MAIL NOTICES.

Note.—On December 25th, Christmas Day, the Post Office will be closed in all branches All mails will be closed at 6.30 a m. Oa December 26th, Boxing Day, the Post Office will be open from 9 a.m. till 10 a.m. only. There will be one delivery by letter carriers, commencing at 8 a.m., and no mails will be despatched after 10 a.m. The next parcels mai's for the United Kingdom, Europe, &c, will close on or about December 27th, per Kaikoura, from Welling ton ________

DEATH.

Bruce.—On Saturday morning, December 21, 1895, afc Wills Street, Ashburtoo, Muedoch Bruce, Ocean View, Seafield, Aged 56 years.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1895 CHRISTMAS, 1895.

Verily the wheels of Time roll swiftly ! But a little while ago, as it' seems to us, we were addressing our readers on the eve of the blessed season of Christmas, and lo I the same happy season is upon us again. And it is welcome to all—to old as well as to young 5 for it brings for a brief space surcease from toil, from the cares and worry of business, pleasant memories of the past, joyous gatherings and kindly courtesies in the present, and bright anticipations of the future. It is a time o? the gathering together of scattered families, of the forgiving and forgetting of offences and causes of offence, of gifts of goodwill, of thank ful remembrance of the goodness and mercy that have followed us ali the days of our life, of thoughts of charity and deeds of kindness towards our neighbours, especially for them that are in need, and of loving sympathy for all that are in sorrow—a time of general rejoicing, of good cheer, of music and song, and of the joyous laughter of children. It is one of the bright oases, one of the resting places in the journey of life, and it is welcome, £hrioe welcome to us all. As to its surroundings ~~ although these are changed, and for us there are no snows and hojlyberrjes, but instead the gjlorious s,unshino and the J^ow^rs and f rjaitp of summejr, yet the new condi tions are perhaps even better than thje old, and after all it is not the sur roundings of the physical sort that make j Christmas Christmas. It is its holy sanctions and its gracious spirit and happy associations phat make it the I blessed season that it always has been and always will be in all ages and in l all climes, and welcoming its return once more, we once more g,reet our readers with its old-fashioned and kindly aspiration— ," A Ifi^R]' CIIUISTMAS, L\ytf

NOTES.

the HON k. blake.

Among the curiosities of advertising I have noticed recently in a number of newspapers an announcement by various agents for reapers and binders of their readiness to supply farmers for £42 10s spot cash, afc £46 10s on two years' terms, and at £50 " when the purchaser's child attains his majority." Now, of course there are lots of farmers who cannot accept the last-mentioned offer for the simple reason that they don't possess a male grandchild, or, for the matter of that, any grandchild at all; but as regards those who do, even if the young chip of tbe old block be only a few weeks or days old, there can be no doubt that it is long odds that they will get the best of the bargain. For first of all there is the chance that the youngster will never live to be twenty-one, in which case the machine costs nothing, and even if he do, the use of £42 10s for twenty-one years for a total consideration of £7 10s for interest for the whole term would leave a profit as against present parting with tbe cash of more than the price of the machine. If there is a catch in the business I confess we don't see where it comes in unless, as I think may prove the case, some of the smart advertisers get caught them selves. For surely a person desiring to purchase, and who is able to fulfil the requisition of producing proof that he or she has a living male grandchild, may claim to be supplied with a reaper on the £50 twenty-one year terms, and if the child have four living grand parents it seems to me that four reapers might be claimed on the strength of that one child, if this sort of thing goes on till it extends to other branches of business I reckon that grandchildren will soon be at a premium.

Solomon I fear is somewhat at a dis count in these modern days, and tnore'e the pity, for among his counsels and precepts are not a few which it would be well for the world were not only kept in mind but acted up to. For example there is a maxim about " sparing the rod and spoiling the child" in which there is a lot of truth, Not by any means that indiscriminate or -unduly severe corporal chastisement is any better than no whipping atall, but there can be no doubt about it that both over severity and over indulgence are alike prolific causes of mischief. Nor is there any room to doubt that the argumentum baculinum is the only con vincing and effective argument in the case of certain offenders, of whom the Colonial " larrikin" is one of the modern types. Instance the disgrace ful conduct of some of these good-for nothing young imps incidentally ex posed at the recent inquest, Not even a savage of the most degraded race would be guilty of the wilful destruc tion of the means of saving life, and yet some of our Ashburton hoodlums have been guilty of tearing up life buoys, smashing up the cases contain ing directions for the treatment of the apparently drowned, and throwing the broken glass on the pathway used by bathers, not to mention the filthy use to which they have put the dressing rooms by turning them into latreens. The proper treatment of such young rascals as these is a preparation of birch applied to the skin with vigour, and we hope that some of them will one of these days be subjected thereto as a wholesome discipline to themselves and as a potent warning to others.

And referring to the recent sad acci dent, isads me on to say that our City Fathers deserve credit for the promp titude and thoroughness with which they have set to work to give effect to the suggestions of the jury and of the acting Coroner. They have done all that could be expected of them, and the public must npw do their part by endeavouring to protect the appliances and notices which are to be provided and displayed. Somebody says it is a case of " locking the stable door after the steed has been sto'en" but soroe^ body in so saying implies a censure on the Domain Board which is clearly not deserved, as precautions were taken long ago but were rendered nugatory by the action of the larrikins before referred to. And while on this subject yet another remark ; and that is that the circumstances surrounding the case of the poor little fellow who lost his life the other day point to at least two things as very necessary, namely that everybqdy should leafu whas t'g do when a body is taken from the water, and above all do it promptly. Nemo.

No doubt there are many colonists who have been asking themselves and their neighbors the

question—who

is the Hon E Blake ? Naturally they would like to know something of the man who sud denly and quite unexpectedly found greatness thrust upon him by being left in charge of the arbitration as* betwepn the Qovprnment ar*d the Mid land Railway Company. He is the umpire in the arbitration, and upon hig deliverance may rest the destiny of either cause. The Hon Edward Blake, M. A.Q 0 , was elected a member of the British House of Commons for the Southern Division of Longford in the Nationalist interest, in 1892. He is the eldest ?on of the late Hon W. H. Blake, Ontario, Canada, and was born in 1833 in tbe Middlesex county of the Dominion. He came of Irish parents, who emigrated to Canada shortly after his birth. His father'was Chancellor of Ontario, and was a staunch op ponent of the Union. Mr Blake was cd. at Upper Canada College, and graduated at Toronto. He afterwards practised at the Bar and entered Parliament. He is regarded as being the fir^i. Ca^jaq lawyer of the day 3 and his political record 'i_p' Canada is a most distinguished one. " He was first Premier of the Legislature of Ontario, after which he became Minister of Justice and Attorney-General in the Dominion Parliament under the late Mr Mackenzie. He came to England in 1892, with the reputation of be|ng the firsji ore^or ip Canada," hut the j speeches he has' tpade, both in and out of the !House, subsequent to his election for South Longford, which seat waa offered him by the Anti-Parnellite, leaders, have not been so successful as was anticipated. Mr Blake refused the offices of Chancellor of Ontario, of Chief .Justice of the Dominion, ats fhe b&fajr 'of Mghtbeod, were ajl

proffered him, and finally gave up the leadership of the Opposition, owing to his disagreement with the policy of commercial union with the States—a

policy which he feared was detrimental to the union with England. In 1876 he was appointed Chancellor of Toronto University, an office which he still holds.

A foolish impression is abroad in this county that when a person dies intes-

intestate estates,

tate, any estate left behind must

be administered by the Public Trustee. It is quite a mistake, and one that cannot be too soon rectified, and the strong im pression dispelled. We have no fault to find with the idea of a Public Trust Office. It can do very good work in its way; but it is somewhat costly to the estates it administers in the matter of commission, and this cost can be very well saved in many cases in which fairly well-educated and sensible people are perfectly qualified to do all that is necessary to do in the estates of deceased relatives of their own. The law runs thus—that when a person dies without a will, the nearest relative, or next kin, as such relative is called, is entitled to apply to the 'Oourt for letters of administration, empowering him or her to administer the deceased's estate, and tbe Oourt always grants such letters of adminis tration as a matter of course. Thus, if a husband dies intestate, his widow is entitled to apply to the Oourt; if the wife dies leaving property but no will the husband is entitled to take out letters of administration; or, if a man dies intestate, not leaving a widow, but children surviving, the eldest son is entitled to administer the estate, and so on. The Public Trustee can only come in, as a right, where there are no surviving relatives in the colony. If the nearest relative ad ministers the estate of the deceased the commission charged by the Public Trustee for his own services is thereby saved. We certainly think it objec tionable that the police should be employed in Public Trust Office business; they should be kept to their proper work of preventing and detect ing breaches of the criminal law, in which there is plenty of work for them without any extra tax of this nature being laid upon their time and energies.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Midnight mass will be celebrated in the Catholic Church to night. The mass will be choral, and the singers will be assisted by a strong orchestra.

Mr E. Mahood, storekeeper on tho East Belt, Ashburton, invites a call from his friends and customers during the coming Christmas season.

Conrespondence, a reporb of the cycling meeting at Melbourne, and other important news, will be found on the fourth page.

A cap match, Ashburton v Waimafce, arranged at the eleventh hour, will be played on the Domain ground to-morrow (Christmas day) to commence at 11 a,m sharp.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, notify else where that they will reoeive special entries of draught horses for Messrs Lloyd's sale, which takes place next Friday.

At Wellington, on January 6, tho Hon E. Biake, who is well known as one of the foremost members of the Irish Parliamen tary Party, is to give a publjc address on the Irish national movement.

We have to acknowledge, with thanks, receipt of a very pretty card containing a view of a pastoral scene with Mount Egmont In the distance and conveying the Christmas greetings of the Department of Agriculture.

The secretary of the Christchurch Hospital Board has received the sum of £32 10s, subscribed by the Chinamen of Christchurch for the benefit of indigent patients.

The Board of Governors of the Canter bury College has decided to purchase fifty acres of land adjoining the model farm and to expend £1300 in additions to the buildings, fences, fowl-houses, apiary, pig paddocks, etc.

The certificate of merit awarded by the Royal Humane Society to Mr Maurice Festu, third officer of the Rotomahana, for rescuing Constable Broberg from drownina in Wellington on November 3, 1894, was presented to him last week by bhe Mayor of Wellington.

The Ashburton Brass Band will give a sacred concert in Baring Square this evening between nine and ten o'clopk, and it is to be hoped that the police will attend and prevent the crowd of noisy children present on former occasions from spoiling 'he pleasure of their elders.

The Marlborough Express understands that a writ of summons in the Supreme Court has been issued against the Bank of Few Zealand by Mr Robert Donald, farmer, claiming £5000 damages for lodging a petition in bankruptcy against him, an i for defamation of character,

The Wellington _fvM reports that some 20 knots of thd new cable brought by the Taihul from London have been transferred to the cable steamer Terranora, which will lay it in Cook Strait in the course of a few days. 'J he remaining I_J knots vill be temporarily stored in th,e hulk Charles and Arthur.

Mr * To TO ' Mackenzie, M H.R, for the Qlutha district, seems to be a popular man in his district. At tjhe ©onoluslon of an addregg tq one of the largest audiences c?er assembled at Kelso, the member for the district received quite an ovation, and flowers were showered on him by the ladies present in the hall.

The choir a,ud Sp^day school teachers of Sb Stephen's Church and the St Andrews Brotherhood hold a picnic at Longbeaqh on New Year's day by kind permission of Mr Grigg, and will start from the sohool room at 780 a.m. Any friends of the church will be welcome. Those who can assist by lending buggies will oblige by informing Mr Ferriman.

That the coming harvest la expected to be a bountiful one and that the farmers are anxious to Bave it a3 expeditiously as possible may be gathered from the fact that Messrs Friedlander Bros., Ltd.., re port having already disposal gif n'oles* than forty Massey■Hsm&' binders in this district, atid that up to date the company have sold 3¥3 of the same machines in New Zealand, whioh at any rate pro^g that they are appreciated by the farmers.

At the inquests on Henry Hill, who died from injuries received on the rail way afc Christchurch on Saturday, the evidence of the driver and guard showed that the t\\m tgalked upon the line and deliberately laid his head on one of the rails, and a verdict of suioide while of un sound mind, brought on by long suffering frnru asthma, was returned. The train officials were exonerated from all blame.

Ashburton Domain Board

A special meeting of this Board took place lasb evening at the Borough Council Chambers. Present — His Worship the Mayor and all the members, except Coun cillor Paul.

On the motion of Cr Collins, seconded by Cr Cuthbertson, it was resolved that a letter be addressed to Mr Albert Roberts, express ins the Board's sympathy with him in his bereavement.

A lecter was read from Major Steward, as acting coroner, forwarding the rider of the jury at the recent inquest, and making suggestions as to precautions which might be taken to prevent similar accidents in tbe future.

Sergeant Moiler and Mr Albert Roberts also wrote making similar suggestions. Cr Orr moved that posts be put in the bath on the edge of the aeep water, and that a rope be stretched between them. Cr Brooke suggested that galvanised pipe be used instead of rope. .

Cr Thomas moved, as in amendment, that 3-inch wire cable be used instead of rope or piping. Cr Reid thought J-inch wire rope would be sufficient.

Cr Orr pointed out that wire rope could not be stretched tight enough to keep it above water for its entire length. Cr Reid suggested that the Engineer call tenders for chain, rope and wire. After further discussion, Cr Reid moved as an amendment, that a division he made showing the deep and shallow water, and that the manner of carrying thin oat be left to the Chairman and the Engineer. Seconded by Cr Brooke. The amendment waa lost by 5 to 4. Cr Reid moved as a further amendment that H inch piping be used. Seconded by Cr Brooke.-—Lost by 5 to 3 Cr Thomas/ proposal for wire rope, and notice boards was carried, and it was ordered that the work be carried out under the direction of the Mayor, the Chairman of the Domain Committee, and the Engineer Cr Brooke suggested that notices should be put up directing people to the nearest telephone instruments, viz., ab Mr Fooks/ and the Hospital. He moved accordingly i Cr Orr seconded the motion, and it was agreed to.

On the motion of Cr Brooke, it was resolved that a fresh set of directions for the treatment of the apparently drowned be obtained and put up at the dressing rooms, with a notice attached that persons destroy ing or defacing the same will be prosecuted. On the motion of Cr Orr, seconded by Cr Thomas, it was resolved that whenever any damage is done in the future in the Domain the same be reported forthwith by the care taker to the police. On the motion of Cr Cuthbertson, seconded by Cr Thomas, it was resolved thab in future bathing be not allowed after 8.30 p.m. Cr Collins thought it was desirable that it should be mentioned in the press that precautions had previously been taken by the Board to prevent accidents. The Engineer (Mr Pooka) said that posts had been put in for that purpose, but one of them had been removed by instruction, he believed, of the Captain of the Swimming Club.

Cr Thomas said there had been no post on the side of the bath where the accident occurred

Mr Books said that the Swimming Club had accepted the charge of the baths: Cr Brooke moved that the Curator be instructed to attend every evening at half past eight and see that the baths are cleared; —Agreed to.

Several members expressed the opinion that it would be a good thing if the whole management of the sports ground and baths were taken over by- the Domain Board, but no resolution was proposed The Board then adjourned

A Song for Christmas Morning.

—Wm. J. Steward.

Ouce again the morning, Of the day of days O'er the pathless ocean, Poura its golden rays. Over distant England, Wrapped in robes of snow, Lighting all her hill-tops, W Tith a rosy glow; Over northern regions, Bound in icy chains, Bathing in its glory, # Afric's sunny plains. O'er New Zealand's islands, Set like em'ralds three. All in blue and silver, By the circling sea, Aud once more the heavens Open wide o'er earth, Aud the choiring angels, Sing a Saviour's birth. Sing of peace and blessing God's goodwill to men, *' Glory in che highest, Evermore ! " —Amen. Yet though sure the promise, Though tine time is set- Time of peace and blessing— Ah, it is nob yet. And though blessed foretaste, Grace hath given to some, Joy hath pot its fulness Till His kingdom come. For alas ! hath Satan, Direful empire stilly Leading m?n and nations Captive at his will. Still the world hath sorrow, Sorrow born of sin, And from out the Orient Sounds the battle's din. And the widows' moaning, And the orphans' wail, And the cries of wou&dee. Load the eastern gale. Huiwwx jaida and passion, Working grievous wrong, And the cry to heaven Rises " Lord, how long 'i " And though God hath givcA To our nation pea.^ Life hath ajany troubles, Sorrows never ceaße, And there lies a shadow Over hearths to-day, Where Death from the circle One hath ta'en away. Yet, oh suffering peoples, Yet, oh hearts that mourn, There are blessed tidings In Heaven's anthem borne; Aad the eyes with weeping O'er life's sorrows dim, Gleam with hope and gladness At the angels' hymn. Bub a little moment We affliction share, Just across the threshold Joy awaits us there. List then to tho angels, And with patience wait, Till they come to bear us, Through the Golden, SMt% For though s^iip, a.s\d aoxpox One hrie^njejjht waaoy. ' Lo Si the morning c'meth And, with the „iorning, joy.

CRICKET.

Sydney, December 23

In the cricket match—Paddington v Burwood—the former put up the re markable score of 726 for five wickets No less than five batsmen passed the century—Mackenzie 155, A. Bannerman 122, Noble 113, Alderaon retired 113, Kelly, not out 106.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—MONDAY.

(Before Hon. Major Steward and Alfred Harrison, Esq., J.P-'e) Aixeobd Hoksb Steal__n«—John Henry Bennetts waa charged with stealing a bay gelding, value £10, the property of E. W. Roberts, and one roan gelding valua £10, the property of Mrs Wilkie. E. W. Roberts, farmer, Tinwald, said the horse outside the court was his property ; knew it by a brand on the near shoulder, some cuts on the hind leg and its general appearance and age, had owned it for eighteen months, valued it at £10, it had been grazing at Lagmhor for the past six months, had not sold it or given any one authority to remove it. Yesterday evening saw three men, of whom prisoner was one, leading the horse down the road near Tinwald, the prisoner waa not leading the horse, there was another loose horse following. When challenged, the man who was leading the horse said prisoner claimed it as his own and offered to sell it for £3. Demanded the horse from the man who was leading it and he gave it up to prisoner, saying he would have nothing more to do with It. Prisoner refused to give the horse up to witness and persisted in saying that it waa his own and took it up to the' Arcade, one of the other men going with him, and one going with witness to the police station. Constable Moore went up to the Arcade and took possession of the horse, accused repeating that it was his. The constable arrested accused and locked him up. To prisoner -Told you the horse was mine, you said no and that there was no brand on the horse. Told you it was branded Bon the nearshonlder. You did not say it waa not yours if ib was so branded. You refused to give the horse up to me. Re-examined—Told the men when he met them that he believed the roan belonged to the Lagmhor mob. —William Scott, a horse dealer from Timaru, first saw the prisoner yesterday. Went with his partner to help prisoner get some horses he said were his out of a paddock up the Lagmhor road. They brought away a bay horse branded R and a roan one, supposed to be a two-year old. Prisoner had offered to sell witness the horses for £S each.—Mr Roberts met them on the road and claimed the bay, witness's mate then handed lb over to prisoner, saying he would have no more to do with it. Prisoner still said tha horses were his. Witness corroborated the last evidence as to the horses being taken to the Arcade and the arresb of accused. Would have t%ken the horses at the price if satisfied they were prisoner's.—-Archibald Davis, partner of last witness corroborated his evidence. Had seen the bay gelding referred fco out side the court and the roan in the Pollca paddockthia morning. - IsabelUWilklehad seen a \three-year-old roan gelding in the police paddock, ib was worth £10 and was her property. It had been running in a paddock at Lagmhor for twelve months. past. She had not sold ib or given ifc away. Was sure it was her horse.— Harold Pocock knew prisoner, who n»d been working for his father foir eighteen days. Knew him by the name of .Tohn Bent. He left hip father**, employ on Thursday. On Friday afternoon he came out on horseback and in coversation said he 'had been to have a look at those horses' alluding to a number running afc Lagmhor, and said he was going to fetch one of them. Witness told him he had betternot interfere with]them,i;hey did not belong to him. Hearing this morning some horses had been taken from Lagmhor, witness went to the police and informed them.—Constable Moore (proved the arrest of prisoner, who, when charged with stealing the bay horse, said ib wns his and that he had had it a long time. The prisoner declined to give evidence on his own behalf and waa committed to tak_ his trial at the next sittings of th_ Supreme Court ab Timaru on February 4.

MIDLAND RAILWAY

Wellington, December 2*4

The arbitration award was made thw morning, and costs amounting to £6,800 are marked on it, of which £2100 go to the Hon. Mr Blake, It will not be lifted till after the holidays. The Company _ solicitors are very sanguine that the award is in their favour,. The concessions already agreed to amount to £50,000,

The Monroe Doctrine.

Londof, December 22

The London provincial and Euro pean exchanges closed last night more quietly, but heavy sales were effected.

The Standard's correspondent wires that stocks in New York continue ta> fall. The Baltimore merchants peti tioned Congress to arbitrate.

President Cleveland's second, message was badly received. The President has signed a Bill appointing a com mission tbe members of which will probably visit Madrid and The Hague to examine the ancient records bearing on the subject. It is stated that high officials have informed the Washington Government that the researches of tha commission will probably confirm England's claim.

Th» New York World implored Mr Gladstone to speak words of peace and fellowship, to soothe the passions and) check the clamor of the Americans. Mr Gladstone cabled that he dare not interfere. Only common sense was required. December 28 The Berlin and Vienna Press cony tinue to support England's attitude. Spanish statesmen suggest an. alii* anee with England in the event of war. Paris, Dec^ m b e r 22 le Temps thinks it Edacious to suppose that England will abide by tbe finding of a s^if. a ppointod com mission; Washington, December 22 The Oou^vess referred the President's second "message to the Committee of . and Means, and adjourned til! Monday. The Senate adjourned till Tuesday. Vienna, December 23 A panic occurred on the Vienna Stock Exchange, resulting in enorm ous losses, and scores of failures. Tha Rothschilds intervened, and bought 50,000 shares. New York, December 23 A feature of the panic on the New York Exchange was the" heavy sales of stock by German holders. The Professors of Harvard Univer sity have petitioned Congress for the maintenance of peace. Universal prayers for peace were offered in the churches throughout the United States. The President's message is generally denounced as the crime of the century. The New fork World publishes a powerful indictment against Mr Cleve land's unprovoked incendiarism. The Republican members of the Committee of Ways and Means are is Eavour of the imposition of a duty oh wool which, with the issue of low-pricedl bonds payable in gold, it is urged 3 would meet the present financial crisis, [t is doubtful whether such a proposal -cttld pm ths Senate. r r

THE ASMJBUftTOtt GTJARDIAI* : TtJESDA*, DEOUMBEIt 24, 1866.



Business Notices. j Cheaper Than Ever. G. J. NEILL IN Premises lately occupied by F. Nokes, Bootmaker, next Shearman Bros Ladies' Trimmed Hats 4s lid Boys' and Girls' Sailor Hats lOd each MILLINERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. ladies' Norfold Bodice 2s 9d New Dress Goods Goods 6|d Good Washing Prints 3s lid dozen New Dress Goods Is Good Whit© Muslin 3s lid dozen Corsets 2a 3d pair GLOVES AND RIBBONS AT YOUR OWN PRIOE. Men's All Wool Colonial Tweed Suits 19s 6d Boys' Trousers at Any Price Men's Kaiapoi Tweed Suits 22s 6d Men's Trousers 5s lid B°yBHATS, 3BCAPS, SHIRTS, AND TIES AT HALF PRIOE BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. All Our Boots are made Specially to our order. Every Pair Guaranteed. Men's Nail Shooters 7s lid Somen's Shoes 4s 6d Men's Bluchers 4s 9d Women's Shoes 5s lid BSS» 6AHD SHOES J_^ EVERY DESCRIPTION G* J- NEILL, BURNETT STREET NEXT SHEARMAN BROS. Mew Jewellery for Christmas and Mew Year Presents JUST RECEIVED DIRECT FROM THE HOME MANUFACTURERS. A NICE SELECTION OP SMALL AND INEXPENSIVE ARTICLES SUITABLE FOR CHUIITIiIi J*RI£!SFMT§. JUT Pay a Visit Jo the Leading Jewellery Establishment in the district^ where is to be seen the Largest and Finest Stock of Gold and Silver Jewellery 2J t B. All Goods marked m plain figures specially Loio for the CHRISTMAS TRADE. DIXIT WATCHES, Open face and Hunting cases, from 20s to 30s, are tbe Best 8. BAL EX, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, EAST STREET. CHRISTMAS 1885. The c:ompH-nents of the Season to All. — MBIT FRUIT — FLETCHER BROS.. HAVE JUST RECEIVED their "First Shipment of New Season's Fruit and it is Without Doubt some of THE FINEST FRUIT THAT HAS EVER COME TO THIS MARKET 40 Cases Finest Vostizza Currants 5 Oases Preserved Peaches TO Oases Finest Eleme Raisins 5 Oases Preserved Apricots ] 0 Oases Finest Valencias 5 Oases Preserved Pears, etc? Cases Finest Sultanas 10 Boxes Muscatels, Spanish and 2 Cases Finest French Prunes Oalifornian 50 Dozen Essence Lemon, 25 dozen 5 Boxes Persian Dates Essence Vanilla, Cochineal, etc., 10 Boxes Turkey Figs specially prepared for Fletcher 5 Oases Preserved Ginger j} ros> 5 Boxes Dessicated Cocoanut 3 Cwt feeing Sugar 2 Oases Valencia Almonds 2 Cases Jordan Almonds 2 Sacks Walnuts 3 Cases Sicily Almonds 5 Sacks Barcelona Nuts 5 Owt Scotch Mixtures 5 Owt Conversations Freservin^ Reason 1895-96. We have in Stock and to Arrive IS TONS OF FINEST CANE SUGAR IN 561b and 70lb BAGS. This Sugar can be thoroughly relied upon for making jam of finest quality. This Sugar is solely used by Kirkpatrick •in the manfacture of their Celebrated '__' Jams. Jam Jars. Jam Jars, IN ALL SORTS ANB SIZES AT PRICES WITHIN THE REACH OF ALL Mason Jars, quarts and half-gallon sizes; lib Glass Jars with tops, 21b Glass Jars with tops; Wbite Jaw, three itia.nest^also anice linelof TUMBLERS, AT A VERY LOW FIGURE; Renin's Patent milk Racket, We hare in stock these celebrated Buckets, with or without Strainer. This is really a Splendid Patent and is a much superior idea to the old style of Bucket. The following are five reasons why you should buy one:— ---(1) It is perfect for holding between the knees while milking (2) The corner forms a lip for easy pouring (3) It is much easier, to carry than the round bucket (4) It is not so cumbersome (5) It will hold three and a half gallons FLETCHER BEOS., CASH SUPPLY STORE-, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON, i AND 1116 and 118 Htyh Strws^ Ohristchurch. Box 67 * Telephone 24



Wanted. fjiiG Let—Six roomed lluuse. OamwiMt. j .1. street west. Possession January 1. < Apply ; Geo. Lbp, Builder. 12 162 j oPEOIALi Value iti Toy*, Dolls, and O" Fancy Goods for To-night. Come for supplies for Santa Ciaua. The best . selection and lowent ca«h value in Ashburton. ISew Goods.— H. M. Jones i \X fANTEL) Known—Cycles thoroughly /V overhauled and enamelled. Tyres a specialty.—X. Knight, Eclipsa Cycle Works, Tancred Sui-eat, opposite Arcade. 12 85 a/ AJNTjUD, to Lease, in Geraldine or W Aahburton counties, House, con taining five or six rooms, bathroom with garden and paddock. — iKUMMOND- Sharpb, Mount Fyfle, Kaikoura, Marl boro. 12 152 WANTED Known—MbsSmith, Dress maker (late of London West), has Removed from Cameron street to Have lock street, opposite Army Barracks. 12 148 FOR SALE — Fonr^roomed Honse, t Washhoase, Two stalled Stable, and Buggy Shed. Apply—Mrs Bright, Alford Forests Road. 12 fl7 WANTED Known—so pairs Ladies and Girls* Leather Top and Oanvas Tennis Shoes, at half usual price, for two weeks only.—Andbbw Orr 10136 ENRY 'HOOPER, Ri?er Bank Garden, Ailenton, begs to notify that he will call on old customers and new ones three times a week with Vegetables and Fruit of all kinds in season. Young plants for sale. 11 104 WANTED Known—24o Pairs of Sample Boots at cost price.— Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known—We are now showing all kinds of Summer j Drapery, Millinery, &c. Everything marked -as low as possible.—H. 0. Segers, Melford House. ANTED Known—No old fashioned Goods at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. HOLIDAY Suits—A IS ice Kaiapoi fcuit for 27s 6d, Boys' Knicker and Cambridge Suits from 7s 6d, Men's Suits to Measure from 455, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed at R. Alcorn's WANTED Known—Men's Suits 17s 6d, Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers 9s lid, Knicker Suits 4s ild, Caps 6d,— Ihe Comer. W. H. Collier THE Very Latest.—Strawberries and Ice Cream 6d per plate at H- A. Flower's, the People's Confectioner, j Iced Boston Cream and other drinks. j WANTED Know,v-Girls* neat Kid Shoes 5s 6d at Mellor's Zea landia Boot Store. .I/fEN'S Bluchers ss, a good Strong *-»A Nailed Shooter at 8s 6d ; a nice assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots and Shoea from Is 9d a pair at R. Alcorn's WA IS TED—Ladies to see the latest styles in Boots and Shoes.— Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known—Go loThe Corner for Newest Styles In Drapery and Millinery-W. H. Collier. O/"ANTED Known—For good value V* in Drapery, Millinery, &c, go to Melford Hmise. Tickets tor presents ptven to 8.11 cash purchasers.—H. C. Segers, TO LADIES - Spring Cleaning. Before re-arranging your roomi pay us a visit. Our Stock of Furnishing Drapery it. very Urge, and includes everything necessary for the beauty and comfort of a home.—-Mitchell and Turner. OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., ab Mrs Alcorn s new shop, Baker's Buildings. -*/AN lED Known—Mellor's Zea VV landia Boot Store is the cheapest Boot shop in Ashburton, _ : . • WANTED Known- Dresses made to order in our well-known superior style and finish for 10s 6d.—Ashburton Drapery Company. 11178 / ENTLEMEN who wish to dress " T comfortably, and with good taste and economy, should visit our Clothing and Outfitting Department.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known—Repairing mide to look like new. Melvk's Zealandia Boot Store. TRY FLETCHER BROS, for your Christmas Fruits. They are ot the finest quality that are procurable, and at the lowest possible prices. See the quality and judge for yourselves,— Fletcher Bros., Ashburton W" AN'rED~_Tnown—Mellors BooTs and Shoes stand like brass ; try , a pair. | fc/ ANTED Known—We are now V V giving Tickets for Presents to all cash purchases of Lrapery, Millinery, &c. —H. C. Segefs, Melford Hous«. 11/ ANTED Known— Stacks of cheap W Boots and Shoea at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. •i \. ANTED Known—Mellor's Zea- V\ landia B.jot Store has Ladies' Kid Shoes at 6s 6d. V^TANTED Known—l am a Buyer of ' ' Bottlfs-pints, quarts. Whiskey, and I'randy ; also Old Iron, wrought and cast; Bones in large or small lots ; Zinc, Brass, and Horse H»ir.—Charles Brown, bottom of Havelock, Street, Ashburton. 11144 W~ ANTE D—Every body to examine the Goods and Prices at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. AmTjaßS^ TaMJ a liS. —Fletcher Bros, are just landing a large ship ment of Jam Jars of all kinds. Ma«on Stfrejr Top Jars in Quart and Half-gallon Jars afc y.ery low prices, also Fruit Preserving S_a»r of the very best quality, in 561b and 70'.b ' iiagp, at equally low rates. —Fletcher Bros, East Street, Ashburton. Telephone 24 /THRISTMAS and New Year Presents \j -^-Boys and Girls and other New Annuals. Mew Books for School Prizes er Presentations, Sehopl Committees and others supplied at Lowest P/rfces,. New Fancy Goods, including Japanese, (fancy ! China and glass ware. Toys of v^riotfs kinds «u4 afc all Plices A]l Boods afc Lowest pv'\m feriOash.— L. f, Andrewes and Co., Stationer's Hall pHRISMIAS, 1.895—1 beg fa $a 4 v^ my friends and the public afc large for the liberal support extended to me since I started business three months **o. I have now received a quantity of .Goods wtobfo lot the Christmas and New Year tr«<fc, se^nd to none in Ashbuirfcon, and at #. price yfthin the reach of all. A trlaj j^clt^d.—E. Mahooo, East Belt Cash Store. WANTED Known—W fW are h*rd on Boots try MftftW'9 £eatagd)» Eoofc Store.



One Box oyClarke's B 41 Pills is warran feed to care all discharges from the Urinary Organs, in either sex (acquired or conaii tutional), Gravel and Pains in the Back, Guarranteed free from Mercury, S^Jd in Boxes 4s 6d each, by s\ll pj^istg and Patent Mediae Y^dofS ti^opghouh the World. Proprietors : The Lincoln and MipiyANp CooN*Ml>BuoCo|«i'AnY ! Lincoln, Bfo land



Breaking the Record,. —Messrs Craig head and Berryman are evidently doing a very large tailoring business this season. What everybody says musn be true " with regard, to their reduced prices, good fit, etc., A 1& Who require new suits for Christmas should read their new advertisement on our fourth page. Bargains,—Ladies' Straw Hats, Trimmed Bats, White and Cream Laces. See our windows,—Ashbnrtop Prapery Compwy



DRESSES ! Dresses ! Dresses ! Trim rainaia of all kinus. Millinery and Mantles, Jackets and Blouse?, New and Stylish Goods afc moderate prices.— Mitchell and Turner 7wtisll_i__Bl£_^ v^ 1895 96. A New. Choice »nd Beauti ful Assortment of the latest designs, Packets of Cards at »ll prices fco suit everybody. Booklets, Fancy Calendars, etc.—L. F. Andbewes & Co., Stationers i H.4U 12 15 B!'l'___gL,__lll!,"Jll ■'.'"l '! I-"- MIIL-".■■l'J'l'.^lS A iSHBURTOK rVRAPERY (COMPANY. J SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. f N PLACE OP CHRISTMAS AND JL jjew YEAR PRESENTS, from the 14th to the 31st Demceber in clusive, We will Give Our Customers A SPEOIAL DISCOUNT OF ONE SHILLING off every pound's worth purchased at our establishment. TERMS STRICTLY CASH. DRESSMAKING A SPECIALTY, lOs 6d, Ladies' Own Material Made Up. Ashburton Drapery Company, '' Corner of Arcade and Burnett street. 12 68 [ ~ ' THE HOLIDAYS ! JUST OPENED A FEW CASES OF SPECIAL GOODS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON Straw Hats, l^ofb Felt Hats, Tennis Hats from la 9d. New Shapes in Hard Felt Hats. Special Feather-weight Soft Felt Hats l£nz. Frame Hats in all the latest shapes A glance at our Christmas windows will show y«u that we keep the Largest and Best Assorted Stock of HATS in the district NEW TIES, NEW SILK HANDKERCHIEFS For travelling—A Large Assortment ot GLADSTONE BAGS, LEATHER PORTMANTEAUX, AND HAND BAGS TO ATHLETES: Running Pants and Shirts in all Colors Tennis Shirts, Cycling Tearing Shirts, Cricketing Shirts and Trousers NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. __ j j j