Mail Notices.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23. For Northern P6r»s, Samoa,and Sandwich Islands, also North and Central America, United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, via Sah Francisco (due London, January 27th), per Takapuna, at 615 p.m. Money orders, 3 p.m. ; registered letters 5 p.m.

COMMERCIAL.

London, December 18. Butter is firm and unchanged.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1896. BRITISH RAILWAYS.

Great Britain has been threatened with a railway strike. Thu cisual reader, ard the reader who left Eng land many ytars ago, has but little idea what o railway strike means, if that strike wei'e to be anything like general over the three kingdoms. There i 3 invested m the railways of the United Kingdom the immense sum of .£980,000,000 — a sum m excess of tho National Debt by £320,000,000. They earn over £80.000,000, and dis burse nearly £46,000,001) per anunm m working expendi'nro, leaving a balance available for dividend • f <» ! >out £34,000,000. The three kingdoms are overed with a nets-work of lines over 20,000 miles m extent, over which more than 900,000,000 passengers are carried annually, and these accomplish their going to and fro with a degree of safety not to be found m any other part of the world where railways are worked. In fact, it is safer on the railways of the United Kingdom than m the streets of london, where, m 1893, 25 per million were killed and 969 per million injured, whereas on railways the averages were one pas senger killed m every 53,000,00 C and one injured m every 1,876,00 C passengers carried, To show the magnitude of the operations ol these railway companies, let us glance ?•* the business of one of the largest. " In a' recent half year its gross revenue amounted to £-3,928,695 Over its 1629 miles of line it conveyed close upon 24,500,000 passengers, only 554,000 of which enormous total were first and second-clas?, the remainder, no fewej than 23,840,000, travelling third, who for an average expenditure of 9-|d per head yielded a revenue of £927,915. First-class passengers at 3s 3d and second-class at 5£J per head yielded £81.947. Freights, mails, etc., make up the total revenue already given. What, then, did the earning of this income — an income which, for six months only, exceeded the annual revenue of Denmark, and also exceeded the annual revenue of five South American republies-^rinvolve ? It in volved the running of 14,500,000 miles by the trains of the company, equal to 605 times the circumference of the globe — or, m railway parlance, equal to thirty trips to the moon and back. It involved the keeping up of over 1800 locomotives, of over 3500 carriages, vans, horse-boxes, and cirriage-trucks for iise by the passenger department, of over 36,000 waggons for the con veyance of goods, and of close upon 51,000 waggons for the mineral traffic of the Ijne m question ; a total stock, exclusive of engines, of above 91,000 vehicles For each mile of line 15,000 passengers were carried, and each carriage conveyed duriug the six months 9707 passengers, which is equal to each vehicle being filled SJ39 times m the period mentioned. The waggons, if placed upon the railways would oocupy hoth lines between Edinburgh and Newcastle, a distance of 249 miles. As to expenditure ; It required £1,160,000 to satisfy the army of officials and workmen for salaries and. wages, £224,282 of this amount being sp<mt m wages connected witii the working of engines. The locomotive coal bill re#che<ji £138,560, t».e water bill £16,928, and oil. tallow, and other stores for engines £21,519. Other items make up the grand total of £2,208,938 spent m six months, an ,avepge of £84,959 per week, and, as Sunday on the line m question cannot be treated as a working day, this means an expenditure on each of tjje six' days > of the week V £H } IQQ,

In an artic'e under the heading " Advances to farmers m Canterbury," the Press says that ADVANCES while Canterbury, is TO FARMERSi a guarantor for the million and a half nnd the interest for fifty years, only £54,195, distributed asunder, has been advanced, to the settlers m the province : — £ Ah burton ... ... ... 4,115 Ashley 15,310 i Avon 200 Ello.mtre 5,295 LyUellon 200 Pareora 14,520 Raugibuta 9,085 Riocarton 900 Selwyn ... 4,370 £54,195 The total amount advanced to the | whole colony was £722,427 ; so Oanter- , bury did, not get quite one-thirteenth of the whole. Some electoral districts have got as much as all Canterbury : — Mast-erton got £58,220 Egm at  .., ... 55,960 fUngitikei  63,610

Local and General.

Beading matter on fourth page. Monday, December 28, will be a special bank holiday. 1 The railway time-table for Christmas Day is advertised m this issue. The programme of Methven sports and races appears m cxtenso m our fourth page to-day. The Opposition votes throughout the colony were within 800 of those cast for the Government. Mr R.,0. Reid, of the Westport News, is dangerously ill. Paralysis has affected his organs of speech. There have been 2081 cases through the hands of the Wellington city polics since the beginning of the year. The city property at Peril), West Aus tralia, is assessed at nearly £4,000,000, the rateable value of which is £185,748. About 2,000,000 bushels of American wheat have already been bought m antici pation of the shortage m the Australian harvest. The Melbourne "move on" city by-law was declared by Mr Justice Hood to be ultra vires, and the decision, fining W, J. Kobb, solicitor, 10a, under it, was aeb aside. The tendency of pubic feeling m Queens land is to forbid the sale m that colony of Australian papers containing indecent ad vertisements or notifications regirding gambling. In a Maori football match at Makirikiri Pah, a mi'e from Danevirke on Saturday evening, a player named Mann collided with another player, and received concussion of the brain. He died an hour later. The colony will be represented at the Paris Exhibition of 1900. The Government) pro pose to join with the Imperial authorities and the colonies m providing one large build ins; for a general exhibition of British pro ducts and manufactures. A painful outcome of the Motueka murder is thifpfllrs Joseph Graves, sister of the mut^lf Grooby, has developed symptoms or insanity since the tragedy. She has been m an asylum before, but was released two or three years ago as cured. The Marine Department, acting on a suggestion made by the Shipmasters' Asso ciation, is atrnging a signal to be used at night-time by vessels which require the services of a tu£ when entering a New Zea land port. The collections of tha Wellington Museum have been enricbed by the addition of some meteorites from Arizona kindly sent to Pit James Hector by Mr Ward, the famous Rochester geologist, who recently paid a vi-ic to Wellington. Mr Richard Henry .informs the Olago Daily Times that the statement that he had transferred over 190 varieties of birds to Resolution Island is incorrect. He has - however, trausf- rred over 190 btrda of one variety, and several hundreds of other birds. Mrs Charles Chapman, from Wanganui, arrived by the express to-day, on a visit to her mother— Mrs Jame3 Jamieson, Ferny side, Beach Road. Mrs Chapman, whom many old friends will be glad to see again, will also be a guest for a short time of her mother-in-law—- Mrs J, R. Chapman. The Dunedin merchants are evidently not inclined to pay the railage on goods from Port Chalmers to Dunedin without an attempt to teat whether a cheaper mode of transit cannot be established. A number of leading firms are calling for tenders for the cariying to Dunedin of cargo which will be discharged from Home steamers or vessels at Port Chalmers. • Clouds of volcanic dust fell m Napier early on Tuesday morning, settling on the foliage of trees and the flowers. Residents when they went into their gardens were led to believe that there bad been a severe gale duriug the night to bring such dust. Captain Apsteio, of the s s, I£awatiri, reported meet ing with a cloud of dust when off Flat Point. "• The special correspondent of the New Zealand Times, writing under date December 17, slates that : — The sunsets at Tokaatm at present are said to be bo beautiful as to baffle description. This is owing to the play of the iridescent rays of the setting sun on the molecular myriads which have been floating m sp ice ever since the beginning of the eruptions. A private letter has been received from Madame Trebelli, regretting that she will be unable to visit I hrjsiphurch as she originally intended. She his been engaged to sing m " The Messiah " m Auckland, and leaves by the Mouowai, for San Francisco, on the 2§")li iust. In her ."otter Madame Trebelli ex presses the grea^ regret she feels at not boing able, once more, to visit Christchurch, where she waa so kindly and ao geueroualy received. . An Ashton correspondent writes : — A number of geese, belonging to Mrs Wilson, which were wandering at large on the public road, were destroyed by some malicious person placing* poisoned wheat on the road. As Mm Wilson Iqsg a large number last year m the same way, it ia clear that the wheat was put down for the sole purpose of destroying the geese. It would be better if anyoue annoyed at the geese I being at lar^e on the road were to adopt I other means ot having them removed than I by £hjs cowardly way. I The Caledonian Society, m addition to I their Sp. rfca on Boxing Day, are tp give a j concert of Scottish music, etc , m the I evening. As a considerable number of I Highlanders from both south and north— I dancers, pipers, and what not — as well as I Irish aud other step dancers of known I ability, yUI be present at the sports gather- I ing and intend to stay oyep Sunday, and I have further promised to assist at the oon- I cert, this department of the programme j should be of t,he highest class. Mr James I Jago, of Punedin, one of the best exponent" I of Scottish song m the colony, has been j engaged for the concert, and Ashburton J people will thus have one more opportunity I of listening to VTr Jago's magnificent voice devoted to the clas-ip3 of his country's song love. He is a humorist, too, of no meau j order, and, being to the manner born, is able I to allow how great a. libel upon the ' ' men of the north " Sidney Smith perpetrated when I he spoke of the hammer and nail required to drive a joke into a Scotchman's head. Miss MacCulloch, from Oamaru, will be the lady singer from a distance. She is new 1o Ash burton, but she comes with a high reputa tion as "a fss'e.ojb singer of Scotia's best melodies. Local talent wifl irjake up the J rest of the programme which will b&oi a superior charaoter. Reading's Powder destroys bugp, fleas J moths, beetles, and all oiher insects, whiltt gui c h irmless to domestic animals. In txtermjoaiing beetles the success of this powdej* js ex raordinary. It is perfectly clean jn application 1 . Sea the arfiiole you purchase is KpATi^'s, (is imitations are LOXiooB and ineffectual, Sold id tips, 6d, Is and 28 63 eaob, by al obsmißtS.

There will be no publication cf the Guardian on Friday and Saturday next — Christma9 Day and Boxing Day. David Hutton, a scholar attending the High street school, Dunedin, has been present j every time the school was open for the j past nine years. The case is all the more meritorious (s iys the Dunedin Star) Beeing ■ 'that Hulton begins work the year round at sam., when he assists m milking, and ifter school he is engaged till nine o clock at night m distributing the even ng pap r. The c ildren attending the Kyle School, together with a large number of parents and f iends, enjoyed a very pleasant outing on Friday at Mr John Lambie'a farm, Kyle. Tables were spread aud the '• billy was boiled" m the shell er of the well grown plantations, and lefreshments provided on a - most liberal scale. The usual outdoor games were indulged m. A dance was afterwards held m the schoolroom. Holloway's Ointment. — Go where you may, m every country and all climes, persons will be found who havo a ready word of praise for this ointment. For chaps, chafes, scalds, bruises, and sprains, it is an invaluable remedy ; for bad legs, bad breasts and piles, it may be confidently relied upon for effecting a sound and permanent cure. In cases of puffed ankles, erysipalis, and rheumatism, Holloway's Ointment gives the greates comfort by reducing the inflamma tion, cooling the blood, soothing the nerves, adjusting the circulation, and expelling the impurities. This ointment should have a place m every nursery. It wil cure aU those manifold skin affections which originating m childhood gala strenth with the child's growth.

METHVEN SPORTS.

The following entries have been received for Methven New Year Sports. Maiden Trot Handicap.— Kcotslac, Jess, ' Rainbow, D^rkie, Mona, No Name, Thu oycides, Perkin, Opossum, Zeta, Daisy, Speculation. Handicap Trot. — Kcotslac, Jess, Durkie, R%iubow. Biddy, No Name, Wildboy, Miss Eate, Zeta, Cosmo. Methven Cup. — Windermere, Tessa, Bankrupt, Village Lad, You Know. Ladies' Purse. — Windermere, Tessa, Baukrupi-, Colliaa, .Lapwing, "Village Lad. You Know. Handicaps will be declared on Saturday night, 26th inst. A train will leave Rakaia on arrival of morning train from Christ church, returning to meet the evening one from Christchurch.

Stabbing Cases.

A man named Kenneth Bain was admitted into the Waikato hospital from Tetakui suffering from a stab m the back, inflicted by a knife. Two Germans have been arrested on suspicion of stabbing and otherwise assaulting Bain, who lies m a critical condition. On Saturday evening two fishermeu, m ites m a fishing boat, had a quarrel m a Lyttelton hotel, and went out into the street to fight it out. After fighting for a little while one of the men, it is alleged, drew a knife and stabbed his opponent rather severely m the arm and then ran away. He was soon caught and waa taken m charge by Constable McCormick, who locked him up. The wounded man was taken to Dr Pair main's surgery, where the wound was dressed and he was. then sent to the casual ward.

Killed by a Shark.

Napier, December 20 A most shocVing fatal accident occurred this moruiug. Me Bright Cooper, of the firm of Cooper and Abbobt, sheep farmers, went with other 9 to bathe on the beach. He was a strong swimmer, and went out about twenty-five "yards when his com panions, who were nearer shore, saw the fin of a large shark near him. 'I hey called out to him and made their way to the shore and threw stones to fiighten the shark. They were horrified to see the water suddenly discolored with blood, though Mr Cooper did not call out and there was no struggle or splashing. The body was next seen drifting, and his companions swam m and brought it to the shore. He was alive, but unconscious, and died m a minute or two. His lefc arm was bitten clean off a the elbow and the right at the wrist. A large bite had been taken out of his left side, Both legs and other par's of his body also were bitten Mr Cooper was a young man of twenty-eight, prominent m athletic circles, and very popular. He was a bachelor, and his relatives live m England and the C*pe Colony. J

CORRESPONDENCE.

(Wo do not hold ourselves respons'b o for the opinions expressed by our correspondents

THE BOROUGH SCHOOL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — The Borough School is admittedly one of the most successful educational establishments m Canterbury, if not m New Zealand, from a scholastic point of view. But although this is so, and although it is the largest school m the Ashburton county, it certainly has to take a back seat m the matter of considering the pleasure and com fort of the scholars. While other schools break up for their Christmas vacation a week' before the actual holiday week, the Borough runs right up to the eve thereof— although, to do so, they have to give half the staff double work, owing to the pupil teachers being away at their examination. While other schools spend for priz-'s on an average at least la 8d per head on the roll number, the Borough, this year, 'gives about 3Jd per head ; and while other schoo's take advantage of the occasion to bring them selves and the scholars before the public, by getting some well-kaown public man to present the prizes, the Borough makes this once important annual event' v, Committee affair, and a member of that body makes the presentations and gives the usual good advice. Finally, this function, which should be witnessed by all of the pupils and as many of the parents as possible, is performed m a room not capable of holding more than one-fourth of the children, let alone any parents. This last matter is tho only one I have referred to, which it is hot too late to discuss now ; and as many of the parents would like to see the presentation, and all the children should do so, 1 suggest that the Committee make a new departure this year, and have the presentation m the Domain. I am sure m my of the parents would gladly provide light refreshments, and if a few games were arranged for, the youngsters might have something to make up for the burlesque of a division of £7 amongst five hundred children, and having it termed a " prize distribution." The fact thab^ne pme'ia valued at two guineas does not alter the position, as that is due to the liberality of Mr Buckley.— l am, etc , Parent.

THE CRICKtiT MATCH v QUEENS LANDERS.

TO TtyE EDITOR. Sir, — With regird to the proposed pricket match to be held shortly on Ashburton Domain v Queensland, hs it is well known that the Queensland team is undoubtedly a first-ciasa team, it behoves our cricketers to practise every evening, otherwise f fear subscribers to the fund, necessary to defray expenses, will be only finding money to advertise A.ahbucioa cricket iv a manner which will make U3 a laughing stock to the reßb of New Zealand. But if the captain of our Club will insist upon daily practice, I believe we have men here who will give a good account of themselves, and the visit will have a healthy effect on our cricket generally. — I am, etc., Percy H. Cox, Ashburton, Pepember 21, 1896.

SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS.

Eiffeltou. The following is the Inspector's report on the Eiffel ton School, examined on Novem ber 11:—9 :— j

Marks 0 to CLASS SUBJECTS. iqq Grammar 50 History - ... .. ... 60 Geography (Standard 2 only) 60 Elementary Science, Object f.es sons, etc ... 50 Mental Arithmetic 40 Repetition and recitation— Piecea aatia* fftctorily known ; very fairly rendered. Drill and exercises— lN one. Singing — None. Needlework — None. Comprehension of reading lessons — Com mendable. Mr Hugh A. Livingstone, master (un assisted.) General Remarks. — The work of the school gives evidence of very caretul instruc tion, and the industry expended is re warded by the happießb results. The subjects oi the " pass " group are generally commendable throughout the classes, the excellence of the freehand drawing, and the full and precise answering m geography, being especially worthy of notice. The " cltss ' subjects have received a good share of attention with results of substantial value. — W. J. Anderson, Inspector.

THE WEATHER.

ALFORD STATION. The following is the meteorological report for the week ending December 18, 1896 : —

CRICKET.

The selection committee of the ABhburton Cricket Club, request that the under mentioned players will go into practice, with a view to the mateh — South Canter bury and Aahburton Associations versus Queensland — on January 12 and 13, namely : .—Denshire, Beckett, Dart, McDonald, Baker, Clark, Russell, Alington, Andrews, 'Davis, Upton, Cromie, Peter, E. Price, Friedlander, Fook?, Campbell, Jackson, Marsdeu, Powell, aud Pilbrow.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM.

Melbourne, December 19 Following upon the formal disbanding of Australian Eleven, Mr Cress well, instructed by the Chairman of the Cricket Council, has written .to Mr Musgrove, requesting him to produce the account bo^ka m connection with the tour for the v inspection of the Council.

INTERCOLONIAL MATCH.

I Adelaide, December 19 ( The cricket match, New South Wales v South Australia, began to-day. The visitors m their first innings scored 162 ; Kelly 50, Donnan 25, Mackenzie 34, Garrett 13, being chief scorers. Jones took five wickets {or 49, Evans four for 46. The home team have lost one wicket for 47. Darling and Lyons are both not out with 19 and 21 respec tively. The weather was fine and the wicket m good order. There was a large attendance of the public. Iredale was dismissed by the first ball, and Gregory failed to score. Mackenzie and Donnan made a good stand, and livened up the game considerably. Kelly played patient and correct cricket for his score.

CYCLING.

. Sydney, December 18. At the CycHuts' Union meeting the Ten Mile Amateur Championship of New South 'Wales was 'wou by New, Cameron second, and Hamilton t hird. Time 26min 37aec. Melbourne, December 18 The cycling coutests between Parsons and Martin took place to-uay.- In the mile race Martin won ; the pace was very slow until the last Up, when, after a splendid finish, the American won by half a wheel. Time, 3min 23|sec. The five mile race was a gift to Martin, who established a long lead from the start, and Parsons, who never had a chance, palled out m the last lap. Time, 10m in 23&seo. Martin went out alone and lowered the ten mile Australian record, covering the distance m 21min 24£ sec.

The Maori Elections.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph. Wkllington, December 21 The following are the Maori election returns so far as known : — •; Southern Maori district — Parata, 254 ; Taiaroa, J. 2 3; Ellison, 111 ; Mutu, '92. Five small returns to come. Northern Maori District — Heke, 387; Kapa 123 Further ieturns to come. VVestern Maori District — Hen are Kaitau, 1004 ; Ropata Te Ao, 648 ; Katitia, 517 ; Oinipi, 466 ; Ketone, 206 ; Ringihiwanui, 201 ; Ngapaki, 191 ; Nikibini, 171 ; Apsm harria, 138 ; Nutani, ill ; Horomana, 17 ; Wilson Hunia, 14 ; Taarafahi, 8. Forty six returns to come. Eastern Maori District— Wi Bere, 20Q1 ; Tautatai, 68b; Taruke, 153. Thirty-four returns to come. "*

16 will be Been by a new advertisement m another column that Messrs Craighe^d and I Eterryman ape probably now showing the ! largest stock of new tweeds and fashionable tailoring goods ever exhibited m. Ashbur ton. This speaks well for their enterprise and local industry. c _

Synopsis op New Advertisements, I Presbyterian Church Wakanui — Tea, etc. John Bejl— Be lost policy, Friedlauder Bros, Ltd.— Sale of binders, etc. Tinwald Domain Board — Re January 1, 1897, Tinwald Racing Culb; January 2, Ashburton Racing Club. Railway train aervice— Christmas Day. Batiks — Special holiday. Methven Spotfca — Programme. Orange Lodge — Tenders for leasing Orange Hall. St. Stephen's Church — Notices. A. P. Williamson -House' to let. Reid and Gray — Notice' to customers. Lost— Kicking Btrap. Mrs Bowman Fox— Notice of concert. B irough Council— Dog Registration. Public Libraryr— Re Closing. ! » Barry town Flab Gold Mining Company— Shares for 'sale, ; '•' " Sftlyatioa Army—Hik]Jeluj»^ weeding,

CABLE NEWS.

Homo and Foreign

Pi eas Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. Mount Wellington Observatory. London, December 18. The Royal Geographical Society support th '■ proposal to build an observatory at Mount Wellington. A Disputed Demand. The Congo Free State claims 150,0D0 francs duty on ivory which belonged to Stokes, the British trader, who was put to death by order of Major Lothaire. The Marquis of Salisbury has refused the demand. The Orotava. A rope attached to the mainmast of the sunken steamer Orotava broke and the vessel settled down m a worse position. Act Against Gambling. Brussels, December 10. The Senate has passed an Act declaring gambling m stocks and fictitious delivery of goods criminal, offences, and also passed a strong law^ against betting and gambling.

Australian.

The Betting- Question. Sydney, December 19. Summonses were recently issued at the .instance of the Government against 35 bookmakers for betting m the Rand wick Saddling paddock, with a view' to settling the question as to whether cash betting on a racecourse is illegal conduct within the meaning of the Betting Suppression Act. In two cases fines of £5 were inflicted.. Notice of appeal was given. The Land lax. The Premier, i \ referring to the wheat yield, takes it as an indication that the land tax is giving a stimulus to cultivation, and he expects a much larger increase next year. It is also haviug a marked effect m compelling city people to put their property to use, as is shown by the large increase m building operations. Sudden Death. December 20. Colonel Stokes, aide-decamp to the Governor, and the officer commanding the Fourth Regiment, dropped dead while cycling. The cause of death waa heart disease. A Woman Sentenced. Melbourne, December 19 The woman Bell has been sentenced to a year's imprisonment for setting fire to the man Hannan. *

SOUTH AFRICA.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph. Capetown, December 18 The attitude of some natives at Fort Salisbury occasions some anxiety, as they decline to yield up land seized from farmers during the recent revolu tion. Lisbon, December 18 Reports have reached here that the British police m Manica, a tributory to the Portuguese m South-east Ai rica, expelled a Portuguese Lieutenant \»ho was engaged m surveying a site for a _._. military settlement..

TURKEY AND THE POWERS.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright: Const antinople, December 18. Several Pashas exiled at Taif have died, and it is believed that they were poisoned. Forty-five of the Sultan's wives have been arrested m connection with the matter, - December 20. The Ministers recommend to the Sultan, if the Patriarchate guarantee the conduct of a hundred persons, a general amnesty to Armenian prisoners will be safe. The Patriarchate has offered to place the leaders of the Armenian revolt and those condemned to death m monasteries and has in duced other prisoners to declare their allegiance to the Sultan.

The Cuban Rebellion.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Washington. December 18. The Foreign Committee of the Senate, ignoring the counsel of Mr OJney, Sbcretary of State, for modera tion, passed a joint resolution recog nising the autonomy of Cuba, and that it should negotiate with Spain for peace, New York stocks dropped five point* m two hours. Many Governors of States have tele graphed their readiness to raise volun teers if the resolution is adopted by Congress. It is expected that President Cleve land will veto the resolution. ". |Vashington, December 20. Mr Glney that unless the Executive officially declared, the d.eci sion revised the resolution respecting Cuba does not alter the attitude. Rio de Janieiro, December 20 The Brazilian Government has refused to recognise Cuba as a belligerent. Madrid, December 20 The Spanish (government is hasten* ing the completion of warships, The populace is greatly excited.

The Revolt m the Philippines.

I Press Association — By Electric Telegraph— I Popyrighb,

London, December 18 Two British warships have been ordered to Manila to protect British interests. Madrid, December 18 News from Manila states that the Spanish authorities are using the rack aad thumbscrews m torturing prisoners. Forty-nine prisoners were placed m a covered pit and suffocated. General Polavieja succeeds General Blaaco as Governor-General of the Philippine Group, and 10,000 men have been sent to reinforce the troops there. AH spies arrested are shot,

l l i3k ASflßtßTOfl &UAKDIAJN : MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 1896.



PASS SUBJECTS. » -O r "3 *5 T3 g?„ * « g p. « y ni Std. 7 — — — — — 164,, 6 1 1 — 01 127,, 5 6 6 — 1 5 118,, 4 3 3 — 0 3 10 8 „ 3 2 2 — 0 2 97„22 2 — 0 2 8 3 „ 1 3 3 — 0.3 — P.* 3 3 — — — Total 20 20 — 1 16 *Over 8 years 0.



t Shad6 ' m 8 h State m Q £ Wea t neri Low. High Sun. Saturday.. 50* 85- 142- Fine, E. Sunday ... 53* 89- 141* „ „ Monday ... 53- 92* 152 „ N.W. Tuesday ... 53* 72* 120 „ E. to W. Wednesday 40* 82* 132 „ W. Heavy nor'- Thureday... 54* 85* 156* west showers Friday ... 52- 74*^ 130* Fine, E.



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Mothers will find ChamHerlain^ Cough Remedy especially valuable for croup and whooping cough. It will give prompt relief and is safe and pleasant. We have eold'ifc /or several years and it has never failed to give the most perfect satisfaction. ' 6. W. H-oharde, Duiiueßne, Pa. ! Sold by the &BH-



One Box of Clarke's B 41 Pills warran ted to cure all discharges from the Urinaiy Organs, m either sex (acquired or conß i tutional), Gravel and Pains m the Back Guaranteed free from Mercury. Sold m Boxes 4s 6d each, by all Chemists and Patent medicine Vendors throughout) the Worid^ jjroprjetora : The LjNOOXN AND MIDLAND Qor/tmss T)»W CompAof, I inooln, Entfang



* t;he holidays. mHE Guardian will NOT be Published on the 25th and 26th December, and The Mail will NOT be published on the 261h December, m consequence of the Christinas Holidays; Ashburton Publishing Co., December 21 .



! Wanted. j LO-VT — Kicking Strap, between Mail j Office and A. Orr'B private residence. Finder please return to Mail Office. J l lO Let— House of five rooms, Sculleiy JL and Wash-house, situated m Monre Sireefc. N Apply A P. Williamson, Tancred Street. 12 143 . NOTICE. — Ace you going to build Because the cheapest shop for Roofing Iron Ridging, Gutters, Nails, Lead, Spout- ing, Water Tanks, Pumps, Ranges, Register Grates, Locks aud Hinges, Washing Boilers, and all sorts of Ironmongery, is J. W. Hardley's, Ironmonger, Plumber, and Tiusmith. Telephone 32. MILLINEKY — Ladies should inspect the new Millinery, Capes, Mantles, Jackets, Blouses, French aud English Corsets ; all new and up to date. — £. Orr. 11 126 ""VTOW'S your time to Buy. There is a f Jl \ Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot ' Store. WHERE, Oh where, is that Cheap Boob Shop 1 Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. 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. Orr. 11 124



Public notices. j THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND /CLOTHING "pACIOEY. Light Summer Coats from 6s 6.1 Light Summer Suits from 10s 6d Light Washing Vests, hi ighlly soiled 2s 6d Light Blue Serge Suits fur Summer wear 169 6d Boys' Washing Suit 3, all sizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Suits, all sizes 6s 9d, uaua price 10i 6d. IV R TRAVELLING. Portmanteaux from 10s 6d Steel Truuks from 10a 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRA^~~HATS. Boys' Straw Hats Is, the best value m | Ashburton | Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS & SHOES. Men'? Black and Tan Canvas Shoes, best quality 5s 6d Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, splendid value Men's Light Boots for summer wear 8s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ALEX. HENDRY Manager. * * <j S ■ s i H Ph is s R ■ §1 v i or • < s&s . £ 3>pPh m 8 is is ii S Q3 PU 3 M J \ ■ !*■ fe M Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. Tuesday — Teachers' Meeting, 7.30 p.m. Wednesday— Choir Practice, 8 pm. Thursday— Church D coration, 2 p.m. Christmas Jfive— CAßOL SKRVICB, 8 pm (Offerings m aid of the Choir Fund). CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES. B.£Q a.m. ■=- Early Celebration of Holy Communion 11 a.m.— Morning Prayer and Holy Communion 7 30— Ev Prayer. Offerings m aid of the p::^'»y Schools. All communicants are 'avitea to attend either the early celebration oi " ol y. om " munion at 8.30 a.m., or the later service. SUNDAY SERVICES. 8 30 a.m. — Holy Communion 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer 3p.m.-SEAFIELD 6.30 p.m. — Evening Prayer. REV T. A. HAMILTON. Wanted. rTIHE early bird catches the early worm, JL so call at Mellob's Cheap Boot Sale. I HEARD a man say that Mellor is selling Boots Wonderfully Cheap. WANTED— Every Lady m Ashburton to see our Window of B ouse Goods, bought at a big discount, and selling at less than wholesale prices. — Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known— What the people say. That Andrew Okb has the largest and best assorted stock of Boots m Canterbury. 11 125 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— Large delivery of the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth iruch more. — W. H. Colubb. /^HRjDSTJVIAS uumbers of Ladies' VJ Journals, Graphic, London News, Pears' Annual, and others. New volumes of Girls' aud Boys' Annuals, Sunday at Home, Leisure Hour, Sunshine, Little Folks, etc. A choice assortment of Christ- mas and New Year Curds, at tempting prices. — Andrewes, Anderson & Co, WANTED Known— The Economic , Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear. — W. H. Collier. WANTED Known.— Feculina. Fecu- lina. Another shipment of this Celebrated Cake Flour at Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores. WANTED everyone £o Jknow that Fletcher Bros, do a most extensive j Business, acknowledged by a member of the j Force here on Thursday afternoon, December j 17. | f . .■■ : | ~\Tli.W JSOOKS.— The Grey Han> Crochet, il\ The .Sealskin Cloak, Bolder Wordß, The Rose of AUandaljp, § tables, The Next Crusade, Cromie, Sappers and Miners, G, M. Fenn, London Pride, Braddon, Gfirifitmas Numbers and Magazines, Christmas and New Year Cards. — H. M. Jones. ANTED Known— looo pairs of Boots too Jbe sold m twenty-one days at Msllor's. WANTED Known^-Go ha the Corner for Newest Styles m Drapery| and Millinery— Wi H, Cdllhsb,



Busine s Notices V - GOOD WASHING PRINT, B^d. Will E MUSLIN", 3s lid per doz. AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMKU DRESS FOR Gs lid AT G. J. NEILL'S, Flannelettes 34d yard. The Beat Turkish TOWISLS iv AshburLon aro at— G. J. NEILL'S. BOXS' Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4a lid, _ MM * T««d £»-«£ «£ |lial TwMd gui(B 268 6d> ot G, J. NEILL'S. Ladießj Lace Shoes, 4a lid. Ladies' two-atrap Shoes, 4s lid. AT G. J. NEILL'S. Ladies 1 , Maidu\ and Children'a TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Prices, AT G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. WE HAVE PURCHASED v . A ' . . _ WAREHOUSEMAN'S STOCK OF LIGHT PRINTS DARK OREPONS MUSLINS CORDETTES ETC, ETC. :o:' mHESE aOODS ARE PERFECTLY FRE^H AND NEW, and the Latest Stuffs for " BLOUSES. SEE WINDOWS FOR PBIOES. MITCHELL & TURNER'S. ». NEW FIRM -:- :- -2- ... -..-:- NEW FIRM SAYJ3 MONEY BY DEALING WiTH "MITCHELL & BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOCK THA.T ACCUMULATES BY YEARS of BUSINESS TpHE Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with JL a Cash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the great Josse3 that are occasioned by Bad Debts. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND SELL FOR GASH, THEREFORE \ THEY ARE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON. — A few Quotations will be Convincing — Brown {Ribbed Pants (heavy) la 6d -worth Ladies' Hose, fast colors, plain and ribbed, Is lid 6d P air Men'a Soglcb 61— worth 9d White and Browa Turkish Towe's, only 6d SaMi °\lrii T '° n "" °" 6a ~° heaP " T1 >« BeßtA^ottment of Sun»haJ e 8 iv . to»», wflZtb al™J'£Llmo*totK*<» Udi«'SjK"r|tr.«,.ll.l»d« M ,d.h.p« h . " from 9d eacn— Pick your own Bhape 12yds Stronc Print for 3a lid-Cheap at 6a and . trimming, ai.d have your A BeautifSf Summer Tweed la Id/ double Mil mery done Free of Charge, width FULL RANGES 01? KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MBASUBED GABMENTS A SPIOIALXY. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, BAST griißET*