EPHEMERIS.

SUN.

Phase, of Moon tar March

Mail Notices

Malls close for ths following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations —

MONDAY, Maroh 24

For Northern Ports and Westport, per Mapourika, at 6,30 p m

COMMERCIAL.

VICTORIAN WHEAT PROSPECTS

United Press Association —By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Melbourne, March 22 The Government statistician'a preliminary estimate of the current wheat crop fixes the. amount at a little over twelve million bush els, whioh is seven million bushels less than the laso Beaecn,

HAVELOCK STREET MART

Mr Henry Stephenson reports on his Saturday's sale as follows -—Owing to the inclement weather very few people attended, and the business done was small, A oow, with oa!f at foot, brought £8. In produce, potatoes fetched from 4s to 4s fid per a.ok ; wheat 9a to lis 6d per Back, and onion. £d to gd per IbS A lot of sundries sold well.

THE LONDON MARKETS.

QDhe agent of the New Zealand Ftfrmers' Cooperative Associations reports as follows under date London, February 15, 1902 :—

Wool—The first series of Colonial wool sales for the current year opened on bhe 21st uH, and terminated on bhe 6th inst, after occupying 14 sittings at a daily average of 13,127 bales against 11,8.9 bales at the cor responding series of last year. The propor tion sold amounted to 178,000 bales. Of the held over declaration, crossbreds constitute bhe greater portion, During the first week or bwo of the new year reports from most of the greab woollen centres were decidedly .more encouraging, with an improved de mand for both fine aod coarse wools, and the opening of these sales was somewhat anxiously awaited by the trade. Merinos started at an average advance of 5 per Cent, and fice oros3breds S per cent, while medium and coai'Be were 10 par cent above values ruling at the preceding auotions. The smallneSß of steaks, improving trade condi tions, and the facb that purchases made in \ the colony had nob arrived, greatly sblmu* labed the demand, and the Urge catalogues brought forward daily were soon disposed of. Merinos showed bub little alteration as the sales progressed, the advance remaining ihe same ; but whereas medium,and inferior ' parcels we_e firmest at the opening, these later on gave place to the better grades. Crsesbredß were strong'y supported by the Home trade, and occasionally by Germany, and closed firm at the above advance. | Bright parcels of greasy orotsbreds of good medium quality in lighb conditions were taken freely for America at 15 per cent more money. Sliped New Zsalands, of whioh large quantities were brought forward, formed at first the sole exception in' the otherwise generally buoyant state of crossbreds; latterly on a slightly rising market they ruled about Jd dearer, Tho third series is arrargad bo open on tbe 290h April, the gross new arrivals being HmUed to 400,000 bales- No transactions of importanof jiave ooourred sicca the close of the sales,, fetit reports from wool centres indicate ■_*» feeling of confidence in the future based on active and general consumption. Wheat—Trade at Mark Lane has been dull during the past three weeks, buyers showing little inclination bo speculate in face of the increasing quantity of wheat and flour afloat, anl the weakeniog prioas in America. "Values have been fairly well maintained, although the tendency is slightly downward, but the limited shipments from the River Plate, and the deorease in our stocks of wheab (said bo be 100,000 qrs less than at the same time lasb year) have pre vented any greab deoline in prices; There has been a very fair Continental demand for cargoes, whioh will probably continue for some time, Germany having increased her purchase o.i.f, considerably. English wheat has declined about 6d per quarter, the con dition not being so good, in has been more freely offered on the country markets. The present Imperial average price is now 27s 2d per 4801bs, as compared wibh 26s 8d io the corresponding week of lasb year, In New Zealand cargoes no business is passing, bub a parcel of long berried 2,000 qrs, January- February B/L for steamer, was sold on the 7th, ab 28s per 480lbs, ci'.f London. In granary, the'stocks have diminished eon" siderably, bub the demand is not over active, though values are firm. Tuscan is now selling at 29s to29s6d, and Hunters and Pearl 28 j to 29 < per 4961b5« The 1901 averages of 29a 6d per qr for wheat, 25s 2d for barley, and 18s 8i for oats Bhow, as compared with the 1900 averages, a decline of 2d on wheab, but an advance of 3d on barley and of 103 on oats. As compared, again, with the dUcennial averages (189l> 1900) wheab registers a decline of is 6d, barley an advance cf 2d, and oats an advanoe of lid.

Oats remain steady, aud the commoner sorts are worth more money. New Zealands which are in limited supply are firmly held ab2sa to 26s for ordinary Bluff and Bparrow bills, and 27s 6d to 28_ 6d for Canadians per 38 4lbs esc store. Baemt—Good malting parcels have been ia request, and better prices have in many cases been obtained. Grinding sorts are also 3d dearer. Feozen Meat—The Mubbon Trade ab Smibhfield has been dull and unsatisfactory, and all kinds, English and Frozen, have reoeded aboub 2d per stone. Canterbury sheep, prime and small, meeb with a ready sale up to 2< 61 per stone, bub the supply of these is very smalli Ordinary carcases of ab«ub 60 lbs average made from 2s 3d bo 2s 5d ncr stone ex market Second quality New Zealand mako about 2s to 2a 2d. Some of the C*nbecbury shipment have included lots of plain sheep, which buyers would only take at lew prices. The Frozen Lamb trade is quiet, any bub tbe freshest and best quality goods are inclined ts a lower value, there beinje a good many plain Australian lambs <m tbe market. Besb New ZaaliSad carcases are quoted at 3s 2d to 3s 5d per stone ab Smit&Setd, and seoond quality 2 _ lOd to 3s Id. A few new season Canter bury lambs have found buyers at 3s 6d to 4sl In forward business thisyear few trans actions have yet taken place. A few parcels were placed at sj£d and 5d early last month, bub during .helasb three weeks ideas of buyers here have weakened and they will nob now buy over Afd c.i.f,, Jan., Feb., March shipment, as New Zealand sellers have higher ideas no business is being doog at the m® naenb. Beef generally has gone up in value, and the high price of American chilled haAO .oaKßed a run upon frozen quarters ab about 2d t© 3d per stone advance, New Zealand fores being now worth 2s Id bo 23 2d, and hinds S. id to 3s 21 per atone ex market.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, MARCH 24, 1902.

It is the opinion of the oldest residents. of this district that the rain which has fallen during the past few days.is the heaviest experienced here for nearly twenty years, having only been equalled by the phenomenal rainfall io the beginning of 1883. Those who may remember that period will bs able to call to mind the appearance of the stacks standing in the paddocks in various parte of Canterbury and Otago, covered with a thick green growth. Nothing like that has been seen up to the present time, but we fear that a good many of the farmeta on the other eide of the Rangitata and down south will find much of their grain growing. Fortunately for this county the majority of our grain is in stack, and the loss will not be serious to our agriculturists, whose harvest is. pretty well all gathered in. Some few may suffer amongst those who intended to I thresh from the stook, but the bulk of the grain grown in this county has escaped the recent phenomenal wet weather. With regard to the reason for the frequent rain daring the last few weeks, there is of course come difference of opinion amongst ex perts, since frlthough the cause of rain itself has been scientificially demons trated, themovements of the atmosphere cannot so certainly be explained. The sun. pot period may probably be assumed to have a close connection with the abnormal conditions of the atmosphere, and the general disturbance of the sea sons, which have been ho noticeable for some time. The various local bodies will do well to avail themselves of any lessons that may be taught by the present state of affairs, by making pro vision for the better carrying away of the flood water in the event of any extraordinary demands upon the usual channels, more particularly in and near the towns and centres of population. li the borough of Ashburton, there is room for some improvement in the arrangements for getting the storm water away, no.iceably along the west side of the Domain. Emergencies like the present one do not occur very often, but if the lesson is taken advan tage of, inconvenience in the future may be provided against. The condition of the Ashburton river for several days past has afforded pretty conclusive evi dence that it will be impossible to obtain from it a reliable supply of water for the carrying out of a high pressure scheme. Such a scheme would require a permanent and steady supply, which cannot be obtained from a stream with a shifting shingly bed. Tbe intake of the Mill Oreek has been blocked two or three times during the past ten days, and nobody has yet discovered how this can be effectually prevented.

Local and General.

Bank Holidays—The B.nks in Ash burton will be closed on Friday, the 28oh, Saturday, the 29th, and Monday, the 31st Maroh, and on Tuesday, April lib, for the Easter holidays.

K'BV. L M Isiti—lt is stated t|f.t the Eev. L M Isltt has accepted an engagement with the United Alliance for four years' prohibition work in Great Britain. Mrs Isitb proceeds to England to join him Immediately. The salary attaching to the position is stated to be veiy large.

St.tAndsew's Chukot, TiNWAi_o-The annual sale of work and prodtaoe in aid of the funds of St Andrew's Church,Tinwald, will ba held on Easter Monday. Gifts of produce, etc, will be gratefully received by the Vestry, and m. y be left at Messrs Grudseli's and Robinson's stores. There will be the usual competitions, and, judging from past years, the affair should be a greab success.

Pebsonal—Mr W H Arrow, who has been accountant at the Bank of New Zea land here for the lasb three years, has received notice of transfer to Christchurch. Mr William Cook, from bhe head offioe, Wellington, will succeed Mr Arrow* The change will take place aboub the end of the present month.

I Thb Bisi-et Team, — All bhe leading marksmen of the colony are willing bo go with bhe Bisley team, bub several cannot do So unless expenses to the extent of £150 are paid by the Government. Passages for thirteen men have been secured by the P.paroa, which leaves Wellington on the 24bh of April.

Magisterial.—Ab the Police Oourb this morning, before Mr W H Rule, JJP, Matthew Patterson an old offender, was charged with being drunk in Burnett street ou Saturday last. Constables Moore and Hogan gave evidence. Aocused pleaded neb guilty, and waa fined Ss or in default 24 hours' imprison ment, and was ordered to pay 2s cab hire. Patterson elected to ' bake it out,' and was removed bo the look up.

ADyEHTDBH WITH A SHARK.—The MeSSM Todd Bros, had an exciting adventure with a shark on Tuesday last (says bhe North Otago Times). The shark, which is estimated ab about 20fb long, has been frequently Been alb the inner reef, opposite Awamoa, and haa often stood in the way of a successful day's fishing, ,Oa Tue#iay it enve'oped itself in Messrs Todd's moki net. The neb was a new one, and stood the strain, bub as there was no way of getting rid of the shark bub by bowing it into the harbour or cutting the net adrift), ib was decided, so as to save the net, to tew bhe shark into the harbour. For four hours the • towing' went on, bub often bhere was a difficulty in telling whether bhe boab or the shark had command of the bow rope. Eventually bhe neighbourhood of the breakwater was reached, but the shark took a strong pull beaohwardp, and in order to obviate going a shore bhe fish was cub adrift, still wibh the gireater part of bhe ueb wrapped around it

The Churches and the Totalisator. —The Dunedin Conncil of Churches has resolved to petition Parliament for the suppression of the totalisator, The petition, which will be sent to all parts of tha colony for signature, so that it shall be a national one, states that gambling is widely prevalent and manifestly on the increase, that ib is a demoralising practice to the Indit. idual, and baneful to the besb interests of bhe community, thab the totalisator, so far from lesseoing the evil, as designed, has increased the gambling spirit, has added to the number of race meetings, and has induced people of all ages and both sexes to indulge in gambling thab has the sanction of bhe Legislature. In view of bhe above evil results, ib is asked thab the totalisator shall be entirely suppressed.

U.A.O.D.— The usual fortnightly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge, U.A.O D» which falls on tonight, is postponed tit! Thursday night, Maroh 27th, on account of the weather.

Homewabd Botrao.-~ Corporal Edward Willis, recently invalided, cabled to his parents this morning from Capetown that he was so far on his return journey, * sound and well.' It m_y be mentioned in this connection that the message was mirked • troop free,' If this is a new arrangement, It should be greatly appreciated by Our Boys aud their friends in New Zealand.

The Lam Db CoanNßß.— Some little time after the late Dr Co:dner died, at the r .quest of Mr A D Mcllraith, a number of his friends met and deelded, with the permission of the doctor's family, to ereob a memorial stone in the Rakaia Cemetery. Mr Oxlay was requested to take the matter in hand, and act as treasurer and seoretary. Several lists were sent out to friends, and were so willingly and generously responded to, that the result was the purchase of a family burying ground, and the ereotion of a One grey granite obelisk, set on a heavy bluestone base. The obelisk stands some fourteen teeb high, and la polished and lettered. The sections are surrounded by a substantial concrete keib, on whioh is set an ornamental iron rail. The inscription is as follows :—• L.vis Maxwell Cordner, L K.Q.O.P, and R 0 8.1; died October IKb, 1901 ; aged 56. Erected by hia friends in memory of a life of kind and patient service.'

Flemington—Tha annual harvest home social, in connection with the Flemington chnrch, waa held in the schoolroom on Thursday evening, and, although the night was damp, there was a large attendacce from all partß of the district. The school room was neatly decorated for the occasion by the young people of the congregation, and presented qaico a harvest appe.rar.ee. The Rev Mr Skinner occupied the ohair. A splendid programme was gone through, the following ladies and gentlemen assist ing :—Overture, Mrs McLean j this lady was loudly encored, and had to respond. Songs by Misses Clark, Gibbs, Maxwell, and Miss N Donildson ; Messrs Miller Brown, and Stewart; violin solos. Mr McOlnrg. Ml. s Thompson and Miss Gibb played the accompaniments. Owing to the wet night, a number of the performers were unable to be present. At the close of the entertainment refreshments were handed ronnd in abundance by the ladles. The usual votes of thanks brought a very pleasant evening to a close.

The Shooting Season—lnquiries are made with regard to the opening of the shooting season, there being some doubt as to whether the season will open in April or May. Ihe Animals Protection Aot ef 1900 provides that the season for killing both native aod imported fame shall begin on April 1 and close on Jane 30th in Obago ; but in all other parts of the colony ib sha I begin on May 1 and close on July 31, bobh days inclusive. The Governor, on the application of an Acclimatisation Society, may restrict the season, but this has not been done in she case of Canterbury. Every third year, commencing on April 1, 1901, shall be a close season, in whioh native pigeon, pukeke and kaka shall not be shot, taken, or killed. The Colonial Secretary has been communicated wibh on the subject, and has telegraphed back thab the season here will begin on May 1, as set fotbh in the Act.

St. Stephens Parish—Ab St Stephen's Church yesterday, the Rev R A Wood thorpe announced that the Rev Edwin Whitehouse, vicar of Kumar., had been appointed vicar of the parish of Ashburton. Mr Woodthorpe will preach his last sermon aa vicar of this parish on Easter Sunday, and leave for his new charge on Thursday, April 3rd. The new vicar, Mr Whifcehouse, has been vicar of Kumara since 1895. Ho was educated at Lichfield Theological College, where he took his degree in 1873, he was ordained a priest in 1874. was cnrate of JDawley, Salop, from 1873 fco 1878, vloarof Nazira, Oakengates, 1878 bo 1879, chaplain oi Slbsagar and Upper ABsam 1879 to JBB 4, vicar of Patea 1884 to 1887. vicar of Ellesmere 1887 to 1895, and from Ellesmere was appointed to the vicarage of Kumara. He is the author of publications entitled 'Curiosities of Liberation Literature,' and ' Lectures on Freethought.'

B.8;A ATALANTAS—The latest Atalanta oyoles are built) entirely of 1902 genuine 8.8.A parts, fitted with plated rims, Dunlop or Palmer tyres, and ars without a dnubb the strongest, and most easy running 8.8.A ( machine obtainable in the colony, Messrs • Oabes, Lowry & Co, are the sole makers for | New Zealand

Inthbohangeability—Rudge Whibworth cyoies are constructed throughout, on the principle of absolute inchangeabili by, thus in case of accident any part can be obtained and relied upon to fie into its place without difficulty or alteration of any kind. In* speotion invited. R D Johnston, agent, Burnett street;

News in Brief.

By the Mararoa, which lefb Gisborne on Saturday, 1100 sacks of cuaiss were sent to Sydney, and a large parcel goes forward this week.

The annual meeting of the Pirates Football Club, which was called for Friday evening last, waa adjourned till Wednesday evening next.

Every cyclist; will dad something interest ing and instructive in bhab beautifully illustrated booklet "All aboub Dunlop Tyres for 1902," which the Dunlop Tyre Company is distributing gratis to all cyclists who apply for a copy.

We notice that Mr A H Williams, of East Street, has secured the local agency for thab wonderfully low priced phonograph •The New Century,' and selling them ab city prices, as he is doing, they should command a very ready sale. See adver tisement elsewhere.

Messrs Friedlander Bros announce that, on account of the inclemency of the weabherj the clearing sale ac the homestead of Mr T Connelly, Winohmore, has been postponed till April

The managers of the recent six days' cycling contest held in New York are said to have cleared £10,000 over (he meeting. Some £15,000 was baken ab bhe gates, and oub of this the competitors receivea £1,000 —bhe remaining £4,000 goidg to defray expenses.

Mandieburgh's are acknowledged to be one of the best mackintosh manufacturers in bhe world. We have bought this manufacturer's goods from bhe liquidators in the estate of Bradbury and Co, Limited, and are now selling to the public the very besb waterproof coats quite new and fresh, ab a lower price than Bradbury and Co sold bo bhe trade W A Tribe and Co, 219, High Sheet, Chrisbchurch.

Messrs Fletcher Bros advertise in bhis issue a full list of Prize Wiuners in (heir Tea Competition, which closed ou February 23th. Owing bo bhe large number of Coupons senb in, they decided to give ten extra priaas, making thirty prices instead of twenty as previously advertised

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, March 21

TheQuetn, replying to an appeal from the women of Munich to use her infloencu to stop the imraornl, cruel, and sbaraoful conduct of the British troops in South Africa, wrote that the memorial was basnd on a complete misunderstanding of facte. She re gretted that the meeting of tbe Munich women had lout its ear to groundings slanders against a friendly nation.

London, March 22

Boer advices state thtt De Wet and De la Rey are trying to join forces in the vicinity of Parys

The announcement that the Com monwealth is sending another Contin gent of two thousand men, has been received with the greatest gratification.

THE PREMIER ON THE CHAPLAIN QUESTION.

Wellington March 22

The Premier wires that the Auckland message yesterday stating that, in replying to the Ministers' Association's deputation, he admitted that the Government had erred in not sending a chaplain with the early contingents, is noc oorreot: Mr Seddon says it wou'd not have been a violation of the army regulations to have sent a chaplain with the first seven contingents, because they did not consist of more than five hundred men, and he told the deputation so. As Defence Minister, he embraced the first opportunity of including chaplains in the succeeding contingents.

The Coronation.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—-Copyright London, March 22

A hundred and eighteen ships, re* stricted to the Channel, Cruiser, and Reserve Squadron8 f with those com missioned in dockyards, which are com missioned, will participate in the Naval Review on Jane 28th, They will include eighteen first-class battle ships} nine first and thirteen second class cruisers, nineteen torpedo gun boats, thirty destroyers, fourteen train ing ships, seven torpedo destroyers.

Each vessel will be outlined by thousands of electric lights, which will be simultaneously lighted.

The new_rpapers complain that the King's Review will be distinctly in ferior to that of Queen Victoria, and that few new ships will be included.

The Daily Mail states that. 2500 colonial troops have been invited to attend the Ooronation, The Grown Colonies have been included. Fiji will send twenty, and India 1000 men.

University Boat Race.

VICTORY OF CAMBRIDGE.

United Press Association—By Blecbrlo Telegraph—Copyright London, March 22 Cambridge won the University boat race by eight lengths.

March 23

The University boat race was rowed in heavy rain. The water was smooth, Cambridge won the toB9, and having selected the Surrey station, held the lead throughout. Oxford spurted in Orabtree Reach, but were three lengths behind at Hammersmith Bridge. From this point the race degenerated into a procession, the losers being rowed out, Time, 19coin ssec.

[Cambridge haß now won tweuby five of these race, and Oxford bwenby two.]

The Anglo Japanese Alliance.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Oopyrighb

London, March 21

Iv the House of Commons, dming the progress of a discussion on Chins, Lord Cranborne congratulated tho House on the fact that the Anglo- Japanese agreement had been so well received, particularly by Russia and Fr_rtce, who wsrraly assented to the principle of tbe agreement embodied therein.

The Plague.

United Press Association—By Eleotrie

Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, March 23 A girl mimed McLean, of King street, is suffering from plague, The patient May ia dead.

Westpobt, March 22 The crew of the hriganthte Darin, whioh has arrived from Clarence River, have been strictly medically examined aud the vessel fumigated, in view of the plague in New South Wales,

Wellington, Maroh 24

Ib is now definitely declared thab the lady passenger, who was removed from the Monowaion Saturday, is suffering from German measles, and nob smallpox, as suspecbed.

Alien Immigration.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Oopyrighb

London, March 22

A Royal Commission, including Lord James, Baron Rothschild, and Sir Kentdin Digby, Permanent Under Secretary for the Home Office, has appointed to enquire into tbe evils of the unrestricted immigration of aliens, especially as regard. London, and into foreign and colonial legislation restrict ing the immigration of aliens, and to recommend remedial and precautionary measures.

Disorder in Ireland.

London, Maroh 22

The Cabinet have resolved to enforce a portion of the Crimes Act in tha disturbed districts of Ireland.

Mr Cecil Rhcdes.

London, March 22

Mr Rhodes, despite the cooler weather, has had a relapse, and his condition is weaker. The hea,rt troubles recurred at night, and the patient is restless.

March 28 The general condition of Mr Rhodes is weaker.

The Ballarat Mmm Disaster.

Melbourne, March 2$ The bodies of Mansfield and Hunter, senior, have been recovered.

A Sydney Theatre Destroyed.

ONE LIFE LOST

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Syonby, March 23 Her Majesty's Theatre has been completely destroyed by fire, Excepting the Pitt street frontage, consisting of the vestibule and Her Majesty's and George Hotels, flanking each corner, the theatre is a complete wreck. The whole body of the build* ing is gutted f rem end to end, only the bare wales standing

A sad fatality occurred in oouneo« tion with the fire. A young woman named Bella Pye, employed in one of the shops running behind the theatre in Market street, escaped, but returning to warn the other iv mates, or to re cover some of her property, she waa buried under a mass of debris which fail from the theatre.

The caretaker discovered the out break shortly after six o'clock this morning, about an hour after the cleaners, whose duties, included the fumigation of a portion of the building, had left. Tbe flames had then ob tained a good bold. The caretaker warned the inmates of the two hotels in front, and of the adjoining shops ia Market and Pitt streets, who made a hurried exit, many being very lightly clad.

The fire spread with tremendoui rapidity, and afforded a magnificent Bpectacle, lighting up the city for miles. Sparks and brands were carried long distances

By the time the brigade* arrived on the scene the interior of the theatre wag well ablaze. The flames, fed by the vest macs of scenery, theatre properties, aud other inflammable material, swept from one cad to end in an incredibly short time. From the outset there wis no chance of saving the theatre, and the firemen confined their efforts chiefly to preventing the gutting of Her Majesty's and the George Hotels, and the shops along Market street. They were as sisted by tho towering walls along the lane on tbe Pitt street side of the rear of the theatre, and were fco a great extent successful. The portion of Her Ma jesty's Hotel along Market street waa damiged 'by fite, but the brigade managed to keep it from spreading through the froot part to Pitt street: The damage by water, however, as well as iv the George Hotel aud iv several shops iv Market Street, will be serious;

Three firemen were injured through falling through the roof, while working a hose, one of them, Gray, somewhat seriously

Mr J O Williamson, the lessee of Her Majesty's, loses very heavily. He has been most unfortunate over the drama "Ben flur. Just after its first produc tion, a few weeks ago, the theatre w*B closed on account of the outbreak of pltgue, resulting in considerable financial loss. Now (he whole of tbe properties and machinery of this very expensively gttged play have been com pletely destroyed.

The members of the company also suffer considerably.

It is a strange coincidence that tha theatre should have been destroyed an Palm Sunday, for the last scene " Ben Hur/'the piece that haa been played at the theatre, ia Palm Sunday Mount Olivet.

Mr Williamson Was not a insured. The cost of staging the piece was £6000. The season, a& far as Australia is con cerned, is thus terminated, as it would take a year to replace all the proper* ties, many of which had been imported. It is estimated that Mr Williamson will lose quite £15,000 through being deprived of tho use of the theatre.

The building, including the hotel, was insured for £18,000: The Sua office holds the prime risk of £10,000, which ia distributed among a nunrber of offices, including the New Zealand, South British, and National. The balance of £8000 ia covered by a pri vate insurance fund.

The origin of the fire is a mystery* It was in no way connected with tha fumigation process.

Affairs in China.

United-Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright London, March 22 In the House of Commons Viscount Cranborne, iv reply to a question, said the Chinese reported that the troops in Kwangsi rebelled because their pay was in arrears,

Remission of Tea Duty.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

* Sidney, March 22

A large section of the tea, trade strongly condemns the abolition of the duty, and says that it means a large loss of revenue to the Government, and is a cruel blow to the trade. It will benefit no one, not even the consumer^ The Queensland and South Australian States Treasurers consider that it is a most inopportune curtailing of the re venue, and spells vigorous curtailment of expenditure and probably further taxation. It is understood that an effort will be made in the Federal House to re-commit tea for duty. Mr Barton strongly support! tbe idea.

THB ASHBUBTON QUAKDIAN: MONDAY MAKCHj 24, 1902



Date .larch it IS It

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Rues - 6 10 - 6 11 6 13 6 14 6 15

Sets 6 2 6 1 5 5! 5 5' 5 51



.Ast quarter .Saw moon .pogae .erigee P irsb quarter full moon Ipogee

2 10 2 14 17 24 29

10 9 pm 2 20 p m !8 30a m 8 Oam 9 43 a m 2 51 p m 4 Oam



P' FMRRTMAN 1 "~~~~~Yon SALE, j ALLENTON A COMFORT ABLE HOUSE togefter with oca aore of land. Farther, conveniences comprise W&shhome and copper, Stable and Traphousa aod Fowl ran. This is & very desirable little property und the owner has given m_ insiirucUoas to effect « speedy t_s.l@. Further particulars on application to F FERRIMAN. Land and Estate Agent, Havelock Street, Ashburton FOR SAL® Clarke Street and AUan'B Road, AlUn'-.om I AM Initracted to sell thab very desir able residence containing 6 rooms, pantry and porch, together with fine aore and B«tn perches of land situated ». above The property is for immediate sale, and at the price oekad ihou.d command a ra _dy sale. Full particulars may be had on appli catiou to B" FERRIMAN, Land and EaUto Agent Haveiook Street. FoX SALE, A FARM of 150 Acres of Plains Laud. Apply F FERRIMAN Land and Estate Agent FOR SALE I HAVE received mstruotioft. from Mrs Hardley, Senr, to sell her property fronting on tho East Beb and Eton Street, oampriiing one acre and forty perohea of land, upon whioh is erected dwelling houae containing Dining room 18 x 16, Sitting Room, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Kitohen and Bcttllery ; two stalled Stable and Fowlhouae. I4i* property is well aupplied wbh water from a wiadnsill and tank. Part of tbe land is laid out in g.rden and orchard, Full particulars on application to F FERRIMAN Laud and Estate Agent, Havelock Street FOE SALE Fatm of 121 Acres aituatcd at Fiemiagton I HAVE reoeived instructions to Bell a very convenient farm ei.Q&ted aa above, with all the usual farm improvements. This property on account of the owner having purchased a larger farm is for imrne* dbta 9_!o and ooaupation, and is admirably adapted for a dairy farm. Further particulars on to F. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent.' Haveiook Streeti BUSINESS NOTICES HAYii. YuU* TRIED OUR <*S-3 lOs 8-DJ.XS. Only this yeat'a Tweeds sold. We fearlessly assert this is sterling value. MeOOIN A J._l> _S© 00., TAiums WANTED toCle.r— tfew Goods arriv ing during sa'e will be sold at) sale prices S Pulley Belts I_, Is Si 5 Trimmed Aptom Is, la 3d, Is 4|l— Pj.A_.C-. S Drapery {-*.!» ffIHE LAST DAYS -OF SALE of GIBBARD'S STUCK GIBBARD'S STOCK GIBBARD'S STOCK BARGAINS BARGAINS BABGAINS Gent's Natural Pant.., sale price Is 6d Gent's Merino half Kos.,   6rl Gent'a Soft Fell: R_ts   1=« 11 d Gent'j. Tweed Suits   22 _ Ladies'F>st Dyel HoSa „ „ 10£ i Irtdies'Lisle & Cotton..loves  6d Ladies Ur>bre&kab.eCori>etß,,  2s fid Ladies' Summer Singlets  1, 91 LOOK HERE LOOK HERE Hem Stitched Handkerchief. Ib 9d half dozen White Calioo for lining 2s 9d dozen Floral Art Mm lin 2s lid drzen Paper Collars 3d box, Bib 3d, DRESS GOODS DRESS GOODS DRESS GOODS Lbb« than Ohrls)church Prices. fWal Blaok Silk finißh Lußtota ?s 6d Diess ALL MDUOEO. tjiaoiearns. Floorcloths, Curtains, Sheet, lag, Towels, OL'oileb Covers, Quilts, O. tl'itss rpanes Good Washing Prints 3a 9d dtzm. B'log yonr ready Money and geb good Goods in Exchange THE POLYTECHNIC. Late GIBBARD S, Tanored Street. VOICE PRODUCTION, SINGING St, PIANOFORTE. Mrs Johnston RESUMED Teaching on THURSDAY 30i)h Jan, Havelock Street "~LAW^3 SHEEP DW. HUE BEST AND THE CHEAPEST. fIIHE ABhburton and Tinwald Yards are X now ia operat ion under the experienced management of Mb ._■ WcQoiiEN. tIEBMS Cash LAWE'S POWDER DIP. LAWE'S FLUID DIP. Go sales at the Stores, Saunders* Buildings, at lowest rates. W, W. WHITE, Attorney for 80? EDWARD SAUNDERS; WANTED KNOWN—Thao Iwn prepared to give Estimates for M Phimber.' and GaeHtting Work, and can gnarantee complete satisfaction. Hot and Cold Water Services laid on. Well Sinking, Baths, Tanks, and Boiler Frames. Having had a iong experience in Gun Repairs, those Sportsmen who require their Guns repaired toy an Export should bring them to me early, as tho season is olceo upon us, WILLIAM R. HYDE, Barnett Street, Next Door to Club. .Plumber, Loakumith, Gatfibter & Tlpemitl!. Lowesc prices compatible with goori workmanship 3 5 \jl/ANll-U KNOWN-That"our~l)re..- VV nwkiug Department is in full swing. Orders for Easier Holidays should be given it CBoe.-MXICKBI.I_ & QCgrkkb.



[ * BUSINESS NOTICES I — ~-— .. _, —. ..__j* SEASONABLE LINES. I SHEEP NETTING. SHEEP NETTING. SHIEP NETTING. !MANUBE 10BKS. MANURE IURKS. DRAGS with Square or Round Tines j GORSE KNIVES, GORSE KNIVES, GORSE KNIVES, Whitfihouae's Speoial Slasher. Also extra Blades made and guaranteed to be the Best. Martin's, Edwards', and all other approved brands in stock at W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER & GOAL MERCHANTS. East and West Streets, Ashburton. Telephone 14 P.O. Box 35 imwni hi '»mil iin mil ■fiiimmiiiwß«iiiiiiiiMii—i—mi—■■■■—■—i—— ■m-hwiii-M—__" ■wnrni. —I — MELLO R'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE THE LEADING BOOT SHOP, <——— :x? — < —■— PRONOUNCED by the Ashburton Public to be the most reliable Boot Shop In Ashburton. Wise Fathers and Mothers, if you wish to save money go straight to MELLOR'S NOTED BOOT SHOP, where yon will get the besb value in Foot wear. The following are a few of our prices :«— Men's Good Strong Shooters 10s Men's Lace Boots, great value, 7s lid Girls' Shoes, wonderful quality, 10 fco 13, 5s 6d Ladies' Pretty Strap Shoes, only 6a 3d Girls* and Boys' Sohool Boots from 4s 6d And a thousand other lines that cannot be b3aten for price or quality Remember, if you give us .a trial you will be convinced that MELLOR'S Zealandia Boob Store leads for value in BOOTS and SHOES. Note the address— JT; MUSLLOB, ZEALANDIA 300 D STORE, Tancred Street, Ashburton i JM_H__lM_ll_^^ BLANKETS, BUGS, ELANNELS, AND WOOLLEN UNDERCLOTHING. T7_IRST Consignment of the new Wools direct from the mills, at lower price than ever sold in New Zealand,-at ALCORN'S Drapery, Clothing, end Boot Warehouse FARMS FOR PRIVATE SALE. Vfcr^ HAVE THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES FOR PRIVATE SALE : -376 acre farm at Waterton, with 4 roomed houae, 4 stall stable, loose box, and granary j good cropping and grass land 400 acre farm at Llsraore, good improvements ; 250 acres in grass, 50 acres ready for wheat, 60 turnips, and 50"stubble j 7 roomed house, stable, woolshed, granary 786 acre farm at Newlanda, with 5 roomed house; acres in turnips, 600 newly laid down, 187 old pasture 730 acres. Hinds district, good buildings, all in grass, well fenced and subdivided into 9 paddocks, well watered 1100 acre farm at Ealing, no Improvements ; 800 aorea in tussocks, balance in turnips 405 acre farm at Ealing, with 4 roomed house, stable, and other Improvements j all in grass 500 acrea at Methven, 8 roomed house, and other Improvements 156 aore farm at Flemington, 4 roomed house and stable, well watered and 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 acre farm at Seafield, 4 roomed house, stable 262 aore farm at Flemington,v highly improved, divided into 8 paddoske, well fenced and watered, 6 roomed house, granary, outhouse, 4 roomi, 6 Stall Btable, and other necessary outbuildings 3800 acres, all in grass, well fenced and subdivided ; all well watered and good plantations ; oioso to railway ; with good buildings, house, woolshed, oottsge, and other improvements ; easy terms. (This {property can be sold subdivided in two blocks ) We shall bs glad to give the falle .t Information to Intending purchasers, and show them over any of the above properties. FRIEDLANDER BROS., LTD, J. WILSON DIRECT IMPORTER OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. A Competent Set of Tradesmen kept for Hoaaa Painting and Decorating in all its Branches, for Town and Country. I Have a Well Assorted Stock ot MIXED PAINTS In Large or Small Quantities; also Painb Brushes White Lead Linseed Oils (Raw or Boiled B or i m Window Glass Fancy Glass Turpentine Benzine Methylated Spirits Artists' Material Beautiful MIRROR GLAISS ia large sheet?, can be cut to any sizs ———■mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm—mmwmmm—wmmmmmmmwmmmmmmmwmmm FIRST CONSIGNMENT NEW GOODS FOR THE AUTUMN & WINTER SEASONS NOW BEING DISPLAYED, A ND in consequence of a change in the Proprietorship of the Business, will be offered at specially low prices lo facilitate a settlement of Partnership accounts. SPECIAL.—A Greab Nnmber of Line, in our lasb Season's Stock will be sold daring this Season at specially redudEl_ prices, INSPECTION INVITED ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. _ '



FLESH TINTS. If your face Sa pale ib shows jjhafc the blood is thin, watery, and weak No women can be attractive wltfe a paleface and a weak and nervoua coasfcitption. Every pale woman should tsk@ Wilton'e Bovoferrom (beef and iron). It makes flesh and blood ; It gives nature a helping hand and gets the food's nubrltiv© elements Into the blood and into tfeo body, ft bailda np the system and brings back health and strength. Chemists and stores , 2a 6d Stroke -New Venus



Children Wjpjen Teething have more oe less diarrhea This should be controlled and ,ca» be, by giving Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and JDiarrhqsi Remedy! JSvery household should have a bottle at hand. Get ib today. Ib may save a life. The New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Asfcosiation of Canterbury, Limited, Ashburton, aeljs it,



Tea Competition—Fletcher $ros nex|) Tea Competition ptoses on Augpsfo §lsb<, First Prijse, either Handsome Clock and BroDZB or Hand Painted Dinner Seb ; also 19 other Prizes to be given away,; to the Jargesb consumers of their well Jsno^p "Wads of tea,,



Sander & Sons Eucalypti Extract,— Under bhe distinguished patronage of Hia Mc.je.ty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, acknowledged by Medical Clinics and Uni versltiea all over the globe. Thab the crude, r. ripens oils, whioh are now foisted upon the public und« the name of Euoalyp Exbraots, may nob be mistaken for Sander & Sons' Pure Volatile Eucalypti Extract, we state :—lb is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities ab Bonn and Griefswald (Prussia), thab only products bhab are saturated wibh oxygen and freed of acids, resinous and other substances adheren to primary distillation, will develop the curative properties possessed by bhe plant. To avoid bhe appalling consequences result ing from the application of substitute., etc, in croup, bronchitis, diphtheria, dysentery internal inflammatiop, etc., in?.«b ?n getting Sand.br and Sons' Ppbb Voi^tink Euq Lym Extract.' and be safe Wade s Teething Powders for Babies are soothing, reduce fever and . prevent Uotches; price, U !



Smoke Hew Venus



i SCARRED FOR LIFE. Many a once handsome, pleasing countenance has been 'scarred for life' through some irritating skin disease. Pimples, blackheads, rashes, boils, and sores strike the average individual as of no consequence ; they are irritating and uncomfortable, bub they are left to cure themselves. Often enough these simple skin eruptions develop into abscesses, tumors, carbuncles and scrofula, and ! those soars which tell a tale of pain and suffering remain to mar the facial beauty. Skin diseases require inward treatment to remove the taint from the blood, and to do this effectually there is nothing to equal Impey's May Apple, the Ideal family medicine. It stimulates the liver, clears the system of all impurities, and does lasting good. Sold by all chemists and storekeepers at 2s SI. Hoius Cygms—Tha display of Hollis eyolas now on view at John Orr & Go's is welt worthy of inspection by all cycling en thus* iasts. These machines are made from genuine B S A parts by the celebrated ganmakeraJ., Hollis 4 Sans, Birmingham, which should be sufficient guarantee of bheir efficiency. Ths models we have seen are superbly finished, and the high staadard of quality attained in the manufacture of bhe Hollis bicycle hat been most rigidly maintained. Wade's Worm Figs are mos* , effective and not unpleasant; children ! thrive after taking theoa price, Is