Local and General.

Items from our Chertsey correspondent appear on the .fourth page. The Delmira is a total wreck, and there is no probability of anything being saved from her. The sale of Arowhenua stock, implements, etc. r has t?een postponed. The date of the aale will be duly announced. I The Ashburton Lawn Tennis Club play a match against the Timaru Club to-morrow, at the Club's courts, Cameron street. 1 Afr Wooldridge, piano tuner, is now on one of his visits to Ashburton. Orders may be left with Mr S, Sajek, Jt|ast Street. , A dance under the auspices of the Ashburton Rifles Shooting Committee will be held m the Orange Hal to-morrow evening, for which extensive preparations have be p n male. The Wesleyana afc Hinds wi'l celebrate the anniversary of their Church to morrow by a tea meeting, commencing at 5.30. The Willowby cho^r will contribute one of their excellent programmes of music. The Wakanui Er sbyterians will hold their annual tea meeting m the main school on Tuesday, December 22. The tea meeting will begin $t 5.30 and the after meeting at ejghfc. Among the speakers yriu be that prince pt 01/erial humorists— Rev. P. R. Jtfonro, In Wellington last J?riday, iq the gise of a couple who are frequently before the Court, the wife state 1 that they had been married seventeen years, but were not now living together. She was living as be-t she could, and he was baeheloruing m a cow shed. Housewives anxious about their Christmas cuisine will find interesting reading m the new advertisement of Shearman Bros, published to-day. The firm wishes special note to be taken of their list qf Christmas fruits, and the' new farinaceous preparation " feculina." The eel£brased model of the clock of Slrasbuxg is now on exhibition m Tuncred Street, near the Arcade, The model, which }v an exceedingly interesting piece of work manship, is twelve ffet high, and six' feet wide, being exactly one-^fth of the si^e of fcj)e original, and ja remarkable m its ■fide'ity Iq the great clpck, which has been the boast of the inhabitants of the famous old ciiy of Strasburg for many csntupies. | The procession of the twelve apostles takes | place every quarter of an hour, so that visitors can see at any time during the day and evening its wonderful working. This and jbhe ojLhop sections contain a large number of interesting objeots, including an #rrery op the Copernjcan system, % perpepual tcg'esiastjcal cafendix, the phases of the moon, aod the eauations of time. To those who havenevephadan opppr^nityof behold ing the famous glock afc fch.6 beautiful cathedral, an inapeotiea of tb^e mqdel wjH doubtless prove entertaining and interesting, and no one should fail to pay it a visit. A great attraction to many will be tho gift* ifoib §fp p^ewntcd to 9797 viiivor*

The Wellington Post hints that the Premier intends to ask his Excellency the, Governor to appoint four more Legis'ative Councillors. The Union Company have received advice that the Alameda left San Fraucisco for Auckland at midnight ou the 10th, the due date. .She carries the Euglish mails ot ' November 28, In connection with the Fire Brigade competition to-morrow the Management Committee of the Ashbunon dub have placed the visiting teams and their friends on the list of honorary members during their stay m Ashburton. We draw attention to the Fire Brigades' demonstration which takes place m the I'omain to-morrow. Aa there are several visitirig brigades Co compete m the various events, and as great preparations have been ' made with a view to making the affair a success, a large attendance of the public may be anticipated. The Wellington Times objects to the law being a respector of persons. It says during the excitement m the city on election day I the chimney of W. Margin, of Hawkeston I street, caught fire and the Brigade was called out. He was fined half-a-crown. A chimney m the house of the Chief Justice was on fire a few days ago, and the fact reported, but so far we believe a summons has not been served upon Hia Honor. It was stated at the S,M. Court, at Wellington, on Friday, that the police had been endeavoring for the last two years or more to have shooting galleries prohibited m Wellington. They were patronised mostly by children, who had no knowledge of firearms. The case of a boy walking down Manners street and getting shot some time ago through a gallery existing m that locality was cited, but, of course, the shootisb was not firing at the proper target. At the Rakaia railway station during the year there is a very large sheep traffic, and for some considerable time thero has teen much grumbling amongst the farmers trucking the same, because they received little or no assiatanoe from the officials. At times many trucks have to be shunted about the yards, and all or nearly all of this work falls to the lot of the person m charge of the sheep. It is now arranged that the traffic manager shall he interviewed on the matter, and if matters are continued aa at present there will be a considerable falling off m the Department's takings from this station. It is only a small matter for the railway authorities, and if they wish for the continuance of the traffic some alteration must be made, otherwise the farmers are determined to combine and send their stock by road. A fortnight ago a fire occurred m the bush on the old moraine hill beside which the Mount Cook Hermitage is situated, aud des'royed a large portion of the beautiful bush which was one of the attractions of the Hermitage. The bush was burned close down to the house, and the inmates hurried the furniture out of doors, expecting that the building would be destroyed also, bub fortunately ir, escaped. The destruction of the bush will make the most prominent feature m the surroundings of the Hermitage look diarr.al for a tew years until the scrub grows up again — if ever it does. Another accident has caused an actual inconvenience to the managers. From some cause, pro bably a shrinkage of the Mueller glacier, the natural supply of wa f er to the house, a strong percolation of glacier water through the old moraine, has been cut off, and water has now to be conveyed on & sedge from the Hooker river, a considerable distance. The latter accident happened some time ago. A tearful prisoner m the person of an able-bodied young woman named Fanny Cook was an occupant of the dock at the Stipendiary Rlagis'.rate^s Court, Wellington, on Friday, when three charges were tabu lated. It appeared that she had given Co u stable Larding considerable trouble on the previous evening when she was in toxicated, and had used obscene language. She knocked the constable's shako off and jumped on it, considerably damaging the official head-gear. At Court she pleaded for a chance, as she h.ad on]y beep re'eaqed from gaol a few days previously. The Magistrate remarked that her incarceration had apparently done her little good m the way of reformation. On the first charge she was fined 53 or twenty-four hours ; on the second a month's imprisonment was im posed ; and for damaging the shako a con viction was entered up, and a discharge granted. A case under the Servants' Registry Offices Act was heard m Wellington on Friday, when Charlotte Merrit was charged with receiving from one Marion Greig, a fee greater than that specified m thescileof charges. Defendant did not appear, bu,t was represented by her husband. He admitted that 15s had been charged instead of 7s 6d, but said Miss Greig was agreeable ; they had taken 7s 6d themselves, and 7s 6d for the cub-agent who had brought the business. Jo woijld not have happened had he referred to the Act at the time. Dr Find'ay, who appeared for Mr Shanagan, Inspector, said the Legislature bad deemed it necessary to pass an act of the kind now m force to p event extortion from servant girls. The department would not allow them to be fleeced. The charge made m the present instance was double that allowed to be paid. As it was desired to have the Act strongly and rigorously enforced he asked the Bench to inflict a fine that would possibjy prevent a repetition of the 'offence. Mr Greenfield imposed a fine of £1 and costs 7s, and solicitor's fee £1 la. The 7s 6d extra is to t-e returned to the girl, though Mr Merritt said they had a right to, seeing that she had acquiesced m the arrangement. The ups and downs of life are many and rapid m these colonies. At Wellington on Friday, Alexander Thomas McWilliam was pharged with disobeying an order of the Court* relative to the miiatenance of his | wife. She summoned him a while back, when he sought to prove that sho was pos. sessed of considerab'e property. On Friday, when questioned on that point, she said she had absolutely npth ing. Some time ago she was possessed of thousands of pounds, but had lost it all, one way and another. One Wellington woman owed her over £2QOO, bub she couldn't get a penny of it. Her life insurance policy was still running, but she had transferre 1 it to her sister (who was paying the premium*} aa security for the money she owed her and other creditors from whom she had been obliged to borrow. Defendant, m his evidence, said he had nothing, and was not doing anything. He kept a fish shop m Christchurch until six weeks ago, when he was sold out. He had come up to answer the summons, and admitted bringing two of his daughters up with him. Mr Greenfield, S.M., said that as the amount owing #aa only a few pounds, and as defendant could pay passages for three from the South and then engage counsel, he would have -to pay forthwith or go to gaol for two, months. ' The money he had spent would have more, than settled the claim, HqlljOWAy's PiL^s.-rChangesof tempera ture & weather frequently upset persons who are not careful of their health, and particu lar m their diet, These corrective, purify ing, and gentle aperient pills are the best remedy for all defective action of the diges tive organs. They augment the appetite, strengthen the stomach, correct biliousness, and carry off all that is noxious from the system. Holloway's Fills are composed of rare balsams, unmixed with baser matter, and on that account are peculiarly adapted for the young, delicite, and aged. As this peerless medicine ''has- gained fame m the pa9fc, so it will preserve it m the future by its renovating and invigorating qualities, and the impossibility of its doing harm.

SHIPPING.

__ — _ f Press Assopiation— By J^lectriff Telegraph— Copyright. London, December 13 ' The Kaikouva left Plymouth yester day for Wellington via the Oape and tlobart. O4PET9WN, J}ecember 1% Tl>e I^uajpehu left'jcpr and New gealand on thp Bth.

From the Tea Plant to the Tea Gap] unadulterated,— This is Kozib Tib*, I

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1896.

Some consternation was caused among the Oity Fathers at the Council meet ing last evening by THE CAPTAIN the reading of a OF THE letter from Mr A. FIRE BRIGADE. A, Fooks, Captain of the Fire Brigade, m which that gpntleman resigned his command. The Mayor, m M« usual open-hearted way, explained that Mr Pooks had tnken umbrage at a sen tence m a letter to the Guardian, written by him, m defence of the Council, but his Worship stated un reservedly that to cast unpleasant re flections upon the Fire brigade wa3 very far indeed from his thoughts. He yielded to no man m admiration of the excellence and efficiency of the brigade, nor m the appreciation of the capability of its captain, and the work that officer had done m connection with fire preypntion. It would have been matter of regret indeed to his Worship if m consequence of any words of his the borough should lose the ser vices of an efficient officer like Captain Fooks, and he had seen that gentleman on the subject, and explained to him that he had no intention at all of reflecting upan either him pr the bri gade, when m defending the Oouncil against what he considered an unde servedly adverse criticism, he had casually referred to the position chosen by the brigade from which to play upon the recent fire. Mr Fooks and he hajd pome to an understanding m regard to ,this reference. The Coun cillors present all expressed regret at the possible loss of Mr Fooks'' services, and the letter pf resignation was held over to admit of steps being taken ;to induce Mr Fooks to reconsider Ms de y sision. This we have no doubt M> Fooks will do. We can readily under- , stand him being somewhat nettled at i remark made by the Mayor that night seem critical of the management )f thw brigade by the captain ; but m ! ace of the Mayor's unreserved dig jlaimer of any intention to reflect on Mr j^ooks' management, there is no •oom left for harboring the sting. Besides, the Mayor, whe;} h§ remarked hat fifteen minutes might have been aved had tho Moore- East street corner ' >een chosen instead of the Moore-Oass treet corner, as a working base, could ardly have had all the b.earings of the ituation cl<e.*rly before his mind. He ou!d hardly hay.c realised that to, aye worked fro?w the corner he ivored would have meant the running ut of 1300 ft of hose as against gOOfr, nd working m the face of a strong reeze instead of with the breeze help ig jthe brigade. And his remark as really of no importance at all, for id the water been Rowing full m "the ast street channel it would b.aye bjsen ; the Cass street sump m tinje for the lqine to utilise it. Mr F-oks hag bored for the Fire Brigade now for 'teen years, and thanks to his enthu ism and that of others with him, the igade has taken a proud position nong the fire prevention organisa ma of the colony. Mayor, Oouncil rs, and burgesses generally, fully predate the value pf the myicei

Mr Fcoks has rendered to the citizens ( during the long terra of years m which his hand has bern upoH the p'ougb, and we cannot realise that he will now abruptly close such a brilliant, record as his at the prfsent. juncture, when his services are more than ever « anted. W<3 cannot realise this, be cause we have faith m his strong common sense, his love for the work, and his lively patriotism, and m that f«ith we trust that th«) letter read on Monday evening will go b-ick to its wiiter with tho Mayor's kindly " No, thank you — can't aff jrd to lose you just yet," endowed upon it, and that we have hoard the last of the captain's resignation.

n A letter to the London Times, the Duke of Argyle points out one all powerful factor m THE E4STERN the Eastern ques- QUESTION. tion which has not, m his opinion, been properly appreciated by speakers and writers on the subject. That factor is the dangerous instability of the exist ing distribution of territorial power m Europe, and the universal sense of that i instability which sits like a nightmare on all its Governments. With the exception of Spain, it may be said with truth that there is not one of the greater continental nations that is really satisfied with its present terri tory — not one of them that would, not like to get something that now belongs to others — or is not uneasy lest it should lose something that is now its own. This is the reason, and the only reason, why they are all armed to the teeth. This is the reason why Europe is little better than one vast camp — why kings, and emperors, and presi dents all receive and do honour to each other by showing them greet military spectacles. This is the reason why the people are everywhere oppressed with conscriptions and ex cessive . taxation — some of them, as m the case of Italy, suffering positive impoverishment to support enormous armaments. This, too, is the reason, and the only reason, why they are all intriguing and scheming for special alliances among themselves, some of them bemoaning themselves to the point of servility m order to secure support m some coming Armageddon. This is a horrible picture, but a true one, of the condition of what is called Christian Europe at a time when the twentieth century of the Qhriatian era ,is close upon us. This, be goes on to say, is the condition of. things which explpins the discreditable conduct of the Continental Cabinets since the Armenian massacres began. This is the reason why Governments which call themselves the " Great Powers " of Europe have been exhibiting them selves as the most conspicuous impotencies m the world. This is the reason why they have cowered before a [ brutal despotism which they have set up and fortified m its dominion over millions of their fellow Christians, both by their dip'omacy and by their arms., 1 his is the reason why, with an awful hypocrisy, they pretend to talk of that despotism as an independent Power, when it is nothing but tho creature of their hands, and can be made at any moment the submissive instrument of their will. This is why they talk of the danger of war, when they know perfectly well thaf, if they were them selves united m ai-.y demands on Turkey; there could be no danger of war at all. Turkey has now no frontier fortresses on the Danube^r nor on the Balkan— -not even another Plevna to Btop for a moment an advance of European armies and navieo on her capital. No ; what the Conti nental Cabinets have been fearing is war among and between themselves — not war between themselves united and Turkey standing alone. It is to conceal this discreditable fact that they talk vaguely of fearing worse massacres if Turkey is coerced, and avow the shameless doctrine that the b'ood and tears of millions whom they have pretended to protect is — however d plorable — a necessary human holo paust, m order to avoid any risk to their own pallous and cowardly repose.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The us-ual fortnightiy meetiDg of the Ash burton Borough Council was hold last night. Present — The Mayor (presiding), and Crs Cuthbertßou. Brooke, Reid, Thomas, Bird, Orr and Paul. FINANCE . The Mayor reported the debit balance at the bank as standing .-it £1567 18s, and that £54 6s had been received tince last meeting ' — income from all sources. besekvks 771-2 Mr P. H. Cox wrote regarding the re serves he held from tiie borough. The letter was received. THE FIRE BRIGADE AND THE WATER SUPPLY. The subsidy to the Fire Brigade for the half-year was ordered to be paid. Mr Thomas Bu lock wrote, enclosing a letter he had received fiom the head office of the South British Insurance Compauy, complaining that there had been delay m the getting of water at the recent fires m South and Moore streets. Cr Cuthbertson pointed out that m the letter the brigade was blamed, but the brigade had nothiug to do with the delay. Others Councilors bore out this. Cr Cuthbercson moved — " That Mr Bul lock be informed that there is no blame attachable to the Fire Brigade for the delay m having the water turned on at the fires referred to m hia letter, and further that as the Fire Insurance Association had abso lutely declined to subsidise the Brigade, this Council fails to see that any insurance company has a right to dictate to its mem bers." Cr Thomas seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. ' Mr A, A. Fooks, captain of the Fire Brigade, sent m his resignation of that office. Toe resignatiou, which came upon the Council very suddenly, drew forth from all the Councillors higb expressions of apprecia tion of Captain Fooks' ability for the posi tion he held, and it was decided, on the motion of Cr Paul, to ask Captain Fooks to reconsider his decision and to express their unbounded confidence m him aa captain of the brigade. General regret was expressed at the possibility of losing Mr Fooks' ser vices m command of a brigade of which every Councillor and burgess wag justly proud. It whs also decided to ask M r Fooks to be present at the Council's meeting m Com mittee on Friday evening. The Joint Committee of Works and Fire Brigade reported as follows : — r "At a Joint Committee meeting of the Works and Fire Brigade Committee held on Friday last, the question of the control of the water supply m case of fire was -con sidered, and it was resolved that the two men selected by the Fire Brigade (Messrs Jackson and Powell) be appointed turncocks at a salary of £5 each per annum, and to j sleep at the Fire Brigade Station. It was 1 also decided that the turncocks be placed under the supervision of the Fire Brigade ' i engineer. Instruction was also given to keep the main sump m West street locked." Cr Bird moved the adoption of the report. Cr Cuthbertson seconded, and said the placing of the turncocks under *he Fire Brigade engineer would have the effect of ensuring a water, supply promptly m the channels. Cr Reid and Cr Brooke also spoke favour ably of the arrangement as being the best that cou d be made. Cr Thomas dissented. He said the ar rangemcuts as to water would never be I sa' isfactory until the whole control of the i turning or. of the supply was m the hands of the brigade. It> was all very well for Councillors to say that the brigade had de clined to take charge of the supply, but it was well known that the brigade were per feotly willing to do it for another £10 a year. He was alone m his opposition, but he would stand to his guns. Cr Bird said he had never taken any notice, while he had been m the Council, of what the local papers said, and during the last week or two there had been things said m the papers m connection with fires that were not correct. Qne paper had said the income of the Council was £5000 per annum. He only wished that this waa at all near the marji, Another paper had said that when the engine arrived on the scene of the fire at Dr Trevor's properly the roof was compara tively intact. He waa there before the engine, and he could say that nothing eatthly could have saved the house. He then gave the editors of the papers, at Borne length, a good deal of fatherly advice as to the statements they made m regard to such matters. It was not patriotic on their part to cry down the water supply management of the town, aa papers were read far and near, and the letter of the insurance company jusc read showed that outside notice was taken of these statements. There were people who believed everything they saw m print to be true, but be was not one of these. It might be that the editors would make better Councillors than he did— they were welcoma to take his pace whenever they chose. | The Fire Inspector reported on the fires that had occurred m the town since list meeting. The report was adopted, and the Fire Brigade's account for expenses incurred m connection with the fire m the railway reserve that day, was ordered to be sent to the railway department. It was also decided to point out that had the fire not been promptly extinguished the whole of Ea9t street' might have been destroyed. It was another reason why the timber yards should be removed from the railway reserves. Cr ifeul moved for a committee to consider and report on the whole question of the water supply with a view to having it put on a more permanent footing. Cr Cuthbertson seconded. Cr Orr thought the matter was too serious for a small committee to deal with. He thought the Council as a body should go into committee, and see what can be done. They were obliged to the millowners for what suppply they had. It was very good of the millowners, but a town like this required to have something more permanent and ought; bo have a suitable and abundant supply of its own, If the thing were likely to be very costly ana beyond the means of the boroughj then they might go back to the County Council ; but if the Qost were at all reasonable the matter was sufficiently important and pressing for the Council to face. He moved that the Council meet m committee on Friday night and consider the whole question. Cr Brooke seconded this, and suggested that the Council take a drag on Thursday and go over the whole ground. The Mayor said the whole trouble lay with the connection of the two branches. If that connection were maintained there would be no trouble at all, and it would be far better if that connection were made permanent. Cr Thomas having spoken on the power of the millownera to atop the water, Councilor Bird said he favored this meeting of the Council m Committee. He ran over briefly tfye history of the water supply, and was agreeably surprised to find that it had worked go well. He feared they would get nothing permanent until they got some supply of their own. Cr Reid alsq spoke, It was useless trying bo do anything with any scheme until they nade themselves sure of an abundant supply from a source that could not be taken from them. Cr Orr's motion was carried. Cr Brooke advocated the use oi the stand pipe m East street as a means of getting water to the channel m that street. .He suggested the getting of a length of hose with a coupling that would connect to the standpipe, and could be used a moment's notice, and give 2bO gallons a minute. He moved m accordance with the suggestion he hud made, and the motion was passed at once and without discussion. Cr Brooke also moved that the kfys of the channel gates be kept by the Borough engineer, the Captain and engineer of the Fire Brigade, the Foreman of works^ and the turncocks, and this also was carried unanimously) ' l Cr Qrr asked wfyab steps had been taken to increase the water supply." He had heard m town that a connection was being m ide between the South and North branches, i The Mayor said the County engineer had had the connection made, but it had either broken away or disappeared m the shingle. The engineer hid gone up to see about itj and doubtless, the connection would be re-established at once. ' : ' ■■ Later on he stated that the position was that there was aq agreement between the millowners and the Borough Council under whigh the millownera at a moment's notice oquW turn off the borough's ewpply,. <

The Council had no control of the amount of water that was taken m at the in'«lce. I hey had only a claim on the water after it ctune iv at the intake. The ratepayers had years ugo shaken hands with themselves over the introduction of a water supply, but it wus really the case that whenever the millownerß thought proper they could cut off the supply. The Council had tried all they could to get the County Council to take over the supply but had not succeeded. They h d also asked the Allenton people to come ii with them, but they had not done SO, The Council wished to see the intake within l^e borough boundaries, but had failed m getting this brought about. In view of these facts, he thought the criticisms that had been passed upon the Cjuncil m the public press m connection with the water supply were quite unoalled for and un deserved. It wi.uld appear from certain articles m the local papers that there was itl fee ing between the Council and the Fire Brigade. .There was nothing of the sort. The Council had the highest appreciation possible of the Brigade and the excellent service: they rendered, and there was no one regretted more than he did the step that MrFooks had taken m resigning his cap taincy of the Brigade. In answer to Cr Reid Mr Fooka said the hydrentß would be here at any moment. It would be costly to get castings and the chances were that the hydrants would be here before they were ready, REPORTS. The engineers' report was only formal, dealing with the work done by the labor men. The Inspector reported on certain cases of breach of the bye-laws that had been heard m Court and others that were pend ing- Both reports were adopted. ' . BOG CQfcliABS. The tender of Mr R. J, Henry for dog collars — 9d — was accepted. DOG FEES. Dog fees — 10s for general use dogs and 23 6d for sheep dogs bona fide — were fixed. - .;• CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS The Council decided to close the office for the usual Christmas holida} 8 ; next ordinary meeting to be held on January 11. LICENSES. Auctioneers' licensed were granted to — R. F. Curtis, David Thomas, D. Zander, R. Friedlander, J. R. Bland and A. Harrison ; and a carrier's 'license to R. Cullen. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £93 Id were I passed for payment, and the Council sab as a DOMAIN BOARD. The guarantors for the Swimming Club wrote, asking tor a rebate m the event of there being not water enough m the bath to hold sports oh a close day. Some discussion took place on this, and it was pointed out that m the event of too miich water stopping the close day meeting of any other club, a good claim for a rebate could be made out. The Boird decided not to make any alteration, but to do the beat they could to keep the bath full. The fee for using the track by cyclists other than members of tenant clubs was fixed at 103. Close days were granted to the Cricket (Jlub for the Queensland match. Dr Leahy and Mr Cowlishaw interviewed the Board on the subject of the hockey ground m the Domain, and asked certain work to be done upon it. It was decided to give the Club their ground free for one year, but they must do the work they want for themselves under the supervision of the engineer and curator. Mr Serin t interviewed the Board m regard to a turnstile into the Domain at Cox Street, near Mr- Harrison's house, but the Board declined to open any fresh turnstiles. This was all the business, <wd the Board adjourned at 10. 10 p.m.

RAKAIA BOXING DAY RACES AMD SPORTS.

— •* The following entries have been received Farmers' Plate •— Spreadeagle, Sweet Mwie, .Fullerton, Silverine and Cabin Boy. Maiden Flat Race — Village Lad, Windermere, Fullerton, Bankrupt and Brown Eaglo. ? Handicap Trot— Florrie, Casino, Wen lock, Macaroni, Damper, Cass and Rainbow. Ladibs' Purse — Village Lad, Windermere, Tessa, Brown Eagle, and Bankrupt. Maiden Trot— Florrie, Wenlock, Celt, and Macaroni. Seizing Race — Collina, Wiudermeroj Tessa, Bankrupt, and Flyaway. AMATEUR ATHLETICS. 100 Yards— A. E. Evana, R. H. Morgan, J. A. Bruce, J. Davison, G. Hardy, I. A. Baigent, R. A. Gray, J. J. O'Neil, S. J. Gaw, R. H. Daviaon, and P. A. Keddell. 440 Yards— R. H. Morgan, J. Davison, G. Hardy, I. A. Biigent, R. A. Gray; H. E. Curtis, H. E. L. Gray, C. Irvine, and W. Davison. 130 Yards Hurdles— A. E. Evans, G. Hardy, P. A. Keddell, R. A. Gray, H. Curtis, H. K. L. Gray, S. A. Gaw. Long Jump— J. A. Biuce, W. Davison, R. A. Gray, H. Curtis, H. E. L. Gray, and G. Hardy. Half-mile— J. Davison, L. Broad, J. Brown, G. Hardy, I. A. Baigent, R. A. Gray, H. E. L. Gray, C. Irvine, and W. Daviaon. 250 Yards— R. H. Morgan.' J. Davison, G. Hardy, L. Broad, I. A. Baigent, R. A. Gray, H. E. L. Gray, S. J. Gaw, and H. R. Davison, The handicaps for all amateur events will appear m Saturday's, issue. CASH ATHLETICS. The following are the entries and handi caps — 100 Yards — T. Austin and Laraman scr., Peckham, J. Shannou, W. Dunstan, 2yds; G. Ironside, F. Ironside, J. McAnulty, 4yds ; , Inwood, E. Dunstan, Gallagher, syds ; A. Stewart, J. Gould, 6yda • J. Home, 7yds t E. Santy, Byds, 250 Yards— Austin, scratch; Laraman, Shannon, 4yds ; Peckharo, 6yds ; Inwood, 7yds ;J. Ironside, F. Ironside, Byds ; Home, J. McAnulty, 11yds j Gould, 13yds ; P. B. Magson, 17yds. 440 Yards— Austin, scratch; M. Mc- Anulty, 7yds ; Peckham, J. Shannon, 9yds, J. McAnulty, 10yds ; Inwood, 12yds ; J. Ironside, F. Ironside, 13yds ; Home, 16yds; Gould, 21yds ; jftagson, 23yds.

CABLE NEWS.

Borne and Foreign. Press Association — By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, December 14. The General Post Office i$ carrying out a series of experiments m the transmission of electric waves. These have been transmitted and reoeived without connecting wires, Mr William Henry Preeoe, Engineer-in Chief of the Engineering Department of Tele graphs, considers that the system will be of considerable value as a means of communicating between lighthouses ' and ships at sea.

Australian.

Obituary, Sydney, December 14. Dr Gilchrist, Presbyterian divine, formerly colleague of the late Dr Lang. -' ~ -" " ' Another Man Missing. A man named Robertson is missing. Be came from Gjippslannd with $ stranger as mate. Robertson, bad/ £4QO m bis possession. The Mountain Tragedies. A singular resemblance to the mountain tragedies occurred some time ago m the murder of two men — one at ardoe and the other at Menziea, Western -Australia. Both were shot nd hastily buried/

TBE ASBBUBTOK GUARDIAN: TOTBBAX, DECEMBEE 15, 1896



sS^O, £}0j £}Q, £Q, given away for *. ingle gqeaa. Send stamp forpartionlarsand, lircuUre to Box 176, P. 0., Wellington,



I " Wanted. I I LOST— Between Union Bank and Carter's Terrace, pair of spectacles m case. Finder rewarded on leaving same at Mail Office, 12 109 j NEW BOOKS.— The Greyl^nTcTochet, ' The Sealskin Cloak, Bolder Words, The Rose of Allandale, Stables, The Next Oiuaade, Cromie, Sappers and Miners, G. M. Feun, London Pride, Braddon, Christmas Numbers and Magazines, Christmas and New Year Cards. — H. M. Jones. ; AFULL assortment of new Veilings m while, black, and black and whiie. Buy the celebrated new kid glove -The Victory — only 2s 6d. The beat glove m New Zealand for the money. — A. Orr. 11 124 Fire Brigades' Competition, WHERE, Oh where, is that Cheap Boot Shop? Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. NOW'S your time to Buy. There is a ' Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot , Store. RIDE the Best. — Kent's Championship Bicycles are the best Builb to your own measure. Tyres and accessories of all sorts*— Carson and Co., Agents 10 86 AshTmrton Domain, Dee. 16. 'ANTED Known— The Economic Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear. — W. H. Collier. 2T,Z. Champions will Compete. /^HRIsTMAS numbers of Youug Ladies \J 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, Children's Sports* WANTED Known— Mellors Sale surpassing anything ever heard of m Ashburton 10 PTIHERE 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 JTTHE early bird catches the early worm "A so call at Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale STUDY Economy and patronise Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. BARGAINS m Earthenware this month at Carson and Co.'s. First-class goods. WE lead, follow who may. Children's Slippers Is. Mellor's Tancred street. ANNIVERSARY DAY. rriHE Guardian will go to press at one o'clock TO-MORROW, December 16. Advertisements must not be later than 11.30,



Public notices. ' TflE CHBIbTiMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND /CLOTHING "pACXOEY. « L'ght Summer Coats from 6a 6d Light Summer Suits from 10s 6d Light Wajhing Vests, slightly soiled 2s 6d Light Blue Serge Suits fur Summer wear 16s 6d Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 43 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Suits, all sizes 6s 9d, ueua price 10s 61. Fv R TKAVELLING. Portmanteaux from 103 6d Steel Trunks from 10s 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRAW~HATS. Boys' Straw Hats Is, the best value m Aehburton Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS &~SHOES. Men'a Black and Tan Canvas Shoes, beßt quality 5s 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. __ ___. ■ ® - ft S H S S <j ?U g 5S I o t ilg ! &- *- W g 3.. Pn w S JHS'll I |j | ; ft 8 » i 2 «D at F^ m H +"3 r CI l PU a to I — v 08 — « k^ 0 4> Q rD M Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Aehburton. Tuesday — Teachers' meeting, 7.30 Thursday — Confirmation class (all the candidates), 7 30 p.m. Friday — Short service, 7.30 p.m.;. Choir practice, 8 p.m. Saturday— Confirmation class, 2 p.m. BUNPAY SERVICES. 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion. 3 p.m.— DROMORE. 6.30 p.m.— Evening Prayer. REV T. A. HAMILTON. Wanted. DERWENT Potatoes.— We have m Stock a few sacks of Prime Derwent Potatoes. — Fletcher 8b.05,, East Street, Aahburton. T HEARD a man say that Mellor is selling .1. Boots Wonderfully Cheap. WANTED Known— What the people say. That Anpbew Orb has the largest and best assorted stock of Boots m I Canterbury. 11 125 NEW Mangel, Carrot, and Turnip i^eeda. The favorite sorts at low prices, — Carson and Co. 10 IF YOU WANT the Newest and Nicest Millinery, Trilby Muslins, and Dress Goods, go to Mjts Alcokn's. Di esses made on Che premises. Fit guaranteed. WANTED Known^-10.00 pairs of Boots to be Bold m twenty-one days at MELLOR'S. MILLINERY— Ladies should inspect the new Millinery, Capes, Mantles, , Jackets, Blouses, French and English Corsets : all new and up to date. — A. Obr. 11 126 ' "TTyTANTED Known— Go to the Corner . T T for Newest Styles m Drapery and Millinery — W. H. Collier. ' 1 ■ - — — . — , — — ■"-■* -■ — — -■ ■■■— J WANTED— Every Lady m ABhburton s to see our Window of Bouse " Ooode, bought at a big discount, and selling at less thao wholesale prices.— Mitchell r and Turner. c — =— f MEN'S Bluchers ss, a good Strong Nailed 3h )oter at 83 6d ; a nice c assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots ' and Shoes from Is 9d a pair at R. Alcorn's. r WANTED KNOWN-Mrs Hpjffam fc having taken the premises lately occupied by Mr G. Neill, intends to open s same as Ladies' Dining and Refreshment t Roorrs, where visitors will find a long felt a want supplied. Meals at all hours. A few h boarders will find all the comforts of a home. s — ■ ■ . c WANTED Known— Large delivery of h tiie " Economic" Kid Gloves, four f. buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth nr.uch more. — W. H. Collibb. ° . ■ _ . . T'.:_i."i ... .i -■■ **' WANTED Known ~ Alterations and b Additions to our Show Rooms now jc completed. Special display of Millinery for w the Holiday Season. A late shipment of 1 Sailor Straws to be sold cheap. — Mitchell J ihb Turner. k . at MOTHERS aod fathers who have to er provide Boots and Shoes, should call ]„ it Mellor's Zealand ia Boot Store. „. -.. .:.,.,** ■ nj WAN'J ED Known— We have justopened • a line of cheap all wool Suits and I'rousers. Good cub and splendid value. " r Dennis and workiug Shirts m great variety, an -Mitchell and Turner tie loi WhQUwnt <tn<l 'jtywtffly— Afar V<mt a p



Business Notices GOOD WASHING PRINT, 3£d. WBITE MUSLIN, 3s lid per doz. AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6s lid AT G. J. NEILL'S. Flannelettes 3Ad yard. The Best Turkish TOWELS m Aahburton are at— G. J. NEILL'S. BO¥S' Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4s lid, Men'a Tweed Trousers 5s lid, Men'b Heavy C-lonial Tweed Suitß 25b 6d, »b G. J. NEILL'S. Ladies Lace Shoes, 4a lid. Ladies' two-strap Shoes, 4s lid. AT G. J. NEILL'S. Ladies', Maida 1 , 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 A WAREHOUSEMAN'SISTOCK [OF LIGHT PEINTS ; . DARK CREPONS MUSLINS CORDETTES ETC., ETC. — :o:— mHESE GOODS ARE PERFECTLY FRESH AND NEW, and the Lateßt Stuffs for BLOUSES. SEE WINDOWS FOR PRICES. ' » MITCHELL & TURNER'S. NEW FIRM -:- -:- -:- ... ... - : . NEW FIRM SAVE MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB . NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOOK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS op BUSINESS THE Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with a Oash 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 IN ASHBURTON. — A Few Quotations will be Oonviucing — Brown (Ribbed Pants (heavy) Is 6d —worth Ladies' Hose, fast colors, plain and ribbed, Is lid 6d pair Men's Socks 6d — worth 9d White and Brown Turkish Towe's, only 6d Harvester Hats B£d— worth Is White Calico, grand value, at 2s lid— l2yds Blucher Bootß 4s lid — grand value The Best Value for Flannelettes m Heavy Shooters 9a lid— worth 12s 6d Ashburton. Ladies' Gem Shoes, Special, 4s lid — worth Heavy Twill, 4s lid dozen— worth 7d a yd 6s 6J & Splendid Line of Corsets, all sizes, at Hairline Tweed Trousers 8s 6d — cheap at Is lid 10a 6d The Beat Assortment of Sunshadeß m town, Men'a Felt Hatß from 2s 6 i from Is We have the Choicest Assortment of Hats Ladies' Sailor Straws, all shades and shapes, ' m town. from 9d each— Pick your own shape IflSy&rStrong Print for 3s lid— -Cheap at 6s and trimming, and have your A Beautiful Summer Tweed Is Id, double MU'inery done Free of Charge, width FULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. . MEASURED GARMENTS A SPECrALTY. ' Ada £* r\ FULL SUIT FROM A f\ a /^ , 4tJS b& FULL 81 IT FROM 4zt)S W> MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, \ [ BAST STREET,