MINING

United Press Association—By Eleo.ria Telegraph Dunedin, Feb 21 Dredging returns—Enterprise I 48oa Bdwb 18gr. Mystery Flat 46i z 18dwt 16gr, Inoh« rlale 40oz 6dwb, Ettri.k 35' a7dw_, Cromwell 85oz7dwb, Royal Maori 32 s. lOdwt, Inoh Valley 24. z, Waimumu Extended 21o_s 18dwb, Waimumu Central 17 z ldwb, Central Charlton 15 z 15dwt, Waimumu 14 a 19dw., Central Mataura ii 15c z fidwt 16s»( Dunbdin Fob 22 Today's suloß—Aldinga 18a ;Gold King, 5s ; North Bench, 12. 61 Rise and Shine 11a 91 ; Trafalgar 24. 3d ; Magnetic 8s 9d, I oight puro-Is ab (i. ; Mystery Flab 31s; j Alpino I.x.ended 7- 5U

Rolutrn—Electric sl<x', for three days, Junction Eieobrio No 1 and No 2 drodizes, 109 ?a for tho week, Tho Mugnotio had no wa.hup, owin« to shifting up 'he river. WwLi-iNtiTON, F.btuary 21 Tho Kolukoki dredge return was 2l(z for 118 hours' work

Mr Justloo Edwards today gave judgment on I ho petit lon of Alfred Taylor ordering the winding up of I lie Bullo. United Gold Mining ami Drodjjing Company, No 1, O. ikititl claim, Roof lon

COMMERCIAL.

London, February 20 Wheat A cargo by -ho Lata sold ab 29a 7Jd London, Fob 21 Tho v. Html; market in quid, bub steady. Victorian .January, «i»d South Australian .January-February -lilprntjiilH sold at 30. l.utltir in linn, colonial 110,. to 112., Now Zealand nco-Hloimlly .114.. The high prio.t. aro checking business.

TIMARU PRODUCE MARKETS.

Tho now season's giaio la now corning to hand slowly, and though there la nob a great: volume of businoss bolng clone, the market in oharnoteriscd by a healthy tone. <_ liuo of new wheat, primp, was sold during the woek ab 3j per bushel, on truoks, Timaru, and though ib seems a contradiction, old wheat is only worth 3. per bushel, fob. Buyers are nob prepared to give more than 3., and as sellers do nob caro bo sell ab this prioe, tho business is restricted; Prime new oats are worth from 2. to 2. Id per bushel, according bo qualiby and desoripbion, ab country stations, There is nothing being done yob la barley

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET.

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on February 21, 1902:— Wheat— Prime milling Pearl __. 2s lOd bo 2j lid (old) „ „ Tuscan._. 2s lOd bo 2s ]id (old) Hunter's 2. 10- t" 2. lid (old) Oats—Duns Ib lid to 2. „ Danish Is lid bo 2s „ Sparrowbills 2. to 2a Id „ Canadian 2s 2d to 2a 3d  Barley—Malting, prime 2s 6d to 3i Inferior 2a to 2. 3d Pea.-—Blue Prussian 2. 6d to 3s „ Partridge 2a 3d to 2s 6d Chaff—-Good oatsheaf 52a 6d (.»ld) Grass Seed—Farmerß 2* 6d to 2s 9d The above are prices currenb paid to farmers on trucks at ABhburton

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1902.

Thk tncreaso of the smallpox epidemic in Great Britain and tho recrudPS-cenco of tho plague in Australia csnnofc ba regarded with indiff' I.once by the people of New Zealand. There is just as much need fcr watchfulness on tbe part ol the public at large, and the authorities^ en trusted with the management of sanitary matters, ss tliere was when the arrival of the bubonic plague in Australasia was ftrst unnouuct'd. Without posing sb al.rmi-ts.-e think the position is to some extent worse th_n it wa_ ih'-n, for we find that notwithstanding the vigor ous measures that were taken in all tho towns in these colonies when the pUgue first made its appearance in Sydney, —measures which must surely have nude a vast improvement in their sanitary c_.nd.tio*-—the drew.erf disease has returned to Sydney and Brisbane, and soem6 to bo progressing on exactly similar lines to those which characterised tho first outbreak. We msy say in passing, that the absence of any quarantine restrictions to the traffic between New Zealand and the infected ports of Australia seems to be rather unsatisfactory, and requires some ex planation. On the occasion of the first appearance of tbe plague in Australia, Sydney waa declared an infected port as soon as its existence was clearly established, and why no such step Is taken now we are at a lobs to under stand. All interference with trade is to be avoided if posuble, but surely when the public heal .h and the lives of the people of this country are threatened, commercial considerations should be subordinated to humanita rian ones. However, this subject is of ouch importance io all of us that no apology is necessary for urging upon all our local bodips and every individual member of the community to give ti>e most careful attention to sanitary matters. It must not be forgotten that we are not only threatened with the plague, but with a disease scarcely less terrible in tbe sb_.pe of smallpox. We aan hardly hspe that with the rapid and regular oommqnipation now existing between England and these colonies we shall be able altogether to escape a visitation from this dreadful disease, and we notice that the Com monwealth Press regards this conting ency as very probable. This being so, it wosid h& worse than foolish to throw away any chances by neglecting to take proper measures in our own defenpa. Chief amongst these, as we pointed out in a recent article, is prompt and systematic vaccination. It will be too late to avail ourselves of that safe guard when the enemy is at our gates.

A letter published in our last issue held out no hope that we may see the

Good-bye to Our Boys.

Ashburton section of the Ninth Con tingent here before they leave for the

front, but it will be seen th _t Colonel Robin has been induced to modify the stringency of the regulations as to leave. It has been suggested that the citizens of Ashburton should give the Ashburton boys a send-off from Dunedin, so .that they would not have to come back here at all.; the idea being that the Mayor a»d a few citizens should go south to represent the whole district. We think this arrangement would sjo- be satisfactory, either to ' our boys? theiaselyeii or to Jtheir re latives. We are quite sure that the former know very well bow heartily everybody here wishes them well, a good time, and a safe return, and they do not want a formal 'send-off' to emphasise that fact. But Borne of tfom would, jpertalnly .jjee to see their

relatives and friends once more, and it goes without saying that their relatives want to see them again. Under tho circumatancep, therefore, it would ap pear that tho best course would be for the Mayor to write for information as to which of the troopers are specially anxious to get back for a day or two, and then to endeavour to arrange for their getting free passages by train. If not, it is probable that having to pay their o*vn fares will be a bar to &ome of them coming home.

Local and General.

WifIATHKR Forkoastl — Captain Edwin wires:—Strong northwest bo west and south winds i glass rise. Ashburton Pbrmanbnt Building So ciety—lhe annual mooting of the Ashburton Permanent Building and Investment Society will be hold in the Soo.ety'a office, Tanored Bt_e_b, on Monday, March 10th, at 4 p.m. fLan School Old Boys—The old boys of the Ashburton High School are requested to meet ub the school at 8p m on Monday^ to arrange for tho annual sports, which will be held on March 13th.

Blondoh and Fireworks — Alexander, tho Australian Bloniin, will give a perfor m .noe on the high wire rope and trap za in Mona Square on Monday nighbt There will be no performance in the Domain thia evening, as previously announoed s ib beiag against the rules*

The Eighth Continghnt —Captain A Fooks, of the Eighth Contingent, wires from Albany to his friends that the Contingent has arrived there, all well.—A cable message states that ihe two troop ships, she Surrey and the Cornwall, leave Albany together tonlghti

FoiflNTiFio Farming - The Minister of Agriculture for Now South Wales has decided to offor the sons of farmers, residing within 100 miles of the Wagga experimental farm, an opportunity of acquiring a course of in.tructien in the sotenoe and praotioe of farming. These students during a course of six to twelve months will receive Instruction and be granted board and lodging free on paymentof an entrance fee of three guineas, Arbivals _no Departures—The number of arrivals in the oolouy by sea In 1901 was 25,086, and the departures 18,564, leaving a balance remaining In the colony of 6522. But of the departures 1178 were members of Contingents, who are expeoted to return j deducting these from the departures, a balance of 7700 remains. Even the former number 6522 is larger than tha balance of ) arrivals over departures for a good many years. It was 10,412 in 1893, and nearly §000 in 1892. In the interim the balance had not readied 7000. ChMSTOTURCH MeAs_ COMfAN^'S PlONl«. —The employees of the Christchurch Meat Company's work, at Islington journeyed to Ashburton this morning for their annual plant, in the Domain. The holiday makers were conveyed in two special trains, eaob. carrylng about six hundred people. Arrived in tbe Domain, a lengthy and interesting sports programme was gone through, the swimming baths and cyollrg track being largely patronised, while eeveral flit races were run on the oval. Detry's private band was in attendance, under Bandmaster Derry, acd discoursed m'.sio during the afternoon. Blondln's tight-rope performance also attracted a large crowd. The excursionists leave Ashburton a. 6 o'clock.

Tip: IChaki Biovol-I—lb is worthy of reoord thab Dan Rodger, bhe Chriebohur.h atnateur, waa mounted on a "'Khaki 1' bicyole when he won bhe one mile Australasian championship in Sydney last month. Thia should be very gratifying to Messrs Beat _. Towns, the makers of the "Khaki" machine, it- no doubt their product was pitted against pome of tho ben 1; i.j--hinea the world, The fact of a New g-alander winning on a Kfew Zealand mads machine should also appeal bo all true patriot-. The l£haki makers are receiving many orders? from riders who are j determined te have nothing bub bhe best in ) town

Accident-Daring one of the bicycle races oa bne Domain this afternoon ab the Isling ton employees' picnic, rive of the riders collided, and some of them were a good deal knocked about, one, a young roan named McTeague, injuring his head and shoulder ao much t ia. a doctor was sent for« It is understood, however, that hie injuries aro not very serious,

'< Valedictory—On Tuesday afternoon the many friends of Miss Stewart assem bled at the Doric school to wi.h her good bye, she having severed her connection with thia school to carry on her good work In another district ' Afternoon tea was dispensed by the lady friends of the Committee, after which Miss Stewart was pYesenfced with an address and purse of sovereigns as a small souvenir of the esteem in which she is held. Speeches were given by several of the parents, all eulogisiag the good work accomplished by her during the last three and a half years, and regretting very much the departure of such a genuine teacher, her refining Influence having a marked effect, not on the children alone, but wibh all she came in contact.

I Accident to ihe Express—An awkward acoldenb happened to the norbh express ab 8b Andrews last evening, whioh delayed her arrival in Aahburbon about fifty minubesi Ifi appears that the pressure of abeam forced off the cap of the piston tube, bhereby causing a tremendous escape, which reduced I the'soepd of the train by one fourth. The engine driver abbaohad! an e^bra oap whioh was carried on tha engine, fcub bhe thread of the tube having Been h-jared by the accident, thia waa also blown off. The train s.eamed into Ashburton at 7,50, and waited until bhe 8 pm train from Christchurch arrived, the engins of which was detached and coupled on to bhe express* The damaged engine waa No 280, and w&b turned oub by bhe Baldwin Locomotive Company, Since the inbroducitiion of .i.eeo American looomo* tivea on the New Z.aland Railway., there have been repeated mishaps, and ib seems ib la high time thab the use of bhe English or Colonial mads article waa resumed*

School Girls' Bikes — Messrs Oabos, Lowry and Co. have now on view a beauti fully finished bicycle, aulbable for a girl of jEf to }g yeara of age.' The mao hi n _ ha§ all the latest impros'et.jient^, whiph is a sa-fiple, Messrs Dates, Jjowry and D-, havj-'&lao several new styles in g.alandia and ELS.A. Cycles

Cycling Sundbies—Far cycle repairs and anything in the cycling line, the Ciby Cycle Works ia bhe bflßb and cheapoab ahop in Ashburton —R« D. Johnston, proprietor.

News in Brief.

-■ —<_►- ----- Messrs Friedlander Bros, Lbd, advertise for teams for carbing 6000 or 8000 bu.hels of grain.

Fifty four young sharks were caught in a fisherman's neb near the Wellington

wliaryeq on Thursday. A telegram fro_& Auckland states thab the H_as.tar bakers ir. that c!cy Uaye announced a rise of a half .penny in the price of the loaf of bread.

Mr D Thomas, io conjunction with Messrs Friedlander Bros, under instruobions from bhe manager of bhe Laghmor E.tate will'sell at"f-'inwald yards on Tuesday, any straggling sheep now on "fche estate and unclaimed before th.b datet

The clearing sale by Mr D Thomas, on account of Mr F R Wright, E.kaia, will bake place on Monday, Ma.oh 24th, nob Friday, March 28 h, as previously adver blsed.—Mr D Thomas will sell ab the Tinwald Yards 50 Tuesday, 1300 forward bwo boobh webher.

No news has been received as to the whereabonb? of the missing hulkkeepers, who were supposed to hive been drowned in Wellington harbour during the ' gale of Jt'dday last.

We wish to notify our i.eae.§r@ ,-hab Messrs Fle'cher Bros Second Tea Competition gloses on February 28th, _o bhab all who hold Coupons muab send them in before the above date, if bhey wish bo have a chance In bhis Pris. Distribution

CHASING BOTHA.

Corporal Edward Willis, of the Sixth Hew ! Zaaland Mounted Infantry, formerly of the ■ New Zsaland Rough Riders, whose dangerous' illneßs ab Wakkerstroom was cabled some days ago, wrote home on December 27th, j isb before he rr.uab have been taken ill, as follows:—We have had _ome pretty tough v?o-k lately. About three days ago we ran against Botha, and then the race bflgan in earnesb. One big gun would gallop up a koj je on the right, anoth.r on the left, and the • little favorite,' tbe pom pom, up the centre, Then we (New Zealand Mounted.) gallop under cover of the guns, some to the fl\uks, and some right on bo bhe fronb ; and bhen all you will hear for aboub half an hour is • boom boom, pom pom, pom pom, boom, ping pong, ewißh, and the Boars are eff for dear life. The guns limber op, bhe Moused Infantry run for their horses, and are off ab top on to the kopj. the Boers have j.st deserted, and again begins the same old musio. That ia the life we are leading now. Tho column may be moving stealthily along amongst some ugly kopje, and our tqaadron is In the advance ex-intning bhe fronb with the greatest care, when ail at once we hear rather olnser than we care about the well known flip flip of the Mauser. We may look for a week, we will never find the foe who fired these shots. The Sixth New Zjalandera have experienced far more and greater daugers and hardships than the Third did, although not suoh heavy fighting.

"OUR NAVY."

The entertainment in th- Oddfellows' Hall last evening, representing "Our Navy" from the braining _hip bo the last scene of all, was both instructive and ..musing. Mr L B Butler, bhe manager for the proprietor, Mr O J West of Portemou h, was compelled to take the role of lecturer, owing to the illness of Captain Reeve, who usually has that duty. Mr Butler U to be congratulated upon his success, for his explanations of each picture were very clearly given. The illustrations both animated and otherwise, were much above the average, and all were new to the Ashburton public. Some of them were exceptionally good, notably one representing a sailor casting the lead in a heavy sea, a sailor bidding goodbye to his sweetheart, and a ladies oyoling gymkhan., A feature of the entertainment was the effect of the dancing exhibitions, la all of which the admirable time of the musio, by Mr Harry Bua'nworth was oonsplcuous and elicited loud applause, Mr J Earle manipulated the pictures, whioh were very artistically produced on the screen, and Mr Herbert Wyndham had oharge of the electric I'ght. The manager announced ab bhe close of Ihe entertainment that a matinae would be given this a.terno n at 3 o'clock, and another enterbainmenb this evening. Those who hue not seen this instructive and interesting exhibition should avail themselves of the opportunity of doing so. The charge to all parts of the house in the afternoon will be sixpence. '

The Dunedin Betting Cases.

STRONG REMARKS BY THE OHOWJ-T PROSECUTOR,

United Pre.s Associabion—By Eieobrio Telegraph—Copyright Dunedin, February 21 At the Police Court this morning, the second charge against Peter Grant, of making and entering into a bob upon the result of the New Zealand Cup race, was proceeded with. The Crown Prosecutor said he would rely on the authority of Mr Justice Williams' decision in the case, After evidence had been taken, Mr Sim, for the defence ; said that whit the B_nch had to be satisfied about waa whether, beyond all reasonable doubt, there was a bargain between Greaney and accused. Was the wager on the totalisator odds in the book. Greaney was apparently credited with £7 10>. The dividend paid by the totalieator was £9 IJe. The difference showed ib was not a wager at .otalisat'. r odds, Af er some consultation between bhe Bench (composed of Mr Carew, &.___., and Messrs S G Smith and A G Christopher, Justices), in which the Magistrate ap« peared to take little parb, Mr Carew said the opinion of the Bench differed. The case would be dismissed. Mr Fraser (bhe Crown Prosecutor)— Jnsb so ; bhe Justices have overruled the Magistrate. I do nob intend bo proceed further. We are on the verge of a public scandal. Mr Carew said that Mr Fraser should not make these remarks. Mr Smith, J P. thought tho remarks uncalled for ; In each case the thing had not been proved. The other charges were adjourned till March 6rh.

Interprovincial

Unibed Press Aaaoclabion—By Eiectrio Telegraph.

Wellington, Feb 21 Io view of bhe Increase of the plague in __usbralia bhe City Council intends renewing etringenb inspection o| houses and also offering a bonus for killing rats. It is expected there will he aboub 350 oompetibors at the New Zsaland B fle Association meeting nexb week a. agalosb 180 lasb year* Of these 105 are from Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawke'a Bay districts.

Reefeon, Feb 21

Two men namad Barry and Rogers, who had walked overland from Nelson, have been arrested, supposed to have l39en concerned in bhe recent robbery of a safe ab a railway sbation.

Gisbqbne. Feb 21 The police made a raid on spielers ab the racecourse, and as a result, on the evidence of Detective Nixon and Sergeanb Slddellß, James Delaney and George Smith were sentenced bo four and bwo months respoc bively. OHRISTOHURCH Feb 21

At a meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association tonight it waß decided if Simpson could geb leave of absence to send him to England with Smith to repreßenb bhe oolony The Minister of Education visited bhe Burnham Industrial School today wibh a vjew of jnapeoblng the water supply, which is yery short, Bad also inquiring Jnbo the nec^.sity for a ciebenbion yard, in view of the number of escapes bhere lately*

Accidents and Fatalities.

Unibed Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph—Copyright Auckland, Feb 21 A boy named Willie Crotby fell inbo the Qparua giver, a few yards from hia parents' house, and was drov.nne e Thp body was subsequently recovered,

Christchurch, Feb 21 Mrs Wallaoe, the wife of a very old settler in the Lelthfield district, was killed tonight by being thrown out of a trap through the horse bolting.

Rifle Associations.

Dunedin, Feb 21 The leading aggregates for bhe Otago Rifla As-oclation's meeting, with one match to go are :—-Lieut Jack, City Guards, 186; Private Smith, Kaltangab-, 185 ; Private T Waikari,, J.Bl ; Private Simile, Kai bangaba, 180 Wanganui, February 81 The Wanganui and We.b Coast Roa Association Meeting was continued this morning. The variable light and tricky wind interfered with bhe shoobing. The Wanganui Ma'eh, 500 yds, 600 yds, and 70pyds, reeulted :—Atkinson, Hawera, 93, fc's \ Carey, Patea, 92. £4 ; Needham, Pal merston Kortb, yO, &U ; Okey, Taranaki, 90, and Hughes, Wanganui, 89, JB2 each; Drummond, Wanganui, §8, K'iernan, Wan* ganui, 87, and Winslade," Wanganui, 87, 30j Arniitage, Taranaki, 87, Herbert, Patea, 87, fjarkes, Palrc'eraton, 87, Thorpe, Walroa, $6, Soa each j Poole, HWwei.., £5, White, Pabea, 84, Johnston, Wairoa, 84, Soot., Wanganal, Bg, Dalrymple, Bulls, 22, Young, Gbaki, Bi, aud DavidtoD, Wairca, 80, eaoh 10s

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—Ry Eieobrio

Telegraph—Copyright

SMALLPOX

London, February 20 There are 1250 smallpox cases in London.

GERMAN INTERESTS IN CHINA

Berlin,'Feb 20

The Budget Qoi___mt.ee of the Reich stag drastically reduced the estimates for the German expeditionary force to China, manifesting strong feeling against the formation of a colonial army. Indications are given that Germany contemplates the retention ot 800 troops at Shanghai, strongly forti fying Kioa-chau, and providing accom modation there for 5000 troops.

THE FEDERAL TARIFF. A deputation of investors from West Australia in interviewing the Hon H B Lefroy, Agent-General for West Australia, stated that the re trospective effect of the tariff had added seriously co the hardship- o£ investors, and waa calculated to exclude capital and alienate West Australia's friends.

THE POPE'S JUBILEE,

Rome Fob 21

Tho Pope's Jubilco was inaugurated at St Peter's in the presence of seventy thousand peoplej

RETURNING THK KANAKAS.

London, February 21

In the House of Lordn, Lord On slow, replying to Lord Lamington, ex- Governor of Queen-land, said the Pacific Island-. Labourers Bill was a Bubjoc. entirely within the Common wealth's jurisdiction. Doubtlo.s care would be taken that the labourers were returned to their own villages.

THE LIVERPOOL BANE FRAUDS.

At the trials iv connection with the Bank < £ Liverpool frauds, Francis Kelly and William Stilee pleaded guilty to conspiracy, Kelly offered to restore £20,000 and Stiles £3570 to the bank. The judge insisted on the fullest pos sible restitution, Sentence, will be delivered on Saturday. OBIIUARY

Esrl Fitzwiliiam is dead, HODSE OF COM MOSS HOURS

The Houso of Commons, by 268 to 166, agreed to sifc for the fall time on the first four days of tho week, thue en abling thorn to have a longer week-end holid-y.

THE WRECK OF THE PROS PERITY

Brisbane, Feb 21

The Court of Enquiry into tbe wreck of the Prosperity found it was due to the negligence of Captain Peterson in not ascertaining whether there was an error in the compasses, in view of the nature of the cargo of machinery,'and recommended the suspension of his certificate for one month, the finding to be submitted to the Marine Board for adoption.

Plague in Australia

United Preaa 488°oiatlon—By Eieobrio Telegraph—Oopyrighb

Sydney, Feb 21 A woman named Vider, at Woolloo mooloo, and a youth named Diker, the latter a r.ii way porter at Lmdfield, have beeo attacked by plague, Brisbane Feb 21 A boy named Donald has the plague

The Coal Strike.

United Pre<s Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, Feb 21 The trouble on the Aorangi has been settled, arid work has been resuqied on the understanding that only unionists will be employed in future. The difficulty arose through a tuisunder stapding.

The Barcelona Strike.

United Press Association— By Eiectrio

Telegraph—Copyright Max-_.ii>, Feb 21

Fresh fighting has taken place in Barcelona. Supplies are becoming scarce, and residents are leaving owing to the strikers' threat- thab they will employ dynamite.

THE LIBERAL PARTY.

SPEECH BY SIR EL OAMPBELL BANNERMAN.

London, Feb 20 After several stormy contentions the Rosebery and Oampbell-Bannerman sections of the National Liberal Federa tion at Leicester adopted a colourless compromise recognising the services and claims of both Liberal leaders. Sir H. Oampbell-Bannerman, speak ing at Leicester, later, defiantly refused to adopt the ' clean slate' policy advo cated by Lord Rosebery in his Ches terfield Bpeech, He avowed hiipself an iqapepitent Liberal, and reiterated that national self-Qoyernment by Ireland, with an independent parliament, was never expected by the Irish or contem plated by the Liberals. Australia and Canada were instances that such a policy would not imperil the Empire. The Government policy of uncondi tional surrender of the Boers was misphievong and fatal, anc| was designed to annihilate the Boer race. Negotia tions on the basis of conciliation would lay the foundation of a future good undertaking between the Dutch and British. The denial of an amnesty to the rebels and the maintenance of the banishment proclamation were the i greatest causes of tbe prolongation of the war. i'he speech was greeted with prolonged applause, i

Wireless Telegraphy.

Epi-fiO-., Feb 21

Marooni assured the shareholders of the company interested in the system that the Post Office monopoly alone prevented commercial utilization of the system between Great Britain and Ireland. The same monopoly pre vented commercial messages within the three" mile shore limit. Jps sys tem is at present being utilised on seventy ships, and at twenty five land stations. He is able to transmit twenty two words per minute, and, the abso lute secrecy' ot the' system is a oer. tainfcy

SOUTH AFRICA.

Per Prn.B Association—By Eiectrio

Telegraph—Oopyrighb

London, Feb 21

Piet Vi joen, in an intercepted mes sage to Schalk Burger, urged him to do something to counteract the spirit of surrender which is rife in the Eastern Transvaal.

Botha and Schalk Burger are trying to arrange a meeting.

The Ladies' Commission's report is a striking vindication of the methods employed ab the concentration camps } and pays a high tiibute to Lord Mil ne r. The report states that the mor tality in the camps is largely attribut able to the insanitary condition of the country, and to causes within the con trol of the refugees. It would be impossible to disband the c.mps, and would ba highly impolitic to board out the refugee?, whom it would be fmpos* sible to feed if they were scattered.

Mr Brodrick, replying to the ques tions recently formuh.ed by the Daily Express with reference to the army remounts said no unbroken horses were purchased in Australia. Bergl'soffer of horses was nob accepted. The rates paid to Houlder Bros, were from .816 to £13 The Government waa not aware that others paid £8.

The Daily Expre s, in reply, says an Australian shipper states that he car ried five thousand horses for Baden Powell and others at £8.

A captured burgher named Morreea proved to be Judge Kock, who pre sided at the trial which resulted in the acquittal of a constable who shot dead Tom Jackson Edgar in his own house in Johannesburg, in December, 1898.

Colonel Evans, of the Volunteer Composite Regiment, waa killed during a stuar. engagement at Vryheid.

CASUALTIES AMONGST NEW ZEALANDERS.

Wellington February 21 The Governor has received a cablegnun from the casualty departmenb at O-petown, giving additional names of New Ze_.and.rs dangerously ill ef enteric fever ab Charlei" town :~Sixbh Contingent, 3466 Harry Brown, 3594 Herbert Heley, 3376 Will Sam Hornig, 3688 Charles Johnson; Seventh Contingent, 4072 John Ooneidine (gunahob wound), 4293 Walter Harb (enterio at Pietermaritzburt), 4616 A Devine.

THE OFFER OF THE MAORIS.

REPLY FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Unibed Press Aaaoolation—-By Eieobrio Telegraph

Wellington, February 21 The Premier has received the following despatch :— * The Governor has received a cable from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, informing him that his Ms j. sty's Government received with exbreme grati£catlonthe offer of the Maoris to serve in any part of the Empire,* and they warmly appreciated the splendid loyalty and patriotism which has inspired it. They much regret that the service so freely offered cannot ab present be made available in South Africa or elsewhere* In bhe event of any opportuni'y arising for employment of the services of the Maoris in defence of the Empire his Majesty's Government will gladly utilise it, ani call on a race whose military qualities are so well known. The peculiar circumstances which have compelled hia Ma j.sty's Government bo refuse this offer of Maori contingents for South Africa led to simi'ar refusa'a in other instances, notably in thec.se of his Majesty the King's Indian army, and thab of theforoes proffered by Indian feudatory Princes.'

Speaking ab Mokihinul today, the Pre-. mier referred to the above d.Fpatch, and said he bad no f %tth in the r*_«h promises given to the Boers by his IVl^'Siy's Go vernment, that they would only employ Europeans in connection with the hostili ties in South Africa. He believed if native contingents had been Benb from New Zealand they wonld quickly have shown their merits, and have rendered great services to the British cause in fctauth Afylca.

The Army Meat Contracts.

United Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph—Copyright London, February 21

In the House of Lords, Lord Oarring ten moved for the production of all papers in connection with tbe tenders for the army meat contracts. He de nounced the enormous profits made under the last contract.

Lord Raglan said the Governments accepted the lowest out of fifty-five tenders for the new contracts with a currency of five years.

Lord Lansdowne said all agreed that after the splendid behaviour 1 of the colonies, no effort ought to be spared to give them a chance of freely com peting. Such an opportunity waa not denied them, Bergl's statements of the profits of the rival company re quired to be tak<.n with a grain of salt. The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons declared tfye last contract to be justifiable, in view of the difficulty of supply and the un certainty of eyents, though it would have been better if there had been separate contracts for live and frozen meat; Bergl's contract stood unaltered but monthly inspections and reports at intervals had been arranged in order to secure honourable observance qf th§ co»tr_K.tor's promise to deal with the colonies as far as possible. The Ad miralty's contract for the supply of meat for the ships at Simons Bay was fivepence three farthings, compared with Bergl's fivepence halfpenny, with distribution. It would be impolitic to produge tenders, and immediate enquiry would be improper and inconvenient.

The motion was negatived without division.

The Premier's Visit to England

United Press Association —By Eiectrio Telegraph

Gisborne, Feb 2\ Ab a special meeting of the ftarough Counoil, it was resolved to entertain the Premier prior to his departure for England; and the following resolution was carried :— " Thab the Premier, Minister of Railways, Minister of Public Works and Native Minister be invited t(> Glsborne to open, up, the trafjfi. on me Gisoorne-IS-raka Railway, and thab bhe citterns entertain bhe Ministers on that occasion,'

IHE ASHBURTON GtJABDIAfc % SATtJRDAI, FeBRUAKYj 22, 1902



F. FERRIMAN - 1 Corner of Wills Street and Eas. Belt, Afh.ur.on. 5 I HAVE received Instructions fr< m Mr 1 John kinsworth, who is leaving for the North Island, to sell h'sveiy desirable residence, situated aa above. The house, which contains 5 rooms and ( Boullery, has only recently been erec^d, j and is constructed of the best material l.y J a first class builder. The scotion is well Bltu%ted and in. been well fenced and cultivated Afl the owner has decided to leave for the North Island at once, my instrumtont are to effec. a speody t ale. i Full particular- on app'io-Mon to F. FERRIMAN, L-nd and Estate Ajjent FINAL NOTICE. Ti' is rrquo.Ud that tvil Accounts duo to £>__ Maudk be paid to the undersigned 14 days y F FERRIMAN, A-hburtoD, Februs-ry 11th, 1902 TO LET., Kerroode Street, Ashburton, A COMFORTABLE Honse of 5 rooms, together with good garden and orchard Apply F FERRIMAN TO LET, Peter Street, Ashburton, A HOUSE of five rooms j | acre of land $ gaod stabling Apply F FERRIMAN j TO LET. Winter's Eoad, Allenton, A7IRST CL4SS Dwelling, containing six rooms ; 1$ acres of land, «ood garden and orchard ; detached bathroom, washhouse, stables and trap house F FERRIMAN >-__ -I ... I SHEEP FARMS. J HAVE several good Sheep Farms for sale, ranging from 350 to 1800 Acres, The properties are well fenced and watered and are within easy access of a market. Full particulars on application. F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE ! TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON. A SOUND INVESTMENT. I HAVE received Insiructions from Mr Edward Gibbard to rpH part of Town Section 108. situated in Tancred Street, upon which is erected a vety cemmodious and convenient. D.-wpar'a Shop, with dwelling attached, large front gla.q window., s,"od position. Tho properly la let to a good ten-tit, and is yielding an (.nnual rental of £91 Fall particulars a_s.y be had on appli cation to -- -- ' F Fit.['.RIMAN. L.ud and Estate Agent, Ashburton T. Bullock.^ DWELLING of 5 I-ioms, verandah aud scullery, conveniently .itu.ted, front" iDg Wakanui Koad East m]UOCK " ' "toTllt ■ COTTAGE of 3 room?, tmathec with ono Bore of land, fronting Trevor's Road, UtafOttOß. T BULLQCKt FOE {SALE. BUILDING ALLOTMENTS TOWN Section 555 and 956, _ Acre, corner Northeast and Southeast Belta Prioe £20 each for the two, 18 818, J Acre, Ait^n Street ; ?no. £30. BuLLocK> FOB BALE, LOW PBICED BUILDING ALLOT MENT?, fronting the Alford Fores Road, Lot- 8, 9 and 10, parb S.S 8767, eaoh containing £ acre, price £12 15- ea.b, to aold as a wuole or singly A.80,~ Lots 13, 14 and 15, at £16 10a each L'beral Terms T BULLOCK, Agent " TO LET, COTTAGE of Two Rooms, centrally situated in Hawlockßtree.. Apply to T BULLOCK RAKAIA, to "let GOOD Business Premise., consisting of Shop and Dwelling, lately occupied by Austin Bros, Tailora, well situated, .renting one of the main thoroughfares For particulars, fee. apply to T BULLOCK, Agent : FUR" BALE. ' SHEEP FARMS. - SHEEP COUNTRY. IMPROVED FARMS, ETO, H92 acres, sheep country, mostly in its native state 500 acres, improved, very good sheep country 1200 acres odd, sheep farm, with good inopro venaent. 90 acres, improved, near town 500 seres, has been sown with EngU.h grasses 800 acres odd, Improved farm, good for all round farming 1800 acres, mostly unimproved 40 acres, near the sea S8 acres odd, improved, not fat from Tinwald 350 acres, light land, partly improve A MO — Several blocks of go->d land suitable for all round farming, varying ia area from 50 acres to 1200 acres Mont of the light l»nd blocks are very suit-hie to woik with rich heavy farm lands. Fuilpacticu'ars, Urals, etc, furnishtd application. v I BULLOCK



C. . I THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING "FACTORY LO.THINO Jb ACTORY T S the Cheapest Houao for Ready Made Olothing. Men's Sac Suits, 25 i Men's Sao Butts, 29. U. m COLONIAL TWEED, BEST VALUE, A Large Stock of Boys' Clothing in Sailor, Norfolk, and Melville Shapes at Bed Rock Price.. OALL AND INSPECT. fjHE NEW ZU-ALANi) CLOTHING FACTORY V. H. BROKINGS ALB, Manager S"~~__MPLES Bought abu Large Discount— Ladies' Gloves, Hosiery, and Ties, only > one cf each kind, Wholesale Pri_e_—W H Peabob, Caßh Draper WANTED every one to try Mellor's | Zealandia Boot Store for wonder r ful yalue.



BUSINESS NOTICES 1 SPECIAL SALE, NOW ON. j GEANT AND MOORE, SAUNDERS' BUILDING?, ASHBURTON llllH_-___lllll .i|.„M«>«llllli_M-ll__lMy--llWllillli i Ii II IliM IF YOU DON'T .SUiTOUT I OCAL INDUSTRY ■V O U OU C* I-i T 1- O; AUK YOU ABOUT TO BUILD'I DO YOU IU-QUII-.- DRY FLOORING'Ij DO YOU I.VQUIRE DRY MATCH LINING! DO YOU REQUIRE DRY MOULDIKG. I _EP »O, WE CAN EXKOUTK YOUII ORDERS WITH .DESPATCH. Our New Steam Sawmills aro now in full swing, and Orders ontrusto to us will receive prompt attention. Gates and Hurdle® supplied to order. W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER & COAL MERCHANTS. East and West Streets, Ashburton. Telephone 14 P.O. B°* 35 TO OTJB CLIENTS AND FARMEKS OF THE ASHBUBTON COUNTY. WY7 E ARK OABH- BUYERS OF WHEAT, OATS, BARLEY, and GRASS SEEDS, and as hitherto, are prepared to pay BEST MARKET RATES. In good or bad seasons, if the quality of the grain be good, bad, or indifferent, whether prices be nigh or low, we have always been in the market, and for thia reason we claim to be supported in seasons, as the present one, when outsiders are competing for the purchase of certain kinds of grain only, which they happen to bo in want of. We aek our friends to give us tne offer of their produce before committing themselves elsewhere, and guarantee to give highest prices for any samples that may be submitted to us. FRIEDLANDER BROS., LTD, _________ •.«__••. :b - K 7i W ___-<--____««^^ J. WILSON HAS Just received ANOTHER 10 Bales of Lovely WALL PAPERS. INCLUDED in the Shipment aro some beautiful Designs in Dining Room, Bedroom, and Hall Papers. Persons desiring to choose their Papers fromjthe full stock may have them laid aside until required. HOUSE PAINTING. THIS part of the business receives our special attention, none but GENUINE Oils and White Lead being used. Thorough tradesmen sent to town or country at shortest notice. Sign-writing a specialty, I have a Choice Selection of PICTURE FRAMH MOULDINGS. Frames made to order on the premises. JOHN WI-L-SON -_-_•_(>- mmwwmmseammxwmmmmmmammmm •■■■■■i i___iiiiin«_-niiiii i__-_-___--_n_n__n___________«__-MM-- ___._. ■______. AN ADVANTAGE APPRECIATED ;by town and country alike. ALCORN'S SALE. ORUEf^Z^ B



ASHBUBTON LADIES AGREE THAT IS THE CHOICEST AND MOST DELICIOUS TEA On the Local Marke*, Packed in lea 4, and encased in card board Carton- to ensure (senb nop and flavor right to the breakfast table. Bole Agent— J. T. COOOH, Ashburton. irr-y Mcdonald sc co., TAILORS. « 2 112 ' FOTIOE TO FARMERS, NOW that the season for ploughing has come again, J beg to inform the _?_,rmer_of the County that I am prepared to REPAIR PLOUGHS AT MODERATE RATES. Having had long experience in thu class of work, I can guarantee all Jobs turned oat. First class Engineer employed, All kioda of Coach and Lorry Building executed to order. Charles Muir, ABHBURTON IMPLEMENT WORKS, (LATjii Reid & Gray), Cameron Streeb _ B"~F wTeeari-1 save money. Boy y.onr Boots and Shoos ab Mj_i*w_H» Zealandia Boot Store, ,



ARE Yo¥ CONCERNED People who are ' all out of sorts,' Jmd listless complaining young folk whose condition portends that they are on the I verge of becoming anasmlc, are Just the ones bhab WALTON'S ;BOVO FJERRW will do a world of good. It ia an ideal corabinabion for pale, tired, • ran down ! people. Beef to nourish and strengthen, iron to purify and onrush tl^e blood, _q i tone and invigorate. Qf all cherqi-ts arjjd, 1 stores, price 2. dd.—-Adv.,