Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1894 "THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON"

■ .» _____ ,o,l*' fL£ the old festivals, Christmas awakens the strongest and most health ful associations, and if ,e.vep ( <?gld and reserved John Bull cuts th,e painter and lets himself drift, it is at Christmas tide. Indeed, the pan must be a veri table Scrooge who can, resist the general call of the season to happiness and mirth and joy and gladness, For th@ festival of Christmas which eew taemorates the announcement of the religion of peace and love, has for centuries been made the occasion for a general truce, a universal abandon ment for the nonce of the treadmill of laborious toil; the worry of business #nd the feverish hurry and competi tions life; It ht tfrp time of glad ness and mirth*. ,Qid quarrels a^d un friendly rivalries' are forgottbn, '&anda : a,ja foiufid tpsether, families he unit^fl • *■-••-, y ■ 7 • •■■--■: ■ • ' ;

and gifts are freely bestowed. Thus the universal Christmas greeting be comes an echo, however faint, of the Angel's message to the shepherds of Bethlehem —" Glory to G-od in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men." If we were inclined, or had the ability to preach a sermon on the best means of advancing good will, we should be inclined to take for our text the words of the apostle — <! Owe no man anything, but to love ons another ' If all debtors who can do so would pay up at Christmas time all their lawful debts, it would re move a load from the heart and brain of many an overtaxed and sorely tried tradesman, who bitterfy resents for getful debtors taking their pleasure at his expense, although ha has not the slightest wish to curtail their en joyment otherwise. " Cursed be credit/ is the anathema heaped upon the system largely in vogue. Many a tired printer with aching limbs and weary | eyes might leave for once the stuffy office, and rejoice in an annual picnic and drink in the reviving breath of nature, returning recuperated for the New Year, if " ads" were paid for promptly and " subs " duly forwarded. But alas! " There's a deal of 'human nature in men." 'Twas ever thus! Still, in spite of drawbacks, and the skeletons which for tbe time being are relegated to the cupboard, it must be admitted that we New Zealanders do show at our best in the great holi day of the year, and have as a whole a capacity for enjoyment, which is one of the happiest and most conclusive symptoms of a healthy national life. The Christmas of modern days is a very complex product, containing in gredients of Druidism, as seen in the mysterious mistletoe, of Germanic idealism (as witness childhood's fabled, sacred, and blessed visitor Santa Olaus) —and at the bottom, of course, the faith of the majority of people in the great Christian mystery, with its consequence—salvation brought to the door of every heart. "The compli ments of the season " is an aspiration, and involves, in spite of the. coldness .of its form, a great deal that is blessed, ay, and thrice blessed all the world over, and to millenial years. Upon this basis is built up the well known elements of social intercourse oa the broadest scale of affectionate freedom —good eating and drinking, and what is called charity in its various forms of personal forgiveness and general bene- I ficence. We believe in good eating and drinking at Christmas, for the feast on Christmas day is the natural seal of the rites of hospitality and of affectionate intimacy, and a common joy is testified by collecting lound the feitive board and an appeal to the simplest instinct which we all share. Yet, modern refinement, and in our case our summer climate, have made havoc with the ancient customs of Christmas tide. The world has be come rcore worldly, there is more dis sipation but less enjoyment, pleasure has expanded into a broader but shal lower stream. Then in the colonies, and in the inversion of seasons which brings us Christmas in tbe middle of summer, the tendency is naturally to seek the open air in search of health and enjoyment, The tent pitched on | the sea beach, fche picnic in the shady bush, the climbing of some of our lovely hills, are to numbers preferable to crowded gatherings, with roast beef and plum pudding, followed by romp ing games—though happily for our young folk £he mistletoe remains to us, 1 being indigenous to New Zealand. But though altered in outward aspect, and shorn of its festive honors, Christ mas is for mo3t of us a time of joy and blessing, and once again we are glad to exchange with each and all of our readers the kindly greeting of the season— A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year !

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Eighty-seven fresh appointments as Justices of the Peace are auaounced. The returns, as given in the Gazette, show thab tbe arrivals in November were 2817, and the departures 1288. John Wells, licensee of the Dunedin Provincial Hotel, was fined 40.* and costs for employing a barmaid after boars. The appointment of William Fraser to be Sergeant4t-ArJn? is gazetted from Ist December, 1894. ! The committee of the New Zealand Friendly Societies' Guarantee Association have authorised the issue of free policies to all lodges assured. A Maori at Gisborne, jealous of his wife, stabbed her after she had made reference in a song to another man The woman lived several hours, but her husband who shot himself afterwards, died instantan eous?^ ' Before Mr D. Thomas, J.P. this morn» h*g,' Daniel Cole, who had just served twenty four hours for drunkenness, was again brought, up on a similar charge, for which he was convicted and discharged, ss lie p^om'gsd to Jiflave the town. The Rakaia bridge is onga again ppen to rosd traffic, the damage having all been px|>%de good that was inflicted by the recent flood. This will bo good news to many who prefer to go theij? holiday northward by road instead of rail. " Pro " tips the following for the Bakaia sports:—looyds—P Larraman. 1; H Hood, syds, 2. , 440yds—J McAnulty, 7yds, 1; J Stewart, scr, 2. 300 yds ,(amateur)—P A Keddell, syda, 1; L Broad, scr, .§. 200 yds (amateur)-L Broad, ser, 1 $G E'Oweijt.^yds, B. At the Courthouse, Temuka, on Thurs day, James Henry Webb Robinson, a farmer of Rangitata, was charged, on remai;^, the larceny of 100 merino ewes'and 75 lambs, the property of James Austin^ of Winchester and B,smgitaj;a. Mr J. \V. White prosecuted and Mr Ravmontf' defended. The evidence of nine witnesses was fcajk^n, fiter which accused, who I reserve^,his defence, committed' for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court &t Tlmaru. aud admitted to bail 'm hi^ own recognizance of £100 and two sureties of £«j»0 each. About thirty people accepted Mrs Ranger's invitation to spend a pleasant hour at her private hctel with Mr Robert Clark, who h ajaoat fo ' complete the joy of earthly life, by taking to himself a wife,' Tjje gatherjing was held on Friday evening, and Ifr R. J). Wilson, whom the Misses Ranger cho^e as the!*' representa tive, presented to Mr Clark a w#ddjn§ gift from those young ladies. Mr Clark suitably acknowledged the pift. He had spent many happy years in Ashburton, and had boarded in Mrs Banger's private hotel ever since she opened l^> (?ood wishes for the success of the guest's ij£7 undertaking were everywhere expressed, and an evening o£ ratfonal enjoyment was brought tya doge with '* A«l4 lapgeyne.' r ■■ ■ • ■••' .' • • ■ - - •. (r i *

The Government hare authorised the expenditure of £275 for repairs at the Timaru Polica Scation, and £300 on Akaroi roads. The Wellington trades council have passed a repetition in favour of the Satur day half-holiday, wages to be pai 1 on Fri day. A conference is to bo bald on Jtir.usry 21. ■ In the Gazette on Thursday, the attention of the Receivers of R.v^nuo is drawn to ' 8.0 io.i 12 of the Indictabla Offencs [Summary Jurisdiction Act, reia ing to the I cutting and breaking of defaced coins. Upon the re c mimcndation of tho Land Purcha c Board the Cabinet decided ■ to make an offer for several blocks of land in the vicinity of Temukaand Oamaru ' which have been placed at their disposal. Tho oath In the witness box is nob to be trlftjd whh. Abraham Bowden, an 4u*k Ind cab proprietor, played fast and 1 *)se wiih it, and has gone to gaol for a year in consequence. The Gazette contains a regulation amend ing the terms and conditions of sale of the Pomahaka estate, by which the holdings may be enlarged. It comes into force on January 8 The trial shipment of New Zealand timber for etreet-paving purposes will be sent home by the s.s. Port Melbourne, leaving here about the 12th January. Th^ firsi shipment will consist of 100,000 feet, and will be probably be followed by other shipments. At the meeting of the Canterbury Land Board tho following applications were granted :—Q. H. Allison, sections 36434 and 36443, Block X, Westerfield Survey District, 100 acres ; Allan Mcßae, Section 36353, Block I, Spaxton Survey District, 58a 2r. An application from David Wil son for about 21 acres of Crown lands in Block VI, Wakanul Survey District, was deferred for further consideration. Pro posals for the expenditure of thirds were received and approved from Anama Road Board, Coldstream Road Board, Long beach Road Board, Mount Hutt Road Board. The Commissioners reported that RS, 34214, 85 acres, had been sold to Thomas Dowling at the upset price, £12710df

Mr Salek'a Christmas supplies of jewellery are announced. Caledonian Society's gathering on Boxing Day. Trial of twitch grubbers for Mr Grlgg'a prize postponed to Friday, January 4— first Friday of the New Year—J. Oaborne's farm, Ford's Road, at ten a.m. Connty Council offices closed from Monday, at four o'clock till the day after New Year. Public Library closed from one o'clock Monday (day before Christinas Day) till Thursday, January 3. Friedlanders want sheep feed for 1000 hoggets for a month. Trial of a grass seed stripper on Messrs Dixon and Cow's farm, Ford's Road- Monday, at two p.m. Mr David Thomas holds the trial. Mr E. Williams, storekeeper. Park street, holds a clea'ri g out sa Te for a month. His landlord wants the premise* for himself—Mr Williams has to seek other quarters. Hence the slaughter. W. H. Collier, "The Corner," in the field again for the Christmas trade waggon loads of pretty things. Far more Satin than ever tempted Eve. John Orr and Co.—Sugar for jam ; all sorts of sweet things for Christmas— especially plum duff.' \V, H. Collins and" Co*, no 4ifj> they have opened up EnglMi gooda for Christmaslidb and their customers will do well to make their purchases early.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The mistletoe bough, the mistletoe bough With its berries soft and white, It hangs aloft in the dear old home Where the lamps are burning bright; And the Yule log blazes fast and free, With a warm and a cheery glow, And the ruddy gleam thrqugh the frosted panes Streams oufc on the virgin snow. Theold house rings with the joyous laugh, And the tables groan with cheer, For Christmas time, merry Christmas time. With its wealth of joys is here, And joined once more are the scattered links Of the dear home's golden chain, " As friends long-parted gather now Round the Christmas hearth again. Andtbe children scamper about the house, And their prattle is blithe and sweet, And the stairs are echoing all the day With the sound of pattering feet. And with merry song, and with joyous dance Speed the swift-winged hours away, Ti^l through the casement there peeps agaip The light of the breaking day. Oh, Christmas time! Merry Christmas time, , With its mirth and bounteous cheer, Its meetings glad and its kind goodwill 'Tis welcome from year to year. And though by many in distant lands lyf usb their Christmas day be spent, Yet from heart to heart p'or the oceans wide -■■■'' Will be loving greetings sent). For wheresoe'er on the wide, wide earth Our Christmas may chancf io fall ?'A Merry Christmas 'J wei each can wish «' And a Happy Ncr Year tq all."

Hinds Wesleyan Church

<►' ■—- , The anniversary services in connection with the Hinds Wesleyan Church were con ducted afternoon and evening on Sunday, JLJecember 9 by the Rev 0. H, Sfcandage, of Temuka, who preached to large and appre ciative (fOngr.egatjqnyi On the following Wednesday, the annual tea Meeting w%s held in the public school, when a very good gathering of people assembled from the district around. The providing of the tables gave eowplpt,? satisfaction, both as to quality and quantity, and conspicuous among the good things were some fine strawberries, which disappearedrapidly before the attack ing force. Tea over the public meeting was proceeded with, The chair was occupied by the Rev 0. AbeVnethy, and addresses were delivered by Messrs S. Ohapman and J. W. Sawle, while the Key T. G. Brooke g^ve a recitation. A local choir under the leadership of. Mr D. Miller (who kindly eon* sented to cdnduct) assisted by friends from Tinwald, rendered several selections in a pleasing manner, Mr W. C. Ford presiding at the prgan. tfr Miller and Mrs each'gave a song, the accompaniment* bepg played by thelatter lidy. the treasurers report showed that for the past year t^ere was a defeit balance of £2 Is $d, but tlje fjnal instalments had been pa|d jlo loan fund, and for the coming year these wouM nqt be a,ny expenditure under that head. The proceeds* of present- aaniversary (not including dona* Mona of cash) is estimated at about «10 l«s. 7&Z * than^ tV f$ who had Hped^at the anniversary were passed, <veer *v«w » „ Buccesgful anniversary was brought .to »

PRIZE DAY.

- ♦ » ■ ■■ ]EI«IE SCHOOK> I There was a very large attendance of parents and friends of the pupils at the High School breakiag up. In the absence rf the Chairman of the Hoard of Governors (Mr E, G. Wright). The Hon. Mrjor, who presided, said he was still suffering from bronchitis, and for bis own sake as wall an that of his audience ho should be as brief aa possible. They would learn thab the examiner's report to the Board, which would be read to thenl, was favorrble. During the year the school had suffered from m%ny disadvan tage?, not the least of which had been the change of master, consequent on the head master leaving for a trip Home, which they would all be sorry had resulted so disastrously to his health. The change had caused some j*r and friction, but at the same time the result of the year's work niL'Ctfd great credit on Mr E, Buchanan, who had taken over the school from his father. In pravious years the hope had been expressed that the number of pdpils would increase, and there were many dis advantages connected with a small attend ance. It made harder work for the master, as the fewer the children the 3ei3 the competition. No doubt one reason that the High School was not larger was the frea education at the public schools, which to some extent ran on parallel lines with their own course of instruction. TWs cause acted with considerable force in depressed times like the present, but the secondaiy schools were a necessity, more especially for those entering on the liberal professions. As the school had not increased numerically, and there was no other prospect of increasing the funds, it was decided to ama'gamafe the _ boys' and girls' schools. Some parents objected to this, but he thought their objections were chiefly the result of prejadlce. Only this day he had met a gentleman who had taught in a school where the plan was adopted, and answered well in improving the status of the school. Mr Fooka then read the examiner's report. Me Purneil did not approve of amalga mation. He was satisfied of the character of the teaching staff, and thought the discipline had much improved. He also spoke at considerable length, as did Mr Hugo Vriedlander, taking the other side in f»vor of amalgamation, but at this season we have not space for an extended report. Mr F/iedlander then, with a few words of approval and encouragement to each pupil, gave away the prizes accord ing to the following list :— PRIZS LIST.

Girls' Sipe.- Class I (upper)-Eva Jones, dux of FchooL Class I (lower)— Winifred Purnell—Class prize. LUbi Bixfor—Mathematics. Hilda Lawrle— Music, drawing, geography. Class ll— Winifred Orr — Class priza. Special prizes—Kate Millar—Calisthenics. Bea trice Denshire—Neatness and general improvement. Boys' Side.—Division IV- Olasspriz;> snd dux of the school—Steward. Prize for English and Mathematics — Fried lander i. Division UT—Class prize— Pnrnell, Division 111 ( Upper) —ClasiS prize—SiJcock. Division 111 (Lower)— Schneider and Kempthorne—tie for class prize. Division ll—Class prize—Fried lander iji. Special priza given by head master for Er.s;lish composition—Denshire A concert, consisting of a number of sone^s, piano solos, and recitations, very credftably rendered by some of the pupUs, and the singing of the National Anthem terminated tho proceedings.

HAMPSTEAD

The annual treat and prize giving at Hampsteal school took place yesterday, and waa an unqualified success, 1 There was a large attendance of the parents, friends, and relations of the children, who numbered 350, and a roil call on this occa sion would have proved the "absentees " were few. The chairman of the School Committee (Mr Crooks) opened the proceedings by saying that the Hon Major Steward had again kindly undertaken to distribute iheir prices. He waa exceedingly glad they had such a fine day, or Major Steward (who was not in good health) cou!d not have been with them. He would ask the children to be quiet and! attentive and listen to what would be said to them, which he knew would bo for their good Major Steward told the children he was very pleased to meet them again, and pleased to give them their prizes for three reasons—first, because they had earned them ; secondly, because they had earned the money to buy them ; and thirdly, because the winning of them showed the interest they had taken in their work. They enjoyed advantages which did not exist in the Old Country when he was a boy. He believed ia New Zaaland, and the education they were receiving should make them good men and women, who would show thafc this country would not be wiped out by any other part of the world. The hon. gentleman then pro ceeded to distribute the prizes with plea aant words of approv*l and encourage ment, and apt jokes having reference to the titles of the prizes, which consisted of over one hundred handsomely bound works.' ' " ' The prizes disposed of, the Major sailed j upon the children to give three cheers for their teachers, wishing them a pleasant holiday, and that they might come back re-Invigorated to their work. Mr Brock, the head-master, called for three cheers for Mfjor Steward, thanking him for his attendance and kind words of approval and encouragement to the chil dren.' .... The children then, at the Major's sug gestion, turned their attention to the liberal supply of cake, buns, and tei pro vided, the consumption of which, and various amusements, completed their en joyiuent qt the day.' In addition to the prize Hstiielow, through the kind offices cf Mr A. H. Shury, the local acclimatisa tion society gave six fishing licenses, which were awarded for general good conduct and proficiency j and a large quantity of toys was distributen amongst the infant classes, every member of which repeived a present. PRIZE LIST. KEGDLAR AOTKN DANCE. Standard VII -First Cl333—Annie Mc- Donald. Second Class—X Porteiv Annile Dates, Henry Meyeoberg, E Kerr. "Third C!las9--W Brock, V Edwards. ' Standard Vl—Firs'; Class—l 3 Reid; Second Class-A Williams, F Amos, J Poison, X Aslett. Third Class—E Pol son, Minnie McKee. Standard V—First Class—N Reid, W Mcl£ee. §ecpnd Class—F Baker, M; Baker, M Hopkins, C Blair, h Broker, M Thompson. Third Clasß— h Andrewes, E Childs, H Hopkins, W Hurrell, G-Poi son, H Cookson, B Jonson, J Meaclem, E Stephenson. Standard IV—First Class—,M Ratty-ay, E Strange, F Baker, R Williams, E CArter, Second' Class-W 'Childs,. M Grifiin, M McKee, *W Thompson, & Williams, M CampbelJ, T ]lerr, M Brook, H McEjrea, >V Andrews. Third Class — C. Hood, T Finlay, F Andrewes, E Sum mers, G Coldicott, Amy Hunt', B Baker. Standard ni-^First Clas*—W Baker. Second OJass-H Anthony, S Thomas, P Taylor. Third" C ass — G Baker, B Broker, E Buchanan, E Crooks, A Finlay, A Mewman, Father Strange, Agasta Stephens. E Thomas, Percy Baker, George Olsen, W Stephens. Standard ll—First Class—fthud Camp" ' -'» t» Warrflll. T Rattifty. F Hendry. - .*

I A. Reid, J Amos, G Carter, H Fowke, E 'iPickford. Third Class—F Caldicott, R (Johnatone, B Porter, A. Taylor, If Craw ford, J Leslie, A Olseu, W Summers. Standard I—First Class—Ella Baker. Second Class—Maud Campbell, Third Glass—lvy MoKe?, M iVteaclem, G New man, H Amos, X Anth.ony, L McKec, George Nicholls, Reg Sando. > Infants—Second Class—J Berry, F Halliburfcoii, Percy Hurrell. Third Class—W Meßae, John Caces, Mary i Strange, I . , .

ASHBURTON.

The annual distribution of prizos at the Ashburton School took place yesterday commencing with the infant department it about noon. Thero was a fair attend ance of parents and several membtro of the Committee were present. Mr R. S. Bean, Chairman of the School Committee before making the presentations congratulated the school and teachers upon the success of the school at the last annual examination. He pointed out how future success could be assured, and urged upon the children the im portance of being ta nast and diligent. Alluding to the coming holidays he sug gested that the children should not spend chem altogether in amusements, but should try and do some things that were useful. Ho trusted they would always endeavor to behave co as to keep up the reputation of the school. He pointed out some faults school boys and girls were liable to commit and counselled their avoidance. He then presented the prizes according to the list given below, after which Mr Mayne addressed the children. He hoped those who had not succeeded in gaining prizas would not be disappointed, for the most deserving did not always gam the prize. Some worked hard and yet failed to get to the front at tha first attempt. But these cfcen showed vp brilliantly in later life. After giving the scholars some good advice, he called for cheers for the Chairman and School Com* mittee as he felt that the teachers and the school owed a good deal to the help given by them. AfW the cheers had been heartily given and acknowledged, Mr Paul said he was pleased to be allowed to address the children. He h%d been six or seven years in succession a member of the School Committee, bub feared that the present year would be his last in that capacity, as the record of his attendances, owing to pressure of other business, was not such as would in his opinion, justify him in asking the householders to re-elect him. They had one of the best schools in New Zealand, . and an excellent staff of teachers, but without the co-operation of the boyajand girls, the creditable results obtained year after year could nob have been secured. He trusted therefore the children, would continue the co-operation they had hitherto given to their instructors. Ho concluded by calling for cheers for the teaching staff which were given wjth much zest. The Chairman then wished the teachers and scholars a Merry Christ mas an la Happy New Teir, and the school broke up for five weeks' holidays. PRIZE LIST. Standard VII—O Friedlander—Dux- Mr David Thomas's prize; Ada Tusker and O Meddins equal 2 ; H Douglas and Percy White equal 3 ; A Kelly 4; Tom Smith—Mr Duncan's prite for arithmetic. Standard Vl—George Mayne 1, Kate Breezi 2, J Colyer 3. J Smith 4, D Revell 5, G Smith 6, R Totty and X Revell equal 7, W Anderson and J Kempthorne equal 8, H Silcock—Progress in writing. Standard V—A Hamilton I, G Milea 2, B Alcorn 3, M Bell 4, R Baxter 5, iS Segers 6, J Turner 7, H Mogridge 8, G Thomas »nd Kate Bell equal 9, fl Sfcephenson 10. Standard IV—E Pitbrow I, A Ander son .2, W Payne 3, G Meddina 4, D Homerfclnm 5, F Craighead 6, R John, stone 7, M Revell, R Duncan and C Stills equal 8, V Willis and D Homershain —Mr Purchase's prizes for composition, S'and»rdlll-{Gpper)--H Revell and T Phaup equal, 1, J Painter and F Harrison equal, 2, A Notroan 3, F Sar »ent 4, E Silcock—Progress in writing. Standard HI-(Lower) -D Orr and M Redmayae equal, 1, R Hefford and H Braddelltquil, 2, G Gibson 3, A Chap man—Miss Orr's pr;z3 ir diligence; G Pritcbard— Miss Orr's prJzis for writing, Standard ll—Zeyha Duncan 1; M Moodie 2 ; E Leggst, 3 ; N Moore, 4 ; S Frisby and William McPhereon equal, 5. Standardl—G Pilbrow, 1; A Hoskins, 2; M Haines and E Leeson equal, 3; E Williams, 4; M Shaw and M Segers, equal, 5 ; G Craighead and Trevor Thomas equal, 6 ; E Davis, 7. Atmndaxce Prizes—No \1 Ward— J Smith, H Turner, T Watt, W Breeze, C Alcorn, E Breeze, 1; W Veel, A Cambridge, H McCallum, L Hodgson, W Turner, A Norman, L Collison, A Brown, G Mile?, 2. N« 2 Ward—H Silcock, R Baxter, H Smith, W Brown, M Scaly, E Patching, 1; T Phaup, U Phaup, M Patching, E Silcock, W Scaly, W Smith, 2. No 3 Ward—F Crilghead, 1; G Hancox, 2; F Sargent, 3. Sewing—Standard Vll—a.da Tucker 1, Clara Rule 2. Standard Vl—Bertha Sparrow 1, Nellie Young 2. Standard V —Bertha A.ic:>rn 1, Sybil Segers 2. Standard IV—Ethel Pilbrow 1, Mary Purchase 2. -Standard lII—F Harrison I, Annie Norman 2. Standard ll—Ethel Walsh 1, Ruth Williams and Doris Williams equil, 2. After the prizes had been presented the head master, Mr Mayne on behalf of the teachers of the school handed to Miss Sawle a handsomely bound volume of Longfellow's Poems. Mr Mayne alluded in suitable terms to Miss Sawle's work in the school, and on behalf of the teachers wished her every success in her future career*. • • •■ ■:-

MISS BARRAIT'S SCHOOL

The annual distribution, of prises in connection with Miss Barratt's school took place qn Thursday afternoon. There was a large attendance of parents and friends. The room wag tastefully 4eca rated for the occasion with evergreens, and on ths walls appeared specimens of the children's work, maps, writing, etc,, and a table at the side of the room was filled with the work of the sewing elassee, very abundant testimony to the management and successful working of the school. The greatest interest was t iken in these things by those present, and many remarks of approval foil from the lips of the scrutineers Bui to the children's eyes the object of the greatest f Merest ws*s the table m the centre of the norn,. laden with prijr.s "destined to reward diligence, good conduct, and varied skill.- A musical programme; given entirely by the children wttf. gone through, evincing careful training* and a high standard of general efficiency. . The numbers wera highly applauded. The recitations by Miss V Kelly and Master Foots also deserve commends fcion. ■ The Rev T A Hamilton presided and distributed the prizes. %\\ doing so he praised the work of the school very highly, $nci considered that mosf; creditable work was be'ng done. The tone of the school Was excellent and indeed cquld not faij to be so under such a teacqer as Miss Barratt, and b,e wished her eyery 'success q,iid a happy New Year. He was as» tpniehed to find, on examining the work, that children of only eight and ten years had done maps and other work which would not disgrace a V. or VI. standard in any of the public schools. In spes Icing to the children, he dwelt upon the words of tht wise King " Even a child la kuowjj by bit doings, whether his woik bo pure^

THE AHfIBDBIW GtJAfcDIAKt SAtUEDAt, DEOEMMK 22, 1894.



Wanted. WANTED, Everybody to use Titan Soap, greatest marvel of the age. H. Zander, Sola Agent. fiBEAP Cliristna? Present, Cheap v-/ New Year Gif-s, Cheap Toys, j Cheap Dolls, Cheap Fancy (roods. Mes Adams, Saunders' Buildings. FSTERS, "~ Fried "Flounders, tnd Whitebait every right at Jewitt'h, Deep Sea Fishing Company, opposite Mail office. 9 168 3 WBKPING ~RtducTion 9 , — i7~Boofci O for 9d, Is 6J Books for Is, 23 Books for Is 6dl, 2i 6d Books for 2s, and all others at equi.lrrfca fe of reduction at- L. F. Andrewbs and Cos., Cash Sale. 618 T AD IKS' and Gentlemen's left-off Lj Clothes and all kinds of goods bought., sold, or exchanged. — Mbs Knight, opposite Templar Hall, near Post Office. 11 170 /^HfiISrMAS Presents, Choice Orna- KJ ments, Zithers and Jew's Harps, Balis and 1 Dolls for everybody from Id each; Jointed Dolls for 6d, Sleeping Beauties Is, Chinese Conquerors 6d, Russian Embassies Is, Walking Men, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Ennis killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mbs Alcorn's Ladie&' Underclothing and Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. WANTED Known—-That owing to the success of the Pale now being held up at Saunders' Buildings, opposite Rail way Station, ie will be continued for another twenty-eight days. lam not advertising a few cheap lines, but the whole of the stock. Don't lose the oppor tunity of securing genuine bargains—A Lawkie. 166 ■■ i - ' -..' ■■ FIRE ALARMS Allenton - one toll Borough, north of railway ..« two tolls Borough, south of railway . three tolls Hampstead ... four tolls JM.AIJL. I*OXIOI3B, Mails close for the following places as under, f übject to the necessary alterations WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26. For United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, etc., (via San Francisco,) Sandwich Islands and Samoi, and also for Northern Ports of hew Zealand : For letters, books, newspapers, <J a.m. Money orders on Monday 24th December at 3 p.m. Late fee letter* may be posted in mail van of Express train until time of departure on December 26. Due London January 30. The next mail for Chatham Islands will close on December 31. HOLIDAY NOTICE. On Christmas Day (December 25) and { New Year's Day (January 1) all mails will j close at tf;3O a.m. On Boxing Day (December 26) no mails will be despatched after 1O a.m. On each day the Post and Telegraph Office will be open from 9 am. till 10 a,m. and 7 p.m. till 8 p.m. Tha outgoing San Francisco mail closes \ at; Ash burton on Wednesday, 26th inst, \ at 6 a.m. Money orders for this mail must be obtained before 3 pm. on Monday, 24th. Notice. —On and after January 1.1895, the postage on ne>w>*pvpers fur the Uaited Kingdom and foreign countries will be, for the first four ounces in weight one penny, and for each succeeding two ounces one halfpenny, The postage on newspapers for Australian Colonies and Boulh Sea Islands rpmains as at present—one per,ny for each newspaper. CHRISTMAS & KEW YEAB H. zTg F. Opened up this week for the holidays, NEW TIES ! NEW SILK HANDKERCHIEFS. \ A LiTE shipment of Men's Navy ** Bluo and White STRA.W HATS, to be Cleared at 3?, worth 4a 6 I. BOYS' STRAW HATS ls». ■ We have the Latest shapes in Hard and Soft FELT HATS. See our Windows for Grrand Christmas Display. For comforb try me ot the Sew Soft Felt Hats—weight j,l|oz &^,r ■-"S CLOTHING DEPARTMENT. lew Boys {Washing Blouses to be Ciearoi atJj Bd. Gents' Fancy Yeats in Great Variety. FOR TRAVELLING- Steel Trunks from 12s Portmanteaux and Gladstone Bags, HANDSOME PRESENT— A Bismarck Sewing Machine with Cove for c££> IOS. - ' HEW |i4LAWD CLOTH IMG FACTORY. kIM%- HENDR^. Manager OHRISTMAS™TSD^Niw YEAR HOLIDAYS. manageST notice; rfl3K Mail will not be published on J JL TUESDAY, Decamber 25, nor on 1 TUESDAY, January 1. T|ie Gj;\rdian will not be published on .ehrf&tmg,a pay, New Year's Day, and Boscing Day,"



Wanted LOST by a lady, silver watch with gold chain attached. Photo inside cov< r Finder rewarded at Mail Office. 12 157 ____ __. j WANTED Known—Haniuhan Bk s having opened their new shop in Triangle, customers can now be supplied with bread, pastry, etc. 12 156 "PUIMI'I IVE Services. To : morrow.— i Preacher — Rev James Cosker. Strar.gers heartily wtlcome. Freesiafcs and hymn books provided. 12 158 A~NTED Known—Mb H. W. Barrett Is authorised to collect our accounts, any not paid by January 1, 1895, will be sued for— Stephens Bbos. 12 15_ O3T on Saturday, 15th, halfbred German Collie Slut; answers to the name 'Rose.' Collar on. Any person keeping her after this notice will be prosecuted. — William Hooper, near Gasworks. 12 148 WANTED Known—Tint H. A. 1 lower, Confectioner, Eas f street, has a splendid variety of Fry's and Cadbury'a Cbocalate Boxes, now in stock. f ITANTED Known—Holders of YV Present tickets can new get them changed.—H. 0. Segers, Melford House. BLANKETS bought at Edwards Bennet's Sale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7a 9d. Extra large and heavy 153 6d and 16s 6d.~Robert Alcorn, Baker's Building*. WANTED Known — Mrs Hooper (monthly nurac) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hoofer, Alford Forest Road, Ashburtoia. 11*134 WAN TED Known.—Miss Murphy Dressmaker, has - removed to Burnett Street, next to Orange Hall. Wedding and Mourning orders especially attended to. _ T3 EOENT Arrivals.—Ladlea'andGentle -*-*' men's Summer Boots and Shoes, Cricketing and Tennis Shirts. Unlimited selection of Summer Ties and Hats. — Mitchell and Turner, WANTED Known—Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical line at S. S*xek's, Optician, "PRESENTS. We are now giving JLT Presents to all purchasers of 23 6d and upwards.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sines, with or without collars, 2a 6d.—W. H. Collier. _____ TTy ANTED Known—The Corner Is YV showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. "OEAUTTFULard useful Presents to J3 all purchasers of 2a 6dand upwards. —H, C Segers, Meltcrd House. WANTED — Everyone to see onr splendid display of Christmas Fruit, et.c. Don't miss seeing the Finett Show in Ashburton. Note addrebS— FIe'CCHEe Bros, Wholesale and Reta'l Grocers, Cash Supply Stores. Ashburton. BOY'S and Girls Own Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Infanr/s Magfizlne, The Pr'ze, Child's Companu n, Oliildren'a Friend, Littl) Dot. Family Friend, Band of Hope, Young; England, and other New Bocl<3 at Lowest Prices. — L. F. Aajdrewss and Co. 11 98 WE Hold a Large Stoak of the Latest Novelties in Materials for Blouses and Walking Tiresses. Just rp&ned, ex Pakeha and lonic, Dress Goods o f choice selection, Sunshai^s and Umbrellas.—Mitch su, ano Turner. TO LADlES.—Spring Cleaning—We have just received Three Cases of Curta'ns and Liberty Muslins, together with new Patterns in Carpats, 0 Icloths, and Linoleums. China Matting from B|rd per yard.—Mitchell and Turner. ROBERT ALCORN has opened in Baker's Buildings, next the Court house, with a stock of Clothing, etc., bought at Ed wards, Bennett's and the Kaiapoi Siles, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashburton. Also an assortment of Boots. OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Under,cl<?th^n§, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a gai?d ass&tfcment of Calicoes, >lusliii3, Flanpelettes, Trjramjngs, etc. s sit Mihj Ai&ow's new sjhop, Beer's Buildings, GUNS ! Guns ! Guns 1 My new stock of Gunsj ust to hand direct from th<3 manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old stockto select frostt at J. W. Hardley's Sporting Repository BANG! Bang i B»»g ) My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Gluo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, C*r*s, Wads, Cases and aU eporting materials of fclie first xjaality at i*> W. Hartley's, Gun Emponum. \"T OTICEI Wotica Sport for all i^J Ouns let out on hire cv sold on tima payment*. H&ving a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of any description. Gun fittings in stock. Prices low.«-J. W Bardley, Ironmonger, etc WANTED —Every Lady to try $U;m»i Balcombe's Patent Ex panding &sit Corset (registered), guaran teed whalebone tferojughout. Orders left at Mr E. Hall's, Hed?a#sfc, Ashburton, will receive prompt attention. 10 86 WANTED Known -That if you ate i# want of a first class article in suai mer Boots and Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. Moisog's; you will get tho very best at reduced prujea. As for his o»u make, they are well known .ti the delight o£ tho rearers, throughout the Australasian colouieß. Repairs well done i aitd at once. Premier Bqo/j Maker, Town Hall Coot Store, *"V .street, As^burton. OPEN .until 830 every evening for Sale of Ciiristmas and New Year C*rda (& Large and Cheka Assortment), Packets of <3ards from 33 »p. New Fancy Goods, i«clud;ing Fancy Glasj? and Chinaware, Toys of various kinds, Chinese ; Lanterns, New G&mes for indoors and outdoors, including Tennis and Cricket Material; Writing Desks and Cases, Idkst3ndp, Photo and Scrap Albums, Ladies' Hand Bags, Picture Frames Pictures, Tex ls. Accordeons, Concertinas, Violins, Zither Harps, Banjos and a great variety of other goods 3,11 at Reduced Prices for Cash at L. F. AjrouEwes asd Co.'s. For the past quarter of a century there has been one continuous flow of letters bearing estwaony to the truly wonderful cures, i e&eted Jby igSlarfce'a World-f«med Blood M xture,' tjae fiq&si; Blood Purifier that science and medicjil tssl ha«e brought to light Sufferers from' Sprpfiilp., figumsy, Fad Legs, Skia and plood jpiseaeea Pimples i and sores of any .kind are solicited give it a trial to test its value, fyld qv-.e^where at 2i Od per bottle. Beware tf WVliJj6^ mitations *p4 (Q * i



QA H IHa PRICE re, <^>rk. I JLUO,*"— quired for T,Sbllß4, 1185 each containing! acre, Cameron Street, West, fenced and planted with macracarpa. Persona desirous of building are invited to inspect. Easy terms. T. BULLOCK. ALFORD FOREST. 20 AC**ES 20 j For Sale, bein? R.S. 7£06; an early j selection. Easy terms if required. f \ Tt PIJLLvOJv>- J



10 FARMERS, DEALERS, A^'D OTHERS. TPIE IMPROVED FARM OF "IOS 2 ACRES IHO X4O ACRES L%O With Good Dwelling House, etc., situate c'cse lo the County Saleyards, lWa!d. NOT H. VING SOLD his hy Auction, 1 am prepared to Receive OUere for it. If BULLO3K, A uctionoer, U DOLLA ir~CIGARiTTEi.^id^ No holier? of phvtpa—Ubmi> 2aj?och Wholw4e»got^



Business Notice 8. _^_. ,. \ Holidays. Holidays. J HOLIDAYS ARE NOW IN FULL SWING. milE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN CANTERBURY FOR llrapery, Clothing, and Bool*. G. J. WEIL L. Flannelettes 2s lid doz?n I Double Bed Sheeting 3R - Good Washing Print 3M f A Man's Real Good Su w f«r a Pound A Holiday D:«si for 3s lid A Boy's Suit for 3a ILd Calico 2s lid dozm • BOOTS. BOOTS. tatifc Shoes 4s lid I Men's Bluchers ia lid M^n't Nailed Shooters slid I i .'•'■■ G. J. NEILL, EAST STREET, FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS. 1 W f> 4. Christinas and New Year's Greeting FLETCHER BROS-, HAVE JUST RECEIVED EX GO]T|HIC -100 cases Finest New Vestisan Currants 50 boxes Finest New Sultanas 30 boxes Finest New Valencias 50 boxes Finest New llemes 25 boxes Australian Muscatels, to be cleared at Sd per lb ALSO THE FOLLOWING JD&T TU HAND FOR CHRISTMAS TRADE— Jordan Almonds Dessicated Cocoanut Keene's Mixed Spice Preserved FruitsJ Preserved Ginger Pears, Peaches, ' Cordials, <£re. Apricots, &c. Valencia Almonds Mb bottles of Persian Sherbit, 8d per bottle. A splendid line of Christmas Cake in Fancy Baskets to be sold at Is Gd each. PLEASE NOTE that all these Goods are of the very FINEST QUALITY PROCURABLE, whbh we intend to sell at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. A look at ourj^vindows will show. * «■** i 11, mi PRESERVING SEASON, 1895. JUST LANDING Ex AURIGA,— 25 tons Finest Mauritius Cane Sugar (1161 bags.) This is the FINEST CANE SUGAR to be got and jam, «fee, made with it will keep [almost any length of time. NOTE ADDRESS FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON, AND - LOWER HIGH STREET, CHRMTOHURCH. Don t miss seeing our splendid show of Christmas Fruits, <fee. FOR OHBISTMAS, 1894, AND'NEW YEAR, 1895. PRESENTS* INSPECTION is invited of ths Niw, Choice, and iJigh-class Stock at the Jrwellery Establishment of S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER EAST STREET, Where is to be seen the LARGEST and CHOICEST Stock of Gold^and Silver Jewellery, Diamond Goods and Plate, in the District. Bought for Cash and marked down at Prices which must prove S. SiVLEK'S To be tb« Cheapest Establishment in the District, and inspection will prove a Stock equal to any in Ohristchurch is to bo found. S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER.