MAIL NOTICES.

Mails cl«se for the following places as under, auVjecfc to the necessary altera tions : — TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19. From Wellington and Westport, per Oma pere, at 6.3) a.m. For Northern Ports, per Corinna, at 6.30 p.m. THUBSDAY, NOVEMBER 21. For Nortiern Ports and Australian colo nies, per Hturoto, at 6.30 a.m. The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco, will close on Wednesday, November 27th. Due London January 1.

DEATH

Ewen.—Oh November 18, at the resi dence oE his uncle, F. G. Capon, Winchmore, William George Ewbn, aged 17 years and 7 months.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1895.

Army Reform in England continues to prove a fruitful topic of discus sion in the Home ARMY REFORM, journals. One of

them says we want first, " a central will to give the energy necessary to driye the whole machinery. That it is sought to provide in the present scheme by forming a strong committee of the Cabinet, and charging it with the especial care of the national defence. If we cannot get driving power that way it is difficult to get it at all under a system in which the Sovereign reigns but. does not govern. We want, in the second place, that rigorous and impartial selection of men of ability for important posts which is so very difficult to secure in an army like ours. One of the most urgent of all reforms is the break ing down of the system of dis tributing among a certain number of gentlemen with claims or in fluence the different posts of emolu ment and importance. There is far too much " taking care of Dowb " in our Army. Men march through a succession of posts tenable for five years, although they have no special 1 qualifications for any one of them, simply because they are in the set to ' which these posts are traditionally dedicated. The third thing urgently j wanted is minor decentralisation. Far more initiative and responsibility ought to be assigned to general officers commanding, and even to colonels of regiments. Far leas interference with administrative work ought to be allowed to the civilians at head quarters or to soldiers no longer in touch with the" actual fighting body. Not only should we in that way secure far greater efficiency without any loss of proper control, but we should have large numbers of officers going through an administrative train^ mc now denied them, and thus prepar ing worthily to recruit the ranks of the higher administration, now so sorely in

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

! Professor Charleston lectures to men I only m the Orangoi Hall to night.

IThe South Australian Government has pmchased a steam lifeboat. She has a ■ speed of eight miles per hour.

Two separate trusts have been formed to de»l with Colonel North and Lord Fingall's profits from the Londonderry Mine, GcoJgardie.

Trie Admiralty is engaging the Zealand Shipping Company's suamer Tongarito for tha transport of troops to operate against the Ashantees.

The Victorian bowlers have received an invitation from the Northern Bowling Association to vhit Auckland in Feb ruary. According to the official record half an inch of rain fell in ten minutes on Wed nesday last during a thunder storm at Wellington.

Amongst the passengers by the Mararoa which left Sydney for Auckland on Sun day, are Sir Henry Norman. Sir Bruce Burnside, and Sir Charles Lilley.

Eighb Athol Clydesdales, ex Southern Cross, weresubmitted toauction inLondqn and realised 200 guineas. The best of the lot brought 40 gnineas and the worst 15| guineas*

The New Zealand Herald reports that at the meeting of the Sir George Grey Statue Committee, at Auckland last Mon day, "further considerable sums were handed In."

The' Southland Times states that the Bluff Harbor Board has decided bo procure the Ofcago Harbour Board's big dredge for fehe purpose of deepening the berthage at the Bluff wharf. The Union Mortgage and Agency Com pany of Australia's balance sheet shows a net profit of £18,873, of which £10,000 ia placed to tha reserve fund and the remainder carried forward.

Ib is stated in certain circles that either Mr A. E. G. Rhodes or Mr G. T. Booth

will be nominated by the National Association to contest the Christchurch seat in the event of Mr W. P. Reeves accepting the Agent-Generalship.

The Marquis of Salisbury has declined a request to convene a conference of representatives of various nations to discuss the question of prohibiting gambling in wheat, as it is difficult to decide between genuine and fictitious dealings.

While H.MS. DarJ; was stationed at the Islands, one of her marines caught a shark, the stomach of which contained a sheepskin (thrown over from the Dart two days before), two fish each five feet long, nine crabs, a lot of tortoishell, * soup and bouilli' tins, and two sheets of brown paper. The shark measured fourteen feet long, and six feet in girth.

The Panama titar and Herald, of Ootober 12, published details of the earthquake which occurred in British Honduras on Sunday, September 8, thar. are alive with horrors. At Yetipan 153 bodies were found, and there ara many other persons missing. At Corajuanca 95 and at Coryascott 111 dead bodies have been discovered Monday and Tuesday there were fearful shocks. Volumes of [flame and smoke, hundreds of feet in height, were visible in the mountains. La?a engulfed a Urge number of cattle, and rocks fell in the neighbourhood like hail. The earthquake is said to have been the most terrible ever known in Central America. Since the founding of Liberia, 74 years ago, nearly 20,000 American negroes have gone to that colony. Liberia is to-day in treaty relations with all tha Great Powers and is performing politically and industri ally, tha functions of a national organisa tion. But would it be wise for all American blacks to go to Liberia or to Africa generally? Dr E. W. Blyden, Siberian Minister to England, in an instructive article on the subject in the North American Beview (September), does not advocate an immediate exodus of negroes from the United States, but he believes that West Africa will eventually become the home of all civilised blacks. Europe has done much for Africa (Dr Blyden says) but America can and will do infinitely more. ' Both development and progress in Africa will linger until tha United States, both Government and people, black and white, take a wider and deeper practical interest in the affairs of that continent.' The Seafield school, examined on October 16 by Mr h. B. Wood, one of the Board's inspector's, has obtained a very satisfactory report. Out of 26 pupils present, there was only one failure in the pass subjects, while the class and addi tional subjects gain pleasing notice. Miss Fechney is the sole teacher, and the 1 following are the inspector's remarks on her work:—The pupils of this small school have received a vary careful pre paration, and in the main the results oE the examination are worthy of commenda tion, Good progress hag been made in the most important branches of instruction, attainments in the subjects of the pass group being on the whole distinctly creditable. Of the other subjects, the grammar of standards 111. and IV., and the needlework of the girls possess most merit. Some advance may be expected in 'the quality of the handwriting. The I Board Secretary, writing to the Committee ! has a note to the effect that the report is a very creditable one. Bishop Grimes conducted confirmation service in the Church of the Holy Name yesterday afternoon At eleven o'clock mass, His Lordship preached a most able and rousing sermon, taking as his text the parable of the grain of mustard seed, and tracing in most fascinating word pictures the rise of Christianity from the Birth at Bethlehem to the present day. Specially beautiful was his Lordship's picture of j the fisherman's appearance before the Roman throne and the announcement of tho near approach of the time when the heathen temples in Rome would become temples of the living God, and the priests who offered obscene sacrifices and unholy incense would give place to priests and preachers of the gospel. The sermon was a very brilliant one, purely pastoral, and had it been listened to by evangelical ears, the listeners would have failed to find out from the preacher the essential differences thab divide the two great sections of the Christian Church. In the afternoon the church was again crowded. The area of tha building was occupied by about 200 young people, the girls all dressed in the white raiment which is customary on such occasions, and pre senting a most striking spectacle. The boys were on the left hand side of the area and the girls on the right, and the

J work of examination of such an army of i young people waa no mean undertaking J for His Lordship. After the confirmation His Lordship delivered an address to the young people, which, laid to heart, re membered, and the advice given acted upon, should help much to keep the hearers oat of much trouble and sorrow in after life. Benediction concluded the service which lasted over two hours and a half.

CORRESPONDENCE

We do not hoid ourselves responsible far tho opiDioas expiessed by our correSDcradnntsl

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.

TO THE EDITOK.

Sir, —I have read yoar article and " Parent's" letter on ttie above subject-, and although both perfectly true as far as they go, f*U far short of the strictures thsfc may fairly be made on the present Education system. To take the school commitfces first: Who are they composed of ? Men, for the most part, who have never occupied any other position of responsibility, and would nob be trusted In one. They are on the Committee to gratify their own little self importance, and to excercise an authority they have never learned to use with judgment. With true *' Jack in office " propensities, they endeavour to uhow if by tryaimiaing (in cliques) over one another and over ' che unfortunate teachers, whose health or comfort is not a matter for their consider ation. One committee man says,'' What do teachers want holidays for ? They are paid to work. I don't want my youngsters at home wearing out their clothes ?" What do teachers do 1 I say it is unfortunate (if he were capable) that this mau cannot be shut up in an overcrowded school like that at Ashbur ton, and made to talk throughout an ordinary summer's day (to say nothing of nor'westers) to a class of from 60 to 90 sm%U childrcD, and keep them under con trol at the same time. A few auch trials and he would perhaps be more liberal in his Ideas of holidays. The sooner School Committees cease to exist the better is the opinion of many Intelligent men. But this is play compared with the sweating system under which the Board of Education supplies the country with a cheap teach ing staff. Take the case of pupil fceaeher§, say a young girl from 14 to 18 or 15 to 19 years of age. What is her life 1 Bhe has to travel from one to three miles or more, and be at School at 8 a.m t summer and winter, in all weathers, and be heard her own lessons till 9 30, after which she has fro teach a class all day till 3.80. After that she does other drudgery keeping children in, making up regis ters, etc , —and seldom leaves the school till 4.30 or 5 p.m., after chat she can go home; but as soon as her evening meal is over she has to grind away, generally till 10 or Jl p.m., at her own lessons for the morning. True, she is allowed an hour in the middle of the day, but this ia usually taken up with a bit of lunch in her hand, learning har lesson to save a little time in the evening. And the teaching does not always mean merely assisting a certificated teacher. If she is a capable and trustworthy girl, she is put in full charge of a class of sixty or seventy children ; and so it goes on for a weary four years, if her health bears bhe strain, which Is seldom the case. At the end of the four years she can go to the Normal School for another year, and after aU this, what is her reward ? No matter what her attainments or teaching ability, it is the remote chance of an appointment in some remote corner of the colony, on a small salary, with the roughest of lodging, often only procurable several miles from the school, unless indeed she chancas to have a relation on a School Committee in a more populous locality, when qualification being a minor consideration she may gat a better billet. No one can reflect for a moment without realising the downright cruelty of such treatment of young girls—children in reality—at a time of life when reasonable rest and enjoyment is moat necessary for the healthy development of both mind and body- In other countries grinding for an examination ia thought sufficient without teaching all day as well, and one would think half a day's teaching ia the most that should be required. It does not need medical testimony to prove this, but such testimony would tell thosi who care to enquire that in this district (as probably in others) the health arid consti tution of these girls, with very few ' exceptions, has been utterly ruined. I could supply a long list of them myself, ' with many male pupils added. All this 1 pain and misery ia caused partly by the system of cram countenanced by the 1 j Board of Education and promoted by their Inspectors (who are a part of the system ; and generally have not an idea beyond it) • and most of this cram, which there is no room to discuss here, consists cf utter rubbish, to the exclusion of more useful 1 knowledge, on top of which our 1 intelligent Committees are continually 1 agitating to pile up what they 1 usually term "tactical" education, ambulance, and goodness knows what else. 1 But the chief cause lies in the disgraceful 1 sweating system adopted by tho Board of 1 Education in providing cheap teachers. I who are under their system nearly worked ; to death, on nominal pay, for five years, ' and then cast off to shift for themselves and be replaced by fresh ones—appren i tices—-and in this way and for present expediency the Board knows it is training far more teachers than It can ever expect to employ, W© have a Minister of Labor who is also Minister of Education. On the one hand, we have the laborer (who as a class is better off than the rest of the community, who is not to work more than eight hours, nor to be competed with by apprentices or foreigners. He Dust have a half holiday every week, and according; to the latest decision must not even sleep In a fcent for a month in midsummer The laborei? has many votes. On the other hand, we have the same Minister with a Board of Education under him, which maintains one of the cruellest systems ever seen, destroying. year by year, the minds and bodies of hundreds of young people, if nof- for direct profit to save money. Pupil teachers have no votes, and are not as numerous as laborers. Any one acquainted with the subject would consider a class of thirty pupils quite large enough for one adult teacher; but what have we here? At the Ashburton school for 500 pupils there are five certificated and five pupil teachers or fifty pupils for every teacher, big %nd little, and no doubt some of the classes run from sixty to ninety pupils each. At Hampstead. with 400 pupils, there are four certificated teachers and five pupil teachers, or nearly forty-five pupils to each teacher. Or, to pub it another way, there are more apprentices than teachers in the pro portion of 10 to 9. The payment of teachers on attendance has also led to very serious evila^ and should be abolished, but I must not take up your space with details of this and other Important matters. Going back to the first parL of my subject, it is to be hoped that the Ashburton School Committee will re consider their decision to curtail the summer holiday—ifc is only fools who never change their minda—as the first effect will be to inflict unnecessary hard ship on their already overworked pupil teachers, who, after the breaking up, have to spend a trying and anxious week at their examination in Christchurch, and consequently will have only three weeks' holiday instead of the five or six the whole school should get,-—I an, etc..

COMMERCIAL.

vt r, ,  London. November 15 hew Zealand long berried wheat ex ware house nomiial; South Australia* flat, 28* 3d ; Victorian 28s 3d, quiet, ./ew Zealand frozen mutton, first quality, 4d Per £ ! "econd do, 3sd ; lamb, 5$ Ihe Maori King's cattle are bringing 2s 4d and a few 2 B Bd. The Nairnabire B%attta are rough and old, and are mostly wasted.

mv , November 16. The money market is dull owing to China's unexpected withdrawal of two million Bter hag.

m. P . m Paris, November 10 The Breach Tariff Committee aremfavour ot a sliding acale of duty on corn, mv . ADEhAI^, November 10 Ihe statement which ia current that the 20,000 tona of wheat for export ia altogether wrong. It is questionable whether a quarter of that amount will be available. t*uai:i*r

adrjerjaerhgfa

Butter - Market dull. Australian fine

FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT.

Lyttelton Times.

An accident, which resulted in th« death of a young woman, oosorred at the Ohristchurch Railway Station on Sunday mghfc on the arrival of the train reaching Otafltchurch from Lyttekon at 9.40 p.m. Ihe feram came in at the northern plat form, and, as it was palling ap , M r Ferry (the head portar) passed along the side, calling oat to the passengers to wait till the tram stopped. He heard a woman's scream from beneath the second carriage, and at once called to the driver to 8?op immediate y. The train came to a stand - I *'« V ardß» ™& »yoangwoman wag found ]yi» g on the ralla at the rear of the second carriage. The carriage had to be ancoupled in order to get her out, and she waa lifted to the platform and taken to the waiting-room by Mr Perry with the help of the guard of the train, Vernazoni md Constable Miljard. When lifted np she waa evidently dying, and she expired m 9 tew moments. She was terribly mangled, the upper part of her body and her arms being crashed, and the lower part of her face disfigured. So far as could be ascertained, no one saw her tall under the train, bat it Is gap posed that she was on the rear platform ot the first carriage, either attempted to get off or fell before the train stopped, *j * the whole four wheels on on® side of the second carriage—a bogie— passed over her. Dr Thomas was tele phoned for as soon as she was brought to the waiting-room, and arrived in a few minutes, but surgical aid was of no avail. 1 he unfortunate girl appeared to be about twenty-one or twenty-two years of age. bhe was of medium build, fair complexion and fair hair. Her hands were somewhat wora and discoloured, as if she had been accustomed to domestic work. She waa dressed in a dark blue serge skirt, a red flanneJ oetticoaf with plaid stripe, a loose print blouse, white, with a bluish pattern on it, and a white straw sailor hafc with a ribbon striped In light felua and white. She had a dark blue neak-kerchief with white spots, and a new pair of blue canvas shoes. In her pocket were a brown leather purse with 16s 2d in money, a white handkerchief with pink figured border, and bearing the initials M.H., a S? I ** and a small w°oden whistle. Ihe body was not identified at the time of the accident, and was taken to the Termi nus Hotal to awaic an inquest,

_, , . Chbistchurch, Monday JJie body of the young woman killed on bunday night bas been identified as that of Margaret Harti?an, aged nineteen, a domestic servant at Livingstone's board ing house. Her father resides at New- Flymonth, and her mother at Lyfctelton. Deceased was returning from a visib to the latter.

CYCLING.

*HB SimitKY CARKITAI

*.., « Sydney, November 16 At the Cycling Carnival there was the largest attendance ever seen on the cricket grounrt. It is estimated that over 30,000 were present, and the crush was so great that it levelled the railings in front of the grand stand, and overflowed fche ground The following are the results :—HaTf-Sffile Championship of Australasia,—Zimmerman 1, Parsons (Victoria) 2, Iredale (Victoria) 3 t Lewis (Sydney) 4. The other competitors included Megaonand the Italian rider Porte, who failed to win their heats. Parsons made the running until entering on the last lap. with Zimmerman last, but the latter came on the outside with a phenomenal spurt, and leaving the others as if moored, won as he liked by thirty yards. The winner received a great ovation, and it) is generally admitted that such riding as his has never before been seen in Australia. The ti/ne was l,mm 16 3-sth sec. The last lap occupied 31sec and the last half of the lap 15 2-sth sec. Wheel Race—Harkins (Sydney) 1, ffawley(Sydney) 2, Lynch (Newcastle) 3. Won easily by 25 yards. Time, smin 5 4-oth sec. First Class Handicap, of one mile and a half—Megson 1. Parsons 2, Payne S. Martin, of America, did not start. There was a magnificent finish. Megson, who won by a few inches, is not in the best of health. He completely collapsed after crossing the line, and had to be carried to the pavilion, where he w»s attended by a doctor. He soon recovered. Time, 3min 54 2-sth sec<

BOOKS WE READ.

One of the most valuable little pubiica tioas, illustrated and bristling with interes ting and instructive matter, haa beea recently published by Messrs R. H. Warner & Co., Melbourne, The first edition was a very large one, and no doubt its circulation will be several hundred thousand. The title ' Age, Youth, Beauty, and Devotion,' is exceedingly apropos, for if; treats of an intetesting subject. Some books are written to please our passing fancy for humor; others for the student) of the world's events ; others as instructors in political economy • but this book treats of health, and tells how to obtain the maximum degree ef health aft a minimun cost* Mr W. A. Lawson,' Book keeper to the well known firm of Jones & Co , Emu Bay, Tasmania, writes: • After reading the book published by Messrs Warner & 00. (which is obtainable by a request on postal-card), I was induced to give Warners Safe Cure a trial. About nine years ago I was stricken with rheumatic fever, which left me without any use of my legs from the hips down, and I lav like that for eighteen months, during which time I suffered terrible pain in my legs. It felt at times as if the bones were fairly crumbling away, and the pain I suffered with my urine was something terrible. The doctors could do nothing, but gave me laudanum or morphia to lessen the pains. After about eighteen months of suffering like this I commenced Warner's Safe Cure. The first; bottle seemed to make me worse, but after taking the fourth I could move my lega slightly, and all pains left me I continued taking it, and after the eigkth bottle I could get out of bed and move about. It took eleven bottles to cure me. Naturally it affords me pleasure to testify to, the value of this medicine.'

TBE ASHBtRTON GDaBDIAN, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1895.



Business notices. Cheaper Than Eyer. G. J. NEI L L IN Premises lately occupied by F. Nokes, Bootmaker, next Shearman Bros Ladies' Trimmed Eata 4a lid Boys' and Girls' Sailor Hats lOd each MILLINERY OF EVEEY DESCBIPTION. Ladies' Norfold Bodice 2s 9d New Dress Goods Goods 6&d Good Washing Prints 3s lid dozen Eew Dress Goods Is Good White Muslin 3b lid dozen Corsets 2s 3d pair GLOVES AND RIBBONS AT YOUR OWN PRICE. Men's All Wool Colonial Tweed Suits I9s 6d Boys' Trousers at Any Price Mea's Kaiapoi Tweed Saits 22s 6d Man's Trousers 5s lid Boys' Suits 3s lid HATS, OAFS, SHIRTS, AND TIES AT HALF PRICE BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. All Our Boots are made Specially to our order. Every Pair Guaranteed. Men's Nail Shooters 7s lid Shoes 4s M Men's Bluchers 4s 9d Women's Shoes 5s lid Mea TAHImBOOTS S6IND SHOES OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Q. J. NEILL, BURNETT STREET NEXT SHEARMAN BROS.



TEA TEA. TEA. • GREAT REDUGTIOH.__GREAT REDUCTION, FLETCHER BROS, HAVING cleared out of bond, Large Parcels of Tea at 3d per 1b Beduetion on the old tarin, we are enabled to sell better Tea at a Lower Price than anyone in Ashburton Get Our Quotation Before Buying Elsewhere, Seeds! Seeds!! That are Sure to Grow. TUENIP SEED. Our Turnip Seeds are grown from Specially Selected Roots by growers oi repute in the South of England. The following varieties are in stock :— Carter's Elephant Swede Aberdeen Green Top Yellow Improved Skirvings Purple Top Aberdeen Purple Top Yellow Swede Mammoth Purple Top White Devonshire Grey stone Etc., Etc. Rape Seed. Rape Seed. BEOADLEijF ESSEX KAPE. FIELD CARROTS. FIELD CABROTS. A,s in the case of our Mangel Seeds, these have special atten tion by the careful selection of well shaped Roots from which the Seeds are grown. James' Scarlet Intermediate Giant Green Top White Scarlet's short Horn Belgian, &c, &o. Mangel Seed. Mangel Bee<i The Greatest possible care is taken in growing all our Mangel Seeds. Grown from selected roots, they cannot fail giving the greatest satisfaction. Mammoth Long Red, Champion Orange Globe, Etc BE SURE AND GET OUR QUOTATION BEFORE BUYING ELSE WHERE Spasonab 1! c Goods. We have just received and to arrive several large con signments of Seasonable Goods specially selected for us. 10 Cases Sheep Tongues, lib tins 5 Cases Fresh Herrings 5 Oases Sheep Tongues, 2!b tins 3 Cases New Zealand Mullet 10 Oases Salmon, Cocktail Brand 2 Cases 21b tins Corned Beef 2 Cases 21b tins Corned Mutton 3 Casea Preserved Pears 3 Oases Preserved Apricots 3 Oases Preserved Peaches 15 Oases St Georges' -Jama, lib tins 10 Oases Jam, 21b tins 5 Cases Slrawbery Conserve (most Delicious 50,000 Corks. 50,000 Corks. To Herbal Beer Makers and Others. We have just landed 5 bales of some of the Best Shape and Size Corks *hich have ever arrived in Canterbury, which we are enabled to quote at Tery Low Prices for Large Quantities. FIETCHEB BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON, AND' 116 and 118 High Street, Ohristcbureh. Advertised Agents for Nimmo and Blaie s Reliable Farm and Garden Seeds



Special and Grand Display OF Summer Dress Goods. 171MBRACING' the Latest Novelties in both Cotton and Wool Materials Jii Washing Silks for Blouses, Artistic Millinery Plain and Fancy Silks for Trimming StyliahJackets and Ca^es Itibbone and Lace«, the latest The Newest in Blouses. JUST OPENED A FEW CHOICE AND HIGHCLA3S CARPET SQUARES AND RUBS. Japanese and -Chinese Mattings and Mats, Oilcloths and Linoleums 18 inches to 12 feet wide. 330 patterns to select from. VERY SPECIAL TWO TRUNKS LADIES GLACE KIDD SHOES. STARTLING VALDE, MITCHELL AND TURNER TANCBED STBEET,



Business Notices. I EVERYBODY NOW HAVING VJ Heard of the •« BiiVE house/" and its Wonderful Value, it means to Sustain its Reputation for SELLING CHEAP. Therefore, until After the Show week from this date, have Determined to dispense with all idea of profit and SELL CHEAPER THAN EVIR —. Remember — the Goods are ALL New, No old shelf-worn goods at the "BLUE HOUBE." Our trade is Strictly Cash. Yok Can't refuse our goods for your money ; the value tells. COMPARE OUR PRICED. Men's Tweed Suits to Measure a Specialty, The Newest Patterns, The Best Workmanship, The Latest Style, In fact a Perfectly Made Superior Suit to Measure for 45s Trousers to Measure from 12s 6d; 1000 patterns to choose from ; Fit Guaranteed. Men's Ready-made Suits 14s 6d Men's Tweed Trousers 5s lid Men's Serge Trousers 4s lid Men's Moles, Good ... 6a lid Men's Felt Hats from la 6d A Splendid Line at ... 2a lid Working Shirts ... Is each BC Undershirts and Pants Is 8d A Beautiful lot of Scarves, Collars, Braces, and Handkerchiefs, from 6d each, worth Double. White Calicoes 2s lid per dozen, Sheetings 9d per yard, Silesia 3^d, Hollands from 4§d, Table Damask from Is. Prints. Prints. Prints. Washing Prints Cheaper than Ever. Nobody looking for Cheap Goods passes the "BLUE HOUSE"



Wanted. |IKAND Concert will be given in tho *-* Baring Square Church on Boxing Day, In aid of the church funds. 11 90 LO^T, a Gold Diamond Mug. Howard Offered. Finder communicate with Mail Office- 11 66 tpDR SALE—Picked Blue Derwent " Potatoes. Apply at Onoe.^-UENKY Zander. 11 74 WANTED Known.—For a firsc-okun article in Ice Or tame go to H, A. Flowkii, the old reliable Ice Cream vendor, farcies supplied at shortest notice. Ice always la acock. T BTT » DIARIES for 1896. Rough jLJ Pocket and Medical Diaries, New Zealand Diaries, Data Blocks. New Goods just opened up* Stationery, Plated ware, and fc'ancy Goods ; Scripture Texts, new and pretty designs. Orders for Chriatrafts numbers now booked,■— H. M. JoNEa. WANTED Known—For good value in Drapery, Millinery, <&c,, go to Melford Honse. Tickets tor presents given to all cash purchasers.—H. 0. Seoeks, WANTED Known-Thab H. Baik stow make to order every description of Trap Cushions and Trim raings. 8 81 VS7ANTED Known—Newest Gocda in v v Drapery and Millinery for the Bummer Season, dlreob from London— W. H. Collier, he Corner, WANTED Known^We~""are~lTow showing all kinds of Summer Drapery, Millinery, <&c. Everything marked as low as possible.—H. 0, Segers, Melford House. WANTED Known—Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything In the optical line at S. Kamsk's, Opt clan, WANTED Known.—That I havejoat received large censignments^of Groceries, Crockery, Glass and Enamelled ware, which I am prepared to sell at lowest possible prices for cash. Inspec tion invited. Goods delivered daily in Town and Suburbs. Families waited on for orders. E, Mahood, East Belt Cash Store. 10 152



WANTED Known—For Ashburton Show, beautiful Trimmed Hats and Bonnets; also Ladies' Mantles, Capes, Jackets, (Jorsets, &o.—Andrew Orr. 10112 ' rilO LADIES-Spring Cleaning. Before JL re-arranging your rooms pay us a visit. Oar Stock of Furnishing Drapery Is very large, and includes everything necessary for the beauty and comfort of a! home—Mitohbil and Turner. WANTED Known—We are now giving Tickets for Presents to all cash purchases of Irapery, Millinery, &c—H. C. Segkrs, Melford House. WANTED Known—Men's Suits 17s 6d, Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers 9s lid, Knicker Suits 4s lid, (hpa 6a,— The Corner. W. H. Collier ,4/TEN'S Bluchers 03, a giod Strong -*■"-*• Nailed Shooter at 8a 6i ; a nice assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots and Shoes from Is 9d a pair at R. Alcorn's "PyIARIES for 1896. A new and JL/ choice sslection of Christmas and Nsw Year Cards now opened up, and others arriving by every mail; also Cards with New Zealand scenery for distant friends. Orders now being booked for Christmas Numbers of English and Colonial Illustrated Papers now arriving, All Good" reduced (his month for cash at L F. Andrewes and Co , Stationer's Hall. 11/"ANTED Known—Men s Shearing V V Shoes Is 6d, Ladies' Leather Strap Shoes 4 r» 6d, Men's Carpet Slippers Is lid, Youths' Bathing Pants 4d and 6d, Boys' Jersey Suits half ordinary price.— Andrew Orr. 10 111 WANTED Known-50 pairs Ladies and Girls' Leather Top and Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half usual price, for two weeks only. —Andrew Orr. 10136 WANT HID Known—lf you are~ha7d on Boots try Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known—Stacks of cheap Boots and Shoes afe Melior's Zealandia Boot Store. OWN Make in J J *di©sranTlihiiaWß Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcorns new shop, Baker's Buildings.



Special Line 4s lid Dreaa worth 7s 6d, other goods from 3d per yard. Sateens, Cambrics, Persians, Cotds, Orepcmp, Drlila, Etc, All at price? to Suit the keenest buyer. Millinery. Millinery. Millinery, Do you Want a First-class Stylisk Hat in the Newest Shape with the Latest Trimming ? THE "BLUE HOUSE" Is the place for you. Go there and Save Disappointment. A New Line in LIGHT FANCY STRAW, Well Trimmed, including a Beautiful Flower or Ostrich Tip, Only 3s lid Our Net and Lace Millinery are the Cheapest and Most Styliah. The numbers sold up to date prove to us that the public know how to appreciate our efforts in bringing ' Down the Price of Millinery. Pick your Shape and Trimming and we will Trim you a most Stylish Hat Free of Cost. Best Value in Every Line at THE " BLUB HOUSE."



«7 ANTED Known—Repairing made ** to look like new. Mbllor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Knowa—Girls' neat Kid Shoes 5s 6d at Mellor's Zea landla Boofc Store. WANTED Known—MELLOK;s~Zea^ landia B.)ot Store has Ladies' Kid Shoes at 6a 6d. r&TANTED Known—Melloe's Zea '» landia Boot Store is the cheapest Boob shop in Ashharton, WANTEDKnown— 9o toTmCovnam for Newest Srvlw; in Drapery and Millinery—W. H. Collier. riORKS, CORKS. 50,000 Cork a. Notice to Herbal Beer makers and others. We have just received five bales of splendidly shaped Corks, which we can quote at a very low price for large quantities—Fletcher BKOS.,East Street, Ash barton MRS ALCORN having secured the services of a London Milliner, will now be able to Supply Ladies' and Chil dren's First-class Millinery in the most Artistic and Fashionable style In New Zealand. A nice assortment of Dreas ■ Koods in stock j WANTED Known—No old fashioned Goods at Meuor's Zealandia Boot Store. DRESSES ! Dresses ! Dresses ! Trim mings of all kinds. Millinery and Mantles, Jackets and Blouses, New and Stylish Goods afc moderate prices.™ Mitchell and Turner "jjToLIDAY Suits—A Nice Kaiapol { I Suit 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 ANTED—Everybody ~to~~e^mln^ the Goods and Prices at Mellok's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED— Ladies to see the latest efyles in Boots and Shoes.— Mellob's Zealandia Boot Store.



S U N S H A DJE S. The Best Value ever shown at 2a lid A really Superior line with Stylish Handles at 3s lid. Good Shape. IN BOOTS AND SHOES THE "BLUE HOUSE" Cannot be Surpassed by city traders, and in many special lines it is impossible co compete with the "BLUE HOUSE" VALUE. Another gross of the well-known 8a lid Ladie3 J Strap Shoes Just Opened. Ec Quick if you want a pair. i Also— A New Line of Men's Shooters at 7s 6d worth 11s 6d. Every article Equally Cheap. In fact to Save money find THE "BLUE HOUSE," the Only place in Ashburfcon where trade is conducted on Strictly Cash principles. Everybody treated alike ; no good Customers have to pay for bad ones 08 saved is 5s earned To earn money go to the "BLUE HOUSE," Next Clothing Factory, And second door from Mr John Orr's Ironmongery Department, BAST STREET.



WANTED— Every man to tryMEitOE's Blnchers, only 4a lid. WANTJLD-- i'eople who are in need of Good Strong Durable Furniture to i cave their orders with H. Bairstow. 8 80 f i JBIKTLE^IEJS who wish to dress lj comfortably, and with good taste and economy, should visit our Clothing and Outfitting Departmeßb,«~Mjsei«M« I 4HP TWKKWh I



Ranted. _____ WANTED Khowt,—Mellors Boots and Hhoes stand like brass ; try ' a pair. « HERiJ vL Beer Extract 7d per boctle Sufficient io make six gallons of splendid Herbal Beer. Thia extract saves boiling herbs ; is pure ; makes a splendid \ tonic beer; non-intoxicating, with a creamy head, like bottled Ale.—Fletcher Bros., Wholesale and Retail Agents, Ashbarton and ■"'hristchurch



LADIES. "yOUR ATIENTION is DIRECTED TO THE J STOCK OF BELT BUCKLES I AT S. Salek's, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, East Strjskt. . Engraved Buckles .„. 3s 6d to 8a 6d Antique Clasps ... 3s Od &4s 6d Belt and Buekle^Oomplete ss. These ake the Very Latest Styles.



JUVENILE DEPARTMENT. NEW ZEALAND QLOTHING FACTORY. BOYS' MELLVILE SUITS, Ashburton Tweed. 345 67 89 10 8/9, 9/6, 10/-, 10/6, 11/-, 11/6, 12/, 12/-, 11 12 13/- 13/6. BOYS' TWEED SAILOR SUITS. 3456 7 8 9 8/9, 9/-, 9/3, 9/6, 10/-, 10/3, 10/6. BOYS' SERGE MARITIME SUITS, Our own make. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10/9, 11/6, 12/6, 13/-, 13/6, 13/9, 14/6. SPECIAL. If your Boys jare hard to fit, we will make % Suit to fit them at the above prices. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. Boys' School Boots from ... 4s 6d Bojs' Canvas Shoes from ... 2a 9d



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOBY. Sole Agents for the famous " Victory" Sewing Machine. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager



Persona who sympathise with the afflicted will rejoice wfrh I>, E. Oarr of 1235,Harrison street, Kansas City. He is an old sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism, bat has not heretofore been troubled in this climate Last winter he went up into Wisconsin, and in consequence has had another attack. 'It came upon me again very acute and severe,' he said. 'My joints swelled and became inflamed ; sore to touch or almost to look at. Upon the urgent request of my mother-in law I tried Chamberlain's Pain Balm to re duce the swelling, and ease the pain, and to my agreeable surprise, it did both, I have used three fifty-cent bottles and believe it to be the finest thing for rheumatism, pains and swellings extant, jfor sale by Asbbubxon Potg Q<mns\,



For Indigestion, the best remedy is un doubtedly Norton's Camomile Pills. They can confidently be recommended as being mild in operation and absolutely free from injurious drugs. Acting at once as a splen did tonic and a gentle aperient. For nearly 100 years they have proved unequalled for Indigestion, Dyspepsia, sick Headache and for Liver and Stomach complaints. Sold in bottles Is l^d, 2a 9d, and 11s, by all Medi cine Vendors throughout the world, A simple, aafn and certain remedy. All the Kage^^m Veuus Tebmca



'KEATINQ'S POWDERS destroys Bugg Fleas, Moth», Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals, In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly olean in application* See the article yon purchase is Kbatings, i.e., with the signature Thomas Keating on each tin, as Imitations are noxious and ineffectual, Sold ictias, 6d and li each, by all chsmiats, '