to show—Oh, such a lot of things ! The tirs j place vi^ed ws th« shon of MR H. M. JONES. Here tho hoary old fellow (we wean Siirtca Claus »o* Mr Jones) has nuido a most wonderful display—enough for every good hoy and girl in the county ; aye; .iiitl if every bud hoy, too,'got; a present' in his stocking on Christinas morning there would he something left over. There were fancy goods and Christmas nick-nacks specially suited for presents and souvenirs of the Bason. There were: dolls by tho barrowload ; mechanical toys of wonderful device in wood, tin, and china ; all sorbs of goods in plush and leather : Japanese waro ; cabinets of every kind ; ylovo boxes, and boxes for holding nil sorts of other things, and piles of kin died ware. Albums there were in plenty, and a sea of fancy goods in china and glass. Then there were the Christmas; '.cards and booklets to be seen, and this -department seems to improve every year. To such a point of perfection, has the lithographer's urfc now reached that the work shown on most of these cards is. simply marvellous to a person who is tin acquainted with or has but little know ledge of the art. Santa Claus (through hisagent Mr Jones) has also at this esta blishment a waggon-loud or two of reward books and books intended for school prizes, which no doubt will find their way to the stockings of School Commit tees, in trust for-the deserving young people attending school in the county. Many of the books are beautifully illu strated. A good display of electro-plate is also made, and in this department Mr ■Jontis shows all manner of pretty things. MR WILHELM ZANDER is alau well to the front in fancy goods, and although, perhaps, the supply of nice . things left with him by Old Father . Silver-hair, suffers from the limited space in which the goods are displayed, the most is made of the counter and shelf i-ooin available* Horr Zander has not neglected the kinchens, and has toys and pretty things for them in abundance ; but the attractions of his store are more for. the tastes ot the young ladies. Travelling and dressing cases of beautiful | finish ; workhoxes, desks, and shell boxes j in every conceivable variety; plush goods, varied in their beauty both of j texture'and color ;.and a charming assort ment of fans, photo albums, and choice Xmas and New \'ear cards. A specialty ai his shelvps are his Japanese goods, which are in themselves a sight worth iseeing. In addition to the thousand and ■ one presents laid out, Herr Zander caters especially for the devotees of the fragant ■weed, and lie has tempting pipes, rilver :Aiid-aniber mounted, in briar, cherry, and meerschaum, and a lay out of cigars and itobacco calculated to . lead the most Tirtuous smoker astray. MR C. W. DAVIS h*s spread himself out to receive Santa Glaus. In the large shop which Mr John Orr used to occupy as a drapery store, Mr Davis has opened a Leipsic Fair, and the hearts of the littb ones will leap for joy as tlieir tiny feet tread the mazes of its counters. Old father Xmas himself is in tho window, and toys of every •description hang from his girdle,.: and adorn his ample paunch. On each side of the shop, toys from every Continental ■country and every American State are to be found, and even "jealous China " and "strange Japan" have both been ran sacked to supply pretty things for the wee folks of Ash burton town and county. Away at the back of the Fair stands an «normous,Xma3 tree,-which will no doubt «ause rare fun to the little laddies and lassies when they go with dad and mother ".to try their luck. THE DRUG COMPANY Hmvo a special display, the large shop window fo arranged as a sea scene, the principal item of which is a model Nor- Tregian fishing boat, supposed to be coming into harbor with a load of codfish for the manufacture of the celebrated Al. cod livei* oil which the Company make a special line of. the harbor with yacht boat, fislwrmen, etc., is artistically jnrranged in a corner, and has also light :iio«se, signal station, beach with natural •shells, etc., altogether making quite a jpretty scene. The smaller show window will be fitted up with a fernery and foun fcaim for cooling drinks, as zoedone and other special makes of liquids, both windows when lit up to-night with gas will be very attractive to the onlookers. IKE CHRISTMAS IHNNEEH. .Our friends the butchers are in rather "bad luck this year. The hot weather is nob conducive to the keeping of meat, and it is an unsatisfactory labor to devote time, still, and work to the making of a great display of meat under such circum stances. Still, the. men of the knife and cleavwr have done their best, and in spite of their old enemy, the nor'-wester. tempting joints of every kind are availj able. Mr Tasker is as usual to the front, having kept his weather eye open for the ■Christmas trade, and provided himself betimes with plenty of prime ox beef and wether mutton. His idea of a Christmas •display is the meat itself, and so he es cliews all greenery. Mr Rule, however, still sticks to the old custom and has done up his shop neatly with evergreens etc., making also a good display of meat in the carcase. Mr Burnard, too, makes some attempt at decoration, and with some «Kccess, as does also Mr Smith in the Alford Forest Road, and Mr Revell in H*relock Street. THE PLUM PUDDINGS. Without a plum pudding no English man's dinner, whether partaken of along" with the roast beef in Old England itself or under a hot Indian sun, would be complete. The grocers of Ashburton are quite on the spot in this matter, and their -windows and shelves show the pre parations they have made for the in dispensible puddings. Beginning at the lower end of the town, we come first to Mr Henry Zander's display. Mr Zander ijas a well dressed window, showing an -Abundance of table delicacies for the sea *ioh, many rare, and all rich. Mr MeGrc«or, in Tancred Street, has not "been idle, find Messrs Stephens in Bur nett Street, have dressed their window with really pretty effect. Mr McFftr lane's shop is quite a blaze of colour, and has been arranged with much taste ; but perhaps the moat telling effect of all has .been, secured by Mr R. Al corn's staff, Wiose grocery looks quite like a cornu copia. Surely among all these caterers the Miost fastidious architect of " plum duff w ought to be able to supply herself with fch* proper building materials. May fchfc experience of all—caterers and -customers-fee, A merry Christmas a n d a fcappy^ New Year, A quid New ITezvr tas ane an a , An' mony ma|y -ye see, • An' durin' a' the years fcao come, O happy may ye be.

Political Items.

The following are contributed to the "Lyttelton Times" by its Wellington correspondent: — THE SPEAKEUSHIP.. An absurd suggestion having appeared a weekly print here that Mr' Fisher! ,-4'ould be exceed Speaker, the whole; -town began to t.tlk about it. To-day, on •jni&sfag inquiries, I found enough to coti ivincet^o that there is an intrigue on foot with this object m view. Many Govern menfcfiuttporters, for reasons of their own, jir« making the running for Mr Fisher as hard as they <e*ii. It is one of the curiosities of the i*jflfcjcal world, which crop up at these times «f (C^ifcement. THJb! MJAIJEIISHMy Ji«f?ther subject of conwidenvMe/#**n tlon ht*o is the leadership. The Minis- j ifceriafl friends have been throwing out, feelers ' aWt Mr Rolleston as leader. An impression Jws gained ground m con &e<iueuee tliat the (C^vernmenfc intend to

reconstruct under Mr RoJlestoiv. 1h truth is, that beyond the certainty of the Premier's resignation, they liavo viiadeup their minds to nothing. This rop-rt is a mere feeler, I have good reason to know. THS AGENT-GENEUALSHIP. The Agent-Generalship is another cause of much ttilk, excited, find professing to be well informed. Ono Minister, lam told, said lately, with omnhasis, that if tho arrangement with' Sir F. D. Bell had been carried out, the Premier neve* would have faced Piu-liamonb as he did last session ; the munning of^which js 1 tba*-, according to iho story, Siv F. I). Bell, on "boiiis? re-appoimed m 1887, agreed on the understanding that he would, when required, rp.tire m favovr of Sir Hairy Atkinson; that when, the latter falling ill, it was intimated that the time had come for carrying out- the; arrangement, Sir F. D. Bell denied that there ever was anything of the kind.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

[PER PIIKSS ASSOCIATION. j XllC W«'MtJ«<T. Timaku, December 24. , There has been-a. strong nor'-wester blowing here all the morning. It is still blowing, and has done much damage to orchards. W«»l Mifp. Oamaru, December 24. Sailed—Himalaya, barque, for London, the first wool ship of the season, with a cargo of 4157 bales wool, 12 bales sheep skins, 4 bales rabbit skins, 80 casks tallow, 1198 bags barley, and 1634 bags oats.

Latest Gable Mews

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[PEh PRESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received December 2i, 10 45 a.m.) RAILWAY STRIKE. London, December 23. Four thousand iive hundred railway men are out on strike. In consequence of the delay to the trains, Singer's sewing machine works at Kilburnio are closed, and. four, thousand work people are idle.

EAST AFRICA.

The British East Africa Company, though now ordered to evacuate Munical deny that they ever occupied it.- 1 '■ ■ '■■" ■ ' '■.. ' • :"'

DIVIDEND DECLARED.

The Imperial and Colonial Finance and Agency Company, has declared a dividend of five per cent.

VESSELS ARRIVED HOME.

Arrived—Northern Monarch and Serica from Lyttelton.

THE POPE AND SOCIALISM.

Beiilin, December 23. The Pope has instructed the Roman Catholic clergy of Germany to combat Socialism by lectures from the pulpit.

EMIGRATION OF RUSSIAN JEWS.

Thirty thousand Russian Jews are expected shortly at Hamburg, and un less they are assisted to Brazil they will go on to London.

ACCIDENT TO A STEAMER.

Suez, December 23. The Balmoral Castle has put m here with her propeller broken.

AUSTRALIAN

[Received December 2±, O.SO p.m.]

LIBELLING THE PRINCE OF WALES.

Sydney, December 24. The editor of a. newspaper, pub lished at Bourke, has been removed from the local magistracy m conse quence of an article reflecting m strong terms on the private character of ff.R.H. the Prince of Wales, having appeared m his paper.

A FALSE ALARM.

The Government have decided to prohibit for twelve months the impor tation of New Zealand pelts owing to the alleged prevalence of scab among the flocks m the latter colony.

MINERS' COUNCIL.

An attempt, which was made re cently to form a grand Council of Miners m Australia, lias resulted m a failure.

CRIME IN MELBOURNE.

Mklboukne", December 24. During the last few clays the police have been making raids on thieves and vagabonds, of whom there are at present an exceptionally large number in the city. Last night three men were arrested for breaking and entering a jeweller's shop and stealing jewellery to the value of £700. The arrest was not effected without desperate resistance on the part of the men and in the afl'ray two detectives were wounded.

PROROGATION.

Adelaide, December 24, Parliament has been prorogued.

Burning of the Chertsey Hotel.

(FROM OUlt OWX COKRESPONDKNT.) This morning about one o'clock the Chertsey Hotel was discovered to bo on fire by one of the boarders, who gave the alarm, just giving those m the house time to escape as they scrambled out of bed, saving nothing. A howling nor'wester was blowing at the time, and m about fifteen minutes the building was down. The stable was completely destroyed and the contents, such as feed and harness. Mr Reid, the landlord, also unfortunately had a valuable racehorse destroyed. Messrs Black Brothers' traveller managed to save his trap, but lost some parcels and his harness. The adjoining properties belonging to Messrs Murphy and McDowell escaped m a most marvellous manner, the latter s store catching fire several times. It appears that when the j burning debris was blowing about at its worst the wind chopped round a point or two, Mid only tlrs saved the other buildings. No information can be given as to the origin of the fire. There are insurances, but m what office is not definitejy known.

THE MARKETS.

i(l»EB I'RBSS ASSOCIATION.) (Received December 24, 11.55 a.m.) Sidney, December 24. Wheat—Cluck 3s 3d ; oats Is 3d to 2s ; barley cape 2s; peas prussian blue 3s lOd; potatoes £4 to £5 ; onions £3 10s to £4 15s ; butter dairy wade 6d ; cream sepa rator 7d ; factory made 8d ; cheese 5d to iGd ; bacon machine made 6id to 6|-d, ! hand made 6d to 7|d, New Zealand 9d to ' 0M : hams New Zealand Is. Mblbouk^e, December 24. Wh&d, *vsw fa good milling 3s 8d ; oats Cakntta Is odj Xfeeriap Is lid; peas 2s lid, sil| seed pxem «s*UfJjf" '<

Adelaide* December 2\. Wheat is a trill« i.i i^r ac ik SUi to 3s 9d ; oats. N<J:w Zsnlai:d m bond '2n to 2s 9d; bavley cqm 2s 3d to 2s 0:1 Enylish malting sorts 2a (id t<> m.

To-morrow being Christmas Day thers will be services m St Stephen's Church at 8.30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7.50 p.m. The offertories will be for the Sunday schools. A special and also a general meeting of the County Council took place to-day, but the pressure on our space 1, renders it im possible to attempt a report m this issue. The performance of the sensational drama " Ashore iuid Afio;it " is the'cliicl: attraction; for Box ii; night, and os.it will lie produced. for one uigl.it only it may be anticipated that there will be a crowded house..,. Mr J. Dawson, clerk to the Upper Ash burton Road Board, informs us that from Monday evening to Tuesday at two p.m. he took delivery of 20,692 small birds' eggs from 48 boys. The largest tally of any one boy was 2550 figgs, and other deliveries were well up to this number. The expendi ture the £20 14s, will provide some very nice Christmas presents for the boy egg gatherers, besides doing the country good m ridding; the farmers of many a busy little harvester. I

Two fatalities m the cricket field are re ported m Home papers. A boy niittierf Sydney Hammond, twelve years of age, was on the Forest Recreation Ground at Notting ham, when lie was struck cm Jie head by ;i cricket ball which had.been kit by a bat. He was taken home to Balmoral road, and died shortly from the effects of the blovr. The other case i-:t that of a, lad aged sixteen named Charles Bari'is, son of the cashier of a London bank, residing at Fair Lawn Villa, Wimbledon, who died from the effects of being accidentally struck by a cricket ball whilst at play. A very pleasing little ceremony took place around ■" the stone " m the compnsiug room of this; office to-day, m the presentation i by the staff and companionship of the "Mail "and " Guardian " office of a hand some eight-day clock, m ebony, suitably engraved, to Mr I. T. liaxter, foreman of the " Mail," on the occasion of his marriage. : The presentation was '.made by Major Steward, who expressed the good wishes of the donors, and hoped that m after life their gift would be a constant memento of tho kindly feelings which they all chtrishcJ towards Mr Uaxter, for whom and his bride they wished long life and .happiness. Mi- Baxter replied m suitable terms, stating that j he should value the gift as a reminder of very pleasant times and relationships with the staff and companionship. It would be cherished like the celebrated " Grandfather's clock," though he could hardly hope that it would last so long as ninety years. Holloway's Ointmknt and Pills. — These remedies are unequalled throughout the world for bad legs, wounds, foul sores, bad breasts, and ulcers. Used according to directions given with them there is no wound, bad leg, or ulcerous sore, however obstinate or long standing, but will yield to their healing and curative properties. Many poor sufferers who hare been patients m the large hospitals under the care of eminent surgeons, and have derived little or no benefit from their treatment, have been thoroughly cured by Holloway's Ointment and Pills. For glondular swellings, tumours, "piles," and diseases of the skin there is nothing that can be used with so much benefit. In fact, m the worst forms of disease, dependent upon the condition of the blood, these medicines, used conjointly, are irresistible.

THE ASHBtmTOfr GTTARfrIAN, WEDNESDAY, DEOmBBS.ttJJi L _IB6o'



We have for Sale .£*£ TONS PURE MANILLA BINDING TWINE. 1O TONS MIXED BINDER TWINE (V Manilla, I Flax). Q TONS PURE NEW ZEALAND BINDER IWIN <:. Q A TONS BINDING WIRi; white cross brand. WHICH WE ARE PREPARED TO SUPPLY TO FARMERS AT LOWEST CURRENT BATES, Wool Season 1890-91. OUR NEXT SALE WILL TAKE PLACE EARLY IN JANUARY WE ARE. CASH BUYERS OF Wheat, Oats Barley, and Ryegrass —.o: — —__JFRIEDLANDER BROS. WHEAT WHEAT WHEAT :o: *; AS H J5 VYE R S RULLIT & CO,, CANTERBURY MTLLS. A S H 15 TJ 1* T ON A R ™still IJT? >mpC Vl^! 1 B"ycra ofVriuio * MDlinjf AVho»\ af lushest mark et price J.^. Flour, Lran am. Sharps are also.m hand. Gristing by patient Roller Diva* nothe shortest notice. " * MTmTjonM. &j\JXTj\. CLAUS IS COMING A ND so is Old Father Christmas, to give tho above ft fitting reception. The JZL Undersigned is now opening up a varied and well selected Stock of Useful and Ornamental Goods suitable for Presents, Prizes, Kcwavds, Xmas and New Year Gifts, ranging from a diminutive Penny Doll to a " . j Seventy Guinea Piano Japanese Toys and Fancy Goods, Albums, Photo Frames, Desks, Work Boxes ' Cabinets, Ladies Ba^s, Glove and Kerchief Boxes, Dressing; Cases, Electro-Plated Goods, Ornaments m great variety, pleyant und chaste m design, Perfumery anil Toilet Requisites, Cricketing Material, Fancy Glassware, Tea Services, ! Opals Brackets and Plush Leather Goods. ' l SOOKS Suitable for Prize and Presentation purposes, sueciaUr imported from tliq Reli«it«Uß Tract Society, Ward and Lock, Cassell nnd Co., am\ other publisher* f*>r the Xnws Trade. Booklets m great variety and Xmas Curds. The above is the largest and most complv-t« Stock of Books ;md Fancy Goods m the county, affording the greatest choi,cu, and offered at the LOWEST POSSIBLE xviJVIUINHiXv>A.HVJj PjA.lCllibP School ■Committeos purcha*inft 80-iks for prizes Tvyvfad Fancy Goods f«rwk«« treats will be supplied afc lowest possible charges, ,' ' , •'. Inspection Jnvited. ■ .'.-; H. M.TONES, ■ '■' ' ua T-:l



THE MCCORMICK ~~ - THE EE B T IN THE WOULD NOT FOR ONE YEAR ONLY, BUT FOR TWELVE YEA KB I \ SUCCKSSIO'V THE M CCORMICK ILx B -A. p S IB "W V GREAT FIELD TRIALS OF KEAPF.RS AND BINDEES McCormick First Prize\at Orrorro, South Australia (Experts' Class), 23rd~Octbber 1890, defcatihcr Howard, Wood, Hornsby and Deering Machines McCormick First Prize at Broadmeadows (Experts' Class), sth November 1890 de feating Hornsby, Massey, Deering, Brantford, Buckeye, Mercer and Wood Machines. .. . , , < McCormick Fust Price at Warracknabnal (Experts' Class), sth November 1890 ' divided withHornsby, defeating Doerinj;, Massey, and' Mercer Machines. ' McOormick First Prize at Wai racknabeal (Farmers' Class), sth November 1890 defeating Hornsby, Wood and Massey Machines.' ' ■»•». McCormick First Prize at Nnthalia (Farmers' Class), 7th November, 1890 defeatiri" Hornsby, Massey (two machines), arid Wood (throe machines). • i «? ■ McCormick First Prize at Numurhah (Farmers' Class), 11th November 1890 de featini; Masney, Hornsby, Branford and Mercer Machines. ' -' McCormick First Prize at Yarrawong (Farmers" Class), 13th November, 1890.de* featins; two Machines. .•■ ' ■ ■■ McCormick. First Prize at Tatora (Farmers' Class), 18th November, 1890. defeating Massey and Wood Machines. ■ . McCormick Wirac Prize atSt Arnaud (Exports' Class), 19th November, 1890, defeat in % Massey and Brantford Machines. ■ ' McCormick First Prize at Sepparton (Farmer's Clans, 21st November, 1890, defeating Wood MncJiines. ■ '. ■ . ■ a McCormick First Prize at Sepparton (Experts' Class), 21st November, 1890, defeating ' Buckeye, Massey, Hornsby, Wood, Brantford, Mercer and Deering Machines! . ALSO— THE FIEST PIUZE GBANP GOLD MEDAL AT THF VIENNA INTERN AT [ONAL EXHIBITION, 1890. p Making a Total of FIRST PRIZES this Season, 1890. OO '" JOHN OER & CO.. *■ AG-^ITSTT'g ■



,GZ n!?f}E JAMESOK • ASHBURTOiV AND PAKAIA, . -pFAS IN STOCK A LAIIGL' SUPPLY OF BINDEE TWINE, OILS. , HARVEST REQUISITES AMI GENERAL FARM STORES AND TO ARRIVE COENSACKS AND SEAMING TWINE. —AGENT FOK- l'he New Zealand Fire and Marine Insurance Company, The Union Steamship Company, The New Zealand Shipping Company



MJR-S. B. SEYMOUK, SUE G EO N- DENTIST OF CHRISTCHURCH, ■• ;' :; '■ '"' ■■"■ WILL VISIT ) ASH B.U R T ON . on dates to bg announced, and may be consulted at MR. CAMBRIDGE'S, CHEMIST. _'■ 10 17 ICtlwcatiiisr the Horse. BY SPECIAL REQUEST. Professor Lichtwark WILL give a Second Performance at the H6mestead, Acton Estate on SA7URD4Y NEXT at to a.m. Ask any of our Rakaia pupils about tl.* merit of the Performance. 12 1(52 QTjSFHENS T)ROS OTKPHEN S JD R O S MARKET HOUSE WE have iww m Stock and to anivc specially for the Jam eason, Sugar, Sugar, Sugar, From Mauritius, finest Snowdidps, also Ist, 2nd, and 3rd grades of white yellow Crystals, .Moist, yellowy etc. •; ' : From England, finest Sparkling Loaf Sugar, m Cubes and Tablets, Crushed Loaf, Demarara Yellow Crystals, etc. TEA. TFA. TEA. Indian, Ceylon, and China, guaranteed pure, and sold m any quantity from one pound upwards. Also, m fancy 51b Caddies. These Teas we can recommend as being Tip Top Value. TO GIVE SATISFACTION IS OUli AMBITION. STEPHENS BROS. MAEKET HOUSE ■ f ' '■ v. fin. SP;I s KROf TAILOR AND .: MEN'S ; lER G B I ! ':" EAST STRflfcT.



VV. PATCHING, TKxNT TARPAULTN', RV, APEJt CANVAS, ANY j: AS , /LOTH M A S U b 1 AC T U 11 E 31, rfAS jilwny.i on l;;iud larpte Stocks of TENTS m all Kisses of CiLICO, DUCK LJ. TWILL and CANVAS. , Special attention called to the large and well assorted .stock ot VI PAIRS PROM PT L V EXEC UTE D. Any size Grass Seed Sheets made to order. TAUPATTLIJSH AND STACK COYKIiS ALL SIZES IN STOCK. MARQUEES ™>m 12 x 24 to 25 x 65 ON HIE Orders by leGtor or telegram promptly attended to. W- PATCHING EAST STREET, 12 77 A S H B U R T U N.



Gr« JP AWGETT UoDD SURGEON DENTIST, ' Address :—Courb Chambers, above Mr 11. M. Jones,/ Stationer, Street. .. Private Residence, Tancred Street, doors below' Masonic Hall, % \ BOUT 6 or 8 Acres of Good Land Ok. near the town, with or without house. For further particulars apply to 12*152 J. M. CAMBRIDGE. WANTED at once, Tenders for the Harvesting of 172' Acres of Oats, and 59 (fifty-nine) Acres of Wheat on the Lagrahor Estate. For particulars apply-to ..., , DONALD McLE AN, 12t128 Lagmhor. "ASHBURTON "CALEDONIAN ; ■■■■■. SOCIETY ON December 26th will give, first prize £1, second prize 10s, for a Swimming Race of 100 yards for boys under 16 years of age. Boys to be properly clothed, 1 * J j. SEALY, J2 150 Hon. Sec^ :~ COMPLIMENTARY DINNER. •A Complimentary. Pinner to Mr E. jCX. G. Weigh*, M.H.R., will be given on WEDNESDAY Evening, Dec ember 31, at 8 o'clock, at the Waterton Hotel. Tickets to be obtained of the un dersigned, or of Mr Sparrow, East Street, Ashburton. 12 120 A. PR°THEROE._ I. Salek and (Jo. (Next Bank New Zealand) W.V.R;HMAKia-lS AND JRWKLLRP-" , L i west CimiSTCHURCH Pees as usual. 5S WATCHES CLEANED and pTS guaranteed 12 months. O T3EBBLE, Pantascopic, and Crystal JL bpectocles. Sights tested free, Several good second-hand Rothekam and Other English LEVERS very cheap And and guaranteed. A SPECIALTY. —Rotheram's English Levers EXPRESSLY made to OUR OWN ORDER. The best and most reliable timekeeper m the world. Every descrip tion of Gold and Silver Jewellery made up or neatly repaired. I. SALEK AND CO, 12t32 Next Bank New Zealand.^ W.I. BFIUII A CO. WISH all their Customers a very merry Christmas and they will increase your pleasure if you call on them by giving you a handsome present. We give presents equal to 10 per cent (2s) m the£. A Customer spending 5s will receive a present Value of 6d A Customer spending 10s will receive a present Value of Is A Customer spending 20s will receive a present Va)ue of 2s And so on, the mere money you spend the better the present. W. W. SPENCER & CO. are now selling CHEAPER than any other house m Ashburton. White Lace Curtains 2s 6d a pair White Calico 3s 6d a doaen Grey Calicos 2s lid a dozen Check and Stripe Ginghams 4s lid doss, guaranteed to wash White Muslin 3|d Boys' Tweed Suits from 5s 3d Men's Tweed Suits 24s Gd Men's and Boys' Hats, Caps, Ties, and Braces at half price. BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Bluchers 6s 6d Men's Colonial Shooters 10s 6d Men's Strong Leather Elastic Sides 10s 6d Women's Strong Elastic Sides 6s lid Children's Plain and Patent Leather Shoes and Strap Slippers m endless variet at very low prices at w- w. speTcer & co THE ARCADE. THE ASHBURTQN" GUARDIAN. From and after the 30th November, 1880, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, vi? :— IV i'.UD IK APVANCE, |>er Quarter ... 0s Gd, by.post, 9a fid Half-year... 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d " Year ... 24s Qd, by post, 78 Ud 1$ BOOKEB. I«cp Quarter „•• 7s Qd, by post, Kte Od „ Half-year... 13s Od, by.post, 21s 6d Year ... 30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d; if booked, 4s each us may be sent as ayineatf ;



, ROBT. Jllil MURRAY Pr.ACTICA-ii AVATCH AND CLOCK MAKER, JEWELLER, &o. HAS to hand tax immense Stock;6f Vt'ATCHES, CLOCKS, JEWELLERY, and PLATE of the latest and most approved designs. WATCHES. -Geld and Silver, ,English/and Geneva, American Hunters, and Crystals. JEWELLERY.—An almost endless variety of Fine Gold, Bright Gold and Silver Brooclnvs, Lockets, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Guards, &c, &c. A splendid assortment of Gem, Wedding, Keeper, and Signet Rings of all sizes. - A large and well •aelreted Stock of MARBLE CLOCKS and'HME PIECES, SiWoi' Plated Goods, suitable for Xnias and Wedding Presents, at reduced priqes. - Exceptionally liberal terms to Presentation Committees, School Committees, &c, etc. All Departments of works done on the Premises with clef-patch, and at moderate charges. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. m 214 7



THE FAVOIUTE OPERA, "Patibwcß," BY recjuest will be repeated at popular prices on • THURSDAY, NEW TERR'S. DAY, -. : GD D F EL'LO WS' II AL L, ASHBITUT OJX. At»MisaiON ... ... 3s, 2s, Is. Also, at the re ow is si l. jj, B^KAIA FRIDAY, 2nd JANUARY. Ai>?ii-!.S'OX ... ..... i'fLjind -.'. After 'which a DAoSCE /«Pill bo'^Tv'GTi.- Admission : (ientlemeivf 2.$ Gd ; 1 idies frje  . J Owin.n; to tlie in^liiiposition of our Ash burton Lady JantJ,\ Miss K. Wiutor bourue, the lady \V!io ]>hiyed thw ■clmractev i:i the Kaiapoi •'Patience " Coinpauy, lia-3 kindly cun.sonUid to take the part. , .  - -



j ENTERTAINMENTS,_&C._|_ / vVDF'A LL O W >S' T.T ALL. ASHORE AND AFLOAT. ASHORE AND AFLOAT. BOXING NIGHT. 3s, 2s, Is. 12 15 L



pen Handicap Hukdle Race, 440 yds. Wm. Houston ... . ... scratch Wm. Brown scratch C. Dejoux scratch F. Levitt syds F. Close ... ... > - • ••• sy(ls A.J.Daly *••• syds iC. Chapman • 7yds A.Patterson 10yds Ghand HandiOai' Flat Rack. 100 yds 220 yds 440 yds J. F. Bell ... scratch scratch* scratch C. Dejoux ... scratch Scratch scratch J.Nicholas... scratch scratch scr/itch D. Anett ... scratch scratch _ scratch H. Rowe ... scratch scratch scratch A.J.Daly... 2 5 8 A. J. Baxter 3 5 8 F. Close ... 3 5 8 F. Levitt ... 3 5 8 W. Bastion 3 5 10 A. Patterson 4 8 12 D. Betts .... 5 7 12 C. Chapman 5 8 12 J. McKautfit 5 10 15 F. Tasker"... 4 10 20 W. Shearman 7 12 25 R. McFarlane 12 20 30 Half Milk Handicap Flat Race. P. Annett ... ... ••• scratch F. Leggitb ... syds ! J. Groves 10yds W. Houston 10yds A. Burgess 10yds W. Bennie 10yds J. Walker... . ... ... 15yds J, Sutherland  20yds T. H. Lockhard . 20yds W. Phelps 20yds J. MoGee 25yds J. Marsden 25yds A.J.Daly 25yds R. McFarlane ... 70yds Handicap Mile Race. D. Annett scratch F. Leggitt ... ... ... syds A. Burgess ..v 20yds W. Bennie ... ... ... 25yds J. Walker 30ycls W. Phelps ... 40yds J. McOee 45yds J. Sutherland ... ... ... 45yds T. H. Lockhard 45yds A. J. Daly ... ... ... 50yds E. J. Craighead ... 50yds W. B. Crafchead 50yds LI. McFarlane 150 yds G. A. VINCENT, \ TJ  ' Wm, ANDEKSON. jHandlcaPPclS- 12 15 "VTOTICE is hereby given m pursuance J_N of the. 'Public Reserves Act, 1885," Cl. 5 and 6, tha^ tho Ashburton Domain will be set apart fpr the Cale donian S.ocic.ty's Sp.qrts pn Friday, thp 26th day ; of Depember, jjjsfc., on which day chfU-ges will be Miatlp fpi: admission thereto pn the following scaje, viz;, For Each Adult, One Shilling, for Horse One Shilling ; and for Each Trap One Shilling. P THOMAS Mayor. Ashbuvton December 9th XB9O 12J56



NOTICE. THE LIBRARY and offices of the ASHBURfON BOROUGH COUN CILwiII be closed from 1 o'clock p.m. on WEDNESDAY, the 24th inst., till the morning of SATURDAY, January 3xi\ The Reading Room will be open as usual By Order, CHAS. E. FOOKS, , Town Clerk. Borough Council-Offices, I Ashburton, December 23rd 1890. 12160 A SHBURTON CALEDONIAN jOi^ SOCIETY. HANDICAPS FOR SPORTS. Bicvx'LK Race Handicap. Three miles. W. F. Bennetts scratch Ja-mes Wheelan 60 yds.' H. Stewart " 60 „ ' Alex. Jamieson ... ... ••• 70  V/. B. Criut?lieitd 100 „ Thus. WhU' ISO „ Frank Wall 150 „ Harry Tliompson ... ••• 200  Robt. Macfavlane 400  H.~H. STEPHENS, Handicappsr.



Public Notices. A' ftIKETING of the PeoplcVPolitical Association will be held m the Oddfellows' H;ill (backroom) on SATUR DAY, December 27th, at 8 p.m. All members or intending membersaacr c requested to attend. 12 10 " CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. : ir"pilE Mail will be published, as usual, ; JL on Christmas morning, but the will not be issued on Christmas- Day, or Boxing Day. "ashburton fire brigade. OWING to Thursday next being Christmas Day the usual fort nightly practice will not be held. A. A. FOOKS, , 12 161 Lieutenant.



mnm to melbourhe^| - Should VnnU »• Will-known and Buo. mciAUit Ampb Owtuwti, IR^^F^ fin COKiIDUTATIOII, I^IP Fllnd9H9LW. i Utl*tirH>



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. EXCURSION FARES FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. "T7IXOURSION TICKETS will be Pi issued from Ashburton to Dunedin at 32s first class, 22s 6d second; to Inver cargill at 57s and 40s 6d; to Kingston (for the Lakes), at 65s and 44s 6d—from tho 20th December to 2nd January, and. will be available for return till 13th January. An extension of a fortnight m the time of return can be obtained, if desired. See posters for particulars. A Special Night .Train, leaving Christ church for Dunedin at 10 p.m. on 24th December, will stop at Ashburton at 11.55 p.m., to take up passengers at these fares. A Special Train from Dunedin to Christchurch same night will also, stop at Ashburton at 6 a.m. to take up passengers for Christchurch. Return tickets obtainable any day. 2jlll_ BORDER.



SATURDAY, 27th DECEMBER. FISHING TACKLE. FISHING TACKLE. MR T. BULLOCK will sell by Public Auction at the Arcade, on the above date, —Rod, Reel, Line, Waders complete. Sale at 12 noon T. BULLOCK, 12*164 Auctioneer. SATURDAY, DECESIBER 27th. Cottage and Section, Alford Forest Road. MRT. BULLOCK has receiver! m , struc'ckui.j to sell by Public Auction at the Arcade on the above date, h:>t 10, containing ] acre, fronting the Alford Forest Road, on which is erected a o-rooiued Cottage, and Scullery, &c. This property i.s well situated ne;ir Mr Stool's Strre, and is now m the occupation of Mr T. Painter. Easy terms of payment. Inspection Invited. Sale at 12 Noon. T. BULLOCK, 12*117 Auctioneer. ■ T. STEPHENS'.CHURCH, ASHBURTON. CHRISTMAS DAY, 1890. SERVICES at 8.30, 11 a.m., and 7.30 p.m. 12 165 '"first. first. first. A T the LARGEST FIELD TRIAL Hele m Australia this Season, The Brantford \ OP WAS PLACED FIRST, defeating seven other machines. THIS IS GENUINE. THE ONLY STRING BINDER * THAT CAN CUT AND TIE GRASS SEED. TESTIMONIAL. I have cut with .a 7ft Bi'antford Binder purchased last season, about seven acres of ryegrass for seed. The crop was very short and thin, being on light ground. The machine did its work perfectly, both cutting, binding and tying without a hitch, and I consider the Brantford the best on the market, and the only machine fit to tackle a light crop of grass. 1255101 Geokge Cole,.