The Ashburton Guardian. Magna et Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL

On Christmas Day the services at St. Stephen's Church will be at 8.30 a.m., 11 R.m., and 7.30 p.m. On Christmas Day the services at the Catholic Church will be at the same hours as pn Sunday. On next Sunday, the 27tb instant; there will be Mass at Rakaia and .Vespers at. Ashburton. We understand that the time allowed for owners to send m their returns under the Land and Income Tax 1891 is extended for two weeke from Ist January m order to give them time to see the assessors. Afc fylr Gower's farm near Turakina there if at present an extraordinary animal curios ity m the shape of a two-tooth wether with a sort of crown of horn and flesh on its head of over fire inches m height. Sergeant (to recruit): "You are a fearfully Btnpid brute. Have you any brothers?" Recruit:" Yes one." ''Ishe as stupid as you ?" " Oh, he is much more so," "For heaven's sake what is he ?»' " A sergeant." The complete plan of the County water, race system, prepared m compliance with th« terms of the Water Supply Act of last session, has been deposited at the Court house, where it can be seen, free of charge, for the next two months. A plan can also be seen at the County Council oflice, A gardener who has tested it for threes years says that broken pieces of bone ate much better than broken pieces of crockery for drainine flower-pots. The plants suck *i the fertilising quality out of the bones and make such a vigorous growth that the plants m pot* supplied with Jiones can be told at once. The following will represent the Tmwald Cricket Club m their practice match, Married r Single, on December 25 (Clirhtmas Bay). Play to start at 1.30 p.m. Anyone not mentioned below desiring a game is cordially invited to attend. Single —H. Millar, 8L Corrigan, H. Bennett, Jeffs (2), J. Lewis, Clark (3), Watson, Lowe (2), Chesterman (2), IJdnuington (3), Davis (3), Haxley. Married ~<olothier, Fergie, Kobu. -soa,schneider, Gudsell, Stone, Clark, Terras, llppett, Rountree (2), Bo'iinington, Barker, Sturgeon, J. M. Reid, Kerdy, WilJiftm Bell,

The Napier "Telegraph" says:—As showing the saving effected by the use of shearing machines, we me m a position to say that Mr Leslie McHardy, at hia Black head ktition, records that he has aixfcy bales of wool over and above what ho would have had if Ills sheep had been shorn with ordinary shears. The sixty bales thus saved more than pay for the machines aud the setting up of die plant. Mr F. C. Tabart reports on the wool sale \ held at Christ-church on Thursday as follows : j —There was a good attendance of English and local buyers, and prices realised for all 'wool, except merino, were very satisfactory. Good halfbred wool made from B^d to 10|d, the latter price being obtained for oJ con joiued wool. Crossbred wool from 7d to 9^d, merino from 5d to 7£d, pieces up to 6|d. The "Australasian" of December 21 contains an interesting account of a visit to Mr Jarne3 Rpwe's piggeries at Windsor Park, near Christchnreh. .The writer concludes as follows:—" Nothing I have seen this side of the line nearly approaches Mr Howe's white stock, and any lover of good pigs who' visits Christohurch should not fail to find oul this good breeder, who will be only too pleased to show hi 3 stock." The Mount Soiners telegraph office is now m full working order and open to t.he public. Mr J. H. Hawkes, who is station master, is also postmaster and telegraphist. We received ottr first telegraphic communica tion from Mount Somers yesterday. It was an advertising order, and our publisher will be glad to accept very many of these. But the fact of being able to communicate at all with Mount Somers by wire is a great stride forward. On Tuesday evening the usual monthly meeting of the Hampstead Town Board was held—all the members present. The chief business was m reference to the Board of Health. The Board decided to adhere to the rateable value basis of rating iii the raising of funds for Board of Health purposes. The Clerk was instructed to obtain a supply of dog collars, to be sold at 103 for;dogs, other than sheep dogs, and 2s 6d for sheep dogs actually m use as such. The Clerk was appointed registrar under the Dog Nuisance Act, and hisoffice the register office for the same. Mr Goschen is a financial genius, but he cannot compare with the small boy who went to the Kumara post office last week. This youngster, standing on tiptoe so that his hair just touched the level of the counter said, " Mother wants change of a pound." The change was obligingly counted out, and the postmaster, Mr Prattle, loked for the note. The financier, however, just hitched up his trousers and stretching out iiis hand for the change, said with an air of superb nonchalance, " Thanks, mother'll send the note round on Saturday." The bargain, of course, never came off.—Exchange. A French author gives some curious infor mation about the ladies who are tempted and who fall during their shopping expedi tions. He says that no fewer than 4000 women are caught every year stealing be fore the counter. The number of titled ladies seized with kleptomania while examin ing the fashions is almost incredible. Among the most recent culprits were a Russian Srincess, a French counteas, an English uchess, and the daughter of a reigning sovereign. As a rule these more distinguished offenders are let off on the payment; of a round sum for the relief of the poor; and when the shoplifter is known to be rich, the sum extracted rises to as much as 10,000 francs. The police authorities consent to this sort of condonation. Two Scotch sugar planters m Demer.xra vfere boasting about their indifference to the bites of mosquitoes. The dispute got so warm that Mac bet Alistec that he was the better man. Both agreed to lie down m the verandah m puris naturalibus. Smoking and drinking were permissible, bub the first man who complained of the bites wsis to lose a case of whisky. For a long time each endured the onslaught of the bloodsuckers ; b'lt at last Alister could stand it no longer. He turned over preparatory to capitulating, and noticed that Mac's back was towards him. Allister was smoking a cigar, and carefully removing the ash he applied the butt to Mac's back. "Eh mon !" yelled Mac " that was a bull of a gallinipper." " Yell send me the case of whisky m the morning," was the only remark of Allister, who tumbled into his clothes as quickly as possi ble.

We extract the following rare sample of journalistic modesty, from a recent issue of the " Arizona Kicker ":—Last Friday even ing we were nominated as mayor on the Democratic ticket by acclamation, and this is equivalent to an election. We don't deny that we sought the nomination. We have had our eye on it for a year past. We shall do our level best to shove our opponent under. We have been moved to this course by a desire to see the town governed and because we believe r.he mayor should be the representative man of the town. We are that man. Theie is no use ih filling and biekins, and talking about modesty and self conceiti'and all that. We lead this town. We kuow more than any ten men m it rolled together. We shall make the be=t mayor the town has ever had, aad we shall see that all the city printing is given to the "Kicker " at legal rates. A man named Worsdell, a resident m the North-East Valley, Dun idin, had * stroke of bad luck lately. The majority of the members of his family were stricken down with influenza, and on the doctor's advice they all went to Oama.ru, leaving their home tmtenanted. A few days after they left it was burnt down. The cause no one could tell, for there was not a soul m the house at the time, nor had there been anyone m it for days previously. The house, which was quite a recent erectiou, was insured for £350. Then just the other night a shed, the property of Mr Worsdell, was burnt to the ground, and again there was no clue to the origin of the fire. The shed was for £100. Mr Worsdell is of opinion that "an enemy hath done this," but he is unfortunately not m a position to lay his finger on the exact one, although he has several "suspects." A striking illustration of the gigantic dimensions of some Californian trees is being prepared for the World's Fair at Chicago. There is one enormous trunk m Tulare county, from which it is said a log of clean smooth wood to measure ninety feet m length, and average twenty feet m diameter can easily be cut. Out of this enormous log it is proposed to carve a complete railway train, and experts say there will be enough wood and to spare for the purpose. To get the hewn tree to a railway station ifc will be necessary to cut it into sections. Then the log will be made whole by the putting to gether of the sections. Expert woodsmen will cut it across m the middle, each forty five feet long. Each of these lengths will then b» hewn into the shape of ordinary railway coaches. The rough bark of the tree will bp the roof of the car, and on the sides and «»ds the natural wood will be left unpolished ; the inside will be hollowed out, windows, and doors put m, and the interior finished after the fashion of Pullman cars. The cars will be kept on the Fair grounds, and the Tulare delegation will make them their home. The best wdicine is Sander aad^Sons Eucalpyti Extract. Test its eminent power ful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty tl>a King of Italy and medical syndicates all oygv the world are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle- We have no occasion to offer rewards m proof of the genuineness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and unvrer sitieSjthe official communicat iona of the Consu 1 General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded by the International Exhibition Amsterdam—all these are authentic docu ments, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated at the clinic of Schujtz, M.D. Pro fessoi', etc.—"C. 8., 24 yeays oldj conges tional abscess ou the tlfigh. Incisions made m two places. Although Lister's dressing was applied, the secretion became, two days Inter, very copious, and had adopted a foetid decomposed character. The temperature rose enormously. In consequence the dressing , 1 was removed and m its place were made during the day .time repeated irrigations with Eucalypti Extract. The offensive fceter dis appeared very soon, the fever abated within a, few days, and the patient recovered after the lapse of several weeks. In this instance we must not lose sight of the fact that the latter treatment saved the patient's life. — £4vt.) 3

When writing the remarks which, appeared m yesterday's "Guardian" reminding those who have abundance at this season that there are others who are not ao fortunately situated, we omitted to mention the patients m the hospital. Christmas can scarcely be j " merry " to them, but a few little delicacies may alleviate pain and brighten the mon-• otony of sickness, and the day be thus made more cheerful than others. We regret to learu that there is a great deal of destitution m the district, and we trust our yesterday's remarks will be freely responded to. The Master of Home desires to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of lib tobacco, one goose, plum-pudding, and two dozen stout from Mrs % Shearman; one sack of green peas from Mr J. Tucker; twenty pounds of cake from Mr George Jameeon ; twelve pounds of cake from Mr G. H. Bryant—for the Christmas treat to inmates. The publishers of the New Zealand " War Cry "have made a special effort and this week produce a Christmas number of twenty pages. The number is as full of Salvation reports, testimonies, anecdotes, and histories, as an unusual number of engravings and a \ page of original songs for Christmas will allow. The outer pages are printed m "fire colors," and the whole paper is a good two penny-worth for it 3 subscribers. An eleven of the Cambrook (Dunedin) C.C. will try conclusions with a teamot Ash. burton C.C m the Domain ground here next Monday, play to commence at 11 a.m. The following will represent the home team, Viz., Torld, E. and A. Buchanan, Denshire, Simpson, E. P. Chapman, G. Andrews, Moore, T. Sawle, and L. F. Andrews. Emergencies A. Fooks and Black. A scrptch game will be played to-morrow afternoon, beginning at two o'clock, when all those requiring practice or wishing a game are requested to attend. The renowned *' Billy Akarman " need*? no introductiod to Ashbnrton amusemen seeks. He is an old friend who can always be depended upon to drive care away from wherever he puts man appearance. He is not one either who trusts to himself for the whole show, for he is accompanied by a really strong band of artists, some of whom, in cluding his Pearl Akarman, MrCadzow, and the "Tom Tbumb giant," are also old friends, and with them are a number of new additions to the company, who we are assured, are of star rank. There should be a croweded house at the Oddfellows' Hall to-night. A very severe accident happened yester day afternoon to a son of Mr Joseph Miles, carrier, by which the boy's jaw was broken, and other injuries sustained by him. He was bird's-nesting m the borough school grounds With a companion, and through the breaking of a branch, fell to the ground from a tree he hud climbed, Mr Thomas Holmes, of Hinds, was first to his assistance, with Mrs Burns, the school caretaker, and they carried the boy to Dr Tweed's, bnt the Dr was away from home, and the boy was then conveyed home by his father, and at tended by i)ra Trevor, and Bolger, who set his jaw and sewed up his lower lip and tongne, both of which were badly cut. His ancle was also sprained m the fall, but con sidering the distance he fell, it is fortunate his injuries were not more severe. This morning he was progressing favourably, but had to express his wishes m writing or by means of the finger alphabet. Everybody m Ashburton will be glad to hear that Mr W. T. Potter, head of the goods depar me ifc at the Ashburton railway station, has rece veda substantial Christmas box, m the shapa of a promotion to the post of Stationii'aster at Prebbelton. No man m the town is better known or more highly respected than Mr Potter. He has been for sjven years employed at Aslibmton station, and his promotion says all that need be said regarding the manner m which he has dis charged his duties. For nearly five years he has been a member, and for some time an officer of the Fa-e Brigade, and iti a few day* will have earned his long-service medal. He is an enthusiastic Freemason, having just passed the chair of the Thistle Lodge, and being an officer of the District Grand Lodge, Scottish Constitution. He is also a member of the Ashburton Lodge, Ancient Order of Druids, for whom he has been secretary for the last three years. Mr Potter's talents as a reciter are known be i yond this district, and he has been a tower of strength to various amatcnr dramatic combinations that have played here; his latest impersonation, Captain Haw tree m " Caste," was a capital bit of acting. Mr Potter will be greatly missed here, and he will carry universal good wishes with him to Probbleton.

Mr John Ah long, well-known as the Government Chinese interpreter, has given a member'of the staff of the " Otago Daily Times " some information with respect to the prevailing epidemic. He claims to be able to successfully treat the most acute cases, and says that six weeks ago he completely cured one of his own countrymen, who was m a bad way. Mr Ah long says that m mild cases the parasite can be removed by the point of a needle ; but where the germ is some days old ifc has to be cut away, and he has instruments for the purpose. The disease, he adds, is not an un common one m China, where it was known, when he left, as " English tacks," and is known here by the Chinese equivalent for "peppercorn." As to the diet, he says that persons suffering from influenza should not eat rice, meat, sugar or bread ; but he strongly recommends potatoes boiled without salt. Mr Ah Tong, who resides m Stafford street, opposite St Mathew's Church, expresses his willing ness to attend without recompense any patient who has la grippe, and is particu larly anxious to show any medical gentle man engaged with a critical case his treatment. Mr Ah Tong is also prepared to give patients dried fruits from China, which, m his opinion, is the best food they can take. It may be added that a Euro pean sufferer irom la grippe informs us that his discovery was coincident with the removal of something like a parasite which had caused a most unpleasant feel -1 ing m the nose. "Keating's Powder" destroys Bag* Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clem m application. See the article you Durchase is " Keating's," as imitations are •oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d, Is and 2s 6d each, by all chemists. Thj4 Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle i perient, are mild m their operation, and' safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l£d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the world.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

[per pkess association.] A Political Association. Marton, December 24. A large meeting of representative settlers, yesterday, resolved to form an Association, to be called the Rangibikei Political Association. The objects, as stated m the resolution, are to promote economy and honesty of administration to support an equitable system of taxation, to oppose the renewal of extravagant cx i penditure m public works, and a borrow ing policy, to uphold the freehold tenure as against the nationalisation of land, and to obtain a dual electoral vo^e, that is that every ratepayer have a vote m addir I tion to his residential vote. It was re] ' solved to affiliate with similar Associa tions throughout the color.y. A strong (Committee was formed. The meeting was addressed by Messrs J. W. Marshall (County Chairman), Mac Arthur, A. Milne and John Bryce.

CHRISTMAS.

Once again conies round the happy season of Christmas, with all its plea sant associations, it sacred services, its family gatherings, its joyous celebra tions, its kindly remembrances, and Its bountiful cheer. Its aspect to us New Zealamlers is m strong contrast to that ifc wears at tho Old Home, sunshine and roses and lilies taking the place of snow and holly and mistle toe ; but its sanctions and its spirit are aye tho same, litre as there, and all the world over. For its spirit is the spirit of goodwill, and generous thoughts, and generous deeds, are not dependent upon clime or latitude. Blessed indeed, is its recurrent season, for once a, year at lrasb o'er all the world we thus have pause m the hurry and whirl of our busy times to think of things that are higher and nobler than those that bulk so largely m the history of our lives, m the constant, ceaseless struggle which modern busi ness implies. Pause to reflect on the meaning and the end of this strange phantasmagoria which we call " life," pause to look back upon the path we have travelled, and to look forward to that which lies before us, to count the treasures of our joys and tell the beads of our sorrows, and to enter into the joys and sorrows of others. JiVell for us all if, full of the gracious in fluences of this season of seasons, we are able to extend a broad and a kindly sympathy to all by whom we are sur rounded, to rejoice with them that re joice, and mourn with fcheiri that mourn, adding each our little ray to the gather ing sunshine, looking forward m hope ar>d faith to a coming " perfect day " when there shall be "no darkness at all." Have we aught to forgive? let it be forgiven. Have we cause of offence ? let it be forgotten. Owe we debt of reparation ? let it be paid m full. And so, casting behind us the sins and sorrows of the past, let us set our faces to the future with hearts full of love, of faith, and of hope, wishing and expecting for ourselves and for all around us " A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Hail, Merry Christmas.

Hail Christmas ' merry Christmas, More dear as years increase, Sweet time of hope and blessing, Of gladness and of peace. Of mem ries, thronging thickly The sacred hearih of home, That knit our hearts together, Though wide our footsteps roam. Hail! day of highest favor, Thrice blessed happy morn Whereon the Prince-Redeemer The Very Christ was born. Hail! day that saw high Heaven Stretch out her arms to E vrth, When men with angels joining Proclaimed the Savior's birth. Hail! welcome blessed season, Welcome where'er we go, Mid snows of Alpine winter, Or India's scorching glow. Where seeks the tiny redbreast The frost-sprent window-sill, And, tapping, wails expectant His Christmas morning fill. Where crimson-berried holly Is twined wiih ivy green, And mistletoe's dark branches Are decked with pearly sheen ; Where the great tires defiant Ontroar the searching blast, And sparks from blazing yule-logs Fly up the chimney fast; And welcome, aye as welcomj Where from a cJoudlcQs sky The sun his tropic ludianeo Pours fervid from on high ; Where the full corn is waving, All rich and ripe and brown, And purple grapes are bending The vine's fair branches down ; Or where the graceful nmu Her fringe hangs o'er the stream, And sounds the bellbird's piping Like musiu m a dream j Where flings the broad flax proudly Her pennons to the air, And tills each crimson chalice With nectar rich and rare ; Where the blue placid ocean Forgets her wintry roar, And peaceful as an infant Sleeps by the silent shore; Ay, all the wide world over, In every land and clime, A welcome have we ever For happy Christmas time. The season of all seasons Most joyous and most blest, In all the year's long cycle The day we love the best; And this our joyous greeting Shall sound o'er hill and dale Welcome ! thrice welcome Christmas ! Hail! merry Christmas—hail! W. J. S.

Relics by the Wagon Load.

I Under the direction of Professor Put nam, Chief of the Department of Ethnology, of the World's Columbian Exposition, a party of men has been making extensive excavations of the pre historic mounds m Ohio and Indiana, and according to reports, received from time to time, mo&t gratifying success has been met with. Many skulls, skeletons, copper hatchets, pipes, ornaments, altars of burnt clay weighing 400 to 500 pounds, flint spear heads, etc , have been secured. In one mound, situated near Anderson Station, Indiana, 7232 flint spear heads and knives were discovered. The bulk was so great that it took four horses and a large corn wagon to haul the flints to camp. The total weight was a trifle over 4.700 pounds. The implements ware found m a layer one foot m thickness, extending over a space twenty by thirty feet. Many of them were over eight or ter> inches m length ; some of them even larger, while the majority ranged from ' seven to eight inches. They are made of gray flint found only m Indiana, and show ! that there were from sixty to seventy flakes detached from each one m order fca fashion it. The largest find of flint implements made m one place heretofore m America did not exceed 1800 specimens. In one ot the caverns occupied by primitive man m the valley of the Seine, below Paris, 2300 implements were found m one deposit. As it is reasonable to conclude that nearly one day's work was expended on each implement, and as each one exhibits almost absolute perfection as far as flint chipping is concerned, the find will be of specjal value to ethnological :§ search.

CHRISTMAS EVE.

THE SHOPS AND SHOP WINDOWS.

Once m seven years the staff of this < paper get 3 a chance to have "a straight , out Christmas "as the P.D. calls it. When i Christmas falls on a Friday the mighty i engine cannot well be asked to work on i the Boxing Day Saturday. The staff is too virtuous to work on the Sunday following, so that three clear days of absolute^ rest are allowed to the finger and leg-weary compositor. The reporter must do his round of the business places where special preparations for the Christmas trade and show are made before these preparations are complete, and when many df the pretty things-to be displayed are. actually m process of unpacking. He did so on this occasion, and what he gives below must be read with that fact m view. Should the weather on Christmas i<Jve prove propitious, he can promise from what he has seen that the shops and shop windows will make a fair display. THE GROCERS. It seems appropriate, somehow, to deal first with the men who purvey the ingre dients of the Christmas plum pudding. No climate is too hot for the Briton to eat, or at least try to eat, certainly to cook if the wherewithal is available, the inevit able combination of night-mare inducing elements contained m the mess which is proper to the feast of the day. In Ash burton the wherewithal is not only avail able but abundant, and if of what are called Christmas fruits, one-half of the quantity stored up m the grocers' estab lishment here is made use of this Christ mas —"well, may good digestion wait upon the appetite of the eaters. Mr Donald Williamson, at the southern end of the town, is mot by any means a man given to "pomp and circumstance," but he is usually there when wanted, and he is on hand with plenty of plum pudding material. Mr Henry Zander, is younger, and of a different temperament. His window is quite gay with Christmas fare attractively displayed, and many a matron will survey this window this evening m view of the contract she will have to fulfil with the young ones she caters for ; and many a young mouth will water as the young eyes above it look upon the picture. Messrs MacCallum and McGregor, m Tancred street, although there are no special window displays at their establishments,"are both helping to fill the maw of the monster, while Messrs Stephens Bros, have been at some pains to dress their windows very neatly. In the window wholly devoted to Christmas ; fruit, riot a necessary of the pudding has been omitted, and much is shown m ad dition. Mr John Orr has not made any window display, as he says his "show is inside," and a good one it is. While some of Mr R. Alcorn's staff having been aeger of the fuphionable trouble, the dressing of the plum pudding window has been of the most solid kind. There are no delicate touches of the master shopman here, but whole huge boxes of excellent fruit have been lifted into the window, and the lids simply taken off to show the fruit, perhaps the heartiest way after all. THE DRAPERS AM) CLOTHEIRS. These tradesmen usually reap a harvest at Christmas, as mmy a new dress and new suit finds a recipient at Christmas tide out of the kindness of heart of some loving iektiva. Sometimes "a nearer one still and a dearer " gets a new bonnet Blie did not expect, but no matter the why or the wherefore, the goods are bought and sold and the merchant gathereth hi the pr'ce thereof. Mi- Andrew Urr, hh-s filled up his windows with that taste for which bis staff are noted, and his bonnets and dresses, silk and satin, will tempt many a fair daughter of Eve. Eu addition to his staple stook, he this season exhibits a large quantity of nicknacks suitable for presents, and altogether makes a tolling display of fancy goods. Mr S. W. Alcorn, too, is on hand, and will on Christmas Eve be quite m the front rank with his display of novelties m seasonable goods. So'also Mr W. H. Collier at "The Corner " ; and Mr Segers m East street, south. Measrs Mitchell and Turner, m Tancred street, show finely set off windows of clothing, etc., and Messrs Sparrow and Berryman, near the Town Hall, have been on their best manners to show their good things. Messrs W. W, Spencer and Co. have neatly arranged windows, and display m them not only goods suitable to their trade, but a fine show of fancy goods and glassware. THE CONFECTIONERS. It would be hardly the correct thing for this list m these columns to commence with any other nam« than that of Coun cillor Flower, seeing that the support of local industry has been advocated m them constantly. Mr Flower's window will be devoted to-night to the display of a large and varied collection of " lollies," all his own manufacture, and the sight will be a grand one to the young people. In ad dition to these he will display a collection of imported chocolates. His next door neighbor, Mr Randall, will also toe the line with confectionery, bub his great strength will be the early fruits, of which ho usually makes a nice Christmas dis play. Mrs Adams at the north end, and Mrs Dally and Mr Hoult at the south end, with Mr Davis and Mr Ranger m the centre ought to be able among them to gratify the sweetest tooth m the town. THE BOOKSELLERS. Nearly everybody this year, who has at all departed from the usual line of his own special business, has added Christmas cards to the list of attractions, but the two booksellers of the town have done so man especial manner. Than the collections of booklets and Christmas cards shown by Mr H. M. Jones and Messrs L. F. Andrewes and Co., the sight-seer could wish no better. Year after year the artists and the art printers seem to add improvement to improve ment m their work, until a point has been reached that one would almost say was pei'fection, only we know so well that another Christmas will see that point passed by a long way : for there is no saying what will not be achieved m these particular lines while they are the fashion —and thty seem likely to hold. Nor have presentation books m all depart ments of literature been neglected, and some of the bindings shown m both establishments are simply superb. THE TOYS. In nothing is the man m middle life so forcibly reminded of how time has sped as m the toys he sees provided for the children of to-day, as compared with those that passed through his youthful hands. Now-a-days are to be seen mechanical toys of every description— automatons that the minds of thirty years ago could not have realised m the strangest dream of fairyland. It is useless to attempt a description of the thousand and one playthings, great and small, cheap and costly, beautiful and the reverse, fragile and substantial, that are provided for the coming of Santa Claus, the children's saint of gifts. Most of the fancy goods establishments have made special efforts this year, and Mrs Adams has opened an extra shop m Saunders' Buildings for her special display of toys, &c. These comprise — Dolls—Freach, Austrian, and English, from one penny to one pound ; Dresden china ; Venetian and Alhambra goods ; Japanese screens andfans; work-boxes, albums, companions, hand bags ; afternoon tea-sets, shaving tidies, mantel-drapes, smoking caps, slippers, mechanical toys, boys' cricketing sets, Christmas cards and booklets, and a superb show of children's pinafores and infants' robes. Mr H. M, Jones as usual opens quite a Leipsio Fair, and the [ display he makes of foya of every descrip

tion, dolls by the thousand m every garb aud mike-up, leather and plush goods, glassware m all the colons of the rainbow, although not all seen m one article ; i chinaware of wonderful and'varied design I d.nd ornamentation, electroplate of high ula~s, and, m fact, a ho&t ot things the enumeration . of which would take pages of print. Mr Harry Fiiedlander shows perhups as fino an assortment of toys, games accessories, and general fancy goods as can he seen anywhere, and his north wall carries on its shelves and tables quite a mine of novelties. There are to be seen here some superb goods m glassware, leather work, Japanese caskets for every conceivable purpose, nick nacks m orna ments of every kind, and m every design, and for every use, and anglers, cricketers, tennis players, and footballers can have every want supplied. Mr W. C. Davis, holding the commanding site that he does at the corner of Burnett street, has not failed to display to good advantage—-which his extensive floor rorm enables him to do—his large collection of toys of every kind. Every living thing neenis to have a toy imitation m his list, and every dead thing too, while his stock of automatic toys is very extensive. Mrs J. Buchanan, m the shop lately occupied by the Messrs Craighead, m Tancred street, has also devoted her attention to toys, her specialty being dolls, most of which have been cleverly dressed by herself, and some of the better class ones are quite works of art m this way. Mr James Baker, m Havelock street, has perhaps as fine a display of toys as any m the town, and the arrangement 'of them is very neat. THE JEWELLERS. The workers m gold and silver, the men who "take a note of time." have also been stirred to action, and a look at the windows and display Rises of Messrs James Quinn, the oldest horologist m the town, who by the way is about to give up business ; Robert Murray, the maker of our infalible town clock ; S. Salek, a clever clock und watch doctor ; Andrew Black, an instance of the honoris possible to be gained by tradesmen under a system of technical education, and who carries the 1887 bronze medal for watchmaking (London) as well as other honors. A visit to these establishments will afford delight to all who avail themselves of the jewellers' invitation to come and see. THE BUTCHERS. The hot weather that usually prevails about Christmas is not favorable to tha making of a great show m meat, and the butchers' work under a disadvantage m this respect. They have tried, however, to be equal to the occasion, and Mr Revell shows some of Mr R. Mclntyre' lambs weighing 641bs and 661bs each, with some of Mr Green's, Ashburton Forks, weigh ing over 401bs. Mr Rule devotes his space to as good a show of meat as it is safe to make m the hot season, ani a fine display of small goods, setting the whole ofF with a bit of evergreen decoration. The Tasker Bros, maintain their father's reputation for a Christmas display of the best meat obtainable m the market while, Mr Bernard, Mr Cox, Mr James, and Mr Smith (Alford Forest road), have all something of merit to show suitable for the Christmas trade. DECORATIONS. Here ar-d there throughout the town efforts have been made to decorate the outside of establishments with evergreens, and perhaps the most extensive work of this kind has been done'in Burnett street, but probably before tho decorations throughout the town are all finished, our paper will be m the hands of out readers. THE TOBACCONISTS. The smoker says he can think best under the inspiration or rather tlw soothing influence of the weed. At Christmas time every right sort of mau resolves to do better m the year to come thin Ji'W.Vl m U,o- vc--i llm; lu.s gone, and the tobacconist looks out to supply him with aii aid to reflection m the shape •)i good things m the fragrant weed and its furnace. Mr Fred Clark has square! his shoulders to meet the extra demands upon him, and his pipe show cases have been replenished, and his shelves garnished with tit bits m cut, plug, and cigars of every gride. Mr James McGregor goes further, and while showing a tempting assortment of superior pipes awd tobacco, lays out quite a fairy bower full of vases of more than ordinary merit. Mr Harry Fried lander, too, has been keeping the holiday season well m view, and his stock of the weed and its " fixings" are enough to tempt a bird from a tree if the bird only knew the pleasures of the pipe. Professor Robottom also declines to be behind m the race, and bids for notice with a special lay out. Altogether the street promenade on Christmas Eve and the attendant shopping should be attrac tive. May it be to buyer and seller the prologue to a "merry Christmas, and a happy New Year."

POLITICAL.

THE PREMIER AT NEW PLYMOUTH.

(per. press association.) Wellington, December 23. The Hon. Mr Ballance addressed a large meeting last night m the Alexandra Hall. He went over the sam« subjects spoken on at other places. At the ter mination of the meeting a vote of thanks and _ confidence m the Government was carried, but most of those present did not hold up their hands.

Invercargill Chamber of Commerce.

(per press association.) Invercargill, December 22. At the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to-day the Committee's report was of a very hopeful character. While admitting that the town trade had not improved much during the year, the report stated that" the agricultural and pastoral outlook was extremely bright and hopeful. The Chairman, Mr G. W. Nichol, referred-to the great increase m shipping from the Bluff as evidence of the productiveness of the district. The ton nage using this port this year so far has been 216,789 tons, as against ions i m 1889. The limitation of the sales of oats consequent on the protective tariffs m Australia, had led to feeling the pulse of the Home market, with the result that it was found as profitable to ship to Lon don as to Australia, and the rapid fcfceam service and equalisation of freight pro mised to make the English market the better of the two. Mr Nichol was re elected President, and Mr Tothill Vice- President.

The Weather.

ALFORD STATION. The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending December 20, 1891 :—

LADIES' COLUMN.

Lady Mac Donald, the widow ot the late Canadian Premier, is a remarkable woman. She is tall with abundant white hair, *rid a face that is stamped jvj h energy and determination. She is a clever talker, an omnivorous reader, and the possessor of extraordinary social graces.

A Princess of Hunyu-y ouce asked a monk, who was a scholar and a wit, to explain to her the .story of Balaam and his ass, adding "Good father, I can hardly believe that an ass should be so talkative." "Madame," replied the friar, "your scruples may cease when you a.c informed that it was a female."

Tt is somewhat curious that Russia ad mitted women to ru inordinate posts m her administrative system, while the rest of .iiiUropo still excludes them. Female clerks m the postal aud telegraph service, the railways, and so torth, are quite an old institution there.

A floral curiosity is to be seen m the cactus-house at Ktsw Gardens just now, m the form of a '' wedding flower " m bloom after twenty years' occupation of its English home, The bloom is four inches across, and is pure white, save for a golden-yell.nv blotch. I wonder (remarks " Miranda ") if it is to its purity or its golden-yellow blotch that it owes its name of the wedding flower.

A Sfc Petersburg correspondent of sin ! English paper states that a fashionable hairdresser of that town has been fined £3 on the curious complaint of a lady, the wife of an esteemed Civil servant. She went to him to have her silver-grey hair converted to a more juvenile tint. The hairdresser's assistant, it seems, applied nitrate of silver and sulphuric acid dis guised under such names as "Blond blond " and " Drops of Heavenly Dew." The natural but unexpected result was that the hair stood right on end, and when touched fell out as if it had no roots. She ran out of the place m her fright to the police station. When she appeared m Court her head was disguised m a wig.

Bonnets (says a writer m a London weekly) are expanding wonderfully. They are higher and wider than they were last season. A. new model at Barker's has a brim, and deep bandeau beneath of shot helietrope velvet. The latter is arranged m folds, and has a jet buckle m the centre. The crown is black velvet, and the brim is trimmed with jet. Over the buckle m front is a tuft of black feathers. This is a smart bonnet. The bandeau looks very pretty on soft, fluffy hair. The crusade against the. wearing of birds has made tremendous headway. Birds will be very little worn this winter, Tho Maiie Stuart bonnet is black velvet trimmed with black tips and shaded velvet ribbon. It is edged with coloured spangles to match the ribbons. < hie sees spuigles cm most of the new models. Some hats are strewn all over with them. Tho toque is black velvet with a knot of red velvet: m front, and a crown composed of red winjrt.. The crown of a hat is generally a contrast to the brim. Thus a large hat thai was shown has a green velvet brim and a black velvet crown. It is trimmed m a tasteful fdshion with wings and ribbon, and at the left side is a !>la-k feather, which is taken through a slit m the brim and pinntd on to the back hair. Ve:y brilliant shades of pink, yellow, and red are usod for trimming. I'iqu.-ml is scarcely the word for tho new felts ; some of them arc cheeky—delight fully cheeky.

■ It is rather a difficult task to choose materials for an evening diess this season. The wonderful variety m silks, gauzes; and trimmings is enough to confound one. Diaphanous stuffs are lovelier than ever. There are gauzes shot with the tints of the rainbow, embroidered gauaes, tinsel gauzes, spangled gaavt^s- crepes, plain, figured, and. striped ; and stay number of novelties m colored-net,-and lace. With all these things before her, how m tho world can any woman be expected to know \s hat she wants? It is impossible to tell which stuff is best worth having when all are equally charming. If I were having a new evening dress I should very likely after much thinking, give pre ference to crepe. It lasts longer than gauze and costs less. A woman can wear a diaphanous dress up to thirty, After, brocades and satins are more suitable. Russian net has had a long run, and we are all getting thoroughly tired of it. This season its place will be taken by black lace. There is no cheap material that looks better or wears better. A pretty dressis made of black lace draped over silk and looped up with rosettes of bebe ribbon. The bodice is tastefully trimmed with ribbon, and softened about the neck with a lace frill. It is short m front and long at the back, like most of the French bodices. A more elaborate dress ia com posed of mauve silk with a yellow vest and panel covered with a trellis work of I jefc. The combination of color I admire very much. On the skirt is a lace cascade and two or thee jet butterflies, and the trimmings on both sides of the bodice are also of lace. Another gown for quite a young wearer is a pale blue silk trimmed with stripes of passementerie and embroidered gauze. The flounce round the basque is a silly fashion, but a favourite one nevertheless. Some women have a notion that it is an improvement to the figure, l'retty bodices for thin wearers are arranged m folds on each side and daintily furbelowed with iaee or gauze and ribbon.

A Burglar's Bride.

A respectably dressed young woman who was among the applicants to Mr De Kutzen at Westmister Police Court on October 13th said that six years asro she married a man older than herself who told her that he was a commercial traveller. Three weeks after the marriage he left her and went to Germany, re presenting to her that, his business took him away. A week later she heard that lie had been arrested for being concerned m a great burslary, and that.. J«"*y»—""" known to the-^ngnsirand Continental police as a n^st daring thief, he was attiirenced to five years and eight months penal servitude at Hamburg. She was greatly distressed at finding herself the wife of a convict* and did not consider herself morally bound to such a man, who had married her under false pretences. Time went on, and she made the acquaintance of a respectable young cab man who would have married her but for her unfortunate position; .so they lived together and he made a good home for her, the only fear she had being that at the expiration of her husband s sentence he would return and destroy her peace of mind. Unhappily this antici pation proved correct. Last Thursday he came to London, and finding her out ai her lodgings m Leader street, Chelsea, on Sunday afcerroon, he declared that he would make her life a misery and a burden to her, and that wherever she went he would follow. She said that she desired nothing more to do with him, and that at Scotland Yard she had been shown a baWi of papers connected with his «rimes, for one of which she knew that he had undergone ton years at Portland. He laughed at this and repeated that it would be a satisfaction to him to haunt, her to see what terms he could make. He also said that he had not put her m the Divorce Court, as there was no money to be made out of it, Mr de Ilutzen: He did not threaten you with personal violence 'I

Applicant: No, sir ; but ha has ap peared agftiu aud distressed me. It' I move, which I could do, he will find m* out. Mr de Ruizp.n : I am really sorry I cannot help you. Applicant seemed upset at this intima tion.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

[PKK I'IIESS ASSOCIATION.

BURNING OF A STEAMER.

London, December 22. The passenger steamer Abyssian was burnt to the water's edge in the Atlan tic. .No lives were lost. ' THE SALVATION ARMY. In the annual review of the. year's work, published by the Salvation Army, reference is made to the wonderful outburst of enthusiasm and the results attending General Booth's marvellous campaign in the Australasian colonies. AN AUSTRALIAN PLAY WRIGHT. Mr Haddon Chambers' play, " The Honorable Herbert," was produced at the Vaudeville with great success. HOxME POLITICS.. Sir Thomas Biookes will be the Unionist, and Mr Waden the Liberal, candidate for Rossendale, rendered vacant by Lord Hartington's accession to the Dukedom of Devonshire. The "Times" advocates that Mr Chamberlain should succeed Lord Hart ington as leader of the Unionist party in the House of Commons. LIVERPOOL AND GLADSTONE. The proposal to confer the Freedom of Liverpool on Mr Gladstone was lost by only one vote less than the statu tory number required. This was effected by the retirement of the Tory section, who left the Chamber amid hisses and cries of " shame." The "Times" says that the Unionists re gret the petty slight offered to Mr Gladstone.

AFFAIRS IN CHILI.

Valparaiso, December 22.

The friction between Egan and the Chilian Government is increasing. An attempt was made to arrest Egan's son, but it resulted m failure.

OBITUARY.

Paris, December 22. Monseignor C. E. Freppcl, Bishop of Angers, is dead.

THE SITUATION IN CANADA.

Ottawa. December 21. The " Ottawa Citizen," the leading Conservative organ, ■ condemns the dismissal of Mercier's Government, and states that such an act by a .Provincial Governor jeopardises the Dominion.

UNCOMFORTABLE DISCOVERY.

Buenos Aykes, December. 21. A seizure has been made m La Plata of a large quantity of munitions of war imported from Krupp's. The..seizure has led the Governor to increase the number of the police and military.

MAHDISTS MASSING.

Oaiko, December 21

Osinan Digna asserts that the Mah dists are massing, and will attempt to reconquer Tokar.

BROKEN HILL MINING.

San Francisco, December 23. The proposal to quarry the Broken Hill Proprietary mine down to the twohundicd feet level is most adversely criticised by mining authorities m San Francisco. """

A MUTINOUS SPIRIT.

Kio cc Janeiro, December 23. The Brazilian navy is m favour of ft monarchy, and betrays a mutinous spirit. The army adheres to General F. Peixotou, the head of the Govern ment.

ALLEGED FRAUD ON A NIZAM.

Calcutta, December 23, Jacobs, the Calcutta jeweller who was charged with defrauding the Nizam of Hyderabad, has been ac quitted.

DIPHTHERIA IN HUNGARY.

Vienna, December 23. Diphtheria of a malignant type is raging m South Hungary, and m several villages the whole of the chil dren have succumbed to the disease.

MODERN ROMAN SOCIETY.

Rome, December 23. Some sensation has been caused by the trial at Naples of two Dukes on the charge of the treacherous murder of a young officer, who was the suitor of the sister of one of them. One of the accused *wa» acquitted, and the other received a sentence of five years' imprisonment.

DECOYED AND MURDERED.

St. Pbtersbubg, December 23. Eight soldiers of the Imperial Guard have been sentenced to death for de coying citizens into the barracks and murdering them.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE TARIFF DEBATE.

- - —offiNKY, December 23. The motion for the reception of the resolutions on the Financial Statement. by the House of Assembly was carried. The second reading of the Customs Bill has been fixed for January 12, to which date the House has adjourned.

THREATENED SHEARING TROUBLES.

Brisbane, December 23. A number of mounted and fully equipped men are preparing to camp at Clermont, apparently m readiness for the shearing, "syhich begins early m January. It is alleged that many of the men belong to the criminal class. The Colonial Secretary is despatching reinforcements of police to the district.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, December 23. The Countess of Onslow has kindly sent four large Christmas cakes to the boys of the Kohimarama school. The Russian warship Djigit arrived to day from the Marshall Islands and Fiji. One of the sailors of the Djigifc, a Russian ; has been arrested on a charge of Assaulting a woman, who was kicked and beaten so severely that she has had to bo taken to the hospital. . . Wjsllixotox, December 23. James Mackay. the retiring Principal o Well ing tun College, w«B presented l*6t

ME ASHBtfRTON CrtfAßVfolAN: f HtJRSiUY, DECEMBER 34, 1891.



Sha Date. Low. Monday ... 50- Tuesday ... 49- Wednesday 50. Thursday... 53- Friday ... 55- Saturday ... 42* Sunday , 41.

-de.

(High

80 --- 7-- 5--- 88- --10-0-80-i 74 ---

High in Sun.

154" 126 --1- 5-2- -1-- 62-- -152--154-155"

State of Weather

Fine, Calm >, E. „ , N.E. ! „ n.w. „ N.W.toE. >> j> >> S. „ toN.B.



TI/TY wife is a capital Housekeeper,



Her cooking is quite a treat; Her cakes and puddings, like mountain*



vise, In the baking powder her secret lies. f'Tiei Wwbwton'e "Wt be Beati



Ninian Myslop and Co.'s " Imperial' pure Ceylor and Indian Teas are jthe bes m Uie market, -fidvfc.)



Ninian Hyslop and Oo.'s " Impeiarl? Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct frojn the Tea Plantations — (Advt,) Ask for Ninian Hy.slop, and Co.'3 Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon mxl j,udian Teas. Special prJQeß.—(Afiivt,)



_ ___ -— ' mmmM \ i ! CASH Advertisements under this i heading not exceeding SIXTEEN i WORDS 1/-. Addresses maybe lt»ffcat this Office. £\ AMKRON Street Wealeyun Church.— \j Sunday, December 27. Morninjs — Preacher, Rkv. S. J. Garlick, of Spring* ston ; Evening, Rrv. J. H. Gray. THE Rice Bill will he held m the Temperance Hall, Tinwald, on New Tear's Eve. Tickets, 2s 6d. 12t169 WANTED, a good Blacksmith at once; constant work for good man. Apply to Robkrt Patton, Mount Sonwrs. 12 160 WANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Caihmero Hose, Under ci'>thing, Pinafores', &c Come and see them., Handsome X urns presents now Riving away.— H. C, Skobiw, Melford House. ' ' WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid j worth about doable. W. H. Coluxr. "\TOTHING will Cool you so quickly and '■*■* invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream. —H.G. Flowmr, Confectioner, East Street. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50a cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. TTTANTED Known.—For iirst-class VV Drapary and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. ( See windows.) Beautiful Xmas present s being given away.—H. C. Seqbr3. W" ANTED Known. -At "The Corner' now selling Ladies' Frencli Shoes. 6a lid. See them".—W. H. Collieb. WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width, Is 10|d ; original value. 4s. -H. C. Sboers, Melford House. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardlby, East ■ treet. glgg SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers are requested to call early.— Robert Alcorn, Saundera' Buildings. fino Meet the Times.—l am supplying X Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptious. Inspscticn invited.— J. W. Hartley, Eaa street. 6J201 WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. _ ANTED Known.--H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street nextJ. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock of well ■seasoned figured 'Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l IposxAx. jvoxicias MAIL NOTICES. Mails close for the following places as tinder, subject to the necessary alterations :— FRIDAY, December 25. For South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe (specially addressed cor respondence only), per s.s. Aorangi, S3 a.m. Registered letters and parcels at a p.m. on Thursday, December 24. WEDNESDAY, December 30. For United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., ami also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows :—Ordinary letters and papew, 0.15 p.m.; registered letters, 5 p.m.; money orders, 3 p.m. This mail will be due m London on February 3, 1892. For Chatham glands, per Kahu, at O.IS p.m. *•■„■• Christmas Day (December 2»), Boxing Day (December 26). and New Year's Day (January I), being postal holidays, the Ash burton Yost Office will be closed except from nine a.m. till ten a.m. and from seven p.m. till eight p.m. Mails for Christchurch and North will close at five a.m. Mails for Dunedin and South will close at ten a.m. No Mails will be despatched after ten a.m. A complete delivery of letters will be made by the letter-carriers on Boxing Day, com mencing at eight a.m. _______ ~ chrlstmas~holuTays. ~~ There will be no publication of th» Mail or Gcjardian on SATURDAI, December 26—Boxing-Day.