PHASES OF SHE MOON

Pecember-t-^ New Moon , , ... v 5 521 a.m First Quarter , 12 11 59 a.m Pull Moon 20 3 35 p.m Last Quarter 27 11 38 p.m

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1896.

The objectionable phrase "No Iris! need apply," is certainly not s shibboleth of th< IRJSIDIEIV Foreign Office. Or IN FAVOUR. the contrary, th< sons of the Emeralc Isle are just now distinctly m requesi for (says the Edinburgh Catholit Herald) it is an incontrovertible fad that Irishmen are m high favoui for diplomatic appointments abroad -When m a quandary or an ugly hole, the mo*' l: ° °f t' he Foreign Office seems to be ""Sen d"."oh..? h .. Ml Irishman,"" In fact, the appointment 01 ' .^.shlften or descendants of Irishmen to foiT" t en posts of honour is now all the rage. At the present day the British repre sentatives abroad include such eminent Irishmen as lord Dufferin, Sir F. R. Plunkett, and Sir JSicholas O'Connor, and the colonial Governors, Sir W. F. Hely-Hutchison, Viscount Gormans town, Sir A. JVJolony, Sir J. T. O'Brien, and Sir Hercules Robinson, Governor of Oape Colony and British High Commissioner m South Africa, lately raised to the peerage. Sir Graham Bower, K.0.5.G., the newly nppointed agent of the British Govern ment m Pretoria, is also an Irishman. Postal statistics recently compiled show- that m the United States there are 70,000 post POST OFFICE offices against STATISTICS. 20,000 m Great Britain. Consider ing that Brother Jonathan says to his British brother " I could put your cake of a country m my breeches pocket/ and that this comparison though a huge hyperbole, is well borne out on the map of the world, Jonathan does not show up well m the number of post offifces Germany has 25,000, Austria-Hungary 9000, France 7000, and Italy 6000. The United States lost on its post office business last year about £2,000,000, which was made up by appropriations from the Treasury, and the average appropriations m recent years m this way have averaged a million and a half annually. Britain last year made a profit on her postal business of about two millions, and other European countries als?s ran their ,postal systems at a pro6t. A French authority gives m francs the" net revenue of the Austria- Hungary postal department as 25 million francs, that of Russia 5 million, and that of Fiance 37 million. The revenue of the! Knglish post office last year was £10,760,000, and of the United States £20,000,000.

Local and General.

> Beading matter on fourth page. The next sale at Hinds aaleyarda takes place on Monday firafc, December 14. There are girls m Auckland working 16 hours a day for 8s a week. s A doctor m Ireland was biting an apple when a wasp atung his tongue, causing death. There are nine woollen mills m the colony at the present time, employing 478 men, 513 women, 177 boys, and 248 girls. A serious outbreak of p'euro-pneumonia is reported to have occurred on the Victorian side of the river Murray near Albury. Physically Mr Austin is the smallest poet laureate Greit Britain ever had. He is only a little over four feet m height. The combined capital of the railways of ihe United Kingiom amounts to £1,001,110,221. A part of Horaley Downs estate has been taken over by the Government for village settlement. The formal installation of the Mayor of Ashburton takes place at the Borough Chambers on Wednesday at noon. Neurasthenipponsdelesterizo is the name given co a racehorse m England. Two or , three names like this would kill horse raoing. A householders' meeting is' announced for Friday evening next at the school, Lismore, to consider the proposed closing of the school. The Government has purchased the Nga rua Block of 1000 acres, situated m the Fiako district, Auckland, from the Natives for 6s an acre. Our readers' attention is called to a few of the many fashionable and cheap goods that can be procured at G. J. Neill's, as set forth m his new advertisement. Among the guests at a dinner given recently at Baltimore by Cardinal Gibbons, m honor of Cardinal Satolli, was Archbishop Redwood, of New Zealand. Fox hunting on the cycle is rather novel sport m its way. Two residents of Mel bourne are reported the other day to have ridden after a fox and killed it. Commandant Booth concludes a manifesto with a confident declaration that the ex tended policy of the Army will "fill heaven with praise and hell withalarm." A Christchurch elector candidly describes himself on the electoral roll as "a loafer." A female elector on the Pahiat ua electoral roll describes herself as a "farmer's drudge." Nominations lor the Tinwald Racing Club's annual meeting, to be held on New Year's Day, close with the Secretary at Lagan's Hotel, Tinwald, at 9 o'clock this evening. At a wedding m Pareroa last week a Mrs Smith, a widow, was married to a man of the same name. Miss Smith was brides maid, and all the visitors bore the name of Smith. The Weekly Press of this week contains portraits of half of the members of the new House of Representatives. So far as we know them the likeneasss are excellent. The remaining half will appear m next week's issue. An old lady named Cleaver, who had been m ill-health for a long time, died somewhat suddenly at Waterton on Thursday. As there had been no medical man m attendance an inquest has been ordered, and will take place this morning, Dr Reed, who has had charge of the practice of Dr Gosaefc, of Leeston, during the labter'B visit to England, notifies that he is for the present staying m Ashburton, and may be consulted at the Commercial Hotel. "An elector," writing I o the Otago Daily Tivies, suggests that the election for C*ver sham may be void or voidable, on the ground that "Arthur Morrison, salesma?i," is declared electe 1, whereas the only Arthur Mori ison on the roll is described as a " coal merchant." A Chinaman named Wu, living m the I province of Shaniung, who, although born m poverty, and a beggar all his days, founded and maintained three free schools and colleges, has just— died. He. lived the ordinary life of a poor beggar. A remarkable disovery was recently made m the Assiot necropolis m Egypt. >. Among the objects found wffs a whole company of wooden soldiers, 15in high. The soldiers carry lances, and give a good idea of their equipment m the Pharaoh's time. An advertisement m another column notifies that an excursion train will run to Timaru from Ashburton on Wednesday, December 16, leaving Ashburton at 10.20 a.m. and Timaru at 5. 30 p.m. Return f» res, 7s first-class and 3* Qd second. Qbher alterations consequent oh the same are also notified. ' : Straw is about to be employed on a large scale for the making of gunpowder. The straw is pulverised, chemically treated, and then finished m granular form for use. The new explosive is said to be J. 50 per cent stronger than an equal weight of ordinary gunpowder, and much superior m every re spect. The group of photographs presented to G. A. M. Buckley, Esq., on Thursday by the members of the* local Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club, was p very hand gqjfto piece of work, The portraits were -*« usoii«jted ft*» 4 artistically arrapged, and Wti rally wT"' a OSQ^ to c photographer. Me J; T. Mitchell, The Italians m London are BufficieiT^ oi themselves to form a large town. There are as many as 14,000, about 2000 of whom are ice cream vendors, and 1000 organ grinders. The other 11,000 are chiefly engaged as phster-bust sellers, artists' models, cooks, valets, teachers, artists, restaurant and hotelkeepers, and so on. One of the questions put to Mr C. Wilson, Liberal candidate for the City of Wellington, was.:— "Sir Robert Stout is said to bean agnostic ; will you tell ua what is meant* by this word agnostic?" The candidate promptly replied : "In Sir Robert's case agnostic stands for a gentleman who spells God with a small 'g,' and Stoub with a capital •S. " (Great Laughter.) During a recent election campaign m a Southern district, one of the candidates ap peared m public on one or two occasions m the full uniform of a Captain of the 42nd Highlanders, and was a bit non-plussed when au elector who had recently been discharged from that crack corps baluled and enquired how long it was since he (the candidate) had left the old regiment. An awkward sort of query, seeing that the wearer of the uniform had never served m the 42nd at all. An application has been made m the Supreme Court, Auckland, for the service of a summons to John Bancroft, accountant, to Bhow cause why he should not be ad judged a bankrupt. He disappeared the day of the departure of the Mariposa for San Francisco and is manager of the Auckland Industrial and Provident Permanent Build ing Land and Investment Society. Mr Justice Conolly granted a summons to be served at the last known place of residence. ■ The recent elections have shown that there* I are no fewer than thirteen of the candidates )who offered themselves for election who have forfeited their deposit money, and that consequently the State will have £130 to retain. Those who have thus suffered, and the districts m which they were candidates, are as follows : — Auckland City— J. Mi Shera 608, E. Eugater 354 ; We.lington City — J. J. Powell 194, A. Warburton 97 ; Avon (Canterbury), C. Hurgess 77 ; Waitaki— H. R. Parker 133 ; Waikouaiti— G. J. Clark 54; Dunedin City — A. H. Bur on 361, M. Aston 267 F. M. Lester 197, D. Nicol 185 ; Clutha -^•T. Ayson 140 ; Wakatipu— H. Graham 96. It seems incomprehensible to the ordinary human being how men can have such absurdly mistaken estimates of how other peop'e value them. Ib'will be aeen by a new advertisement m . another column that Messrs Craighead and Berryman are probably now showing the largest stock of new tweeds and fashionable tailoring goods ever exhibited m Ashbur ton. This speaks weSl iqp their enterprise aud local industry. You have ruined your constitution uffioieufcly by drinking inferior Tea. Recruit by drinking only/S ozik Tea; it is pure. The te^ te te\k<WW ' ; i

There is nothing fresh to report m petro leum matters, says the Taranaki Herald. The tools were gripped the other day and brought up a considerable distance, but un fortunately became attached and again dropped to the bottom of the bore. A woman refused m the Wellington Magistrate's Court to rejoin her huab&nd and make a new home if a prohibition order were taken out against him. She said such orders were of not the slightest use. When a former one was on issue he obtained as much liquor us ever he liked. At the Wellington S ipendiary Magis trat 's Court on Wednesday, a husband, speaking of his wife, said : — " We have been married twenty-two years ; ahs is no kind <f a housekeeper at all ; when I've fancied a glass of beer I couldn't get it She has seen my tongue hanging out for I want of one. Yet I love her still." The drought is beginning to cause con siderable anxiety. Not only did many of the races supplied by the North branch run low until a connection had been established with the South branch, but the dry weather has been making its influence ielt on both cereal and grass crops, and ram is now i urgently needed. The Eev. J. J. Doke, of - Christchurch, is on a visit to Ashburton, and to-morrow will preach m the Tabernacle, Peter street, i morning and evening ; also holding a short children's kervice at 3 o'clock. As Mr Doke has the reputation of being one of the best- ■ preachers m New Zealand, it is expected | that large congregations will greet him to-morrow. An erstwhile popular Ashburton vocalist, Mrs Gamble, vi Wellington, will sing Bhrend's beautiful song, " The Gift," during the service ab the Wesleyan Church to morrow evening. Old friends will be delighted to welcome her. The preacher will be the Rev T. G. Brooke, and his subject "The great remedy." Strangers invited. - At a meeting of the Directors of the Oamaru Caledonian Society on Wednesday, the queßsion of obtaining a condition" 1 license for the games was dismissed at some length, the opinion being generally held that, m view of the recent expression of opinion by the people ab the licensing polls, an attempt should be iigain made to s 'cure a license, the withholding of which made a difference of £80 a year m the Society's revenue. Ultimately the matter was referred to the Ways and Means Committee. To-morrow a " mission " will begin at the- Presbyterian Church — a special sories of Gospel services. The series will extend over a week — from Sunday, December 13, to Sun day 20— and will be opened by the Rev William Grant, of Leeston, who will preach to-morrow, and on the three evening 3 fol lowing. The Rev Bruce Todd, of Geraldine, will follow Mr Grant, and conducb the re? mainiug services on to the close of the mis* sion. The week-day services will begin each evening at 7.30. Tnere are twenty-four entries for the freehand drawing competition for the silver medal offered by the Ashburton Art Society, and the examination was held m the Ashburton school this afternoon under the supervision of Messrs W. H. Tait and R. Frizzflll, -members of the Council of the Society. The copy was set by Mr Tait, an antique vase, and among the competitors! were children from Kyle, Eiffclton, Wins- j low, and the local schools. The award will be made at the opening of the exhibition on Monday evening, when Major Steward will present the medal to the winner. An inquest was held to-day at the house of Mr William Houston, Waterton, on the body of his mother, Mrs Cleaver, an elderly lady whp had died on Thursday night. Major Steward acted as Coroner. The evidence showed deceased was 6<\ years of age and had been an invalid for five years, . and was suffering from heart disease anl dropsy. She had nob recently been attended by a medical man bur, m the early, part of her illness, some three years ago, had been a patient of Dr Trevor. She had been m the habit of using laudanum to make her sleep. Her people di.l not think that her condition was such as to require any medic ll assistance when she was m pain on Wednesday nighc, but they gave her every , possible attention. A verdict of death from natural cruises was returned. Ihe Prohibitionist saya :— " We are grati 6ed at the return of Sir Robert Stout, Mr Gilbert Carson, and many of our old friends. We deplore the defeat of the Auckland and DunecUn prohibitionist candidates, Mr F. H. Taylor, of the. Thames, Mr Withy, Mr Robbins, Mr Manisty, the Rev Mr Neave, Mr W. Auld, and others. The defeat of Mr McNab and Dr Newman is a calamity." Refe ring to the licensing elections, the writer of the Women's Christian Temperance Union column says ; — " The results of the local option poll will', we are sure, be di ap pointing to many; but we do not for a moment propose to look back or weary m well-doing For we know that by patient,, steady effort our cause will advance, though it may take longer than we at first antici pated to reach the goal. One thing is cer tain : that the women have not done what was expected of them, and have not, with almost unanimous vote, tried to sweep away an evil which brings much sorrow to their own sex," " On Thursday evening, December 17, a two-night' season of the Ada Delroy company will open. Feats can be booked ab the shop of Mr H. AJ. Jones, bookseller. An ex cellent reputation has preceded the company, and large houses should be commanded during the season. The entertainment is described as of more ihan average excellence, and absolutely free from any objectionable feature. . The southern Press speak highly of the entertainment;, apd describe Miss Delvoy h«sfcU as oue of the. moat brilliant terpsiohorean apt^stes m the world. One . — «K.ve of b§r performance that hand, writet . -**fcsofe unison, rnnke her foot, and eye m w v " H - V-UriUianpy, dancing a perfect revelation m u~ M • J . grace, and vigor of movement, while het cobra de capello skirt dance is vividly beautiful. It is futile to attempt a descrip tion of it, but the skirts that are so dexter ously manipulated contain 160 yards of eilk; and to produce this dance and its effects cosb £300 The company has also Mr James Bell, a clever comedian, Miss Lilian Stan bridge and Mr Lindsay, vocalists, and Madame Bell (the ' White Mahatma), who answers unspoken questions m a most re markable manner.

ATHLETIC NOTES.

By Kalwhaka. I Some of our local athletes are getting into good nick for the coming sports to be held at Rakaia. No doubt there will be larger entries than previous years. Curtis ia doing light work on his toes, He intends competing m the 120 yards hurdles, long jump, and 100 yards flat. Baigent will compete m the half mile flat. Henry will also run m the short events. He wants more fast work. Short spins will improve his pace. Broad intends running m the half mile and 250 yards flat. He re quires more training m light work, and should get plenty of rest. Messrs Rick man and Hqasley are training the local men. My tips for the events will appear shortly.

WOOL SALES.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. CimiSTCHURCH, December 11 j The following ia the sale catalogue of j Messrs Friodlander Bros., Limited : — X over 1, 1 bale crossbred ewe at 7£d ; 28 over — , 1 bellies S^d, 7 crossbred ewe 6|d ; RM, 4 crossbred ewes 7d ; HE conjoined over — . 1 mixed 6£d, 1 pieces 3d, 1 locks and pieces l^d, 22 crossbred ewes < f 1 ; WP, 9 fi at cross ewes 7£d, 5 crossbred hogget 7d, 2 merino 61, 2 bellie3 and pieces 34<i ; DD, 1 merino s|d ; SH over — , 4 merino 6£d, 7> ctosabred ewe 7d ; S/S, 2 crossbred ewe 6£d; Sill, 16 halfbred ewe 7£d, 6 crossbred hog get 6sd, 3 half bred pieces 6d, 2 crossbred pieces 4£d ; 4D, 2 merino 5| -1 ; — over 2V, 3 balfbred ewe 6£d ; H over F, 3 crossbred ewe 6|d ; JE conjoined, 6 half bred wethers 6£d, 2 crossbred wethers 6£d ; 20 over — , 3 firefc crossbred ewe 7d ; Wa conjoined, 4 crossbred ewe 7d ; H over A, 2 crossbred 7d; HA conjoined, 2 crossbred ewe 7d ; R2, 8 merino 6id, 1 mixed 6d ; HO, 3 crossbred 6|d ; BT, 4 crossbred ewe 7£d ; Heart over H, 6 crossbred ewe/tyd ; 20 ovsr — , 2 cross bred ewe 6|d ; 17/2 first cross wethers 6id, 2 three-quarterbred wethers 6|d, 1 mixed three-quarterbred and half bred 6d ; square j with C, 2 crossbred ewe 6sd, 1 merino s|d ; KA, 1 crossbred hogget 6£d, 1 crossbred ewe 6^d ; A A conjoined, 1 crossbred 7|d, 1 merino 6£d ; BB conjoined, 2 halfbred 6£d, 2 merino 5Jd ; UF conjoined, 3 crossbred ewe 6|d j BW over — , 2 crossbred ewe 6|d ; Triangle over bar, 5 halfbred wethers 6£d ; Nl, 2 three-quarterbred ewes 7£d, 1 second cros3 hogget 6|d ; C, 1 lambs' crutcbings Id; H G conjoined over — , 1 crossbred 6d ; WP, 2 first cross ew© 6£d ; 43, 4 crossbred 7£d ; CZ, 5 crossbred ewe 7|d; R over F conjoined, 4 crossbred ewe 6^d ; Ace of clubs, 1 cross bred 6id, 4 crossbred ewes 7d, 3 first cross ewes.6|d; MF conjoined m diamond, 3 Lincoln rams 7£d, 6 merino wethers 6|d, 3 merino ewes 6d, 11 first, pieces 6|d, 4 second pieces 4d, 1 merino and crossbred pieces mixed 4£d, 1 first Lincoln pieces 6d, 1 second Lingoln pieces 4d, 7 bellies 4|d, 3 locks 2d, 1 Lincoln bellies 4£d, 1 first merino, pieces s£d, 1 second merino pieces 4d, 1 merino bellies 4^d, 2 dead wool s|d, 1 Hampshire Down rams 6Jd, 40 first cross ewes 7£d, 15 crossbred ewes 7id, 8 crossbred hoggets 7id. 8 Linooln. ewes 7id, 2 lieicester ewes 7id, 6 Hampshire Down ewes 7^d, 3 Hanushire Down cr<ss ewes and wethers 7£d ; D over -W, 12 first cross ewes and 1 second cross ewes 7£d, 3 crossbred hoggets 7£d, 1 cross bred wethers 6|d, 1 mixed 6id, 1 bellies 4£d; 33 over — , 8 first cross hoggets, 6f d ; 5 secoi.d cross ewes 7sd, 1 first crossbred ewes 6iil, 1 locks 2|d ; LL conjoined, 2 croesbreds 6Jd, 3 merino ewes 6d, 1 mixed 6d, 1 cross bred belli6B and pieces 2d ; TH m circle, 2 merino 6d ; M/c5, 3 first cross ewes 7d ; O over J conjoined, 9 first cross ewea and 1 first cross wethers , 7d ; X m diamond, 2 longwool ewes \?d, 2 cross bred wethers 6£d. 3 crossbred hoggets and part ewes 6d ; Flag, 1 crossbred hoggets 6£d; J9, 16 crossbred ewes 7£d, 2 bellies sd, 2 locks 3d ; Triangle over S, 9 crossbred ewes 7£d, 1 crossbred ewes and rams 6|d, 1 pieces 3d, 1 locks and pieces 2£d ; — over MS, 7 merino 6^d, 1 merino bellies 4£ I, 2 cross bred ewes and hoggets with 9 rams, fleeces 6|d ; — r6, 1 locks and piece.s 2^d ; JB/ 4 halfbred ewes 7d, 1 bellies and 5 ram fleeces 3£d ; <x> over J, 7 crossbred ewea 6|d, 1 bellies and pieces 4£d ; Bar through S, 1 crossbred hogget 6|d, 2 crossbred ewes with 13 hogget fleeces 7^d, 1 halfbred h< ggets 6|d, 2, halfbred ewea. 7^d ; RP, 1 crossbred hoggets 6d, 10 crossbred ewes ?d. We have also sold privately since our last report, about 20Q bales cro-sbreds and merino, at prices ranging from 7d to 7£d for the former and 6d to 6^d for the latter. At present we have m our stores at Ashburton, several hundred bales of wool of all descrip tions, which we expect to sell privately next week, aud those of our clients who have not yet delivered their clips will do well not to delay sending the wool to our stores."

TIMARU WOOL SALE.

The following is the sale catalogue oi Messrs Hanmer and Graves (Ashburton), John Mcc (Timaru), an:l Smiih and Temple (Geraldine), Mr J. R. Bland, auctioneer : — — |,2 bales crossbred ewe 6£d ; M.L, 2 crossbred ewe 6|d, 1 mixed 6d ; 3 Legs, 3 merino 6£d, 2 crossbred ewe 6?d, 1 mixed 6^d ; G-N, 4 halfbred hogget 6|d, 3 merino and crossbred 6d, 2 crossbred hogget 6£d j A., 4 bales halfbred ewe 7d, 1 crossbred ewe 6|d ; D 2, 6 ewe 7£d ; T over X, 10 halfbred ewe 7£d ; XL, 4 crossbred hogget 6|d ; XLXL, 4 crossbred ewe 7^d ; R over q, 5 crossbred ewe and wether 6§d, 1 crossbred ewe 7d, 1 mixed 7d, 1 mixed 4d, 1 mixed 6|d, 1 crossbred hogget 7d, 1 crossbred hogget 7d ; like M, 9 first cross 7d, 2 three quarter bred 6Jd, 1 first cross pieces s£d, 1 first cro a bellies 4?cl, 1 half and three quarterbred pieces s£d, 1 mixed 6£d, 1 locks 2|d ; IR, 7 crossbred hogget 7£d, 5 crossbred ewe 7£d, 1 bellies 4|d, 1 locks and second pieces 2|d ; oin circle, 1 crossbred hogget 6?d, 7 halfbred hogget 7d, 1 half and crossbred pieces 2|d ; AH conjoined, 1 half bred wether 6£d, 1 crossbred : hogget Of d ; *"* D, 5 crossbred ewe 6§d ; t> over RI&, 5 6|d ; 2 crossbred ewe 7d j ER conjoined, 2 crossbred hogget 6|d ; 17, 10 halfbred wethers 7\d, 2 bellies and pieces 4|d ; — through o,' 1 crossbred ewe 7J, 1 crossbred hogget 7d ; ES, 1 merino ewe Qd ; 38, 1 merino ewe 6d ; L 3, 1 crossbred ewe and hogget 6|d ; M, 1 oro sbred pieces 3£d ; P3, 3 crossbred ewp 2a over -r-, 1 merino 6|d ; ~~* U, 7 three-quarterbred 6id, 3 gross bred §<J, 4 pieces 4id, 1 loc^s and pieces 3£d, 2 bellies 3|d ; J^, 2 half bred hogget 6|d, 1 Lincoln and Leicester rams 6^d, 1 three quarterbred ewe 6^d ; 6 m O, 1 halfbred ewe 6|d j KG, 2 crossbred ewe 7d, I crossbred ewe and ram fleeces 61d, 3 merino 6^d, 1 bellies, and looks 3f d ; JO conjoined, 1 first and S6G(?p^ 9r9.?s ewe 6^d j KA, 4 first cross 6tf\ JO conjoined, 11 balfbred bogget 6|d 12 second cross hogget 6|d ; T over W , 6 halfbred ewe 7d ; JO conjoined, 8 halfbred ewe 7£d, 5 second oross ewe 7id, 1 looks 3i, 6 three-quarterbred ewe 7d, 5 halfbred. ewe 7£d ; H, 2 merino wethers 6d ; JO conjoined, 1 locks and pieces 3d, 1 bellies 4£d, 1 rams wool 6£d, 1 mixed wool 6£d ; HH over D. 10 halfbred ewe 7d, 4 crossbred ewe 7d, 3 crossbred ewe 6£ •!, 2 bellies and pieces 4d, 1 mixed 6|d ; cross over O, 3 crossbred hogget 7d, 1 Lincoln 6|d ; FD,I bellies; pieces and locks 3sd ; 17, 2 three-quarterbred wether s|d, 1 bellies and locks 3|d; T • P, 1 bellies and pieces 6d ; 70, 7 £va*> cross hoggeo 7d, J. lockß and pieces 4<i ; triangle overd, 9 half bred ewe 7id, 1 halfbred bellies sd; XS, 3 halfbred ewe 7£d, 3 croasbred hoggets 7d ; RB, 1 crossbred bogget 6|d, 3 crossbred ewe 6£d, 1 crossbred ram sd ; WM, 2 merino ewe 6£d, 2 crossbred hogget 7d, 1 hogget and ram 6|d ; SJ, 1 halfbred Leicester\ewe 7d, 1 three-quarterbred Leicester ewe 7Jd, ( 2 three-quarterbred' Leicester hogget 7d, three-quarterbred pieces sd ; GS, 3 halfbred wethera 6£d, 1 thr^e-quarterbred and |-bred hogget 7d-; TQ, 1 jßrsfi ana sepqnd pieces 4id, 1 bellies and fleeces 4f d ; HM, 6 thrie quarterbred hoggets 7£d, J locks and pieces 21d ; SM over T, 6 pieces 4|d, 1 locks 2id j BONNYBJGG, 6 three quarterbred hogget 7d, 1 three-quarterbrad hogget and halfbred ewe bid, 1 bellies 4£d, 1 pieces 3Jd ; J, J pieces 3|d ; EM conjoined, 5 halfbred ewe 7^d ; P3, 10 halfbred and crossbred 7d, 37 6 half bred ewe 7id ; F3, 1 bellies,' pieces, and ram fleeces $'£d j CW, 4, three-quarter bred hoggets 7£d, 5 three quarterbred ewe 7£d, 1 halfbred ewe 7^d, 1 mixed 4£d ; KM, 3 crossbred ewe 7^d, 1 bellies and pieces 4£d ; cross, 1 halfbred ewe and wether Id, 1 crossbred ewe 6|d, 1 bellies and pieces 4d } OL, 2 half and three-quarterbred ewe7£dj TP, 1 three-quarterbred 6id, 2 halfbred 6|d; 9T, 2 three-quarterbred 7d, 1 halfbred 7d.

St Andrew's Garden Party.

The annual garden party m connection with St Andrew's Church, Tinwald, took place m the Domain on Thursday afternoon, and passed off most pleasantly. Ihe atten dauce was hoc so large as the ptomoters could have wished, but was doubtless af fected by the number of counter attt actions m the neighbourhood About 100 chi dren and fully the same number of adults were pres' nt, and on the 'ground were several visitors from A.si. burton, Flemington, and Winslow. The officials were all very active, and were most successful m their tfforts to provide amusement for their guests. A lengthy programme of sports was carried out with great spirit, and watched with evident interest by those present. In all, some twenty events were got off, and in cluded flat races, obstacle races, jumping, bicycle races, children's races, and a tug of war—married v single— the former coining off victorious. A number of young people also took part m action songs, skipping drill, and a maypole danoe, which were greatly appreciated. Under the trees m the avenue a work-stall was erected, presided over by Mesdames Wilcox and Culverhouse, Miss Newal, and several young lady assistants, and a Christmas tree under the charge of : Miaee3 Taylor and Douda, and daring the I course of the day a fair amount of business was done. The refieshment stall, under i the superintendence of Mesdaraes Leggott, Gudsell, Biggs, and Blackburne, and a num ber of assistants, was well patronised, and added much to the comfort of the guests. ! Mr Harry Foreman gave some excellent 1 music with hie fiddle, which was thoroughly appreciated by those present. The twilight < was fading when the gathering broke up, and all dispersed to their homes, having en joyed a most pleasant and delightful day 'a outing. ! ■".. ■ '

LONGBEACH-CUM-WATERTON.

I J'rom Onr Own Correspondent. The annual treat m connection with the Longbeach- Water ton Sunday schools was celebrated on Thursday, on the beautiful grounds at Longbeach, kindly placed at their disposal by the ever»generous and hospitable 1 proprietor, Mr John Grigg. . This gentleman also showed his great imereßt m Che festival by lending spring carts to convey the children from the Waterton township, four 1 miles distant. The weather was all that the i most fastidious holiday seeker could wish for, and shortly after twelve o'clock the children, with many of their parents, began i to arrive, and as the little ones dispersed ' about the extensive gardens, their gay' ! summer dresses contrasting with the in numerable shades of surrounding green, a picture at onoe mot lovely and interesting wass presented. During the afternoon,. tho superintendent, with the Rev. J. Skinner, Messrs Watson, Collins, the Misaea Grigg (3), Donaldson and Reid, did his utmost to enable the little ones to enjoy themselves. ; > Games of all sorts, and keenly contested , races for all, were freely indulged m until ," six o'clock. At this time all assembled to - partake of oopious refreshments, which had , j been spread out upon the grass. This over, , I further races were contested until about six i , o'clock, when the children were onoe more ! collected, Ihi3 time to receive rewarda-f^r " their year's work. Each child attending the Waterton 'Sunday school received a prize, Mr Skinner distributing the same, giving each child, as he handed the recipient I the book, a word of kindly encouragement and advice. This over, cheers were heartily given for the teachers, and Mr and Misses [ Grigg for their kindness. The gathering then dispersed, Mr Grigg again placing his carts at disposal, and conveying the children ' home. Thus ended one of the most en joy | | able treats ever held m connection with ' i these aohooja,

THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL.

Now that Mr Harry Britton has got the painters and oMier workmen out of the Commercial Hotel, visitors who were familiar with this hostelry under Us previous management will hardly know it. The : whole place has bean repapered and repainted from top to bottom, The change m the i appearance of the long lines of bedrooms m ■ the upper storey is perhaps the moat marked. ■ The walls of every room have put on a new i dress, and an air of cozineßs and comfort has i succeeded the old one of cheerleasneas and » neglect. The sitting rooms and suites have ; been similarly treated, and the hotel portion i of the establishment now looks as it did when 1 Tom Quill first opened it m all i£a newness' ; and grandeur for the reception of guests.. i Below, the large bar—yards too big for any bar business ever likely to be done m Ash,, burton—-^has been transformed intp a billiard room, and it also affords a private rcqm and office for the landlord. What used to be the bar smoking room has also been reduce 4 to snuggery dimensions/ and what used to tie the storeroom has become the bar.' The new bar faces East Street, and has had added' tq it the space taken from the smoking room. The two sitting room's on either side of the front door have also received the attention of.the painters, while such a change jias, come over the commercial room that; i% is haidly recognisable as the old place. §o with the dining rooms and the private liar, wh|le the old billiard room, which used to be the rendezvous of all sorts and conditions of men and boys has now been set aside, after oomplete renovation, for guests who wish to enjoy genuine billiards m some degree of quiet and m somewhat seleob company. Mr Britton is to be congratulated on the change effected on the hvqse, and on the renewed popularity of it under his able management.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, December 10. The wool sales closed with fairly brisk business, Exclusive of the amount held over from previous sales, 193,200 bales were catalogued for the present series, of which 64,000 were sold for the Home trade, 112,000 for the Continenent, 22,000 for America, and 20,000 - were held over. The Bradford market has declined. : ' l: December 11. » The withdrawal of American demand and the reduction of the Bradford 'market requirements weakened the" closing prices of the wool sales,' which closed at' about par with the opening rates. Merinos ware weak at the finish,, but crosebreds Were selfing welf; especially finer scoured. '"'.*'" (Received December 12, 10.40 a.m.) London, December 11 New Zealand frozen toutton, first quality, 3£d per lb ; second quality, 2|d ; lamb, 2|d. The English wheat market is quiet, with an inclination to' weakness. ' The Continental market shows a general decline, ' with the American declining and weak. Colonial oats, fine quality,- 35a ; common sorts,' 20l •t" . • -■» • — •" ■ , ~<j Tbe butter market is steady, with prices unchanged. The Aotea's cheese, old make. 42s lo 44s ; new, 4§s to 50,3. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have, received the following London cable dated |Qth December:— " Wool— Tbe sales closed fairly well this day. Since close of last saleH the follow ing descriptions are £d per lb higher j — Greasy merino super, 'greasy, washed and scoured merino medium and inferior, line greasy, washed and scoured crossbred, slipe, medium washed and scoured Qrossbrsd, coarse washed and sooured crossbred, greaay merino lambs super, and greasy merino lambs medium and inferior. Other deaorip. tions unchanged. The total quantity sold during the past sales is 176,000 bales, of which 90,000 bales have been taken for the Continent, and 22,000 bales for America. It is estimated that 20,000 bales have been held over for future disposal. " Frozen Meat— Mutton market sluggish. Wellington mutton is worth 2|d per lb (last quotation waa 2|d)."

THE ABHBCBTON GUARDtAft : SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1868.



Keating's Powder ( estroya huge, fleas, onihs; beetles, and all ether inaaota, whilst gui c h rmless to domestic animals. la exte<mi Jating beetles the iaaoaess of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly jlean m application. See the^ artiole you purobase is Keati^g's, as imitations are lOiiouß and ineffectual, Sold iq tins, 6(3, lj and 2s 6i eaoh, by »1 gbemieti. i -



Hollo way's Ointment and Pills. — Abscesses, Erysipelas, and Piles. — Unvary- ing success attends all who treat these diseases, according to the simple printed directions wrapped round each pot or box. They are invaluable to the young and timid, whose bashfulness sometimes endangers life. Though apparently local, diseases of this nature aro esentially blood diseases, but a trifling expense will enable the most diffi- dent to conduot any case to a happy issue without exposing secret infirmities to any- , one. The ointment checks the looal inflammation and alleviates the throbbing pains. These directions also clearly pom out when and how Holloway'a Pi'ls are to be tak«n, and their purifying and regulating powers may weisb by adjusting and strengthening the con9fcitu£|op|



Mothers will find Chamberlain's Cough Remedy especially valu >ble for croup and whooping cough. It will give prompt relief and is safe and pleasant. We have sold it for' several years and it has never failed to *ive the most perfect satisfaction. G. W. Rioharda, Diiquesrie, Pa. 'Sold by the Agii- JPBTPW P*W» CONP4NV. ft



Synopsis of New Advertisements. New Zealand Railways— Excursion to Timaru on December 16. Friedlander Bros., Limited — Next woo) Bale, Ohristchuroh, January 8, 1897. Special horse sale, Friday, December 18. Oddfellows' Hall— Mias Ada Delroy's Company, Thursday and Friday, December 17 and 18. Dr Henry R.eed — Professional advertise- ment). ? Longbeach Road Board— Re closing road. Ashbucton Fire Brigade— December 16. Guinness and LeCren— Sale, Arowhenua. H. M. Jones— New books. T. Bullock— Sale by auction T.S. 491. Church Notices— Ashburton Presbyterian Church special services, St. Stephen's Church, Primitive Methodic Church, Wesley Church, Baptist Church. Art Society-r-JSxhibition, Lost — Small parcel.



Mr James perdue, an old Boldier reaidiog at Monroe, Miq^i., was sev^ely afflicted with rheumatism but received prompt relief from pain by using Chamberlain's Pain Balm. He says : "At times my back would ache so badly that I could hardly rise up. If I had not gotten relief I would not be here to write these few £mes. Chamberlain's Pain Balm has done me a great de ■/ of good and I feel very thankful for it." Forsake J?y the Aujburton Drug Company,



Wanted. ' LOST, — Between Ashburton Saleyards and Saunders' buildings, Small Parcel, i Huder rewarded on returning to Miss ' McDonnell, Saunders' Buildings. . 12 95 "PRIMITIVE Methodist Church— Sunday _L Services. Mornu g and evening — Rev C. Abernethy. 12 93 ANTED Known— Strawberry Social ab Primitive Methodist Church. Friday next. Strawberries and cream, Tea and Cake. Tickets, 15. ., 12 92 FOR Sale^r to Let, a goo.i Four Roomed Cottage, close to iiarnpstead School Rent 58 per week. — Apply, Edward Stephens, Tahcred Street, Ashburton. 12 93 SUNDAY School Anniversary Services will be held To-morrow m the ne.v Tabernacle, Peter street ; Moruii g 11, Afternoon 3, Evening 6.30. Preacher for the day — Rev J. J. Doke, President Baptist Union. Collections m aid of school. 12 98 WESLEY Church, To-morrow Morn- ing, Mr L^adley; Evening, "The great remedy." Solo— 41 The Gift," by Mis Gamble, of Wellington. Strangers cordially invited. 12 94 BARGAINS m Earthenware this month at Carson and Co.'s. Firac-class goods. MOTHERS and fathers who have to provide Boots and Shoes,*Bhould call at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WHERE, Oh where, is that Cheap Boot Shop? Mellor's Zealandia Boob Store. NOW'S your time to Buy. There is a Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. T>IDE the Beat.— Kent's Championship JL\) Bicycles are the best Built to »your own measure. Tyres and accessories of all sorts* — Carson and Co., Agents 10 86 ANTED Known— The Economic Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear. — W. H. Collier. 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 WANTED Known— Mellor s Sale surpassing anything ever heard of m Ashburton 10 CHRISTMAS numbers of Young Ladies Journals, Graphic, London News, Pears' Annual, and others. New volumes of Girls' and Boys' Annuals, Sunday at Home", Leisure Hour, Sunshine, Little Folks, etc. A choice assortment of Christ- mas and New Year Cards, at tempting prices. — Andrewes, Anderson & Co, WE lead, follow who may. Children's Silppers Is. Mellor's Tancred street. ANTED KNOWN.— Mrs Huffam having taken the premises lately occupied by Mr G. Neill, intends to open same as Ladies' Dining and Refreshment Roorrs, where visitors will find a long felt want supplied. Meals ab all hours. A few boarders will find all the comforts of a home. WANTED Known — Large delivery ol the "Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth nr.uch more. — W. H. Collier. WANTED Known ~ Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. Special display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A late shipment of c ailor Straws to be sold cheap. — Mitchell and Turner.



Business Notices. : THE CHRISTMAS j i HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND /CLOTHING "pACTORY. Lighb Summer Coats from 6s 6d Light Summer Suits from 10s 6d Light Washing Vests, slightly soiled 2s 6d Light Blue Serge Suits for Summer wear 16a 6d Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Sui's, all sizes 6s 9d, ÜBual price 100 6d. F. X TRAVELLING. Portmanteaux from 10s 6d Steel Trunks from 10s 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRAW~HATS. Boys' Straw Hats Is, the best value m Aahburton Men's Panama Hats la. '. . BOOTS ~SHOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvas 5h.068, beßt . quality 5a 6d : Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, splendid value Men's Light Boots for summer wear 8s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory. ALEX. HENDRY Manager. _ S s -<n 0 W V H P-( Q \ & 5 - 1 £ en " ■ 5 s 6 3 •§1 « ~ |a * J W g (li-J J I? a h-l co «a. g ■ a .. Pm w I ii g ft- 3 a  hj» F — l | | g >^ li s cd %i 1 P ■4" a <| Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. SUNDAY SERVICES. 8,30 a.m. — Holy Communion — offering m aid of Brotherhood of St Andrew. 11 n.m — Morning Prayer. Sunday schools &b usual. 3. 30 p.m. — Holy Baptism, 6i30. — Evening Prayer. REV T. A. HAMILTON. Wai:! e <*. * EW BOOKS.— The Grey Man, C:? ahot > The Sealfkin Cloak, Bolder Words, The Rose of Allandale, Stables, The Next Crusade, Cromie, Sappers and Miners, G. M. Fenn, London Pride, Braddbn, Christmas Numbers and Magazines, Christmas and New Year Cards,— H, M. JONESi A FULL assortment of new Veilings m white, black, and black and, .white. Buy the celebrated new kid glove — The Victory — only 2s 6d. The best glove m New Zealand for the money. — A, Obk. 11 124 rjIHERE is no doubt, no possible doubt JL that you get Good Value for you money at Mellor's. BULBS. BULBS.— AII the .choicest varieties from 6d per dozen.— Flet- cher Bros., Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton THE early bird catches the early worm so call at Mellor'b Cheap Boot Sale DERWENT Potatoes.— We have m Stock a few sacks of Prime Derwent Potatoes.— Fletcher Bbos., East Street, Ashburton. T HEARD a man aay that Mellor is Belling JL Boots Wonderfully Cheap. WANTED Known— What the people say. That Andrew Orr has the largest and best; assorted stock of Boots m Canterbury. 11 125 NEW Mangel, Carrot, and Turnip Seeds. The favorite sorts at low prices. — Carson and Co. 10 WHAT do I see before my eyes 1 A Cheap sale of Boots at Mellor'a. IF YOU WANT the Newest and Nicest Millinery, Trilby Muslins, and Dress Goods, go to Mrs Alcorn's. made on the premises. Fit guaranteed. WANTED Known— looo pairs of Boots to be sold m twenty-one days at Mellor's. m MILLINERY — Ladies should inspect the new Millinery, Capes, Mantles, Jackets, Blouses, French and English Corsets ; all new and up to date. — A. Orb.. 11 126 ANTED Known— Go to the Corner for Newest Styles m Drapery and Millinery— W. H. Collier. WAN fED— Every Lady m Ashburton: to see our Window of Blouse '; ' Goods, bought at a big discount, and selling > it less than wholesale prices. — Mjtcuell asp Turner. STUDY Economy and patronise Mellor's Cheap JBoot Sale. WANTED Known^-That J. MoisONj has just received a large shipment of English, American, and Continental Boots and Shoes, suitable for the season ; also an . overwhelming Stock of the best colonial i makes, which he intends disposing of at very reasonable prices during the coming holidays. Repairs as usual done at onoe at Moison's p rpmief Boot) Storp.Euißb Street, AskkHrtPQ



Business Notices __ GOOD WASHING PRINT, ,3£d. WHITE MUSLIN, 3s lid per doz. AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6s lid AT G. J. NEILL'S. Flannelettes 3£d yard. The Best Turkish TOWELS m A&hbulon are at— G. J. NEILL'S. BOYS' Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4s lid, Men's Tweed Trousers 5s lid, Men'b Heavy C .lonial Tweed Suits 25s 6d, at G. J. NEILL'S. w Ladieß' Lace Shoes, 4s lid. Ladies' two-strap Shoes, 4s lid. AT G. J. NEILL'S. L»diM'i Mft.iaV, »ud Children's 3?AN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Prices, ■_.■■'- M G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. WE HAVE PURCHASED A WAREHOUSEMAN'S STOCK OF IIGHT PRINTS . PARK CREPONS j MUSLINS [ CORDETTES ETC, ETC. "~ mHESE GOODS ARE PERFECTLY FRESH AND NEW, and the Latest Stuffs for BLOUSES. SEE WINDOWS FOR PBICES. ■ -«» . MITCHELL & TURNER'S. NEW FIRM -:--:- t:- -- -:- -:- -:- NEW FIRM SAVE MONEY BY DEALING _ WITH & BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOCK TH&T ACCUMULATES BY YEAIRS of BUSINESS t THE Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with a Cash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the great losses that are occasioned by Bad Debts. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND SELL FOR CASH, THEREFORE THEY 'ARE ABLE TO GIVE, BETTER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE JEN ISHBURTON. — A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Brown |Ribbed Pants (heavy) le 6d —worth Ladieß' Hose, fast colors, plain and ribbed, Is lid 6d pair Men's Socks 6d— worth 9d White and Brown Turkish Towe's, only 6d m Harvester Hats B£d— worth Is White Calico, grand value, at 2a lid— l2yds Blncher Boots 4s lid — grand value The Best Value for Flannelettes m Heavy Shooters 9a lid— worth 12a 6d Ashburton. Gem Shoes, Special, 4s lid— worth Heavy Twill, 4s lid dozen— worth 7d a yd 63 61 A. Splendid Line of Corsets, all sizes, at Hairline Tweed Trousers 8s 6d— cheap at Is Ud 10s 6d The Best Assortment of Sunshades m town, Men'a Felt Hats from 2a 6 i from Is We have the Choicest Assortment of Hats Ladieß' Sailor Straws, all shades and shapes, m towti. from 9d each — Pick your own shape 12yds Strong Print for 3a lid— Cheap at 6s and trimming, and have your A Beautiful Summer Tweed Is Id, double Millinery done Free of Charge. width FULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MEASURED GABMENTS A SPECIALTY. . AClkd l3n FULL SUIT FROM AQ Q n-p. 4:1/8 K)D FULL SUIT FROM 4:^ O^ MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, BAST smEET,. ;