MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places nder.subject k> the necessary alterations - - SATURDAY, December 17. For Northern Ports, per Penguin, at 0.*20 p.m. ; late fee letters, guards van, express train, at 6.55 p.m. For Kaikoura, rcr Jane Douglas, at q.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, guard's van, 6.55 p.m. I ENGLISH MAILS. HOMKWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Ruapehu sailed November 24, due London January 4. lonic, sailed November 12, due London, December 23. OUTWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Tongariro, sailed November 14, due December 30. OUTWARD—SAN FRANCISCO MA7LS. Next mail leaves London December 24, due colony -January 25.

The Ashburton Guardian. MAGNA EST VERITAS ET PRÆVALEBIT. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1892. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Ashburton Borough School will break up on Monday next, and -the prizes will be distributed the same day, commencing at ten o clock. The Hon Major Steward has been ap pointed a member of the Board of Governors of the Ashburton High School, vice Mr George Jameson, resigned. Messrs Miles and Company advertise a special line of half bred hoggets from Hack thorne Estate for sale at the Tinwald yards on Tuesday next, December 20. The Commissioner of Crown Lands adver tise* for offers of land suitable for settlement purposes, under the Lands tor Settlement Act. Yesterday was observed as a close holiday in Chrisfrchurch, being the anniversary of the province. A heavy shower fell in the morning but the rest of the day was beauti ful. The labour demonstration at the race course was attended by about 3000 persons and was very successful. the Rev E. A. and Mrs Scott, left for Christchurch by the express m Thursday evening, and were " seen away " by a large number of their Ashburton friends. To-mor row the services at St. Stephen's will be con ducted by the Rev 8. A. Hamilton, of Leeß ton, brother of the new incumbent. ;- Several narrow escapes from accidents have occurred in and about Ashbarton during the last few days owing to the bot fly, which is again on ttie wing and attack ing horses with renewed vigor. Various experiments have been tried as a means of preventing the attacks of these annoying and dangerous insects, but the most success ful that we have heard of is found in the simple application of Little's sheep dtp weakened by addition of four parts of water to one of dip. If this is applied to the neck of horses and other stock it will be found that the fly will not attempt a near approach to the animal so treated. About 4000 people attended the Cash Amateur Bicycling Club's races on Thurs day at Lancaster Park. The following are the results :— Five-mile championship, L. Scharp, Melbourne, 1; C. R. Wilson, Christ church 2, J. Bate, Rargiora, 3. Won by a yard. Time 14mm 44 4:sth sees. Three mile Roadster Handicap—T. Clarkson, Christchurch, 90yds 1; A. G. Truscott, Christchurch, 260 yds, 2; W. G. Williams, Christchurch, 90yds, 3. Time, Bmin 41 .l-sthsecs. One Mile Bicycle Handicap— E. J. Lilly, Christchurch, 35yds, 1 ; J. Bate, Rangiora, 3,syds, 2; R. L. Adams, Ghristc^urch, 12Qyds, 2. Sjcharp started at scratch, and finished a foot behind the third man. Time 2min 37 4-sth see. The last of the little band of se+tlers who left this colony about three years ago to endeavour to form a settlement on Sunday Island under the name of " The Kermadec Fruit-growing Association," Mr Carver and f?niily, returned by the Government b.s. Hineinoa iast week,- and once more the original occupants of the island, Mr Bell and family, ai'ie lgfb in sole possession. Mr Carver appears qi*ite satisfied with his lasi- i dence on the island as to its prospects, tbtj | only reason for his leaving being the pressure , of relatives who have persuaded him to return to New Zealand, on the score that he ; was iaoliting his family. They were all sorry to leave their island home, and Mr Carver speaks highly of the place. Qa Thursday evening the Wills] Surprise Party gave ttjeip piWfißfid entertainment in the Oddfellows' HalK The performance was quite up to the high character of previous appearances of fchg company, and was gone through with spirit notwithstanding the depre^'&S effect of a very poor house, were one or tC"» changes in the personnel of the company, notably »n acquisition in Miss Alice Taylor, the soprano, wno s*« takep the place of Miss L, Octavia. The quartet party has suffererpd no loss by the change. The prevailing la f/rippe has been at work among the members of the company, and Mr Wadley, the tenor, who is a victim, had to stop in the middle of '■ The song that reached my heart," unable to go on, The Minister for Lands is arranging for setting apart 1500 acres for a State farm. He lias selected (says the "New Zealand Times") some country for the purpose at tfee back of Fielding some forty miles. The site is near thp line of the Northern Grand Trunk Railway, »o that some day the place Will be in touch with railway communication. In the meantime there will be plenty of work for the farm people in making roads, bushfelling, clearing, getting the ground in order* and so forth. The details are not yet arranged, but the main idea is to get the place hewed out pf the y/ il.derness and made valuable by labour, so that flip State- while ' solving $ difficult problem, will have in the ' ; -«iued m\m &n equivalent for its exr mu^ Whflß thp k an( j department has peaditure. .. .. , $fe „ dd i arranged matters, the ... w ~. «-*^ r « alteir ! over to the department of L*u«,*. " ;[, which in all probability i(: will come withiu the province of the labour bureau, whose work in dealing with the unemployed it is expected greatly to ease. Another of D. M. Ross' frauds was before Judge Ward at Timaru on Wednesday and Thursday, on a motion on behalf ot A. J. H. Bower to recover from the assignee £650 worth of Gas Company's shares trans ferred from Bower to Ross in, 1888. It was apparently a bona fide sale, and was not questioned till just before Ross tiled, wheu he stated that no consideration had been given and ho heM the shares on trust. Ross' own account cf the transaction, given in an affidavit, is that Bowei transferred the shares to him merely to enable him (Ross) to become a Director of the Gas Company, and he did become a,director. Evidence was given by people doing business with Ross that they were nofc aware of the com pact between Ross and Bower, and that they had given Ross more credit than they other wise might have done, because his possession of those shares (now valued at £650) showed him to be a man of property apart from his business. His Honor dismissed the motion and spoke strongly of the fraudulent com ptct.

SPORTING

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

SPRING MEETING.

The Ashburtor. Trowing Club's new course on the reserve adjoining the County Saleyards was opened yesterday with the spring Meeting of the Club. We have already given a full description of this fine track, and need only say now that though still loose on the top the going was thoroughly sound, good, times were done (though no records were broken), : and visitors and residents alike were loud 'in their praise. Some of the races were I very interesting, and some were quite one-sided ; of the former the Lagmhor (harness), District, and Ash burton handi caps were capital races, the harness event especially. The fields were large, show ing the strength of the district in. trotting stock—the Club having received very little support from beyond the county —and also the excellence of the handicapping. The attendance was good, numbering five or six hundred, almost wholly local residents, and the amount put through Messrs Mason and Roberts' totalisator, £536, was under the circumstances as much as could b« expected. MrA.J. Kelly was starter, Mr R. Friedlander clerk of the scales, and Mr E. G. Ci-isp judge, and all fulfilled their duties efficiently, while the secretary, Mr David Zander, bore his part like a veteran, and with an unfailing courtesy that docs not characterise every veteran. Some protests were entered, but required a strained interpretation of the rules to have been upheld, and the Stewards' decisions were accepted as satisfactory* The meeting must be declared successful, and the executive deserve the highest credit for the result of their efforts. The following are particulars:— Maiden Handicap Trot (in baddle) of 15 soys. One mile and a half. 26 Mr J. Butler's br m Boston Girl, syrs, 23secs, list 91b (Owner) 1 0 Mr E. Wilson's b m lolanthe,- aged lOsecs, 12st ... ... (Owner) 2 3 Mr J. McDonnell'b g m Alyth, aged, 25secs, list 21b (R. McDonnell) 3 0 Forester, 14*ecs (J. Smith); 0 Hibernian TL, 18secs (Lycaght) ; 0 S.P. D. 18secs (E. Price) ; 7 Glamour, lßsecs ! ((J. Harold) ; 1 Maggie May, 18secs (Paget) ; 11 Geordie, 18secs (Skivington); 4 Sedgley Maid, 20secs (Hickman); 3 Tommy, 23secs (Cain); 1 Taipo, 25secs (J. Cass) ; 1 Coralie, 25sec^ (J. McCona chie) also ptartad. Boston Girl at once took the lead, and going on had all her opponents distanced at the finish. Time - 4min 23£s€cs. Dividend—£llßa. Lagmhor Handicap Trot (in harness) of 20sovs ; second horse 3 soys from the stake. Two miles. 43 Mr A G. Holmes' b m Lady Jane,— aged, scr ... ... (C. Harold) 1 30 Mr D. McLean's b m M.M., 4yrs, 37secs ... (G. Morrison) 2 17 Mr A. Butterick's b g Rocket 11., 6yrs, 31secs (E. Price) 3 11 Mr P. Devane's br m Victoria IL, aged, 15secs (Chapman) Victoria 11. put out h6r chance by jibbing at the start, letting Lady Jane awaj before her. The other four retained the order in which they started, though at steadily decreasing distances, for three rounds, at the end of which Rocket IL caught M.M. These two, with Lady Jane last closing up, raced together for three-fourths of the next round vhen Rocket broke badly in attempting to pass M.M. The latter was immediately challenged by Lady Jane, who broke rounding the turn, bqt was. nicelysteadied, and flying up the straight won a fine race by three horse lengths. Rocket 11. came very fast and was beaten only half a length for second place. Time—smin Slsecs. Dividend—£2 Is. A protest for .boring was dismissed. Dihtkict Handicap Trot (in saddle) *cf 2<) soys ; second h >rse 3 soys fr jni the stake. Two milts. 7 Mr D. McLean's brgßarnev O'Hea • 6yrs, lgsecß, lsst $lb(Pr. J|= <w*m) 1 9 Mr E. Wilson's b ro lohnrbc, ,age,l 33secs, 12st 21b ... (Owner) 2 32 Mr J. R. Begg's bg Rocket, aged 42secs (F. Angus) 3 0 Miss Cave, scr (M. Friedlarder) ; 15 Humbug, 37secs (Butler); 0 Forester, 38secs (J. Smith); 0 Hibernian 11. % 43aecs (Lysaght); 0 Taipo, 53secs (J. Cass) also started, Rocket took i!he lead in the second round, and letained it until rounding the bottom tijm for the la,^ titpo. when as Barney O'Hea and jxtlauthe closed up Rocket broke and Barney went on and won a good race from lolanthe. Time — Drain 38a«cs. l»ividend—£7 19s. A protest en the ground of crossing was disrnis^d, and the protestor's deposit forfeited, Ashburton Handicap Trob (in saddle), of 40 sors, second horse 5 soys from the stake. Three miles. 18 Mr A. Butterick's b a Rocket 11, 6yrs, 55secs .. (list 61b, K. Price) 1 18 Mr A. G. Holmes' eh g Bridal Rose, aged, 25secs (12st 4lb, C. Harold) 2 22 Mr F. Tasker's eh g Fleethound, syrs, 65secs (Owner) 3 0 Mount Joy, 15secs (Chapman); 26 Miss Molly, 55seeR (Angus); 32 Boston Girl, otjißc (re-handicapped to 50seca) (Butler) els) started. Rocket it got to the front in the first round, but did not Anally shake off Fleet: hound until nearly two mites had been qqvered, Boston Girl and Bridal Ro*>e broke in the fifth and lapt circuits, and though Harold sent the latter alpng smjei.didly in fche last quarter mile, Rockec ilg{iine4 enough advantage to win an oxejtjng rape by th.ree lengths, fleet hound, d!*WWsi flnfaWthird. Time 9min 3sec. Diviu?"d-£6 14s. Handicap Selling Trot (in saddle), of 20 sovh. The winner to be sold and all proceeds to go to the funds of the Club, One mile and Sk-half. 33 Mr J. G. McConachie'ei eh m Cora; lie, aged, lOsec... (list, Owner; 1 20 Ml- H, "Butterick's g g Queer Fel low, 6yrs. osec (12st 21b, Owner) 2 4Mr A. Gordon's bg; Tommy, aged, , 7sec (12st 4lb, C&in) 3 3 lona, scr (Angus); 19 Whangs, frees , (C, Harold); 1 Julia, ssec(J, J. Lewis) ; 10 Geordie, Baec- (Skiyington) also started. Cjralie distanced the field. Time— 4min 41^secs. Dividend -£2 83. Th» winner was bought in for 11 soys. Electric Stakes Handicap Trot (in saddle), of 20 soys ; second horse 3 soys from the stake. Ona mile. 32 Mr J. R. Begg's b g Rocket, aged, 21sec , ... (Angus) 1 3 Mr A. Butterick's b g Rocket 11, 6yrs, 193 ec (re-handic<*pped to 14 sec) (list 91b, E. Price) 2 29 Mr J". Butler's br m Boston Girl, syrs, 22sec (re-handicapped to 17sec) ... (list 121b, ButJer) 3. 0 Miss Cave, scr (M. Friedlander) ; 2 L>dy J ano. 3sec (re-handicapped to 2sec behind scr) (C. Harold) ; 6 Barney Q'Hei> ? 7sec (re-hmdicapped to 2sec) (G. Morri son) ; 1 Humbug, 19sec (Grimmer) ; 2J. Fleethound, 22sec (F. Tasker) j 15 Sarah, 25sec (H, J. Tasker) also started. Rocket at once took the lead, and though he broke several times he was npver in danger, and at the finish had distanced all his opponents. Time—-2,rai{i 55.sec. Dividend—£3. |

NORTH CANTERBURY SPRING MEETING.

[FEU PRKSS ASSOCIATION,] Chpistchuroii, December IQ. iltSSults wore rs follows : -- Handioav Hukdles, of 40 soys ; li mile.—Justice 1, Clarence 2, Regalia 3 jpividend^*? B^.

, Hack Hurdles.—Liberator: 1, Forest) Queon 2, The Tug 3. Dividend—£2 16s. [ jN'orth Canterbury Cup, of 70 so<s li mile.—Retina, 7st Blb, 1; The Winch man, 7st illb, 2; Captive, 7st 121b, 3. Time—2min 15sfcc. Dividend—£4 ss. Ashley Stakes, of 30 soys ; one mile. —Specton 1. Fusee 2, Dunoon 4. i ivi dend—£4 12?. Anniversary Welter Handicap, of '40 soys ; one mile.—Yon Tempsky 1, Beau Nash 2, "Van Buren 3. Time—3min 47|sec. Dividend -£3 17s. Disposal Stakes.—Emperor 1, Pen nine 2, Punch 3. Dividend—£3 4s. FiYiNfi Handicap, of 40 soys; six furlongs.—lnez 1, Adieu 2, The Winch wan 3. Time—lmin 18sec. dividend— £5 Is. District Handicap.—Specton 1, Bye rock 2, Foresight 3. Dividend-£1 6s.

WESLEYAN CHURCH.

RE-OPENING OF THE BUILDING. The Wesley*n Church, which was recently carried on rollers from Cameron street to Baring Square* and re-con structed, was re-opened yesterday. The section on which the building stands has been brought to a level with the footpath, and the approach to the church smoothed generally and made comfortable. The Wesleyans cannot be congratulated upon having added anything to the architectural beauty of the town in the new front they have given to the church. The vestibule has a dwarfed appearance in proportion to the rest of the building, and has a " dove cot " (tort of look which might have been very easily remedied by the expenditure of a little more moneyin carrying the roof higher. There has been considerable in ternal alteration on the church, the old pulpit having been removed and its place taken by a platform for the preacher, behind whom the choir and organ are accommodated^lnstead of the long stretch of bare walls* broken., (mly^by windows, both walls and ceiling have been bayed by woodwork, which,while relieving the bald appearance of the room,veiy considerably ! strengthens Ihe building. The ceiling, walls, and woodwork have gone under the hands of the painters with excellent re suits. The walls have been distempered in buff, the ceiling a very pure white, while the woodwork in a pale blue tint completes a nice cheerful whole. As we ' mentioned some time ago, an infants' room for Sunday School purposes has been built at the rear of the church, as wtll as a suite of vestries, and a kitchen that, stood the ladies in good stead yesterday [ on the occasion of the tea meeting. ! The vestibule in front supplies the, main entrance to the Church, and from it the main building is entered by a door at either aisle, which doore are secured against draughts by the hanging of maroon curtains over a framework on the inner side. The contractor for the alterations and additions to the building was Mr Philip Williams, the painting was done by Messrs Collins and Co., while the gae fitting was the work of Messrs Adams and Hydo. In regard to the latter the lowering of the sunlights has had the effect of affording a clearer light in the pews, and the ornamental reflectors are very pretty. The architect was Mr T. E. Kilworth. The church was opened by. a special service in the afternoon conducted by the Rev L. M. Isitfc, who preached an eloquent sermon from 11. Cor. iv., 18—" Look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen," etc. There was not a large congregation, which may be accounted for by the fact that the general holiday afforded an opportunity, that many took advantage or, of enjoying a day in the country. At half-past five % tea meeting was held in the church and wis fairly attended. The tables were provided by the following ladies: — Mesdames John Orr, Lewis Cawsey, Stephen Potter, Jackson, S. Lawry, H. G. Berryman, \V. H. Collins, J. W. Baker, and C. Baker, and of course, the bachelors. A bevy of yqung ladies .There was a good gathering at the public meeting in the evening, at which Mr R. Alcorn presided and delivered an address on church affairs. The Rev S, Lawry, pastor of thechurch, in a somewhat lengthy address spoke of how much the general work of the church would ba facilitated, by the additions that had been made to' the renovated building, more especially as regarded the Sunday school. The new room at the rear of fye qhappl would supply better provision for both senior and infant classes, by affording more room in the main building for the former and pro viding a class room for the latter. He spoke of the interest taken by the church in the welfare of the young people generally, and referred to the Mutual Improvement c|ass which in winter i afforded opportunities for social inter course and mental exercise, and tecrea-! tion in the summer was also provided, j Reference was made to evangelistic work, the Sunday morning prayer meeting, and to the endeavor that had recently been made to popularise and make more attractive the Sunday evening service. He also urged upon his people the necessity for recognising that the in creased facilities for carrying on the work of Christ meqnt also incio^'d, responsi bilities. Rev J. H. ft,ray spoke in a hopeful strain of the future of religion and the power of the Church, and urged upon Christians the necessity of a strong faith and a consistent life. Rev L. M. Isitt, in tlje racy and unconventional style which is peculiarly his .own, dealt with practical religion, and deacr|bed various kinds of professing Christians who weve not live Christians in the American sense of the word "live," and finally reached the question of prohibition, with which he has lately been so closely identified, and has taken so promi nent a part in the crusade against the liquor tragic parried on by those who advocate prohiibitipn. ; During the evening several excellent* pieces of sacred music were sung by the choir and others, and the usual votes of thanks were passed at the close. The services to-morrow will be con ducted by the Rev George TJond.

COMMERCIAL.

(PBK PRESS ASSOCIATION) London, December 15 The wool sales closed fairly spirited. The Continent has taken 135,000 bales, America. 5000 bales, and Great Britain 70,000 baleß. The number of bales withdrawn is 7000. Compared with previous sales merino scoureed wools are |d to Id dearer. Greasy merino, good combing, fully $d dearer j ditto, short faulty sorts, par to |d dearer | ditto lambs, id dearer; crossbred, fine scoured, Jd lower than last sales. All other salas £d dearer.

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christ church Corn Exchange report for December 17 :—Taking all the reports we have from the farming districts together the season up to the present gives an indication of a bountiful harvest and if the farmers get anything like fine >yeather for getting it in they may, in spite, of low prices, Cjougnjlulate themaesves that j jthey are on this bide of tfoe globe and ;iqj;' sliariug with those in kindred pursuits in , the United Kingdom. " The Times "in an article sums up as follows :— " It bis been both (or agricultural and pastoral farming the worst year known in fireat Jkitain. ' PoTAqfOKj—The season is dead and gone ? and like Jay Gould ft was, a friend tp no one and vuin to many j still peace to its ashes. The quantity under crop isjfiuch less for ne*t year, and Jwe have already had speculative enc;uirioß for forward <JUivcrios. rXhU loqlh

\ well; no more 10s potatoes we think; The/ following are prices to farmers f.0.b., pack ages extra, potatoes and millers'' goods excepted:— Wheat, prime milling. 3b ; whole fowl, 2s 2d. O»t8, feed, Is 7d to 1b 9d j |, milling, Is lOd to Is lO^d. Potatoes, 22s 6d, , f.o.b. Flour, roller, £9. Bran, 55a. Pollard, 60s. Batter and Cheese unaltered.

THE HIRE PURCHASE SYSTEM.

A. case of great importance to farmers as well as to vendors of harvesting machines was decided by his Honor Judge Ward at Timaru a few diys ago. It is a'common practice when a reaper ia sold on credit for the purchaser to sign an agreement providing that the machine shall not be come his property until it has been fully paid and that until that time he shall hold it on hire only. In this case the agree ment contained the words, " I will hold on hire only, and the property shall not pass to me " —until fully paid for. The purchaser paid only £9 for the machine, g<ving a bill for the balance, which wait, from timo renewed. He got into difficul i ties, resulting in the vendor taking the machine back (af«er two years) in default of payment of instalments. Shortly afterwards the purchaser became bank rupt, and the return of the machine hav ing taken place within three months of the bankruptcy the Official Assignee claimed the machine or its value. Bank rupt swore that he looked upon the machine as the vendor's, and on himself as a hirer only, and the vendor that he held the same view. The question, there* fore, was purely a legal one, and turned firstly upon the character of the agree ment, and secondly upon the effect of the "act of bankruptcy 'r upon the yendor's rights. For the vendor it was contended that the dooument was a bailment, a hir ing agreement; for the Assignee that, if anything, it was a bill of sale, as between thß parties; and hot even a bill of sale as against the third parties, not being regis terable. The Assignee's counsel admitted that so far as their own minds were con cerned, both parties naght have acted bonafide, but he argued, and the judge supported him in this, that the intention of a bankrupt must be inferred from the natural consequences of the act. If the effect was an unfair preference, then it would be inferred that unfair, preference was intended. Counsel for the vendor on the othar hand, quoted a number of cases to show .that the real intention, and not the inferred intention, is to be considered in transactions appearing to be fraudulent preferences; and went on to argue, on the nature of the agreement, that it was the same kind as other hire-purchase agreements, but His Honor pointed out that here the purchase was complete, the machine was paid for, by cash and bills. If the bills were not paid, the default would not change ths purchase into a hiring. The bills were a payment pro tern. ; the debt was extinguished for a time, to be revived if the bills were not paid. This was an absolute sale. His Honor also ruled that whatever the inten tions of the parties might have town, the return of the machine contravened the 'fraudulent preference" provisions of the law. The law was perfectly clear. This was a bill of sale, and the transaction , wa% a purchase. Within three months of \ the bankruptcy the goods were handed '. back to the vendor, and nut in the ' ordinary way of business, but simply in ( order to protect or prefer that particular , creditor. He had no doubt that the I preference was intended tj be perfectly . honest, that the debtor believed the [ vendor had a perfect right to the machine, and that the vendor believed so too. But i the law would infer their intentions from their acts, and not from their words. His ." Honor accordingly gave judgment for the | Assignee. The decision will affect many farmers. These hire purchase agreements will in future have to be registered, and though that may possibly be effected in a 1 similar manner to that how followed with regard to pianos—as an "agricultural , implement" instead of a " musical instru , ment "—and publicity thus avoided, the , cost of the document and registration will make a serious addition to the cost of the machine.

The Ah Ching Enquiry.

(PER PBESS AaSOCIVTIOJC,) Wemjnotos, December 16. Mr R. Boetham, Commissioner, opened an enquiry into the death of Ah Ching, at the Asylum this morning, but there was no appearance of the petitioners. A letter. wag received. instead from Mr Jellicoe, their counsel, complaining that they could not go to the expense of bring ing witnesses wfco might not be considered necessary by the Commissioner, Dr. Hacon, of Chriatchurch, being one. They had asked for reasonable assistance and a reasonable opportunity to prepare the case, the request being refused. Mr Jelliooe said he was unable to take part in thb enquiry. . Mr Brandon, on behalf of Dr Fooks, said that the latter courted the fullest inquiry. Mr Beethani said that h,e would pro bably go on with the enquiry, but in the meantime he would adjourn it till to morrow. Mr Beetham, has decided to go on with the enquiry, despite the withdrawal of the petitioners. Witnesses will be summoned by the Commissioner.

RIFLE SHOOTING.

ASHBUIITON RIFLES V CHRIST CHURCH RIFLES, A match of ten men a side of the ahove named Companies was fired.on the Ash burton range on Anniversary Day, and E roved a walk over for the Christchurch iifles, who won by 215 points. The weather was fine, but the wind very changeable, :TUe following are the scores!— ■■.-,-,

Messrs Colemanc and Sons' Eucalypti Extract (manufactured at-Mittagong and Cootamum'.ra, New South Wales) has t> reputation as a specif;? for affec , twns of the ch^st; lungs, «oniutnptio#» asthma, diphtheria, and a variety of pthjS** complaints. It numbers among itapatrotis Earl Jersey, the present, and Lord Uarring ton, late, Governor oi Hew Soath Walesj fn Qrpat during the tnfluonj^a egodimip scar^ly a h<)Uß^ oftjee was wjth p\ft it. M^srs Coleniane aud Sons' \jfhole ' tu^le depqt is in G'hrhtchurch. Sbarland and Co. are wholesa'fl agents for the Korth luittva

a

CHRISTCBTOCH EIfLKS. .1

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(PKB PRESS ABfIOCUnOW.)

COLLIERY CATASTROPHE.

London, December 15. The fire in th« colliery at Ranfurl- ■; ing, in Wigan, has been' controlled. Many of those entombed were found ia a comatose state, and have since f recovered. The manager of the mine was believed dead, but on being placed in the mortuary he moved and sighed, and restoratives being. used he was resuscitated. The miners of distant workings and the explorers are thoroughly exhausted. The full list of casualties is uncertain. * ' '

HEALTH RESORTS

Lobmann, the wellknown professional cricketer, has been ordered to pass the winter in Australia or at the Gape.

THE MAUDE CASE.

Miss Maude's term of imprisonment >, is three months.

THE SILVER QUESTION.

It is understood the Monetary ObqC-  fere'nce will submit a vague report and adjourn till May. , ; The " Financial News " declare* that city men condemn M. Favilie'i scheme * of silver warrants. { WjsHurotow, B*wmbtr 15.^f • The American Bimetallic Leagus | will resist the repeal of the hilver Purchase Bill unless the free ooinage of silver is established by legislation.

NEW SOt/TR WAT7RH

; LoHDoir, December 16. The Financial Statement delivered by the Colonial Treasurer of New South Wales has been fairly well re ceivod in financial circles in the city, and the majority of financiers advise the colony to retrench. . ■ 

POLITICAL.

The Liberal members of the House of Commons have demanded that parish councils should have security of tenure, abolition of entail, and the re vision of taxation.

LABOR MATTERS."■

At a meeting of the Free Labor Society a powerful manifesto was issued, to the effect- that the unem ployed difficulty was solely the result of the leaders of the new unionists recklessly ordering strikes. Washington, December 16. President Harrison declares that Protection ha* failed, owing to labor re fusing to share employers' risks.

OBITUARY.

Pabis, December 16^ Emile Lemorane the wellknown writer. ■-.

DAHOMEY.

News from Dahomey states, .that King Behauzin is at the Bead of twenty thousand troops, and threatens to re sume war, on- the. ground that the French are violating their agreement. * He offers to cede Whyd»h to 9*aHm*A

THE PANAMA SOANDAII

At the Panama Inquiry Committee to-day M. Rouvier stated that the late Baron Reinach had said to him, «I am lost, but AIM. Orevy, Frwtyinet, and Constans are implicate*." A 'Re publican Defence Committee has been formed. '•-''," _ L - Yaws, Deoembsr lft. . The. Chamber of Deputies by a majority of six has refused to grant the Panal Canal Committee judicial powers. - MM. Ribot and Bourgeois have pro fessed their desire to loy&ily assist the Committee, but consider that the" powers demanded endanger the Re public, as a deep laid scheme existed to launch a torrent of mud at' the Republic under, pretext of exposing individual misdoing. M.l Brisson contended that the Committee ought to be armed with peculiar powers, and the debate in the Chamber resolved into a struggle between MM. Ribot and Brisson s. The former carried the Chamber a.t first, but influence w» wanted, and many stormy scenes were the result, M. Blowitz, the Paris correspondent of the "Times, 1* considers thSthe Cabinet will not resign, but that it v probable that the Legislative Oonv mittee enquiring into the Panama Canal scandals will resign, and that the Government will prosecute the directors of the company criminally; also the member* of the chamber proved to hare been bribed.

THE GERMAN ARMY BILL.

The National Liberal demand im portant concessions cm the prioe of tbeir support for, the, Army Bill. > Bie measure at present stands referred to a Committee: '■,";■

THE ANtfIJEWIsH FEELING.

The Reichstag jhasgrnnted Ahlivwdt, who was sentenced to five months im- Imprisonment for slandering Jewish rifle' makers, immunity from impritonin^it. ' on the ground that he is 4' member ol the Reiohstag. ■ / '

SAMOA.

The local pre»s appeals to the Powers • to intervene in the Samban aiftoalty. " -

THE CHIN RISING.

Caixhttta, Deosnber 19. Captain prosgrave, of the British forces, who is operating against the Chins oa the Bunnah frontier, has been T - very successful, and many of tile latter / were killed. ■"

AUSTRALIAN.

THE MEROANTU.E BAKE. ' McuoinurSi Decemb«ril6. - .- After a full in^atigatton into the affairs of the Mercantile Bank it is understood the council advites criminal proceedings to be* taken against nearly all the directors and officials of the bank, The matter will propably be , brought under the notice of the Attorney General to^ay.. Counsel's opinion is that the informa tions should be laid against! Sir M. D^yies, Messrs fieAl/ Ifunts, Anderson, djreotortt of the Mercantile Bank of.Australia, and not against Sir " r Graham Berry and Mr Addie. It is ''; . also recommended that Mr Miltedgt, -. late manager, should be, brought book ; i from London to explain the manage- : tuent.

SUSPECTED MURDER B¥ BLACKS.

BhifIPAKE, December 1«. A camp of Itara Dora blacks has V: lieea discovered near Cabooiture, an(( in it w.as found a swag QOQlaiaiqg; notes which h,ave sin.cc. beei} ideuti^^ ""•"■ as belonging to a murdered man, Tbf pajioa. are puwuing tho blaokt, r ..;„-

THE ASHBtTRTON fttTARPIAN : fIATIM)AY, pECEMBER 17, 1898



gOO 800 §30 Tl Prirate Murphy .., 31 23 15 —69 Private Robinsjn ... 30 24 10—64 Sergeant Dennis .27 24 12—63 Private Askew . 24 23 15 —62 Corporal Foster ... 28 18 15—61 Lieutenant Sandford 25 26 10 —61 Captain Andrewes . 25 19 13—57 Private Berkley ,„ 20 26 11—57 Sergeant Thompson 28 19 9-56 Sergeant Scott Mt 23 24 4—54 Totals,,, ... 264 226 114 604 ASHBURTOM KIJXES. 200 300 500 Tl Buglar Uitch ... 23 20 17—60 Corporal Baker ... 10 24 23 —67 Private Leitsh ... 20 18 13—51 Corporal Pauling ... 28 12- 8 ~-» 48 Sergeant Hefford ... 14 10 16—40 SergeaEt Baker ... 7 13 14— 34 Private Wilson ;.-;■ 15 9 9. — 3,3 Salek ,;, 1$ 4 7-26 Private &eft,rd .;. IS 11 B—3? Private Bakgr ;.; 6 3 4—13, Tohls... ... 146 124 119 389



FjR THE HOLIDAYS. G. J. NEILL and OO's SPECIAL PRICES FOR THIS MONTH. Ladies' Cashmerette Hose, double knee, lO£d Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Is New Fashionable Dress Oooda, 3s Hd a dozen Wonderful Value in Summer Dress Tweed bja Black Cashmeres and French Merinos, all prices wonaenui to 5s 6d per yard All Wool Flannel, 7sd per yard N Flannelettes at 3a 6d per dozen Good Heavy Twilled at ~s|d Se7 Shirting, Swansdown Back, at 7*a per yard Washing Prints, 3s lid per dozen A special line of White Muslin, 4sd Pongee Cloths and Delaines in most beautiful patterns CLOTHING. Men's Colonial Tweed Suita, 23a 6d Men's Serge Suits, 22s 6d Men's Tweed Trousers from 5s lid Boys' Tweed Suits in endless variety Men's RibbiHi Cotton Panto, Is 6d . Men's Colonial Knit Wool Socks, lljd per pair . Man's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid Men's Strong Braces, 9d per pair Boys' Strong Brooes, 4d per pair, BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. UNMISTAKEABLE VALUE. Ladies' and Children's Tan Shoes, a specialty Brown Canvas Shoes, all sizes Men's Bluchers, 5s 3d ?Swu£. omM.'xnduK.p shootsp^Z' *w6dMW M sues »t very low prices, G. J. NEILL and 00: FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS, COMTBR OF EAST * M0OB» STREETS. HARDLEY BROS. WILL HOLD A GENUINE . CLEABINGr SALE OF Drapery, Clothing, & Boots, COMMENCING SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3. FOR PAETIOCLARB AND REDUCTIONS SEE HAND-BILLS. HARDLEY BROS., BUBNETT STREET. r NEW ANNOUNCEMENT, New Zealand Clothing Factory, NEW PREMISES, B^gT STREET, ■w E s^B^^^snafta^^a: Aew lie. ya, len" AND SHOK DEPARTMENT. • ' *• „ «,,r Stock you will be convinced aa to Cheapness and Quality. g;Sb^*im Sewing Machines to be had on the lime Payment y*""wow Zealand Clothlug: Factory. HALLENSTEIN BROS. ALEX. HMNDRY, Manager. "7~" sT^ALEK'S NEW JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT. . ,« 4 - xTirirwNT HIOH-OLAS3 STOCK IS NOW OPENED UP. the mag;ifiobnt uum Publ .. c to tho fact that havin S. BALEK fco draw toe ate nweduphwbhopmj 8 comp 4 B favorably with any in Christchurch. . quality. prtc«, and newest Jesij,^ |h(J * ireraentß -of the Ashburton Diatnct in He is now in a pobic on > - . g showing ft La rger Stock than has ever every brauoh of the Jem. i«jr before been seen in this "w-"011-, j c g^ck specially suitable for \V iiyw mOING PRESENTS, FBIRTHDAY PRESENTS, AND XMAS PRR3RVW, JJ^BSTA'nON TESTIMONIALS. , i jvsiiwpr leweHery oJ every description. ' nw w vTP^mSkISG ATO JEWELLERY REPAIRING THE WAICHMAivi. ppp^T^^T Moments and additional assistance having been '■ a now complete in iti arra"*": 'htvius their work done promptly and obtained, customer* may *eiy aatisfactorily S. SALEK, WMKJHM AKHB «» _ JEWELLK^ ~nruZ' fy,*ol fVoti \ CoUSKANB AND So.f JCUCALYITB EX XHO IJVoV 1W J xkaut is the only genuine in the market, tv tiiw wrnin and was a-rarded nwdala and diplomas at IN THfc. VORLD Sydney, Melbourne,and Adelaide, beating ■ rt AmT t~ n all competitors. For all affections of the IIjFSIOPV4 CeyJOII. Che3t and Lun^a Consumption, Asthma, mi vr i v wvm< .P ant> CO Coughs, CoWe, Onvel, and Kidney Com 4wSoLs lA i* i« no equal. Agents-



Want ed OUND—Greenstone Pendant. Apply Mail office^ __J2_123 WASTED, smart youth to milk cow and drive milk cart A pply George Willers, Alford Forest Road. 12 122 THE Gospel of the Grace of God will be preached at the Orange Hall, on Lord's Day evening, half-past six, DV PRIMITIVE Methodist Church Ser vices to-morrow morning and evening. Preacher—Rev, J. Cocker. Evening subject, ** Absalom's KUax- W~ ESLEYA.N CHURCH, Baring Square, Re-Opening Services To-morrow at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher : Rev G. Bond, President 'of the Conference. Visitors welcome. All seats free. mO LET—A nice Three-roomed Cot- J- tage. Also for Sale, a good Fivo roomed House ; easy terms. Giro. W. AapBEWS, East Belt. 12_122 S~~ONS OF TEMPERANCE- Quarterly Summoned Meeting on Monday Night, at 8 o'clock. Business-Election of Officers, etc. 12 12d WANTED Known.—Orders taken for Madame Dean's Spinal Support ing Corset, at the Arcwle on SatuK[*y s' l2 "\\l ANTED Known—lee Creams, Ice VV Creams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. G. Flower's, Confec tioner, East Street. W "WANTED Known—New Flannelettes at extraordinary prices; 3b lid and 4s lid doz. Thirty per cent under price.—W. H. Coujeb. CXTANTED Known.—High class dress f y goods, latest patterns, now selling under wholesale prices. Special line of double width stuff 6d and la, leas than half price.—H. C. Sjsoebs, Melford House WANTED Known that S. Salek, Watchmaker and Jeweller, has removed to new shop near New Zealand Clothinir Factory. IWJBM WANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained in Ashburton at VV. H. Collibr's, •§ Thn Corner." j ANTED Known—We a"ne now giving away Beautiful Presents to ovety purchaser of 5& and upwards. 'Jomeand see our bargains in Drapery, &o. -H. C. Segers, Melford House. Wonderful value *» in fir-fc claaa drapery now on at Melford House, beautiful leather shirting 6d.—H.C, Seoisß*, Melfprd House. ___£g~;-g nown> _Hand painted Xmas and New I ear's cards, latest designs at wholesale prices, dolls in creat variety very cheap.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. 1* J-} 1 DON'T Itt the rain water destroy your buildings. Get Spouting fixed at 4d per foot and buy a tank, complete with tap, tested before leaving workshop, for 30d, at J, W. H,*rdlky'». ANTED—Purchasers lor Bargains in Summer Dresses, Prints, and Delaines, Sunahades, 4c. at S. W. Alcobx and Co'a Sale. , WANTED the Public to know that S. W. ALCOBIf and Co'a Summer Sale ja now on. Great Bargains in Millinery, Uaderflothing etc. _ SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest, the largest, tha best, #nd the cheap est. Small Goods a specialty. Full weights guaranteed. A trial solicited, — >V. J. Siloock. *rilf B"ELf .IN(T OFF " Bocks, Stationery, and Account Books, Fancy Goods, Music, Violins, Accordeons, etc, tire Screens and-'fctoye Ornaments, all at Reduced Prices.—jL*. F, AffD&SWE3 & Go txrHT n°t B*ke y°ur owa i*ll6*^ wll6n W you cati «ec SOlbs of the Best Roller Flour for five .-hillings cash or five shillings and sixpence "Wired at Robert aluobn's, Saunders' Building -11 31 /^IHRISTMAS Suits. Boys, three V_y garment long Trouser Suita at 15s. Boys, (Jolorial-made Knicker Suits from 10s. Men's nicely made' Colonial Tweed Suits 30*. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 80s.—Ashburfcon Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. Robkkt .. AIJDOBI^ DON'T Forget the Borough Bye-Laws re Carriage Lamps, and that Hardlby has a large Stock on hand, also a large assortment of Tinware and Iron mongery, Scythes, Reaping Hooks, Hay Knives, Forks, etc., of best quality, and all at lowest possible prices. J. W. Hardlev, East Street, Asbburton, "DEAR in mind char J. W. Hardley, J^ Plumber and Gasfitter, East Street, has the ''r«Wt Stock in town of Pmnps, Pines and Fifci;- 08 ' »nd thafc he is Bpllinß Se Pm ch^pS^an ever unheard of in Ashburton, x.. , v<^ chance for a cheap Pump ; improvea . 4. Price, 16s. Larger siaes in proportion. ~MERRY CHRIS TM A S.~ Splendid assortment of Ciirds, Booklets, and Souvenirs for season 1892-3 New Games in great variety. Beautiful lot of' Vases, Fancy Glassware, and Fairy Lamps, Boys' and Girls' Annuals, and t.ther new Volumes. Prize Books at reduced prices. JNew Birthday Reward and Wedding Cards—L. F. ANDRE WE i & CO., Stationers' Hall. rjTEBUILDiNG Sale —Men's .No. 3 -*-*' Vests Is, Men's" best Colonial Tweed Trousers 7s lid, Men's best Colonial tweed Trousers and Vests 12a 6d, Boys and Youth's Tweed Trousers 2s lid. Men's Leather Shirta 2s <?d, woi'th 4s Cd. The whole stuck will be slaughtered as the premises are to be pulled clown in February. —Andrew Our. 11. 109 WANTED Known—Rebuilding Sa]e, Peal French Merinos, guaranteed, Is, Is 4d, and Is 6d, al! colors. Prints 2s per dozen, Silk Lace 1^ per dozen, Double Width French Dress Goods Is6d, former price 3s Od, Lace Curtains 2s lid, Towels 31 each, lot Umbrellas Is 61, Sunshades Ist 111- and 2s 6d, half price. Muslin Embroideries 4d, woith Is.— Andrew Orr, 11 HO t ITANTED Known—That J. Mokson VV keeps the best stock of Boots in Ashburton, for this reason that he pays cash and is not; under or bound to auy one firm like many in the trade, which enables him to procure and supply the public with the Best Colonial and English makes ; and his well-known make needs no recommendaiicin. Always on hand Best Sole Leather, used for repairs -avA done at once. —J. Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, Town Hal), East Street, next Court House. This Best .Kkmkdy *"or Inmgkstiok—• Norton's Camomile Pills arc confident recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all ihe diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pilw*, with justice called the * Natural Strengtheaer of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonfe and geptlw perient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bofctlea, at la l£d, 2s 9d, 11b, by all medicine yndor* throughout the w«rld



Certainly the Most Effective MEDICINE in the world is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects in Coughs, Colds, Influenza, etc. ; the relief is instantaneous, Thousands gave the most gratifying testimony. Read fchis certificate:—"24th April, 18851- Messrs Sander and Sons,—lt i 3 with the greatest of pleasure that I testify to the excellence of your Eucalypti Extract Having hud inflammation of the boue of the leg, which came on after a severe at tank of low fever, I was attended by Dr J, Boyd who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without success. Ho found U necessary to .amputate my limb. Having heard in the meantime of the wonderful eurea worked by the Eucalypti Extract. I obtained a bottle, and the extract had not been applied more than an hour when I began to feel greatly relieved. After applying the extract every four hcursfor nine or ten days it was out of all danger. I would persu&dc al who may be effected with any such disease to give the Eucalypti Extract a trial, Kid I am convinced that they Tvill find j C the most wonderful of medicines.—ifouis etc." E J. CuKJfOW, Wattle street, SajjdJ hurst;. -*-{ Ad vt >>