Mail Notices

Mails close for tha following p'aeeß as under, subject to bbc necessary alterations:

THURSDAY, Feb 27 Fof Northern Ports and Westporb, per Rotomahana, at 6.20 p m

FRIDAY, February 28 For Northern Ports and Westporb, per Walhora, ab 6.30 p m

COMMERCIAL.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

Ohbistchurch, Feb 26

There were ve^y large entries, mostly of secondary quality, with the exception of fat sheep . , Cattlh—Fab Cattle, 183, mostly light weighb cowo and heifers. Pricss were aboub the same as last week, 16* to 21s per lOOIbe; steers, £6 7s 61 to £8 7s 6d, heifers £5 1O« to £7 10s, cowa £5 to £7 si. Store Cattle— A large yarding and fair sales. Yearlings fetched 19a to 27a 6d, 15 to 18 months £1 17s 6d to £2 19i 6d, mixed 2 year oattle £5 2s 6d, steers £3 8a 43 an<l heifers £3 S=r, 5 year Bteers £5 sa, heiters £4 16?, dry cows £1 103 to £4 Sheep—li F^b Sheep, 5000, mostly good good lines of ewes and wethers, and good business was done at the following rates ;— Freezing wethers 14b to 17a 3d, unfinished sorts down to 13s, ewes were in over supply, and a dragging sale resulted. Prioeß were easier by 3d to 91. 2100 were taken for <9xporb ab 10 > 10 J, 13s 3d, and up to 14i Id ; an extra 250 to butchers at 1Q» 6d to 13a 31, 1700 were passed at 8s 61 to 12s 6cl, the best going to the factory on owners 1 aaoounfc. Btore Sheep-Over 11,000, mostly rough sorts, including Norbh I land and Marl. borough aheep, were penned. The dry weabher was responsible for very weak demand, and over half the entry was passed. Wethers aiade Ign to 14a Id for good, 9s 3d to Us 6d for others j mixed wethers and ewes 10j 6d to 11s 10d, twobooth ewes 9» 3d to '9* 7d, four tootha 12s to 12a 9d. four apd aix tooths 10j4J to 12t JOci, four, six, and aigfat to6ths 3^ 6d, ogid bi U to 5», boilers 2s 6d to 2* 101 gsod mefino ewea 6s, lambs 81 to 93 for fair, and #3 7d to 7a 8d for inferior Pigs - &00 were yarded, inoJu^iqg BO£?e aood lines of fata, Bsconere.quite held their own ab 35j, 50s, Ssb, ctjaal to 3f d and U, but" porktra were easier ab 20s to 28si 9 equal to 3f i. Stores of all clasaeß were weaker in demmd. Large brought 15s to ?4h smaller 10« to 15s, suokerß and weanere 0 i to 8 s

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27. 1902.

Any unbiassed person who may have read the report of the proceediags in the Dunedin Magistrate's Ooart on the occasions lately when certain cases f o»r breaches of the gaming lawa were deslt with, must have had his eyes opened on the subject of " Justice's fustice." When the first case came 08, a number of Justices of the Peace, wjjo had hardly even before been seen on the $encb f took their seats there and over-ruled the decision of th© Stipen diary Magistrate. Ob tb# second occasion they repeated the perform- i ance, and having set aside a judgment of the Supreme Court, dismissed the accused. While the last case was in progress the prosecuting counsel said the Court was " on the verge of a pab lie scandal," Mr Oarew, the Stipen diary Magistrate, one of the most ex perienced on the Bench, openly stated that he should decline to ha^e any thing more to do with the case, and the; Du&edin newspapers have published some very strong criticisms of the whole business. There is no d,oubt that the public scandal referred to by j counsel in the case aetaallf o^erred,' and it is high tima that steps should be taken to prevent a recurrence of anything so discredit able to the country. Unfortunately, the cases under notice were not the first of the kind in whigh Justices of the Peace have broaghfc discredit oa the administration of the law. Indeed, it hj,s become a regular tbingj far Rocaped

parties to get; any of their friends who may be in the Coromiesion of the Peace to sit on the Bench when they are before the Court, and we have more than once seru the result of such tactics. The instices may olaim, and possibly with truth, that they inteud to act with strict impartiality; but as the majority of them are ignorant of the law, it is monstrous that they should be allowed to overrule the deci sions of a trained magistrate. The Government oannot well overlook this I last case in Danedio, and it ia to be | hoped that means will be devised to prevent saoh proceedings as those whioh have just occurred in the Dtmedin

CourU

Local and General.

Wratheb Forecast* — Captain Edwin wires:—North to west and southwest gale ; glass rise, indications of rain.

Wirth's CißOOa—Mr G L Peterson, the adduce agent or Wir'h Bros olrnus and menagerie, wae in Asfabartoo today making arrangement* for the appearance of this show on Friday, March 7tb.

A Laroh Conger—Mr J H Jowitt, fish monger, has on view in his shop a conger cci caught at Moeraki, which weighs about) 80!bi. The length is a trifiU voder 6 feet.

English Mail.—An English and A-i* tralinn mail arrived from the North last night.

4SHBUBSOW HORTICULTURAL BOOIF/TY.— Priza moneys and accounts ia connection with the Horticultural Society's H** show are payable by the Hoa Seorstarj, M: J V de B3er, to-morrow.

Quoits— There were 64 entries for the qu- it* tournament aft the Ashburton O!ob, and the first round, wbloh began on Monday, ia making good progress. It is to be conoluded on March 6.

The Foremost Subject—The Wellington J>M»saya thfct Mr Seddon has been desonbed afc Greymouth ac ' King Edward's Foremost Subject.'

School Buildings—Ab the meeting of the Education Board, held yesterday, it was decided to h»ve the Willowby, Baling, and Kyle iohools repainted

The Hampstbad SoHOOL~The Hamp atead Oomtnittue reporting an improvement in the average actendanoe, the Board re solved to postpone nnul the end of the quarter tha question of rearranging the Btiaff.

Railway Btaff Changes —Mr Arthur O'Loghlen, who wm recently relieving the Aahburton abationmistier, has bacn appointed atationmaater at Hawe^a ; Mr B J Oonnall, Btatloomaster at Raogltata, is transferred to Calverden, and will be saooeeded by Mr E G Lezard, aiilsfeanb relieving officer at Obriatohurch.

Wellington Chabitable Aid Aemin isxkatiok—The estimates'of the Welling ton Charitable Aid Board for the current year amount to £8399,0f which £3912 is to be levied from local bodies For the conducb of the Wellington Hospital the trustees require Jg12,600.

10.0. F., B3»U—The L07&I Ivy (Ladies) Lodge held its usual fortnightly meeting on Monday evening, the N.O , Bro A Paterson presiding. There was a good attendance of members, and several visiting Brothers were preßsnb. Two honorary members were elected, and two candidates were proponed for admission as fall benefit members. The White Degree was bestowed upon all the membees preaeur, and after transacting routine business the Lodge was olosed in due form,

The Boston Conger* Comp4«¥—Mr 0 N Thomas, the manager of the famous Boston Company, arrived in town yesterday, for the purpose of arranging to bring his company here for one n'ghfc n«b week. The oompaoy ons etß if Rernharrf W&lfcher, the famous BeUiaa ««lo v.Mnlst; Liliian Walt her, nuzzi eopmno $ Cyrus Brownlce Newton, humorous impersonator j and Beatrice Vartha, accompanist Thlscompm} Arrived about two months »go in New Zealand, and wherever they appßar«d in the North Island were received in most filtering manner.

Thg Ashbueton Bot;s—The Mayor? who has been in correspondence with the cenmanciinst offioar at Forbury Camp, with a view to getting leave for the Aahbarton section of the JMlnth Contin gent to visit their friends, hag received a letter, whlcii ha haa handed to na for publication and it will bo found in another column. Tha Mayor also invites the citizens to meet in the County Council Chambers tomorrow (Friday) evening, at S o'clock, to consider the question of giving a JSend off' to 'Onrßoya.'

The New Territories— The combined area of the Transvaal and Orange Klver Colony, or Free State, h 167,090 square milesi They are, therefore, as large as the United Kingdom—that is England, Scotland and Ireland. Ib Is a curious faob that not withstanding that these countries have, for two and a half years, been the ecene of one of the maeb bitter, costly, and fatal wars ever waged in this werld, and thab the intelligence regarding ib is anxiously devoured, bub few people can tell whether the two recently annexed republics are as large as the United States or Siberia, or what size they are. The general idea seems to be that they are enormoa*, aud the &rea annexed is bub little more than a third larger than New Zealand, whioh has a total area of 104,471 square mile*, the area of the United Kingdom being 121,000 square miles.

School Girls' Bikes — Messrs Gates, Lo^rry $n<3 .Co. have now on view a beauti fully 6nishe^ bicycle, suitable for a girl of Bto 12 years of age.' The machine hag all the latest improvements, which ie a samplei Messrp Oabes, Lowry and Get, have also several new styles in Zaal&udia and B.S.A. Cycles

Bcdgh-Whitworth Cycles,—St>y lady or genblemm contemplating buj'lag a machine Bhould nob fiU to examine the latest RudgeiWhitwortb modele. Easy terms can bo arranged, and your old machine taken as part payment,—s. D. Johnston, Agsnb, City Cycle Works, Bur. nett Street).

Hotws Cvoles—The display of Hollls cyoleß now on view ab John(3rr & Go's is well worthy of inspection by all oyoling enthus iasts. These machines are made from genuine BS.A parts by the celebrated gunmakers, I. Hollis & Sons, Birmingham, which should be sufficient guaractet of their efficiency. The models we have spen are superbly finished, and the high standard of quality attained in the manufacture of the Hollis bioyele has beia most) rigidly maintained.

News in Brief.

Mr C PanneH, tftt!or and tneroer, M«q« ohesbbr Btreet, Ohriatchuroh, announces that he has a choice assortment) 0! suitings suitable for the season, He sends Dumpies of bweeds to any address.

We wisjji to notify our readers that Messrs Fie'xher Bros Seeing Tea Competition doses ou February 28th, ao feh&b $11 who hold Coupons muab send them in before the above dabe, if they wish tp have a chance in this Prize Distribution

SHROPSHIRE SHEEP IN 1901.

By Alfred Mansell, in the Live Stock Journal Almanac.

The trade in pedigree sheep has un-j doubtedly been adversely affected in j 1901 by the closing of the South Ameri can ports (Buenos Ayres and Monte Video), but, so far as Shropshire sheep are concerned, Australasia has largely helped to fill the gap, though, perhaps, not in the direction specially required. The Australians, as a rule, buy only the best, or those that are really wanted at home to maintain or improve the crack flocks, whereas Argentina and Uruguay buy largely the general-purpose ram suitable for crossing to beget mutton sheep for the English markets. That Argentina or any other country catering for the English market can afford indefinitely to shut its doors against one of the main factors in the production of good mutton, viz., good sires, cannot be accepted, and therefore breeders may with confidence anticipate an increased demand when the authori ties fully realise the shortsightedness of the policy they are now pursuing. That there is any real danger of those coun tries importing disease from Great Britain is not believed in by anyone who knows all the facts. That the pessimistic view taken of the present situation by some will perhaps weed out a few breeders is not unlikely, but if it stimulates the majority to greater efforts in bringing their flocks up to date and present-day requirements a useful and lasting good work will have been effected.

Shropshires, notwithstanding the cir cumstances alluded to, have enjoyed a good export trade this season, as the following particulars will prove; and, with a more enlightened policy adopted by the South American Governments, the prospect in the near future of a great demand from South Africa, the growth and development of the Australian demand, now in its infancy, and the steadily growing trade with the Conti nent, more especially Kussia, breeders of Shropshire sheep who will carefully study the market requirements may look forward to many years when they will be able to sell their annual output at highly remunerative prices. SUMMARY OF SHROPSHIRE SHEEP IM PORTED, 1900 AND 1901. IQOO. 1901, To Rams. Ewesi Rams. Ewes. Canada and U.S.A. 125 356 .. 109 259 Argentine, Chilli, Patagonia, &c. ..134 71 .. 97 7 Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand .. 29 31 ... 56 172 Russia .. ..55 25 •• 104 57 South Afrida — — .. 23 6 Germany, France, Japan, &c. ..18 20  39 65 361 503 424 566 864 990

The show season has produced some good specimens of the breed, and the general standard has been of a high order. The Royal, Bath and West of England, Shropshire and West Midland, Staffordshire, Royal Dublin, Belfast, Highland of Scotland, and other large Shows have attracted grand entries, and the premier position taken by Shrop shires at the great Royal of England Show was strikingly exemplified at Cardiff, and again markedly at the Dublin Show, where the competition was keen in every class: The same intense interest in the breed manifests £tsetf a£ Jthe great State Fairs (shows) in the IJnited States, and at the principal Canadian exhibitions Shropshjreg are far more numerous than any other breed of sheep. Undoubtedly this position has been secured by the unrivalled rent paying attributes of the pure Shropshire and its many crosses, and the following interesting facts go far to prove the universal favour in which the breed is held, In the August 190}. issue of the National Sheep Breeders' Bulletin of the United States, Mr Harvey Smith, an experienced breeder in North Dakota, says:—"The Shropshire is my ideal sheep, because nay gye is attracted by his beautiful symmetrical lines. He is plump and broad, has a valuable quarter of mutton, is a good wool producer, and a strong, prolific breeder. I find them hardy; they amply repay all care and trouble, for when sent to market in good condition they always sell readily and at top prices. Th6y ape docile, and easily kept in an ordinary fence, All sheep, are good, but I think the Shropshires have more good points in their individual make up thajj any other known breed." Mr G H Webber, of Michigan, in the same issue of the Bulletin, says :— ff Since the early introduction of the Shropshire sheep itjtp this country from England they have bee'ri 'recognised as a general purpose sheep, and as such they have been highly successful, particularly in the Eastern and Central States, and wherever they have received the tttention they deserve at the hands of reedf3i*p v/ho. reckon the dollars and cents which they return on the capital invested. If you chance to visit any of the large markets in the spring or early summer you will find that the Shropshire lambs, or the lambs that contain Shrop shire blood, almost invariably bring the highest prices, and are often the only lambs to be found there. This is largely due to the fact that Shropshire ewes are early breeders, and are therefore adapted to raising early lambs, which mature quickly, and can be marketed when good l^mbs are bringing a higher price than at"any other Jjme during the year, and weighing from (JO to'7otty. probably S(J per cent of the sheep now sold in the markets of this country are either fine grade Shropshire or have a trace of Shropshire blood in them. We see very few thoroughbred Shropshires in any of the markets from the fact that they are too valuable to sell for ordinary mutton, and are kept for breeding jjurp, oses. The success of the Shropshire rani in the West, and particularly! in the warmer Western States, has been all that could foe asked, and if more of these sheep were used in Texas, New Mexico," Arizona, and Old Mexico, as a cross, it would prove' beneficial to' the flocks 'of those 1 States, especially if they received proper treatment, We believe that Mexico is likely to prove a gpod market for Shrop shire rams iii thenear future," Referring to Australasia,' in the " Ben? digbaian" pf October 11th, 1901, appears i>h& following, whjiph speaks for jtself:—■ "The Australian frozen meat trade has* assumed considerably dimensions during the past few yearg. Past ©x" perience shows that an ideal sheep, suitable for the home markets, is the Shropshire and its crosses, both as regards early maturity and thickness of flesh. It carries at the same time a dense, fine, bright, good sel^ng fj.eeee. It is this class of sheep that is bred in New Zealand, whose graziers realise from Id to IJd. per 1b on the London market more than Australian lamb or mutton brings. At first it was thought that the dry, hot districts of Victoria, South Axis* tralia, and Riverina would prove unsuit able for Shropshires, but the fallacy of that idea has been completely proved. The breed is noted for its hardy constitu' tion in all climates, and both the pure i ah£ep and the crosses are well known for Maintaining- their condition under ad yersie :circuinstaii.ceß:"J.Qng)9r ,than any other bree<j. The result is that graziers are eon?mencing to pay more attention fco this class of sheep.. To sum up, it is a self-evident fact tH*t the a'fj.rpifnd economic value of the Sliropshires, both as a pure sheep and also for crossing purposes, is now becoming generally known, quickly forcing them into the front rank of popularity throughout Australia," ■In the New South Wales Sheep $flS6der.6' Year Book for 1901, " Bruni," i wel!; |now talented writer, in an article on thd South' 4.ljsi,£alian SJerinfc, states :—" The large frames of the Sidßtji Australian Meririos render them admir' ably adapted for raising lambs for export and for this'purpose Shropshire rams are generally preferred for crossing."' The Journal for the Department of Ag riculture in Western Australia for the quarter ending Dec. 1900, contains a re. cord of interesting experiments in cross breeding for the fat market* It 18

pointed out how the demand for fat lambs greatly exceeds the supply, and how* from the sheep raiser's point of view, in Australia a great deal might be done in the way of crossing the Merino with. English stock. The Shropshire ram has proved successful, particularly in the Riverina district, while the tenor of the report applauds the excellent quality and ready demand in the market for lambs of this cross. Once more the first prize for cross bred lambs has been obtained at the Highland and Agricultural Show of Scotland of 1901 for lambs sired by a Shropshire ram. Saturday,, August srd, was the first of the home sales, when Mr Mintonheld his annual sale at Montford. Best prices: 36 guineas (Mr Hancock)., 80 guineas (Dulse of Sutherland), 29 guineas (Mr Farley), 25 guineas (Sir Walter Oorbett), (let), 20 guineas (Professor Grisdale, of Canada). Average : £13 6s Bd. No ewes were catalogued, a large number having been sold to Japan and others to Canada, &c. Thursday, August Bth, Mr Alfred Tanner held his annual sale at Shraw ardine, when a large company as sembled. Best prices: Rams, 24 guineas (Mr A E Mansell), 20 guineas (Mr Woods, 15 guineas (Dr Wall), 14 guineas (Mr Edwards); ewes, 80s. Average: Rams, £10 4s Id. Friday, August 9th, Mr R. P. Cooper was favoured with a large and represen tative company, including a leading New Zealand breeder. For the second prize ram at Cardiff Royal Show keen competition took place between the home breeders and Mr Davenport, of New Zealand, the latter eventually taking him at 240 guineas, as well as several others at lower prices. The prices included 240 guineas (Mr Daven port, New Zealand), 52 guineas (Messrs S. F. M. Nevett and T. Jones), 50 guineas (Mr A. E. Mansell), 30 guineas (Mr A, 8. Berry) (let), 28 guineas (Mr J. K. Arkwright); ewes, 126s (Mr Daven port, New Zealand), 84s, (Mr Ashmall), 625. -Average ; Rams, £19 18s 6d ; ewes, 70s 3d. Wednesday, August 14th, Mr Charles Coxon, Elford Park, welcomed his many Mends. Best prices : Rams, 38 guineas (Mr Kenworthy), 21 guineas (Mr Hansen) 21 guineas (Mr Chichester); ewes, 126s (Mr P. A. Muntz, M. P), 105s (Mr Fielding), 80s (Mr Falkner). Average : Rams, £1112s 6d ; ewes, £314s 3d. Thursday, August 16th, the popular Squire of Dunsmore, Mr P. A. Muntz, M.P, held his annual sale, with satis factory results. Best prices: 17 guineas (Mr J. L. Naper, Ireland), 17 guineas (Mr P. L. Mills) (let), 174 guineas (Mr Hipwell), 18J guineas (Earl of Maccles field); ewes. 755, 655, and 635. Aver ages : Rams, £10 ; ewes £3 3s Bd. Friday, August 23rd, Messrs Evans held their annual sale at Sherlowe, and splendid prices were realisedjill through. Mr Fen gave 105 guineas for" a ram, Mr T. S. Minton 110 guineas for another, and Mr E. J. Frank, acting for a Tasma nian breeder, 145 guineas fora third. Other prices were: 40 guineas (Mi- Bacon) (let), 40 guineas (Lord Strath more), 37 guineas (Mr J. Darling), 34 guineas (Mr Victor Cavendish, M. P),' ewes, 136s 6d and 126s (Mr Barnett), 115s 6d and 105s. Average: Rams, £25 Is, ewes, 89s lOd. Monday, August 28th, was Mr David Buttar's sale, north of the Tweed, and, despite the fact that no, Argentine buyers were present, a good steady sale resulted, and after the breeder's sheep were dis posed of Scotch farmers eagerly competed for the general-purpose sheep. Best prices : 52 guineas (Sir R. Moncrieff), 45 guineas (Mr J,. Nock), 30 guineas (Mrs Barrs), 43 guineas (Earl of Longford, '.Ire, land), 26 guineas (Mr Marriott)-; ewes, 70s, 61s, and 60s. Averages: Sams, £10 14s 6d; ewes, £218s. Thursday, August 29th, has been aptly described as a red-letter day for Shrop shire sheep, inasmuch as two records were established, viz., 400 guineas fora shearling ram and 180 guineas for a ram lamb. The occasion was the dispersion ol Mr Andrew E. Mansell's flock, in con sequence of his having decided to settle in Tasmania. The sale fcoqfc' plage at Harrington, when 654 'sheep Of all ages, at an average of £9 Is lOd, were disposed of, and no less than 120 sheep were bought for Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, South America, and Canada, and seventy-one sheep were' bought foi- Ireland. After luncheon, business was begun with the shearling rams, the first of which was the first-prize winner at the Royal and champion at the Shropshjrie and West Midland. Shows. He was started i at' 100 guineas, and seign ran up to twice that amount, and from this was put up by slower stages to 400 guineas, when he was knocked down to Mr G. Simonds, or Tasmania, at the highest price ever paid for a Shropshire ram. The next notable price was lot 4, in the second prize pen of "five'at Cardiff, and he went at 90 guineas to Mr 'Arthur Smith, 'pf Aus : tralia. A capital ram (lot 6) went to Mf Sturgeon at 35 guineas, another to Mr Smith, of New Zealand, at 30 guineas; and when lot 17 came in, Dr Wall stopped the Colonial contingent and secret! a good ram for home service at 50 guineas ;he was followed'by one tha.| went at 33 guineas to Mr Clews, ana then camft one of the keenest fights of the day for lot 21, which was ultimately secured for Tasmania by Mr Steele at! 220 guineas. Mr Cartwright got one at 38 guineas, Mr P. L. Mills a grand ram! at 45 guineas, Mr M. Williams taking one at 40 guineas, Mr Hill following witn one at 32 guineas, and Mr Setfl Smith, for New Zealand, got a cheap one at 27 guineas. Lot 46, which goes to the | iJamte country, wj,s keenly competed for, j Mr"Party ultimately 1 seburing him at §6 guineas. Irish breeders, who Were strong bidders, had the satisfaction to' see one of their number (Mr R. E, H. White), secure a grand ram at 35 guineas. The stud rams consisted of three two shears, the first one, the waning two shear at the Royal and Shropshire Shows being taken by Mr Stjgrgeon, for Aw tralia, at 60 guineas. The ram lainDs, which numbered 101 actually brought into the 1 ring and sold, were commenced by offering that notable lamb, the best one in the Croydon pair, and in the R6yal'and' Shropshire' shpw" pens, I;'ft perfect and remarkable specimen Qf Its breed. As was most fitting, it made a repoi:d price for a Shropshire rain lamb,. Starting at 50 guineas, he was rapid)y rushed to, 145 guineas, at which pripe hp s,tood ip Mr A. Tanner; but Tasmania was not to b> denied, and ultimately the keen fought struggle between Mr fanner and Mr Simonds ended m thp }afcter?s favour, and he takes to,' Tasmania, at 180 guineas, oiie of the best Shropshire ram lambs seen for a long while. Mr- Simonds acted on behalf of Messrs S. Wellard and George Davies. The year ling ewes were keenly competed for, as' the average discloses. Twenty.five guineas for lot 3, a pen of five, was the top price, given by Mv GK Simonds, of Tasmania, hig neighbour, Mr Young, from Adelaide, paying 20 guineas, per head for lot 1, Mr Anderson got a pen for 16 guineas in lot 2 of this age ; he also secured lot 4 at eleven guineas, the price at which Lord More* ton got Jot 5, the same buyer taking two other pens at ? guineas per head, whilst Mr Gardiner, of New Zealand, had to go to 10 guineas for lot 6, m\& Mr Oldmeadow, of Tasmania, was run up to & guineas per head for lot 10, a very 'eyferpan'ft gppd -jot.- Two-, shear ewes were macj.e up ■ fcp'l3 guinfeas, afc: whipk price Mr Aitken, qf N.ew Zealand, was the purphaser, and l\p bo%ht other two pens at 13 guineas m€ U guineas respectively. In the case of the flock ewes Colonial buyers stood down, and home buyers had a chance. Colonel Sandbaehpaid 13 guineas for the best pen, and other prices were: Messrs Evans 11 and 8 guineas; Mr J. Darling 8 guineas; ColoneiSaildbaeh 7$ guineasi Mr Mander, Ik guineas 1, &c In the pase pi' e\y& lapbs the Colonials again retunied'to tji^'/atfeck, tfjfcW'tyhfi rgs«|t that Mr Simonds, of Tasmania, again paid the highest price, viz, 20 guineas a head for the first lot. This price was not touched again, the next best being 6'i guineas by ''the same buyer, •■ 14 guineas by Proressor Grisdale, Canada, and 6 guineas by Mr S. Wellard, of Tasmania. ' I

' Summary. "' Highest pi ice; Av«rftge. On. £ ■ d 61 rims "... .„ goo 38 8 8 101 abearling ewes ... 25 816 10 43 two Bhear ewes .. 13 7 17 & 205 jouog stock ewes J3 5 7 6 143 ewe lamba  ... 20 317 2 101 ram lambs ..180 10 4 6 Friday, August 30th, the Beam House, near Shrewsbury, was the place of meet- * ing, when Mr w. Thomas welcomed his numerous friends. Best prices: 18 guineas (Mr Furnival), 17 guineas (Messrs Evans), 10 guineas (Mr J. Davies); ewes' 126s and 126s (Messrs Evans), 105s. Averages: Earns- LBBg ; ewes, L 4 3s. Tuesday, September 3rd, Mr J. E. Farmer held his annual sale. Best prices: 16 guineas (Mr H. Pooler), 15 guineas (Mr Hamer), 14 guineas (Mr G. H. Green); ewes, 70s, 675. Averages: Bams, L 8 15s 9d; ewes, L 2 12s. Wednesday, September. 4th, Mr T. Fenn, of Hereford renown, gathered his customers together at Downton. Best prices: 31 guineas (Mr R F Cooper), 28 guineas (Mr VVood)/26 guineas; (Mr W. Thomas), 20 guineas (Mr T G Juckes) ; ewes, 105s and 62s 6d. Averages : Earns: LllSs 10d; ewes, L 3. Thursday, September sth, buyers of Shropshires congregated at Thorpe, when Mr Inge held his annual sale. Average prices : Rams, L 7 14s 9d; ewes, L 2 16s8d. Friday, September6th, Mrsßarrs held her annual sale, when the top price was 50 guineas, other shearling rams making 16| guineas, 15* guineas, 14 guineas, &c. Ihe Breeders' Sales at Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Stafford, and elsewhere have felt the effect of the closing of the South American ports, and a slowness has characterised the general demand, only the best sheep having found cus tomers at paying prices* Breeders all round will not use the knife freely enough, and the consequence is the market is overdone and the ordinary rams are sold at ruinous prices. If more of the males in every flock went to the butcher a quicker return would accrue to the breeder—for his cull sheep—and the best specimens would realise their full value. It is to be hoped that breed ers will benefit by this year's experience, and so make it better for all concerned, as it is certainly not desirable that inferior specimens should do service even amongst the ordinary flocks of the country. The Dublin sales again proved the popularity of the Shropshire in the Emerald Isle, and not only were they numerically much stronger than any other breed, but they were in greatec demand and made good paying prices, Mr R. F. H. White again securing the highest average for his annual selection. Without taking too optimistic a view of the future it can safely be predicted that the best specimens of Shropshire sheep will for many years to come com mand excellent, nay, even fancy, prices from home and foreign buyers. The proprietor of Joseph Ford's scour and lung worm mixture recognises that the best of flocks need drenching at this season of the year, and will be pleased to supply farmers with a list q! those whphstve used it successfully duqng the present season.

The Prersentation to the Premier

United Press Association—By Bl««t»i« Telegraph Wellington, Feb 36 A meeting of the executive of the Seddon Presentation Oommiltee was held todays It was decided that subscription list* be clroa* Utcd in the city and district* frotn. Welling* ton to Woodvllle, and New Ply month, exoept Wanganui, for signature to the testimonial, of which the following ia the text:—" I'o the Right Hon. Richard John Beddon c P Q., D,O L.,—ln the coarse of a few weeks yon will leave us to represent New ZualaQ 3 at the coronation of out King, and it !• thoaghb that your approsohiug departure pretonti a fitting time to express to yon our appreciation and approval of tbo prompt) and praotfoal proof you have given of the sympathy of yoof fa low colocia'B with their Motherland in South Afrioiv Loyalty U bat kinship wr|tteji !arge k and every m&u and wdtnao of the colony it proud of the crim«on thread whloh makeß tho people of Njw Zealand loya} Ron* »ad daughters of tho British Empire, Tone high < ffiae hftt been to voice oar loyalty and Rive is effoct'ial shu^f, aad fS'e yißouc ao4 judgment you have displayed ia this have not only won our gratitude aud admiration, bat have shown the»worEd that) whatever be the eacrifioo we chotrfully take our stand beside the UolberOuuotry (orthe)mainten|npe of the honour and integrity of her Empire." Copies of this will be iefc' for signature its oertaln plaoea in ehe city,' and will bt taken round to residences by person! ap* pointed for the purpoc?. The latter will a'so bs empowered to receive snbsorlptlbnf towards the purae of soverelgas, bi^ti donatioDa are not to be asked for by collectors of signatures for the addresi.

Interprovincial

United Prase Association--By Blectrfe Telegraph Auckland, J&b 26 A private letter received in Auoiland from Sir Hfctor M&oDonatd refers to the readiness with which New Zealaoders hare volunteered for the Imperial service, Be writes—•• Iwe your boys responded grandly to & farther oall for volunteers for South Africa, I hope you will get them all back again. You deserra good luck," Mr Humphrey Berkeley, of F ji, left for the group by the T»vfuni today, to coHflot farther documentary evidenoe io'coDnecmoa with the treatment of the tfij'aos, and wm return aboat the 12th proz, leaving shortly afterwards for England, where he will make a representation to the Colonial Secretary. With the view of celebrating the jubilee of the discovery of gold in New Zealand it h»s heen proposed to hold a mining a'od Industrial exhibition in Gcrom&ndet

The Army neat Contracts.

United Press Association—By Bleprtil iCelegraph—Copyrights Londqs, February §5 Bergl's tender for the rupply of meit la dated January 6, while his written under* taking to use polonM meat as far as poMlt)!* ii dated January 27 la the House of Commons fcord Stanley stated that there bad been no change Id bit* terms of the poutraqb since signed, Bergl would pay ordinary railway rates for tht carriage of meat and ordinary atore rates lor storage

Sporting.

DUNEDIN RACES

United Presi Aeaooiatiots—By Elect rto Telegraph | Dunedin, Feb 26 Conolndiog reialti, first day ;— Ladieb' Bbaoblkx, of 50 boy* ; 1| mil«i— Dorm*ao 1, Transport 3, Billet Doax it Woo by » length and ft half, Time—2 19. Dividend—Jß3 la Maiden Plate, of 50 aova; 1 mile—For* ward Guard 1, Whirlwind 2, Donna Rosa 3 Bight others parted. Won by a short head. Divideilds-.5J.2 12s and £1 T« PoßUOAifs' Handicap, of: 150 sots; six furlongs.—Tsurilz* 1, i Qoldspulr % Battle 1, cry 3. Cora Linn also started. Won by two lengths! Dividend—£2 7a ■* ' Sblmng Bach— Heires? 1, Lapidary % Thoßerl3 Dividend, £2 8s

Stewards' Welter, of 70 »ovb ; 7 fan lotigs-^Lidy Litllftn 1, First Light 2, Red Banner 2. Six other* ran, Won by iwo lengths. Time—l 33; Divldoed*—£2 1« <nnd £18 19a '

WOODVILLE RACES

SEQOND DAI. WoODVILtB feb 2J Following are the resalbii'— ' f Stswabds Handicap -Hinek««ral, Ik* 2, Flying Jib 3.- Dividends—£4 19. anii %fo. HtTRDUts— Eucharlfi 1, Pnkana 2, Oufell 3. DivideuJ«™DS 9i, aad £1 3i

188 ASHBURTON GUAKDIAfi : THUJRSDAY, MBRUABYj 27, 1002



F. FERPJMAN j By Royal Letters Patent Joseph Ford's SCOUR AND LUNG-WORM MixrußJS Foa sheep 1 Never Used in V\iin.* ONE Drenching iw per $f-s<;ruorlon» will bo fo:nd perfeotly effectual anr! instead of injuring the Sheep in awy way, it wi'l glvo both stomach and bnwela a ho»llhy toae and Ino'ease the appetita, so that) the Sheep recover and thrive tight away. A large number of Testimonials have been Iteoeivdd from Sheep owners in all paii^of fchoOolony, and the universal verdict la ttut tbe Mixture is a really va'uabh Me«1loioe, Audi tb«t its US9 has paid handaouuly. MotuTapu, Auokiand ' MeseM Buoklaod srsd Sons,-Qantlemon, «~We h*va used 6 tins of Ford's Scour and Lung-Worm Mixture on both oalves and efteep, and it has g yon os evejy auißl»o f,iou. We consider it the beat) and moat economical mixture that »c have tried. —Yours truly, Reid Bros, Eiffelton Mr Ferrlman, Ashburtor,—Daar Sir,—My Oroifbred Xjatnbs ware suffering bo badly from the LuDg Worm aod Scour (both), tint, I had 40 «eaths in a flock of 350. After one drenohing wilh Ford's Mix'lire, the 310. to my astonishment, improved beyond any thing I have seen< Ouly 2 deaths occurred after drenching, and these two were almost dead when dreoohed. The Mixture paid rm, well and I would advise anyone to use it. WIIXSON L'ROSKELL To Mr F Ferrlmau, Ashborton Daar Sir,—la reply to your erquinea this morning, I hay* to cay thib I have been Agent) for Ford'w Lung Worm M xbure for the last) seven year.", f»nd although I have soppliffld large qu^itiiiea of it to farmeri", I have never yeu had o complaint as to its effloaoy.—l am. Dear Sir, youra faithful y, D; Thomas To Mr If Ferrlmar-, Ashburton Dear Sir,-— AUhough w® have acted rs ilgentafor Ford's Scour and Lung Worm Mixbare for the lad two years and havo auppUid sheep breeders regularly during that parlod, wehavanct yeb had a ocmplalnt. In faot, we have heard nothing but) favour able reporte from all ftho have used it.— Yoari truly, „ „ Weight, SitsHBKSON & Go Asbbtirton, 18:h January, 1902 Ho Mr" F Farrinrm.'Ashburlon Dear Bir,-*Ra Joseph Ford'a Scour and Lang Worm Mixture. Last eeason I drenched 450 of my Stad Lambs with tho nbove irenoh. They bad commenced to sour aaddfittly, and I had already tosJ ten by dleath* 1 drenched the whole lot once and fchey commenced to Improve right awayi A *eek after drenching they were totally different sheep ; Tha beflt proof that I can give of tha Drench is that I ha,va toil season drenched the whole of my fi >ck whether they showed mgQS of Boour or nob, a 8 I ooireider it Improves the tone and vigour of the Sheep. I oaa confidently recommend anyone baring Culls or Sheep that ara nob doing Well to drenoh them with the above mixture.— Yours faithfully, B'gued) IT E Upton F. FEKRIMAN. Ashburton, H Z. PHOTOGRAPHY. HALMA'S'STUOIOS, SAUNDKRS' BUILDING.'*, WE arfd-ingTWELVEENAMKLLED CABINET PHOTOS and EN- L&RGEMEIST, em 12 x 10, mounted on v, beauuful tiniod plate 6ULk mouab for Isgi BEX SPE. IMENS, as this is, only for a Limited Time, COME EARLY. __ 2 203 J. W. Malcolmson, FARMERS' AGENT, ARCADE, ASHEURTON. I AM A BUYER Of MEAT AT F.airfield Freezing Works. Also,— WHEAT, OATS, BARh%f, & PICAS, Ofi Trooka Ashbtmon or Coantry JStatlone Agent for North Qaeenaland Inaarance Oompany (Fire and Marine ) 2 188 NOTICE OF .REMOVAL. IBfiO to draw ihe ultcntion t-f Far mm md othera that I hivo RKMO7ED from the Arcade to my eew premioef, Tanored Street, next the Bunk of Australasia. 2166 W. ST'WYtR. { C> ■ 4 % _• ®_ THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING T7AOTORY LOTHING Jj AOTORY IS the Cheapen Hiuse for Ready Made Olotbing. Men's Sao Suits, 25a ! Men's Sao Suit*, 29s 6d. m COLONIAL IIJWEED," - BEST VALUE, A Large Stock of Boys' Clothiog in Bailor, Norfolk, and Melville Shapes »t Bed Rock Prices. CALL AND INSPECT. TEtB KEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY "B. H. BEOKIKGSALB, Mauagec



DO you know that H Baikstow is eelhng for cash at iesa than Christen arch prices, bb the few following quotßtione will show :— Braßß rail Iron bedaleads, extended foot rail, from 501 ; Duchess tables from 30s i Duchess chests from 45a; inspection I and oompurißon invited. li I WANTED every one to try Mellor's Zsaiaadu Boob Store for winder ial value.



_________ BUBINKB9 NOTICES | PUBLIC NOTICE DISSOLUTION OF PARTtaSHXP . rjIHE PARTNERSHIP at present existing between H, 0, SHRiMPTONand Another, trading under the name of the ASHBURTON DRAPERY COM- P.Ut will be Disaolved on THURSDAY, MARCH 20th, In consequence of the above, we will bold a i ■if in sin FOR TWEN IT-ONE DAYS ONLY, COMMENCING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, I And Continuing till WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 h; ALL ACCOUNTS due to the Company mast be paid on or before TUESDAY, March 4tb, after which date all amounts remaining unpaid will be placed in the hands of a Collector for immediate settlement. ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. HARVESTING TOOLS. HAY FORRB—2, 3, and 4 Prong. OLO 9EH FORKS.—S Prong, with Gnards Scythe Blades and Handles, Hay Rakes, etc Machine Oils, Castor, Bradding, and Linseed Oils. Jftuttta in all Colours nr.OOLS Suitable far tha Harvest Field, including—Vices, fiosuw Wrenohes, Sp&nners X in Set? of four, Rived and Bolt Punches, Piooara, Piyera, Ooppar and Iron Rivets, Reaper Saotions, ate. PKEBERVING PANS -Enamelled and Brass, from 5i 6 I each, Being overstocked at the latter Dart of the season, I am Selling them off Cheaply CARPENTERS'TOOLS—I have jusfalanded a large ahipmaat direct from the m%ker«, and have reduced prices all round, Customers can rely upon Prompt and Courteous Attention without befog pressed to Buy. GL MeBdINS, The People's Ironmonger, Barnetfc Street, Opposite Arcade IF YOU DON'T SUPPORT lOCAL INDUSTRY YOU OUGHT TO; ARE YOU ABOUT TO BUILD? DO YOU REQUIRE DRY FLOORING?] DO YOU REQUIRE DRY MATCH LINING DO YOU REQUIRE DRY MOULDING IB 1 »O» WE CAN EXECUTE YOtJR ORDERS WITH DESPATCH. I Our New Steam Sawmills are now in full swing, and Orders entrasfcei ' to us will receive prompt afcteotson. Gates and Hardies supplied to order, W. H. COLLINS & CO,, IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER & GOAL MERCHANTS. Bast and Wesb Streets, Aehburton. Telephone 14 P.O. Box 35 A T TKNTIO N. ANDREW ORR'S . ■ Great Clearance Sale OF DRAPERY, CLOTHING, and BOOTS COMMENCED BATUBDAY, JANUARY 18th. BARGAINS EXTRAORDINARY IN [EVERY DEPARTMENT. ANDREW Oltß. J. WILSON HAS Just received ANOTHER 10 Bales of Lovely WALL PAPERS. INCLUDED in the Shipment »re some beautiful Designs in Dining Boom, Bedroom, and Hall Papers. Persons desiring to choose their Papers fromjtbe full stock may have them laid aside until required. HOUSE PAINTING;. THIS part of the business receives our special attention, none but GENUINE Oila and White Lead being used. Thorough tradesmen, seat to townjjor country at shortest notice. Sign-writing a specialty. I have a Choice Selection of PICTURE FRAMH MOULDING 3. J Frames made to order on the premises. ! JOHN WIJL.KON



VOICE PRODUCTION, SINGING & PIANOFORTE. Mrs Johnston RF.PUME3D Teaching on THURSDAY, 30ob Jaa, Haveloelt StrasJ



PUBLIO NOTICE. rpHE NORTHERN ROLLER MILLING COMPANY otto PRO DUCE a number of the NEW ZEALAND FLOUR MILLERS' CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION INVOICES, dated January and February, this year,, for Various Branda of their Flour Invoiced at SIX POUNDS, F. 0.8, LESS TWO AND A HALF PER CENT., at Canterbury and Ooago Ports; and the Freight on b'leur from thoie ports to Auckland ie 9i per ton, I have examined the Invoices, and thia statement it correct,-—E. FORD, J.P, P. VIRTUE, 2184 Manager



"THE CORNER" ASHBUKTON. m/T ANTLBS, JACKETS, LADIES' W&TEH PROOFS, now opening up Daily for the AUTUMN SEASON NEW GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS, Arriving by Each Steamer. DRESSMAKING in full swing especially from our Large Job Purchase of BLAOK DRESS MATERIALS. NOBTHGOTE & HEFFORD « THE CORNER."



Childbisn When Teething have more or less diarrhoea This should be controlled and can be, by giving Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedyir Every household should have a bottle at hand. Get ,1b today. £i may save a life. The Nqw Zealand" Farmers' Cooperative Association of Canterbury, Limited, Aehburton, sells if. Wade's Wop J?igs are most effective and not unpleasant; children thrive after taking them price, Is For Sprains, Swblmngs and Lameness there Is no better liniment than Oharabes lain's Pain Balm. Thousands can testify to the merit of this remedy. One application gives relief. Try Ib The New Zealand Farriers' Cooperative Association of Canterbury, Limited? sells Its,