EPHEMERIS

SUN.

Phases of Moon far Maroh

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the folio wine places as under, subject to the neoescary alterations — WEDNESDAY, Maroh 26 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Mapourika, at 6.30 p m THURSDAY, March 27 For Northern Ports and Westport, also Australian States (dne Sydney April 2nd), and South Africa, per Mokoia, at 10 30 am For Northern Ports, and Westport, alto Australian States, e?o, to connect) with Mokoia, per Rotomahana, at 6.30 p m The next best despatch for United Kinj?, dotn is via San Franoisoo, leaving Ashburton oa April 2ad, and dne London May 3rd gjimmi _u ii._i.im nju

MINING

United Press Association'—By Eleotrio Telegraph Dunedin, March 26 Today's Bales .—Gold Kino, 6s 9d, 6s 93 ; Rise and Shine, 255, 25s 3d, 25s fid, 25i 3d, 259 3d, 25s 34,255; Upper Magnetic, 7s, 7s, 7s, 7s ; Victory, 21s.

COMMERCIAL.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—•Copyright. London, March 24 At the wool mictions there was a good 8»le, Ptioes are nnohanged.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 1902.

Tare prospects of an early termination of the war in $outh Africa appear to be brighter just now than they have yet been, if the movements of Schalk Burger, referred to in oar latest cable* grams, have any significance. The loyalists throughout the Empire, and especially in South Africa, are natur ally somewhat anxious as to whether tbe British Government wiil maintain a firm attitude in arranging the terms of peace. For, although Mr Chamber lain and some of the more prominent members of the Imperial Government have been firm on the absolute necessity for the complete subjugation of the Boers, there can be no doubt that the extraordinary prolongation of tbe war is having an appreciable effect in the opposite direction on a considerable section of the British people. The " peace at any price " party in Great Britain, has always been as persistent as it is noisy, and we all know the effect of constant friction. John Bull is a generous foe, and the history of the past gives abundant evidence of how easy he is in the hoar of victory. That is the danger now. It is to be hoped that the British Government will not be induced by its admiration of General De La Rey's action in releas ing Lord Methuen without ransom or conditions oE any sort, to modify tbe conditions upon which peace may be made with tbe South African Dutch. De La Rey has simply acted with ordi nary prudence in giving up Lord Methuen, for even civilians who hayjs followed the history of the war and j have a fair idea of the difficulties which must be in the way of tbe Boer commandos taking waggons of any sort with them in their hurried joarnejp, will understand that De La Rey could t_ot have carried Lord Methuen about with him, without some inconvenience to his commando, and a great deal of risk to his captive, (giv ing the Boer General every credit for his action, which may have been in fluenced, as suggested, by a recogni tion of Lord Methuen'a generous treatment of his captor's wife some time previously, we fail to see any thing remarkably chivalrous in the release of the-British General. On the other hand what are we to say about the manner in which De La Rey succeeded in bringing about the disas ter to Lord Mathuen's force. We learn that ju this attapk on the British, as in the Bothpfrerg affair when the New gjealaudera behayedtpp gallantly, numbers of the eneo?y were dressed in khaki, and thus diss guised were able to approach quite close to the unsuspecting British. | Every reader of history knows that ! according to the laws of civilised war, ! every man found in the uniform of an army fighting against his country is shot wiJthou^ trial. This deception haß been fraetised times without number by the Boera flndey J)§ La Rey and Botha, the least savage of the generals ©f tbe enemy, and hundreds of British soldiers have been slaughtered by khafciclad Boers. The etern reality ©I lacta is dead against the opinion, which aeewis to have found favour in Great Britain that De La Rey is qaite " a paladia/' aaj de serves special consideration on th%i account. He is certainly a very able leader, and bis release of Lord Methuen as well as other actions of his show that he is as wise as he is re sourceful. But we confess we cannot see where his chivalry comes in. We trust that the wave of magnaminity which is so characteristic of the British nation, in time of war especially, will flOt teqd to bring about a weakening .n the .^t^t^e t ff the Government with regard to tbe torxuj ioir the final sur-

render of tbe South African £ut;x_. Too much blood bag been spilt, and too much money has been expended in the war, to allow sentiment to have any influence in its final settlement, (

Local and General.

iThe Ashbobton Guardian will not be published on Good Friday, March 23th, or Easter Monday, Maroh 31st.

Rakgitata Backs—The Rangitata races have been postponed nntil April 17th.

Winslow Racing Clob -—A meeting of the Winslow Raoing Club Committee will be held on Saturday evening to oensider the programme for the forthcoming meeting on the Prince of Wales' Birthday*.

Wxaxseb Forecasts — Captain Edwin wires t—North to west and southwest gale after 12 hours from now ; glassfall; indloa* .ions of rain.

Borough Coo_.cll.--On account of tba Easter Holidays, the ordinary meeting of the Borough Council will take place thia evening.

Fobesmbs—The annual ball of the A.O. Foresters, Court Ashburton, wiil be held on April 25th, in tbe Oddfellows' Hall.

Assessment Coukt.- — The Assessment Gourd will be held at the Courthouce, Ashburton, on Thursday, April 17tb, at 10 a.m. when object/ions to the valuation roll of the boroueh of Aebbnrton wiil be determined.

Easter Holidays —■ Toe various black smiths iv Ashburton will close their premises for the Easter holidays from Thursday night till ffluecday morning.

Mr Chambeblain on Pbo-Boeb Slanders —a report of Mr Chamberlain's speech at Birmingham, io whioh he deal! with bhe calumnies of the pro-Boers, and replied to Count Yon Bulow, will be found on the fira. page of this issue.

The Seddon TitaTiMONUL—At a meeting of the Seddon HJaaUmonial Con_tmit.ee in Auckland yesterday, it was stated that £265 was in hand, chiefly from the country. The principal city Hate are not yet in. They will be closed on March 31.

The Smallpox Scabk— A press association telegram from Wellington, states thab the I ,dy who was removed from tbe Monowal on Saturday on suspicion of suffering from smallpox, was yesterday liberated from the Plague Hospital-

Assault—-Our Rakaia correspondent writes :—A very serious assault was com mitted on Mr HJ Harrison, of Doric, and another last nighb by a ploughman employed by Mr Harrison, named Thomas Blair, Accused was arrested very early this morn* ing, and will appear before the Court during the day.

Post Office Conveniences—A strong horse rail has been erected at the Cameron Street frontage of the new Post Office, and will be a great convenience to horseman and drivers of vehicles. A bicycle stand will be erected on the East Street frontage in the course of a day or two*

Ashburton Musical Union-—ln spite of the bad weather a good practice of the 'Crucifixion' was held last night, Messrs Schwartz and Burgess (soloists) were in good voice. The final rehearse! will be held tonight in 8b Stephen's Church at 8p m. In our last issue we mentioned that the Oratorio tomorrow would commence at 8 pm Instead cf 7 30 p m.

A.A.C. and A,O Sports—We draw the attention of our readers to an advertisement in another column giving the names of .he varlons champions who will be present and compete at the annual sports of the Ajhbs*.. ton Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club on Easter Monday, The programme contains forty events, and should result in a good day's sport*

The Rooee to Mount Cook— Major Steward, who takes considerable interest in promoting the tourist traffic to Mount Cook, left Timaru yesterday afternoon for the Hermitage, with Mr Harsthouse, Govern ment Engineer, to see what oan be done in the way of devising an improved method of crossing tbe Tasman River,

Bon Voyage—Mr Hugo Friedlander lift by the express last nighb for a trip to Europe. A large number of friends were on the railway station to bid him goodbye, and as the train moved off, gave him three hearty cheers. Mrs Friedlander and family leave on Friday, via the Bluff, and will join Mr Friedlander at Melbourne.

Acoidbnt.— A serious accident yesterday befel Mr T D Young, manager ab Timaru for J Mill and Co, stevedores, of Port Chalmers and Timarn, he being jammed between a couple of trucks on ihe main wharf. He was trying to puss between a standing truck and another moving along a crossing line, and wa. c*ughb and badly tquetzed about the lower part of the trunk. Medical aid was promptly obbafned, but no estimate of the extent of his injuries could be made yesterday,

Mount SoMEBS-~The oeremony of hoisting the flig at Mount Somers Sohool took place on March 19. The weather was lovely, and the attendance of parents and residents from other districts was very large. The Rev H Purchas occupied the chair, and his introductory remarks were attentively listened to. The fl»g was hoisted by Mr A B Peaohe. who gave its history. The Rev B J Westbrook was the other speaker. In the evening a concerb and dance were held.

The Tbnth Oonsignmsnt of goods (this season's) just landed by Messrs Oates, Lowry and Oo iaolude novelties quite new to Ashburton. Among the latest in cycling olips are bhe •g-lipwel!,' 'Grlptlte/ and ' Holdfast,' also new styles in cycling pouches. This firm is noted for always being np bo date with the Home market, and their stook is the largesb and most varied in the colony

Ss Stephen's Church—Our readers are reminded that S.ainer's oratorio of the 'Crucifixion ' will be prodnced tomorrow evening in 8b Stephen's church, commencing at 7.30 p pi. (The offertory on Thursday and oood Friday will be given to St Mary's Home Christchurch^ On Good Friday services will be held in the church at §a m, IX tk m, and 3 pm. Oa Saturday services, including Holy Communion, will $*ke place ab 730 a m and Sam, and on Easter Day there will be rive services, the Rev R A Woodthorpe preaching bis farewell sermon in the evening. Further particulars are advertised in this issue.

Ihmbohahgeabimty—Rudge Whibworth oyoles are oonstiruoted throughout on the principle of absolute iuohangeability, thus in case of aootdent any part oan be obtained and relied upon to fib into its place without difficulty or alteration of any kind. lv' speetion invited. R D Johnston, agent, jfarnejfct! street:

Sporting.

NAPIER PARK RACES.

United Frees Assooiaton—By Electric (Telegraph Napieb March 25 Concluding results, first day—- Napieb Cm?— Fakir 1, Tortulla 2, Kiwa 3, Dividends, £5 15s and lis

Spring Stakes—Camelot 1, Immersion 2, Ksjrigal 3. Dividends, £8 IBs and £2 4s Han^ioa^ Hjetrdlbs—Sylvaous 1, Missfire .2, Scallywag $. pivldends, £3 6s and £6 1.63

Rbdolyffe Ha ( cb: Handicap—Brilliantine 1, Meba Maoarthy 2, Aroha 3. Dividends, £4JLBs and £1 8s Filing Handicap—Assayer 1, Fleab 2, Victoria Cross $. Dividend, £7 7s fSfpUQND DAY* N^fEK, Maroh 2§ There Is fins weather, hue & high wind?" }s blowing. The attendance is good. Results s — Hack Hobbles—Eucharist I, Cobra 2, Hokiwhetu 3. Soratohed — Oounterbine. Won easilyi Divs—£2 8s and 13s, Boubby Hack—Consistent 1, Paarl Gun 2, Baccarat 3, All started. Won easily by two lengths. Div £413;

High Wjiioht—Lady's Link 1, Vathek 2, Victoria Cross 3. Scratched—Paria, Won by two lengths. Time—l.lß| Diva—£2 8s and £3 8s Mskobiai. Stakbs—Fakir 1, la, Kiwa 3»" Panhtfs coratahed Time-2 11£ Dlv-£2 "" iii__i_ii.mi ■ .iiiiVn'l mil* iinni ■

THE FLOODS.

ALFGBD DISTBICT.

Mr Herring Informs us that the five con secutive days rain has done immense dam. age to outstanding drops of grain, uncovered stacks, river croßsioga and roads. Not since tbe memorable harvest of 1833 when \ rows of stacks were as green as the gorse fences of those days has there been suoh a time; Tbe rainfall whioh on Thursday was only .170 gradually Increased until the last day, Monday 3.065 inches fell. Total for the five days 6.105 inches. At Alford Forest the rainfall must have been exceptional even for that pluvial district THE IXPBBSS DELAYED. The express train did not reaoh Ashbur ton till nearly nine o'clock fast evening, owing to the speed having to be much reduced when travelling over the damaged portions of the line. The worst parts are at Hook, Morven, and Studholme Junction, these being still flooded. A landslip occurred at the month of the Obipopo tunnel, in a deep cutting, The express ran 1 into this and stuck fast, but the line was eventually cleared by a gang of men* THE MISSING MAN Our Rakaia correspondent writes :— i There as yet are no signs of the man John Thompson, who has not been home since Sunday morning. Constable Stanley and a party were searching the riverbed yesterday with no success. There is a 1 considerable fresh, and if the at fortunate man has got into the river, there is no knowing where the body will be got* The seatch will be continued.

United Press Association— By Eleotrio Telegraph

Timaru, March 26

Weather beautifully fine today, the rain storm appear to have completely cleared away, communication by rail and wire have been restored and everything is working smoothly once more. Extensive damage was done in the country to roads and bridges, and farmers have suffered heavily through ioises in crops and stock.

The Hinds Drowning Fatality

THE BODY FOUND.

Tbe body of the man Rdw&rd MoCavs, who was drowned in the Hinds river on Monday, was recovered by a search party yesterday morning, close to the scene of the accident. Mr R Alcorn, Coroner, proceeded to the spot this afternoon to hold an inquest.

For Business Men.

Accuracy, completeness, conciseness, con venience—the^e are abstract qualities which every business man appreciates when applied to a library of reference. The business man wants to know 'the truth, the whole truth, and nothing bub the truth,' and he wants thab truth 'boiled down.'

He has no time to waste in skimming about the edges of a subject; he wants to geb at the gist of the whole matter, and does not care for a hundred pages of opinions if he em get it all in a hundred lines of solid facts.

That ia to say, he wants the ' Encyclo paedia Brl.annloa,' for no other work will so completely meet the busy man's needs. Ib has aptly been called 'The knowledge of the whole world compressed iato five feet of book shelf.'

For a few days longer the Daily Mail speoi .1 offer of this work will be available to residents of the oolony. On April, sth how ever, the offar will be withdrawn.

Accidents and Fatalities.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

KoncKCHtJ, Maroh 25

Messrs M'Lean, Cobb, Hayman and Bennington, four commercial travellers, narrowly escaped drowning yesterday in crossing the Utakur* Greek* Owing to a big slip whish has rendered the road impass able for wheal traffic fines laßt winter, they had to cross the creek, whioh was in flood. They could not see the crossing, and were borne down by the water, but, having a good stannch horse, they succeeded in getting across in an almost miraculous manner. Beyond being soaked and having their samples ruined, no damage was done. Wbsxfobt, Maroh 25

H Hitchcock, commercial traveller for Messrs Hannah and Co, Wellington, had a tevere stroke of paralysis on Saturday night. He was removed to the Hospital, and died there at noon today.

Martin Codyre, when mounting a butcher's oarb today, slipped, and falling te the ground was run over by a wheel, and had three ribs broken*

Education in England.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, March 85

Mr Balfour introduced a Bill applic able to England and Wales, making County and Borough Councils the rating authority for the purposes of technical, secondary and primary edu cation, with authority over all secular instruction by means of committees containing a majority appointed by tbe Councils and a minority of members nominated by the bodies interested in education. It is optional upon Coun cils to adopt the elementary clauses. Denominationalists are entitled to pro vide schools wherever necessity is shown. The conditions of London being exceptional, the Government will deal therewith in 190$. Several mem bers condemned the permissive clause. The Bill had a favourable reception, and its first reading was agreed to by j 176 votes to 23.

The Pacific Cable

THE FIRST MESSAGES

The Postmaster General, Sir Joseph Ward, telegraphed as follows to all the * Mayors, and chairmen of local bodies in the Oolony yesterday .-—"I have attended today at Doubtless Bay, and haye {tad the pleasure of witnessing the landing and completion of the first section of the Pacific cable between New Zealand, Norfolk Island and Australia. The event is one of great historical importance, and I am sure you will join with me in expressing the hope thab upon its final completion to Vaucouver by the end of the year lb will add materially to the advantage of the people of Australia and New Zealand, and will secure for New Zea §ntd the oheap rates which have been denied' ib so long. In a few weejp the connection with Fiji will also be completed, and It vflll help to* bring thabcountry'and our own Into closer touch, and must tend to assist the traders both of Fiji and New Zealand in their commercial operations. I have little doubt that the completion of the cable will be a cementing link in t|ie great chain of Empire whjc.h is being so indlssolubly welded throughout his Majesty'l-' dominions. The qabje ]piJ probably be open to the public on May I. *_.J G Ward, Postmaster General."—The following Is a copy of the reply sent by the Mayor of Ashburton j— * Congratulate you and oolony on completion of New Zealand end of all red sable. This com* muniby appreciate your efforts to have thorough communication with Old Country established early as possible. All red cable of Incalculable importance to British Empire^—W H Collins, Mayor.' ftlr Joseph also sent messages to Mr Chamberlain, ths Governor General ot Australia, Mr Henniker Heaton, MP, Iford Jjondonderry, Poabowtej. General of Greab Britain, the Postmaster general of Canada, the Chairman of the Pacific Cable Board, and the Premiers of the Australian states, '

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not bold ourwlfßi responsible let optatons expressed by oar comtpomlsatt

SHEEP BREEDING IN ASHBURTON COUNTY.

SO THE EDIXOB Sib.—lq answer to the lelter of «Old Neighbour" will you kindly publish the following copy of advertisement : — AGRICULTURE IN NEW ZEALAND

A COPY of a PAMPHLET on * AGRI CULTURE in NEW ZEALAND" will be posted to any address on the receipt of ONE PENNY FOR POSTAGE.

This Pamphlet is a Reprint of a Series of Interesting Articles, written by Practical Farmers, that reoentiy appeared in the • Weekly Press,'«.nd is now being distributed Free.

Applications fen. Copies should be addressed to the

• AGRICULTURAL EDITOR,' • Weekly Press,' Cbristohurob, If he wiii write and get the pamphlet I believe he will get all the information he requires with his own experience. It gives the opinion of leading practloai agriculturists with 20 to 40 yeai'a experience in New Zea> land, and some of their information should be worthy of example, at least, I have found ib bo. -Should the information not be suffi* oieut, I shall be pleased to hear in what particular part of it fails, and I will do the best I can to answer him. I hope, Mr Editor, it will not be asking too much of you to publish the pamphlet) in parts in your valuable papers for the information of your agriculturist readers. There are no copy rights reserved. Thomas Shone. Maranul, Maroh 21,1902

THE FLOOD.

TO THE BDZTOB.

Sir, —As the flood is such an important topic just now, I send you some particu lars. On Sunday afternoon I was watching theorising of the flood in the Hinds river at Hackthorne At 3,30 the water com menced to rise very rapidly, and at 4.35 the river had risen fully eleven inches. During one period of five minutes the rise was close upon three inches. My figures are taken from the time the water rose from a certain point on a fence past, the top being under water at the latter time, There was then a considerable stream coming through a paddock, bordering upon the riverbed, which I have only seen in two floods during the last six years. From marks ab 4*35 on Suniay afternoon, and the line of drift on Monday morning, the river did not ride much higher, bub the height of the flood may hays remained at that level foe some hours after. As the river does not seem to have broken out above Hinds township until 8 o'clock next morning, vide Press, ab which time the river here had gone down aboub 18 inches, it would appear thab obatrncdons in the riverbed have some connection with the sudden rising and overflow at the points mentioned, as the flow of the water was ac the rata of 3 to 4 miles per hour.—lam, etc,

Thos. Harbison. Hackthorne, March 25i.h, 1902.

The Okoroire Poisoning Cases.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Auckland March 25

Dr Roberts reports today that ail the prtients at Okoroire are convalescent. He suspects arsenic, Inspector Culien cannot yet say whether the lnqoesb touching the death of Mrs Court will be reopened.* 'th* Herald s correspondent at Okoroire telegraphs that all the sufferers are in a fair way to recovery, and as those taking meals in the hotel regularly for some days past have in no way suffered, ib is certain, what ever may have been bhe cause of the trouble, that all danger is past, Ib is now stated as unlikely thab the inquest will be reopened. A verdict was. given, and although the Inquest was held by a Justice of bhe Peace before thn police were able to get to the soene, and was rather a summary affair, the police at present see no way of reopening the inquiry, unless some .hleg very striking is brought to light. Every effort will however be made by the police to get at the c .use of the poisoning, but they are doubtful if an analysis will materially help, as two days elapsed between the poisoning and the time they oolieoted material for analysis.

Okcroibk, March 25

There are no further developments of the mysterious poisoning cases. Al! the patients are doing well, and no further change is anticipated. There are not likely to be any fresh developments till the Government Analyst report.s. Inspector Qullen and two detectives are still here, bub so far have no clue to the mystery,

News in Brief.

A meeting of ih« Excelsior Football Club will be held in the Templar Hall tonight, at 3 o clock. Mr H Stephenson will sell by auction on the premises of Mr G F Barnett, corner of Cass and Pebeir streets tomorrow (Thursday), the whole oi his valuable household furniture, piano and effects

-The Mount Somers Road Board advertise that McLeod's, McLean's, Lambie's, and Todd's orossings on Bowyer's Stream are dosed for repairs.

A telegram from Wellington states that Mr Gow, the New Zealand Trade Commis sioner,, who has been for some time in Greab Britain,, is about to proceed to Onina and Japan.

Messrs Gates, Lowry and Co intend to clear off their stock of s«<_ond hand bicycles, and in order to do go they have reduced tbe priaes considerably. Working men should take advantage ef securing a cheap bicyole

With this issue we enclose a circular from Messrs John Hall and Co, Ltd, Christchurch (late Hubbard, Hall and Co) giving the names and addresses of the prize winners in their last two 'Crown' Brand Tea prize competitions. These competitions wili be continued every two months and every year ai usual

There is a big and wide demand at the presenb time for New Zealand batter, and prices are good. The New Zealand Farmers' Urilon arranged to cancel its March order of 30 tons for London, and the butter was resold at a satisfactory advance for South Africa. Another order from Melbourne for 1000 boxes for local consumption is being met, and Melbourne, it is to be remembered, has to pay the duty of 3d per lb fixed under the Federal tariff.

Ib looks as If the motor car is to play an Important parb In the race for the Nortl? Pole. Professor Baldwin, who left Knrope on an expedition in. sear^ of the North Pole, son^e months hack, took an automobile with him, from which he expected great things In the Arctic Regions. An American explorer, Captain J E Bamier, who shortly leaves on an expedition to the North, now announces that it is by the aid of two 5 horse power motor cars that he expects to make his final dash for the earth's axis. Captain Bernier intends to drift Nort^ for a Qouple of ye^ra, by wfyicb time he expects to be within l_jQ miles from the Pole. Ib is over this stretch of iqe thab the motor cars will be used,

Mandleburgh's are acknowledged to be one of the besb mackintosh manufaoturers in bhe world. We haye bought this manufacturer's goods from the liquidators in the estate of Bradbury and Co, Limited, and are. now selling to the publio the very besb waterproof coats quite new and fresh, ab a lower price than Bradbury and Co sold to the trade 1 W A Tribe and Co, 219, High Stieet, Chrisbohni-nk,

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association—By Kleetrto

(Telegraph—Copyright

TBE VICTORIAN AGENT-GENERAL London, March 24 The condition of Sir Andrew Clarke, the Victorian Agent-General, is occasioning anxiety. He is in a very weak state. THE SUEZ CANAL Tbe Sues Canal has been reopened* THE VENEZUELAN TROUBLE A Venezuelan warship has followed the steamer Ban Righ to Port of Spain, WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY France is arranging to utilise the M*roonl system in connection with her Mediterranean possessions and her eol onles in West and Central Africa,

FRANCE AND HAYTI

Gabriel, a Frenchman, shot a policeman at Haytl with a revolver, while the latter waa trying* to arrest him on a charge of treason. Tne policeman wounded him, Gabriel was arrested, and subsequently executed. The French Minister claims the body, and has asked that a warship shall be sent to Hayti, The Government of Hayti claims Gabriel as a Haytlan subject. MR CECIL RHODES

London, Maroh 25 Mr Rhodes passed a restless night aud Is a shade weaker. AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS The Auckland Electric Tramways loan of £300,000 is being issued. A sum of £285,530 has been underwritten. THE KING'S BIRTHDAY King Edward's Birthday will be cele brated on May 30. June 26 and 27 have been gszstted bank holidays

THE COMMONWEALTH Melbourne, March 25 In the Federal House Mr Smalley gave notice of motion to ask nexb month if the Government would endeavour to arrange a reciprocal commercial agreement with New Zealand.

THE PEARL SHELL INDUSTRY. Brisbane, March 25 Owing to the operations of tha Imntigra* tion Restriction Act, steps are being taken te remove the headquarters of the pear! shell industry from Thursday Island to Dutch New Guinea.

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, March 24 The Brussels oorrcipondent of tht Morning Post asserts that Britain haa consented to a Daiob ambniaac* beiog sent for the use of tho Boers.

Tbe War Office require* five hundred torn of best Australian floor deliverable at South African porta.

London, March 25 Mr Brodrick informed the House of Commons that • fortnight ago Mr Schaik Burger isket! permission to past tbe British lines to gee Mr Steyo. The Government immediately consented. The newspapers are not opUmiitic, remembering that Mr Sieyn in the past resolutely opposed any suggestioa in the nature of a compromise. It is unofficially but credibly stated that Mr Schaik Burger inquired aa to the status of the leaders in the ettnt at Burrender.

Mr Brodricksttted to the House of Commons that the application for safe conduct was based on the possibility of peace proposal, Lord Mitner, by procWmatioD, hu established a permanent police force itt the towns of the Orange River Colony. A Criminal Investigation Department is being organised. Members of tha force will receive eight sbtliihga per day, aod sergeants twelve shillings; General Botha, on the occasion of Etutnpt's capture, escaped by biding ia an adjacent kloof.

General Bruce Himilloo oo March 18 captored eighteen Boers; Lord Kitchener's weekly report state that five Boers have been killed and ninety five taken prisoners, while aixty three bare surrendered . Three Krnpp guns have been discovered at Xiieben bergsvlei.

Renter states that a former member of the Transvaal Government olaima that after the Kuyper-Lansdowne cor respondence had been made public tho Boer leaders sent six emissaries faf different routes with despatches, ia forming Mr Scbalkburger and Mr Steyn of Dr Kuyper's view, that the moment was favourable to open peace nego tiations. Mr Schalkburger'a latest communication to Europe mentioned his willingness to negotiate for peace on the basis of the Boers retaining predomination in tbe rural districts, and the appointment of a British Board of Administration in the indastrial centres, with proportional Boer re presentation. Other Boer statements are that any Boer overtures will be those discussed at the meeting between Lord Kitchener and General Botha at Middleburgin 1901, especially with regard to a complete amnesty for tho Cape rebels forming a majority of tha commandos in the field. The presence of Mr Schaik burger at Pretoria impliee General Botha's assent, The initiation of overtures rests with Mr Scbalkbur ger. The Bourses are favourably affected by the turn oi events, Brisbane, Maroh 25

The steamer Englishman haa sailed for tbe Cape with the Queensland section of tbe Federal Contingent.

Affairs in China.

United Press Assentation—By Slecbrio Telegraph—Copyright ! London, March 24 ' The Kwaogsi rebels have capturad Kanchan, M. Delcasse, the French Premier, includes among tho French interests the Hankau Railway, which, «%* originally Belgian, The leading t. a panes* newspapera suspect France of territorial designs on Yunnan, and Russia on Manchuria. Admiral Alexieff, the Commander* in-Chief in Eastern Siberia, has been granted several months' leave.' Tbia is interpreted to mean that Rums* does not anticipate any complications.

TH® ASHBUBTOI* GtJABMAIS ; WEDNESDAY, MAECH 26, 1902,



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F. FKRRIMAN 1 "~~~FOR SALE, ALLENTON A COMFORTABLE HOUSE togettier with one aore of l»nd. Further sonfe&lanoes comprise Washhouse and iopper, Stable acd Traphoase aud Fowl ram.- This is a very desirable little property and j the owner has given me iastruotioas to cflfoofc j a speedy sale. Further particulars on application to F FBKRIMAM. Land and Estate Agent, Havelock Street. Ashburton FOB SALE Ciatke Street sod Allen's Road, AIU n lon. I AM instructed to nail that very desir» able residence containing 6 room?, pastry and porch, together with one aore aod ten port-be, of land situated as above The property ia for immediate sale, arid lit the price af.ked should command a ready Dale. Full particulars oaay be had on appli cation to F FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agen. Havelock Street. FUK BALE, A FARM ot 150 Aores oi Plains Laud, Apply V FERRIMAN Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE I HAVE received instructions from Mrs Hardley, Senr, to sell her property fronting ou tho Easb Bel*) and Eton Street). oompris'n? one aore and forty perches of land, upon whioh is erected dwelling bouse eoabaiofDg Dining room 18 x 16, Bitting Room, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Kitchen aod Scullery ; two stalled Stable aad Fowlhouse. (She property is well supplied wi.h water from * windmill and t_nfe. Part, of the land Is laid out in garden and otobard. Full particulars on application to , F FERRTMAN Land and Estate Agent, Havelock Street. FOE SALE fulfil of 121 Acrea situated at I*.etaiflgton *f HAVE received instructions to sell a JL very convenient farm situated as above, With all the usual farm improvements. This property on account, of tbe owner hawing purchased a larger farm is for imme rfSate sale and occupation, and Is admirably adapted for a dairy farm. Further particulars ©» »PP"w«*m tt> F. FERRIMAN, Land'and Estate Agent. Havelock Street. ""business notices Tt WILL PAY YOU To Try Out* MaJDONAXJD Sc CO., Tailors i«MOATEBtCOc 1 m Sjf' W fcIMITED jj «—■■ ■ """" *"~"' ' ~" mHE LAST DAYS OF SALE OF GIBBARD'S BTOOK GIBBARD'S STOOK GIBBARD'3 STOOK BARGAINS BARGAINS BARGAINS Gent's Natural Pants, sals pi ice Is 6<i Geat's Merino half Hos«j,   6<l Gent's Soft) Felt Hats „ „ Hcl O-enft'e Tweed Suits >» n 22s Ladies* P»B6 Dyed Hose   10J<3 Ladies'Lhle* Cotton« Jove«  6d •Larti** UnbroakableCorsets  „ 2s 6* JLadleß* Summer Singlets „ .» 9. LOOK HERE LOOK HERE Hew S-Kobod Handkercblefa Is 9d half disson Whit 6 Cali«« for lining 2s 9.1 drzen Floral Art) Mnslln 2s )ld dozen Paper Collars 3d box. Bib 3d. DRESS GOODS DRESS GOODS DRESS GOODS Lew than CUristohuroh Pricua. Floral Black bilk fiulah Lusteis 7s 6d Dress ALL It EDUCED. LlnttteDtnc, Floorcloths,, Curtains, .Sheet ing, fowe!., I'oilst Covers, Quilts, Counterpanes Good Washing Prints 3a 9d dcß-n. Bring yoar ready Money and get good G Otdiin Exchange THE POLYTECHNIC. JUte GIBBARD'B, Tanored Street. W"~™~ ANTED KNOWN—Thau lam prepared to Rive Estimates for all Plumbers' and Gasfitting Work, and can aaariintee complete Batinfaction. Hob aud OoM Water Servioes laid on. Well Sinking, Bitba, Tanks, and Boiler Frames. Having had aso«s experience in Gun Repairs, !h"_o Bnortisme*fl who reqaira their Guns repaired by a*a EKperti should bring them to mo *ariy„ as the ««*ao*a is olosa upon us. WILUAITs. HYDE, iEkrnete Street, N xt Door to Club BonAer t ijookunitb, Oaifitter & Tin«rnitr. Lowest compatible with gw\ workmaniship ___ I •tTTk! NOTIOE—That Mellor's Z.sa- J landia Boat »f«e ii gl^iog better wake than ever in Foot**rea_r .) ~&~B TED.—Farmers and veqdring Married Gouplesi Plousn nmen 'Grooms, Gardenprs, Shepherds, Daiiy Hao'dn ; also Hotel Kervanta, to apply to J. \ MoDonabb. Manchester Btreeb, Ohnst «horoh. AH order* promptly attended to. mm Oowwa? aapplws Cemftlo lervaats, 2 m



i . BCJSINESB NOTICES HHHE WEATHER DURING THE PAST WEEK HAS FOUND OUT . THE WEAK SPOTS IN YOUR UNDERSTANDINGS. r 1 «______..«««_.. jjOA / For a Pair of Dry, Comfortable, Good Boots, SIGH NO MORE, CALL AT NICHOLAS & PICKFORD'S AND GET THE VERY THING YOU WANT; THE FINEST STOCK IN TOWN. American Makes in M>n'a and Women's latest up-to-date Styles at lowest prices, in Strong Makes, Splendid Values, only Reliable Brands kept 1 [ NICHOLAS AND PICKFORD, EAST STREET; «_M_RI(-MH_HMnaaHHHn_M__H_^^ J. WILSON DIRECT IMPORTER OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. A Competent Stt of Tradesmen kept for House Fainting and Decorating id all its • Branches, for Town and Country, I Have a Well A. ported Stock oS MIXED _P^I_STTS Id Large or Small Quantities; also Pain. Brashes White Lead Linseed Oils (Raw or Boiled Sorim Window Glass Fancy Glass Turpentine Benzine Methylated Spirits Artists' Material Beautiful MIRROR GLaSS in large sheet?, can ba cub to any aiza 9 I, f 9 ') FIRST CONSIGNMENT b OS NEW GOODS FOR THE a : AUTUMN & WINTER SEASONS NOW BEING DISPLAYED, AND in consequence of a change in the Proprietorship of the Easiness, "" will be offered at specially low prices to facilitate a settlement of Partnership accounts. SPECIAL.—A Great Number of Lilies in oar last Season's Stock will be cold during thia Season at specially REDUCED prices. 8 1 INSPECTION INVITED ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. MEL LOR',B " ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE THE LEADING BOOT SHOP. {>RONOUNCEI3 ly the Ashburton Public to bathe moat reliable Boot Shop in Ashburton. Wis* Fathers and Mothers, If yon wish to aava money go straight to MELLOR'S NOTED BOOT SHOP, where you will get the beat value in Foot wear. The following are a few of our prices :— . Man's Good Strong Shooters 10s Men's Lace Boots, great value, 7* lid , Glrla' Shoes, wonderful quality, 10 to 13, 5s 63 1 Ladles' Pretty Strap Shoes, only 6a 3d Glrla 1 and Boys' Sshool Boots from 4a fid And a thousand other lines that cannot be beaten for price or quality Remember, if you give us a trial you will be convinced that MELLOR'S Zealandia Boot Store leads for value in BOOTS and SHOES. Note the address er. AtKJLJjO K» ZEALANDIA BOOT BTORB, Tailored Street, Ashburton I FARMS FORJ^RIYATE SALE. OT^C Hi VIS THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES FOR PRIVATE SALE:—' 376 acre farm at Waterton, with 4 roomed houae, 4 stall stable, loose box, and granary ; good cropping and grass land 400 acre farm at T.lsrnore, good Improvements ; 250 acres n graßH, 60 acres ready 1 for wheat, 60 turnips, and 60 stubble •> 7 roomed house f stable, woolshed, granary 766 acre farm at Newlands, with 6 roomed house j acres In tamlps, 603 newly laid down, 187 old pasture 730 acres. Hinds district, good buildings, all In grass, well fenced and subdivided Into 9 paddocks, well watered 1 1100 acre farm at Ealing, no Improvements ; 800 acres in tussocks, balance In turnips 405 acre farm ab Ealing, with 4 roomed house, stable, and other improvements ; all in grass 600 acres at Methven, 8 roomed house, and other Improvements 156 aore farm at Flemington, 4 roomed house and stable, well watered anS fenced 476 acre farm at Springburn, all newly laid down ; 7 roomed house, 6 stall stable, woolshed, divided Into 10 paddocks 450 acre leasehold farm, at Mitcham Road 950 ac» farm at Seafield, 4 roomed house, stable 262 acre farm at Flemlns^on, highly improved, divided Into 8 paddooka, well fenced and watered, 6 roomed house, granary, outhouse, 4 room., 6 stall stable, and other necessary outbuildings 3800 acres, all in grass, well fenced and subdivided ; all well watered and good plantations; close to railway ; with good building.., house, woolshed, cottage, and other improvements ; eary terms. (This [property can be sold subdivided in two blocks.) We shall be glad to give the fullest information to intending purchasers, and ahow them over any of the above properties. FRIEDLANDERTBROS.. LTD, 1 mimmmmmmmm^mm mmmmmmmmfmßmmMm ■ mmammmmm^mmßmmmmmmmmmmmmaimmmmmmmm • IrpHE Very Latest in Register Grates, /"CYCLISTS and Athletes—Good all wool )JL Mao'el Pieces; Bangs', 'Oricn,' X.l Sweaters fo lid and 7s 6d ; all wool \'Z alandia.* •-Champion," Booth's • Ailas,' Cashmere Sox, 2 pairs for Is lid—W H eto, *H at Bedrock Prices, at G Meddinb', Peaboe's Drapery Sale. ■ the People's Iron monger " "* ..._ ~ r — TXURING thia sale you oan get Reliable n>rT\f\ WANTED in four weeks— ' XJ Kid Gloves for le lid ; usual priaes, aJOUU Caps and Saucers 4s 6d per J2s 6i, 2s lid, sii 6d, all Is lld-W H ! dXn, Afternoon China Tea Sets 2s 6d, Pbabok, Draper and Clothier. Dinner Sets from 12s 6d, China Caps and ' —* Saucers from 6s perdozen. —Cashon & Co. Smoke New Veous



EASTER HOLIDAYS TO SUBSCRIBERS & ADVERTISERS. mHE "ASHBURTON GUARDIAN ' will NOT be published oo GOOD FRIDAY, March 28bb, or EASTER MONDAY, March 31st. ROBERT BELL, Proprietor



graoke New Yeans



j ¥ou can depend on ridding ycms? Children of Worms with Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful worm worriers price U



W^gg TVWHHHI 3HOWDBRS for Babies are soothing, reduco fever and prevent tlotchea ; price. Is Smoke New Venus



Children When Teething have more or leas d larrho?a. This should be controlled and can be, by giving Chamberlain's Colic. Cholera, w& IpHarrho&i Remedjf Ever* household should have a bottle at hand? Qet it today, lb may save a %. Thp, New Zealand 1 Itormers' Ooopfwratlpa, ABhociation of Canterbury, Limited, Ashburton, sells it. . Smoke New Vrmi