MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the recessary alterations WEDNESDAY DECEiMBER 26. For United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America, West Indies, etc., (via San Francisco,) Sandwich Islands and Samoa, and also for Northern 1 Ports of JSiew Zealand : For letters, books, newspapers, O a.m. Money orders on Monday 24th December at 3 p.m. Late fee letter! may be posted in mail van of Expess train until time of departure on December 26. Due London January 30.

The next mail for Chatham Islands will cloße on December 31. Notice.—On and after January 1.1895, the postage on nt\v\spipers for 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 penny for each newspaper.

THE HOLIDAY.

IN consequence of thb HOLIDAY ON WEDNESDAY, jthe GUaHDIAN will go to press on that day at one o'clock, and advertisements cannoh be taken after 11 o'clock.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1894 WOOD PAVEMENTS.

Thekk ha-s been mush said of late in the London correspondents' columns.of the leading journals of this colony . on the subject of opening a market in Britiin for New Zealand timber. The Agent-Goiieml has bf-en doing all he can to help the movement on. Govern ment has been busy in the matter, too, while Mr JYeyberg has been leaving no stone unturned to point out the excel lence of our timbers to the makers of furniture, and builders who use fine grained woods in the internal fittings of public buildings and the more costly dwelling-houses at Home. Specially has the attention of corporations of large cities been drawn to the adinir ab'e wood we have hfre for street paying purposes. It seems rather late in the day, Jbo sock to establish a trade with the old country in our finer timbers, as most of the bush containing them—the bush of easy access at any rate—is well worked out. and thecfense forests in the back country where such timbers as totara, for instance, abound 1 are not easily got ar, and the timber j would ba difficult to get to the seaboard. Much has been made of the suitable ness of ouf hard timber fo? paying pur pose?, and ifc has been chanted on the market to a grand tpnp. Ko doubt it would make grand paving, but it is a sad commentary on the belief of the colonists in it for that purpose that scarcely a chain of wood paving exists m the colony. Auckland has but little if any of it. Wellitigfcou fr.as none, nor has Ohristchurch, Thnaru, Oamaru, or Dunedin. Instead, they puddle away wjth a rough macadam or the more primitive shingle, blinded with clay. The result in dry weather is, clouds of dust—in wet weather, mad, Mel bourne and Sydney are ahead of New Zealand in this jpatter, There the wood paving is extensively used, and where it has been used without any isolation of asphalfc ov sand the traffic is noiseless, smooth as on a cycie trade, and totally free from dust or mud. The strongest gale that blows carries from those streets no dust to annoy the paa|eifger, or fret the shopkeeper by : loading the iattsr's goods with a coat ing of fine ciayoi'-sajiCji. Thjß rain does not make the road slippery, &:h| mu4 does not accumulate upon it, as but little labor on the part of the .scavengers is required to'kopp the road way clean,, jmigl tua Lojjr in the early morning is all thai ajj Qrd-j i na£y street gang takes to thoroughly clenn a xnile of wood paved stpeef. The wood paving has been proved fco be as, la^tjng as naacadam, while it is less costly. Granite blocks aj'e of course the most lasting paving known, <md make a most beautiful roadway, but they- give a treacherous foothold to the horses, j and are very dear. The first cost of the wood paving is great, to be sure, compared with shingle and clay, but it 'has r ov^¥ything to recommend it thai t-he shingle road lias not. It does seem a little absurd t^iat we ghould make an outcry about sending ou^ wood in the shape of paving blocks io England, yefc believe in it; so Httle our* ge^ves that we have not a single street in the eoloji^ la£d with it.

The discovery of gold and diamonds in' the vicinity cf the Zanabesi river, an- 1 nounced by cablegram the ZAMtsESi. other day, must ba very welcome n«wa to those pioneers of settlement who have been flocking to Matabeleland since tha termi nation of the recent war. An intending settler in this newly-opened country, writing a few weeks ago, gave a gloomy picture of the present position of buVm at Bulawayo. Tho writer says :-- We j are all very disappointed. We are here too early. Carpenters by f coivs are re turning to tho Cape, or arc walking about doing nothing. Mason 3 are the same. Tliere is no machinery in the country, so of course there is no work for engineers, I of whom there are very many hero. There is little legitimate business, and little money i,s bying earned. There are hundreds now on the road coming here. What they will do one cannot say, for many have just sufficient money to bring them here, and expect to find employ ment directly they arrive. It is certain that Buluwayo will have the unemployed problem with soup kitchen attached bo fore next year, tor, apart from a little prospecting, there is nothidg doing. The country has been altogether overpainted, and up to the present nothing reliable has been discovered. Until there is adequate machinery here to test the reefs which have been found it would be folly to ex pect too much. Vegetables fetch a big prica because they are co tew. Kecently one-pound of fresh butter sold by auction for 13s Onfons are fetching 2* 93 each, and 2a 3d is the price of two small cab bages.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Germany and Franco will not permit Great Britain to annex Delagoa Bay. Mr Hansen, a Danish butter expert of twenty years' experience, intends to settle in New Zealand. France has secured the hinterland behind fahomey, by means of a treaty with King Boragon. The Premier was confined to bis house yesterday. He is suffering from fdiat the doctor believes to be an attack of influenza. It is reported that four well-known Auckland citizens, who some time ago went away with £300 to Ooolgardie, have just got back with a joint capital of 10j 6d- A puree of 110 guineas was presented to the Auckland Town Clerk, Mr P. A. Phillips, yesterday by the citizens in recog nition of his services. A writer in the Melbourne Age has the assurance of a gentleman well acquainted with the river Clutha, that enough gold could be taken from its bed to pay the whole of the debts of the colonies.. There is a man in Leeds who his been a widower seven times. His seven wives have »11 died but his seven mothers-in-law are in tine health, and «re all Jiving with him. There is some talk of getting up a concart for his benefit. On a charge of robbing a henroost, the foreman of a Southern States jury said : — " We find the prisoners brother Jerry stolo the chickens, but we find Sambo guilty as a warning to the rest of the family." The New South W»ies Government are considering whether they will follow Vic toria's example, and give notice in con nection with the cable snurintee. If the latter colony is dutemiined to back out, New South Wales will probably do su too. On Saturday the sum of £20 was stolen from the guard's van on a northern train- A railway por'cr at amberloy was arrested charged with the theft. He w-is brought up yesterday at Ohristchurch and re^ mandecl. At. tho Pilico Court this morning— before Mr T E Upton J P—ihr.-e first offenders were dealt with as follows for (3runl<enncfia—one was fined 5s ar.d costs, one 5? arrl 2< expr-n*es, and another wr.a convictod an 4 discharged. On Friday nex 1: a popular concert by the members, and friends of the Ashburton Primitive Methodist choir is to be given im thq Newlands Fehoolroom. A good programme hvs been prepared, and a pleasant and enjoyable time is promised I all who attend. . An instance of the ruling pas&ion being | strong at death wa? exemplified by El'jih | Cj-kroft. the j )ckey who was hanged at B^laraton November 12, for Ihe murder !of Fumy Mott. Whilo standing on the scaf'M atid shortly before the fatal moment came he surprised the officiils by asking what }jors.e won the Melbourne Cup. About seven o'clock last evening a fire was raging in one of the large plantations nearly opposite Windermere (on the west side of the railway) which appeared likely j to destroy it completely. The intersection of a road checked the fire at tha northern most end, and prevented it spreading to another extensive' plantation. The fire originated in the grass lands, but in what manner is not; know •■>,. About twenty five acrea r.f plantation were injured, irir eluding fifteen acres of young pines that l are probably ruined. The word "new" is extending itself j (Tally. We have had the new journalism, [ the new drama, the new humour, and the new wotmn, and now we have the new mendicancy. The other day a young lady in London, with a doable barrelled name, wrote a begging letter to a gentleman. She said she was starving : she had a sick brother and an aged mother, etc. The gentleman replied that if she would call he Would give her a sovereign. She drove up in a iiaudsom, accompanied' by her maid, and sent in her card, and received the sovereign with the condescension of a young ducfyess* Tha owner of the traction who had tendered for the carriage of the Benmore wool to Oamaru found that he eoald not cross the first railway bridge he came to on his way from Christ church unless on a railway truck. On reaching Oamaru he proceoderl by road to Renmore with five waggons $nd a (jovered-in express. Every thing went vpjj till tha Ahuriti River was reach d.. This rivet was alfe^tiy op, but the owner of the traction engine th' i?'-hfc it safe to negotiate, and plunged in. The ( wat^r, however, was high enough to put tl>e fires out and frighten the drivers. The engine could not be taken out> of the river, and there it stands. Another traction engine has gone to its assistance, and it is e¥peg,(^4 W'M ke t° SJ'oori to Ben more for woo'i inir#ed£atGly after the other engine reaches the river. ' Enatyajrailabfe corner of Benmore is filled with wool, and t.he mishap to the engine will put the station to considej.*abl^ inconvenience.

The annual distribution of prizes in < connection with tha Aehburton High school will tike place in the boys' school- i r^om on Friday next, beginning at 8 p m. At Gladstone, Wairnrapa, recently, tha centre horse in a plough team of three was si ruck down by lightning and its mino . sh.ged off. It was. at first thought (he J animal was dead, but it recovered in half an-hour. There was no (quorum of the BoroMgh Council last night' and tho ordinary meet ing lapsed. The onii ary meeting will bo held, at i-leven o'clock to morirow, Hi i annual statutory meeting at twelve when the m•yoral installation cakes place. On Saturday gold to the value of more ihan £22,000 was lirought to Wellington from tho West Coast by the Mawhera — £13,622 worth for the Bank of JNTew Zealand, and £8682 worth for tho National Bank, en routo to the Australian tni^ts. At Nelson a lad of 15 was fined 20s last week for disturbing a meeting of the Salvation Army, Mary Carrol, a lieuten ant in the Army, deposed that tho con gregation was disturocd by "the parfumes of a rotten egg," The egg waa broken about the middle of the hall. Maori tribes have interesting names up Rotorua way. One body that waited upon the Premieron the question of road-making rejoiced in the namedf Ngatiranigiuenuku k'pakongatiranguewehi. Even the Pre mier dared not face addressing the deputa tion by its tribal designation. A party of Austrians, digging for gum at Muriwai, found, at a depth of 9ft below the surface, some stone axes and son?e stones, which it is thought had been used to sharpen the axes. Wooden spears, clubs, and other articles of Native work manship were also fouud ; also some stones which had been usadin the construction of cooking ovens. The find was made close to the coast, and it will most probably lead to further discoveries of Maori relics in the near feature. At a late hour last night, Mr P. Butler, well-known in sporting circles, attempted j to commit suicide by cutting his throat. The act according to information supplied by the Hospital attendants, was com mitted ab Riccart'on, and Mr Butler way taken to tho hospital by Mr Wood, traffic manager of the Canterbury Tramway Com pany, sjid some other parsons. He was received into the hospi'al about one o'clock this morning, and ifc was ascer tained thab his injury consisted of a bad flesh wound. Thi=< was promptly attended to, and the sufferer was pronounced not to be in ary immediate danger. From all accounts the young King of ''pain has the gift of tongues, for he speaks French, German, English, and Italian with equal fluency. Under the care of the I Queen Regent hs health has much im proved of Lite. A. correspondent cf the Morning Pout gives a desciption of his Majesty:—-In appcarancethe little King is very bright and attractive, and he has lost that overweighted look which he had as a very young child, when hia head seemed to be too big for his shoulders His manners are very bright and vivacious, and from head to foot he is a thorough little Spaniard, takin? much moreafter his father, the late Alfonso X'l., than aftar hi? Austrain mother. His power of re partee is already famous, and he loves to exercise hi? baby wit upon the aged gene rals and diplomatists of his Court. j The exhibition of Japanese fancy gooda, etc , to be sold by auction in tho Orange Hall on Friday by Messrs Fnedlander I Bros, is ono of the li'iest displays of the kind ever made in this town. The exru.lii.ion...will be open to the public on Wednesday cv ning at seven and w:ll c ntinuo all Thursday ard Thuisday even ing. The Orancfi Hal] v full of goods, and they are of (he most varied descrip tion. The excellence of tho porcelain 1 ware at once strikes the visitor, and some of the tea services are exceedingly line, tha cups being ai thin and delicate as onion skins and beautifully f*§hionod. Flower vases, table ; t nd other ornaments, and in fact a whole range of articles useful and ornamental are included in the catalogue of porcelain ware offered. Than there are works of art in papier mavhe, delicate woodwork, work In bamboo—furniture of various kinds, j umbrellas, shid.es*, and whatnot. Gon^s of fine rnstal and sweet tone, beautifully ornamented, are on view : gossamer silks and other cloth* of delicate texture, and a long 'is 1- of pretty things that it would be congenial work to enumerate and dilate upon, but the bo*t description can give no idea of what is displayed equal to what a personal visit will convey, and this is a frea snow we would advice the people, both town and county, not on any account to miss.

CORRESPONDENCE

We do not hold ourselves responsible tor the "pinions exptessed *>v our correspondents.)

BLOOD POISONING IN SHEEP.

TO THB EDITOR, SiFf, —I have bepn too busy lately to reply to Mr Strachan's letter of the 4th inst. any sooner. So far as lam concerned, I have nothing further of value to the public to say at present on the subjects of blood poisoning or hoove in. sheep. I will therefore leave the field open to Mr Straehan, so that he may, without hindrance, promulgate his own viavvs for the bsneflb of those who believe in him. I trust, however, that he | will in future stick more carefully to facts I when quotiug from me than he has hitherto done. In his last letter he says that I characterise the laws of nature as spurious. J God forbid that I should ever write anything Iso presumptuous. What I characterised as j spurious was his own individual knowledge of those laws. Captain Mclutosh wrecked a good ship and sacrificed many valuable ■lives byignoring the precautions necessary jto insure their safety. Mr Straehan, at two ■ shearings, sacrificed seven hundred sheep because he did not know how to treat them duping the simple process of shearing in a manner suitable to their natupal require ments. And now, he would have.us believe that mother earth breathed out some baleful influence and killed those innocent animala This story may satisfy the marines, but no true sailor will believe it. Farther com ments on Mr Strachan's letters would necessarily be of a personal nature, and consequently pf no value to anyone, so I will not dontinu"e the subject further, but con olmle with thanking you very much for the large amount of valuable apaos and patience you have accorded me during the continuance of this correspondence.—l am, etc,, D. Oliver, i

THE OLD MEN'S HOME.

TQ TIJE EDITOR. Sir,— Tn view 01 the approaph of Ohriat mas ]>ay, would you permit me to suggesp, through > your columns, that some of oiir Jdnd ladies or gentlemen will take an jntcrpsfc in cntprt^inipg the sixty odd inmates of the Home that is situated hear to this township. Sums of money have, from time t*> time, been given towards a Christ m»s" treat, bub the icmates have not received anything beyond the ordinary rough fare, aad r( ugh at that. It is the custom in the O'd Country for similar institutions to be visited on that occasion by, say, members o the Committee, who see that the inmates on that day, of all days, ape suitably ca,red for g,t dinner,' A'little jpnd thought from the c best g&?§ t(| sJj.qw jf, would cq'nviaie £he aged and infirm inmatys tKiat $\}eyp is egtn9 tr||tl). in the seasonable axiom, *'Goodwill tq men."—lam, etc, PllO Patbia.

I Ppaa Blood is the Secret of Health Gordon^'Jllo^p'Bil;^ cleanse the system of all impure blood, cure iu3igestioß,coa stipation, liver complaint, pains in back and sides, biliousnoss, sick headache; remove pimples, scrofula, scurvy, etc. Large box 63; two boxes, 10s, poafefree. J. W, Clayton $p;231 Ducedw x

An Island Thrown Up.

I I [ Auckland, December 17. 1 The volcanic disturbances at Tonga are attributed to the resurgence of Falcm Island, described a<3 a black sandbank about 25ft high, about a mile long and half a mile broad. The elevating process h.iß been going on over an extar-ded are^, and seems to p jint to Falcon becomiug a permanent habitable island. '

SAMOA

' Avckla.ni), December 17 | The Samoa Herald of Deaember 3 says : — i There are rumours of a fight between the I contending parties at Lefama, and that one or moro was killed It is not cc:tainyet whether the quarrel was a political one or in reference to disputed lands. Also, during the week, disquieting rumours were afloat of the warlike intentions of the rebels ot Aoua, and that at Atua they are onoe more starting the war by occupying the torts at Tuatuanua lately deserted by the warships This information was by no means unex pected, and was no doubt hastened by the fiasco in connection with the land commis sion to Lufiliff, the Natives having found that resistance to the commission was al lowed to pass unnoticed.

SPORTING

TINWALD RACING CLUB.

I The following handicaps have been de clared for the Tinwald trot :— Sedgley Maid see sees sees bh sc bhso Silver Rose ... 14 Fleethound ... 2 I Black "sb ... 14 Queenie ... 8 Wharfdale ... 14 Gillie Rlabhach 8 Campo ... 16 Darlington ... 8 Master George 18 Belfast Girl ... 8 Victoria 11. ... 18 Pip ... 8 Marenga ... 24 Statesman ... 32 Sam ... 24 Sprig o* May 12 Mountjoy ... 26 Clifton ... 12 Wooloomooloo 28 Jack 11. ... 12 Bridal Rose ... 28 Marigold ... 12 Home Rule ... 31 Koyalty ... 12 Rata ... 34 Jack ... 12 Norman ... 34 Toby -... 12 Boston Girl ... 41 Chainman ... 14 Barney U'Hea 52 Actress ... 14 Acceptances close on December 26th inst.

RAKAIA BOXING DAY SPORTS AND RACES.

The following acceptances have been re ceived : — Maidex Trot, 2 miles—Leda, Camla 8 Dandy, Rainbow, The JNun, Black Bess, Manxmaid, Nigger Bell, Folly, Tabitha, Primrose, Taso, Seagull, Titakowara, Fer managh, Economy. Tiieee Milts Trot—The Nun, Seagul', Tabitha, Judy, Primrose, Titakovvara, Fer managh, Economy, Maiden Flat Rack, 1 ,mi!e—Gipsy Queen, >Jiss Torrint, Romeoi Somerton, Mangerfcon, Cjckalcarie, Flyaway, Cabia Boy. Ladies' JPuuse, H mile—Ritomahana, May Qaeen, Dolly, Village Maid, Flyaway. Farmers' Plate—May Qaeen, Village Maid, Dolly, Flyaway, Browiagee, Roto mahana. Selling Race, 1 mile—Roy, Brownagie, Manger ton, Golina, May Qaeen, Flyaway, Romeo. ATHLETICS. 100 Yards —W. Davison, P. Larraman, J, McNairscr, J. McAnulty 3yd3, W, H. Dans tan 4yds, G Baxter, H. Hood syds. 410YAKDS—W. Dunstan, P Larramanj J. MeNair, J. Stewart scr, J. McAnulty 7yds, A.'Santy, G. TJtxter 15yds, C. Irvine 25yds. 100 Yauds, for amateurs only—L. Broad scr, P. A Iveddell syds, G. E; Owen 7yds, G. a Hardy, J. j. O'Neil, J. Shannon 10yds. 200 Yarim foramatears only—L. Broad scr, P. A. Keddell 7yds, G. K. Owen 9yds, O. 8. ITaroy, J Shsnuou, J. J. O'lveit, K. j Peckham 15yds. 1 No eatry was received for the tug-of-war, aDd the item was struck off the programme. The committee have had the course well attended to, and given a fine day the Sports should bo good. It certainly speaks well for the handicapper in the trots, as all but one entry accepted.

CYCLING.

< liristclmrcli Cask Club,

The Christchurch Cash Cycling Club's third annual race meeting was held at Lancaster Park yesterday. The weather was glorious, with scarcely any wind, and the new cycling track, with four well-banked corners, was in capital order. Two thousand people were present. Results : — ' One Mile Maidex Open Handicap. —-R Rodger, Cliristchurcb, 120 yds, 1 ; F. H, Chainey, Christchureh, 40y h, 2; T. Hassall. Christchurch, 20yds, 3. Ten started. Time —2.35 l-sth. Half Mile Open Handicap. —G. H. Lethaby, Christchurch, QOyds, 1 ; <J. Wilson, Ashburton, 80yds, 2; ¥. Taylor, Christ church, 75yds, 3. Won by two yards. Time ~1.10 2-sth. One Mile Bicycle Handicap (second class),—G. H. Lethaby, Ohristchurch, 60yds, 1; P. N Chainey, Christchurch, 100 yds, 2 ; P. lJunn, Christchurch, 100 yds, 3, Eleven started. Won by twenty yards. Tijae— 2.,30 4-Sth. Two Milk New Zealand Wheel Race ; first prize, 15 soys; second prize, 3 soys; third, 1 sov.—F. Hunt, Rangitikei, 280 yds, 1; A. Anderson, Ashburton, 340 yds, 2 ; J. Boyd, Christchurch, acr, 3. Fourteen started, including C. R. Wilson, T. Clarkson, H. A. Soanes, A. R. Barker, scr. The first and second men were very leniently dealt with by the handicappers and practically j had the race to themselves. Boyd was about one hundred yards behind the winner; Wilson was fourth. Time—4.s3 2-sth. I

Five Mile Championship df New Zea land ; first prize 3 soys and gold medal value £2 2s; second priz». 2 soys ; third, 1 sow— T. C'arkson 1, J Boyd 2, 0. R. Wil son 3. A. R Barker, H. A. Poanes, and E S. Rainbow also started. All the competi tors are members of the Curistchurch Cycling Club. Clarkson went to the front a lap from home and won by ten yards; Boyd beat Wilsoa by half a machine length. Time— }3.t(j. won a spechl prize of £3, 3,3 for passing the podt most times in the race.' Three Mile Bicycle Handicap' (second class).—E. G. Land, Christchnrch, scr, 1; F Hunt, Rangitikei, SOyda behind scr, 2 j W Woods, Ashburton, DOvds, 3. Six started. Won by five yards. Time—B.l2 2-sth. One Mit,e (first'class) BicrcLß Handicap -E. S. Rainbow, Ohristchurch, 60yds, 1; E. J. Lilly, Ohristchurch, 50yds, 2; G. F. L^fthvby, Cliristchurch, 60yds, 3. J. Boyd, IS Clarkson, H. A. Soanes, A. R. Barker, scr, also started Won by' two yards; Olarkson fourth. Time—2.2B 2-s?h. Two Mile Bicvclb Handioap (-econd class)-P. Dunn, Cliristchurch, 200 yds, 1 ; W. B» Wilrnob, Christchnrch, 140 yds, 2; J Wilson, Ashburton, 2Uoyds,. is, Won by three yards. Time—s.ls 4 sMj.' Tkn' Mile Bicycle . Hanjucab (open)— T, OlarksQD, Asljburcon, scr, I ; H. A. Spanes, Chriatchqrcb,, spr, 3 j A. "R. Barker, i Ohristcburcli, scr, 3. Won by four yards, Time—27 52 3.Qth

Tho Timaru Tourists' cycling meeting was held yesterday. H. Curtis, of Ashburfcon, woo the Isovice race from scratch, with F. 6. Tucker second. Time 2.47. R. G. Shear man was first from scratch in the two mile roadster race. Time 3.37 2-sth., The Pro vincial championship of Canterbury (five miles) decided at the same meeting was won by H. J Pither, with S.* McDonald second. Time 13.42 3 sth seconds. Reynolds and C. i|ajl both fell in jhis raoe, i

Vqii lipiaESffOij, the best remedy is un? doubtedly Nqbtgn'b Oamostoe Piw They can confidently be recommended »8 being mild in operation and absolutely free from injurious drugs. Acting at once as a splen did tonic and a gentle aperient. Fov nearly JOO years they havo prov.ed unequalled for liktigcstioEj Dyppapsia, sick ije*aaehe jind for Liver and Stomach compla its, Sold-in bottles.ls l|d, 2a 9d, and 11s, by all Medi cine Vendors throughout tho world, A. irople, safe, mi certain remedy

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

SCHRODIR'S ASSETS COMPANY

London, December 17 fchares in Baron Schroder's Assets Company, formed to take over the Union Mortgage and Agency Com pmy's guaranteed mortgages, have been allotted.

OBITUARY

London, December 17 J-iie death is announced of Sir Oswald Waiters Brierly, marine painter to the Queen, who visited New Zea and with the Duko of Edinburgh, in the Galatea in 1867.

SHEARING MACHINES.

mi r. i* London, December 15 Ihe Bradford merchants have ad dressed a circular to Melbourne ex porters complaining that the sheep shearing machines in use in the colony show uneven cutting, which causes the ' wool to coil during the combing process It is pointed oufc that this result is a serious loss to the manufacturer.

MR MUNDELLA

tvt ht , „ LoSDON» December 16 Mr Mundelk told his constituents that he was certain every act of the old directorate of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company was prompted by the sole desiie to benefit the company. He and his old col 'eagues would be glad to see the new company prosper.

THE CGREAN WAR

Shanghai, Decembsr 17 In the engagement at Fenghu angtchang the Chinese were routed, losing 2,50. The loss on the Japanese side was 100. It is reported that the Manchurians are petitioning the Japanese to depose the present dynasty reigning over China. The Japanese army ig suffering terrible hardships from cold. There is much disease in the ranks. Two hundred and fifty European and American marinea have arrived at Pekin to guard the Legations.

THE LIBERALS

London, December 16 In his speech at Stratford, Lord Rosebery said the Liberal party would never be defeated except by itsel „ The only fear of weakness was from within.

ANARCHISM

PAiit*, December 16 It has been discovered that a number of French soldiers serving in African regiments are tainted with Anarchist principles, and ara corrupting the newly-joined conscripts. A number have undergone imprisonment, and the authorities are taking vigorous measures to maintain military discipline.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND CRISIS

■St^Tohjm, December 16 The Imperial Government has offered to assist the Newfoundland Government if they are invited to send a commission to inquire into the cause of the crisis. The panic is now subsiding. ■ * ' •

THE EASTERN QUESTION

-+— ,—i» Constantinople, December 16 It is believed that the decision of the Porte in regard to the Armenian inquiry indicates that the European entente cordiale will end in the re grouping of the Powers on the Eastern question.

THE WAZIRIS

m __ Calcutta, December 16 The Waziris having declined to accept the terms offered for peace, the Indian Government is sending a military expedition to their country immediately.

SWAZILAND

Capetown. December 16 President Kruger, of the Transvaal, states that the new Swaziland con vention, which he has signed, assures to the Transvaal a suzerainty over Swaziland, and he wants Great Britain and the Powers to appoint Consuls.

CURRENCY

Washington, December 17 The Banking Committee of the House of Representatives approves of the Currency Bill introduced by Mr J. Carlisle, treasurer. "

The Argentine Harvest

Buenos Ayres, December 17 Reports as to ttie Argentine harvest are conflicting. Experts, however, estimate that seven million quarters of wheat will be available for export.

Italian Politics.

I RbsiE, December 1? I Parliament has been prorogued. Parliament was prorogued in order to check the Premiei's tactics and the endeavor of the committee to involve Signor Orispi in the Banca Romana scandals. It is expected that a dissolution will take place in the spring.

Resignation.

Sydney, December 1? Mr Justice Foster has resigned. Be will l>e succeeded by ]\Jr Simpson, Attorney-General, Mr Want taking the latter's position.

A SPLIT IN THE CAMP.

Mei,bopkne, December 17 There is a split iv the Cabinet over the taxation proposals, the result of which is that Sir T. E. Sargood, Minister of Defence, has resigned from the Ministry. He opposed the increase in the exemption, and also disagreed with the methods adopted by Govern ment in presenting taxation in the Bill. These methods, he considered, were an infringement of the rights of the IJe«isTative Council. The premier, \n accepting Sir T. Sargood's resignation^ wrote to him stating he was surprised that so old a Parliamentarian as Sir T. Sargood should have sent a copy of the letter containing his resignation to the Press for publication. Knowing the taxation intentions of the Ministry he should have declined to jdin ttrij Government iv the first instance,

THE AfcIfIBORTOJS GDABDIAN : TUESDAY, DECEMBEE 18, 1894.



The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act came in for some criticism from ono of tho speakers ttb the banquet tendered to the Minister for Linda at Clinton on Thurs day nishfc. Tho speaker in question corns pained that local bodies had suffered a atreat de*l through the loss of hotel license feejj, .and that }j.ot only local be dies, but individualg'alsb, Jbad been impoverished. , The Aefc wss, he sai<3, sfcflngen.fc enough as it was ; let tii?m at Is^tft faye the only M corpse-reviver " in the Olutlia—rel'prrfng to the refreshment bar at Olintotl .'art to them, The Government he considered f^oukt makeup to the local authorises the tot^.l reyenue %hich they had been the actual cause of those bodf.ea losjng. "Actual loss," the speaker said, ''bejpatas.s the Government made the law and placed the power in the hands of foolish women." It was, he supposed, time that the women had a vofo, but they had made a very bad ii3e of theii? fiyst vote,- Tho remarks of 'the epealep '"wer<} receiyeel withk great



How is w muf GLARitE Blood Mistype has obtained such greit popularity is a question which has perplexed many. The answer is, that it is unquestionably the finest Blood Purifier that science and medi ,cal skill have brought to light. Thousands "91 yronderful cures have been effected by it. Scrofula, Scurvy, Fczema, Bkin and Blood' 4isea.s£s, Jlad Legs, Sores and Pimples of kinds' it efect^ aru mar vellous, Sold everywhere, at 2g &d pc). 1 bottU, Beware of worllilesj ijuitations *v übstitute«# T (2) . ,



FIRE ALARMS Allenton „ one toll Borough, north of railway .., two tolls Borough, south of railway ... three tolls Hampstead four tolls 1



Wanted » OOlC—Christmas Magazines, Holly ' Leaves, New Zaalar-d Graphic, Illustrated London News, Biack and White, Father Christines, Ladies Journal, Illustrated Magazine, Illustrated Paper, Ske.ch, Yule-T.da. Otago Witness, Weekly Press, Canterbury Times. Christmas, New \ear, Birthday, and Text Caros, at <V 1 prices. Piain, Far.cy, and Mourning Stationery. Picture Books, Scraps, etc. Circulating Library Tetm' Easy.—John Mausdsn, Shop and Book stall. riHRISTMAS Presents, Choice~Orna \J ments, Zithers and Jew's Harpc, Balls and DolJs for everybody from Id each ; Jointed Dolls for 63, Sleeping Beauties Is. Chinese Conquerors 6d, Russian Fmbassirs Is, Walking Men, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Eunis killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mbs Alcokns Ladies-' Underclothing and I Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. WANTED Known—That ow'ug to the success of the ?ale now being held up at Saunders' Buildings, opposite Rail way Station, in will be continued for another twenty-eight days. lam not advertising a law cheap lines, bub the whole of the stock. Don't lose the oppor tunity of securing fi;onuino bargains—A Lawbie. J6B



BANG ! Bang ; Bang ! My new se%~ eon's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kyaoek's and, CluD Cartridges, Powder, Shot, <s»pj9, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of ifcha first quality at J. W. Hajboiey's, Gun jESmpA^ura. WANTED —Every Lady to *try Madam Balcombe's ratont E? pandinj( Belt Corset (registered), guaran teed whaleboua throughout. Orders left at Mr E. Hall's, jEJerbalist, Ashburton, will receive prompt attention. 10 86 WE Hold a Large Stooik of tjb.e Latest Jfovalties in Materials for Blouses and Walking Dresseg. Just oweiwd, ex Pakeha and lonic, Dress Goods at ah<Am selection, Sunshaies and Umbrellas..—Mlktcwim. and Ti/kner. WANTED Known —That if you are in want of a firsfc class jn sum mat Boots and Shoes, yaw .canjjcM; feetts* than call at J. Moisoh's ; you wiH: gat fche yeiy bsst at reduced prices. As for his owja auks, they are well known to the delight of the syeap^rs, throughout the iustralaslan cobniea. Repays well done and at once. |*f emior Boot MaskeiP, Town Hall Boot Store, East street, Asliburti^y



NOTICE! Notice Sport for all Duns let ouh on hire cr sold <?n tima payments. Ha.vin<* a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of srajr description. Gun fittings in stock. Prleas bw.—J. W HAiiDLBY, Ironmonger, etc 1 OYSTERS, Fried Flounders, and Whitebait every morht at Jewitx's, Deep Sea Fishing Company, opposite Mail office. 9 *jg S^WEKPlNG^Reductiona. —ia Books for 9d, Is 6d Books for Is, 2a Books for Is 6d, 2s 6d Books for 2s, and all others at equal rate of reduction at L. F. Anbbbktes and Cos., Cash Sale. dlB T" AJOIKS' aud Gentlemen's left-off |_J Olothea aed all kinds of goods bought, sold, or axdiiasiged, — Mbs Knight, opposite Templar Hall, »e%r Post Office. II 110 OWN Make In Ladies' and Children's Uadereltfthing, Aprons, and Pina foras ; also a good assprtrnent of Calicoes, Bfuslins, Flannelefctee, Tiimming«?, etc., at Mes Alookn's new sfeop, Parcel'» j Buildings. /"VUNS ! Guns ! Guns ! My new stock VJI of Gunsj 11st to hand direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. in spection invited. No old stock to select from at J. W. Hakdley's Sporting Repository



WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sizes, with .or without collars, 2s 6d. —W, H. Collier. W'AKTKD Known—The Corner Is showing a magnificent New Stoc> of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collie h. B" 6?' Sand Girls Own Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Tnfant's i Magazine, The Pr'^o, C{jild'fl Companion, Ohildccn's Friend, Litli * Dot, Family j Friend, Band of Hope. Youn? England, and other New Bocks at Lowest Prices.— L. F. Andrkwes and Co. I i #8 T 1 "o'TADllisT-^Sprina Cleaning.—We have jusfc rrc?ivt-d Ihreo CiPes of Curtains and Liberty Muslins, together with new Patterns in Caipets, O lcloths, and Linoleums. Ohiiia Matting from 8M per yard.-7-MiTGHßfci. ano Tubn/ie. ROBERT ALCORN has opened in Baker's Buildings, nexfc the Court house, with a stock of Clothing, etc., bought at Edwards, Bennett's and the Kaiapoi B%lfln, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashborton. Also an assortment of Boots.



WANTED Known — Miw Hooper (monthly nurfie) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mks Hooper, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton, 11*134 WANTED Known.—Miss Mtjbphy Dressmaker, has removed to Burnett Street, next to Orange Hall. Wedding and Mourning orders especially attended to. J RECENT Arrivals —Ladies'and Gentle men's Summer Boots and Shoes. Cricketing and Tennis Shirts. Unlimited selection of Summer Ties and Hats.— ■Mitchell aj«d Turner. WANTED Known —Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything m tho optical lire at S. SiLEK's, Optician _ RESENTS" We are now civin? Presents t.o aM purchasers of 21 03 and upwirdg.—H. C. Skgbus, Melford House.



T3EAUTTFULar.d useful Presents to 1 J all purchasers of 2s 6dand upwards. —n. C Segers, Melfcrd House. WANxED, Everybody to use Titan Soap, greatest marvel of the age. fl. Zander, Sole Agent. «VTANTED Known—Holders of W Present tickets can now get them changed.—H. 0. Segers, Melford House. CHEAP Christmas Presents, Cheap New Year Gif:s, Cheap Toys. Cheap Dolls, Cheap Fancy Goods. Mbs Adams, Saunders' Buildings. TCJE CREAM, Ice Cream, Ice Cream, now ready at H. A. Flower's, East street, Ashburton. Ice supplied at shortest notice. 10 114 BLANKETS bought at Edwards Bennet's Sale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7s 9J. Extra large and heavy 15* 6d and 16* 6d.~Robert Alcorn, Baker's Building*



Warned, 1 WANTED, a Boy about 16 years old to make himself useful about the mill Apply Cffioe, Ashburtcn, Th >mas Rollitt. I-' 126 BYDE'S Monster Fancy Fair open every night this'wet k. M( r* ! new Toys, Fancy Good*--, Christmas Cards, etc. 12 127 A nYeeTk N() WN-WJiiuJyTn Churob Anniversary. Grand S< chl and Mv ical Evening. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 730 p.m. Songs, etc, by Miss Venib Flower and o*heis, Parlor games. Refreshments-. Tickets U. 12 122 WANTED — Everyone to see our splendid display of Chris'mas Fruit, e'c. D'jp't miss seeing the Fine-t Phow in Ashburton. Note addrebS— Fletcher Bkos , Wholesale and Rcta'l i Grocers, Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton. 1" OST, Saturday, Halfbred German _J Collie (Slut) collar on. Answers to name of Rose. William Hooper, i near Gas Works. 12 116 OPEN until 830 every evening for Sale of Christmas and New Year Cords (a Large and Choice A fsortment). Packets of Cards from 3d up. New Fancy Goods, Including Fancy Glass and Chinaware, Toys of various kinds, Chinese Lanterns, New Games for indoors and outdoors, including Tennis and Cricket Material; Writing Desks and Cases, Inkstand?, Photo and Scrap Albums, Ladies' Hand Bags, Picture Frames, Pictures, Tex's, Accordeons,Concertinas, Violins, Zither Harps, Banjos and a great variety of other goods all at Reduced Prices for Cash at L. F, Andkewbs asi> Co.'s.



Fbirndly Societies' Fpobts, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19. Monster Procession STARTING FBOM TEMPL4.K iULL. ROBItf HOOD IN ALL HIS GLORY. THE WIDOW AND ORPHANS. ANCIENT DRUIDS DRESSED IV THE ROBES WOtiN IN THE DAYS-0F... OLD. TABLEAUX AND BANNERS. SPORTS IN THE DDMAIN STABTING AT ||,3Q A.M. BICYCLE RACES, FOOT RACES, TENT PITCHING COMPETITION, EGG AND SPOON RACE, INTERNATIONAL TUG OF WAR, BABY RESCUING COMPETITION. STEAM MBRBY-GO-ROUfiD, "WONDERFUL." TOYS WTLL BE FREELY DISTRIBUTED AMONG ALL THE CHILDREN. THE EVENT OF THE YEAR, ADMISSION, la, Children 6d. 12 97 G. J. NEILL, Secretary. 1 8 » 4. Christmas and New Year's Greeting FLETCHER BROS-,.' HAVE JUST RECEIVED EX GOTHIC— 100 cases Finest New Vestisan Currants f>o boxes Finest New Sultanas 30 boxes Finest New Valencias 50 boxes Finrsfc New Eleraes 25 boxes Australian Muscatels, to be cleared at 8d per 1b ALSO THE FOLLOWING JUST T'J HAND FOR CHRISTMAS TRA.DE- Jordan Almonds Dessicated Coeoanut Keene's Mixed Spice Preserved Fruits Preserved Ginger Pears, Peaches, Cordials, cC-c. ' Apricots, <fee. Valencia Almonds -*-lb bottles of Persian Sherbit, Sd per bottle. A splendid line of Christinas Cake in Fancy Baskets to be sold at Is Gd each. PLEASE NOTE that all these Goods are of the very FINEST QUALITY PROCURABLE, wbbh we intend to sell at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. A look at our windows will show. PRESERVING SEASON, 1895. JUST LANDING Ex AORANGL— 23 tons Finest Mauritius Cane Sugar (1164 bags) 2fd per Ib, £1 5* 5d per cwt Ibis is the FINEST CiNE SUGAR to. be go>, and jam, Ac, made with it will keep almost any length of time. NOTE ADDRESS FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON, AND LOWER HIGH STREET, OIIRISTOHURCH. Don't miss seeing our splendid show of Ohristmas Fruits, «fee. Holidays. Holidays. HOLIDAYS ARE NOW IN FULL SWING. ffiHE CHEAPEST HOUSK IN CANTERBURY FOI J);apery, Clothing, and Boots. G J. NEIL L. Flannelettes 2a lid doz?n I Doublo Bed Sheeting dhd Good Washing Print 3£d A Man's fieal Good Suic for a Pound A Holiday Dress for 3s"lld A Boy's Suit for 3s lid Calico 2s lid dozen BOOTS. BOOTS. Ladies' Shoes 4s lid j Men's Bluchers 4s lid M«h'a Nailed Shooters 7a llci I WE WILL BE OP£N AS TTfeUAL ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, AKD WILL RECOGNISE Wednesday, December 19, AS THE HOLIDAY, G. J. NEILL, EAST STREET, i'RIBDLANDER'B BUILDINGS.