Mail Notices

Mails clone for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations —

FRIDAY, March 14

For Northern Ports and Westporfc, also Australian Sutes and South Afrioa, per W^ihora, at 10.30 am

For Northern Ports and Westport, per Mapontika, »t> 6.30 pm

SATURDAY, March 15

For Australian States, India, China, Straits Settlements, United Kingdom. Continent of Europe, eto, (due London, March 23rd), specially addressed via Brindisi, also for South Africa, at IS 30 p m ifor Northern Ports, per Te Anau, at 10.30 a m

Foe Northern Ports and Weatport, per Rotomahana, at 6,30 p m

MINING

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

DoNEDitr, March 14 Today's salea—Olris 2ii 6d, 243 3d, 24s ; Paofcolua 42a 93, 42s 9d

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON WOOL SALES.

London, March 12 The wool sales have opened with a strong demand, and prices range from par to a 7£ per cent advance on the rates at the preceding sales, London, March 13 Messrs Balme'B, Buxtoa's, and Jacomb's joint catalogue comprised 10,206 bales of good selections. There was a large attend ance from all quarters, and brisk general competition, Home buyers securing the bulk of the uflirivg. Compared with February rates, merinos were from par to five per cant higher, and orossbrsds five to seven and a half per cent higher, mediums showing the greatest appreciation

RAM AND EWE FAIR.

Ohristchuhch, March 13

The annual ram fair of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association opened today. Although the entries were consider* ably beiow those of last yeir, the supply proved beyond the demand, owing doubtless to the many large sales which have been made privately, and owing.to the late date at which the fair is fixed. Shropshire Downs were a drug, mostly selling at under 2gna. Threequarter breds and halfbreds were barely represented, and there wore very few Lincolas. Sales were only effected at Jgfi to 2zas; Border Lsioesters were well represented, but only brought from Ign to 3gns. The sale of English Leioeeters, of which there is a large entry, wan about half through when work closed for the day, and these met a slightly batter demand, the top price befog 16|gns. but) moss of those offered sold at under 3gns. A largo number of cheap were withdrawn at auction, many i f which were taken privately afterwards.

METHVEN YARDS.

There was an entry of nearly 9000 aheep at the Methven sale yesterday, ohiffiy com posed of good straight) lines of breeding ewea and store lambs, of which some six thousand ware sold. There weie a few lines of dealers' and North Island ewea, with two good lineß of station ewes, The Btore lambs were very good and of even quality, and met with good competition, ivnly a couple of pens of fab lambs were yarded. Pricaß kept well up to late rates, Btore lambs being la in advance of lasb weeks prices. A very nice even line of English Leicester ewe lambß from Phillips's Point Station brought 103. Prices were—Fat lambs 12a &d ; store halfbred lambs, 7e 6d to 10s; croßsbrod lambs, 7s 3d, 9a 7d to 10) 4d ; two tooth wethers, 9a 9d to 10a 3d; four tooth wethers a very good line, 14a 6d ; hatfbred ewes, 10s 9d ; two, four, and six tooth halfbrod ewea, 9j 9i to lls; eight tooth ewe«, 9a 7d to 10a j fab merino ewee, 4' to 4s 6d ; f*t haUbred ewes, 73 6.^, B*, 93 Id. A good lino of even quality ewes from Mr Ulvefcts property-—full mouthed brought 12s Sd, aid a straight) line of last eoaaona halfbred Glenmaik ewea made lie.

RAM FAIR

After the Methven ehaep sale yesterday a small ram fair was held, when several pona of English Leicester and Shropshire rnma from Mounb View Station were offared. These rams were a fine even lot, and were well brought oub. There waa also an entry of Dorset Horn rams, bred and entered by Mr J Bibbs, of Methveo, which met wibh favourable criticism, and were sold by Mir D Thomas ab 2gs for lambs, to 2£gs and 4gs for two booths

DEATH.

Crosso*. —On Thursday, 13th Inat, s.b Aahton, MARY, the beloved wife of James Crosson, in her 48th year.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1902. Local and General

Wbascheb Forecast! — Oapbala Edwin wires:—Moderate southwest) bo vest and southeast winds j glass rise.

Old Men's Home, —Tenders for anp» plies to the Old Men's Home close on Monday, ISth Inafc.

The Pbemibr.—The Premier passed trough Ashburbon laeb evening by the South express, and the Mayor took the opportunity to wish him, on behalf of the citizens of Ashburbon, a pleasant trip to the Old Country. The Premier was In high epirits, and expressed himself greatly pleased with bis reception in Duoodln.

The Ciocic—Sir J. G. Ward, the post master General, was Interviewed by the Mayor as he passed through by the South express last evening. The Postmaster General assured the Mayor that the clock would certainly be supplied on the terms originally promised but he did nofc ball him when.

A Pro-Boer Punished—A Wanganni pro Boer named Michael Foiey epoko disparag ingly about the Seventh Contingent the othor day. An old soldier named Briggs aeiz3d him, shook him vigorously, bore hia clothes, and threw him to bhe footpabh. Briggs was subsequently charged wibh assault, and an &pglicabion was made that he be bound over to keeg the peaoe.^ The defecdanb was fined five'shillinge, without ooste, but Mr Kettle, - thinking, no doubt,, tfa&t Foley deßerved something of whab h^j got, rafaaed bo oail for sureties.

An AieEKjEGAS* Opinion—A letter has been received by a public officer in Wellington from the editor of an American newspaper, in which the writer said; litble country ia attracting more than any other place on earth. Millions of people have been given hope by your example. You are the greatesb factor in civilisation bodayi You are making history more endur ing than military marshals.'

Big Engineering Scheme—The Cz*r has just sanctioned a remarkable engineering prioSaet~-bhe raising of the aurfaoe of bhe water of ifce gas of Azot 14fb Bin, by build ing a dim nea* &erjboh nine miles long. In bhe wall immenpe sea gaijeji are to be made for the passage of shipß. Tjjier,* j*JJI also be outlets for the superfluous water. The .goat will be aboub £5,000,000, the interest on which will be paid by ships trading to the ports alfeetfift*

B.8;A A-st^x^nsak—The latent Atalanta cyclefi are built entirely of J.&02 genuine B.S. A parts, fitted with plated pime, Pr-nlop or Palmer tyres, and ara wibhoGt a doufci) the Btroogest, and moafc sasy rwaning : 8.>0.A roachioe obtainable in the colony, Morbjtb Oateß. Lowry & Co, are the sole makers for New Zealand*

Magistebial—At the Police Court this mornlog, before Mr B Alcorn, J.P, a first offender, who was arrested yesterday by Constable Hammond, for drnakenness, was convisted and discharged with a caution.

The Vaidares—Mr James Morgan, the advance manager for the Valdare'a Woild of Novelties company, is now in Ashburton arranging for the appearance of the Company here on Thursday and Friday, the 20th and 21st. Tha Company last appeared in Ashburton socne two nnd a half years ago, when they made a decidedly favourable impression.

The Late School Sports Meeting — Schools are reminded by advertisement in another column that the eventß which were not concluded, owing to the rain setting in on the day of the Ashburton Combined School Sports meeting, will be ran off on Easter Monday on the Oval, by the kind permission of the Ashbnrton Cycling and Athletic Club, whose meeting takes place on that day.

Medical Attendance at the Hospi tal—A motion by Mr Hugo Frledlander, to rescind a resolution of the Hospital Board passed in Deoember last, permitting patients In the hospital to ba attended by their own di ctors, was rejected at the meeting of the Board today, by 7to 5, afcer a long discussion, in which Messrs Friedlander, Reid, and Andrews were the chief speakers. A fall report is anavold ably held over.

The Khaki—At the New Zealand Cycling Championship meeting at Invar cargill on Wadneaday, Mr H Holland won the Wheel Race, value £20, on a Khaki bicycle.

The BtJBPLOB—'How do you aooounb for a surplus if the Government are Bhorb ef money ?' was a question put to Mr Hogg, the member for Mssterton, at a recent meeting. The answer:—' lam nob in the eecret3 of the Cabinet, bat I think I can answer the question, Ib is a well known arithmetical puzzle, very easily solved if you only know ib. (Laughter.) You think of a number—l mean the balanoe or surplus from livst year. Double it. Add a loan of a million to ib. Halve it. Subtract the first number yon thought of from it; and half a million remains. That's the surplus.' (Roars of laughter.)

Didn't Come OFF~Mr Hans Baaer, member of the Khodeslun Legislative Council, speaking at a political meeting in England, said that when passing through Capetown a month ago he was shown a glass tumbler, one of a consignment of 20,000 Bent to South Africa two montha before the outbreak Of hostilities, and bearing the ooat of arms of the United South African Republic and the motto of the Transvaal, for drinking the health of the victorious Boers. He was also Bhown one of 183,000 forms of application for citizenship printed before the oubreak.

* Pblorous Jaok's ' RiTAia—• Peloroas Jack,' the big white fish that haunts the French Pass, and lies in wait tor passing steamere, swimming in front of each for a mile or two, has hitherto been considered to be unique in New Zealand waters, but he now appears to have rivala on the West Oo&atof the North Island according to the Wellington Post. Shortly after the Takapnna left) New Plymouth for Wel lington on Tuesday three white fihh made their appearance, and accompanied her south for fchfl ppica of an hour, exhibiting all the mannerisms of their contemporary in the Sounds.

Amebican Manufactures. — Farther proof of the inroads Americana are making npon tho boob trade of this colony is disclosed by the fact that a steamer which arrived at Wellington a few days ago from New York brought amongst her cargo no fewer than five hundred oases of boots and shoes for the New Zealand market. This department of industry ia apparently not the only one in which the Americans are seeking to outrival British manufactures, for it is now becoming evident) that the quantity of American wall paper imported into this country is rapidly increasing.

Curious Discovery— A find was made on the Waibi beach bhe obber day (says the Auckland Star) by two W&ifai gentlemeu who were proceeding along the beach to where bhe Waihi Beach claims aro Bituated They were riding high up on tbe beach, clear of the fturf, as bhe tide was full in, when one of bha party observed some bleached bones, which he thought on first sight bo be those of an animal, bub whioh, on closer examina tions were discovered to be a complete human skeleton, partly concealed by the sand, and the remains of whab was evldenbly & ooffini Tha diaoovery led bo finding two more broken coffine with human skeletons, in mmh bhe same condition as bhe first. Oa further inveebig&tion no lees than six skulls were found, all within an area of 15yds or 20yds. The three coffins were much broken and decayed. Four years ago Dr Wrl^hb {formerly ab Waihi) secured a oomplebe human skeleton in bhe sandhills wibhiu 100 yds or so of the opposite headland, and broughb it bo his surgery, where he pnt It together in complete form without bhe lose of a bone.

DisiNTERMENTS—The Chinese residents of bha colony are ab present, says the Otago Daily Timtf, carrying out), under warrant) from the Colonial Secretary, a dlsinbertnenb of the remains of Chinese buried in the various cemebrieet, for removal bo China, in accordance with the requirements of thetr religion. The Dunedin oases awaiting ship* meat to China are bo be stored in a shed ou Mr A Rutherford's property in the Lower Kftikorai Valley* Tbe work of dJHlnterrnenb, which will be commenced shortly, is to be carried on between daylight and noon, and no funerals or visitors are to be allowed into bhe cemetery during thehours of exhumabion. The coffins are bo be placed in substantial lead or zinc casings, which must be hermebi gaily sealed and covered wibh a strong ouber ligiDg of wood, and dis'nfeobanbe—-ahloride of lime and Calyerfc'a carbolic acid—are to be plentifully used, Before leaving eff work eaoh day the graves must be filled up, fche coffins hermetically sealed, and all oause of nuisance removed to tt.e satisfaction of the

aejcbou,

Yf.t&h Statistics.—la the Gazette issued laab evening, the Registrar General publishes a report on cho vital statistic returns from the fogr chief towns of the colony dating last year. In Auckland there were 1448 births and 577 deaths j la Wellington 1326 births and 50,8 deaths • in Ohriatahnrch JIBO births and 577 deaths ; in Banedln 1280 births and 613 deaths ; the totals being 5284 births and 2275 deaths. From a table showing the causes of thaso deaths ib appears that tubercular diseases still form the greatest scourge in the colony. Two hundred and eeven persons died from phthisis, and 56 from other aliied diseases, this being 11,66 of the total deaths from all causes. Heart disease claimed 172 victims during the year, cancer 154, pneumonia 135, and bronchitis 111. Influenza led to the death of 74 persons, apoplexy of 79, and scarlefc fever of 74. Ninety four persons died violent deaths during the year, 24 by drowning. 13 by burns, and 10 by being ran over, the remainder by various acci tl.ants. There were 23 cases of suicide. Cutting the jthroat $nd shooting were rivals in popelaj? 'methodg of self destruction, six persona having ta&en their lives by the former method and five ,by the latter. The percentage of deaths of children under five to the total number of deaths in Auckland was 30,15, in Christchurch 27.04, in Wellington 32.28, in Dunedm only 20.23. The total number of deaths under five Is 618, or 27-16 per cent: of all the deaths, as againab 574 and 27.28 for 1900. Deaths of persons of 65 ajaxi upwards numbered 586 last year, in J9OO they were &05.

SCHOOL EXCURSION.

The annual excursion of the Borough Sohool took place yesterday, the weather being very favourable. The arrangements made by the Railway Department were, on the whole, satisfactory, there being plenty of room for all the excursionists, who numbered abou*) 700. The attempt to reserve aernain carriages for the children whose friends could not take oharge of them, so that they might) bs under the care of the sohool teachers, was not altogether success ful, as the public disregarded the tiokets on the windows, scd took possession of all the first class carriages and some of the seoond in that section of the train. However, the teachers managed ro get their charges together both going and coming, and no contretemps ooourred during the day. The excursionists, who did not stop in Christ* church, went on to Sumner, where they spent a very pleasant day on the beach in the üßuai way, reaohing home about) 820 p.m., after ft very enjoyable outing. The rain storm, which broke over Asfabarton between seven and eight o'clock, struck tha train just on fchia side of Rakaia, but by the time ib reached Ashburton the rain had oeaaed, end everybody was able to get home with dry clothes. We oughb not to omit mentioning that the comfort) and pleasure of the ohildren were specially looked after by the Chairman of the Sohool Committee, Mr W Or&ighead, aoly assisted by Mr J B Christian, the Secretary, and as moat of the teachers of the Echool were also similarly engaged, the youngsters had a good lime altogether.

Ashburton Swimming Club

The Ashburton Swimming Ciub's seoond meeting this season took plaoa yesterday afternoon, the weather, which had been threatening in the morning, clearing up, and turning out all that could be desired. Owing to the eohool excursion taking place on the same day, the attendance was not) so good as might have baen expected, bat these present weze not disappointed in the pro gramme that was carried oat. Amongst the competitors were Messrs Trusoott, Soott Colville, and Anysley, from Chrißtohurah, and Mr Rhind from Lyttelton, and some keen and exciting contests took place in the oouisa of the afternoon* Too muoh credit cannot be given to the officers of the Glob for the energy they displayed from first to last in connection with this meeting, and Messrs F J Wathew, the Captain, and G T Robinson, Secretary, deserve special men tion for their efforts to make the affair a success, The Mayor (Mr Collins) opened the proceedings with a short address, in which ha emphasised the value of swimming to every member of the oomraunioy. Ping porg and lawn tennis were all very well in their way, but swimming had a nlitarlan value, which those pastimes did nob possess. He thought the Swimming Club especially deserved well of the public of thie town, seeing chat it had been carried, on for years under considerable disadvantage^ The following are the results of the various events :—

20 Yards Maiden (club members) —Firab heat—F Clark 1, R Northoote 2; time, 24£ieo. Second heati—D Thomas 1, G T Robinson 2 ; time, 2i£;ao< Final—Thomas 1, NorthcoteS; time, A good race, Northcote a fair sacond

50 Yards (infceroiub)—Firstheab—Cßryant 1, A Sparrow 2 ; tima, 37§3ec, Second heat —Scott Oolville J, F Clark 2 ; time, 34|k)o. Third heat—T J Wa&hew 1, B Rhtnd 2; time, 35|3ec. Final—Rhind 1, Wathew 2 ; time, 35ieo. The bes'o race of the day ; Rhind won on the touoh

30 Yarda School Boys' Championship— E Clark (Borough School) 1, 8 Wbitakor (Borough School) 2 ; timp, 25$aeo. G Harris and L Helen also started

25 Yards Dash (olub)—First heat—T J Wathew 1, H Moon 2; time, 2O3ec. Second heat—D Thomas 1, F Clark 2 ; time, 22sec. Final—Thomas 1, Wathew 2, Moon 3 ; time, 20aieo Also started—A MoGallum, H Fooke, R Northoote and H Harrison

High Dive (ißterclub)—H Moonl, Ttuscott 2. The following also competed—s Books, H Harrison, F Clark, G Bryant, 0 Northoote, A Sparrow, A MaOallum, B Rhind. An excellent dive, Moon subsequently gave an exhibition dive from the top of the trestle

Mafeking Handicap (school boya), 25 yards —First heat—S Bass 1, L Madden ; time, 25aec, Second heab—E Ciark 1, S Whibaker 2 ; time, 24sec. final—Clark 1, Wnitaker 2 ; time, 25seo Several others Htnrted

P.'ungo—Soott Oolville 1, B Rhlnd 2, Several competed

Obstacle Race % competitors bo go under rope, through hoops, and over bar—C Ayneley 1, F Truaootb 2. An interesting race

CansolabioQ Race, 50 yards ; prize kindly donated by a gentleman on the ground—-F Clark 1, Truscobb 2

T J Wathew give an exhibition called bhe Monte Ohrtsto feat, which consisted of being tied in a bag containing stones, and being thrown into the water, whence ho imtnedi~ ately emerged. This its the same feat that Ernie Cavili performed here eotne years ago, and Wathew carried ib out very successfully

Last Night's Storm.

The centre of the storm which took place lasb evening About eighb o'clock seeems bo have been ah Laesbon, only the oubslde of ib reaobiug Ashburbon, for it does nob appear that any damage has baen done locally,

United Press Association-—By Bleoorlo I'elegraph

Leeston, March 14

At eight o'clock laab night Leeston was visited by a terrible thunderstorm and whirlwind, which did a deal of damage to property, also seriously iojurlng several people. The thunderstorm waa the heaviest ever known in tsho district* The lightning was extremely vivid, and appeared to burst) in thousands o! bolts just over Leeston. In the middle of the etorm a whirlwind struck the town of Leoston, completely overturning the Salvation Army Barracks and le&vieg the building upside dowol The building i« 150fb long by 100 ft wide, and is now standing on its roof unbroken, , Mr James Maxwell's wheelwright's chop was oemplotely taken away, and deposited on Durant'a grain store aud in other places. Mr Duranfa %tv>\a store was partly unroofed, and its windows were broken, the stables being wrecked. Mr Tisaes's watchmaker's shop ia turned right round, and Mr Cunningham's grooery store is damaged. The Salvation Army were holding a service ab the barracks at the time of the disaster, aud the people were inside the building ab the time it was turned over. Ensign D*vies has his arm broken, Mrs Daviea and other members are cub and shaken. A very heavy rain fell, almost like a waterspout.- The rainfall was particularly heavy at Dunaandelj

Bands' Contest.

United Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph

New Plymouth, Maroh 13 The Bands' Contest was continued today, The following are the results :—

B flab horn solos—M'Kersey (Dunedin Navals), 79 points, 1; M'Neil (Kaikorai). 78 points 2; Walmsley, (Welliagton Garrison), 76 points 3, Mellor (WaihlJ, 75 points, 4: Eighteen competed. It appears Impoaslblo 6o finish the programme before Saturday night!. L^rge crowds are in town for the marching competition today, ans a great financial auccgsa \s asaarsd. One of the principal competitions ips deolded this afternoon, namely, th,e marching contest. About persons were present. Thirteen bands competed, and the results were as follows ;—Wan ganui, 164 ; Palmerston, 141; Denniston, 140 ; T*ranaki Garrison, 140 ; Hauraki, 138 j Wellington, 136 ; Ka)korai t 133 ; Masterton, 133; North East; Valloy, 132: Raahlne, 132; Walhi, 128; Dunedin Navals, 125 ; Granity Creek, 125. March 14

B flab solo, cornet—J Parker, Wellington, '?9, lab; J Richards, Granlty Creek, 77, 2ad; E Kerr, Kaikorni, 77 P 3rd. q?hers were twenty competitors

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

THE SMALLPOX OUTBREAK

London, March 12 Eighty deaths from smallpox were reported during the week in Lcndon.

THE HIGHT HOURS SYSTEM

The House of Commons, by 224 to 158, negatived the limitationof the underground hours for colliers under twenty one to eight hoars per day.

THE BRITISH NAVY.

Mr H Arnold Foster, bhe Secretary to the Admiralty, favours Mr Trevalyan's suggestion to hold preliminary colonial examinations for naval cadets.

THE OHILUN NAVY,

Chili has ordered from Armstrong's and the Vickers-Maxhn Company two 12,000 ton cruisers, at a cost of over £1,G00,000 each, to be delivered within eighteen months.

A DYING RACE.

Lord Lamington, Deputy Governor of Queensland, in a paper which he read at the Oolonlal Institute, dwelb on the appallingly awifb disappearance of the aborigines of Queensland.

A FEDERAL LOAN. Mklboubne, March 13

The firsb Federal loan of £250,000, at 3 per cent, will be placed locally during the next three or four weeks. Experts declare that ib can be floated at par.

THE MOUNT LYELL MINE

The Mount Lyell returns from February 8 to March 4 show that 21,229 tons were treated, also 5922 tons of purchased ore. The converters produced 788 tons of blister copper, containing copppr 780 tons, silver 57,062 onnces, and gold 1671 ounces.

The Condition of Ireland.

THE ROYAL VISIT ABAN DONED.

United PraßS Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright London, March 13 It is officially announced that tho King, on tho advice of Ministers, has expressed regret to Lord Cadogan that the visit of himself and Queen Alex andra to Ireland cannot ttke place this year.

Violent members of tho League are jubiUnt, and interpret the announce raent as a result of their protests against the threatened revival of the Crimes Aot.

A large section of Irishmen, including the temperate Nttiontiists, consider that the decision is t great blow to Ireland. The Time* declare th«fe it ia a natartl consequence of the flagrtnt display of disloyalty and sedition some Nationalists hare chosen to indulge Id, in the House of Commons;

SOUTH AFRICA.

United Press ABSoolatlon—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;

London, March 12

Mr M'Neill, the moat demonstrative cheerer in the House of Commons when the news of the disaster to Lord Methuen's force was announced, baa received several threatening letters;

General Richthofen, the Gercaan Minister of Foreign Affairs, ia his speech ab Beit, admitted that the sen timent a of the Anglophobes were in spired only by a regard for German interests. March 13 Partial casualty lists of the Twebosch affair show that four officers and sixty men were killed, ten officers and one hundred and eight men wounded, and two hundred missing.

Advices from Heilbron state that Do Wet and Steyn, on the night of March 9, crossed the railway north wards of Wolverhoek, going westward. The columns were almost in touch

A Boer commandant, Odendal, and Captain Vanderwolt were killed in a skirmish at Eeaston.

Renter gives details of the Vrede fight. The Boers twice tried unsuc cessfully to rush through the Queens land Bushmen outpost line, and then attacked the New Zealanders. The enemy, led by De Wet, Weasels and Manic Botha, rushed the left post, killing five and wounding six. They then worked along the flank and cap tured a post after the men forming posts on the right flank fell back on Colonel Rimington's column, his pom pom servers being killed. Then two New Zaalanders, under a heavy fire, wheeled the pom pom down a gully and overturned it, thus saving it from capture. Lord Kitchener, addressing the New Zealandery, praised their gallant resistance against overwhelming odds.

The Brussels correspondent of the Standard states that General Botha's move southwards, and his ordering De La Rey to advance were done to divert attention from De Wet, and intended to enable the latter to re-organise. If Botha is attacked by a superior force he will enter Swaziland under a secret treaty,

Melbourne, March 13

General Hutfcon, the Commandant of the Federal Forces, on being inter viewed, paid a high trihuta to Lord Methuen's gallantry and perseverance, in the face of difficulties,

The Liberal Party.

London, March 13

Mr Morley, speaking at Manchester, admitted that it was difficult to dig* cuss the Iriah question after Monday's incident, some Nationalists committing a graat breach of right feeling *nd decency. Such an exhibition was execrable, Preferring to South Africa, he deplored the disaster as prolonging the war, bat added that when Lord Milner and Mr Kroger met at Bloem fontein, if Lord Milner had been, patient, wiae and discreet—' crafty, if you like'—there would have been «a war, Replying to Lard Bosebery, he said that the first business of the Liberals was to make a league of peace, and meanwhile maintain old prin ciples.

Imperial Defence.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright)

Melbourne, March IS

Mr Barton, referring to Mr Gilbert Parker's Bnggestion that the colonies should co op'rate with the Motherland in a defence gchemo,, said that itgecmed like taxation without) representation. The proposal would place a larger financial burdon on Aastralia than she was able to betr at present.

The Plague.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Sydney, March 13

The following plague cases are reported •—Ponsonby, a rat catcher, dead; Lloyd, employed at »n hotel in the city ; Ingham, residing at Annan dtlt!; Miss Richardson, « waitress at a restaurant in Oastie Gastlereagh Street,

1 Melbourne, March 13

Two teuemeatß, in one of which Quaatock, b plague p«tient, dwelt, bftvt been burnt by the health Aathoritiep,

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph

Auckland, March 13 At a oonferetsoe regarding the pUgae precautions, Dr Valentine urged tha necessity for joint action by the local authorities. He said that if the Health Department) did not geib proper sanitation on shore they would have to fall back on quarantining vessels for the fall incubation period of ten days. Sanitary matters would have to be better organised before tbs Department could absolutely say they oould do withoub quarantine, but they hoped not to have to enforce it. The meeting agreed to aek the suburban bodies to contribute to the salary ot a sanitary inspector, and to increase the price of nits to threepence per head.

Interprovnicial

United Press Association—By Eieotrlo Telegraph

Gisbobnh, March 13

At the inquest concerning the death of Peroival Barker, aged (ieventy nine, pastora list, the verdict was that be bad died from failure of the heart's action. The evidence showed that he had probably been affected by the hob day and smoke from a clearing fire. A workman, noticing a horse with tha Horn- etirrup acroea the saddle, searohed for Mr Barker and found him dead.

Wellington Mar oh IS

The Finance Committee recommended to the City Council tonight that) a loan of £230X00 b« raised for water supply purposes, So be coincident with the tramways loan of £330,000 just sanctioned by tha ratepayers. The interest required on tha whole loan will be £9200 per anantn, with £1115 sinking fund. The report wai adopted i

Tho Minister of Public Works has received a letter from tho manager of tho Maaawata Railway Company, stating that counsel i»i advised the directors that the Act of lntt session is insufficient to protect; the share holders' liability with respect to the uncalled capita!. The directors therefore cannot advise the shareholders to proceed under the Act for th"c setle of the line to tie Government.

Christchurch, Mirch 13 She Hokitika Gold Dredging Company Is claiming £91 from Mr Keith Ramsay, of Bunedin. According to the statement of claim Mr Ramsay agreed to carry machinery for the plaintiff from Auckland toGreymouth for £350. The machinery was curried, bat) the boi'er was left behind, and is eoati plaintiff* £i sto get tho boil er dowa in addition to £14 expenses ao Auckland, by reason of the boiler being left on the wharf. Plaintiff alec claims £22, value of a pinion wheel broken oa board. Defendant counter claim* for £20, two cays 1 delay in loading the machinery at Auckland,

Dunedih, March 13 At Ihe icquESt today on the body of an infant, who died in a licensed home, ; the medical man impressed on the jury the desirability of bringing under the notion of the Government) the necessity for providing proper medical care for tbe children o| destitute persoss. Someone should have authority to send for a medical man at onae 4 such sending being too often left) till tha child was at the point oi; death. The jury expressed a hope that the Coroner would bring the nutter uador the noUos of the authorities.

South Canterbury Rifle Associa tion.

The Inaugural riSa shooting meeting, held under theauspicaa of Hie recently formed South Canterbury Rifla Asuoriation, wbs oommeaced on the fDimaru rifle range vaster* day. Ths weather was fine, and there ffii a good attendance of volunteers from Fairlie, Temuka, Geraldina, Ashburtoc, and Wat' mate, and a fair number of the pablto visited the range during the d«y* HJhe, meeting was opened by lira Macintosh, the Mayojeisi The first mafcoh, the vanishing head and shoulders match* wia won by Oorpl Martin, of the OKmara Kifies, who pad on the possible. The Recruits' Match vu woo by Private South, of the lemuka Rifles, Private Gudasli, of the Aehburtoß Guardi, scoring 35, and getting a prize. The other matoh on the iirst day's programme, the S 0 Match, was nob completed!; In the 300 yd», Troeper McDonnell, of 'the A,M.R scored! 29, and Qorpl Clark, of the Asbbortoa Guards, 28. Among the noores made by the few men who Sred at the 500 yds range, the possible, 35, was put on by Oorpi Stewart, of the A.M.R: The tneetiag protnUas to be a euoooßßfnl one, bhe entdes totalling nearly 600. Nearly 180 oompoiitore. are taking part in the meeting.

Women's Christian Temperance Unions.

United Press Association—By Elootrto Telegraph

PAtitfEBSTON North Mar 13

The annual Convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was opened yesterday. Delegates from all parts of New Zealand attended. Addresses of welcome were delivered by several clergy* men and the President of the local branch. Today the Conference had an address from Mrs Atkinson, president of the New Zealand branch, in whicth she discussed the work of the year,and future prospects. Ths afternoon session was taken up with the corresponding secretary's reports and a paper by Miss M'Carthy, Dunedfn, on ' Auxiliary Unions and, their Needs:' A discussion took place regarding appointing an organiser. Mrs Hill, Napier, was »p« pointed to. draw up a scheme on the basis of the contributions from the various branches. The report oi the Educational Committee was jylso. read and discussed.

THE ABHBUBTOK GIJABDIA3K : FBIDAY, MARCH 14, 1902



P. PURRIMAN FOR BALE, ALLF.NTOW ACOMPOHTAIU..B BOUSE together with one acte of land. Further onnvenJenoce comprise W&shhoa?e and copper, Stable act! Traphousi and Fowl ran. Tnln i* a wry desirable little property «nd tho owner hai givca JUg itMtruotions to » ff iot % speedy a&le. Farther pftrtioultira on »pnlinatinn to P PRHRIMaN. Land and Estate Atjent-. Havelock Street, Ashbtirton FOE SALE Farm of 121 Aoreu aitu&tcd »t Fcmiogton I HAVE received inetruatior.a to sol! c very convenient far™ Htmtpd as above, Wi'h all the umihl farm improvements. Th'ta property en account nf ;he ownei having pnrohseed ts> larger firm h for hrime dlnto sale and ciocapiition, nnri in adrnlrabij adftpterl for ft dairy ft»rm. Farther particuiprf m npplfo<>Mon t,o P. FERRIMAN, Land and Estate Agent. Haveiook Street, FOR SALE Clarke Street) ami Allen's Road, Allrnfcons I AM Inatrno^d to sell that very desir able residence containing 6 rooms, p%ntry andporoh, together with one acre »nd te,n perches of land situated as above. Tha property is for immediate aal?, and %t the prio9 atked should command a ready »le. Fall particulars may be had on appli cation to F FERRIMAN, Land and Eabato Agent BUvolook Htrroh. FOR SALE, A FARM of 150 Aorea of Plains Lmd, Apply P PBRRIMaN Land and Estate Agent FOB SALE IH&VE received instructions from Mrs Hardley, Beisr, «^o sell her propartj frooting on the East Bel& and Eton Street, oomprtan^ ona acre and forty porches of land, apon which is ereo-ed dwelling house eootaining Dining room 18 x 16, Siting Room, 4 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Kiiohen and Sc.ollery ; two stalled Stable and Fowihousr. ihffl property la well supplied wi'jh water from a wi»dasill and tenk. Part of the 1»iq(! Is laid oat is garden and orchard. Fall particulars on application to F FERRIMAN Land aod Batata Agent, Havelock Street "busFness'ltotioeb" © i THE NEW Z&&LAND CLOTHING JO ACTORY T S th« Obe&pest House for Ready Made Clothing. Men's Sac Suils» 251 Mcd'b Sac Fuiffi, 29a 6d. IN COLONIAL TWEED, BEST VALUE, A Largo Btock of Boys' Clothing in Sailor, Norfolk, and Melville Shapes at Bed Bock Prices. OALL AND INSPECT. .THE NEW ZtfiAL&Nl) CLOTHING FACTOiIY F. H. BEOKHSGSALB, Manager miE .LAST DAYS OF SALE JL 07? OIBBARD'3 STOCK (OIBBARD'S SIOOK GIBEARD'S STOCK BARGAINS BARGAINS BARGAINS Rent's 'Nftturfti Fanfc», sale price Is 6d trerji's.Merino half Hose,  ,> 61 Gent's Soft Felt Bats „ „ 1" Ha Gent.'c Tweed Sait» .. v "2s Ladies Fast Dyed Hose „  10^-3 lia(iieß'Hßie&OoUon'.»!ove.B „ 6d Ladhs Unbreakable Corsets,,  2a 6<i L»diea' Bummer BiDglets  » 9J LOOK HERE LOOK HERE HomSfcltohod Handkerchiefs Is 9d half drzen White Calioo for lining 219 d Atzm Floral Art Mn*Hn 2s lid df'zen P»per Collars 3d box, Bib 3ii, DRKSS GOODS DRESS GOODS PRESS GOODS Loß' 'han Chrietehnrob Prioos, Floral Black Silk finish Lusters 7a 6d Dsam ALL h EDUCED. Linol«ntnF, Floorcloths, CiutaiuS, Sheet, ing, Towel*, XoiUt Covers, Quilts, Oonnterpai'CT Good WftßfeiaK Prints li 9d drzsn. B'lng year reuirty MoDBy and g6t good Goods in Exchange THE POLYTECHNIC. Late GIBBABD 8, Snored Street. Ewlb^D— Found in Tancred Street, > MeUot's Zealandia 80-*t Store, The best and cheapest shop for boots and shoes WaNTBDKNOWN— Th»6» big linn of Lao« OurUios wo hswe just leneled, ex e.B. Faparoa, is fu'l of realJy nioe goods at tempting priaea. Pull display in our windows—Mitchell & T ton as,



] BUBINBBB NOTICEB FARMS FOR PRIVATE SALE. WS H iVS THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES FOR PRIVATE SALE :— I 8?6 acre farm at Wa'erton, with 4 roomed houae, 4 stall stable, loose box, and grannry ; good cropping and grass land 400 aero form at Lisniore, good improvements ; 250 acres In grass, 60 aoreaready for wheat, 50 turnip?, and 50 stubble; 7 roomed house, stable, woolshed, gtansiry 7 6 acre farm at Newlanda. with 5 roomed house; 45 acrea In fcarnips, 600 newly kid down, 187 old pasture 730 acres Hinds district, good buildings, all la grass, well fenced and subdivided into 9 paddocka, well watered 1 1100 acre farm at Baling, no improvements ; 800 acres in tttaaooke, balance In turnips * 405 acre farm ab Ealitig, with 4 roomed house, stable, and other improvements ; a!l in grass 600 acres at Methven, 8 roomed house, and other improvements 156 acre farm at FJemington, 4 roomed house and stable, well watered and fenced 476 acre farm at Sprlngburn, all newly laid down ; 7 roomed house, 6 atall stable, woolahed, divided into 10 paddocka 450 acre leasehold farm, at Ml tub am Road 950 aero farm at Seafield, 4 roomed house, stable 262 acre farm at FlemlnsftoD, highiy improved, divided into 8 paddooks, well fenced and watered, 6 roomed house, granary, outhouse, 4 rooms, 6 atali stable, and other necasmry outbuildings 3800 acres, all in grass, well fenced and subdivided ; all well watered and good plantations ; close to railway ; with good buildings, house, wooished, cottage, and other improvements j easy cerms. (This (property can be sold subdivided in two blocks ) We shall ba glad to give the falleit information to Intending purchasers, and show thorn over any of the above properties. FRIEDLANDER BROS., LTD, ~ J. WI L lTo~N~~"™~ DIRECT IMPORTER <#• ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. A (jompetant B<t of Tradesmen kep'i'Voz' Hoase Painting and Decorating in all its Branches, for Town and Country, J I Have a-Well Assorted Stock of MIXED PA. I NTS In Large or Small Quantities; also Paint. Brushes White Lead Linseed Oila (Raw or Boiled) Sorim Window Glass Fanoy Glass Turpentine Benzine Methylated Spirits Artists' Material Beautiful MIRROR GL&SS in large sheets, can be cub to any siza "^IIARDLEY BROS., PLUMBERS. IRONMONGERS, AHD TINSMIT&s' Our Saißon's Stock of GUNS, CARTRIDGES, AND GUN FITTINGS Ib to Hand ; and Our GUNSMITHING, ENGINEERING, and BRAIZING DEPARTMENT, Ib In the Hands of a Certificated Engineer, therefore all work will be carried oub 03 latest scientific: lines, and guaranteed We hold » large stock of WINDMILLS, TANKS, BATHS, FORCE and LIFT PUMPS, SINKS, LAVATORY BASINS. HIGH PRESSURE BOILERS, &c, and make HOT and COLD WATER and SANITARY WORK a Bp'oWty SPOUTING, RIDGING, and ail classes of Tin and Iron Goods Manufactured, Pipe Walla Driven. Pampe, Hydrahlio Rams, Windmills aod Water Wheels fixed and A Staff of Competent Workmen always available for all olaaeea of Plumbiag work ia any part! of the oouoty. Telephone 32] HARDLEY BROS. PLUMBERS and SANITARY ENGINEERS, EAST STREET LAST WEEK OP Dissolution of Partnership Sale. HpHIS SALE WILL CLOSE POSITIVELY on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19th. DURING THIS LAST WEEK we will ofler VERY SPECIAL BARGAINS IN MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING MEN'S, WOMEN'S. & CHILD KEN'S BOOTS AND SHOES ALL SEASONABLE GOODS IN THE SHOWROOM ALSO, ODDMENTS AND REMNANTS throughout the Shop and Showroom The Public are invited to call and inspect the Bargains WE A.RE OFFERING. ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. MELLO R'S ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE THE LEADING BOOT SHOP. I)ROWOUNCED by the Aahbnrton Public to be the most reliable Boot Shop in] Ashburton. Wise Fathers and Mothers, if you wish to save money go straight to MELLOE'S NOTED BOOT SHOP, where you wil! 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 valae, 7s lid Girls' Shoes, wonderful quality, 10 to 13, 5a 6d ' Ladles' Pretty Strap Shoes, only 6s 3d Girls 1 and Boya' Sshool Boota from 4s 6d i And a thousand other lines that cannot be beaten for price or quality ; 1 Remember, if you give ua a trial yon will be convinced that MELLOJR'SJ Zealandia Boot Store leads for valae in BOOTS and SHOES. Note the address— , j; JBJL Jfi L. JLi O 11, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, ] Tancred Street, Ashburton | -n-miMuai—miiii»MWWiiiniMin ihiwi iwmniM i 1 BOIES WHS LEAD THE FASHION T , t Should visit ALCOKN'S and inspect their Latest Novelties in Jackets, ! Msntloß, Furs, and most charming selections in Dresa Goods. Also the very > latest models in Parisian Millinery, etc. i I FOR SPECIAL DISPLAY SEE WINDOWS j



Free Whbbls—*i?he Rudge-Whitworbfa free wheei clutch has proved itself from experience of the past asaaou to be far the post) reliable of all the tnodela on the {n&rkeu 1 ffitfn driving Is affected through a series of rockiDJg W»^l? a«b in the body of the bu;b. Neither 'spring ppr r^H^ra ara em ployed, the result being a deyice of extreme simplicity and uafailiag efficiency.—R"D Johksxon, Baraotb Street, Rgeat,



Smoke New Venus



W^pps Teething Powders for Babies are soothing, redqco fever and prevent Uotchea; price, Is



A LOVELY WOMAN la the fairest flower in the garden of humanity Every woman oan be lovely, with sparkling eyea and w,ith every line of beaaty fully developed. WMqu $ Bovoferram, that wonderfui tonjoj com posed of beef and Iron, wIH bslcgout her beaaty, fill In the hollows and ronnd p,at the carveg. It is a fleeh and tissu.a builder that will mal^e any woman plump and rosy, as she was meant to be. Try \b. yourself, and year mirrer will show yoiflt a, pleasant Burprise. Half-ji-crown Bfi Qhemiete everywherQ,<«rAd,v&



Sander & Sons Eucalypti Exibaot,— Under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty the King of Italy, awarded Diploma at the International Exhibition, Amsterdam, acknowledged by Medioal Gltnloß and Uni vcrßltia» all over the globe,, That the crude, ' r< g/Lnoun oils, whioh are now foisted ttpon the public under the name, of Euoniyp Extraote, may not be mißtak&n for Sander & Sons' Pare Volatile BUwalyptl Extract we atate :—lt is prows by, tests aiade by the Medic&t CHajca> of the Universities ab Bonn and GrMsw.aJd: Orusaia), that only product! that saturated with oxygen and freed el a,cida, resincros and other substances MU|tn» to primary distillation, will d«veioptb« ourßfciTO properties poseesiiecl by the pjaolu To avoid the appalling wpieiyjeneeß rerotfe ing from the application of substitate» r eto. B ia croup, broagKitifl, diphtheria dyaeatorjr Internal inflammation, etc, !Da*it fn getting Sander and Sons' Pgrb V-'oi 4tihjs Eve LYPTT Extraoi;. w& be sa Fe s dmak© Jfew Yearn