MAIL NOTICES,

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26. For United Kingdom. Continents of Euiope and America, West Indies, etc., (via San Francisco,) Sandwich Islands and Samoa, and also for Northern Ports of .New Zealand : For letters, books, newspapers, On. in. Money orders on Monday 24th D.-comber at 3 ]>.m. Late fee letters may be posted in mail van of Exp ess train until time of departure on December 2(i. Due London January 30- The next rr.ail for Chatham Islands will close on December 31.

HOLIDAY NOTICE.

On Christmas Day (December 23) and New Year's Day (January 1) all mails will close at «;3O li.iil. . r On Boxing Day (December 26) no mails will be despatched after 1O a.m. iJn each day the Post and Telegraph Office will be open from 9 a-m. till 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. till 8 p.m. 1 h j outgoing San Francisco mail closes at Ashburton on Wednesdty, 26th inst., at C a.m. Money orders for this mail must be obtained before 3 pin. on MoncUy, 24:h. Notice—On and afcer Januai-y 1. 1895, the postage on ntw.-pipersfor the United 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 South Sea Islands remains as at present—one pecny for each newspaper.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

A Jjbvm iOi' Tituj'jf and tffjsticji. —There were reporters therf; all the same, though you did not see them. If you are in a position to say that the witnesses perjured themselves, the Court is open to you to prove it. We cannot allow you, through our columns, to make charges of perjury or any other crime against anyone. We are held responsible, not you ; and just; at pqessenfc the editor would prefer to spend his,Ohi3tm&£ and New Year in the bosom of his family, arid not in Lytteltoa gaol. When the Libel Act.hasbeea amended to give us more freedom' we may then have a j ,c"han<i© iff spea,k our mind freely, but at j present we ,m ( viisifc fjftky the law. ' . \

BIRTH.

Fkisby.—At Alleniwn, o^ December |9, Mks A. Fiushy, (ft » da«^fc,er, JJotij doing well.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1894. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

In addition to the interruption en the tdo^raph line to Port Darwin the Wast Australian lines are partly disabled- Mr Bo well Ins completed the formation of £ new Cmadian Ministry. The changes in its are few. The wife and child o£ lE. Ohaillet, the J?ren#h gtollector ,of Customa'at Efou^i, in '£Qnquin, wfoo wepg fcjdnapped in August, <■ have* !* cett wleased. | As an instance of the effect of the pr6 J j 1 vailing heat and dry weather, it may be mentioned that Mr G. Twentyman was reaping barley this morning on his farm at Graham's Road. Suit h:is been commence^ agiynsfc a Cincinnati dentist) for extracting three sound teeth, when he was engaged simply to till the cavity of a tooth. His defence is a remarkable one. He claims that he y/as hypnotized by his patient, a young and pretty yoj&an, and that he was un* conscious of |vlut he y®s dvin^

It was prizsday to day at the Ash bur-' ton and Hampstea3 schools, yesterday at Miss Barratt'a, and to-night at the High Schoal. It is alleged that a large amount of swindling and improper granting of over drafts has been difcovered in connection with the Commercial Ba'.»lc of Newfound land. Mr W M Maskell, who provided at the Canterbury Anniversary c, lebration ia Wellington waxed eloquent in praise of Canterbury, which be said was the finest province of the finest colony of tha finest Empire in the whole univtrse. In some legal proceedings whxh took place not long ago in New York it came to light that Jay Gould's estate—essentially a speculative estate, as to tha origin of which, now that he is dead, it is. needless to speak—was estimated at the time of his death, two years ago, at 66 000,0.0 Ms or a little over thirteen millions sterling. A schoolmaster inquired of a class the other day ' What iaasprctre?' The usual smart boy was on his feet in an instant. ' Well, my lad, what is it?' ' Please, sir, a 'speetor is a man what goes round and examines schools.' Then the class 1 'caught on,' and you could not hive heard an elephant drop. In Scotland the supporters of the royal arms, the lion and the unicorn, hold reverse positions to those which they hold throughout thereat of theUnlted Kingdom. This was actually stipulated in, and, it is believed, ia one of the clauses of, the Act of Union between England and Scotland. We have been shown a pair of alum inum racing plates that have been made by Mr W. T. Kingston for Prime Warden to ran the Auckland Cup with. The plates are beautifully finished, are calcu lated to be moie durable than any other metal that can be used for the purpose, and as they come from Mr Kingston's forge weigh in all five ounces. One by one our great men pass away. An American paper announces the death of Patrick O'Leary. of Chicago. Who was Patrick O'Leary % some might ask. Patrick O'Leary was no other than the husband of Mrs O'Leary who owned the cow that kicked over the lamp tha^ started the fire that burned down a large part of the city of Chicago in 187 L A Japanese writer predicts that England will some day occupy Formosa, in ord«r to uphold her power in the East, and the result may lead to complications which we cannot foresee. * But this fact remains,' he concludes, ' a certainty that will one day come to pass, that England and Russia will at some future period fight for supremacy in the North Pacific. Japan lies between the future combatants.' We have been requested by the Postal authorities to point out to persons who are about to po3t Christmas cards tint if they wish the cards to go at book rates the flap of the envelope must not ba sealed, but turned inside. Cutting off a small piece at cash end of the envelope and then sealing it up renders it liable to be sur charged at letter rates. Articles to be accepted at book rates must ba open in such a manner that the contents may be removed for examination without break ing a seal. The Canterhury Times Christmas num ber this year is more than up to the mark. While pctorial illustrations have not bsen neglected in the preparation of the number special attention has been paid to the letterpress, with the result that a budget of literature sitaWe to the season —in fact for any season —has been given to readers that must be welcome in the highest degree. Most of the tales are by Colonial writers, but a few are from the pens of novelists of world wide fame, and such a number could not fail to c »use a great demand for copies. There has been a far greater demand than was expected, and more copies have had to be sent for to supply local wants. The Christmas number of the Weelly Press is without exception the best Christmas issue the Press has ever given to its readers. That portion of it which is made the Chrwtnws specially is printed on fine loned paper, of excellent quality, and this gives the printer an opportunity of doing really good work in bringing out the many excel- Hit pictures of West coast scenery, por traits, etc, Three portraits of Canterbury Indies are given, and the editor ia to be congratulated on his selection of types of beauty as well on the excellence of the w rk. The letterpress throughout the paper is of the usual high class and varied character, while the illuminated cover is a genuine woik of art. There has been a phenomenal demand for copies, and the local agent, Mr E. J. Paul, has had to wire for relays to supply the demand. Notwithstanding various counter attrac tions, a splendid audience collected at Newlands on Friday evening last, when a firstrdass concert was provided by the best of Ashbyrton talent, augmented by others in the Newlands district. After an overture tastefully played by Mrs Bowman Fox and Mr Mackay, songs were ren dered by Mrs Denshire, Mrs J ones, of Selma, Mrs Crisp, Miss Patterson, and Miss Bar rat t, all meeting with loud applause and encores. The Key T. A. Hamilton and Mr' Broad supplied ihe other portion of this part of the pro gramme, together with a chorus by the school children, and these contributions were also greatly appreciated. During the infcei?yal refreshments kindly pro vided b'y'the laclies of tha district were handed round after Tprhich the second por tion of the programme was negotiated by the above ?oc*lists, afjgmeiited by solos by Miss EHifl and Mr Ppton, At the request of the chairman Mr ,1. Lloyd & hearty vote of thanks was passed to all who had helped to make the concert a success, a special vote being accorded to Mrs Fox whose p:ano solos and accom paniments formed a special feature of the ent'if taiijmept. The concert, which was proriiQted by 'Mr Macjkay fqr a school treat, reflects considerable credit upon all con cerned. It is pleasing'to I'learn 1 that a substantial amount resulted for the purpose name ( <,L Afc t^e unanimous request of the audience an four's dancirig wa# i^du^ed in at the concluaion'of the

THE MAYORALTY.

.Annual Meeting* an«t Installation

The annual ceremony in connection with the installation of the Mayor of Ashbur ton book place at noon on Wednesday afe the Borough Council Chamber, when there were present his Worship the Mayor (Mr John Orr), Councillors IJird, Rule, Cuthber'son, Collins, Joseph Scaly, and Dc Tweed, and a large gathering of visitors, including Messrs John McLach lan anl the Hon. ■ Maj >r Stewaid, M.H.R.'s; E. G; Wrl«ln, John Grigs*. 0. .). Harper, Duncan Cameron, Andrew McFarlatie, Hugo Friedhnder, Jamea Johnston, Edward Richards, and Donald Williamson, County Councillors \ Messrs T. E. (Jpton, A. Harrison, R. Fried lander, Sharplin, <x. VV. Andrews, C. W, Parnell, Thomas Scaly, A. A. Foofo?, Arraer Orr, H. k. M?K-*y, <fee. Dr Tweed apologised for the absence of Mr Graves, and Messrs Paul and Moller also sent apologies. The Mayor said they had met for the purpose of instilling the new Mayor in J his office, bub in the first place he would adhere to the usual custom by giving an account of his own stewardship, whbh he did in the following statement :— It has become an annual custom for the retiring Mayor to render some account of his stewardship, or rather to make a state ment, more or less detailed, of works carried out during his year of office, together with any tacts of interest to the ratepayers either as to the financial or governmental policy of the Council. The last year has not been productive of anything very important or remarkable in our history. Ifc has not been found necessary to initiate or carry out any very important works ; in fact, the work of the year has been characterised more by the number and diversity of small works, and by the extent of surface over which it has been spread, than by the importance or magnitude of any particular undertaking or by any one portion of the borough having required special attention more than others. Street formation has been the work of pre vious years, and as the population and their consequent housing has not been increasing very rapidly lately, we have not been called upon to do very much in this direction. It ha?, however, been found expedient to form to the standard levels some 3d chains of roadway and footpaths, either of new streets or in completion of work previously commenced. As this work of street forma tion is completed, however, that of mainte nance begins, and of course increases in ex tent and cost year by year. In the case of culverts and channel footbridges, for in stance, moat of which were put down from ten to fifteen years ago, we find these re quire more repairs and renewals as they become worn out, This seems to be only a matter of course ; at the same time sufficient weight is not always given to the fact when the cost of maintenance is being con sidered. Another source of expense in street maintenance, which was but trifling a few years ago, has of late increased seriously. The keeping down of the luxuriant growth of grass and weeds on the footpaths and roadways—more especially where the side channels are not concreted—has become a matter (comparatively speaking) of consider able annual expense, and is caused to a great degree no doubt by the extension of the water supply in the street channels. The items under the head of maintenance from the causes just mentioned at all events have become much larger proportionately within the last two years. During the winter and early spring the question of "the unem ployed " and scarcity of work owing to the general depression was brought under the attention of the Council; and after full con sideration of the subject it was resolved to expend an amount in relief works which should at the same time to some extent benefit the borough. About £150—to which was added by arrangement with the Chari table Aid Board a Government subsidy of £50-—was' expended for this purpose, partly in renewing footpaths, improving drainage and water supply f etc., and a proporton in new work and improvements in the Domain. We believe that the money thus expended will relieve to some extent demands for work in these directions for the next year or two. With reference to the Domain, the Council acting as the Domain Board came to th.3 conclusion some time ago that it would be to the advantage of the borough to make a cliange in the working and management. Since the Council took over the control ex tensive alterations and improvements have been made, and though no fault was found with the custodian, it was considered advis able that one more energetic and fitted for the present responsibilities and requirements should be appointed, and applications for the post was accordingly invited by advertise ment, I would congratulate the borough as well as the Board that we were able to secure the services of Mr W. W. Smith as custodian, who has already given evidence of his activity, zeal, and fitness for the post. I hardly think it is necessary for me to apo^ logise for the expenditure in the Domain. I believe the ratepayers approve of what hag been done, and in addition we have th-2 evidence of visitors and strangers who one and all express their appreciation of our little park. lam inclined to make use of Sir Christopher Wren's epitaph in St Paul's cathedral, 67. ifionumentwn quacris drcum spice ("If you seek hi 3 monument look around "), and would invite any enquirei as to how, why, and where we have spent the money to take an hour or two's walk there, and when he has admired Mr Smith's pretty ffower beds, neatly kept walka, the new botanic garden (though that is only in its infancy), the 'sports ground, swimming baths, etc,, I think he will fyave found hia answer and be satisfied. I need not detain you longer oh this topip of expenditure! Our engineer has drawn up a long list of minor works that have been executed dur? ing the year, but I will only refer to one subject that has always had a fair share of tke Council's attention—that is, fire preven tion. A considerable improvement has been made at the western fire brigade station, and a contract is now being carried out for the erection of a new substantial engine shed in brickwork at the main station, Burnett street. The Council have also adopted a plan for utilising the large bell of the town c'loclk asa nWalarm. \fr Murray, the maker of the clock,' has riow ihe 1 work in hfnd. I wpuld noyf ask youf attenßioa'fot a few momenta while £ refer to the financial positipn of the Council. j?irst, I have to admit an increase in the bank overdraft dur , ing the last twelve months. I regret that it should be so, and would have preferred that the overdraft could have been extin guished altogether ; but I confess Ido not regard it an unpardonable sin, or that I am specially or wholly responsible. The Coun cil, and fchgre has been little or no difference of opinion j haVe decided that certain expen diture was necessary, and as Mayor 1 'have agreed with'the Council's decision, and have willingly co-operated in carrying it oufe. WithoxjJ; wishing fdp a moment t$ encourage: extravagance) I object to parsimony as the ftrtftpfpjgon which the affairs of a public body such as s* m^n-foip'al corporation should h& parried fin. JSconomy a? a principle *$ praiseworthy, but if apted upon merely with the view of restricting expenditure without reference to its necessity or ady|sa blends, it becomes blameworthy and wasteful; and as I am speaking on bghalf of the Council now, as much as on my owu part, I believe every question on the, score of works and expenditure has been endeavored to be de cided on its own merits and on the grounds pf its benefit or otherwise to the borough. Independent^ however, of the advisable nes's or otherwise of. any, pare of ths year's expenditure, I hatfe to' poiut' out that have been several items'that go to swell the overdraft which the Council has incurred, tka \ may baconsidered out sidg ordinary claims Or liabilities, and for which the present members of tfie Cpuncil (including myself as Mayor) can hardly be responsible, l?irsf- ? as to ths amount of £150 for the unemployed \ for this we are of course in a setae responsible, and are willing to take the responsibility, at th» same time ife ia an extraordinary expenditure, Secondly, in Septemberlasjb'a clstiih was'inada by the Ash-. bjjrtpn ]> oard for arrears' of contri butions,' amounting fp £2'yQ Ass' this Council was not aware this sum was t^winc, the sum was gone into and thoroughly examined, and it waa found that the amount was due, and £110 has been paid on account. Thirdly, the Borough's share of the expenses o% licouoing election has had to be paid, amountiag to £2$ j'thia itejjns | consider » great waste of public money,'bit feeing fefd fjy the jtiOYcrowicut we had bo ppw»

Fourthly, the Borough Engineer asked that) some acknowledgment might ha made for h;s lerrioes in laying out and superintending work in the domain for the last five years- the Council paid him £50. Fifthly, also in connection with the doiruin, it waa found necessary to add to accommodation of the custodian's cottage, and the sum of £60 was expended in adding two rooms. Altogether nearly £450 has been paid this year outside the ordinary expenditure. No coinp'aint has bee l made by ratepayers. The Mayor then formally handed over the keys and seal of office to Mr Joseph Scaly, and the toast of the Q 'een having been du'y honored, proposed the health <■ f the new Miyor, remaking that hp knew no man in the place to whom it would afford him greater pleasure to resign the office, or to whom ha could entru t (he interest of the ratepayers with greater confidence Mr Sealyj in responding, expressed the pleasure ie afforded him to be placed in the position of Mayor of Ashburton, where from first to last ho believed the Councils had studied the best interests of the ratepayers, and the works had been carried out economically and with marked ability by their engineer, to whom a great share of the credit was due for the present satisfactory condition of the town, and the solid nature of the improvements that had been from time to time effected. He should do his best to carry on the good work that had heretofore been progressive, and trusted he should go out of office with aa good a record as his predecessors. He would now propose the health of the re tiring Mayor. Mr Orr acknowledged the compliment, and thanked the Council for their courtesy and assistance during his term of office, At the same time that he felt a certain amount of pleasure in being relieved of the cases of office, he believed that a Mayor could do better work the second than the first year. • Mr Cuthberteon proposed the health of the ex-Mayors, to which Messrs Hugo Friedlander and Donald Williamson re sponded, the latter remarking that he was very pleased to be present. Little things made people happy or obherwise. We were getting too matter-of-fact in thes^ days, and he liked to see these social gatherings, and thought the burgessts scarcely recognised how much they were indeb ed to the gentlemen who oceupiel public positions. He would nob criticise the actions of the Council. He did not like that himself; it was generally based on very incomplete knowledge. Mr Harrison also replied, saying Mr Hugo Friedlander had reduced the over draft during his term of office and perhaps the people would have to bring him back again ; but that might not be wisa. (Laughter). He thought the expendi ture had been judicious with the excep tion of a small matter—the establishment of a botanical garden. Mr R. Friedlander briefly acknowledged the toast, and thought the adoption of the old plan of letting the youngest retiring Mayor respond would have been wise and have saved time. Mr Richard Bird also returned thanks, and thought he was just in time as he be lieved he was the youngest ex-Mayor. Mr Thomas Scaly could not agree with Mr Harrisoa as to the expenditure on the gardens being unwise. Their Domain would compare favorably with any In the colony and had an educational value. Major Steward, in proposing the toasfc of the Ashburton Borough Council, said he had had no experience in connection with that body, but bad had his little go in municipal matters elsewhere, and knew that if they conscientiously carried out their duties they had no light work. As far as he was aware, no Council had performed its dutiea better th-*n that at Ashburton. The Domain had been transformed under their care, and pereons he had taken there had been astonished at the beauty of tha place. He had formerly suggested the removal of the large gum trees from Baring Square, which had since been done. There was at present a block on the railway not planted, and as the Government would take charge of this in a few days the opportunity might be taken to bring the matter under their notice and gee the place planted. Asa burgess, he had a recollection of his friend Mr H»go Fried' lander, who had a fad—to show a clean sheet. It was very much to the 1 credit of I Ashburton that it had not gone in for extensive borrowing schemes as we had seen elsewhere It would be a good thing f o clear off tho overdraft) altogether, even if a sinking fund extending over ten years was set aside for the purpose. The Mayer, in replying, said an over draft was not a good thing if you could avoid it; but a .small one was not an unmitigated evil, as it kept the fear of its getting bigger before them. All thel same, he would like to see it wiped out, and would do what he could towards that end; but it waa not easy in the face of persons continually urging some improve ment to the town. Mr E. G» Wright had been requested to more the toast of members of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives. It was one usually re garded as of a purely formal nature, and politics were forbidden on such occasions as the present. He was delighted tq have been honored by being entrusted with the proposal of this toast, but would have been equally pleased to have seen it in other hands. This little colony had been blessed with the services aof large number of very capable public men who had conscientiously endeavoured to do the best in their power for the good of the colony, and he thought the present legislature, whoso health it was his duty to propose, ware actuated by a desire to promote the welfare of the coiony. The Hon Major Steward, although he di<i not'happen to be a member of the Legislative Conncjl, ' and gat on the opposite side of the House to the last speaker, was able to endorse what he had said as to the character and capabilities of the men who had assisted to guide the destinies of the colony, and no more capable or conscientious member had sat in the House than Mr Wright himself. Mistakes had been' made and mischief done that could not be mended, but for all the economic difficulties before them, he'believed the tide of prosperity flow asfain before very long*'; N ■ ' Mr John McLwhlan, M.-H,R., said he would iiear in mind what Mr Wright had said as to politic,* being eschevyed on these-occasions. t|e thought the people, of Ashburtojj were enjoying $11 the best forms of lpcal government and as to the overdraft there was a form of borrowing he would recomnpnd for their considera tion—namely, the disposal of the over draft by availing themselves of the Q >vernment Loans to Local Bodies Aofe, Mr Purnell was sura the toast he had to propose would be drunk with en thusiasm—the Ashburton County Council. They had done a vast amount of useful work at a very small cost, and he was glad to hear Mir McL»chlan say he con sidered the local government should not be interfered witjh. ' . Mr Hugq Friedlander said the members of the County Council present ])ad to re: turn tg their own work, and he would not say much. It was a mistake for the Government to take up the alteration of local Acts without reference to the persons who have themanagement of local matters. fpr instance, those who voted for the the new Rating Act did not know what it meant to tlie local bodjies to get fresh valuation rplja. They made lays at Wellington and left us to carry them out -r-fmd at what expense? One way and another this Act would cost the county several hundred pounds. As to the Council itself, they had done a large amount of work, and the ratepayers h*d Iwn. require to paj; prpportipnately only

a vtiry snttll amount towards it, and they did nos owe one shilling to outside raorey lenders. Mr Harrison was right in ques 'ioniing the wisdom of bringing himself (Mr Kriedlandet) back to the Borough Council. The position was incompatible wi'.h his oflice as Chairman of the County Council, Some one had referred to h;B beiing instrumental in secuiiug she Domain 'or th« Borough, but he had nothing to do wiih that;, and the speaker was pro bably tbilking of the share ha had in obtaining their extensivo endowment re serves, Mr Wright, al?o returning thanks for tlva County Council, said it gave him graat pleasure to compue the state of tha io:inty now with its conditioa thirty-two years ago, when it was treeless and water ier, and Cobb and Co had to keep a barrel of water for the coach horses half I way between Rakaia and here. 1 Mr Grigg thought there was one more thing the County Council might pride themselves on. No member, except past I Chairmen, had ever received one shilling for the very considerable services rendered. Mr Collins proposed the health of the borough solicitor. It was not necessary to Bay much in his favor, as he was well ablie to take care of himself. Mr Putnell, to use a legal phrase, had no notice that he would be called upon to Rpaak. No doubt, as Me Collina said, he was able to t*ke care of himself; bat he might claim the merit of being able to do tli.9 same for the Council. Mr John Orr proposed the health of the strangers, with which he would couple the name of Mr McLeod, a gentle man from Australia, who had done them the honor to be present. Mr McLeod responded, saying he was completely and agreeably surprised to find such a place on the plains. It was a credit to the Council and inhabitants. Mr John McLachlan, M.H.R., proposccl the agricultural interests. Wool and grain were greatly depre-:6ed, but we could still look hopefully to the dairj in dustry, which was assuming large pro* portions, especially in the north and south, and clover seed to the value of £50,000 had also been produced. Mr Wright also replied, and said th»b the industries of the colony were suffering severely from depreciation in values, frozen meat to the extent of 30 par cenr, wool 40 per cent, and grain was not worth growing. Still, in the past, matters had been even worst. Fears ago he obtained 3 : ;jri per lb in the Home market for best Canterbury muttcn, and it cost him 3d par lb to get it there. One benefit might arise from the present low price, as it might induce a greater consumption, which would tend to break down pre> judice And make the quality of their meat better known. The change coild not come about at once, but he hoped to see an improvement during 185J5. Be was not so sanguine about wool, as the number of sheep in the colony had increased to over 20,000,000. Mr John GrFgg wished he could respond Lo the toasc in a more hopeful manner. There were great diffi culties ahead, but as Mr McLachlan had said there was one hope in the dairy in dustry, which might be carried on to advantage where the rainfall was plenti ful. Except in goldfield districts the towns must depend on the country, and their interests should be regarded as one. Mr C J Harper said Messrs Wright and Grigg had left him little to say, except that they must grin and bear their troubles. There did not appear to be much hope, but the banks and financial institutions should deil generously with thorn, and he trusted they would see happier tim~s next year. Mr Hugo Friedlander t houghl if anyone deserved the thanks of the country it was Mr Grigg for h« untiring energy and public spirit; in connection with the Belfast factory, in fighting the shipping cm panics, and reducing the freights on frozen meah Mr Grrigsr had not expected the com pliment, but it would be false modesty on his part not to acknowledge his gratifi cation at the recognition of his share in the business. The Company had won a great public victory against great odds. Mr Bird proposed tho officers of the Borough Council in complimentary terms, to which Mr C J^j Fooks replied, express ing the pleasure he felt on bein? present for the sixteenth time at this anniversary. Major S-eward, in roplying to the toast of the "Pres?," proposed by Dr Tweed, on behalf of the local papers thanked those present for the cordial manner in which the toast had been received. He had been for many years connected with the press. It was an institution the value of which could nob be over estimated. Some people growled at their papet(it they paid up their three or four years subscription they owed it would be more satisfactory), but growl as they might, besides the commercial value to the trading community, the local organs were of service where the larger papers had not space for a full report of occasions like the present, where the speakers were men of colonial standing,, who under stood what they were talking about, and whose opinjoris would carry weight where: ever they might reach. Mr Saunders made acknowledgment on behalf of the .JJyUeltom Times. The ladies—proposed by Mr Andrews and replied to by Mr Bird—was duly honored, and Mr X Friedlander, on his own re sponsibility proposed the health of Mr John Orr, which was drunk with musioai honors, and three cheers given for Mrs Orr and the family terminated the pro ceedinga.

THE BANCA ROMANA SCANDAL

1 Rome, December 1| The Senate declined to take notice of the documents produced by Signor Gioletti, A Magistrate is enquiring whether there is any foundation for Signor Crispi's charge of forgery against the Premier.

DISORDERLY HILLSMEN.

Calcutta, December 18 Three columns have started toe Wazuiestan to' reduce 'fehe* disorderly i]illijmen to submission.

COMMERCIAL.

London, December 18 The Government will in February intro duce a Bill providing that imported meat must be marked. It is understood that the Conservatives will not oppose it. The London Dock Company will adopt Nelson's new thawing process at their stores. A Vienna salesman advises the shipping of quantities of live cattle to Trieste. He estimates that a good profit can be made out; $f tl}« tradfi.

A Lunatic Asylum Burned.

PBls M>ESS A^QCI4?XQU^ Auckland, December 20 A iire bioke out ab tea o'clock to-night at the Auxiliary Asylum, Avondale. The patients were sot safely ont, but thewoodea auxiliary building of the Asylum was com pletely destroyed. December 21. Tb« fire resulted in the complete destruc tioh of th' 6 auxiliary biiildingsy Tiie damage lis estimated at from £BQOQ to £10,000. fh Beatty, assistant medical officer, received somewhat serious injuries in the way of burns,. The whole patients in the auxiliary, to th-3 number of about 120, were saved, They were convrteiceutß *ud (how able to, WPi'kOU-tIKjfMW.

ffIJS ABHtetJtltOK drUAteiAfl: DECEMBER 21, 1894



Holloway's Pills and OisiMENf.— Rheumatism and Gout.—These purifying and soothing remedies deserve the earnest attention of all persons liable to gout, sciatica, or other painful affections of the muscles, nerves, or joints. The ointment should be applied after the affected parts have been patiently fomented with warm water, when the ointment should be dili gently rnbbed upon the adjacent skin, unless jtjtie friction causes pain. Holloway's Pills sfypuld'be'stimliltaneoiualy taken Jb.o diminish pain, reduce inia'inuiatfon, lund purify the blood, T^is treatment abates the violence, i and lessons the fluency of gout, rheuma tism, and all spasmodic diseases which spring from hereditary predisposition, or from any accidental weakness of constitution.' The ointment checks the local malady, while the pills restore vital power. f}ss Box of Clarke's B 41 Pills is warran ted to cure alj discharges from the Urinaiy Organs,'in either sex (acquired or consti fytfantA), Gravel and Paihs in the Back. C«uftrraat(jei free from Mercury. Sdfd in Boxes Is 0d caafi, by »H Csp#lj*ists and Patent Medicine Vendors thronghout fche Worjd, Proprietors : The Likcolw amd M^olanij CouNTiiis Duug Compauy, Lincoln, Euglaad Pujik Blood is thk Seorkt of Health Gora,Qii?s $jJ)op Pills cleanse the system of all impure blo.od, care iudigestion.con stipation, liver complairii, piji^s -f$ bac^ and aides, biliousness, sick headache; "remove pimples, scrofula, scurvy, etc. Large bo?c 08} two boxes,'loa, poßUree. J, W. Clayton



CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. MANAGER'S NOTICE, fTIHE Mail will not be published on X TUESDAY, December 25, nor on TUESDAY, January I. The Guardian will not be published on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and pjxing Day,



Wanted. /CHRISTMAS Presents, Choice Orna \J ments, Zithers and Jew's Hatp?, BaMs and Dolls for everybody from Id each ; Jointed Dolls for 6J, Sleeping Beauties Is, Chinese Conquerors 63, Russian IFmlnesies Is, VVHiking Mtn, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Ennis killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mks Alcobns Ladies-' Underclothing and Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. WANTED Known—That owii gto the success of the Pale now being held up at Saur-ders' Buildings, opposite Rail way Staiion, it will bo continued for another twenty-eight days. I am not advertising a few cheap lines, bub the whole of the stock. Don't lose the oppor tunity of securing genuine bargains—A Lawbie. 366 JL. i '■ CHRISTMAS & tf &W YEAR 1894-95 H. 2.1. F. Opened up this week for the holidays, NEW TIES, NEW SILK HANDKERCHIEFS. A LATE shipment of Men'a Navy Blue and White STRAW HATS, to be Cleared at 3?, worth 4s 61. BOYS' STRAW HATS Is. We have the Latest shapes in Hard and Soft FELT HATS. See our Windows for Orand Christmas Display, For comforb try one ot the New Soft Felt Hats—weight l|oz CLOTHING DEPARTMENT. A few Boys' Washing Blouses to be Cleared at 3j 3d. Gents' Fancy Vests in Great Variety. VOR TRAVELLING- Steel Trunks from 12s Portmanteaux and Gladstone Bags. HANDSOME PRESENT— A Bismarck Sewing Machine with Cover for d3£> IOS. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHINQ FACTORY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager i "^—^— ——^^——^^———^MM"T FIRE ALARMS Allenton - ... .. one toll Borough, north of railway ... two tolls Borough, south of railway ... three tolls Hampstead - ... four tolls



TO LADlES.—Spring Cleaning.—We have just recsived Three Cases of Curtain* and Liberty Muslins, together with new Patterns in Carpets, Oilcloths, j§nd Linoleums. China Matting from 8M pc? jp»rd. —Mitchell and Turner. BOBEftT ALCORN has opened in Baiker's Ridings, next the Court house, with a kock fif. Clothing, etc., bought »t Edwards, Bann.et-fc'B and the Kaiapoi S^les, ihe cheapest jlot of goods ever brought to Asliburtoa, Also an assortment of Boot*, rWN Make In Ladies' and Children's KJ Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, ftfusli'ns, Flannelettes, Trimmingl?, etc.! at M&u Alcorn's new 6hop, Bdker'iSi Buildinga. GUNS ! Guns ! Guna c My new stock pi Gunsj ust to hand direct from the manuCsefciirers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In-! spection invited.. Mo oid stock to select from at J. W. HAttDLßy's Sporting Repository ,



"OEAUTTFULa-^d useful Presents to _L 3 all pnrchaaers of 2s 6d and upwards. —If, C Sjegbrh, Meltcrd Hou^e. (IfANi-'ED, Everybody to use Titan VY Soap, greatest marvel of the age. H. Zander, Sole Agent. WANTED — Everyone to see our pplendil display of Christmas Fruit, e'.e. D n't miss seeing the Finest Show in Aehburton. Note address— Fletcher Bros , Wholesale and Rcta'l Grocers, Cash .Supply Stores, Ashburton. NOTICE! Notice Sport fur all Guns let out on hire cr sold on time payments. Having a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of any description; Gun fittings in stock. Prices low.—J. W Hauulbv, Ironmonger, etc WE Hold » L»rge Stock of the Latest .Novelties in. SJjjfcsrials for Blouses and Walking Dresses. Just optned, ex Pakeha and lonic, Dross Goods i of choice selection, Sunshades and' Umbrellas.—Mitch sll and Turner.



"TTy ANTED Known—The Corner Is YV showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. BOY'S and Girls Own Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Infant's Magazine, The Prize, Child's Companion, Ohiidren'a Friend, Little Dot, Family Friend, Band of Hope, Young England, and other New Bookg at Lowest Prices.— L. F. Andrewes and Co. 11 98 CHEAP Christie Present, Cheap New Year Oii-s, Cheap Toys, Cheap Dolls, Cheap Fancy Goods. Mbs Adams, Saunders' Buildings. YSfEßS7^red^Tou"nd^7~»iid Whitebait every night at Jewitt's, Deep Sea Fishing Company, opposite Mail office. 9 166 8^ WEEPlNGTleductions. — Is Books for 9d, Is 6d Books for Is, 2a Books for Is 6d, 2* 6d Books for 2a, and all others at equal ra'e of reduction at- L. F. Andrewes and Go's., Cash Sale. 618 T ADIES' and Gentlemen's left-off Lj Clothes and all kinds of goods bought, sold, or exchanged. — Mbs Knight, opposite Templar Hall, near Post Uftbo. 11 170



WANTED Known.—Miss Mtjkphy Dressmaker, has removed to Burnett Street, next to Orange Hall. Wedding and Mourning orders especially attended to. T> ECENT Arrivals,-—Ladles'and Gentle- J-MJ men's Summer Boota and Shoes, Cricketing and Tennis Shirts. Unlimited selection of Summer Ties and Hats.— Mitchell and Tukner. WANTED Known —Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical Hue at S. Salbk's, Optician, "PRESENTS. We are now giving XT Presents to a!l purchasers of 2s 6d and upwards,—H. C. Sbgebs, Melford House. U., , . . '. WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sises, with or without collars, 2a 6d,—W. H. Collier.



Wanted WANTED Known T MR H. W: Barrett Is authorised to collect our accounts, any noi paid by January 1, 1895, will be sued for. —Stephej.s Pho? 12 lit f O3T on Saturday, 15th, halfbred ! j German Collie Slut; answers to the name 'Rof.e.' Collar on. Any person I keeping her after this notice will be ! prosecuted. — William Hoopeu, near Gasworks. 12 148 V» ;AM ED Known— Th»t~~ H. A. VV Slower, Confectiunpr. Eas* street, has a splendid variety of Fry's and Cadbury's Chocalate Boxes, now in stock. «17"ANTED Known -Holders of W Present tickets can now get them changed.— 11. C. Segers, Melford House. BLANKETS bought at Edwards Bennet's Sale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7a 9d. Ex«ra large and heavy 15* 6i and 163 6d. —Robert Alcorn, Baker's Building* WANTED Known — Mrs Hooper (monthly nurse) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hoopeb, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton. 11*134



BANG ! Bang > Bang ' My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley'is, Kynock's and, Cluu Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting material*! of the first quality at J. W. Hakdley's, Gton Emporium. WANTED —Every Lady to fcry Madam Balcombe's latent Ex panding Belt Corset (registered), guaran teed wrhaleboue throughout. Orders left at Mj* X, Hall's, Herbalist, Ashburton, will reseive ptoropb attention. IQJ6 WANTED Kiiowa -Tfcafc if. you are in want of a firafc class article ii) su»s , mer Boots and Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. Moison's ; you will get the very bast at reduced prices. A« For his own make, they are well known to the.^eiight of the wearers, throughout the l»Btraiasia# wb^ie^. Repairs well done ■ and at on&e. pie^er Mp&p Maker, Town HaA" oofc *tOM« *&*>#' Agfybu.rton. PEN un^ 1! ®f eyer7 ? y °"iRg ,for Sale of Chri: f|a»« a«? ¥ear C>rds (a Large and Chofce Atfortm^t), Packets of Cards from 3d up. ■"e^ Fancy Goods, Including Fancy Glass anu Chinaware, Toys of various kinds, Chinese Lanterns, New Games for indoors and outdoors, including Tennis and Cricket Material; Writing Desks and Cas/es, Inkstandf, Photo and Scrap Albuias, Ladies' Hand Bags, Picture Frames, Pictures, Tex's, Accordeons, Concertinas, Violins, Zither Harps, Banjos and a great variety of ether goods all at Reduced Prices for Cash at L. i\ Andkewjss asm Co.'s. DOLLAR OIGARKITii^ft % holders or photos—Hesby Zander 1 Wfe^leeale agent



OAH I f)a PRICE re, TKt-Jt { JLVy©,'^ quired for T,S h 1184, 1185 each containing \ acre, Oameron Street, West, fenced and planted with macracarpa. Persons desirous of building are invited to inspect. Easy terms. T. BULLOCK. ALFORD FOREST. 20 aoTes 20 For Sale, bein? R.S. 7906; an early selection, Easy terms if reg aired. T. BULLOCK,



ALLANDALE COAL COMPANY Limited. Savlag: »f ** w*r ««"t. «n If onr Coal lUVB APPOINTED «TA.M.U» ELLIOTT, COAL MERCHANT, WEST STREET, Agent for the County ALLAN Da Lf£ is the best native coal produced on the Eastern Seaboard. It i" an excellent Steam Coal, unrivalled for Bakers, splendid Domestic Coal, does not sparkle and burns with a flame, Note the Address— JAMES ELLIOTT, WEST STREET, Opposite D. THOMAS. Newcastle Coal, Westport Coal, Fire- } wood, St*kWi Fostsi etc, i» sto^ki



Business Notice?. _ Holidays, Holidays. HOLIDAYS ARE NOW IN FULL SWING. f| HE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN CANTERBURY FOR Drapery, Clothing-, and Hoot*. G. J, NEILL. P'anneiettes 2s lld doz n Double Bed Sheeting dhd Good Washing Print 3W' A Man's Real Good Suit fur a Pound A Holiday D ess for 3s" lld A Boy's Suit for 3a lid Calico 2s lid dozen BOOTS. BOOTS* Ladies' Shoes 4s lid I Man's Bluchers 4s lid Men's Nailed Shooters s lid | WE WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL ON MONDAY DEGEMBEft 17} AND WILL RECOGNISE Wednesday, December 19, AS THE HOLIDAY' G. J. NEILL, EAST STREET, f RIEDLANDER'S BUILDING 3. 1 9 9 4. Christinas and New Year's Greeting FLETOHBE BEOS, 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 Elemes 25 boxes Australian Muscatels, to be cleared at 8d per 1b ALSO THE FOLLOWING JUST TO HAND FOR CHRISTMAS TRADE- Jordan Almonds Dessicated Cocoanut Keene's Mixed Spice Preserved Fruits Preserved Ginger Pears, Peaches, Cordials, <fee. Apricots, <fee. Valencia Almonds Mb bottles of Persian Sherbit, 8d per bottle. A splendid line of Christinas Cake in Fancy Baskets to be sold at Is Gd each, PLEASE NOTE that all those Goods are of the very FINEST QUALITY PROCURABLE, whbh we intend to sell at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. A look at our windows will show. PRESERVING SEASON, 1805. JUST LANDINT; Ex AUIUGA,— 25 tons Finest Mauritius Cans Sugar (1 161 bags.) This is the FhVEST CHNE SUGAR to be gor, and jnm, A-c , made with it will keep almost any length of time. NOTE ADDRESS FLErOHER BRCfe., CASH SUPPLY STOKES, ASHBURTON, % v AND . LOWER HIGH STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. Don t miss seeing our splendid show of Christmas Fruits, &o. EESEBYED FOR IKB j / I XMAS. ADVERTISEMEMT OF P. SALBK, : i WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLBB,