MAIL NOTICE.

Mails for Ceylon, India, China, Japan, Sti aits settlements, also Continent of Europe ami United Kingdom, via Brindisi. Due m London, January 19, 1897, and closes at Wellington, per Mauapouri, on Saturday, the s'h inst., at noon. Mails for Australia and Tasmania, due m Sydney on 10th inst. Close at Wellington, per Mmapouri, on Saturday, the sth inab., at 1 p.m.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Tradesman — Impossible to get your letter published to-day. A. A. — See reply to above.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1896. JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE.

On the eve of ope of the greatest struggles yet fought m Ashburton, between the extreme section of the community which aims at prohibiting the use of alcohol m the district on the 'one hand, and the party which opposes such an extreme and drastic ■ method on the other, we offer a few re marks. It ia true that a much smaller , section of the people than either of (lie other b two parties— which comprises those engaged t in the liquor traffic — is supporting the latter, on other 'giounda, which are so obvioua that . we need '"not deal with thorn here. It is - sufficient for us to Bay m passj^rg, ' that Not withstanding all the shafts that have been - hurled at those immediately connected with ) the trade m alcoholic liquor, they are carry -1 ing on no illegal traffic, and have at least the ordinary rights of Englishmen. And we have much mistaken the feeling of the , people of this country and of this district if k they refuae to recognise this, Ihe struggle therefore* is ' practically fa,etwcci} the one par.ty which desires to attempt the experi b -nuyit of n<akmg temperance eompuJaoi)y on , ev,eryb..bdy. $yhfl£ removing all inducement £o practice f.elf restraint, ap(J all oppor - 5~-K;y q{; Sjcerpisitjg the 'free wjll tfiat has v.-. . " - *<uka& {fpop as. the most eat hitherto beeu . * reform, isfuctory guarantee of po. . — *«ls' and the other party, which — while reo^ " ing the necessity of sobriety and morality — maintains the right of the peop'e go retain i heir freedom of action m matters purely personal to themselves. We narrow the issue down to these. The prohibitionists claim the right to enforce on a bare majority a law affecting men's treatment of them selves. Their opponents insist that' on a question dealing with a reform bo draßtic, a bare majority is not enough j but hold that means ought to be taken to prove beyond a doubt that an absolute and unquestionable majority of the people desire legislation m t>he direction indicated. We may go a little further, and say that as a matter of expediency, to avoid civil dissensions and perhaps greater evils, no important measure should be passed by a bare majority. Ie is absurd to say our laws are all so passed,* since they are submitted to half a dozen divisional and other tests before getting on the Statute Book. A Bill has to go through two divisions iv each branch of the legislature, and besides has every cause similarly tested m Committee. And when finally passed by the Houses of Parliament, it has to be submitted for the Queen's assent. How preposterous, therefore, is the attempt of our prohibitionist friends to say that all I our laws are passed by the same kind of majoiity they are demanding for the aboli tion of the licensed trade m alcoholic liquor j Our readers are surely not so simple as to he 1 taken m by such an absurdity. Even the \ three-fifths majority is not nearly so reliable t a test of public opinion as the machinery of I the legislature, assuming that the members t of the elective chamber really represent the t people. The above remarks effectually a dispose of the main ftrgupwofc wjiigh h»e v

been put forward by the prohibitionists, and lately by the editor of the column m the Guardian devoted to publishing their party's views. Before concluding, we may as well also correct some erroneous statements made m the same column, referring to the attitude of this journal on the prohibition question. Iv the argument advanced by us against an overwhelming majority of sober people being made to suffer for the offences of a few, we merely used the term " ten per cent" to prevent our opponents from having ihe opportunity of saying wo had shown the percentage of drunkards smaller than it really was. It would seem, however, that no matter on which side we might have erred, the opportunity would have beea taken to avoid the main issue between us. As a matter of fact, the drunkards are officially less than 5 per cant of the popula tion. Another remark — which appears m the Prohibition column to-day — is that the scheme *to reform drunkards, mentioned by lia m a former article, had never been heard of until this election began. Will it surprise our friend, the author of thia little mistake, to learn that not only have we advocated a similar scheme previously, but the German Reichstag introduced one almost identical some years ago. Although it did not pass beyond the initial stages, it created much discussion at the time, not only m Germany, but throughout the world. There ia yet another assertion m the same column that needs correction. Referring to the faot that the people have become more sober as a whole, it is inferred that the party running prohibition are alone entitled to the credit, and are the only advocates of temperance ! This remarkable piece of information merely requires to be pointed out ; no comment is necessary. We may now dismiss this subject of prohibition for a time. We wish we could feel sure that the period would be quite three years.

POLITICAL DUTY.

It is the duty of every man or woman who haa the right to vote to exercise that right. There ought not to be a single person m the electorate, having a right to vote, whose name ia not on the roll. Not to be on the roll is a dereliction of political duty. This dereliction of duty is aggravated when a person, having placed his or her name on the roll, is apathetic enough to refrain from going to the poll. The right to take part m .he ohoice of men to guide the destinies of the colony is a sacred one that ought never to be delegated to others, and the person who does not vote hands over his right to tbiose who do. We trust every man on the roll will go to the poll and record his vote m favour of the candidate he prefers, and the proposal he favora m the local option poll. It is to be hoped that the quiet women, who " do not wish to go to the poll," will remember that if they do not do so, the for ward ones— we say it with due respect for the sex, but can find no better word — will be able to exercise an undue influence.

LARRIKINISM ON ELECTION NIGHT.

The conduct of many roughs on the night of the general election is most reprehensible. Six years ago they threw rotten eggs and bags of flour about m a miscellaneous way, aiming their missiles at somebody always, though not always hitting the intended mark. When they did hit the mark with an ancient egg the recipient of the unkind attention had for a week after a stink m his nosttils that was hardly bearab'e, and which nothing seemed powerful enough to remove. A suit of clothes deluged with the consents of a rotten egg was simply use'ess for a month ; but arid to Hie egg a few bags of flour and the clothes were ruined for ever. No amount of ablution could altogether remove the foul aroma from the person, for it seemed to cling around a man and hang to him, a? the spirit of the deads are said to haunt' the bodies of the living. The same thing occurred three years ago, only a gooi deal worse, and thing* were so serious that no man was safe to waik the streets without being p lted ■with offensive missiles — egg.-, and flour bags not on this occasion limiting the choice of the roughs. It was useless for any woman to atte i pt to walk out, and those who did so regretted it. The whole thing wai a disgrace to the district. We say district, because a large number of young men from the country came m to take part m the misconduct, bringing eggs with them that had been preserved m dung heaps for the occasion. For days after the election the town stank of rotten eggs, and it caused a deal of extra labor to business people to cleanse their premises. A determined effort is to be made by the authorities to stop all this, and the police, reinforced by a strong posse of special constables, will arrest every person seen throwing any missile m the streets. Jt required but prompt action on the part of a well organised body of con stables — regular and special — and the cowards who have hitherto indulged m this reprehensible and offensive kind of amuse ment will Blink out of sight. If they persist, then a week's or a month's imprisonment will exercise a wonderfully sedative effect upon them. It is a pity that the authorities Bhould have to take up the stern position they are doing, for. most people understand that a little latitude is allowed on election night, and that a bit of harmless fun is not objected to. Bub it is no fun at all to have a decent suit of clothe? rendered unfit for subsequent wear,' and the whole atmosphere of the town made thick with the offensive effluvium of rotten eggs, and we trust that the good sense of the young men who have hitherto been the chief offenders m this maker will show them that their conduct, while not perhaps meant as any other than coarse fun, is no fun to those who suffer by it, and who are apt to stigmatise it, as we do, as oowardly.

THE LOCAL OPTION VOTE.

It is well to remember that the vote to be taken on the licensing question is not "the prohibition vote " a8 it ia sometimes culled, but iB simply the exercise by the peeple of X7jia}> is known as local option— the right given to them ok' Baying whether or not licjuor is to be sold retail m their midst, and if they wish it to be sold, whether the number of houses licensed to do so are to remain as now, or be reduced. The poll only affects the Ashburton electorate, and its result will not influence houses outside its boundary, so that both Methven and Rakaia, though m the Auhburton county, will not be m anyway iufluenced by the result'" of the poll taken here on Ji>ida.y. There are three questions on the baljc/t paper qn which each elector has a right' to Vote, an^ hg reco,rd'§ hi? yo'be by striking out the lines ooniil^i n g tJw PFJ? OB^ w* th w lf ich he disagrees The flrab proposal on the ballot ""-—«• is presented m this form-*" I vote Fhaf "tha num^ r ot UoenGea existing m this districb continue." Anjr -VOter^ «««»»> of seeing all the licensed houses closeu, -*na having only that desire m the matter, will of course follow the prohibitionists' advice and "strike out the top line." He thus vote? that the number of licenses m this dis trict be reduced, and also that no ligange? be granted. This seems paradoxical, bub the law allows it, and some other paradoxes which we shall show immediately. The second proposal is presented thus on the ballot paper— •' I vote that the number of licenses existing m the district be REDUCED," and the third — " I vote that no licenses be granted m the district." Now, the voter may strike out any one, or any two of the three proposals, but no more — otherwise his paper will be jLayalid, If a man wanti re ducoionow/j/, he will strike put tha toplineand the bottom line, and hie vote will cojinb for reduction only. If he wishes the houses to remain as now, he wiU, of course, strike out the last two lines. Bub, as he has the right to strike out two proposals—any two — and yet have his paper remain valid, and aJao to stride out only one — any one — and still record a va£id vote, be may put his pencil through the middle iine. This would leave him voting both for and against license —a manifest absurdity ; but his vote would be counted on both sideß, and thus no harm wo^ld bo done. Reduction, m the opinion of a great majority of the people m this people m this district would be worse from the temperance and moderate point of view than allowing things to remain as they are, as it would only be diverting the trade I wjthput alleviating the eviU vl fclje traffic, #

while it would be unfair to the houses closed, ' if i hey are conducted at all decently It is thu-5 better to narrow down the question to one as between license and no license. But as the ultra-prohibitiouists have decided to vote tor both redaction and no license, it would be well tor those who wish for reduc tion only —and there are some - but do not at all wish to ccc the whole traffic wiped out, to strike out the bottom line only. His vote will thus count for continuance if re duction fails Of course, those who favor continuance and nothing else, will erase the two bottom lines . Briefly, the case may be put thus : — The prohibitionists should strike out the top line, and their opponents should strike out the two bottom ones. The following is a copy of the ballot paper : — FIBST SC-IEDTJ-B. I vote that the number of licenses existing m the district continue. I vote that the number of licenses existing j m the district be reduced. I vote that no licenses be granted m the district. GENERAL DIRECTIONS. The voter may strike out all the proposals except one, or all except two, but no more. The voter must strike out all the pro posals whitsh he does not wish to be carried. If the voter strikes out all or fails to stike out at least one of the proposals, the voting-paper will be void. The voting paper so marked is to be dropped by the voter into the separate ballot-box prepared for it, and not into the same box as that m which he drops his electoral ballot-paper. The voter is not allowed to take his voting paper out of the polling booth.

Mb Walter Carnceoss is editor and pro prietor of the Taieri Advocate. He sat for his district m the last A GENEROUS Parliament, and is again a OPPONENT, candidate, being opposed by Mr Graham. He thus writes m reference to polling day :— " With reference to the General Election, so far as tho Taieri is concerned there is no occasion to offer much comment. There- are two" candidates— one on the Liberal side and one on the Conservative side, so the issue is a plain one, and we make no attempt to bias the electors m either direction. We have reported the speech delivered by each candi date m Mosgiel, and m the matter of report* ing they staud on equal terms. The election , haa so far been fought m a fair and friendly manner, and neither of the candidates has descended to personalities ; they have, as a matter of course, criticised each other's public utterances, but that is only fair war tare. Ihis has been one of those fairly con ducted elections where both candidates can afford to shake hands when the fight is over." It may be partly due to Mr Carncrosa's opponent, that such pleasant relations exist between the rival candidates, but consider ing the power m his hands, as a journalist, his own attitude is as generous as it is manly. The people of Ashburton hava special reason for admiring and appreciating such modesty m a journalistic candidate for parliamentary honors.

Local and General.

Reading matter on fourth page. Attention is directed to Mr Salek's new advertisement on our second page. The Ashburton Drapery Company's new advertisement appears m this issue. It may be mentioned that m the Ash burton and Selwyn electorates, the poll closes at 6 p m. The Hampstead School, being a polling place, will be closed all day to-morrow. The Borough School closes at noon. We may remind our readers who are em ployers of labour, that polling day is a statutory half-holiday — that is, from noon. Mr E. G. Wright arrived m Ashburton by the express to day. VVe hear that he is much benefited by his trip to the North Island. As we shall receive Press Association telegrams on Friday evening notifying the result of the elections, and shall issue extras at intervals after the close of the polls, A letter from beyond the colony addressed as under was received at the Ashburton Poat Office during the month of January, 1895, and is still unclaimed — W. Bennett. The opening day of the Ashburton Swimming Club takes place to-morrow, commencing at 3p m. All the events are are well filled and some good sport ought to be. witnessed. : The Gazette of November 26, notifies the appointment of Constable Joseph Stanley to be c'erk of the Magistrate's Court at South Rakau on and from November 6, 1896, m the room of Constable William Lewis. The Rev. Mr Kelly, speaking m favour of prohibition at Temuka on Monday, said that according to the Liberty League orators Campbell's lines should read : — " Hope for a season bade the world farewell; and Freedom shrieked when Caako' whisky fell." The North Otago Times states that a strike took place m one of the Oamaru churches on Sunday. The clergyman asked the choir to sing "Strike out the top line," but thia they declined to do. The congregation, when appealed to by the minister, also de clined to sing it. The following takes from the Bakaia river have been recorded }n Mr W,' J. Alpe's fishing register — • November 18, K. P. three fish of a total of 15£lb, j iwo weighing 91b ; on November 22, six weighing 431 b, and oa November 23, six weighing 61b. November 22, Mr D. Mc- Cormick, balf-a-dozen fish. The swimming gala on Friday, at 3 p.m. at the baths, promises to be very attractive. There is an excellent number of entries, and besides some novelties are promised. The new springboard has been excellently fitted up at a good deal of expense to the Club, which seek to recompense themselves on Friday by a collection, seeing that it is for the public use. No doubt the attendance w ill be large. On Wednesday evening the Rakaia con tingent of the Salvation Army under the lady officers, Captain Hammant and Lieu tenant Scarlett, visited Chdrtsey and held a service m the schoolroom. Considering that very few people knew of their coming, there was a fairly good attendance. There was

the usual singing and testifying and thi testimony of a well-known Cherbsey residen who has lately joined the army was receivec with applause, paptain Hammanj; am Lieutenant Scarlett' each'' gave addresses, anc the f . rmer aung a solo very effectively. Mr Jvess is advertised f-'ci address the electors' at Hampst'ead at 8 o'clock this evening, at the schoolroom. It will be seen he refers to a letter m the Maii, this morn ing, wl|iph \\e says libels himse'f. There was only Q ne letter m the Mail referring to Mr Jvess, and that was a very flattering one signed by Mr D. Brick. Surely Mr Ivess '?oes not consider tha{, letter % libel upon him. If a letter referring to the Statute of Limitations was legarded by Mr Ivess as alludjng to himself, the editor of the Maji, did not s6 regard i|>. Jn faot, sinoe Mr Jveas's advertisement Was reoeived at this offioe, farther information has been supplied showing that Mr Iveas'ia relations wit'» his guarantors of years ago have alwayi been, and are now, of the moat satisfactory nature. A meeting of the Wesleyan Band of Hope was i held on Wednesday evening m the Wesleyan Church, the Sunday schoolroom usually used for such occasions being too sm ill to hold the large audience assembled. Mr Herbert Steel was chairman, and made a few remarks appropriate to the occasion. The secretary, Mr S. Dixon, compiled a I good programme, the chief item being part recitations for nineteen persona, composed by Misa Ev% Jones, who is to be compli mented on her constructive ability. There were three banners displayed and as each letter was unfurled a verse was recited by each performer, the nineteen letters forming c motto : " Fight for prohibi' ion.'.' A great Tleai of 'trouble had been taken with this number, the making of the banners and the practising of ttieir parts occupying gome length of time; I'he piece was well received and more than once so'me of its items were re-detmnded. Other items were contributed by membra and friends of the Band of Hope, ia vopal and iaßtrumenJaJ muwo and elpoutfon, ' ' " ' (

General Directions.

■t The voter may stride out all the proposals c except one, or all except two, but no more. c The voter must strike out all the proposals i. which he does not wish to be parried. ' 1 If the yoter strikes out all or fails to strike 1 out at least one of the proposals, the voting \ paper will be yoid, t The voting paper so marked ia to be. 3 dropped" by 1 the yp.ter into the separate tjallojj 1 bo^ prepared for it, and tiot into the same 1 box as that m which he drops his electoral ballot paper. - The voter is not allowed to take his voting paper out of the polling booth. The TOP LINE ONLY shonld be struck out by drawing a pencil through it, and no other mark whatever should be put on the voting paper.

MINING ACCIDENTS.

(PER PBES3 ASSOCIATION.— COPYRIGHT.) Sydney, December 2 A shocking mining accident hap pened at Gundagai. A man named Wilson was crushed to death by a fall of earth. His mate, Webb, was caught m the debris, and great efforts were made to extricate him, but the mullock and water gradually rose and drowned the unfortunate oian ia the presence of bio helpless comrades. 1 Two miners, natned Curren and Smith, have been found dead m ph4 Stockton mine at Newcastle, It is supposed they were suffocated-by white damp. The Government Inspector fears there must be fire m the oTd workings or that fire is generating'; and he has closed the iiiine till a care* ful inspection has been made."' '* "*

THE ASBBCfeTOK GUARDIAN : THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 1806.



PROHIBITIONIST COLUMN". This column has been specially engaged for tlte publication of articles relating to the liquor traffic, which may be at variance with the opinions on the subject advocated by this paper. 7 he Editor of tfie Guardian is not to be identified with them, and is m no degree responsible for then. Britf items of intetest may be addressed to the Temperance . Editor, Prohibition column, care of this office, .] A Few Words m Conclusion. Moderate electors we urge you to seriously consider your position m connection with ibis licensing poll, You have to express? your opinion. We beseech you to lay aside every prejudice. I, mattera nothing to this question whether you consider laitt and Taylor frauds. It is beside the question whether you-have a contempt for Mr So and So, who calls himself a prohibitionist. The Bimple and only question is—" Do you think so well of the liquor business that you wish to see it continue for another three yean ? " The plea that THB COUNTBY is NOT RH?B for no license, is being industriously put forward. Let this not unsettle your will if you personally are prepared to try no license then the country is ripe so far ai you are concerned. Vote accordingly. Strike out the top line. The Ashburton Guardian and other papers demand that some other method of dealing with drunken- ness shall first be tried. It is an extra* ordinary coincidence that nothing was heard of this scheme until a few weeks before polling day ; and we think that nothing further will be heard of it after the poll. If there has been any diminution of drunkenness, the efforts of the temperance party m bringing the licenses under popular control are entitled to all the credit. NO LICENSE is a grand experiment. Let us try it for three years. The disease is admitted. This is a drastic remedy, but it is not a desperate one. No one need die under it. If this remedy is not tried none others will be $ depend on that. Therefore finally we lay try it. WOMEN ELECTORS. We wish to bring under your notice the following advertisement from the Lytteltott limes ; ie speaks for itself: — "The people that walked m darkness have seen a great light ; they that dwell m the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."— lsaiah ix, 2. TO THB WOMEN ELECTORS - OF CANTERBURY. ON hundreds of Homes m this fair Pro* vince there rests A Dread Shadow | because of the temptation offered by the traffic m strong drink. Hitherto we have had to stand helplessly by watching with aching hearts the awful shadow deepening into the gloom of despair and death. That time of helplessness is now past. 02T FRIDAY 2TEZT we shall have an opportunity of bringing SUNSHINE AND HOPE to these darkened homes by voting out the liquor traffic. May we not ask m the name of Christ, who spired not Himself, that you will use your vote for the relief of the troubled and tempted, and STRIKE OUT —THE- TOP LINE On the LICENSE BALLOT-PAPER. Signed, for the Christchurch W.0.T.U., DORA BALLANTYNE, President K. W. SHEPPARD, Vice-President E. M. WIDDOWSON, Hon. Secretary J. M. SMITH, Hon. Treasurer. To all who desire to try NO LICENSE We say inspect the Sample Ballot-Paper as given below, and Vote as there Directed; VOTING PAPER. ° | I vote that the number g | g „ ■ of licenses existing m { .-.I 5 3 the district continue. 5 © V 2 J \ H I vote that the number of licenses existing m the district be reduced. I vote that no licenses be granted m the dis- trict. , '. __



Wanted. WHITKBAIT, Groper, Mold, Garfiah, Cod, fre3h by Express. — Jewitt, opposite "Mail" office. J2 29 X OST — Gold Medal, New Zealand I -i Championship, Napier, m or about the Woollen Factory. Finder rewarded. — Lionel Broad. 12 17 ICE, Ice, Ice. — Before going to vote try one of Flower's Ice Cream Coolers, Iced drinks.— Town Hall, East Street. 12 27 WANTED to Let— Two or three rooms. Furnished or unfurnished. Apply Mrs Burgess, Tancred Street. 12 26 DERWENT Potatoes.— We have m Stock a few sacks of Prime Derwent Potatoes. — Fletcher Bros., East Street, Aahburton. WANTED Known — We have justopened a line of cheap all wool Suits and Trousers. Good cut and splendid value. Tennis and working Shirts m great variety. —Mitchell and Turner. T3EVIEW OF REVIEWS for November, Xv The Heart of Princess Orsa, Thelma, The Murder of Delicia,Sir George Tressaday, The Little Larrikin, Son of Ishmael, The Man on the March, N.Z. Diaries, New Books and Stationery. — H. M. Jones. JOHN MCLACHLAX, A FULL assortment of new Veilings m white, black, and black and white. Buy the celebrated new kid glove— The Victory — only 2a 6d. The best glove m New Zealand for the money.— A. Orr. ........ 11 124 ODDFELLOWS' HALL, DID you ever hear the like ? Men s best Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mellor's, Tancred street WHAT do I see before my eyes? A Cheap sale of Boots at Mellor's. ANTED Known — Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. iSpecial display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A late shipment of Sailor Straws to be sold cheap.— Mitchell and Turner. TO-NIGHT, WANTED Known— What the people say. That Andrew Orr has the largest and best assorted stook of Boots m Canterbury. 11 125 WANTED Known— Large delivery o the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth much more. — W. H. Collier. DECEMBER 3, AT 8 P.M. XITTANTED Known— Go to the Corner T t for Newest Styles m Drapery and Millinery — W. H. Collier. IHEaRD % man say that Mellor is selling Boots Won ierfully Cheap. WANTED— Every Lady m Ashburton to see our Window of Blouse Goods, bought at a big- discount, and selling at iess than wholesale prices. — Mitchell and Turner. NOTICE.— Are you going to build Because the cheapest shop for Roofing Iron Ridging, Gutters, Nails, Lead, Spout- ing, Water Tanks, Pump?, Ranges, Register Grates, Locks and Hinges, Washing Boilers, and all sorts of Ironmongery, is J. W. Hardley's, Ironmonger, Plumber, and Tinsmith. Telephone 32. nnHERE is no. doubt, no possible doubt J_ that you get Good Value for you money at Mellor's.



Business Notices. i MEN'S MERCERY & HATS. c NEW ZEALAND * ClothiDg 4 Factory aENTLEMEN can always depend on getting the Latest Novelties m these c Departments. - Hard Hats m all the latest shapes. Soft Felt Hats, Tennis Hats, Lounge Hats, Frame Hats, , L.nd and Water Hats. '* HALLENSTEIN BROS. Have padded another New Industry to New Zealand. 8 OUR OWN MAKE OF STRAW HATS" | Equal to any imported article. I SHIRTS. Tennis Shirts, Cycling Shirts, Cricket Shirti j The Fashion Shirt m P s «ak and Blue. 1 COLLARS. r SO Different Shapes ohoose from, j 1 TO ATHLETES. Running Suits made to order m any^colour Cycling Suits made to order -|&nd In Stock. , N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY. i ALEX. HENDRY Manager. 5 i s v g • >H « g <1 v h CU : © □ ! ,t fazj O l> si i x t -s" g © cs__ m I ga __ la w a Lh a Sj p* g pq o : 1 H °S < SO S pq i, «« Eh s y-r A 2_ h-i r — \ is r CTJ II 8 03 , U _i I •3.- fe <j y * Church Services. _ ; U QT. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. y THURSDAY-G.F.S., 7 p.m. Women's ,> Confirmation Class, 7.30 p.m.  FRIDAY— Short Service, 7.30 p.m. Choir s Practice. 8 p.m. Confirmation clas?, 2 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. '» 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- , munion. 3 3 p.m.— 6REENBTBERT. , 6.30 p.m. — Evening Prwer, Rev T. A. a Hamilton. 3 p.m. — Dromore, Mr Allingtoo. '' _■__■_____■■_____■■■_-_____■____-_____■■■__--■___-■ ; > Synopsis qf NE\y ADyBRTisEivjENTS. Ashburton Drapery Company — Xma| r presents. Mitchell and Turner— Special notioea. j r Ashburfcon Swimming Club. — Aquatic s sports. Domain Board — Notice re 16th. 1 Mrß Burgess — Rooms to let. 1 Jewit'— Fiah to-night. J S. Salek — New business advertisement, r H. M. Jonea — Business notice. J. Ivesa— Notice to electors. t Wanted. J ■TTTANTED K.nos?n-rl#Pg pairs of Boots VV to be sold m fcwenty-pge days at Mellor's. ■ , "VTEW Mangel, Carrot, and Turnip Seeds. _LM The favorite aorta at low prices. — , Carson and Co. 10 i • : Ik yrpTHERS and fathers who have to b J_VX' proyide B^sota and Shoes, should call s at Mellor's ZeaJandia Boot jES&ure, , TTrHERE, Oh where, js that .Cheap 1 yy Bppt §hop? Mp^Loa's Zealancda \ Store* „__,,„ '"••-■*« to guy, T&ere ft a OW'S your Din.. • Boot Big Sale at Mellor's «_. ** Store. RIDE the Best — Kent's Championship Bicycles are the best Built to your own measure. Tyres and accessories of all sorts*— Carson and Co., Agents 10 86 rriHE early bird catches the early worm, JL so call at Mbllor's Cheap Boot Sale. WANTED Known— Mellors Sale surpassing anything ever heard of | m Ashburton 10 VTfANTED Known— The Economic j V T Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per | pair, is the Glove for every day wear , W. H. OOLMER. '] BARGAINS m Earthenware this month at Carson and Co.'s. First-class ' goods. ! WE lead, follow who may. Children's 1 Silppera • Is. Mellor's Tancred « street. ) >■ /CHRISTMAS and New Year Cards for I \J the Home mail. A New, Beautiful, t and Choice Assortment now opened up, 8 Diaries for 1897. New books, atationery f and fancy goods, Orders being taken for »' any English, Foreign, and Colonial I magazines and papers. — Andrbwes, Andbr- ° on & Co. o . n BULBS. BULBS.— AII the choicest t varieties from 6d per dozen.— Plbt- C gher Bros., Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton t MILLINERY— Ladies should inspect the a new Millinery, Capes, Mantles, ti Jackets, Blouses, French! and English o Cor.etß : all new and up to date.— A, Obr. p U 126 d



Mitchell and Brodribb. j i THE i CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART. , Next to John ORR & Co. Make no mistake It/TITOHELL & T>RODRIBB ARE IN THE VERY CENTRE OF EAST STREET. rpHE BEST Value m the Trade The Cheapest Place for Household Drapery The only place where you will find j a Brand New Stock o ' Clothing and Mercery, Hats, Collars, i Tie- 1 , Braces, Mufflers, Silk Handkerchi- if, etc., t All of the Very Latest and Up-todate Styles. , The " Central Cash Drapery Mart" is the place for a Stylish Dress at your own price. J DON>T~~PASS , Iy^TITCHELL & T>RODRIBB J If you Want the Very Latest m Trimmed f or Untrimmed Hats, Corsets, Undercloth- ing, Aprons, etc., or anything m the MILLINERY DEPARTMENT. All Hats Trimmed FREE of COST, and altered to Suit if necessary. No two hats trimmed alke, so you need not be afraid of running across your friend wearing a copy of what you have on. BOOTS A"iD SHOES. Only the Best Quality and Makes, at prices to attract the most careful and keenest buyer. Compare Our Prices ! Look at Our Value ! DON'T FAIL TO FIND MITCHELL & BRUDRIBB If you want to Save 5s m the £>, and remember 5s saved is 5s earned. Economy is the footstool of fortune. Underneath we give you a few quotations ' as a slight idea of the value at the CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART- White and Unbleached Calico, good, at 2a lid per dozen ; Tip Top value at 4s 3d, worth 6d anywhere. Tapestry Quilts, beautiful designs, at 6s lid for a large size. Galatea Btripe for boys' wear, 6s lid for 12 yards. Table Damask, extra quality, from Is 3d, nothing common about this. Beautiful Long Lace Curtains only 2s 9d, a low quality at Is lid. 85 pieces of Print, bought as clearing line, beautiful designs, fast colors (not fast run- ing), from 3a lid per dozen — worth from 7d per yard. Flannelettes m Rost 3?ink, Coral, Cream, r Sky, and the best shades at prices never before heard of. Blick and White Paisley Reversible Flannelettes at 7a lid pet dozen— worth Is Nainsook Muslin, good, at 5s 6d doz. Silecias and Body Lining from 3s lid doz Floral Art Muslins and Plain —Our price, gs lid for 12 yards. 12 pieces Turkey Chintz, Oriental designs, at a very low price. Cretonne m every conceivable Shade and Pattern, from 4£d per yard. IN DREriSES We have the very thing for the present season. Shot Diagonal Tweeds m Fawns, Drabs, ► and Greys, 8s lid, the dress worth 15?. Flake Tweeds, m all shades, a very special line, to go at 9s 6d Dress — a rare gift Nun's Veilings, jn all shades. A rare line of good Cloth at Is 6d, lower lines at Is. Chioa Spot Lustre m all the best shades, Figured Lustre and Silk Pacas m the very latest designs, from Is lid per yard up. All Wool French Cashmeres m Cream, Coral, and Peacock, Eau de nil, at very low prices ; black and blue-blacks from Is yard A beautiful lot of Pov. ■ SVot and Surah Silks m Heliotrope, PiDk, Blue, Eau de nil, Red, Yellow, Black, Cream, Sky, Primrose, numerous other shades, at 2s 6d per yard, worth double ; and variety Magpie Silks and Ribbons to match. Hosiery aud Gloves, very special, Ladies' plain black Lisle-thread Hosp, high- spliced heela at 6£d and Is, worth from Is to 2s 6d. All Wool Cashmere Hose from Is Kid.GJoyes, Austrian Kid m Black, Tan, and White, with blook-sewn backs. French Suede (Jlovea m r £&n, Black, and Black and White A splendi4 assortment of Lisle-thread Gloves from 6d. A beautiful assortment of Silk m Tans, Greys, Cream, Coral, Sky and Black. Silk Gloves, from 8 to 20 button lengths, at a. very low price. CLOTHING & MERCERY Departments, being directly under MR MITCHELL'S charge, who has a thorough knowledge of the require r»ents of this district, customers can rely i^pon getting the article they require at a pripe guaranteed 25 per cent Lower than any house m Ash- burton. Men's heavy Serge Suits are going fast at 19s 6d — Secure one. A Grand Assortment of Kaiapoi Tweed and Serge Suits, m which we defy com- petition. Saddle Tweed Trousers all at cut prices. Hairline Saddle Tweed Trousers at 8s 6.1, wortbhl2s«d. Men's Moles and .Gor/jU i Q eypry shade, and cut at 6a 6d up ; lower .qualities m uroportion, " r'ontlemen's Hard Felt Hats, the latest shapes, m BrowD > aDd Ouba ' afc 6s 6d ; cheap at 8s b u .' , *>, , Tourists' Hats, Brown* »"? B ' ac *} MITCHELL & BRODRIBBS pniT^"* 3 -?.. Soft Felta m Drab, Black, Grey, Mut Brown, etc., from 2s 6d up. Navy, Brown and Maroon, summer half- Hose, 6£d, worth Is. Kaiapoi Wool Socks, Is pair j price any- where else, Is 6d. A pile of Tweed Trousers from 7s 6d up, worth double. Men's Heavy ribbed Cotton Under-Shirts and Pants Is 6d. Good Merino Ribbed Under-Shirts 25 per cent cheaper than anyone else. Washing Ties m Derbies and Bows, beautiful designs, 6d each. Men's and Boys' Straw Hats m White and Speckled, in' Club, Yacht, and Boater shapes, from Is each Special value m Silk stripe, Flannelette, Striped Linen, Oxfords Summer Wool, Lace and Tennis Shirts— Collars and Pockets all at prices to catch your CASH at MITCHfILL k BRODRIBB'S Central Cash Drapery Mart. In Collars, Cuffs, Ties, Derbies, and Bows, we have the Best Variety m town, and Don't you Forget it. White Shirts, Regatta Shirts, and the New Undressed Shirt are all here at your own price. B3OTS and SHOES, a Large Assort meat, at special cut prices to bring you back again. Clothing to Measure a specialty at MITCHELL & BKODKIBB'S The Central Cash Drapery Mart, East street, Ash bur ton,



H^H Business Notices^ Kacts are stubborn W THINGS. ARE TWELVE STUBBORN F.vOTS THAT CANNOT BE DENIED. J. NEILL is selling good | 6th— That G. J. NEILL is selling Men' strong White Muslin t3s lid doz. , Tweed Trousers at 5s lid. That G. J. NEILL is celling good! 7th— That G. J. NEILL is selling Boys' Washing Prints at 4£d a yard. Sailor Suits m navy blue or fawn That G. 0. NEILL has pretty serge, at 4s lid the suit. BB Summer Dress TweMs at 93 6d a Bth— That G. 3. NEILL is selling ■■§ dress, that can't be beat. Women's Shoes at 4s lid. mm h— That G. J. NEILL is selling Ladies' j 9th—'! hat G. J. NEILL is selling Men's [^Br^ftnd Children's Summer Hats of { nailed Shooters at 7s lid. Wm^WO%VLS description, the very latest J 10th — That G. J. NEILL is selling Men's mkU *^ sty le,"oheaper' than anyone m Ash- light Balmorals afc 8s lid. Bf burton. 11th— That G. J. NEILL is selling Ladies' H bth— ThatG. J. NEILL it selling Men's! and Childreno' Tan Boots and Shoes H Heavy Tweed (colonial) Suits at 24s ' of every description at very low 6d. prices' ■ 12th— THAT I G. J NEILL'S SHOP- Weir He sells Millinery, General Drapery, Clothing and Boots,^of every I Description — IS AT FBIEDLANDER'S COKNER, j East Street, Aahburton. WE HAVE PURCHASED I WAREHOUSEMAN'S STOCK X OF ■ LIGHT PRINTS I DARK CREPONS F^'. ' MUSLINS CORDETTES ETC., ETC. V TTIHESE GOODS ARE PERFECTLY FRE3H AND NEW, and the Latest Stuffs for y blouses. B. i " — SEE WINDOWS FOR PRICES. ■grratjELL & TURNERS I ON VIEW, Wf THE F PRETTIEST LADIES I WATCHES EVER SEEN S IN THE DISTRICT ■ ... m SILVER, H ' .._. OXIDIZED p' & GOLD. I AH of the VERY NEWEST STYLES. S. S ALEK'S, rEE LEADING f EWELLERY AND WATCH REPAIBING . ESTABLISHMENT. EAST STBEET. (Telephone No, 80.) FIRST GRAND SHOW SPRING NOVELTIES EVERYTHING UP TO DATE. o CASES OP NEW DRAPERY, Ex MAMARI & KAIKOURA, NOW OPENIN Ladles' are Delighted with the New Millinery. New Dress Goods. B!ouse Prints «-<e a marvel of the season Choice Bibbons, flowers, Feathers, Sunshades, Art Muslins, Sateen*, Apron Cheok, White Lace Mußlins, Norman Stripes, Galateas, etc. A large Case of the Celebrated P and D CORSETS Just Opened, all sizes ; also V and N Featherbone, Cestns and other makes. CARPETS, FLOORCLOTH, AND LINOLEUMS, MEN'S KAIAPOI, ROSLYN, AND MOSGIEL SUITS. N<ver hM suobja variety of High-claßß Drapery been shown m Afhburton before, a will be; exhibited hy me this season. iOOTS. BOOTS, BCOTS. THE LAfcGESTISTOCK IN«THE COUKIY TO SELECT FROM. i ANDREW ORR.