EPHEMERIS

■ Phases of Moon for January

■ BUN.

Mail Notices.

Mails dote forth* following plades as nder, Bubjeeb to the necessary alterations : TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 For Northern Port* of New Zealand, West port, and West Coast, par Botomahana at 630 pm; late fee letters, guard's van, express train. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 For Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Talune, at 6 50 a m. For Northern Ports and Wentpott, per Tarawera, 6 30 p an j late fee lebters, guard's van, express train. FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 For Northern Ports, Weitport, and Aus tralian Colonies, via Wellington, also India, China, Straits Settlement, South Africa, etc, and ¥nited Kingdom, Continent of Europe, etc, via Brindisi (spsohlly ad dressed}, due Melbourne January 31st, due London March IQbh ; also Fiji,' Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and Con' tiaeab of Europe via Vancouver, per Mono* wal, at 10 SO a tn.

Commercial.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, [quota as follows on January 81, 1901;— Wheat— Prime milling Pearl -, 2s 2d „ „ Tuscan.. 2s 3d „ „ Hunter's 2s Id Oats-—Dune ... Is 4d Danish Is 4d Canadians la 6d Sparrowbilis Is 5d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good, oatsheaf 45s to 47s 6d Grass Seed— Is to Is 3d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trades at Ashburton.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

I Quotations are as follows : — Wheab (nominal)— Hunter's, pearl, and ve\v-1 2s 3d to 2s 4d t and Tuscan 2a 4d to 5d Gate (nominal)— Canadian Is 6d, short feed als ?d to 1b Bd, Duns la 6d to li 7d, and iDanish la 63 to Is 7d § Barley (nominal)— Malting 2s delivered f Beans—(nominal) | Peas—(nominal) i Flour (millers' quotations nominal)—Keller | £7, stone £6, sharps £3 10a, bran £3. | Oatmeal—£lo I Odtsheaf Chaff — 42s 6d at near country ;1 station?. |j Hay—£3 5a to £3 10j, delivered ; prlmest % baled £4, f ob % Seeds—Eyegrass, farmers' Jots le 9! to 2a, t prime heavy, town dreased, 2» 6d to 3s 3d, iCocksfoot, 2jd to 2*d for bright seed, to 3d I for extra good* town machine dressed 1611 & to 171b seed, 3|d to 4d, cowjjrasß 5d to 6d, extra choice 6£d, White cover, 6d to 7Jd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 4d to sd, factory 4Jd to sd. Butter—factory, local, lOd, daify 7d to 3d, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams s£d to 6s, factory baoon and hams, |d per 1b higher. The above prices, eroept where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b Lyttelton. MBBMMaMfIHBHBWHHaBBHGBSSRBHBIBHS~Hr

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1901. THE END OF A GLORIOUS REIGN

The saci news we publish to-day will create a more profound sensation throughout the civilised world than »ny information flashed over the electric lines has done since their establish ment; The death of the Sovereign of a Great Power is at alt times a matter of interest to civilisation, but the interest is generally speculative as to what effect the event may have upon the affairs of the nations and upon the peace of the world. The death of the Queen of England is, however, not regarded by other nations in the light ot a disturbing element in international frelationp, but as the passing away of a leovereign who had for more than half fa centurj been an ideal monarch of the Igreatest and most progressive people Ithe world has seen. Qaeen Victoria's gfreign over Great Britain and her Idependencies has no parallel la the 1 records of the past, either as to its duration, or *a to the astonishing progress of the vast dominions over which she ruled. The other nations had come to look upon Quepn Victoria as the living embodiment of peace and stable government, for there are not m»ny persons now surviving in any country who can remember when she was not the head of the great Anglo- Saxon nation. Her name has been before the world for a period exceeding the average life of man, and if there were nothing but the length of her reign to influence public feeling upon her death—it would still come as a great shock. There is, however, something far more important and striking in the story of <$ueen Victoria's reign than its length in years: It covers the grandest period of human progress, of moral and intellectual advancement of which history has any record. And although we do not take undue credit for our Queen's share is the marvellous forward movement the century has seen, we can safely say that she has borne her part nobly and well in ail that has been done. She has encouraged and fostered all more meats calculated to benefit humanity : She has by her consistent endeavour to maintain a higher standard of morality than had previously existed in the Court of England and amongst the leisured claatee, set an example not only to other Courts, but to those in her own realm who bad fallen below the level required is a society living under an advanced civilisation; She has ever actsd towards the Minister! of

| the Crown with the most consummate I tact, and her wise counsels, calm judg ment, and long experience, have always been available in assisting in the deliberations of the Government. In short she was an ideal sovereign, and it is highly improbable that the world will aver look npon her like again. She may have had faults—who that Is human has not —but her people have loyally recognised that her many and exceptional virtues completely over shadowed those human frailties which no really catural and lovable being could be altogether free from, We may sum up the character of tbe remarkable personality whose death we how deplore, in the words —she was a good wife and mother, a wise and just ruler, and ft noble woman. To enumerate only a small portion of the great events which have made the reign of Queen Victoria the golden era of tbe world would occupy more space than is at our command. It it suficitnl to say that amongst the woadersher age has revealed are the extraordinary value of steam as a motive power, the adaptation of electricity for innumer able purposes connected with art, science and commerce | the covering of the globe with a network of lines of instant; communication; tbe marvellous discoveries in medical science, enabling men to successfully cope with some of the most deadly diseases that had afflicted humanity. These are of themselves sufficient to mark the Victorian epoch as the grandest that hintory has chronicled. The expansion of human thought, which was the natural result of the tremendous revelations of science, is probably the most remarkable and far-teaching feature of the period under review, since it has shown that there is no limit to tbe possibilities of the future. The Queen has laid down her iceptre and her life 'at a fateful time. Events are marching on with rapidity, and many grave problems present themselves, upon the proper solution of which will depend the exaltation or decadence of mankind. Let us hope that under whatever conditions the British Empire may have to deal within tbe future,her rulere and her sons tbe wide world over will ever strive to live up to the traditions of Victoria's golden age. Our beloved Queen has set us a great example, and when the memory of her people shall go back over tbe years of the past they will be reminded that they may take the lesson of her life to heart by trying to live bettor lives, And departing, leave behind them Footprints on the sands of time.

THE QUEEN IS DEAD

—-—♦— " The fueen is dead !" Oh the pathos, the sorrow, the sense of a world-wide loss that ring in those four sad* simple words ! Whafe need to add a syllable more ; for from north to south, from east to west, over all the continents of earth, and in all the islands of the sea, there is the voice of lamentation and the sound of the falling of a rain of tear?, for the whole world mourns the best of women, the greatest of monarChe, the best beloved of all rulers that the centuries have seen. Called to the throne while yet in her gentle maiden hood, she bore herself from the firsts with a dignity and wisdom that were! surely heaven-sent; for the bleßßmg| which she sought at the footstool off the King of Kings on the day she | assumed the sceptre has rested visibly ) upon her throughout the whole of her long and beneficent reign, which in its glory and greatnesf has daily proclaimed before all the peoples of the Garth the troth of the promise ' Them that honor! me I will honor." Thank God for herl glorious life, for her purity of heart, for| her noble devotion to her people, for her bright example of rifely and motherly love, for her wide sympathies, her unswerving faith, her constant fidelity to duty. God has indeed blessed her in her uprising and her down'sit ting, and has upheld her in all her goings Marvellous, indeed, has been the growth of her Empire, which has expanded under her gentle sway as no Empire that the world has seen has ever done before, and from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof the sorrow that to-day fills every heart throughout her wide dominions testifies to the deep affection which she had inspired in the hearts of all her people. Victoria, the great, the good, the mother of her people, is dead, but her memory will never die, the lustre of her name will never fade;. nay, it will shine brighter and brighter in the ages to come than ifc does in the living present, and poets and historians in generations yet unborn will recount with theprideof Britons the glories of her wonderful reign. The longest, the best, the brightest in all our hi tory,thesixty three year*' reign of Queen Victorias has no parallel in the ancient or the! modern world. It has witnessed a| progress in art, in science, in industry,! in commerce, in enlightment, in beneficence, in liberty, etfch as characterises no similar period in human history, and has witnessed the building up of the mightiest Empire that has ever acknowledged the sway of a single ••uJer. Again #c say thank God for her glorious life and bleised for ever be her memory ! The Queen is dead : and! the burden of the Crown that she bore! so nobly must now be boroe by another, 1 and to him will be transferred the love! and fealty of a loyal Empire. M&y God| help him to bear the burden well j and! may the blessing of heaven that so| visibly rested on Queen Victoria rest! also on the long and happy reign of! Albert Edward! I —W. J. Steward, i

An impression seems to prevail that the death of the Sovereign necessitates' the dissolution of Parliament and the, genera! dislocation of the machinery] of Government throaghont the British dominions. This was the case prior to the reign of Qctea Victoria, but in 1887 the Imperial Parliament passed an Act that appear* to do away with the necessity for this. Wo believe that a suggestion was made to the colonial legislatures to follow suit, and that as a resnlt the (Demise of the Grown Act' was passed by the Parlia ment of New Zealand in 1888, This measure provides " that the General Assembl) of Hew Ztaland In being at any future demise of the Grown sLail not be determined or dissolved by such demise, bat shall continue bo long as it would have continued but for such demise unless it shall be sooner prorogued or dissolved

[by tbe Governor. All appointments by the representative of the Sovereign shall continue in force notwithstanding the death of tbe latter. All civil or criminal process, and all contract*, bonds, and engagements with or on behalf of tbe Grown, will continue also. It will be seen that the New Zealand Act does nob specially refer to Ministers of the Grown, and we are not clear whether their tenure of office Is affected by the death of tbe Sovereign. Seeing that the Grown is technically always worn by somebody and that Ministers are the advisers of the wearer, they may probably bold office until re appointed by the Sovereign. However, we shall soon see bow this point ia to be settled.

Local and General.

..I ■ i » '• • - The Inwabd Maim—An EegHih mail arrived by the express from tht tooth lait night. Wbatkeb FomrCAST* — Captain Edwin wire*!—North.WMfc to w«st and louth galet I gla» rill t indication! of rain, Tsi Frisco Mail—Th« Almedi with the Frisco MMUmved at Aseklind thii morn ing. lag Oa»Kf—The Orient »rrivedat! Dan edio heads this inoroingi »pd the returned troopers were formally received by Mr Ward and the Reception Committee in the Tufcanekei, Thb Pbiob of Timbbk—Notioe h»8 been received by the timber merehantt that the price of timber at the mills has beeo advanced by 25 per cent as from the 21»t mat. This is the aeeond dee iritbin the last eighteen month*, and timber is now folly 50 per cent dearer than it was less than two years ago. Ah Improvement—Last night Ihe street lamp at the corner of the new Poet Office building was lit for the first time since the boarding was erected. People whose business require them to be out after dark, found the light a great improvement being able to find their way about without stepping unawares into the water channel. Picnicubs in thk DOMAIN—The Harewood Road school children, who recently came to Ashbtrton and had their picnic in the domain, wrote to the Borough Council, and theii letter aiking for a reduction in the charge made for use of the domain was dis cussed at last nighb's meeting. It) ap peared that only * few children had been able to come down, and under other special circumstances it waa decided to re* duce the charge in this icctaooet Ashbubton Horticultural Society—ln crnEequenoe of counter attractions the Com mittee have been compelled to alter the date of the show till 22nd and 23rd of February. They have been fortunate in steering Mr Thomas' new auction rooms in Burnett! Street to hold the exhibition, and we understand that there is every likelihood of the show being a record one, as numerous applications for information and promises of entries have been received from outside the usual exhibi tors. Aixegxd Embkzrlement.—At the Magis trate's Oonrfc this morning the adjourned hearing of the case of alleged embezzlement of the aum of £10, belonging to David Thomas, Aehburton, against Henry Fawcett, who was arreated in Auckland, was taken before G Coir man and T E Upton, Eeqs., Js.P. A large amount of evidence wae taken, bat on tbe news of the death of the Queen the presiding Justices promptly adjourned tbe remainder of the case until tomorrow. Domain COratok—-The work of Mr W W Smith, the present Domain curator, came under very favourable criticism at yesterdays Council proceedings, the Mayor and others speaking in very flattering terms of Mr Smith's operations at the domain, and suggesting that his salary was inadequate. The iiuestioQ of additional remuneration will be favourably considered by the Council at its nest meeting. Sanctioning the Barns—A short time Sago a somewhat laughable incident took place in the Old Church, Sheffi Id. The preacher, after proclaiming the banns of matrimony between a young couple, concluded by Isaying, "If there be any objections they can fnow be stated." A fa«hiODable youtb, an laid admirer of the intended bride noticing | the eyeß ef a portion of the congregation I fixed upon htm, rose up and exclaimed: MI have m objection, for my own part," to the astenfihrneot of all about him, and resumed his eeat, as it he bad done a mere formal piece of business. A Fbakwjl Disease. —The wife of a Bu ramioe (Victoria) settler named Whita died the other day from anthrax poisoning About a week previously Mrs White patd a visit to her husband, who has a farm on the halves system across the river at Naranghi, New South Wales. Whilst) there Mrs White was bitten on the upper lip by a fly< Although no notice was taken of the incident at thstime, painful symptoms became mani fest, which compelled her to return to Bur' ramins and visiting Dr Graham at Yarrawonga. The doctor pronounced the case to be one of anthrax, and after enduring terrible suffering eho died. It is believed that) the fiy contracted the poison from the caroaso of a horse. Miobobes And Books —Since the disoov cry of that insidious creature, the bacillusj numbers of deadly dangers threatening man kind are disclosed daily. It is, indeed, won derful that) al! people are nob always suffering from a complication of disorders. There is always a public eager for the last news of the creature's lurking place. Lately in Bris tol, there was a scare thab infeobious diseases were gradually picked up ie public libraries, and in consequence quits a number of people give up their regular visits, Bub in this reference the fear baa fortunatsly been dissi pated by some additional knowledge con veyed through a Bristol Library Association. Two lecturers pointed oub in a paper which ttsoy complied jointly that) the only real dan ger of catshfng a bacillus was easily guarded againsb* Let readers give op the habit of licking their thumbs in order to turn over fine f>*geti.—Gl*fc,

South Africa.

I For the regiment of Scottish HorseK which is forming in Durban arrange-! ments have been completed under which! recruits approved by agents at Austra-1 Han ports will bo offered a free passage! to Sooth Africa. 1 Three hundred horses and mules! which were commandeered in the Brit'! ieh Carnarvon district have been paid!

Sporting.

NEW ZEALAND PURCHASES OF STOCK.

United Fcgbs Association—by Electric (telegram—Copyright Sydney, January 22 At the local atud sales Mr L. D. Nathan purchased Chlorine for HOgs, Caatatrioe 20Ogs, Orchestra for 220g», Toitoi fos 35ge, and the Sweet William—Storm filly for 55ge. Mr J. M. Wiiliamson, New Zealand, bought Epine for 25ga.

WELLINGTON SUMMER MEETING.

United Freaa AaaociaMon—By Electrio Telegraph Rvvs Racecourse, Jan 21 Concluding remits: Wsiaihoton Cup, of 600 «ovs j H mile —Renown, Bat 10lb (Davie) 1, Cceur de Lion (Whittaker) and Paladin (Batoliffe) dead heat, 2. Tortulia and Materoa were iv the van, with Renown third, hub on near ing the straight Renown shot oub and won easily by three lengths. Time—2.3s|, a record for New Zealand. Dividend~-£2 4« Wessley Stakes—Mentohikoff 1, Indian Queen 2. Dividend—JSl 9s V resident's Handicap—Cameo 1. Divi dend—£3 14b Hack Bags — Compirer 1. Dividend— £22 14t Nueseby—Oruoiform 1. Dividend—£l 16i I (Tble«baph—Blazer 1. Div—£l 17s

DEATH OF THE QUEEN.

Her JLast Interview. A Sorrowing: nation. Par Frara Auooiatlon—By Electrics Telegraph—Copyright.

OXYGEN PUMPED INTO THE QUEEN'S ROOM.

MEDICAL OPINIONS. supposed ciorm the bmin. THE QUEENi" STMENOTH DIMINISHING. London 1, January 22 The doctors pumped oxygen into the Queen's room. The sleep at dawa prored refreshing. Dr Barrow, the authority on cerebral affections, signed a bulletin declaring that there had teen m» farther loss of strength, but the announcement of a brain lesion intensified the alarm. The Bishop of Winchester remained throughout Sunday night at Osborne- According to the opinion of outside medical men the illness is due tp thromboeia.—a clob in the brain. Hundreds of notabilities inscribed their Danes !n the callers' book at Buckingham Palace. Many city men participated in the ordinary morning service at St Paul's The collect for all sorts and conditions of men introduced the mention of the Queen. The whole population of the Easb and West End are much affected. Equipages and pedestrians stopped to scan the bulletins. Mr Kroger has eenb a message of sympathy to the Queen. The Pope, through Cardinal Yanghan, expressed his earnest solicitude. Many telegrams have been received from tke Czar, Indian Princes, and diplomatists' The City Stock Exchange Is depressed. Consols are quoted at £96 2s 6d. (The last quotation received, that oi Friday, was £97.) A message despatched from Osborne at eight a.m. states that there are signs &hat the Queen's strength is diminishing, and that the aspect is serious. Ehe Bishop of Winchester and the Rector of Whippingbam have been sum moned to the Queen's Bedside. Sydney, Jan 22 The National .Anthem was sung by the Opera Company last: nights There is a profound expression of sorrow throughout all the States of the commonwealth. The Lieutenant' Governor of Victoria has cabled, on behalf of the Government and people, hoping by Odd's help her Majesty's health will be fully restored.

THB SUMMONS TO OSBORNE

London, Jan 21 The Duke of Albany's departure for Oeborne bad been countermanded. The Duke of York was shooting when he was summoned. On arriving in London he postponed his departure till his father's return from Osborne. Melbourne, Jan 22 Mr Carrol cabled the Agent General on behalf of himself and the Maoriland erß in Melbourne expressing the deepest sorrow at the serious illness of their White Mother. Melbourne, January 22 Mr Seddon has received a reply to his cable message of sympathy. In the cablegram in reply, Mr Chamberlain desired to express the gratitude of the Prince and Princess of Wales for the kind message:

A REFRESHING SLEEP

London, January 22 There was a slight improvement in the Qneen's condition in the afternoon. She awoke from a refreshing slesp at 4 o'clock, and took some champagne and slight nourishment. She saw and epoke feebly to the Kaiser and the Dnke of Connaaght, both leaving visibly affected. Yesterday afternoon the Kaiser and Dnke of Oonnaught, in company with the Prince of Wales and Duke of York visited the Seamen's Home at East Oowes, containing invalided soldiers from the front, whom the Queen visited on l^ew Year's Day The Kaiser is to sleep at Osborne tonight, and the Duke and Duchess of Goonaughfc at Osborne Lodge

THE LATEST

Her Majesty Conscious- Slowly Sinking Uaifced Press Aesooiation—By Eleotttc Telegraph—Copyright Received this Office Jan 22, 337 pm London, Jan 21 A bulletin issued at 5 o'clock, states that the slight improvement has been maintained. I Received Wakapuaka Jan 23, 4 1? a m Tbit Office 9 14 a m (Despatched 1 25 p m. 22nd) London, January 22 No change for the worse since morn ing; The Queen recognised the Royalties and ia now sleeping. Received 6.19 a.m) (Official—London,, 4 o'olook.) London, Jan 22 The Queen is sinking.

DUTCH PRAYERS.

AMERICAN SYMPATHY. Received Wakapnaka Jan 23,7 45 am, This Office 9 35 a m London, Jan 22 Imperial officers consider the Poke of York's visit to Australia 1b virtually] abandoned. Special prayers for the Queen were offared In the Dutch churches at Capetown* America la deeply affected and bnlletlni-

I are awaited with anxiety eqn^ fo that ml England. The Senate's ehapi-in offered! a pathetic prayer for the great and good! Qaeen. I

The Queen and the Kaiser.

Received Wakapuaka January 23, 460 a m This Office 940 am London, Jan 22 The Kaiser's interview with the Qaean took place shortly after bis arrival. The Standard correspondent states that stimulants wers given to the Qaeen, who showed a return of consciousness at the sound of her grand son's voice. The Qaeen desired that the news of her illness should be with held from Berlin as long aB possible, lest a vein of sadness should mar tbe bicentenary festivities, The Kaiser on reading the earliest bulletins understood tbe Queen's touching forethought. This spontaneous thought has given widespread pleasure, The Times states there were faintly reviving hopes at Osborne since mid night. The Queen's drowsiness in the day time, and her languor was noticeable during her recent drives, when she kept awake with difficulty.

The Governor's Driving Tour Abandoned

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dunedin, Jan 22 Lord Ranfuriy was naturally much grieved at the news which met him on hia arrival at bhe Bluff aa to the dangerous state of the Queen's health. He had intended to set out ab once on a series of driving tours through the colony—a trip, via Orepuki to the Lakes, including another through the goldfields dis trict to Oamaru and a third from Christ ohurch northwarda via Kaikoura. His horses and carriage were waiting for him afc luver oargill, hat in oonsequence of her Majesty* condition, he has cancelled all his arrange* ments Indefinitely and goes straight to Wellington, leaving her* tomorrow and taking no part in the modified demonstration which is to be accorded to the returning fcrooper*. He would have gone straight through by special train on his arrival at bhe Bluff bub for the necsssity of meeting Ministers here and transacting tome public business.

IFeoeived Wakspuaka Jan 23, §40 » ra» Sydnky, January 23 The Governor-General has received a cable convoying thanks for sympathy with the Royal Family, Lord Hopetoun is at present declining &1! | social engagements. £

DEATH OF TEE QUEEN

United Presti Association—By Electric I Telegraph—Copyright 1 Received 11.58 a m ; Sydney, January 23 ; The Queen is dead. _ , : ~— i

THE FIRST INTIMATION. Received W&kapuaka Jan 23, 122pm This office 22 pm Sydney, J»n 23 The Admiral received the first intima tion of the death, and was followed in a few minntea by the press message. Immediately tea "Royal Standard at Government House and all the flags in the city and on the shipping were half masted. The Cabinet meets at twelve to decide what steps should be taken to proclaim the period of moarn<ng,| Received Wskapuaka January 23, 153pm, this Office 2.20 pm) Sydney, Jannary 23 Ail the theatres will be closed to-night. At a meeting of the Stock Exchange, the chairman delivered an eulogtum on the Queen, and the Exchange immediately sus pended business for the day. Many of the public offices are closing. Ib is expected that all business will be suspended to morrow in token of respect.

Chbistohtjbch, Jan 23 Immediately on receipt of the news, all bhe business places closed and ths Cathedral bell tolled. Oamartj, January 23. On the news of the Queen's death minute bells tolled, the shops were closed, and flags Sew at t half mast;. The County Council adjourned its meeting, and there was every murk of the deepeßb sorrow. Dukedin, January 23 Owing to the Queen's death the Tabanekni, with the troopers, passed Porb Chalmers, where a big luncheon had been intended. The Tutanekai will land the men at Dunedin wharf and they will at onoe march to the Agricultural Hall for lunch and be dismissed. The streets of the city have been lined with people since the early morning in expectation of the procession. Whixinoton, Jan 23 la consequence of the death of the Queen all the public entertainments are abandoned (or tonight, and the Government and business offices were closed for the after* noon imnsedintely on receipt of the news, The Sixth Contingent Send-off Committee was sitting when the cablegram arrived, and on hearing the tolling of the bells decided to cancel alt arrangements in connection with bhe proposed dinner, and also the send-off demonstration. Government has received a cable from ths Agenb General dated London, January 22, 7.Q5:—" Regret the Queen's death."

The receipt; of the newaof the Queen's d«ath in Aabbnrton was received with the most profound regret. On the news reaching this Office sn extra was an once published and circulated through the business part of the tows. The tolling oi the fire bell also intimated to the residents that the aad news which had been feared had actually arrived, and a crowd promptly collected at this office, where the latest news was eagerly esquired for. Flags were flown at half mast from the business establishments, and from the time of the tolling of the belli the shops com menced to close and by one o'clock the town bore almost a Sirnday appearance. On arrival of the Mayor by the northern express it was decided to hold a speoia! meeting of the Borough Council at 3 p.m. to-day. The following is an " All Stations Message" received by the Poifctnaster:—" Gri»ved to announce thab the Queen died lasb night. Officer! having flags will hoist them at half mast sb once, and oontinue to fly them from 3 a.m till sunset) daily until farther instruc tions.—W. Gbay, Wellington."

In consequence of the death of the Queen » an outing to the Exhibition, arranged for 8b I Stephen's choir boys for Thursday, has been jj postponed indefinitely, Mr Collins, Chairman of the Retail Traders' Association, immediately on receipt of the news asked the shops to close, and this was t?one »b once. On account of the sad news of the death of the jQasen the rehearsal intended by the Musical Union orchestra* for Thursday levening wilt nob now be held.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

-—,— ♦ — ■ The usual meeting of the Aihbarton Borough Council was held on Tuesday 'evening. Present—Oouueillora X 3 Paul, R Clark, H Davis, H M Joaes, J Davison, H Willie, J W Timmim, G Andrews. Or Paul was voted to the chair In the temporary absence of the Mayor. FINANCE The credit balance at the Banii wae stated as £193 3s sd, and the receipt* since latt meeting were—Bate* £1 7s 2d, rente of reserves £15, auctioneers' and drew* lioenses £80 lOt, brldget and culverts refund £5 3c 6d, library soeounb (subscridtio'ns) l?s, pound account '-£2 10s, insurance (Ocean Insurance Company) £6 18s, sundries (sale of gran) 10i | total, £112 !5s lid. coßstrsrcmDßNCE The following correspondence was read :— From Dr Mason, chief officer ol health, with reference to the working of the Health Aob, and asking for the help of the Ooaaoll in carrying out) reforms in health and sani tary matters.--Received ; and at Oc Jonee 1 suggestion it was agreed that discussion on the tame should be deferred until next Tuesday evening, a special meeifasg being oalled for that purpose* From Mr W Oakley Archer, vt inspection of the water oart which is bdng made for the Council, and stating that % delay of fcett days would occur in delivery.—Received; and it was resolved w thank Mr Archer. TIM TOWN CLOUR From Me J V de Beer, with reference to the town clock, as follows :—" I pointed out some time ago that the tower was In a very bad condition, allowing the weather to come in, and that it was far too damp, also bhat the clock should be cased in, but nothing was done; 3?he bell tower is far too open, birds buildiug their nest* there; wire netting should be placed over the openings. The mechanism of the clock is in good order, and any slight repairs necessary have always been promptly attended to. (Che occasional failure of the clock to strike has always occurred after bad weather, on account! of febe bad state of the bell dower, together with the dirt and rubbish from the bird*. The clock Ie a very fine piece of mechanism, and should have been better protected by casing in long ago. Ido nob know if yon are aware that the clock is a, little cut in construction; it had always struck one minute before the hour. This oan only be corrected by a scaffold being erected and the minute hand being adjusted. I would point out there are three ways in which time is supplied to Aehbarton by the Govemmonc. First, time for chronometer rating from the Wellington observatory j second, Post O£ce time ; third, Railway time. I have always carried out the late contractor's method by taking the observatory time, which is, in my opinion, the correct time to follow. On receiving observatory time this morning the Poßt Office clock was over two minutes out. The Post Office officials informed me it was useless to try and follow the railway time, as it varied too much. I had net altered the time of the town clock for over a month until lasb Friday, when it was, ty the Post Office time, a little over one minute slow. On receiving observatory time to-day I fnd the town dock one minute fast, so that I maintain that the town clock has kept very accurate time and has in so way been neglected. The whole trouble has been occasioned by the Government nob sending observatory time for the lasb few weeks.— January 14, 1P01," The letter wrb received. Mr Fooka stated the birds could nob get at the mechanism or interfere with the clock Cr Jones urged that the nutter be referred to the Works Committees Th* Town Clerk stated he had previously asked that the casing suggested be made, bub the work was then thought too expen sive. Cr Andrews was of opinion the subject of the proposed removal of the clock to the post office be considered before action was taken. It was resolved to relegate the matter to the Works Committee. From G F Dodds, agreeing to pay half the cost of an irou fence between the Goanoll yard and his garden, the total cost nob to exceed £20. The Mayor here took the chair; After discussion ifc wes decided to defer consideration of Mr Dodds 1 letter until next meeting. From Chas' James, re leasing shop in East Street, offering to lease same for a few weeke. It was deoided to let it from week to week ab the price offered* Thos. Bullock applied for chanßelling to be completed at the sooth-east belt, and 0 C Percy asked for permission to connect with the channel opposite his property—Both applications were referred to the Works Committee. From Messrs W H Collins & Co, stating that as they wers erecting a building on a Council reserve in West Street, they wished the boundary pegs allocated. The Mayor pointed out that the subject waa for the Land and Survey Department. Crs Willis and Jones contended that the boundaries should be fixed by the Oeundilt It was ultimately decided to agree to Collins & Go's application. The Secretary of the Eire Brigade wrote* submitting the name of Mr J D Hiligrove an a new member for approval, FIRE BRIGADE COMMITtM BSFOR? 1 Horses for Steam Fire Engine—As the contract) with Mr Newman for supplying horses for the steam fire engine has new expired, your committee beg to recommend that in fnture the Council should uw Its own horses in the engine at night, and that two suitable horsas should always be kef fc available in the stable at night 2 Sumps—Your committee have decided to inspect the streets recently channelled before reporting on the matter of fixing naff samps, 3 Brigade—Your committee reoommend that) in future the officers of the Brigade, when away from the town temporarily should notify the Council of their intended absence and appoint a substitute, and that tall members of the- Brigade sbonld also notify their officers of their intended absence from the town. In discussing clause 1 it was pointed ont that the new horse or horses required for the water oart sprinkler would be of a class suitable for fire brigade work. Some considerable discussion took place with respect] to clause 3, Cr Timmine main taining that at a recent fire, when o«u» plaints bad been made of the absence of officers and men, due tc the holidays, fire men were at the fire in uniform. Cr Jones complained that no one at the fire was prepared to give instructions, The Mayor sai3 members of the Brigade should nob have the power to appoint their own substitutes, nor should appointments be made outside the Brigftde. fie contended that members of the Brigade should nob abeenb themselves from the town unless with the authority of the Council. H« objected bo the wording of this clause of the report, which was amended to read ac follows :— That officers before going from the tows temporarily should notify the Council and arrange with the Mayor for a substitute* The report was then adopted. lighting Gmumrm report, 1 Electric Lighting Scheme—After careful consideration of Meiers TurnbuM and Jones report on an electric lighb installation for the Borough of Ashburton, your committee have decided to recommend the Council to neld this question in abeyance for the meantime and suggest that the matter should be kept in view for future consideration. Agreed bo. 2. Lighting Contract—Your oommittot have asked the Gas Company on what terras they will lighb the street lamps on the same conditions ai preview contract for a term of one or two years, No reply has yet be»n received. 3. Lamp Poets—Your committee recom mend that three lamp posts and a lamp be procured to replace those broken at the street corners j Yoar Committee have ob tai i. Ed permission to place the lamp at lilt corner of East and Havelock streets on the [telephone post at the Court Home, sad | recommend the removal of the post at tht I

THE ASHBtJRTOK GtJAßftlANfo WEMEBtKf, JANUARY 28, 1901



Dsfce January >> it ti »»

22 23 24 25 26 27

BMis 4 52 4 53 4 64 4 55 4 56 4 58

Seta 7 33 7 32 7 31 7 30 7 29 728



Fall moon Last quarter Apogee New moon First quarter Petigee

«■>

5 13 12 21 27 24

11 44 am 8 8 »m 10 20 pm 26 » m 9 22 pm 11 0 pm



I Wade's Worm Figs are most effective! and nob unpleasant; children thrive "ft-erl tftkic them. Price, Is s| ~™ Smoke New Veins || k



THI ASHBUKTON TRAIN SERVICES Trains leave Asbburbon dally for— UHRISTOHURGH—at 7.20 am, 11 am 3.15 p m, 7 8 p m (express) riMARU—at 10.55 a tn, 5.50 pin nUNEDIN—at 12.54pm (express) 3FRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— OHRISTOHUROH-at 10.45 » m, 12.48 » m (express), 3 pm TIMARtJ-at 10.35 a m, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.67 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 am



| FOE SALE, iPUBE & HALFBBED TAMWOKTH PIGS InrO Farmers parohasiofi' Halfbred PIGS. Jl We are prepared fco buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened oa grain or Peas. FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY Co< 5 J H Bpx/B._ WANTED KNOWN I HAVE a splendid variety of fancy Chooolafco Boxes jnat to hand, both useful and ornamental. Pious ottll and inspect. Fre«h Toffies aisd Oaodies, English and French Chocolates »nd Confectionery always in Stock, Ices, Strawberries and Cream, Hot Pies and Llfjht Refreshments always ready. A freeh aappiy of local and lßlftndfrKitßMrlvinßd HyiFLOWEB, 12 Confectioner Is Frnitcger, East Sb _ SHEEP FAEM OF 1252 IS , 1252 QIIU ATED about foar naHes from * Itail- O way Station, divided lßt# «l«r«D padclooks, good F»rmhouß« cl 8 rooms, Scullery sad Pantry, Stable, Woolthed, Bhsep Yards, and Dip. Wallwatered with County Water Raoee. Fall particulars furniahed on »ppllc»*ion _ _ T BULfXIUK, JOl burton.at—Matwa's Zealindia Boot Store



STILL ADVANCING. I CB-AIGHEAB & BEBBYMANi HAVE jusfc opened out, ex s.s. Paparoal from London, the largest shipment oil New Goods they have hitherto imported,! comprising the mostup to date BtjitiDgß from! the beat Manufacturers bs now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable Tailoring Goods now affords customers euch & splendid range of new materials of guaranteed quaLty and stylish patterns to choose from bb shoo Id please even the most fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the leading firms in Chriatchurch or other cities, They are also showing a grand lot of new Hats, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., this eeascn Casstomei'a would do well to place their orders early as 0. &B. have already a urge Btiifibet of suits on the books promised iefore Xmatf. 11 MO / JAMES BAKER. f Furnishing Wabbhousb, * (Havelock Street; TIE guarantees to Bell at Dhriiitchurob I prk 63 for Cash or Time Payments. 114 I TTTT ANTED Known—That our OiSclothß I» ? and Lliaoleumr are bought direct \ from the British Mills, and stand unrivalled "for vatiity and ?aluei—Mitchell andTumei Jfj Wade s Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm It Wotthvp, aBVor fail lot aduta or children [, PrS^e la



I GEEAT JUBILEE SALE High - Class Drapery Clothing, & Boots COMMENCING , SATURDAYJANUARY 19. (Fi>E OIiJB3 MONTE) IMMENSE r EDUCTIONS IN EVi£RY ——DEPARTMENT-— — I ANDREW ORR. 1801 MODELS JUf T LANDED. I MANY JMPBOVIMENTS. 1 COME AND SEE THEM. I -poOB GLOOB SECOND - HAND CYCLES I ' TO -BE SOLD CHEAP. ■ NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED I JOHN ORR & CO. I "UjTcLOraiNG FACTORY. I TKJ E have just consluded our HALF-YEARLY STOCKTAKING and ■ V have thrnwji out ft number of odd lim-p, which we have marked at I prices that will rffeeb a speedy clearance. I =SEE THJCM AT DOOB.= f -ME»VS HARD APD SOFT HATS AT Is EACH. £j MEN'S -OFT SUIBTS. IjA lAieii VARIETY OF TIBS, ALL REDUCED TO 6d& Is jfl Moh'm LiatiiVr Sloes 6s 6(5, Men's Kid Shoes 10a 6d ! Women's Canvas Shor-a 3=. 6d, Children's 24 6d Men's Trm Hioes 6a 6d s Men's Tan Boots 15s. IS.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY THE VEBDIOT OF ALL PRACTICAL; RIDEBS IS IB FAVOTJB OF ' BIDING II r>UILT with Butted Tubing, Bborfc Heads, Narrow Tread Arch or Bos Grown, or lie II O pitch roller Chains, overhanging chain wheelel Anf style Saddle, Handles, Chain, etc, H Anyge&t, any height frame ; alao duat proof throogboat. jj ONE PBICE TO ALL~£2i (OATES, LOWRY ANJ) CO., M ■ Zealandia Oycla Works, ■ BURNETT STREET, AStfBURTON.