime of life, No shade of hope, no oatsfcretohed hands, Fo friend except hfis wife ; She heedfti not tho doctor's voice, "His cough would kill him ante," She saved his life, and! did rejoice, With Woods' Great Peppermint Care. Bander & Sons' Euoa&ypxi Kxtbaot— Under (he distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globt. That the crude, resinous oils, which are now foisted upon the public undor the name of Eucalypl Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pnre Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lt is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Grlefswa!d (Prussia), th&t only products thsb are saturated with oxygen and freed o acids, resinous and other substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by the plant. To avoid the appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitutes, etc., m croup, bronchitis, diphtheria.dysentery, Internal inflammation, etc., insist ?n getting Sakdbr and Fons' Pore Vowi Edqa lypxi Extbact, and be safe

Board of Education.

The North Canterbury Education Board met yesterday. The following were the only items m the prooaediugs of local Interest) ;— The Buildings Committee stated fehat the Clerk of Works had reported on the building proposed to be ueed for a school at Lynd hurst (aided), which was quite unfit for twenty ohildreu, The committee had received to inform those interested that a roll Dumber of sixteen must not be exceeded* It was further decided to point out that the grand had been promised m the interests of the children who had more than four miles to walk to some other school, and that) the Board could hold out no hope of building an additional school m the district. ODha Appointments Committee recommended that as the attendance at Lanriston bad been for a considerable time below that entitling the school to two teachers, the committee recommended that the mistress's engagement should be terminated _ by the requisite three months' notice $ also that leave of absence should ba granted to the Infant Mistress at Hampstead School for a month, and to the Mistress at Newlauds for three months, owing to ill health; that Mr H. Bobson should be appointed Master at Chertsey. The Board w«s raoommonded to request Mr Hardy and fehe Secretary to visit the Hinds School and enquire into the reason for the diminished attendance.

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES v. VICTORIA.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegrßph—Oopyrighb (-eeelvad Wakapuaka Feb 6,1025 p m, Thla Officefebmary 7 15 pm) Sydney, February 6 Victoria m the second innings bad nine wickets down for 344—Graham 58, Arm stiong 32, Trumble 63, Worrall 92, McAllister (not out) 29. Victoria won by one wicket

WITH THE FIRST CON TINGENT.

Troops? "Wilkie's Experiences.

The night of the relief of Kimberley we commenced near an enormous diamond mine, near which was the tower upon which was erected the great searchlight which had been used for signalling during to 9 ssige. Next) morning we made an early attack on the Boera m their laagers. The guns soon set to work at a place called Dronfield. An artillery duel was fought for some time, and the Boera were ultimately compelled to retire one of their guns, which were m the j cpen, when they saw oar cavalry making a flank movement to get m the rear of it. Our whole party moved forward round a kopje, and suddenly oame upon a very strong party of Boer?, who were entrenched. They opened fire at close range with two Maxima, artillery, and rifle fire. We were m rather cloae order at the time, and so retired and extended. Our 12-poundera, however, took up a position and burst shrapnel at very close range, and also fired percussion shells into the trenohea. Oar galloping Maxima soon got to work also, and between the lot of them they made a great, noise. Another party of Boers opened fire on our right, an the Queenslandera and New Zealandera were sent to engage them. To taokle these fellows we had to pass through a croaa fire, No. 1 company (North Island) of New Zealandera were determined, and advanced against the Boer position, and No. 2 company (mostly South Island), New Zealanders, were sent round on the left flank to assist the Qaeeualanders. (This was the first time we had seen the Queenslaaders m dismounted action, and the happy-go-lucky manner m which they bUzed away at the Boers, m all manner of positions—standing, kneeling am! lying down at once—distinguishes the Colonial from (Tommy Atkina, who fights more « regimentally' After firing at the Boers till they shifted, we remounted and followed them up, and dismounting at a kopje again, rattled some shots m. From this kopje we asw a very large Boer transport retiring, and its capture would have been certain under ordinary conditions, but our artillery horsea, etc, were completely done up, and the Boers had the tatisfaotion of getting their convoy away, It was about this time thit we met the Kimberley Light Horse. The meeting of these men and the New Zealandera is referred to by Dr Con an Doyle m his book on the Boer war. We wera moving m the direction of the inter mediate station of the Kimberiey water works, when our scouts espied some men dreaaed m plain clothes on a rough piece of ground m front. Several of onr feilowa rode forward to have a closer lock. The plain dress made them suspicious, and one yelled out la anything but a polite manner to ascertain who the acrangera were. However, when matters were explained the Kimberley boys gave the New Zealandera a great reception, and were immediately taken to the waterworks (which the Beera had vacated only a few hours previously, they having cut off the supply of water to Kimberley), and here we saw the Hon Cecil Rhodes, the famous Bouth African millionaire. He appeared to be greatly interested m the New Zealanders.- He said that was the happiest day of his life (he having seen the Boers beaten off) and hearing that we did not carry much with ua during the ride to Kimberley gave u» a blanket apiece; There were several Boer laagers m the vicinity and as the Boera had 4efb io a hurry we managed to secure a number of useful articles. All the laagers were surrounded by Oronje's trenches, I may state that) he usually constructs them m the shape of an S, as more men can be placed m them. A party of Kimberley men made an attack on one of these trenches during the siege, bun they were repulsed and 28 of them were killed. The artillery which the people of Kimberley had to defend the town with was very small, mostly 7 pounders, The Boers on the other band had very powerful guns, one firing shells weighing lOSlbs, and thia monster played havoc with the buildings and terrified the inhabitants. As the offenders hud nothing to approach this gun a voting American engineer named Labraro, who worked for De Beers Company, made ana which fired 281 b shells, and thia gun probably saved the town. Strange to relate Labram was killed m the Grand Hotel soon after*, wards by one of the shells from the big Boer gun. The shell struck the corner of the brick building and completely wrecked Labram'd room and killed him. Of course the roar of the shells terrified the women, and Mr Rhodes had them taken down into the diamond mines for safety, A woman who wan nursing a baby was struck by a shell and both were killed. The Kimberley women had a great dislike to Cronje Nearly every house was barricaded and looked like young fortresses, J. mat a brother of Mr T A Gates, and also a cousin of Mr T Stone, of Valetta. He was looking for a horse and I advised him to look m the nearest butchers shop for it, aa horse flash was selling at a good price at that time. The place where we had been bivouaced having been flooded oub during a thunderstorm and our paraphenalia having been submerged Mr Rhodes took the Colonials (New South Walea Lancers, Qaeenalanders and New Zealandeis) to his place ab Kecilwortb. Soon afterwards we marched away m the direction of Paarde burg. The New Zealandere were divided into two lots, one under Major Robin apd one under Captain Madocks. I was with Major Robin's division, and we had a good look around Cronje'e laager after the battle. The yellow excavations m the ground showed where the lyddite had burst, the trenohea filled with dead, the ruins of the Boer transport and the dozens of dead horses and oxen waa a eight to be remembered. The banks of the Modder river which flows near, were honey combed with-exoavatiotiß, and m these passagea and pits boxes of wearing apparel and cooking utensils were found.' The men with Major Robin were those whoee hones had been knocked up after the relief of Kimberley, and they were unable to take part In the fighting at Faardeburg on that account. Ot course the charging, etc, | was done by the Infantry, the Canadians I and Gordon Highlanders doing greab work, ilb waa near Paardeburg that Lieutenant Nsave, of Christohurcb, was killed. He wenb to South Africa with the First Contingent and wai appointed a Lieutenant m the Yorkshire Regiment and ib was while he was leading a division of the Yorks j that he met his death- On the march to Bloemfontein we saw whab was supposed to have been the longest convoy ever put together, it waa fourteen miles long. We entered B'oemfonteiu about the tniddlo of March. The place is a difficult one to defend, and the Boers made very little resistance. Lord Roberts camped his army ab Bloemfontein for a considerable time to await tho reconstruction of the bridge over the Orange River at Norval'a Pont, and to enable him to get plenty of food and clothes for his army before making another general advance. When all preparations had been made the generai advance was beguo. We were with Generals lan Hamilton and Huttons The column marohed towards Thaba Nchu, but before reaching' there had several fights with bhe Boers, and lost some men. After our arrival ab Thaba Nchu, a number of Boera managed to ahoot a couple of our aignullere who were using an helio graph. Oar General Bent forward several lots of men, some of whom would retire, but each party lefb a few men, These men conaealed themselves near a track and bagged eleven of the Boer snipers at close range when they were returning along the path m the hilb, Some days after, the babble of Haut Nek was fought), it lasted two days, and Fahey of Southland was shot through the stomach the first day. Nexb day shooting recommenced at daybreak, and the Gordon's made a charge and soattared the Boera m all directions. The " Jooks " had to get a fatigue party to asaiist them to bring m the dead afterwards. I caw several ambulance waggons come m after the charge full of wounded Boera, and some of them looked more like baboher'a shops than ambulanoe waggons. Captain Towee who led the Highlanders lost the tight of both eyea. The Queen subsequently awarded him the Tiotoria Croaa aad appointed him Sergeant at Arms at Windsor. The Boera kept) our men back on the right Sank for aome time by pouring m pom pom sheila, our gunners, however, located fcha position o! the Boer quick firer, and the firct shell the British fired struck the breastwork protect: iag the Boer gun, and the Dutchmen ran m all directions.

The Bklclutha Free tress states that! Trooper W P Wilson, Balelutha, does not' deny the soft impeachment that when the j first contingent were operating eaßt of Pretoria, near the Ptrtuguese line, there werr timrs when the. class of warfare waged was somewhat bsrbanuß. Prisoners were not desired, and consequently the men were ordered not to hamper themselves with them unless a departure from that course would involve cold blooded slaughter. This order was rendered imperative owing to the hostile country, the shortness of rations, and the fact that the foroe was a mounted one, aad speed was an essential m dealing with th« mobile Jfoe. There were times, however, when Briton and Boer performed deeds emulative of the highest chivalry of olden times. Such an incident came under Trooper Wilson's observation at & place south of Barberton. A patrol of 30 New Zealandere 6urprieed a body of the enemy. At the first volley a Boer fell wounded. His comrades retreated m orrfer to take up a position a little way off—all bub one, who came gal loping back to rescue the wounded man, heedless of the New Z^alanderj", although the latter were within 30 yards of him. Our boys were quick to notice Jfihe Boer's gallant intention, and, without an order, by one consent the muzzles of the deadly Lee- Metfordi were thrown m the air, and the Boer was allowed unmolested to bear off his wounded comrade, followed l»v p ringing cheer from the New Zealanderp.

Midlend Railway Commission

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph

Wellington, Feb 6

When the Midland Railway Commission met this morning the Chairman announced that he could not entertain the protest ot Dr Findlay on behalf of petitioner* against the limited scope of the commission, and also refused to receive the digest of the protest which Dr Findlay proffered. Dr Findlay thereupon said he would withdraw from the enquiry and e,o back for direotions to the Chief Justice, on whose direotions the protest was made, After consultation the Commissioners decided to record the protest pro forma. At the petitioners are not ready with their evidence the Commiisioners adjourned till to-morrow. It is pretty well decided that their tour will commence &\> Nelson next.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association—By Eleotrlo Telegraph Weixinoton, Feb 6

A project is afoot amongst the Maoris for the erection of a statue of the Qaeeu; £2020 is already m hand Mr Seddon returned to.night from Sydney by the Monowai. It is believed that a sufficient number of .303 rifles are available for intending com petitors from the South Island at the New Zealand Rifle Association meeting. A man named James Burn has been arrested at Patea for shooting at a clerk of the Bank of New South Wales who waß carrying a money bag. v.;. Thames, 'February 6

Major General (Thomas Hemy Bfcoddart, who served In India, but retired with a full pension twenty two years age, when he oame to New. Zealand, and settled it Kahikahi, died sit hia daughter's (widow of the late Major Swindley) place at Parawai yesterday afternoon, agsd 77. Chbistchuhch, Feb 6

The North Canterbury Education Board's truant officer bad the names of 1548 children to deal with last year, Gourb proceedings being taken m 244 oases. Sergeant-Major Colaman reportß very favorably on the results of the teachers' drill classes here, and advocates practical examinations In drill. The Board will ask the Department for the services of the Sergeant-Major's again this year, also for a supply of drill manuals for school teachers.

POLO.

THE VICTORIAN TEAM

nited Press Association—-By Electric Telegraph

Welbinoton, Peb 6

The Victorian polo team, consisting of five of the best players from thab colony, arrived to-night by the Monowai. Their ponies have been here for some time, and are getting into good trim It is cxpeoted that both tha Oroua and Ringitikel team will give the visitors & good gam*. Oroua played a very hob game with Rangitikei on Saturday. At the end of the sixth tpell the teams were equal, but m a continuation spell the Oroua'a won by one goal. To-;iay Oroua tried con clusions with Wellington at Miramar, and won by eight goals to three. The visitors were splendidly mounted, and their ponies, of which each player had four-, were m splendid trim. The combination of (he team is excellent, Mr J Str&ng, who is generally regarded as the beat player m New Zealand, played a brilliant game, his hitting and oiever riding being greatly admired Robert eon, at back, also play id a fine game. He ia a very difficult man to pass with the ball. The local men, considering that their ponies were not so good, and that they had only two apiece, gave their opponents a very good game. The Australian* play their first match on Wednesday. After <)hab they go Norbh, and will return to Wellington for the New Zealand matches. There appears to be some doubt aa to whether the Oroua team can be improved upon ia the representation of New Zeafondt Probably one stronger man could be Included, bub this might spoil the com* bination. There is, therefore, now some talk of playing two New Zealand teams against the visitors,

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Elect! ic Telegraph DEATH CF A WELL-KNOWN ORGANIST. London, February 5 Dt Edward J Hopkins, the well known organist, is dead, aged eighty three years. A GERMAN-AUSTRALIAN LINER STRANDED. The steamer Sommerfeld, of the German-Australian line^stranded on a sandbank m the Elbe. Water has found ita way into the holds, and the stern post ia broken. A salvage contract has been made; SHADOWING AN ANARCHIST. An Anarchist named Oalcagano has left New York for Europe, The Italian detectives have been placed on the alert. FATAL RESULT OF A SNOW STORM, In a severe snowstorm m Liverpool a portion of the overhead electric tramway wires fell, killing two people and injuring twelve. LEGISLATION TO SETTLE A LANGUAGE DIFFICULTY. I Vienna, February 5 The Emperor Francis Joseph an nounced m the Reichsrath that prompt legislation would be introduced to settle the language difficulty, which caused so much trouble with the Czech, German, and other parties comprised m the Austro-Hnngarian Empire.

South Africa.

United Press Association—By Electric Teleg ram—Copy right (Received Feb 6, 945 pm)

. London, February 5 The death is announced of Private Bailey, a Queenelander, from enteric, and Sergeant Henderson, a Tasmania!), from wounds. A thousand Oape Highlanders, garrison artillery, »nd scouts are stationed m Namaqu&land, where telegraphic communication with Cape town was cut. The Portuguese authorities, fearing a raid, have placed all the ammunition which the Boers surrendered toKomati Poort, on lighters m DeUgoa Bay. London, Feb 6 The garrison of Modderfontein numbered 200 before the capture, and repelled several determined attack*. The Boers numbered 800. The British casualties numbered thirty, mostly wounded. The raiders sent a force to Doom river to prevent Johann Oolenbrander, managing director of the Golehbrander- Matabeleland Development Company, who recently raised a mounted regiment m Bui away Oj from advancing with » portion of Bethuoe'a Horse. Oolen brander arrived first, occupied the enemy's trenches, and inflicted con siderable loss. The enemy fled, aban doning the township of Yanryhedor, and a quantity of waggons and loot* Stdket, Feb 6 ! The troopship Cornwall got away at a late hour, This was considerably alter the time fixed, owing to % number of the Contingent delaying their return abo&rd.f

Wellington, Feb 6 Government is advised that Private! Bowtall (Waikato), Bonnor (Stratford), Allan (Bangiora), all of the Third Contin gent, are dangerously ill ab Pretoria % Pri vate MePhee (Wairoa), of the Fourth Contingent, was seriously woandtd *t> Btlnkfontein on 276h ult

An Ashburton treoper of the Sixth Con tingeot, writing from Wellington |uab before the Cornwall left), saya that Mrs Rhodes, of Meadow Bank, whose special kindeass to th« New Zealand Roughs (the Third), will nevtr be forgotten, has given the troopers farther evidences of her care for them by presenting several with water proof beds.

FUNERAL OF QUEEN VICTORIA

United Press Association—By Eleotiio Telegraph—Copyright

MOURNING FOR OUR LATE QUEEN

THE PERIOD EXTENDED IN

GERMANY

CARDINAL YAUGHANfS ACTION RESENTED

(Received February 6, 927 a m) London, Februarys The Kaiser has extended the period of full mourning to be observed by ths German Court to March Bth, and of htlf mourning to April 22nd. Chicago is raising & land for & memorial to the late Qneen. In the Roman Catholic Churches fof Canada and Gape Colony Reqaiem Masses for the Queen were said on Sunday.

The refusal of Cardinal Yaughan tc act similarly has given so much annoyance to Roman Catholics m England that he has decided to intro duce a prayer for the welfare of the Empire, without; reference to the death of tbe Queen, into the service

In closing the funeral burial service at Frogmore, the choir of St. George's Chapel, besides singing * Sleep Thy Last Sleep/ also sang Tenny's ' The face of death is towards the Sun of Life/ from his ode on the death of the Duke of Clarence.

The foreign Royalties who took parti m the funeral are departing.

DEPARTURE OF THE KAISER.

TREMENDOUS RECEPTION.

Received Wakapuaka Feb 6, 8 47 p m This office 930 pm London, Febroary S The King accompanied the Kaiier from Windsor to London, and drove to Maryborough House, where they lunched, The Kaiser had a tremendous recep tion m the streets, which were decorated and crowded with thousands of specta tors, He left Charing Cross Station for Sheerneas, embarking on board the German Imperial yacht Hohenzollern. Prince Henry of Prussia b»« been made a British Admiral. The Duke of Oonnaught aucceedi the King as Grand Master of the Freemasons. LoNßONTFebraary 6 The Kaiser, when driving throjtgh London with the King, m response to the enthusiastic reception accorded to him by the crowd, repeatedly raised'his bat and bowed, He was evidently impressed with the fervour of the con tinuous popular enthusiasm. The King's face brightened at intervals, and he was pleased at the tribute mani festly paid to the Kaiser m recognition of his cordial participation m tha nations anxiety and sorrow. The King at Charing Cross Station himself presented the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London to the Kaiser. . The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, thanked the Kaiser, saying that his devotion to the Royal family and his kindness to the people and the citizens would never be forgotten. The Emperor, replying m warm and simple terms, emphasised his close attachment to the late Queen. He could not but come. He added that he was deeply impressed with Satur day's marvellous spectacle. The Kaiser'a leave-taking with the King was affectionate, He received Imperial honours at Port Victoria, smd the warships at Sheerness saluted the German Imperial yacht as it passed,

THE ASHBOTTOtf GtTAtIDIAH t HWOMDkt FfiBBtJAB* '7, 190]



Fell tnooD Last quarter Apogee New moon First quarter Perigee

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Data February li »» »» »»

7 8 9 ID II

Rises 5 12 6 15 5 15 5 16 5 18

Sett 7 16 7 15 7 14 7 12 7 11



Bi»oke New Ye^s



United Press Aeaooiatioe—By Eleoferio Telegraph Wxulinsyok, February 6 The Agent-General cables that he ienb ft beautiful wreath to Windsor on Friday The New Zeaiandori now being iaicructed m gunnery, etCj marched m the procession The Governor has suggested that a move, meat to erecb a statue of the Queen here should be of a national character, therefore it has been decided t© send subscription lifts to Mayors and Chairmen of County Councils throughout the colony



Mr Ernesb M. Sandatein, DB 0 Al, FS, MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study m England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all cases o*. defective eyesight* Daylight not necessary artificial light being used. Doctors' pre Boriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Caehel Street W;, over M Sandeteln, jeweller. ChriibcimrrK 9to },2 to 5 dally



Mra Elizabeth McGrattan, aged 107, has died at) Ardrossan, She was mentally keen to the lasct—Mary Ann Birch, an inmate of Walford Union Infirmary, has just [celeb rated her 100 th birthday. CONSULTING OPTICIAN



ALL Loasby's reparation —Cinnamon Cures Koolibah, VVahoo, and Benjamin Gum—»t J33 QooOHj Storekeeper^



Wade's vVorm Figa are most effetive and not unpleasant; children thrive after taktn tbetn* Pdoe f l»



A triple golden wedding ia one family i" pvrhaps an unprecedented event. (Tore* brothers and their wives meb m the ances tral home at Gateley, Norfolk, for the united celebration of the 50th anniversary of their marriages, Smalt® New Tana*



COOPER fS_SHEEP DIP. ! 'Facts for Sheepmen and Figures. 1. Britain is the great nunufacturirg centre of'he Shepp Diffl which are being pushed m this colony. % Ie is also the Counrry which pnhjecrs them to th ha-d^sr possible Us'h m Of=e, f-r njihing Uses the ahidtn« propf rtips of Sheep Dip;' so ceverely *«s the WEATHER, and few dips there are that can withstand it. 3. The "ROYAL" is the Gre»t<st A: n< a! Bhwp Show of th© World and the Representative Mock Gaiherii g of the British Isles. These three disconnected facts c mMne, however, m adding to the Weighty gores of the last Royal Show :— Total Prizes Won by Sheep •» J<>2 Oooper-Dipped Sheep Carded cfi ... ••• ••• **" Balance, for division amongst all other Dips ... ... 22 A£AJ^H3^ «w~~.-««-—^ Third. Total, OOOPBR ... I 5 |61 55 19 140 Ofther Dips •••__J_ - J__JL_l~_JL^^ nnnptrn'«l BIP thos seeored 90 per cent of the Fiust Prizes or WbSJ AluSSf 48 A&OTHW DIPS POT MOJOTtra.. 125 Leading Sheepmen eshlblfced, 104 practically voted tot COOPER. It ia nearly the same with the Sheep owners the world over, who hst fear 18P9) used sufficient of " OOOPBR " to dip about 200 Million Sheep An increase of nearly 25 Millions over the sales of the previous year. FRIEDLANDER BROS., LTD, AGENTS. COAL. COAL. COAL. TIMBER, TIMBER. TIMBER, nun Hi ■".f^"™'""™ IE YOU WISH to save money, you should biy SHAG POINT COAL—- The Cheapest and Cleanest Coal m the market, and effect a saving of 30 per cent BEFORE you commence to build, we advice you to call and .inspect oar splendid Stocks of BEGISTEB GRATES, ENAMEL MANTLBPIBOES, AND COOKING RANGES. We can give you better value than aoy other house m the trade. TF YOU KKQUIBE your Beaidenoe PAINTED and h have the Largest aod Choicest Stcck of WALL PAPERS m the Oosoty to select from, and can giv© yoo every satisfaction. IF YOU WAKT Table Knives, BUTOBBRS' KNIVES, Pocket Knives, aod lUzore, We have jiut opened up £200 worth of Cutlery direct from the makers, the quality of which is inapproachable* W. H. COLLINS & CO., IROHBIOKGEKS, PAINTEBS, TIMBER & GOAL MERCHANTS. 4oENTS, BOYAL INBU^AKCB COMPANY /" •raw- "- -iZS^ . / 1801 MODFLS JUST LANDED. MAhl IMPROTEMEETS. COMB AND SEE THEM. nooß GOOD gICOM)..HAND CYCLES TO BE SOLD CHEAP. BO SEASONABLE OFFBB BEFUSED JOHN ORR & CO. N.Z CLOTHING FACTORY. WE have inst colluded oor HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING tad have thrown out a cumber of odd lineß, which we have marked at prices that will effect a speedy clearance. =zSEE THEM AT DOOR.= MFN'S HARD AFD SOFT HATI3 AT la EACH. MEN'S SOFT SHIRTS. A IAEGH: VABIETY OF TIES, ALL REDUCED TO 6d& Is M«n'a Leather Shoes 6a 6d, Men's Kid Shoes 10b 6d Women's Canvas Shoes 3a 6d, Children's 2* 6d Men'B Tan Shoes 6s 6d, Men's Tan Boots 15s. N Z, CLOTHING FACTORY. THE YIBDIOF OF ALL" PRACTICAL RIDBRS IS IN FAVOUR OF BIDING IOUILT with Batted Tabing, Short Heads, Narrow Tread Arch or Bos Crown, or lfa J3 pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheels I Any style Saddlo, Haiwleß, Utrnio, «c« etir, aoy height frame ; alao dust proof throughout. ONB PRICE TO ALL—£2l OATES, LOVfRY ANI CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, BUENBTT STRUT, ASHBUBTON.