EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for January

BUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, 11am 3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10 55 am, 5.50 pm DUNFDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m

Trains aprive daily at Ashburton from— OHRISTOHUROH-ab 10.45 \ m, 12.48 p m (express), 8 pm * TIMARU—at 10.35 am, 2.55 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m*

Mail Notices.

Mails olosa for the following pUoea as under, subject to the necessary alterations :] MONDAY, JANUARY 14 For Tasmania, and Australian Colonies, {dno Melbourne J*n 20) l lndia,Ohioa l Japan, fefcrsits Settlement, South Africa, etc., | United Kingdom {dae London Ftbroary 24th). and Oonbinenb of Europe, via Brin disi, specially addressed correspondence only per express to connect with Mokoia. ab 12 30 pm For Nortnher Ports per Moana, at 10 30 am For Northern Porte and Westport, per Tarawera, at 630 p m FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 For Northern Ports, Weitport, Samoa, Hawaii, PhilHpines, Japan, aleo United States, Canada, etc, United Kingdom and \ Continent of Europe, via San Francisco (due London Feb 16) per Tarawera At 630 pm ; late fee letters, guards van, express; money orders, 3 pm; registered articles, etc for United States* 5 pm The next best despatch to the United Kingdom is via San Frnncißeo, leaving j Chrlstchurch on Jan 16th, and due London Feb 16. Note—-The Australian Commonwealth not yet having adopted penny postage, Setters for Australian Colonies must be prepaid ?.d per half ounce If only prepaid one penny they will be surcharged double the deficient postage ' ; Express delivery and special messenger | services will be established at Ashburton ai ! from Ist January 1901* Fxpresa delivery will cover letters and parcels nod exceeding three lbs m weight, for which an extra fee of s'xpence has been paid. The special mes senger service means placing a messenger at the disposal of any telephone exchange subscriber on request being made, and a fee of sixpence for the first mite and threepence each additional mile up to two miles or time payment being made

Commercial.

United Preii AasooUtion—By Electrip Telegraph—Oopyrifrht Wbllingtok, Jan 14 The Department of Agriculture has re* ceived the following cable from the Agent- General, under yesterday's date :—-" The average price of choicest butter is llli, the demand being good. Cheese, 53», market good; buyers of cheese ire holding back, expecting prices to be lower. The cooksfoofc market is very dull at 343. Wheat and oats are firmer."

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotations are as follows : — vVheat—Hunter's, pearl and velvet, 2e 4d to 2« sd, and Tußcan 2s 5J to 2a 6d. Oafs — Canadian la 91, short ferd la 8d to I* B§d, Dune la 7d to la 81, Danish Is 7d to la ?|<i Barley (nominal)— Malting 2s delivered Flour (millers' quotations nominal) —Roller £7, etono £6, sharps £3 10», bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beans—2« 4d to 2a 5d Peas—Prussian Blues 2s to 2s 3d, part)* ridge 2s 4d to 2s 6d Oatsheaf Chaff — 42s 6d at near country stationc. Hay—£3 5s to £510s« delivered : prlmest baled £4, fob Seeds—Byegrass, farmers' lots la 9d to 9.», prime heavy, town dressed, 2i 6d to 3a s>i, Cocksfoot, 2^d to 2|d for bright seed, to 3d for extra, good, town machine dressed 161 b to 171 b seed, 3£d to 4d, cows;rasß 6d to 6d } extra choice 6^d, White cover, 6d to 7Jd. Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to 6d, fautory4jd to sd, Batter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 7d to 3d, salt, m boxes 6d to 7d. Bacon and hams sid to6d, factory bacon and bams, per lb higher. The above prices, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.o.b, Lyttelton.

Asburton Guardian Magna est veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 1901. THE SCARCITY OF LABOUR

The action of Mr Hugo Friediander m asking tbe Government to take steps to mitigate as far as possible the effects of the scarcity of harvest hands juat now s will meet with general approval. It is more especially to be commended ag it was taken m good time, and it is satisfactory to see that Mr Ward is doing his best to carry out ! the suggestions that have been made Iby the Mayor of Ashburton. That j there is a scarcity of labour was only to be expected m view of the deporta tion of over 2,000 of the flower of our yoang men to South Africa. The greater proportion of these were more or less connected with farming pur« suits, and it is pretty safe to say that quite two-thirds of them have hitherto assisted to gather m the grain crops of the colony. Another factor m creating a scarcity of labour is the exceptionally heavy harvest that is promised. Whether the ultimate yield of grain will be greater than usual cannot yet be determined ; but there is no doubt that tbe work of harvesting opera tions will be considerably increased by the abnormal growth of the crops. Moreover, although we might reason ably expect fine weather for some time to come, the season so far has been so changeable that it is possible farmers will prefer to gather m their grain as quickly as they can when once it is ready, and take no more risks than they can help, To asßist them as far as possible m this direction, Messrs Eriedlander Bros., are, we understand, receiving communications from farmers likely to require assistance, so that they may give the Government some idea of what is likely to be required m the district, over and above the labour known to be available.

Local and General.

Personal.—The friends of Mr Alfred 3 Harrison will be sorry to learn that he, is f atill indispotedi ' Maoistbrul.—Afc the Polioe Court this] morning a first offender wee fined 6i sod oosts for drunkeaneis. Weather Forecast. — Captain Edwin telegr&pha as follows :—" Moderate to strong north west to west and south-west wiodn, and g'ase rice " Horse Fair—The next horse fair to be held by Mr David Thomas taken place on Friday next, and a large and varied entry has already been received, including 170 horses of all descriptions. Ft. Patrick's Day Sports Association —The adjourned annual meeting of the 8b Patrick's Day Sports Association will be held m the Arcade Chamber this evening, at 8 o'clock. Bowling Tournament—Ten members of the Ashburton Bowling Club left by the early train this morning for Christebtireh to compete m the inter club matches. The following are the names of the local team :— Messrs D. Thomas, Co'eman, Drummond, Sarint, Daddt, Hardie, Bonnington, Grange, Graighead, and Dr Hunter. Returned—Trooper W Gray, of Green ntreet, who wae accepted aa a member of the Sixth Contingent), and met with an accident m Wellington, returned to Aehburton this morning. The severity of his injuries will prevent hia accompanying the contingent. Moose Deer—Messrs Campbell, King and Paterson, who went through the Whit combe Pass, says the West Coast limes, saw the mooao deer imported by the Govern ment from America. The animals seemed quite at home m their new surroundings, A Boy Swallows a Tin Whistlh.—-A boy of eight years, named Grey Cassin, who lives with hia step-father, Mr Bolt, on the Pupanui road, Ohristohurch, swallowed a tin whistle, aboub the t'.zo of a halfpenny, at about 8 o'clock on Sunday. He was taken to the hospital, where, at a late hour on Sunday night, attempts, to recover the whittle had been unsuccessful. The boy hitiwlf felt no ill-effect,?; Gardening Reminder.-During January to induce quick crowth give copious supply of water. Where early crops are coming off, clear the ground, die deeply, and plant; Brussels sprouts, kale, savoys, cabbage, broccoli, eto. Top runner beam and keep well staked, Sow for last succession runner and French beans, lettices.radlah, galadi,peaa and turnips. Sow Spinach. Thin late town onions. The CoOPSi—The crops on the Wakanui and Beach roads appear to have suffered less from the recent heavy raia than was at first anticipated. In some of the paddocks where the crops have been beaten down, they have now recovered. One or two paddocks have already been out and the balance of the grain Is ripening fast. The yield m. this district should be very largo this season if we may judge from appearances. Trap Accident—Mrs McDonnell, residing opposite the Aahburton racecourse, when being driven to ohuroh about nine o'clock yesterday morning waa thrown from , her trap between the Commercial Hotel And 1 the railway engine *hed. The horse shied at a passing bicyclist, resulting m Mrs McDonnell being pitched out on* the metal road, her shoulder being broken. She was also severely shaken by the fall. Dr Bolger promptly attended and Mrs McDonnell wus removed to her home, where we learn she is progressing as well as oan be expected. Pioats and Weasels as Sheep Destroy brs.—A farmer m the Pleasant Point district has had a unique experience, Discovering some of his ewes lying down bleeding, and the rest of the flick feediog, he concluded that dogs had been worrying his sheep, but on closer expection he found that two small holes were made m the noete only "one bleed* ing profusely, showing plainly that it was not caused by dogs. The district is very thickly infected with stoate, and a noighbcur stated that a house cat brings m regularly three or four a day. Farmers have a mw and dangerous enemy to contend with.

Hampstead Town Board

The monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Friday last. Present—Messrs Andrews (chairman), Thomas, (Taylor, Hardy, Barnard, Siloook, and MoElrea. 3DAIBTTINSPECTION The Minister of Agriculture notified that the Government would undertake the inspce* tlon of dairies, oow sheds, etc, ai from January 1,1901 The Ashburton County Council wrote, stating it bad been charged £102 8s 9d for revision of its roll, and enquiring what this Board had been charged, and how many alterations had been made.—The clerk was directed to reply that the Board h*d beeu charged £7 191 6d, and the work had practically been done by the Board's clerk Messrs Wilding Lewie, and Rolleston wrote, giving thsir opinion as to the position of the Board and butchers under the new slaughtering Act, also at to the Board's position m relation to possible pollution of the mill race The County Oounoil forwarded its eng' neer's recommendation respecting a proposed foot bridge by Markey's Bridge. i The Board considered the present road bridge dangerous and that the danger would be aggravated by plaoing a foot bridge close up to it, and the clerk wa» directed to reply that the Board is of opinion that the foot bridge should be erected m the line of the i footpath ' I The Borough Council notified that it would call for tenders for forming the East Bait m sections as requested by this Board W Kennedy's resignation as ranger, was accepted, and R Lowe appointed m his place, subject to his acceptance of the Board's terms. It was decided that Mr Fooks be asked bo lay off the line of frontage for a ten foot path m East Street, is order that the telephone poles (aboub to be removed) shall be correctly placed. Tenders ranging from £52 10s to £131 were received for forming road on Reserve 1261. None were accepted, as funds to the credit) of the reserve wete insufficient, Ib was resolved that Messrs Siloook, Thomas, and the chairman superintend the Improvements to East Street footpath. The chairman stated that the committee appointed to consider office arrangements had been unable to meet. I Acaounbß amounting to ±14 3a 5d wert passed, and the Board sat as a Board of Health. , The Inspector's report was read and con sidered satisfactory. Ib waß agreed to hold a special meeting to consider the question of sanitary and other by-laws. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmimmmm

Police Court.

METHVEN-FRIDAY

(Before W Morgan and J B&ety E*q, J'b.Pj DonnigtoD and Moriarty v J Blair, claim £12 9a lOd for ortmtract work filling shingle. | A set off for the Board was Admitted as oorreot, and • deduction made for half the estimated eoet of breaking the metal to the required pi>,<3 and loss of time for teams for one day, letting a balance of £5 9s 16, for which judgment was given for plaintiffs, eaoh party to pay their own cost, •—Dunn v Oomie, a eomewhbt cimilar claim fcr £7 9s 3d ; a set off w*b allowed reducing the amount to £1 33a 7d, for which amount jadgmenf was g'ven for the r laintiff, each party to pay their own cost*;—Mr Watson appeared for defendant m eaoh case

A Sensational Elopement

JUDGE MARTIN LEVANTS WITH ANOTHER MAN'S WIFE.

DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS THREAT ENED.

THE JUDGE RESIGNSi

la onr Saturday's inane it was otated that a very onpleasanb rumour was cur rent m Christohurch, involving a high judicial officer and a lady well-known is Booiety circle* there. The rumour, nnfortu* n&teiy. was ascertained to be only too true. The persons involved are Mr Justice Martin and Mrs Simma, wife of Mr Simms, mer chant, of Christobnrch, andl nntH recently Consular Agent for Germany In Cnristeharch^ The following i« from the Ly Melton Times of this morning .— IWO CONEEBSIOKS It was stated m Chris tchureh on Friday that a leading firm of solicitors bad received a letter from Mrs Simms, wbioh she ba<T sent to her husband, making a confession that nhe was living with Mr Justice Martin, m A.ustr&iia, and that she had no intention of returning to her husband. It was next stated that another firm of solicitors had received a letter from Mr Martin, much to the same effect, and stating that if divorce proceedings were instituted they would not be opposed: Although the news quickly spread, very few who knew the erring pair could bring themselves to believe that there was atsy truth m it, but later on more circumstantial statements began to be made, and all doubt w»s removed last evening, when a telegram was received from Wellington to the effect that Mr Justice Martin had resigned his judicial position, his resignation having reached the Justice D. pan ment on January 4. Of course, the rumours spread like wildfire, and the ccandal was discuased at every streeb corner. THE COMMENCEMENT OF THIS SCANDAt When Mr Justice Denoiston left) for Eng land, Mr Martin was appointed to take his position on the Supreme Court bench during his absence, and this necessitated Mr Martin being m Christchurch a good deal during the last six month*; During his visits he generally stayed with his mother at Fenda' ton, and, as her reiidence is next door to that of Mr and Mrs Slnuins, he was m a position to see the lady constantly. It is | stated that the pair were very friendly some [ years ago, and while they were neighbours their friendship appears to have become closer, for quite a number of people avsr that they have seen them taking long walks on the Port Hills, m the Park, and at the seaside. So constant was the Judge m his attentions to the lady, that it is stated that her husband found it necessary to remonstrate with her upon her conduct, more espectaMy aa the relations of the pair were being fre ly canvasssd by the gossips m the neighbourhood! So acute did the troable become that it m stated, on good i authority, that there was grave dissension between Mr Simms and his wife on the matter. Eventually, 3b was agreed that she should visit her mother m Brisbane for a couple of months, and accordingly the left {or that purpose, Mr Martin finished up the business ab the Supreme Court, And when the long vacation came, just before Christmas, he announced his intention' of going to Sydney to attend the Commonwealth cele brations. The next that was heard ot the errant pair was that they had met, and were living as man and wife at an hotel m Australia. There appeatn to be little doubt) that the whole affair waa prearranged between them. When Mrs Simms was upbraided by her husband for her conduct she always denied that there was any impropriety m her relations with the Judge, and when ehe left there was no suspicion that she was to meet him m Australia, MB MARTIN Mr Martin, who is about forty-seven years of age, was born at Ghrutehurch, his parents being among the earliest settlers. His father died last November. Ec was edu cated at Christ's College, and about 1869 he entered the employ of Mr T S Duncan, then Crown Prosecutor. He rapidly rose to a responsible position, and ultimately to a partnership, and on the death of Mr Dun can also admitted as a partner, and the firm which was then known as Duncan And Mar tin. Later on Mr Henry Cotter ill was also admitted as a partner, and the firm became Duncan, OotteriJl and Martin, Mr Martin succeeded Mr Duncan as Grown Prosecutor, and held that position until he was appointed Resident Magistrate at Wel lington, a post which he left) to become Pabljo Trustee. During his occupation of that office he paid a visit to England, and shortly after his return he was made a temporary Judge of the Supreme Court and judge of the Arbitration Court, and a few weeks ago his permanent appointment as a Supreme Court Judge was gazetted. During his residence m Canterbury he toot a very great interest m tho volunteer move ment, and was for some years captain of the E Battery of Artillery, and proved to be an excellent officer and a thorough disciplinarian Mrs Martin is a daughter of the late Mr E Saunderson, of Greta Peaks Station, and was married to Mr Martin about 1873. Their family consists of one daughter, who is engaged to be married to an officer m the Indian Army, who is now m Wellington. THE IADY. Mrs Simms ivaa a daughter of Mrs Marshall, of Brisbane, acid during her resi dence In Fendalton made quite a host of friends by h«r engaging manners. 6he was a leading member of the Fendalton Dramatic Club, and was a very fair actress. She was a splendid dancer, and m a ballroom her programme was always full at a very [early stage. She. leaves behind her two children, the eldest about eleven years of ago. DIVOBCB PROCEEDINGS It is understood that Mr Simms has m« etruoted his solicitor to taks the neoessary proceedings to obtain a divorce, and thai the papers will shortly ba served upon Mr Martin. Daring the last sittings of the Supreme Gonrt here, Mr Martin granted no fewer than eight divorces m one day, which is said to be a record for the colony,

Wellington, Jan 13 Mr Martin's resignation as Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand was received by the Government on January 4th. Some time ago the Government received the resignation of Mr Justice Martin bb a Judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. A member of the Ministry,, who was eeen oa the smbjcot, did cot think there was anything unu3ual m i\ because Mr Justice Martin had been appointed m the capacity of an Acting Judge, and was about to receive a permanent appointment. The Minister m question thought that this was simply a formal resig nation, preliminary to the appointment of Mr Martin as a permanent Judge of the Supreme Court. It appears, however, thai Mr Martin meant otherwise. It was his goal leave taking of the New Zealand Benoh. I It would be noted, that though he went over m the Mokoia with the Premier, Mr Jus tice Edwards, and others, to the Common wealth Celebrations, Mr Justice Martin's' nama was never mentioned m connection with his attendance at any of the official functions ! there, a fact which, m itself, eausad some surprise, T ■ .  , .. January 14 Judge Martin* resignation waa aooepted | by the Uabineb on Saturday.

The Commonwealth Shooting.

United Press Association—tty Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright

| Sydney, Jan IS < The Robertas Match was won by Keli, of Bathnrst, with 67. J Wilson secured eighth prize, £6, with 62; and Robinson and Winslade, £2 eacb. The Victorian Match was won by Boss, of Victoria, with 34 ; Balliager securing third prize of £10 with 32 ; Gatland, £2 ; Evans, £1. In the New South Wales Match Parsons, Winslade, McCarthy, and Ballinger won £,1 each. The Empire Match resulted: Queens land 593, first; Bathnrst, 582; second ; Tasmania, 573, third; Bendigo and New South Wales, each 552, fourth ; New Zealand No. 2 Team, 551, fifth. The New Zealand team's prize was £24; A fiah-tail wind was blowing, and the New Zealand first team, picked on the ehooting, went all to pieceß on < the first range, Winsiade losing four shots, and Macgregor six shots through lack of time. The second team shot very well. Following are its scores: Loveday79, Oox 76, lugpen 73, Wil son (Fielding) 70, McHattie 66, Gat land 63, King and Steadman 62. The New Zealanders left by the Moana last night.

The Lake View Consols Gamble,

HEAVY LOSSES ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE,

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

London, January 13 The Stock Exchange losses through the Lake View Consols gamble exceed antic ipations. One firm's deficiencies amount to nearly a million pounds and another to half a million.

The Commonwealth Celebrations

THE ViSITING IMPERIAL TBOOPS.

SIX SUCCUMB TO THE ATTRACTIONS OP (THE COLONIES,

United Press Association—By EleotrSo Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Jan 13 Already there are six deserters from the Imperial forces. It is openly stated that the men have been allured by offers of employment The troops embark to-morrow [The cablo message does nob state which particular troops are referred to, or their destination] A large contingent of Common wealth visitors left for New Zealand by the Moan a last evening

Seasational Wreck.

A FRENCH MAILBOAT ON THE BOCKB.

FOUR DAY'S AGONISING SUS PENSE;

ALL HANDS SAVED.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyright London, Jan 11 The mailbost Bussie, running b« 'tween ('ran, m Algeria, and French ports, has been wrecked on the Faranien rocks, off Marseilles. A high sea baffled efforts to rescue the crew and passengers who were clinging to the bows, but after four days fill were saved. London, Jan 12 Details show that the vessel is falling to pieces aft. The hall is rolling about and the sea invading it. The passengers were half starved, and were lashed to the rigging. Superhuman efforts were made to go to the rescue and they were watched with frenzy fcrid suspense. The forehold on Thursday was alone dry, the bulkhead watertight compart* raents preventing its collapse. The wind haying shifted, lifeboats were able to get to the wreck and rescued all on board at dawn on Friday. The disaster was doe to mistaking Faromen for the Plenier lights. Twenty steamers have been similarly lost previ ously, many with all hands.

The Nicaragua Canal Scheme

ANOTHER STUMBLING BLOCK

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrighb London, January 12 The Daily Telegraph states that Great Britain has declined to ratify the Hay-Piiansefote treaty until the claim of an English shipping company, holding the monopoly of (he traffic on !tbeSangui River till 1927, is satisfied. The company is willing to sell its rights for fifty million dollars Senator J T Morgan, Chairman of the Select Committee on the con struction of the Nicaragua Oanal, admits the validity of the claim which blocks canal legislation.

The Frozen Meat Trade

MESSRS WEDDEL AND CO'3 ANNUAL BEVIEW

FALLING OFB IN THE IMPORTS OF MUITON

FORMIDABLE RIVALRY OF THE ARGENTINE

United Press Association—by Electric Telegraph—Copyright Londok, Jan 12 Messrs Weddel and Oo.'a annual review of the meat trade says that the imports of mutton into the United Kingdom daring 1900 were 578,976 carcases below those of 1899. The consumption appears temporarily to have overtaken the production. The quality of both New Zealand and Aus tralian mutton has been generally ex cellent, and has enabled Australians to hold their own against the River Plate article. The circular advises that the bulk o! the lambs should arrive m April May, and June. The imports of Riyer Plate beef exceeded both Australian I and New Zealand shipments. Aa the River Plate article has greatly improved m quality it becomes a formidable rival The' circular anticipates that fairly high values will be maintained In all meats for gome months.

South Africa.

Extensive Preparations at Cape town

The Populace Itiscs to the Occasion

Movements of the Invading 1 Commandos

One Force Broken to Fragments

Others m Trouble

United Press Association—By Elects lo (Telegraph- Copyright! London, Jan 12 An&vftl brigade, 2000 strong, and with six Hotchkiss gnus, are at Cape town m readiness There are 4000 men m the Town Guard, and 450 men m the Postal Oorpß have been enrolled, and are drilling daily. The Cape Times and Argus have each formed an employees' corps. Lord Kitchener reports that Hertzog b Commando is near Sutherland, and that Settle is arranging to head htm off. The invaders on the Midlands line are broken to fragments, some return ing North. One half of the easternmost Boers i are going north, the other half biding m the mountains to the north-west of Jamestown. An attack on Machadodorp on Wednesday night was repulsed at dawn It is semiofficially announced that the Capetown invaders are avoiding the railway and garrisoned towns. They ere continuously on the move, seizing horses and foodstuffs. Their mobility enables them to elude pursuit Kruitzinger finds it easier to push south than retreat. Hertzog'a and Brand's vanguard are west of Calvina, towards Vandrensdorp, while a portion of the same commando has been pursued between Fraseburg and Suther land All the country which the invaders have quitted is again quiet. Garrisons protect the chief towns. A portion of the mounted forces moved south to protect the south west A hundred Boers have crossed the Orange River towards Barklay East, The Cape Police and British farmers are repelling them and punishing them. All the towns on the main line between Orange Colony and Pretoria are held strongly, but the Boers show do dis position to attack. Mounted men occupy Piekinerakloof Pass, blocking the invaders westward march Henniker's troops, with others, cover the railway m the vicinity of Matjes font em. The screen across to Cape town is considered impenetrable The circulation of the newspapers Ons Land and the South African 2f<swf» which are both aggressively pro-Boer, has been prohibited m the districts i under martial law Boers have raided cattle close to Pretoria General Bruce Hamilton has re provisioned Hoopßtad (95 miles north of Bloemfontein) and Bullfontein (167 miles W.S.W. of Kimberley). The latter place was surrounded for two months, and the townspeople repulsed several attacks Lord Kitchener hss warned the mine owners that dynamite m mines, near the Band, is the property of the military ; who will not be answerable for any damage caused by its ex plosion A number of City Imperial Volun teers are offering to return to the front. . The Daily Mail Bays that the British have decided to bring a train from Pretoria to Delagoa Bay direct, without transferring the control to Portuguese drivers The Daily Express states that the Holland authorities prevented Dr Leyds re-engaging Boer exiles ia Holland Mr Hofraeyer, of theJOape Parlia ment, who is recruiting his health at Munich, has cabled to the Afrikanders that the proposed mission to England is useless January 13 Lord Kitchener has cleared Johan nesburg of undesirables, Many for eigners have been shipped away The refugees at Capetown are returning to guard the Band mines, but the number per mine has been limited. Reuter estimates the total at 1200

DEATH OF A CHRISTCHURCH BOY

LIEI/TENANtf ROSB OF THE THIRD CONTINGENT. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph 1 Wellington, Jan 13 In a cablegram to the Acting-Premier, Mr Ward, the Agent-General stales that Sir Alfred Milner cables that Lieutenant Rosa, of the Third Contingent, died at Pretoria. [Lieutenant Alexander Don Ross, of the Canterbury Troop of the Third Contingent), the Bough Eiders, was well known m volunteering and other circles, and amongst a large number the news of hie death will be received with great regret. During the period that the Canterbury Troop of the Third Contingent was m camp Lieutenant Rosa waa noticeable for hi* soldierly bearing, and for the conscientious manner m which he discharged (he duties which devolved upon birr; dtarting as trooper, he was promoted to the rank of Quartermaster-Sergeant before the embarkation of the Contingent, and after several months' service m South Africa, was appointed Lieutenacfci Lieutenant/ Rosa waa a son of Mrs El'zxbeth Boss, of Antigua street, and prior to joining the Canterbury Troop, waa a gunner m the E Battery, and prior to serving m that corps he was a member of the College Rifles. At the time of joining the Canterbury Troop Lieutenant Boss was twenty-seven years of age. Lieu tenant Rose was a brother of Mrs Wood, of Ashburton, and a nephew of Mr F Makeig, also of this town, who has already lost a nephew, Trooper Clement Wiggins, from the same cause. ] The Acting-Premier, Mr Ward, has re ceived the following cablegram from the Agent-General ;— * South African war operations: -British troops m South Africa, 210,000; regulars, 142,000; militia, 20,000 ; colonials, 33,000j yeomanry, 8000; English volunteers, 7000. British casualties to date s—Deatha from all causes, 12,7000 Oversea contingents aent to Sooth Africa:—Australian colonies, 6350; Canada. 3050: New Zealand 1320. Proportion sent Home to December 31st :— Canadians, three-fifths ; Australians, one> third; New Zealanders, one-sixth ' The progress of the war for the last two months has been lesa favourable,' Boer duplicity, farm burning, and other drastic measures responsible. Enemy have fought with desperation and some suooess. Much outlying country abandoned to them, bnt have failed break Hoes oommuokatioa. Their numbers have Increased since October, and now probably aboub 16,000 m field, Position . unexpectedly difficult, bat) not specially dangerous as Cape Dutch show no signs general rising so fan"

SOCIAL TO A DEPARTING TROOPER.

A farewell social was given to Trooper 0 0 Derrett, &t> Hororata, prior to his depar ture lor South Africa

Minister of Lands at Highbank.

The Hob T V Duncan. Minister of Lands, t? C°£5 a2ft2 by faisFriv»te Secretary and Mr OAC Hardy, M.H.R. for the distriob, visited Highbatik ob Saturday, ftn d met a number of settlers m the school at 11 a.m. The Minuter was welcomed to the district by the chairman of the Pohool Committee, Mr Hardy introduced Mr Duncan to the Battlers, who said It was his aim Jo visit all the districts he could, although his time was much occupied. He conai-iered this wm part of tte duty of a Minister, ant? he would be ghd to hear what the meeting had to eayi The chairman of the Domain Board, and the chairman of tho Cemetery Board drew attention to the state of the fences between these reserves and the adjoining occupier*. The Minister's attention was also drawn to the way m which the flood water had baen allowed to'.go-.on the lands of teveral ot the settlers during the last few months, whereby they had suffered much damage. Th« Minister said he was going to meat the members ot! the Mount Hutt Boad Board uti Methven, iind he woald aoquirs Into toil master. The nexb business was the question of the settlers' losses by the gale of tome years ago compensation, for which the gum. of £500 had been voted three sessions sine*; tod titer the matter had been fully dlaoamd, the Minister promised to give It bis attention. After dealing with some minor questions, votes of thanks were passed to the Minister and to Mr Hardy. Mr DuncaD inspected the Domain And the cemetery, and said' he was pleased to see the settlement looking bo well, and he left for Methven at 1 ptn»

AT METHVEN

Prom oar owb Correipon4*nt The Minister of Lands, accompanied by CA.O, Hardy, Esq t M.H.B, after visiting Highbank, met the members of the Mount) Hutt Road Board &b Methven, (The chair* man of the Board pointed out the desirability of the Land Board making some provision to assist the boa? bodies m the recovery ot rates on Government sections forfeited or transferred. The only coarse now open to the local bodies to seen re themselves, being to insist on payment of rates on these seo tions as noon as the rates weredne, a coarse which made as invidious distinction be tween Government settlers and the occupiers of freehold lands, whose rates could be made a charge on the land. The Minister agreed that it was not right such a distino* tion should have to be made, and promised to give bis attention to the matter. The members of the Board after thanking the- Minister and Mr Hardy then withdrew*

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleottio Telegram-—Copyright THE PUKE OF YORK TO VISIT CfcYLON London, January 12 The Duke of York visits Colombo m the coarse of bis trip to the Austra lasian Colonies. PLAGUE IN TURKEY A serious outbreak of plague ii reported at Marifsa m European Tur* key. TRAINS SNOW-BOUND IN ENG LAND Eleven trains on the South Western Railway system m England are snow bound. ILLNESS OV THE BISHOP Ot LONDON Bishop Creighton, who had a relapse after undergoing a second operation, is sinking. THE BEER-POISONING OASE3 Messrs Bostock and Company, the well known Liverpool firas of sugar refiners, are claiming heavy damages from Mr Nicholson, managing director of the Honßlet Chemical Works, for supplying arsenicated sulphuric acid, thereby causing the recent beer poison ing. AVERTING HAILSTORMS. Mr Clement Wragge, the Queens land meteorologist, who is visiting Furope, is greatly impressed "with the Hyriaia system of averting hailstorms by means of cannon, fie believes tea adoption of ibis method would aava Queensland many thousands of pounds a year. DEATH OF A BISHOP SydnetTj January 13 # Obituary —Dr Byrne, Catholic Bishop of Bathursfc, HEAVY RAINFALL IN NORTH ERN QUEENSLAND Bbisbanb, Jan 15 A great rainfall has taken place m the fair north At Maekaj? 6£ir<, and at Marina 16|io, fell m twenty (ear hours.

$fi® ASHBURTOK GtJARDIAS j MoHu*t, 14, 1901



Full moon Last quarter Apogee New moon First quarter PorSgoo

»«

0 5 13 12 21 27 24

H M 11 44 am 3 8 im 10 30 pm 2 6 a m 9 22 pro 11 Opm



Date January ti i> »» n •I

12 13 14 15 16 17

Blues 4 38 4 39 4 41 4 42 4 43 4 45

Rein 7 39 7 38 7 38 7 37 7 37 7 36



/CARPENTERS ToolB»t Meook pripw, \J Registrar Gr»tes from 12s 6g, Tiled Regißtrare and Mantlepiecet oompiete, from 52b (id. Our prices deiy oompeUt «c,-» Harioley Beos



YOU MAY HATE ITJ AND T?OT KNOW IT. Yon may have it and nob know it. You may be young, yon may be old. The symptoms are the same m both. , A babe with weak kidneys has backache, A man of sixty with weak kidnejl bai backache. It it one symptom m all ige«» But Doan's Backache Kidney FilU Oait the Babe and Man. Caa'fc help it; they're ' Made for it They could n't cure a simple case of oolfoi But they cure bad caaea of kidney troaMc* They never result m less than caret If you have backache try them, Mrs 3 B Edwards, Peake Street, Balltrati Victoria, says :— * I have suffered from backrche for fifteen years. For a quarter of a lifetime I could cover obtain rest la btd, no matter what position I laid m it caused me pain. This pain waa m the small of my back and extended to my shoulders an down the loins, and it became worae if I atood about longi or stooped *o pick op any thing from the floor. A tired feeling made my life a burden to bear, and I was also heartsick from the many failures to cure myaelf. To gst a medicine than would restore me that priceless blessing ef good health was the one dream and hope of my life, but m this respect my life waa fifties years" disappointment). I never expected to get well again, A short time ago I read of Doan'a Backache Kidney Pills, and hop* was aroused once more. I told myself tb>t these pills mast be good by the name, and I procured some and cemmenoed using them, The result was really wonderful, aa they began to rid me of my paint right after the first dose. It was the only medicine that cave mo relief I had ever tried; but I wanted more than relief now, so I perserved, and m a short time found that I was altogether free of my torture. At last I left off taking .the pills, bnt my trouble never returned, so you can ace it was a complete and permanent cure. My gratitude for the good Doan'a Backaohe Kidney Pills have done me, prompts me to allow this to be published; it may ohanoe to meet the eyes of many, who are living hope« iesa and tormented lives through the agony of baokaehe, and point them out a way bo recovoryi" 16 is important to get the remedy wbfoh Mrs Edwards ÜBed, therefore ask foe Doan'a Backache Kidney Pill** There is nothing juit as good as these pills. See that the word backache is m the name, and thai the aig nature ef James Doan is on the wrapper. Dean's Backache Kidney Pills are sold by all chemists and storekeepers at 3s per box or six boxea 16b 6d, or will be posted on Motir.it of price by. the proprietors, Foster McOiellaaOo., Sydney, Bat be sare they are Doan'e.



"V* MAS and New Year cards and Doll* m .iv. great variety at Mb Amobh's, also a vtried assortment of artiolas including Needle Work suitable for presents. AH t<< Toys offered at nominal prices to clear. Smoke New Vecis ,



ALL> Loasby's Preparation —Oianamon « °f?»S:oolibah,Wahoo, and Benjamin Gam—at J3? Cooch, Storekeeper! Smoke New Venus



Wades Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers, cover fall fot adults o? children Fetes Is



A GOOD COUGH MEDICINE Many thousands have been restored to health and happiness by the use of Chamber lain's Cough Remedy. If afflicted with any throat or lung trouble, give It a trial, for it is certain to prove beneficial. Coughs that have resisted all other treatment: for yeare have yielded to this remedy, and perfect health has been restored. Cases that seemed hopeless, that the climate of famous health resorts failed to benefit, have been perma nently cured by its use. For sale by Aahburton Drug Company



Fandeb & Sons' Eucaitpti Kxteact— Under the distinguished patronage of Hi« Mojesty the King of Italy, awarded Dipl ma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, Acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versities all over the globe. That the crude, resinous oils, which are now feinted upon i the I'ublio aodcr the name of Euc&lypi Extracts, may not be mistaken for Sander & | Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalyp'i Extract, we ntate :—lt is proved by tests made by the I Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Griefawald (Prussia), that only products that are saturated with oxygen and freed o I acids, resinous and other substances adherent to primary distillation, will develop the I 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, etci, insist Id getting Sander and Fons' Pubb Vquu Ecoa lypti Extract, and be safe



Wade's vVorm Figs »re most effective and nob unpleasant; children thrive after taking them. Prise, la Smoke N«w Tows j



Yon can depend on ridding your children of worms with Wade'i Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm Worri«a—l»



FUR SALE. BY PRIVATE TREATY. Af\f\f\ ACRES A(\(\f\ 4Uv/U ACRES 4UUU OF splendid Grazing and Grain growing Land, situated m the far famed dis trict of Sooth Canterbury, on* mile from Railway Station; 15 roomed House, 4 roomed Cottage, Woolshed »»d Dip, Stable and Outbuildings, divided into 15 P»ddoeke, all well watared. The property Is now carrying 8000 Sheep, also Homes and Cattle. Price £5 per acre. Terms Apply E W HANMER, AihburtoD MONEY ON MORTGAGE. I HAVE a sum of £20,000 to lend on first class freehold Security of farm land at 4-£- por cent, m sums to suit borrowers F FERRIMAN Tenders. TBBVORTON rfiENDEKS are invited for Leasing, for a X term of S years, house of 9 rooms, with 23 acres of land* good garden and orchard, within H miles of th® Post Office. Tenders ara to be m by noon on WEDNESDAY, i Full particulars on application to the ITW^*' TBBBIMAK TT7 ANTED Tenders for Stook»"og and V\ Forking about 800 Aores (more or less) of grain crop. Tenders close next SATURDAY, January 19fch. i Farther particulars at Farmers' Co-opefa i tive Association Office*; [ i 6 o G. W. LEADLEY *~ teSljek?. ~ mENDERS are invited for building Grain JL Store at 3 inwald for Mesata Friedlan der Bros Limited. Plans and apeoifioattoni at my office. Tenders dose Thursday Jan uary 17th. Tbe loweifc or any tender not necessarily accepted. R BIRD, i Architect



P5 0 Of 5 Bco >< fc a m Q U 1 SF % . s 3 g a. Pj SI C 5 ® A^ On °n ° i.. Ph th 3 0 c t> X O ffi FH a.■ so hßfi is 5 s 1 3 P 5 3<& W



SI ILL ADVANCING CBAIGHEAD & BEREYMAN HAVE jast opened out, ex s.e. Paparoa from .London, the largest shipment of New Goods they have hitherto imported, cotnpriaing the moat up to date Bultings from the best Manufacturers aa now worn at Home. Their immense stock of Fashionable | Tailoring Goods now affords customers auch a splendid range of new materials of guarbQ'eed qual ty and etylleh patterns to choose from aa should please even the most j fastidious, and their prices, workmanship, and fit will compare favorably with those of the leading fiima m Christchurch or other cities. They are also showing a grand lofc of new Hata, Shirts, Ties, Boots, etc., thin seas' n Customers would do well to place their orders early as C. & B have already » arge p«mber of vuits on the books promised bflforeXmas. 11 140 *~/~Amß~tom Furnishing Wabehousb, <w (Havelook Street.) TTE guarantees to sell at Ohrigtchuroh prices for Cash or Time Payments. 1 14 FOR SALE, FUBE & HALFBRED TAMWORTH PIGS OHO FainvTS purchasing Halfbred PIGS. We are prepared to buy them for Bacon, provided they are fattened on grata or Peas, FARMERS' MEAT SUPPLY CO* 2 5 J H Rule. 'J AiK~~FOR ""^ 7" I ' I^o AJE & Cos l*F*i NEW TARIFF "^ — ~Jfi CHAMPION BLEND :® OTHER PRICES: '& YgVq tAoVktfyi/b 3NO CHINA TEA ÜBED_BY US/, NICOLL BEOS. Niooll. E F Nicoix, L A Nicoll. IVferChants & General Agents^ BUYJfIFS OF FAT SHEEP & LAMBS, 4GBNTB FOR— Christchuroh Meat Co.', Ltd ißliogton Fertillaers Uttle'a Sheep Dip Ocean, Accident and Guarantee Corpora tion, Ltd United Insurance Co., Ltd. (Fire and Marine.) GHAIN* BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COM MISSION We shall be pleased to receive samples rom farmers who have parcels fof disposal. Station Books Kept and Audited. We have received earns of Trust Moaka. ranging from £100 to £1000, to lend on Freehold Seouritiea at «£ and b per cenfc. F li U"l T. We receive regular Conaignmsnta from Auckland, Bydney, and the Islands ,and have iv atock Apples, Pears, and Fraib ia season aH the year round* SEEDS. We atock Clovers, Byegrßßß, Bape, and Euccip Seed of reliable quality.



MELLOR'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STOKE IS THE KING OF BOOT SHOPS. Pronounced by the Aahburton Publis to be the Cheapest; and Most Reliable Boot Shop m Afehburton. H]g FOLLOWINa I 3 A FFW 0F OUK PRICES : _ Men'a Good Bluchers, greab value ... ... ••• 6a 1W Men's Good Shooter Boots from ... ... ••• 9a 6d Men's L'ght Sunday Boot, good value, at ... ... 8a 6d Ladies' Pretty Oxford Shoes from ... ... ... 6s 6d Children's Boots from ... .« ••• Is Od Btya' Strong School Bcots, very cheap; only ... ... 4a 61 Laaies' Leather Slippers from ... ... ... 3a lid Men's Oanvaa Shoes ... ... ... 6s 8d And a Thoaa nd Other Lines that Defy Competition at J. MELLOR'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, TANORED STREET, ASHBURTON. The Equitable Life Assurance Society 9 of U.B Head Office for New Zoalassd—WeSlsngton, tummmmUKemL. _ JJ, a mimimbmsimbiiii ; DIRECTORS, with power to issue Policies and pay claims: Ht) Bell, Esq. Chairman. I Pbkct M Thomson, Inspector of Agencies. Albert Martin, Esq. MD. I E Trevor Gould, Resident Seoretary; STRONGEST LIFE ASSUKANCE SOCIETY IN THE WORLD Financial Posimok. Asirarance ira force ... .- £219,670,068 I Surplns over liabilities ... £12,711,97 Accumulated fund?... ... £)08,575. 185 | Annual Income ... _. £11,286,145 A Mutual Office. All surplus belongs to the policy holders. Send for particulars of the Guaranteed Cash Valne Policy. NICOLL" BROS, Agents, Ashburton, IaJVI PARENTS ARE INVITED TO INSPECT OUR STOCK OF BOYS' CLOTHING, T>OYS' Guard Suits 8s 6d ; Boys' Blouses 4s Boye' Norfolk Snits 12s 6d; Washing Suits 28 6d 84 Absent-Minded Beggar " Suits 18a 6d Beet Value to be obtained anywhere. Men's Sac Suits from 21s to 65s Men's Trousers 7a 6d ; Teams Trousers I2s 6d. &, nice variety of Summer Goats m Kharki Serge, Sattein, Alpaca, "Etc. N-Z, CLOTHING FACTOIiY* F. H, BBCKINGSALB, Manager.