MAIL NOTICES.

> Mails olose for the following places as uuder, subject,to Jhe necessary alterations: S ATC&DAV, December 24. For Northern JPorts, per tie Anan, nt (j.aO p.M) ; late fee letters, guard's van, 6,55 p.m. WEDNESDAY.^DccembcT 28. For the United Kingdom, Cuntiuents of jEutopeand America ami West ludius (m San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows :—Or.iinary letters, books, and newspapers, at O. l*o» p.Tin. : registered letters, at 5 p.m. ; money orders, at3p.ni.; late*fee letters, mail van, express ♦rain, at G. 55 p.m. This mail will be due in London on February 1. I

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWARD—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 MATLS. i Next mail leaves London December 24, due colony January 25.

BOXING DAY.

There will be no issue of the Guardian on MONDAY, 26th inst., but Advertise ments for Tuesday's Mail may be left at this Office between 7 and 9 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1892. CHRISTMAS, 1892.

The years of the century are rolling on fast, and once again we are re minded of the rapid flight of Thrie by the recurring season of Christmas— witness alike of the changing and of the unchangeable—the changing tides of the affairs of men and the unchange able purposes and love of God. Every Christmas season—coming as it does as the forerunner of the dying of the Old Year brings its retrospect of the year's troubles and sorrows, its memories of those we have loved and lost, of the great and the humble who have " Cros't the Bar " ; but it brings also its happy memories, and, above all, its bright anticipations of joy and blessing to come. For though in the music of human life there is always to be heard the nriuor strain that bears witness to the sorrow that is born of sin, yet, at Christmas time especially, the dominant strain is that of joyful ness and hope —nay of assured faith and confidence in the coming full fruition of tho glorious evangel that was hymned by the angels nineteen hundred years ago. Once again we forget our troubles, and dwell only on the joys of life and the blessings with which it is filled ; once again the spirit of love is abroad among us, and kindly words and kindly deeds bespeak the kinship of all mankind. And therefore once again we welcome the dawning of another Christmas Day, and availing [ourselves of the annually recurring privilege, extend to our readers the right-hand of good fellowship with the heartiest wishes that each and all of them may spend

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

THE DEMAND FOR LAND.

During the last few days some of our contemporaries, in their feverish anxiety to have something evil to say of the Government, have made the assertion that the Land laws are a failure. The " North Otago Times " declares that the demand for land—to provide for which was the aim of recent legislation—does not exist; while the Wellington " Post" expresses the opinion that the new Act instead of promoting settlement is retarding it. The Oamaru writer bases his argument on the fact that a portion of the famous Elderslie estate, though widely advertised found no buyers, and says that the assumption that too high a price has prevented sales is set aside by the fact that few if any enquiries have been made about the land. We can give another and very probably the true reason : offers of land for sale by private owners, by private bargain, have recently been brought into dis favour by the action of some of the advertisers—-they cannot be called sellers—who, after enticing willing buyers to inspect the land at much trouble and expense have rejected offers of the extreme value, and sometimes more, of the property, and buyers are in consequence chary of spending time and money in visiting properties which are for sale by tender or private treaty, They know the owners will not throw the land away—there is no reason why they should—and they say, " The land is worth as much to them as it is to us, and as we will not give more, what is the use of our trying to buy it ?" The <( Post" is moved to its opinion by the fact that all Crown lands open foe sale before the passing of the Land Act of last session are being regazetted ; and it mourns this, in characteristip Wellington fashion, as causing the officers of the Depart ment a mass of work, disregarding the great convenience it will be to settlers to have all these notices comprised •vrithin a few numbers of the " Gazette " instead of scattered here atd there over months and years, Intending settlers will do well to keep an eye on the " Gazette." But we have solid facts to show that the demand for land is real,and that the new Act is working satisfactorily At a Government land sale at Invercargill last week the office was besieged with eager appli cants, For one sectpn fitty appl ed, and the competition iii nearly every instance was keen. Six farming al lotments drew as many as 147 appli cants, and all the sections offered in the township of Oromarty found buyers. From Auckland a similar .story conges by special telegram to the " Otago Daily Times " ;■—■" As shpwing thp land bungpr prevailing, there were about ibvyeftjbf sectJLQns of land thrown open b,y thp Qovepniug^t fqr on the Oiiaka §wamp, which js ij,bout three miles from Waiuku, There were nearly two hundred applications." Then we have the " Post " condemning itself Qst gf ija o.wn mouth by tie following pic.cc o£ eFitfenge ;- r " The first test of the working of the rpw Land Act took place in Auckland last Thursday, when 9900 acres were offered for optional selection. The JNfCinistep f<?r Lands has received a t ( elegrara to th.c ettpejb jfyift the ap plications received were $pven for cask twenty-four far occupation wtU ri|f>4

f of purchase, and forty-six for leases in perpetuity." Mr McKenzin might well be. "as tha 'Post" bays, ((ex tremely gratified with this, as lie re gards it as a justification of the stand which he took with regard to leases in perpetuity, especially as the popularity of In 3 new tenure has beeii shown in Auckland." Auctioneers to a man speak of the great demand that exists for suitable -forms, and there is no Lick of proof that this is the case ; and for any writer to deny the existence of the demand, or to say that the Act is a hindrance to settlement, is both \ erroneous and silly.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Ashburton Brass Band will pley at the Xinwalcl Domain on Race day, Monday, January 2. The amount of butter exported from Tanudki for the four weeks ended Decem ber 10 was 140 tons 4 ewt lqr 16lb. The official notification of the alteration affecting the crossing of the afternoon train from Uhristohurch and the southern express appears in our advertising columns. From advertisements in this issue it will be seen that a Urge number of merchants, .etc., intend to close their business places on Monday and Tuesday, so that these two days will be virtually general holidays. The date of the clearing sale of Mr John Johnston s live and dead stock by Mr John G. Restell has been altered from Thursday, January 5, to Wednesday, January 4. An advertisement appears in our advertising columns. The master of the Old Men's Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a large cake trom/Messrs Bryant and, Roberts, and a cheque tor £2 from Mr James McGregor for Christmas treat for the inmates. A well attended general meeting of the Ariel Bicycle Club was held last evening. It was decided to accept the terms fixed by the Domain Board, and after some other routine business the meeting adjourned till January 6. The twenty-first annual show of the Timaru Horticultural bociety waß held on Thursday in the volunteer Diillshad. A good feature ot the show was the collection of bouquets and table decorations. The Monowai, with the English mails of November 26, 'eft San Frauchco for Auck land on December 18—one day late. The Aiameda, with the colonial mails despatched from Auckland on December 3, arrived at San Francisco on December 22—contract date. Inspector Fender is to receive a purse of sovereigns from the citizens of Christchurch, on his removal to Wellington, in recogni tion of his ability and courtesy. Over one hundred guineas were subscribed at the meeting at which the presentation was decided upon. Since Friday last, says Wednesday's Dunedin "Globe," 740 passengers have arrived at the Bluff from Australia, of whom 406 came saloon. The Manapouri on Friday brought 227, the Warrimoo on Mon day, 249; and the Mararoa on Wedesday, 264. Notwithstanding the influx no cry of "unemployed" is heard. A rec<snc telegram in announcing that Mr Bcuce M.H.R would not be a candidate tor Ranaitikei at next general election gave it to be understood that that gentleman pro posed seeking the suffrages of another constituency. According to the "Post" this is an error, th*b journal asserting that Mr Bruce at his recent meeting at Rangitikei stated that for private reasons he was not desitious of seeking re-eection either for Rangitikei or any other constituency. About three months ago two men were concerned in a petty larceny at Timaru— the theft of two overooits from the hall of Grosvenor Hotel. One of them was cap tured, convicted and sentenced. The other got away up country, and thereupon appears to have been safe, He ventured to return to Timaru tJiis week, however, was recog nised by Detective Livingstone, and on Thursday was sentenced by h bench of Justices to join his comrade for ;i month. A man was found dead at Sunnier early on Friday morning, having evidently been run over by the train. The victim is named William Hand, who resided with wife and family iv Lincoln road, Christ church, but while working at Sumner he boaruoi near by. He was found lying across the rails and apparently had been dragged eleven yavds by the engine, and it is supposed he lay down on the line and fell asleep. Death must have been in stantaneous. A few days ago a farmer in the Forks brought to our office a strange weed of the thistle tribe. Ib has several slim stalks branching from one root, and towards the top are several seed buds dose to the stalk, from each of which radiate sharp needle-like spikes, making it a very formidable plant. We submitted a specimen to Mr M. M urphy, Secretary of the Canterbury A. and P. Asso ciation, and have his reply :—" The weed is either Oentaurea Caleitrapa or Cvntawea Solstitiilis {English name, star thistle). It is the former if the flowers are purple, and the latter if they are bright yellow. It is a bad weed, and has become a terrible pest in some parts of Victoria and jSTew South Wales. It wili be well to eradicate it. It is to be found in some parts of Canterbury, sparingly as yet," Mr Murphy's advice should be taken at once. We thank him for the valuable information. We learn with mingled feelings that Mr J. C. Lane, the well-known captain and secretary of the Ashburtcn Swimming Club, is about to leave Ashburton for Timaru, having accepted an important position with the Fanners Co-operative Association there, Mr Lane, who has been in the counting house of Messrs Fried lander Bros, during his four years' residence in Ashburton, has made many friends during his stay, and has generally made himself useful among til's community. A first-class all round athlete, he has always been ready and willing to take his share in any athletic work ; a fair ■nusician, he has been organist and conductor of the choir of the Ashburton 'Presbyterian Church, a labor of love he has discharged in such a manner as to endear him to every member of the choir and clinrcU j and generally a f good fellow,"yetan exemplary young m>n, his place will be difficult to fill.. The best medicine is Sandor and ons Eucalpyti Extract, Test its eminent power ful effects in coughs, colds, influenza, etc. — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy and medical syiulicates all over tb§ world a,rtt its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle] We have no occasion to offer rewards in prooi of the genuineness of our refereuees. The official reports of medical clinics and univer sities,theofficialcommunication3oftheC'onsu] 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 Schuljtz, M.D. Pro fessor, etc—"G. 8,, 24 years oltl; conges tional abscess on the thigh, made in two places. Although Lister's dressing Tfas applied, the secretion becanie, two days later, very copious, and had adopted a fetid decomposed, character. The temperature rose enormously. In'consequence''the dressing was removed and in its place were made during tlip day-time rspa'tqil ifrigatjpns with Eucalypti Extract. The offensive filter dis appeared ye'ry soon, the feyej abated within a few days, and ilie p'atieijb' recovered after the jansp' P,f several yeeks. li} this instance we mustnot'los'fi'sjgUtpf %? fapj> ij^ the latter treatment saved the patient's lifo.— Advt.) 3 Ihb Bkst Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recQnijfwndgd as a simple remedy foi indlgestiGn.'VMiib to t>\}9 %R9 $ pearly all the diseases to which we are subject*,! Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of t*ie Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bjttle^'at '[}» \M, 2s 93, Us,'by all medicine yandors thpu^fyow t the w»j;ld. < '

TELEGRAPHIC. HOME AND FOREIGN.

Cpeu press association.)

CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES.

Pakis, December 22. In an article in "Figaro" M. Delarosse, member of the Chamber of Deputies, advocates the establishment of a Consular Republic, with Prince Victor Bonaparte as head. THE PANAMA. SCANDALS. M. Floquet, ex-Premier, assured the Committee of Enquiry that he had never received any cf the Panama Canal Company's moneys from M. Leves, one of the members of ; the Senate who are to be prosecuted.. M. Guayot declined to testify respecting his statement aa to the list of members compromised submitted to M. Carnot, because he was reluctant to introduce the president into the matter. Preliminaries having been arranged, the duel between Clemehceau and De Roulede took place. Each exchanged three shots, but none of them took effect, both participants escaping with out a scratch. The duel arose out of a discussion in the Chamber, in the course of which M. Clemenceau called M, De Roulede a liar. The city newspapers are alarmed over the Panama scandals, and say that they remind people of the reign of terror in 1790. "Le Soir," the even ing Republican newspaper, defends M. Rouvier, and declares that during the popularity of General JBoulanger, M. Rouvier found it necessary to ask ior monetary assistance to help to main tain the Republic. "Le Siecle," also a Republican journal, treats the troubles as a Jesuit conspiracy. "La Liberte,"a Liberal organ,considers that there is gr^at danger of a revolution. ' The Bourse is excited, and a heavy fall in stocks has occurred. M. Dauncey, a member ofc the Chamber of Deputies, alleges that President Carnot has for a considerable time been in possession of a list of the names of those inculpated.) Berlin, December 22. The press, commenting on the Panama scandals, consider that M. Rouvier's admissions will seriously in jure the French Republic.

BEET.

London, December 21. Mr P. O. Licht, sugar expert, esti mates that the three months' beet pro duction will yield 133,000 tons more than the corresponding period last year.

CHRISTMAS DINNERS.

London, December 22. The Queen and the Prince of Wales declined to subscribe to General Booth's scheme to provide dinner for 5000 of the poor at Christmas. Lord Mayor Knill subscribed. ,

EUROPEAN ARMIES.

St Petersbukg, December 22. During 1892 the Russian army was increased by 1,000,000 tucn. Vienna, December 22, The introduction of two years' service will increase the strength of the Austrian army by 500,000 men.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Rome, December 18. An infernal machine with the fuse alight, has been found at the railway jtaiiou in Boiu^nn. A number of Anarchists have been arrested on sus picion of being connected with the affair.

AUSTRALIAN.

POLITICAL.

Sydney, December 23. In the voting on Reid's motion of censure on the Dibbs' Government, the Labor members were divided, half of ( them voting for the motion and half against it. Eight members of the House paired and three did not vote. A. rumor was circulated in the lobbies that Government had half promised the Labor party, in return for theii support, to mitigate the sentences passed on the Broken Hill Btrike leaders, but when the Ministers were taxed about the rumor they indignantly denied that any such promise had ever been given, Mr J. Inylis, member for New Eng land, while skylarking in the smoking room, fell and broke one of his ribs. Lord Jersey has issued a minute, re fusin** to remit the sentences in connec tion with the Broken Hill strike. MBiiBOUKNE, December 23. It is believed that during the recess a reconstruction of the Ministry will take place, Mr Shiels, Premier, being tired of office. A ROTTEN AFFAIR. The Committee which was appointed to investigate the affairs of the English and Australian Mortgage Cow-pacy have discovered that the reserve which was set down at £227,000 only existed on paper, while the alleged paid-up capital, amounting £o £3000, had also disappeared. It is expected that the whole qf the uncalled capital £230,000, will be required to be palled up, but of that amount not more than £50,000 can be reckoned on to be paid. TJie deposits made during February totalled £805,000, and it is estimated that ot this amount fully £225,000 will be lost to the depositors, Investigations into the affairs of similar institutions are approaching completion, and it is ex pected that when the report of the Committee is made decisive steps will be taken against the officials. COAL. The Victorian Railway Commis sioners have entered into a contract for a supply of 30Q0 tons of Korrum burra poal per month, it being their desire to experiment as to th« suitable ness of the caal for''steaming purposes, with a view tp its ns.e Qn the Victorian lines. Hitherto Newcastle poal has been exclusively used.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

W}§i.l4»gtos?, December $3. Government intend to make no^r regu lations in, connection with the Survey . In order to overtake the press of work on the suryeyor,^ it it* inte^dwcLtJjftt the qost of purvey ta) folded to the price of the land, *h\& 'uppUoanfcs for land will liivve to deposit .such cost, but the luttor payment will subsequently be deducted hoix| the rottt paid b|r the selectors. Ttye idea \h to euftl|lo Hfivtvtp surveyora to be employed.

NOTES.

In the last week of Sir J. Bf LaweSfjasued his antiua! estimate of the British wheat prop, based on the yield of his experimental pbts at Rothamsted. This estimate is always worthy of respect, and is of interest to colonial farmors as showing what quantity of wheat the United Kingdom is likely to require during the year. The mean yield of the Rothamsted plots is one-eighth of a bushel under 20 bushels an acre, which is much less than usual. Sir J. B. Lawes says that this wouM be too much'to allow for the United Kingdom as a whole, but he shows that at that yield the total } produce of the kingdom on 2,295,183, acres would be a little under seven and a-half million quarters, and, deducting for seed, the quantity available for con sumption would be barely 6,850,800. The estimated consumption for the year is nearly 28,750, OOOqr, therefore nearly 22,000,000qr will have to be 1 provided for from stocks and imports. But, he adds, supposing that the yield should prove to be only 22 bushels an acre, the quantity needed from imports and the surplus Home stocks of old wheat would be nearly 23,000,000qr. This is a large quantity, but it will be easily obtained, as the net deficiency of the rest of Europe is only about 4,000,000qr, and the United Kates alone can spare over 20,000,000qr The conclusions to be derived from this statement are anything but en couraging to wheat growers, as they Indicate that the price will remain low duriDg the year.

The review of the state and prospects of the wheat and flour trade published by the " Miller," in the month of October annually, is looked upon by those in the business as even more im portant than the report of Sir J. B. Lawes. In this review we find it esti- '■■ mated that the United Kingdom wants 18,352,025qr, France 4,713,286qr, Belgium and Holland 2,686,300qr, Spain and Portugal 1,000,000qr, Italy and Sicily 3,645,000qr, Greece 883,700qr, Denmark 182,000qr > Germany 2,637,000qr, Switzerland 1,218,400qr. South-east Asia, the West Indies, Central America, China, and South Africa will also require to im port breadstuff's. The total require ments of these countries for the ensuing year is 39,177,711, and there is a surplus to supply the demand of no less than 53,057,025. Towards the surplus Tv rkey contributes 4,7 50,000qr, Austro-Hungary 3,186,000qr, Rou mania 3,221,400qr (last year Cen tral Europe was an importing region, this year she has a balance for exportation of nearly three million quarters), Russia 8,524,500qr, Asia 5,070,000qr, North and South America 23,84D,125qr, and Australia and New Zealand (provisional) 1,250,000qr. Though the United States, Canada, Manitoba, India, and Persia are grow ing less wheat than in the previous season, the surplus available to meet import requirements is nearly double what it was a year ago. The price of wheat, therefore (this authority con cludes), cannot rise ; on the contrary, it is falling. The mean price of English wheat for seven Septembers has been as follows :—September 1886, 31s lOd j 1887, 29s -id ; 1888, 35s lOd; 11889, 30s; 1890,335; 1891, 38s 5d ; 1892, 28s lid. The average for Sep tember 1892, moreover, is the lowest September average for the century, and September has been a cheap month in most years of an early harvest. The ray of hope of better prices which wheat growers have had hitherto vanishes, and the best that they dare look forward to is a good harvest to compensate for the low price.

Lv view of the silly outcry which sbaie of our contemporaries are making— one after another repeating the same story with a parrot-like slavish ness of imitation—anent the turn in the tide of emigration and immigration, it is refreshing to come upon a few instances of people and papers who are able to look upon the matter through other than party spectacles. For instance » day or two ago the Chairman of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce made a sensible speech, in which he declined to regard the fact that the coloDy is now gaining instead of losing population as other than a satisfactory feature, while the NBpier " Evening News " " heartily welcomes the men who are corning to New Zealand." It " believes those who are ooming here now to be of a decent class, hardwork ing, honest, and with a little money in their possession," in proof of the latter adducing the fact that " the majority come in the saloons of the steamers," while, of those who come over in the steerage, it asserts that " the most are men who have, in spite of hard times, contrived to save a little money." It goes on to say—" We all know well enough that the men who were driven away from New Zealand during the i time the Atkinson Ministry were in power, were almost all of that class who had saved a little money. The withdrawal from the savings banks at that time told that story plainly enough. The same class of mon is now coming here from Victoria and New South Wales. Out of two or three hundred men who went to the Labor Bureau at Wellington the other day, only one man was found to be without money enough to see him through a few months of even idle time." This very satisfactory information is accom panied by a well-deserved rebuke ad ministered to another journal which adduced as an instance in proof that the recant influx has included some very undesirable characters, the circum stance that on a recent night in Wel lington " a ruffian bit a constable's hand to the bone^" albeit it was as well known to the paper in question ([writes fclje " N.ews =f)as to qurseives, ttiat the brutes who bit and kicked the police man at Wellington were NewZea landers, and not newly-arrived Aus tralians;" further com.me.nt is un necessary—yet further testimony to the fact tljat the outcry as to the probable ill effects of the influx of population is giyen by the })unedin *' Globe," which waiting on Vfednesd.ay last mentions that since the Friday previous 740 souls had arrived at the Bluff from Australia, of whom 4Q6 came ;vs sajoau passengers, and that notwithstanding the influx no cry of " unemployed " is hoard.

COMMERCIAL.

(PKU PRRBS ASSOCIATION)

Lowjun, December 22. Silver, ifs 2{ l;d yav ounce. Antimony is £43 p<}v ton. Syl»xby, December 22. The whtat yield is 6stimated *t au average of seventeen bushels to die acre, find the colony will probably have to import, 700,000 bu*hel«. Bklßba.nk, D.-ceniher 23. The Depattinunt of Agriculture csti ni.iu-s tiie wheat yield in the colony at 1618 bushels per acre.

Ashburton Markets

MR DAVID THOMAS, Mr David Thomas reports upon the live stock market in the Ashburton district for the week ending Tuesday, December 'JO, as follows :—On Tuesday atTinwald yards the usual weekly sale was held, when 7378shaep and 51 head of cattle were yarded, this being the largest entry for the present season. My entry comprised 1844 sheep and 42 head of cattle. There was a good demand for all classes of stock, and although the niirket was large no drop in values could be seen. I cleared eveiy line at satisfactory prices. My principal sales were as lollows:—23 fat wossbred wethers, ISi; 41 fat croasbreds, 12s 2d; 48 merino wethers, 8s lid • 25 merino wethers, 8s 9d; 22 fat crossbred ewMi and wethers, 13s 9d ; 20 fat crossbred*, Us 9d; 14 merino wethers, 9s; 64 merino ewes and 35 lambs, all counted, 5s 7d ; 35 crossbred ewes aud 27 lambs, all counted, 7s 3d; 69 crossbred eweu and 38 -lambs, all counted, 8s 4d; 115 merino ewes and 90 lambs, all counted, 6s 8d; 240 mtrino ewes and 190 lambs, all counted, «. Id; 319 hoggets, 12s lid; 120 crossbred four and six-tooth wethers, 15s 3d; Kcraabrad four and six-tooth wethers, 14s 4d; 183 hoggets, Hi 3d. My principal sales in cattle were— 5 fat cattle, £6 2s ; 3 fat cattle, £6 12s 6d; Iff ?, Wfc *5 fc: 3 fat °°»"» » 1*; 2 head, £4 15s; 2 fat cows, £6 2a; 2at £5 17s6d; lat£s 2s6d; lat£6lss; lat£6: 2 steers £4; 2 at L 5 ss; latLs 2s 6d; 1 heifer, L 7 5s ; 1 cow, L 7 10* ; 1 cow, LB. I soid privately during the week-452 crossbred ewes and lambs, 9s, all counted; 100 hoggets, 13*; 227 crossbred ewes in wool, with lambs, 16s, all counted: 2224 hoggets, 12s. Horse Market—On Saturday, December 17, at Bullock s Arcade, I held my usual weekly horse sale, when about 30 hones came forward, and I disposed of 20 at prices satisfatory ta vendors. Good draughts still hold their own in the market, and almost always fetch their full values. There is a little better demand for hacks and light harness horses, but I still find it hard to dispose of them. A line of good, young, sound, and serviceable draught horses will sell well just new.

MESSRS FRIEOLANDER BROS, Messrs Friedlander Bros, report upo» the live stock market for the vreek ending December 23:—There was a good entiy of steck at the Tinwald yard« on Tuesday last. About 7400 sheep and 51 head of cattle were penned. The attendance of buyers was an average one, and business transacted for the day was fairly good, with the exception of hoggets, for which there was not such spirited competition 'as at previous sales, buyers of this class of sheep operating with more caution. In fat sheep there was nothing of any special quality entered for Chriatmaa consumption (and also for the last sale of the season), with the exception of a small pea of merino wethers grazed by Mr Boni fant, of Wakanui. These were really beautiful sheep and realised 17* 9d, the purchaser being Mr James Smith. Fat lambs sold at 10s to 10s 6i, for crossbred ewes from Us (td to 14s 6d, and mixed cross bred ewes and wethers from 13s to 13s Bd. Merino wethers from 8s 8d to 8s 1 Id. There were seviral lines of good sheep penned for the export trade, and these met with good competition, rossbred four and Bix-tooth wethers selling from 14s 4d to 15s 3d. We sold a line of four-tooth on account of Mr D. Butterwick at 14s fid. Store sheep, were maiuly represented by crossbred hoggets, aud sales were effected for those in forward condition at up to 14s and 14s 2d, but the general lines entered were withdrawn at from 11s 9d to 12s 6d, owners not oaring to aocept these prices. Merino and crossbred ewes and lambs sold well, the comeptition. being good for ail lines, and every entry was okared at full market rates. In fat cattle there was a splendid supply of good quality—fat cows predominating. Prices ranged from L 5 10s to LS for heavy weights, cows and steers up to l& 12s 6d. There was nothing in store cattle to call for any mention. As this will be our last Btock report for the year, w« beg to remind our clients that the next stock sale will be held afc the Ashburton yards on Tuesday, January 3, 1893, and at the same time wishing them the compliments of the season and a prosper ous happy New Year.

A Welcome to Father Christmas.

Again Old Father Christmas comes»- Not as he came of old, Show'rin" his fleecy snowflakes down O'er wood aud hill and wold. No holly-berries crown his brow, No mistletoe hath he, Nor chafe* he now his red-cold hand Before the fire with glee ; Nor hugs he now his mantle close Against the searching wind, For he hath left the frost and snow Full many a league behind. , Yet once again Old Christmas comes, And just the same is he, Though glows the summer sun upon These islands of the sea. Ilia smile as glad, his grasp as strong As when 'mid frost ard snow We bade him welcome to the hearth These many years ago. But brown as is the ripened corn His cheery face in now, And in the glowing heat the sweat Breaks out upon his brow ; And bound about that brow, where once The holly-berries were, He hath a wreath of roses red Entwined with lilies fair; His lap is full of luscious fruits, His hands with blossoms sweet, And round his feet the clover bloom?, And nods the shafting wheat. But still a welcome guest is he As when on frosted pane He tapped to share the ingle-nook Nor ever tapped in vain. Then spread we now the festal board With Southern Christmas cheer. And welcome we in rosy wine The truest we love so dear. With many a thought for absent ones, Full many a thought of love, And many a prayer that God would .send Them blo&sing from above. And parted friends, although perhaps Qn earth to meet no more, Are joined again by. bauiqs of love. That stretch fronpj share, to shore ; And as we hear the angels 1 song That tells a Saviour's birth, Wo breathe forgivenness and the prayer For "Peace and joy en earth." W. J. fc.

THE ASHBURTON GtTARDIAN: S\tTTRDAT, DECEMBER 24, 1802.



F:il THE HOLIDAY 0. ! 0. J. I^EILL and CCYs i SPECIAL PRICES FOR THrS MONTH. Ladies' Cashmerette Hose, double knee, 10|d Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Is New Fashionable Dross Goods; 3sr lid a dozen Wonderful Value in Summor Dress Tweed, o£d Black Cashmeres and French Merinos, all pr.ces J Wonderful Valuejfroni.ls 4d to 5s 6d per yard All Wool Flaniiel, 7|d per yard Flannelettes at 3s 6d per dozen Good Heavy Twilled at s|d leather Shirting, Swansdown Back, at 7*a per yard I Washing Prints, 3s lid per dozen A special line of White Muslin, 4H Pongee Cloths and Delaines in m^t beautiful patterns CLOTHING. Men's Colonial Tweed Suits, 23s 6d Men's Serge Suits, 22* 6d . Men's Tweed Troiisers from 5s lid Boys' Tweed Suits in endless Variety Men's Ribbed Cotton Panto, Is 6d ■■ : r Men's Colonial Knit Socks, ll^d per pair Man's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid j Men'a Strong Braces, 9d per pair Boya 1 Strong Br»cea, 4d per J)air. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. TJNMISTAtEABLE VALUE. tadies'and Children's Tan Shoe«, a specialty Brown Canvas Shoes, all sizes Men's Bluchers, 5s 3d Men's nailed Shooters, 8s 9i a.o ait iq'vu' Asplendid line of Men's But India Kip Shootew, pegajed, worth 18* 61 for 13 ,6d A rare line of Women's Strong Leather Shoes, worth 9a, for 6s 9d a»ildwaVl?*aßh>e*» Brown Canvas S!io3i, avl Patent Leather bjippsra. All visas at very low prices. G. J. NEILL and CO: FRIEDLANDER'3 BUILOI.NGS, 00RSBB OP BAST * MOORB SI'PKETS. HARDLEY BROS. At fLow Prices. ■ o ■■■ EVERY ARTICLE OF OUR NEW STOCK WARRANTED, j TN CalHn- Special Attention to'the Wge List of DR \PERY, CLOTHING 1 and NOVELTIES in MILLINERY, described from time to time in thes« Columns, we wish to Impress ON ALL the following :— Ist—Every Article is Warranted to give SATISFACTION, and if ever a person receives anything that don't suit, they can return it to be exchanged, or they can have the money returned if they go desire. 2nd —All the Goods will be FIRST-CLA.SS of the Newest and Most Desir able Styles md the Prices are Much Lower than such articles can elsewhere be obtained for. 3rd _We deal in NO SHODDY GODD3 whatever, and all who Order of U&m'ay be SURE that they will receive the BEBT. 4th—We are satisfied with a Small Profit, and as Our Business is of such We Proportions that through buying our Goods oil the Manufacturers in Immense Quantities for Cash, we are enabled to SELL our Goods for LEbS MONEY than others, thus givinpfour Customers the advantage. Those who want GOODS should send to US and Save Money. /ust Arrived—A Splendid Assortment of Men's and 80/s' SUITS. SPECIALLY FOR- CHRISTMAS WEEK. HAEDLEY BROS., ABC AIMS HOUSE, BURBfEXX SXM7JET, AS H B U R T 0 N. a salbcs NEW JEWELLERY ESIABLISHMENT. nnTF MAGNIFICENT BIGH-CLAS* STOCK IS NOW OPENED UP. SSALEK bes?s to draw the atfen ion of tho Publro to the fact that having fii^rt un his Shop in first slass !?fcyle, ho is showme; a btock which for r* ;«o and newest designs oomptres favorably with any in Christohurch. quality, price, and nJ™ meet the requirements of the Asliburton District in eVe-y 8 br°alch of the Jewellery Trade, and is showing a Larger Stock than has ever before been seen ii, *« 0^ uni Stock spPtW]y 3uitable for Y\fAqPRFSENTS WEDDING PRESENTS, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, AND XMAS PRbShN U, y R^SENTATION TESTIMONIALS. fitold and Silver Jewellery ot.every description. imv WATCHMAKING AND JEWELLERY REPAIRING IHI/ W DEPARTMENT * now complete in its arrangements, and addr'tional assistance having beer, •obtahied, Customers nmy rely on having their work done promptly and satisfactorily . S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER. Clotliliig Factory. FOB THE HOLIDAY SEASON^ T-I-»F arc now Showing the Largest an 1 Best Assorted Stock of MEN'S W MERCERY and HATS in Asliburton. Gents; Vennis and Orlckjtinj gjta g^ g« BOOTO AND SHOES SHOES AND BOOTS. aenW Tennis SHo. Ugil »dL.* 8ho« BS^BI^ 1"10"1 _^^ 8aI ,aaents'Slippers CLOTHING jJKPABTMENT. Those wishing a «oocl ffuit of Clothes riooH ;W» the CLOTHINO FACTORY. Bring yow-buys and get a good Suit of Colonial i weed for 9s 6d, Tf "yon wish to buy a handsome Christmas Present, get one of the Wertheim Sewing ii you wh - j Mac i lines . See one in our window. HALLENSTEIN BROS. ALEX HENDRY, Manager nfi\lP Tif^t T@& COUWANB AND So f EuCALYPtB Ex Xf wV XJ\jo\j J- f tkact is the only genuine ■in the market, IN THE WORLD and was a -yarded medaid and diplomas at _ __ Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating KMvalnn'a rPTiAII all competitors. For all affections of the UJBIVII » vcjiwu. Cheat and Lunga. Cmisumptioir, Asthma, NINIAN HYSLOP, and CO., Coughs, Coldt-, Gravel, and Kidney Corn- Tea Importers, (»!ainlß, ifc has no equal, Agents—j 1% Csshel street. Cluktohurnh. Asm»uitl'ox Pku* Co**•» w



ii ■ ! rOIIE Grospfl vi Llie Grace of G^d will i i *■";" be preached «t the Oranue Hall, on Lord's' Day evehine, Jialf-past six, D.V. LOST, about a week ago, between . Chertsey and \shuurc n, a Ladies' Ulster. Finder please return to Mail Oifico. _R}^ i; rpENDKRS WAISTED for CUTTING I and ■ STACKING about 50 acres (^•asM for hay at Awarima, 1/nwclifte. 12160 P. R- DEARDEN. CiHRISTMAS FAIR now open, every- J thing new and cheap. Ccme and see for yourselves. —The New Shop's, Ooleman's Buildings. 12 177 WANTED, a good plain Cook Apply by letter to Mrs Hekkiku, 1 Alford House, Ashbuno.j. 12*171 MY STIOP will be Open on Christmas Eve till 10.30 tor the Sale of Pot I'lacts, etc., suitable for presents. Well worth a visit.—J. Thomas, Havelock Street. 12 167 WEoLhYAN Church, Baring Square. Preachers To-morrow (Xmas Day) II A.m., Rev J. H. Gray ; 6.30 p.m., Rev S. Lawry—Why did Christ come to our world ? PRIMITIVE CHURCH To-Morrow. Preachers, morning, Mr Hoatten ; evening, Rev J. Cocker. Subject : Greatest event in the world. 12 179 LOST, between Mr Kickman's resi dence, VVakanui Road, and the High School, on Friday evening, a Girl's Patent Leather Slipper (new). Finder kindly return same to F. M. Kickmjks. WAITED to lei lour or ny« rooms in house, occupied by Misses Morbi son and Hollo way. Apply on the premises. 12 178 iVTANTED a Nurse uirl, one from -.» ▼ coiintry preferred. Apply Mrs Thomas Hughss, Eton Street, Ash burton. J^; 18* ADAJSCE will take place in the Orange Hall on Boxing Night, December 26. Admission—Gents, 2s b'd; Ladies, free. 12 166 \U AN TED Known. - Wonderful value W in first-class Drapery now on at: Melford House. Beautitul Leather Shirt ing 6^d.— H. C. Sbobbs, Melford House. WANTED Known.—High class Dress Goods, latest patterns, now selling under wholesale prices. Special line of double width stuff 6d and Is, less than half price. -U. C. Skgehs, iklelfcird House, i"~S TABLE! Is Table! Exceptional, Valu<3 for Xmas Trade. Great' Variety Fancy Goods for Xmas.—H. M. Jones. t«D, 9d, Is, Is 2d, 2* 6d Packed Xmas * Cards. Choice selection of Cards and Booklets. —H, M. Jones. CHRISTMAS Young Ladies' Journal now in.—H. M. Jones. 12167 WANTED Known—lee Creams, Ice Creams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. G. Flower's, Confec >ionei', East Street. CIQMER3ET Meat Mart. The oldest, O the largest, th 3 best, and the cheap est. Small Goods a specialty. Full wekhts guaranteed. A trial solicited. -'A. J. SiloouK. 4U82



WANTED Known—We are now giving awny Beautiful Presents to every purch&iser of 5s and upwards. (Jomeand see our bargains in Drapery, &o. —H. C. Segekj, Melford House. WANTED —Purchasers tor Bargains in Summer Dresses, Prints, and Delaines, Sunshades, &c. at S. W. Alcobn a.id Go's Sale. _____ WANTED the Public to know that S. VV. AlCokn* and Go's Summer Sale is now on. Great Bargains in Millinery, Underclothing etc. vjELTiING OFF Bocks, Stationery, £5 and Account Books, Fancy GoocU, .Vlusic, Violins, .Accordeons, etc, Firt Screens and Stove Ornaments, all at Reduced Prices.— Li, F. Andrswes & Co. 117 ANTED Known—New Flannelettes- W at extraordinary prices ;3s lid »nd 4s lid doa. Thirty per cent undei price.—W. H. Comjuk. WANTED Known that S. Salek, Watchmaker and Jeweller, has removed to now shop near New Zealand Clothing Factory. 10 213 fTTAjN'TED Tinowu—Dr Scott's cele brated 'brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained in Ashburton at W. H Collieu's, "The Corner." WHY not Bake your own Bread whtn you can get 50ibs of the Uest Roller Flour for five shilling*) cash or tive shillings and sixpence booked at Robert Alcork's, Saunders' Buildings. | , 11 31 Dt »N ll vlet the rain water destroy your holdings. Gefc Spouting fixed at 4d per iVofc and buy a tank, complete with tap, tested before leaving workshop, for 30rf, at J. W. Hakdlev's. piHRISIWAS Suits. Boys, thret V_y garment Jong Trmiscr Suit? at los. Boys, L'olorial-niade Kuickor Suits from 10s. Men's nicely made Oolonial Tweed Suits 30 i. Colonial Tweed Suits tv measure from 50d—Ashburtou Clothing Mart. Saunders' Buildiugs. Robrkt Axcokn. DON'T Forget the Borough Byc-L iws re Carr ag3 Lamps, and that EJakM/B . us large Stock <-n hand, als< t large assortment of Tinware and Iron mongery, Scythes, Reaping Hooks, Hay Knives, Forks, etc , of best quality, and ill at lowest possible prices. J. W. Haudley, East Street, Ashburton.



BEAR in jnind that J, W. Hardley, Plumbe» and #asfitter, East Street, has the largest Stock in town of Pumps, Pipes, and Fittings, and that he is selling them cheaper than ever at prices hitherto unheard of in Asliburton, Now is the chance for a cheap Pump ; improved No. 4. Puico, 16s. Larger siv.es in proportion. AMUBR.Y OJJRJSTMAS.- Splendid assortmenp of Cards, Booklets, and Souvenirs for season 1892-3 New Games in grtat variety. Beautiful lot of Vases, Fancy G|a,s»s«r-aFe, and Fairy Lamps. Boys' and Girls' Annuals, and i.ther new Volumes. Prigo Books at reduced prices. JNew Birthday Reward and Wedding Cards,-L. F. ANDREWES * CO,, @J#f joners' Hall. tfTANTRD Ifciown-~Thifc 4. Mo^on. VV keeps tho best stock of Boots in Ashburton, for this reason that he pays cash and is not under or bound to any one jinn like many in the trade, which enables him to procure and supply the public with tfavJ Be#t Colonial and English makes; and lus well-knovyp roajfe needs j no recommendad^n. Always o^ h^ixd* Best Sole Leather, need for repairs and I done at once—J, Moison, lmper^eabie , Bootmaker, Town Hall, East Street, ne^t i Coyi't House



I • 'A.!. 11-!:.. 1-... 1 '.■'■'■l'lf .mi, ■ ■' ! CftACKK^Lt and Di^cstivo 0 scuks for Inyal\dH are ut eMipassfld, M»da I?



The Best Tea IN CANIERBURY for tho money, and fp»;e from any excess of astringency. COUNTESS 2s. ASK YOUR OROCERS, TO MAKE Nicest Scones, Nicest Pastry, Nicest Cakes, Use Aulskbrook's Self-Raisir.g Flour. The Onhu>\v Biscuit. The latest nd ost delicate biscuit to«>iuf»&tured by A^sebrook <tud Co