POSTAL HOLIDAYS

On Good Friday, Apri! sth the Past Office will observe a dose holiday. £?o Mails will be despatched, Easter Monday, April Bfch the Post Office will Ye open in all branches from 9 a.m till 10 am. Morning and evening Mails will be despatched aa oeual Letter Carriers Delivery—Two rom plote deliveries will be made by Letter Carriers on Thursday the 4th. There will be no delivery of correspondence on Good Friday or Easter Monday. Telegraph Offices-Oa Good F.!day» Sunday hours will be observed, 5 till 5.30 pm only. On Easter Monday the Tele graph Offioe will be open frcm 9 a.m till 10 a.m and 7 p*m till 8 p.m. Telephone exchange The Telephone Exchange wil! open on Good Friday from 9 a-m till 10 a m only, nnd observe ordin* ary hours on Easter Monday

Mail Notices

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the ueceesaey alterations : THURSDAY, April 4 For Northern Ports and Westpwt, also South Africa and Australia (dun Sydney April 11th) per Menovral at fi SO {» n SATURDAY, APRIL 6 For Northern Forts, per Moura, ati 10 30 a m For Northern For&s and Westptrt, per Botoniahana, At 6 30 p m For Danedin, per Talane aad EHogamlbe »ti6sopm MONDAY, APRIL 8 For Aatbraliaa ©eloniei, India, China, South Africa, Straits Settlement, South Africa, also United Kingdom, Continent cf Europe, specially addreiied via Brindiii, per exDress to connect with Taluoe at 10 30 am

Commercial.

United Frees Association—-By Eleotrio Telegraph—Cop /right) London, April 2 Tallow—la Btook 18.670 cankß, imports 4478 oaak", delivories 5714 osfks. Wool—Arrivals for third series 256,000 bale», of whfch 50,000 have been sent forward direct; available for sale*, 264,060 bales. The wheat oarßO ex Norfolk I& and cold at 29j lOJdj and the cargo ex Inverloohy at 29s 9d Sydney, April 3 Wheat, chick, 2s to Ac 2d ; milling, 2s foid to 2a 1M i flour £6 15s to £6 5s ; Manitoba, £10 5* fco £10 10.. O»ts, N Z feeding 'B,' Is lid to 2*; 'C,' Is 6d to la 7d; wllliog, 2s Id. Barley.feedine;, 2s; seed 2s 3d; m»ize, prime new, 2b 7J. Peat, 3s 3d to 3i j6d. Bran, B£d; pollard, B*d to B*d. ! Potatoes, Ciroulur Heads £2 10s to &l % oni. m, Viotoriftns £6 10s to jBS 15»; N Z £5. Butter-dairy 8d to 9d, creamery lid; oheeae, NZ, to 6d ; bacon, N Z flltehes, 6d to 8d ; ham?, N Z, Bdi 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, April 3 Wheat is firm at from 2s 7d to 2a 8d; oats, strong sate, l» 9d to li lOd j bran aad pollard, 10j[d; onions, prime, £5 15* Adblaipb, April 3 Wheat) in dull, 2s Sd ; Sour, £6 6a to £6 7a 6d; oaii, Algerian, Is 8d to Is JLOd; whites, 2« 2d to 2s 8.1; bran, JOd % pollard, 10i4.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

merino ewei 6s to 5s 4d; foaward wethert up to 16s 6d, and backward 13fl to 14> 6d J iambe, 9a to 12a 6d, Pigs—About 400 wer* entered, Jnolading come very prime baconcrt, which} howaver, were slightly eaiier oomidering the quality, Belling at 37a to 62g 6d, equal to s|d per lb } i porkere were in demand at 25s to 555, equal to 41 } itnbblers were in rcqaest at 12b to 25» 6d ; email sorts were dull at 4i to 8«.

United Frees Aimooiatioß—By Eleotrlo Telegraph Chbistohoboh, April 3 The Addington sale waa held tc~day< Cattle-—149 bead of fat cattle were yarded, mostly fair average quality, and good beef brought from 20a 6d to 22s 6d per 1001b. Steers, heavy weighty £8 to £9 ; others, £6 15a to £7 15s; heifers, £5 17s 6& to £7 15b ; oows, m 5a to £7 17s 6. Shk»—About 3000 fat sheep were yarded, including good lines fa both wethers and ewes and many inferior (sorts. There wai no competition for export and »n easier tone prevailed, white ewes were alto weaker, helng in 4>ver supply. Good wethers 17a to 19s, lighter 16s; best ewes 14s to 16i 6d, ! others 10s 6d to 13s; merino ewes 8« lid fco ' 10s 3J. Lambs—3sso fa£ lambs were ! offered, and there was a keen demand., the , bulk being taken by exporters at from 14« ito 1S« 11'- » unfinished, down to 12s, Store eheep—96oo store sheep were offered, mostly ewes, the younger sorts selling well, Imb the aged were neglected. Wethers and I nubs also sold betber. Good young ewes brought 16s to J8», medium sorts 12s U to j |4s 6d, and aged down tio m Ho ;»ged

Local and General.

Train Arbangkmbnts— The train arrange' tnente for the Ghrietohnrch races and Asbburton aports will bo found in our advertising columns. Ths Roy.A£ Visra. — Coker's Hotel has been scoured for the use of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and suite during their stay in Chrietcburoh. Temuka BIOT0&K Sjpobt§ —On Easter j Monday the Tomuka Bicycle Sports »JU be j held on the new asphalt tracfc when iome fast times are expected to be made. New Zealand Government LoAN~The: Colonial Treaeuirer invite* tenders for the j £500,C0D New 2 <a!and Government 4 per j ceot debentures. Full particulars will fas ■ found in our advertising columns. Leaflets Foa Gasdenbhs.—W« have received from the Secretary of Agriculture two lee Stats f.-r gardeners snd fruit growers. One of them deals with * •Orchard Woirk " in an exhaustive manner, and the other treats of " The Apple." Tbmdka N»w Post Office—The Public Works Department has prepared plans for a new pbab office at Temuka. It will be & handsome brick building, two storeys high, and at the back there will be erected a residence for the postmaster. Tenders for the work will be invited today. The Setokih Contingent — Trooper Wilfred Willie (*hose portrait by ths way is in the Canterbury Times and Weekly Press this week) is paying a flying vieii to his family before leaving New Zealand with the Seventh Contingent, Bugler Tovey also I cama down from Wellington to say good bye. They report that the work they have been pub through during the past ton days | at Trentham, twenty miles frpm Wellington, has been bf a most thorough and practical description. The average distance the men have marched each dsy ha« been about twenty miles. Generally they are in good heart, but some seem to feel the heavy work a good deal. A. A. CkA. C. Concert -For this clubs Easter Monday concert, & really Grab class programme has besn arranged. Ib inoludes songs by Mr F W Hobbs of Ohrlstoboroh, a brother of Mr L J Hobbs of this town, and [and Mr F Collins » popular Christehttrch | einger whohasnotsungin Ashburtou yet. Mr J Dykes, who is a recent arrival from Glas gow, will provide the ocmic element), at whioh he is particularly good. Songs will also be sung by Mrs C Mi Brooke Christcnueb, Mrs W Johaston the papular Ashburton vocalist, and Mr W Anderson. Mr Arthur Savage of Melbourne will play a cornet aolo, and Mr Gate's oroheatr* will provide a few orchestral selections. These will be followed by the screaming farce 'Don't Spoil the Pieoe. 1 in whioh Messrs L J Hobbs, E Bobi lliard, Colin Campbell, W Anderson, F W Seldon, and H Fooka will take the principal parte,

Assessment Court.—There were no oasea i to oime before the assessment court te Bor ough valuatton.whloh was to have been held > this morning, Weather Repom — Captain Edwin [reports— Moderate northerly wlndßj glass fall. Stocx. Sale — The total stock entries at Tuesday's Ashburton Bale were—ls,l4s sheep, 29 cattle, 170 rams, and 3 pigs. Easier Sunbay — According to the usual custom the offertories at Sfc Stephen's Church rm Master Sunday will be handed to the Vicar. j POBT AND TbLKOKATM OFFICE HOLIDAYS I —On 3ood Friday the telegraph office { will observe Sunday hours, from 5 till 5,30 p.m , only. No mails will be despatched and Good Friday will be observed as a close postal holiday, Obituary—We regret to bare to chronicle the death of Mrs Thomas Patereon, of Ailentos, who died this morning after a lingering and painful illness. The body will be Interred in the Lin wood Cemetery and will be conveyed from Ashburton by the 11 a m train on Saturday. The funeral leaves Mr Fatersen'a residence. Creek Road, Altenton, on Saturday at 9 45 a m for the railway station. A. Colonial Brigadier General- News has been received in Ohriatohnrch from private sources that Lieut: Colonel Craddock who left New Zealand In com mand of the Second Contingent! with the rank of Major, has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Imperial Army. Thh CRtfamxiONt—Slaiuer's Oratorio of | 'The Crucifixion', will be sung in St Stephen's church this evening at 745p m, by the members of the choir and the Ashburton Musio«l Union. Before the Oratorio is sung, i the Vicar will give a short address explana tory of the sacred meditation, and aa we have just heard of the death of the gifted ' composer, he will give a few personal j > reminiscences of the late Sir John Staines's , life and work. Thb Crown op Holland— The crown that adorns the brow of Holland's youthful Queen 1 is said to have oosb £120,000. In 1829 it ' was stolen by burglars, and remained in i their possession for nearly two years. Even , tually part of the stones were found near Brooklyn, and th« remainder were ultimately 1 discovered in Belgium. Bowling — Several members of the » Bowling Club proceeded by to-day's ex press to Oamaru to compete In the bowl* ng tournament there. The rest of the local team will go South by the special night train passing through thh evening. Ashburton will play odo rink and two I doubles, and the following will compete : —Messrs G Coleman, (skip), D Thomas, i Craighead, Snodgraes, G F Dodds and 8 D Hardle. BoaotroH Elections.—There is a good deal of speculation going on as to the pro* bable candidates for the mayoralty and also for the Borough Council. For the former the names of Mr W H Collins and Cr Paul have been mentioned as possible candidates, but so far it is only a matter of surmise who will offer their services as members of the Borough Council, as up to the present time a fortnight before the nonin alios?, nobody has made any sign* It is probable that the present councillors will offar them selves for re election, but It is to be hoped that to enable the ratepayers to have a free choice others will come forward. Easier Monday Sports—The caretaker of the Domain Oval hits been hard at work during the past week preparing the bicycle track and the Oval for the Ashburton Amab* ear Cycling and Athletic Clubs Sports, to be held oo Easter Monday* The track is now in vary good order, the local riders declare that it has never been batter, so that reoorda should be the order of the day; As there arc 39 events to be run off, proceedings will be started at 1 o'clock «harp, the grand Invitation Screffcch Mile Race (New Zealand versus Ausrra'ifi), which will be the event of the day, will start at 3 spm. The Railway Department have delayed the Timaru and Mount Homers trains, so that visitors from the country will be able to see ( the programme through, and have ample 1 time to catch their train home.

Interprovincial.

ArrcgXAirp, April 3 Tonga was visited by the fringe of the hurricane, which devastated I^evuka, The Government ephooner l&faika Malle drifted against a reef and sank. No other damage was done. Wellington, April 3 The Customs revenue for the fin-'nfial year will exceed the estimate by £150,000 At the Manawatu Hail way Company's meeting the report was adopted, and six per cent dividend was agreed to, Meiers Kirk oaldie and Plimmer were rr-elected direotors. A comprehensive resolution by Mr Kennedy MaoDonnid, protesting against; the late negotiations and laying down the principle that the Company should work oat its own destiny, irrespective of the Government, was withdrawn, as tying the hands of the directors. It Is very probable that the Bon J G Ward will attend a conference of the postal union to be held in Rome next year. The Railway Department has received information that 40 waggons, the first of the order for 1000, were shipped by the Rakaia. Chbistohuboh, April 3 The Premier, who oame to Ohristchurch to attend the funeral of the late Colonel Francis, returned to Wellington tonight. At a meeting of the general committee of the Canterbury At and P. Association today the question of federation arose, on the appointment of delegates to the Conference to be held shortly. Ihe President thought it advisable that the delegates should have I some indication of the feeling of the committee, and took a show of hands. Only one hand was held up 5a favor of federation. The ether side of the question was not put* In consequence of representations made from Lyttelton with regard to the Royal visit, the Premier states he has seen the Governor, who consented to arrange that the Torks shall drive through the town of Lyttelton from the T'harf to the railway station, where the Mayor and the Chairman of the. Harbour Board will be presented to them, * Ddnkdin, April 3 The time within whioh the OrepukSJOH Company can claim a Government bonus has been extended to enable them to turn out the requisite quantity of oil.

Masonic.

The annual installation and investiture of officers of Lodge Rakaia, No 36 N. Z. C, took place last evening in the Lodge room, Rakaia. There was a large attendance of brethren, the Thistle Lodge (Ashburton) and Lodge Ashbnrton, being especially well represented. Among the visitors from "Ash* burton were Bros Cambridge, FM, E J Paul, PM , S Nelson, PM, T M Jones, PM, GMeddins, PM,J WHardley,(WM Lodge Ashburton) and J Mellor, (WM Thistle Lodge, 113 N Z O, Ashburton,) The Lodge was tyled at 8 p no, when the following Grand Lodge offioer* were ad mitted and received with the usual honors. Deputy Grand Master, Bro OAC Hardy, Wor. Bros, D Withers, H Widdowßon, Johns, Cowan, Binghftm, Jones, and L Ozlejr, The 'obligation of fealty having been administered. Bro George Sieveright Hardy was duly installed into the chair of King Solomon aooording to ancient custom. The following c fleers were then invested. IPMBfoW Midgley, W M Bro S Hardy, 8 W Bro Geo. Edglngtort, J W Bro B B Wright, Treasurer, Bro P 6 Holmes (rt elected), Secretary, Bro L Oxley PM, (re eleotod 12th year), 8 D Bro R W Holland, J D Bro J R Sharp, J G Bro D Wilson, Tyler, W Ksmble. During the evening Bto Midgelty PM, who has occupied the ohair of the' Lodge for four years, wai pre. sented with a fcandnome Pali Master's jewel as a token of esteem in which he is held by I c brethren. Bro Mtdgely suitably re sponded. The Grand Lodge officers having retired It was resolved that a hearty vote of thanks be aooorded to them for the excellent manner in whioh they had carried out the ceremony of installation, Congratulations having been tendered by a number of visi? tors, the Lodge waa clored in due form at 10.30 pm. The brethren then adjourned to the ante room, and were provided with a■> abundanoe of refreshments. A number of the brethren contributed songs and recita tions, and a pleasant evening was bronght to ft close by the singing of the National Anthem '

BURNSIDE MARKET.

'United Press *ajßoeiafcion—By Electric Telegraph Dunbdin-, April 3 Fitfa Cat.tfe—ls3 head yarded, whioh proved »uffioient for nqiirtments, prices, if anything, being in favour of bayeri. Best bullook, brought from £7 l?a 61 to £9 17» 6d ; extra prims, £10 10s; medium, £2 to £6 7a[6d!; beeto cow*, £6 17* 6<i to £3; medium to good, £3 5s to £5 1?« SJ.

DEATH

Pathksok—On April 4, at Greek Road, Allenton, JaHB, beloved wife of Thotnai Peterson. Aged 66 yearn _

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 1901.

Some little time ago a correspondent in Sydney writing to a retident of this town mentioned a enrioas ramour, which was current there regarding Mr Seddon'a prolonged stay in that city. It was to the effect that the New Zea land Premier had been interviewing certain Heading members of the Federal Cabinet with a view to get a promise that* bill ihoold be intro doced at an early date providing that the state governors should be elected by the people. On that condition it is stated that Mr Seddon undertook to bring New Zealand into the Common wealth. We give the rumour for what it is worth, bat it certainly has an air of probability about it. Many of the recent actions of Mr Seddon go to show that while he would not like to see the office of Premier shorn of any of its power and importance, he woold not oppose a change which might place him in the position of the first Elective Governer of New Zealand, For in the present state of affairs his election—if a colonial and a commoner should be eligible—-might be regarded as certain. The only thing against this part of the program roe is said to be that the Federal leaders would not undertake to promise the suggested bill, the general opinion being that even it were passed bj the Federal Legislature, it would be vetoed by the Crown.

The results of the Federal Elections indicate that the Commonwealth Govern meat will have a very delicate—not to say difficult—course to steer to avoid trouble, not io say shipwreck; Minis* ters have only got a small majority on the main question of protection versus free trade. No donbt other issues will materially affect the position of the Government, such for instance, as the subject of coloured labor in Qseensland, but in determining the fiVal policy of the Commonwealth it would appear that neither party is strong enough to carry ont its views. It is probable that some compromise most be come to if a dead lock is to be avoided, for it is evidently of the utmost importance that the affairs of the Cerni ruvrWih should 1$ put in order without delay. There is in fact no im media to necessity for framing the new tariff, as the Commonwealth Constitution Act only provides for the imposition of uniform duties within two years after |ta com* ing into operation. The fiscal question can therefore stand over until next session. In the meantime the arrange n?eots for carrying on (he Government are as follows. The Commonwealth is to credit to each State the revenues collected therein and debit the expen diture incurred solely for the mainte nance or continuance, as at the time of transfer, of any department transferred from the State to the Commonwealths also the proportion of the State, ac cording to the number of its people, in the other expenditure of the Common wealth. Out of the net revenue of the Commonwealth from duties of Customs and Excibg not more than one-foarth is to be applied annually by the Com monwealth towards its expenditure, and the balance is to be paid to the several States, or applied towards the payment cf interest on debts of the States taken over by the Common wealth.

South Africa.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Baden-Powell Police. Free Staters Join Placci Reserved for Colonials. Irish Nationalists and the Boer Delegate. Received April 3, 9 44 a m London, April 2 The entire tfflce st&ff of the Band , Mines Corporation proceeds to Jo hannesburg to-day, Over one thousand Free Staters have enlisted in General Baden-Powell's force. " 8. -V. n h reserving 1600 places for colonials, who Join after their disband men t. The members of the Irish Nationalist Party are considering a suggestion that one of them should temporarily resign, and allow Mr J Merriman to be elected to the House of Commons in order to address the House on the question of the settlement of South Africa. A laager afe Vosehberg, is the Orange River Oolony, was surprised at night. Two Boers were killed and sixty captured. Colonel Plumer has occupied Warm bad and Nylstroom, capturing a num ber of Boers. There have been several promotions amongst the New Zealsnders and Australians for gallant service daring General Babington's engagement with De la Bey. Mr Brodrick in the House of Com mon b, said Lord Kitchener received no instructions prior to the peace negotia tions, because the Government were not acquainted with Botha's proposals.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA

United Frees Association—By Electric Telttfraph—Copyright CONCESSIONS TO BRITISH AND ITALIANS. A BRITISH CFFIOER SABRED. RUSSIAN FLAG NOT 10 BE HOISTED. (Received April 3, 9-20 pm) London. April 2 The Daily Emprest reports that British and Italian capitalists, associ ated in a Pekin syndicate, secured a while* back the ratification of an im mense concession, comprising the richest coal, iron ore, and petroleum fields in Shansi and Honan. Itispioposed to bring the minerals to the Yang-tze Valley, and erect mills there among the dense population of that region. Seven Frenchmen-at Tientsin sabred Captain Barnett, of the Madras In fantry. The wounds are not dangerous. An Indian sentry was shot in the thigh, In the darkness he twice returned the fire. It ia believed that his assailants were foreign soldiers. M. De Gierß has been instructed not to allow Russian flags to be hoisted at the Tien-tain siding, pending settle ment of the question at issue. The Germane, while routing a thousand robbers seven miles north of Tlen-tsio, killed eleven and wounded fifty, and captured a gun and thirty carts,. Several foreigners were discovered among the robbers. ' Li Hang Uhang is indisposed. He sails ftnm Tien-tain for Shanghai to-morrow, his body guard accompanying him.

THE STYCHE CASE.

NEW TRIAL REFUSED. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, April 3 In delivering judgment in the ease Rex v. Styche, the Chief Justice said that in the civil oases the principle upon whioh applica tions for new trials was dealt with Is that the verdict of the jury will not be set aside uni«s* it is such that do reasonable men could have como to such a conclusion. There must, of course, be a higher degree of assurance in the criminal oases than in the oivil oases, but if the jury was of the opinion that this higher degree of assurance was attained, then, if this opinion was one which reasonable men could come to, the Court) could not Interfere. In this case the Court had to start with this—That the evidence was that the accused had- borne a good character and that nothing which oould be really called a motive had been shown. Reviewing the evidence, however, en the question whether the incriminating Setters had been written with the machine in the accused's office, His Honor said it could not be said the jury were nob warranted, if, indeed, they were not compelled, to come to to the conclusion that they were written with that machine, The evidenoe also showed that it was extremely improbable any person other than the acoused could have had Access to the accused's office on the different occasions in question, and have written the letters with that machine. Ai regards the question whether the breakage of the machine was accidental or intentional, His Honor, after reviewing the evidenoe on this point, concluded that the jury had been fully justified in finding it was net accidental. Having come to this conclusion, they were amptly justified in coming to the further conclusion of the guilt of the accused. His Honor commented further on the similarity tc style between the acknow ledged letters by the aroused to Dr Claytoa and those containing the oriminal sugße*ticn. There were other minor matters pointing to the same conclusion. Taking the avidet fit as a whole, His Honor said that if it was believed it pointed to one person, and to cue person only as the guilty person, namely the accused, in His Honor's opinion, there* 1 fore, the case was not one for a new triah The other members of the Court also delivered written judgments concurring ie all points with that delivered by the Chief Justice The motion for a new trial was therefore dismissed.

Weather Report for March.

Ashburton

The weather throughout March was nnsettied and damp for the eeasen of the year. Although most days were clear, they lacked the steady air and genial warmth of those of former years. Rim fell on fifteen days registering a total of 1055 inches, the highest ©55inches being on the 18tb, the lowest »00« on 29th. The highest temperature in the sun 146 degs. was recorded on the llth, the lowest 72degs. on the 20th, The highest In the shade reached 96degs on the llth, the lowest on the 22nd when 4degs frost was registered. Frost occurred on five mornings averaging 2degc The wind blew from the N.E. on eleven days, N, N, B. three days. N. W. eight days, S. W. six days and E three days. There were no days without sunshine. W.W. S, Domain, April Ist

Mount Somers.

The rainfall at Mount Somers for March was 486 inches. Une average rainfall for the last eight years for March is 4.67. Rain fell on seventeen days, the most in one day of 24hours,wasoa March gftb, when OJ7 fellt A'&PiAtttsE*

The Missing Steamer Federal.

United Press Association—by Electric Telegraph—Copyright Received April 3, 9.50 p m Mblbouknb, April 3 Socnt of the clothing which was picked up Kb Lfptrap, and eenfc here, has been identified as belonging tn She chief engineer of the missing steamer Federal.

Federal Politics

THE KING ASSENTS TO A VICTORIAN ACT.

United Press /Issoeiation—By Elee&rlo Telegraph—Copyright' London, A pril 3 The King has assented to the Victorian Act, prohibiting member* of the State Parliament Hitting in the Federal P«*rlla' ment.

THE FEDERAL SPEAKER HIP.

Adelaide, April 3 The Hon. Mr Holder, Premier of South Australia, has decided to be a candidate for the Speakerehtp of the Federal Honsa.

The Plague.

DEATH AT PERTH.

United Press Association—Bj Eisotflo Telegraph—-Copyright (Received April 3, 10 21a m FEBTH, April 3 Buckley, one of the plague patients, Is dead.

RUSSIAN DECLARATION

London, April 2 Russia has declared the whole of Weafc Australia (?) to be Infected with plague.

The Karrakatta Wreck

COWARDLY MALAYS. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received April 3, 11.5 pm) Perth, April 3 Further details of the Karrakatta wreck show that the Malay sailors acted in a cowardly manner. After the boats were lowered they rushed them. In one instance where the passengers attempted to get into the boat a Malay sailor drew his knife and cut the boat adrift, The vessel is fast breaking up

Charges Against a Minister.

PREACHING OLD BSRMONS. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Auckland, April 3 The Auckland Presbytery Commission appointed to visit Hamilton to erquire into charges against a minister, the Bey J M Mitchell, of having preached old sermons and of having neglected ministerial visita tions, hays presented their report, Mr Mitchell admitted having preached perhaps a doxin old sermons during big ministry &b Hamilton, but with regard to the alleged neglect of tninistsdat visitation* there was no proof of the charges. The Presbytery paused a resolution that) they were gratified to find that the complaint* were frivolous, and not substantial. Mr Mitchell then tendered his resignation of the Hamilton charge, which waa accepted.

Sporting.

G.J.O. AUTUMN MEETING Christchubch, April 3 The following final payments and accep tances have been received ; — Great Easter Handicap, of 500 soys j seven furlongs—Malatua 92. Pampero 810, The Shannon 88, Melwood 85, Berziin 84, Cora Linn 83, Glenogle 81, Skobeioff 713, Palaver 711, Hermosa 78, Tsaritsa 78, Military 78. St Denis 77j Great Actwn Handicap, of 500 soys j lfcmile—Malatuaßß, Skobeloff 83, Strath nairn 81, Cameo 713, Pampero 7 11, Miii^ tary 79, Melwood 77, Palaver 75, Cora Linn 7 4, Huku 611, Glenaladale 6 7 Champagne Stakes, of 600 soys; sis furlongs—Cruoiform, Menschikoff, Canteen, Calibre. Kilbare Hurdles, of IPO soys ; If mile —Sooial Pest 129, Ilex 119, Huriri 108, Dundee 10 5, Long Tom 910, Vulcan 90, Larboard Watch 9 0. Epsom Welter, of 150 soys; one mile- Cadet and Female Franchise 92, Magnifi* oenfc 84, Waterford 83, Clandeboy and GlenaladaleSO. Sooksbkn Handicap, of 100 soys; I| mile—Strathnairn 91, Cameo and Nihilist 90, Huku and Scottish Minietrel 79, Clandeboy and Cavalry 70, Terrapin 610, Flame 67- Russley Plate, of 150 soys; five fur longs— Margot 88, Battleory 86, Count of Kolmar 77, Wee Drappie, Antigone and Wepener 75, Narcissus 7 3: Cmristohtjrce, April 4 Some good work was accomplished, Glenogie, seven furlongs on the plough fast, in good style: Glenaladale a mile and a quarter on the plough in 2 14, assisted by Cannie Ohiel and Scottish Minstrel; Sotner* led a nice gallop of seven furlongs on tbs plough in L3l£; Benzoin?, on the same traok traversed seven furlongs in 1.31, pleasing the wato'-ers; MarSt beat Lady Dandas for five furlongs on the grass la 1.4, aggood gallop ; Huku covered 1£ miles on the grass in 2.17; Hypnotist ran six furlongs on the plough in 1.20; Cameo a mile on the plough in 1.46 } Maiatua and Military had a seven furlongs spin on the plough, the former leading home in 1.31J; Calibre beat Cavalry badly over five furlongs on the grass in 1.4 ; Cora Linn alone, ran half a mile on the prase at the back of the course in Slseofj Strathnairn and Magnificent covered a mile on the grata in 1*46, finishing strongly j Melwood, looking well, ran five furlongs on iho plough in 52aco. On the oourse doing steady exercise were Skobeloff, Field Rose, I«mene, Auriferous, San Patricia, Menitchikeff, The Shannon, Pals' ver, Indian Queen, Tsaritzi, Hex, Long Tom Vulcan, Larboard Watoh, Bristol, Hermosa, Sunt Ilario, Claudeboyt, Antigone, Tremor, and Hypnotist

PATERSON v. CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB APPEAL CASE.

Wellington, April 3 In Paterson v Canterbury Jockey Club, the Appeal Court by a majority allowed the appeal from Judges Denniston, Williams, Connolly and Edwards. It was held that as the racecourse was vested in trustees the latter could not delegate to the Jockey Club the right to make regulations, and in the absence of these the public had an Absolute right to enter. The Chief Justice and Judge Cooper dissented, holdißg that while no valid regulations existed the public had no absolute right of entry, and the : Jockly Club being In possession could keep anyone but. Sydney April 3 Wakeful has firmed etfli further for the Doncaster, all the money obtainable having been taken at 3to 1. Quotations closed at sto 2. He was subsequently backed for the Doncaster and Cup double at 100 to 6 Advance is favourite for the Cup at 5 to 1, Clean Sweep 6 to 1

Magisterial

ABHBURTON-THURSDAI

(Before 0 A Wray, Eeq, B.M) Bbbaoh of the Ppblic Wobxb Act.— John Eleton was charged with on March 22nd committing a breach of the PabSla Worka Aob on the Bail way Station, He was fined 5e and aostai Bbkagh oy Boeougk Bylaws—W J Sil cock was fined 10a and oosts for driving without) a light after tunaeb. -Pearson waa fined Ss andooata for riding a bicycle without , »light after fluaieb,

Mayfield Presbyterian Church.

From Oto Oohiiisponbbnt. The annual tea meeting in connection wtth the Mayfieid Presbyterian Ohntoh wac held of March 29 in the Msjfieid schoolroom and wob a great success in every way. The ladies of Raapuoa kindly provided a *»b1« this year, which was pretMed aver by t!<a followiug young ladies—Misses Fraser (2) and Doyle (2). The o'jher table* were under the charge of Mrs Burgess »r,d Mm Kdlfthkn, Mrs Obriateesen and Miss Fain, Mrs Payne &nd Mi«» Hight, AVI the font tables were imply provided with a bountiful supply of good thing*, »nd were very ta*te fuliy decorated with Jlowerc and oelonn. After tea, an after meeting (comprised of «p«eohei and eacred concert) wm held fn th« Ohurcb which wm orowded; Mr Ham, m ahairman, read apologies from the Rot H Parchftie, Mount Somar* j B«t J W*»t brook. Springburc; and Rw J Jary, Wiliowby. The Eev 3 Skinner save a very interesting speech, speaking in high term* of the progress made by the people of these parts In Church work, and gave good advice on making a fieth start* The Rer Dr Erwin's speech was exceedingly interesting, touching on the sincerity and «nthn«Ustn tf Christian life. The Rev J B Inglis gave a short account of Minslon work Rod native life in % New Hebrides. Th« mosloal part of the programme was indeed a trmt» Many of the performers were quite naw to a Mayfield andiinoe, and among those whom we have heard before, and was glad to welcome, was Mr Craighead. Tbftfol'twtng are the names of the ladies and geottemen who nearly all came from distances to take parb:—Mrs Neli (Staveiey), Mrs 0 Mo Farlane, Miss Hitoball, Mice Hoare and Mi«s Morrow, planoforta «o!o and dneti; Mrs Walker (Monnt Bomers), Mies Fearon (Baling), Miss Hoars, Mr CraigbMad, cad Mr McK»nzie (Asbbarton), solas. Mist Hoare and McKenaie played the aocomp«ny« meats on the piano, wbich was kindly Isnt by Mrs Bnrgess. The nsnal vefas of taaDkl brought the evening to a close, Oa Sunday, Maroh 31, the Rev Dr Erwlo preached the anniversary services to large congregations. In the morning bit ttxfe was taken from Jeremiah 18-si--on tb« moulding of the vessel by th« pottcr< In the evening his subject was Abraham's interceasion for the people of Sodom, In Genesis 18, from the 17 verse. His addresses on both snbjocte were most elciguenti

CRICKET.

United Press Association—By Kleotrlo Teleg »ph—Copyright London, April 2 The Maryiebone Committee has approved the English cricket captain's action in regard to throwing, but recommend that the auspecsion of bowlers be postponed for tht season.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association*— By Electric Telegraph

ACCIDENT TO PRINCESS BEATRICE

London, April 2 Princess Beatrice sprained her ankle while walking at tbe villa of the Empress Eugenic at Capmartln.

COAL MINERS' STRIKE

The Lanarkshire coal miners have btruek on the eight hours question.

The Federation Commission

United Press Association—By Electric telegraph—Copyright Melbottbh*, April 8 Heoeved April 3, 9Z6p m The Federal Ootunmeion examined the Chief Inspector of Factories with reference to the wages paid and lbs condition of the workers. Mr Martin, the Secretary of Agri culture, thought there was more likeli hood of New Zealand flooding Australia with Algerian oats than vice versa. Captain Oollinp,Secretary of Defence, was also examined. The Premier, Mr Peacock, gave evidence before the Federation Com mission It is understood that he pointed out how mutually sdvantagwai it woald be for New Zealand to join. She would gain from (he points of view of trade and defence. Tbe leaven of progressiveneas which she would in troduce would be beneficial to the Commonwealth. He pointed out UjiS " New Zealand might lay down aa a condition to joining that ehe should on account of her geographical position, have the right to legislate exclusively on some of the thirty-nine scatters provided for in the Commonwealth Act. He instanced the Old Age Pensions and the control of the inland Post and Telegraphs. Eta considered this ?»i possible on the interpretation of section HI, Asked how he thought the Federal Parliament would ba likely to allow New Zealand Representatives to vote on the matters which New Zealand as a State had an exclusive right to legis late on, Mr Peacock replied that that could be arranged. He was also questioned respecting the finanancial system and the wisdom of tbe provision in section S6Jfor grant ing financial assistance to States during the first ten years. Mr P«a.cook is understood to have said thai tbe people of United Australia would be inter? eated in tbe welfare of alt parts, and that it would be a natural and proper thing to give temporary assistance to a State in dificultieo. He touched on defeccejand said as the Commonwealth and New Zealand grew more and mere prosperous it would be neetsiary to protect them adequately; The auxili ary squadron woald have to be strength ened, and the Commonwealth and New Zealand should have a common schante pi defeac*. Mi" Peacock expressed the opinion that if New Zealand did not join there ought not to'be much difficulty in arranging a trade i reciprocity treaty. He gave a lot of information about the Factories Act and its working, and the wages paid in Victoria.

Letter from Lord Roberts

Wellington, April 3 Lord Roberts writes aa folio *a to Lord Ranfurly :—" War Office, London, 15th February. Boar Lord Ranfarly,—My at tention bat been directed to an article in the Hawked Bay «Herald,' dated 24th Dtoei»» ber, 1900} in which orititiamß are mail* aa to the delay which has occurred in gazetting New Zealand officers to their Imperial Com miaaiona. I much regret to «ay thab theae difficulties experienced in oar betag aatured that each candidate waa fuliy qualified. The matter waa finally settled on th¥ 4th Jaeiiaryi when the namoa of all these ofiicen appeared in the Londoc 'Grjsette,' and in bHer t^ make flure thut so one auffered from delay the date of their oomminaicna wm antt dated to the 19th May, 1900 Pieue give what publicity you like to these facts, (Signed) Ropaw."

Funeral of Lientenant-Colonel Francis.

CHRISTOpURCH, April 3. The funeral of Lieuienaot-Oo'onet frauds book place ted*}-, Ibere wbi & very larga gathering of bins na present. The Right Hod, R J gertdoin and LifiUtfWat Colonel Newall came frum Welliugton specially to attend. Th« deceased wm buried with military and Maaonic houois, having hiM a bijjb office in the New ealaod Grand Lodgt*

THE ASHBtJRTON 'GUAfiDIAJ.;. THURSDAY, APBTL 4, 1901.



ST. SOJBPHBN'S OHUBOH Aahburton. MAUNDY"THUBSDAY i 730 am—Holy Commauioe 9 am—Matlna 730 pm—Srainer'a Oratorio of "The Crnoilxion' will be sung by the Choir and the members of tha Mwaioal Union. GOOD FRIDAY 8 am—Litany il am—Matint, Ante-Communion, and Sermon 3 pm—Children's Service 630 pm—Evening Prayer and Sermon Who offertories on Maunday ThurxUy and Good Friday will be giben to St Mary'i Rsfnpe Home, Chriatchnroh EASIER EYE (Holy Saturday) 7 30 am—Holy Communion 9 am—Matin* EASTER DAY {April ?) 7 am—Holy Oommanion 8 30* nv— Holy Communion 11 a m—Mdtine, Holy Oommanion, and Sermon St JO p m—- Children's Service S pm—GREEN STREET, the Vioar 6.30 p m—Choral Evensong and Sermon, R. A, WOODTHOBPE, M.A, Vioar EASTER HOLIDAY* Notice to Advertisers and Sub scribers. \ mHB GUARDIAN will ;Not bb! Published on FRIDAY, April sfch (Gooi IFriday), or MONDAY, April 3th (Easter Monday).; roigru Bell, Manager. "RfICTONALdr& (SDYi; (TAILOR I*, Burnett Street, TN Oonaequmce of having comparatively NO BAD DEBTS (u\ U\ KO OLD STOCK \\ 111 NO MISS FITB olthlll WE cam offer yon a Hplendid Sntt at the above figure. 3 160 MONEY. MONEY TO LEND on Fre ehol Security, ir Etims to suit borrowerd Apply to «. MR O. W PUBNELL, Solioltor, 2005 Montgomery'a BaUdlng TAKE CKRE ARE you 'getting the very bes!) vilue j f or yon money in Boots and Shoes ? If not, why not try D Ftock's Blue Boot Store trxt time, and save 2a in the £1. Send as your repairs, we wane them and will them wail.



r^tOLONIAL Twill Blankets, Ooloalkl V^ Twili Blßnkcts—Estraordluary good value. Why pay more. Note—Special Winter prices for tbreequartec Beds 13b 6d, were 18s 6d ; !ul s-'zo 19a Bd, were 25a 6d ; extra big eize, now 28s 6d, worth 35« only btainable at Geokge Dokoan & 00, noted Cheap Caah Drapers, Tanored Btreet,cppoeits Arcnd rpENDEW~Wauted— For the weariagVf JL two thousand pairs o Boots. Apply to J Mkl&ob, Jsccred Btr««6



.U burgaio i6i,in ia a cootJDUOUe BucOeas



U WANT A GOOD CYCLE LAMP. Hew will a « DUPLEX' suit you? f GOL —1 bis €sj.'airsß it all. The Duplex is cool. A cool lamp-means cool gas, which is easily controlled aed rrakes an automatic Lamp possible. Cool gas maani a white liph', no rxceto prestcrp, erd Irnper btirniug capacity. Cool ga>prevents the burner and valves from crokiu^, and does away with the danger of expansion lend explosion. CLE4N.—-A cJenu ißmp alwayi woik« fchebfEt. Tbe Duplex la elway» olsan. The tops arc alwayii bright. BeroovinK !be bottom caps you remove all dirts and sediment, and the lamp can be filled otic! charged In one quarter the time usually rcquiredjjwil h "other lamps. JOHN ORR & CO., A^SHBUBION, SOLE IMPORTER'S.



M. & T. HAVE 4JRE NOW & NOW OPENED . BHOWIFQ S^ea&oisabJe Gooda[[for the Autumn,' "PAOH-AND BVEBY. DFPAKTMBNT IN Til 818 EXTENSIVE PKEMISES BEIBG FDLLTIE^UIPPED FOE ANjJEARLY AISD HEAVT SEASON'S BUSINRB& MITCHELL AND TURNER, THE DRAPERS "MR^Ti. WHITCOMBE, SURGEON DENTIST, SAUNDERB' BUILDINGS, (Opposite Railway Station, Aibboitoa) BEGS to intimate thab he has oommenood praotfoe at) the above address. Having imported the latest appliances direct from Loadoo and Hew York, he Is prepared to do first eiftßo work at moderate fees. All work done with oare and despafch, and ooly the besb matsdalt uned. ■ Btoppiags and oare of Children's Teeth a specialty MB WHITOOMBE will Visit as follows:— RIKA.IA—First ancl Third THURSDAYS ol every month ab the Ballwaj Hotel. METHVEN—Last THUEBDAT of every month at the Canterbary Hotel. Howbs—9 till 1, and 2 till 5.



BIW bargftio iS^se ia & contSDaoueßucßeas ab Ddkcan ahb Co, the noted Cheap Cash Drapers. The unanimous verdict is that* we give far better value for Cash than the largo and pretentious establishment)!! at Christ church. How is it done; eimply because our expenses ate (mall, and being dirrot cash importers, anableßwa to sell st bedrock price?, All are invited to come aad judge and oompare onr prices EMEMBER that Mbliob's Zealandia Boob Htore is the leadiog Beot) Sbop'i Wopd.epl^ Yftju,?. U&UiOB 3 j



GREAT CLEARING SALE OF PIANOS_& ORGANS. NO SEASONABLE OFFER REFUSED. The Dresden Pianofoite Company ARE now holding their Annual Sale of Pianos and Organs, when their large and . varied stock of first class instruments will be tffered to the public at wholesale prices for cash or on the most reasonable terms. The instruments ore on view at Thb Drisdew Aobpov, Mr Henry Stephensok's Auction Booms, Havelock Street* Their Mr R A Borne, salesman from the he id office, Dunedio, will be in attendance at the above address. The Bale will last for a few weeks only, and intending purchasers are invited to call at ore© and inspect the stock, when Mr Home will supply all information jfFqnired. 8 252 J A X RE IDLE, General Manager iwniwi ■— i iiiimhiim iiiwni»»l«i««iiiiiwii«iiMiiiiii iJWiMiaiiii'iiTi—i iuiiimiii ■■■!—iiii ■mi i n—iiiTiTnnTni —nmm —rninrmnmimr —ith 1 ■ —,— ——» GATES, LOWRY AN J) CO., HAVE JUST OPJEENISD fnpHE VERY LATEST. Iff ACETYLENE GAS LAMPS, THE VERY LATEST "IN 'OIL LAMPS, THE VERY LATEST IN BELLS Including the Electric Puah Button N Z Flag Bell. Large Supply of Fresb CARBIDE aleo to hand, (Our Carbide is crushed and ready for use.} at Chrwchurch Prices, and Everything a Tourist requires can be obtained at SSealandia Cycle Worka, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON.