PHASES OF THE MOON

Mail Notices.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23. For Northern Ports, Simoa and Sandwich Islands, also North and Central America, United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, via San Francisco (due London, January 27feh), ncr Takapuna, at 615 f.m. Money orders, 3 p.m. ; registered letters 5 p.m.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1896. CHRISTMAS, 1896.

Once- again the wheels of Tirap, m their ever onward raovetn nr, have brought round the joyous yet hallowed Ohristraaß time. The return of the season caJls forth from the pen of every journalist, and from the voice o£ every pulpit, year by year fresh sentiment — or at least the old senti meat with -which we have been familiar from our childhood, as our fathers were before us, and' theirs , again before them, only expressed m frftsh language, Ju t sus i-.o two men will tell the sanio stoiy m ux.ctly similar words, or even put the bald facts m exactly the same light, so no two writers or speakers will clothe the old Christmas sentiment m the saup way. But the grand old feeling is the same — rhas been the same since the Great .Advent which is celebrated at the close of the year was firat pro claimed m these glorious words — " Gloria m ececelsis Deo, et irp terra pax, hominibus bonce vohmtatis " ; and will be the samo to iC the Jast syllable of un recorded time." Sentiment is fashion able at this season — always has been ; always will be. But each race m Christendom has its own way of 1 cejefrrating Christmas. Britons are content to follow the English way, letting the (^ermano ans Romans follow theirs. The celebration of the festival, as such, is much the same throughout Christendom, whether it be the Christendom of Rome or Geneva ; but the holiday's celebration is uniform m character. WH& Britons it takes the shape of eating and drinking, of family gatherings, long bills, large ; puddings, and a profusion of ever greens, literature of the season has a certain gorgeousness about it, from the reward cards for scliools illuminated with robius and red berries, up to the beautiful bound copies of favorite authops, intended for Christmas presents. The trernenr dous strides that the art of lithography has made within the Jast twenty years is at no time made more manifest than at this season, and by its means, we whose hairs are now gray, are able to buy for a few pence beautifully illuminated sards cf Christmas greet ing that could pot have been bought for love or money m the days of our adolescence. Many of the works issuf d from the English press contain a fair proportion of old as well a*i of new pieces bearing on the Feast of the Nativity. But those scraps of poetry are all more or less familiar to us m tone, for, though as we are told m the carol " Christmas pomes but once a year," it occurs on an average thirty times m every life. Yet these feelings are ever new, because it is indi vidually that each man realises for himself all that the season has to convey of ssujness and of hope. Holidays, games, and pi>s and puddings make Christmas merry to the young • but it is m later life, when we are tired of Christmas game', when we are rnacLe sad by Christmas gatherings, despondent by CihrjUtmas bills, and dyspeptic by Christmas fare, that we really understand why so much enthu siasm is got up every year about the matter, both connected with and apart from the deep religious gratitude which commemorates the birth of Christ. There ia a fascination m the Festival derived from contpaet and from hope. A 9 the bells of Christmas chime m £he ears of the Christian at Home, he meditates that the year, haying tried all kinds of life, having bean gay and then sober, seems finally to do penance m a white sheet of snow. He notes that the earth; having been fruitful an ( tjl active, now sleeps paseivo and silent, letting men plough long furrows jm her breast, as ifch'B wintry winds rock hQvmkw4* e P' JaNew #e»lajud,jbta

■meditations under the Christmas chimes are m different surroundings, and the picture is changed m a marked degree. To him the year began with harvest, and winter followed m due course. Seed time came, and now he iv the bright summer, " m the hush of the hot sunbeam," he is waiting to reap agaiu m harvest the fruits of his year's toil. But m this blank time of both years — the y»ar South and the year North — men find pleasure. The sleep of the Englishman's iaod ia not unto leath, but unto more work and more life ; and the New Zealanders land wiil yield its handfuls, and then go quietly to its wiotry rest while its antipodes are clad with waving grain. In both cases it is a fitting time to celebrate the birthday of the Christian year — the one just after harvest has been gathered m, the other just oefore sending the reaper to the ripe corn. Yet Christmas doings have not all their origin m Christian sources. Its cakes and ale wore first eaten and drunk m honour of Thor, and pies, rounded at the ends m memory of the cradle, have replaced the crescent shapf d loaves dedicated to Astarte. What superutitious origin can be assigned to the tough paste of pine kernels, almonds, and other elements with indigestion marked on each, which the Italian peasants devour at Christooaß, we do not know, but m a newspaper correspondent's letter at the beginning of last year we read that an Italian confectioner had gained ujreat kudos for a superb model m sugar of the stable and manger of Bethlehem. No doubt the supersti tions about Christmas are many. In some parts of the Continent if the eve be serene and cloudless this is held to be a good promise for the harveat of the year. The day is thought all over Christendom to be a lucky one. It is often ushered m with a discharge of J guns and merry chime?, and people ' exchange good wishes with each other, m accordance with the belief mentioned m the "Golden Legend," that any wish formed on that day " by a person of righteous life and clean lips," is ajranted by the A.l might j. Many of these old* symbolical customs are pretty whatever be their origin — such as the night-watch, which tells of "the psople that sat m darkness ; " or the lamp which the peasant of Burgundy keeps I)U ning throughout his vigil, ere the ringers touch the slumbering bells. But superstitition or not for origin, chere can be no doubt of the Christi anity of good wishes. The editor is not usually built for a preacher, but he can enter info the joy of the Christ mas song like others, though he himself may worship afar off. He knows the day is bright even m the saddest year ; that it is an anniversary of youth, and peace, and heavenly hope m the loneliest life — m every life from which the birthdays and the holidays have b«-en erased by death • or' change, or have been blotted out with tears ; bub that all, beside broken idols it may be, and m dismantled homes of this life, can sing carola before the dawn. How ever irreparable be the loss, however harassing bo the memories, yot glad is the promise of His Second "Advent — ''Behold, I make all things new." And so, looking f jrwarJ to a brighter future, and forgetting as far as it is possible to forget the gloom of^the ..past whore y 100 m has been, we wish our readers A Merry Christmas.

Mr W. Shaw, of Dundee, recently exhibited m his shop the produce of a singe plant of the NEW VARIETIES Up-to date potato, OF POTATOES- which he has grown / m his garden. This I shaw had no less than 74 potatoes, the yield per acrp at such rate being 50 tons. The seed tubers were planted a yard apart. Writing m the Irish 'Farmers' Gazette on the potato crop, Professor Maiden says: — " With regard to late varieties, Fmdlay ? s Up7tod.ate, which was the sensational potato of last year, seems likely to add' greatly to its reputation, and will be eagerly sought after this year. Its vigour, even on the driest soils, and where drought has been most severe, is very noticeable. Its; cqmpanion .potato, i Farmers' Glory, is doing well also. Among more recent varieties we are trying we like the Home Ruler j but j the Challenge ia likely to prove as! popular as the Up-to-date m the course of $ year or two wheh the value becomes knowp. At present the stock is small, and prices beyond what most growers can give ; but it is bound to make a reputation before long.". Another fine potato paised by Mr Findlay is the Jennie Dean. A field of this variety on Lord Rosebery ? s farm yielded, at the rate of 16 tons per acre, one shaw producing £3 tubers, James Jago-

Local and General.

The manager of the Aahburton Permanent Building Society notifies m our advertising columns, the holidays that will be observed at his osjce. Farmers and contractors are reminded of the sale to-morrow, on the ground' opposite Messrs Fried l»nder Bro*' office, of secoud hand harvesters, threshing plant, etc. A lady complains to the Nap'wr News that her children have been made tippy by drinking horehound beer purchased from fruiterers' shops m that town. In 1895 the amount of money orders issued was £818,604 14s Jld, the amount of postal notes issued was £123,268 6s $d, the amount of money-orders paid was £709,533 10a Bd. The amount of savings bank deposits was £2,794,506 16s, and the amount) standing to credit of depositors was $3,895,543 0a 3d. Gaptain IJishopj of the Salvation Army, attends the Christfchurph Magistrates' Court daily, and takes to the Army.'! Home those unfortunates, boih men and women, who are willing to go and to whom the leniency of the Court is extended. As mobt of them are yepy poorly clad, the Army authorities would foe glad to receive gifts of clothing. Such a deserving* work phould appeal successfully to the charitable public. ' Holloway's Ointment.— Go where you may, m every country and all climesj persons will be found who havo a ready word of praise for ttii.s ointment. For ohapß, chafes, scalds, bruises, and sprains, it is an inyaluabjle remedy ; for bad legs, bad breasts md pil,e.B| }t may be confidently relied upon ! for e^ectipg sound and permanent cure. J.O. cases of puffed ankles^ erysioalis, and rheiumatjsm, Hdlloway's Qmtment gives jbhe greafce3 comfort by reducing the inflamma tion, cooling the blood, sopjihjog the peryes, adjusting the circulation, and expelling tb.o impurities. This ointment should have a place m every nursery. It will cure aU those mauifold skin affections which originating m childhood gala ntren^h with the phild's RtOVfth

A Wellington boy, who kicked with his bare feet at a passing cyclist, had his toe caught by the chain and torn oat, necessi tating the amputation of the foot. The Press Association telegraphs that the Government has decided to dispose of the Levin State farm, aud work will be found fur the unemployed on bush lands. The Woodcille Examiner tells the story of how fifty co-operative labourers, who were planted m Wolff's camp and were given a special polling, won the Pahiatua election. Mr George Jeason is not behind his rivals m the comketi ion for Christmas tavota. "Tiß uofc m mortals to command success; but we'll do more .... we'll deserve it." This is Mr Jesson's motto. The number of cattle m the Taranaki district has increased during the past five years by 67,910, and the number of sheep by 109,121, wh le the area down m sown grass has increased by 206,952 acres. Whilst fishing at the Wellington Railway Wharf a lad named Richard Duffy hooked a ~ kaiwhai weighing about half a pound. On taking it home he found it contained a boiler rivet weighing about l£oz. From January Ist to November 30 975 tona of pearlshell were exported from Thursday Island, valued at £85,315. During the corresponding period of 1895 the quantity exported was 875 tons, valued at £71,708. Another instance of Mr Buckley's fore thought for those around him is given m the fact that he is sending a coutrignment of fowls to Mr Fox, of the Old Men's Home, as a contribution to the Christmas dinner of the old men. - It is stated that the general attitude of commercial men m Brisbane towards the question- of federation is unquestionably { ' that of opposition. They say that Queens land has nothing to gain by federation, but much to lose. Messrs Mitchell and Turner's new ad vertisement refers to the new stocks of that firm, opened m view of the Christmas trade which ■ the enterprising firm have always enjoyed, and for which it has always successfully catered. At the trial of Boaher, which is to begin m the Wellington Supreme Court about January 11, the hearing of the evidence will, it is expected, last nearly a week, as about sixty or seventy witnesses arc to be called for the Crown. Attention is directed to an advertisement m another column notif) ing that the date for closing the entries for the Mount Somers and Springburn Boxing Day Sports wi 1 be not later than Saturday morning at 10.30 o'clock on the ground. An exciting incident took place at Albury a-few days ago, when Mr Hasaell, M.L.A., was assaulted by a lady, who slapped him on the face. The cause of the trouble was Mr Hassell having lodged a complaint against her for letting off firearms within the municipality. There are nine entries for the intercolonial band contest at the Wellington Exhibition, including two crack bands from New South Wales. For the solo competitions there are no less than fifty competitors. A large number of trophies have been promised, m addition to the substantial prizes given by the Executive. A young m&n at present resident m Westport (states the local Times) was m Sydney when Butler was advertising for a partner, and was on the point of seeking an interview with the alluring advertiser, Something else, however, turned up, and possibly saved the Westportian from being added to the list of Blue^ Mountain victims. A child which was playing m a paddock at Havelook the other evening, was rushed by a cow. The mother, Mrs Simmonds, ran to the rescue, and succeeded m diverting the cow's attention to herself. The auimal kuoeked her down, broke her wrist-, and gored hsr severely about the arm 3 and body, but her plucky action saved the child. In connection with the decision of the Shipping Companies not to Lssue m future bills of lading for Dunedin, but only to take cargo to Port Chalmers, an offer has been received from the agent of Messrs Bucknell Bros., owners of the Afrikander, Zulu, and some ten other vessels, to run a direct line of steamers from the Home Country to . the Dunedin wharf, The following members of the Ashburton Rifleß will proceed to Dunedin on Thursday, December 24, to compete m the Military Tournament on DDecember 26,r r 26, m the Manual Exercise and Sword Bayonet competition ; — S rgeant Dee, Sergeant H. W. Baker, Privates Hodgson, Baylis, W. Hefford, «*•. Hepburn, T. W. Hepburn, £Jhilds, Reynolds, O'Connor, Robinson, Wilkie, Gourdie, Sando, and McTeague. '- The Sydney University Senate has adopted the following recommendations re garding the proposals for the establishment of an alternative curriculum for the degree of L.L.B. : — l, "That any person, aftei haying passed a sufficient preliminary exam ination, &h.all be allowed to proceed to the L.L.B. degree after five yeara- study m the Faculty of Law, and after passing the requisite University examinations. 2. That the preliminary examination be equivalent to the entrance examination for medicine and science." Mr Gf A, M. Buckley, with kind thought* fulness for the various clubs m Ashburton, has arranged with Mr S. Salek, jeweller, to supply during his absence several valuable trophies. The Polo Club, Junior Cricket Club,' Amateur " Cycling Qluti, Swimming Club, and Fire Brigade are amongst those oh the list left with Mr Salek. Mr Buckley left by the midday train this morning en route for Home. A large number of friends said good-bye to him at the station, and three ringing cheers were given as the I train steamed off. At the Mayoral installation at Auckland. the retiring Mayor (Mr J. J. Holland) said, — When I entered upon the duties of this position on December 20, 1893, the overdraft on general account stood at £8612 ; to-day I am pleased fco inform ypu t'fyat it stands with a credit balance of at least £100. Our ■streets and ordinary work of the city have m no way been neglected, but tyave been as efficiently maintained as m former years ; m fact, this year £1109 has been expended on them more* thaq last year, upwards of a thousand cubic yards more broken me al has been used, and §0,375 yards of tarring: and Banding, including 25,000 yards new work, more thap last year, has b^en done. Mr Justice Williams, sitting m Chambers on Monday, had before him a motion by Mr Hosking for the settlement of the list of con tributories m the J. G. Ward Farmers' Association, Limited. The list was settled -as follows : — "Those struck off by order of Mr Justice Denniston to be excluded, and if m any case any other name was ordered by him to be substituted that name be included. As to those who nave objected and whose cases have not been disposed of by Mr Justice Denniston, further hearing of their cases to be adjourned to Chambers at Dunedin at 11 a.m. on Friday, the 5t February, and notice of such hearing to be given to each of .them. List settled as to all the other names m it. " A man, who. had been married only a oouple of years, 'took his° wife to an entertainment m Wellington on the sth November, and during the customary inter val m the performance, went outside, pro fessedly for a breath of fresh air, but really that he might sneak home, get his clothes and desert the confiding woman he had left at the Opera Hquse. He disappeared with out any warning whatever, |eavirig his wife to support herself and a three montha* old baby. Enquiries were instituted, however, and resulted m his arrest at Napier a day or two ago. At |bhe Wellington Court list week he admitted the charge against him, but his wife, not wishing to send her husband to prison, asked to be allowed to withdraw it, stating' that he had promised to behave m a better manner for the future. The Bench, with evident reluctance, agreed to this cotirae^ For Indigestion, the best remedy is un d jubtedly Norton's oam6mile Pills. They jao confidently be recommended as being mild m operation and absolutely free from injurious drugs. Acting at once as a splen dj'J tonis and a gentle aperient." For nearly 130 years they have proved ui^quallec? for fudigesfion. Dyspepsia, sick Headache •>&&s for Liver and Stomach complaiptg, Sold m bottles Is l^d, 2s 9d, aud lie, by ail Medi jlae Vendors throughoub the worK, A linule, wfe and qertaUv rotaody

Or Ddgmar Berne, one of Sydney's most | prominenc lady doctors, has been elected I lee urer to the Sydney Ladies' Sanitary ;' Association. The cops m the St. Andrew's district (says the Timaru Herald) are badly m need of a good downpour. The straw is very short und but poorly ■ headed. Early sown potatoes are very small and backward. Very little hay will be cut this year. At a meeting of the Ballunce Memorial Committee at Wellington on Tuesday, it was decided to erect the statue m the centre of the lawn m front of Parliament House. The statue will be erected immediately after the holidays, and be unveiled next session. The statistics of . the Post and Telegraph Defatment for the year 1895 show that 26,963,955 letters, 637,013 letttr-carda, 8,964,111 newspapers, 8,337,680 books, packets, etc., 156,752 parcels; and 1,196,156 post-cards were posted, and 2,124,211 telegrams were forwarded. The Greymoitth Star protests against the decision of the Brunner Belief Fund Advisory Board to refuse admittance to representatives of the Press at its meetings, as the funds were subscribed by the people generally, and the subscribers surely have a right to know how their money is ad , ministered. \ With regard to the fossil remains of a saurian monster found at Purangi, the Crown Lands Commissioner is awaiting a reply from Wellington to Mr W. H. Skinner's report, before taking any steps to remove the remains. The M .oris, it is said, have a tradition that a monster, which they called Parahia, formerly existed m that district, to which it was customary to make an offeriug of the first fruits of the seasons, but' whether Mr Heitzog's discovery haß any connection with the traditional Parahia is uncertain. : Mr Freyberg, the Government timber expert, is urging the Wellington City' Council to use red birch and mountain birch m experimenting as to the most suit able timber for street paving. Either of those woods will, he believes, be found admirably suited ior the purpose. Sawn birch can be purchased m Maryborough Sounds for about 7s per 100 ft, and as the freight to Wellington will be only Is 9d, the streets can, he maintains, be paved at con siderably less than half the coßt that is incurred m doing Bimilar work m London. With reference to Christmas or other seasonable or complimentary cards, we may state for the information of all concerned that the postage to any place within or beyond New Zealand is id per 2oz. Many people post them m closed and partly closed envelopes, making them subject to a tax of double the deficient postage on delivery. A slit cut m the top, bottom, or sides of the envelope is not enoiigh ; the envelope or cover must be entirely open at one or both ends so as to admit of the contents being easily withdrawn for examination. The best way to post cards is to put them m an envelope and merely turn the fly m, but it must not be gummed down. For greater security the envelope may be tied with string also, but m most case* the turning m of the fly of the envelop ; answers, and the contents r.ach their destination safely. "~"

Sosing Sight.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold o irselves respons'b o for Ibe opinions expressed by oar correspondents.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS.

TO THE EDITOR. \ ! Sir, — When you reluctantly consented to publish my letter dated 15th mat., you aaked " If I wag now done," to which I rep'ied that if yon were done I was perfectly aa' isfied — if not, I had another shot m the locker. You then replied that you would allow nothing m your columns to harm me. I find, sir, thab this honorable treaty has been broken, as you had an editorial note — a mild one — to the effect that " nobody takes ar.y. notice; of Air Brick";, and you then, allowed your paper to bemused by "Tararua" — a low fellow, from some low cliff or other, aa he admits to even missing his -own shadow — Tara-end. You immedia'ely then close the book after telling your numerous readers that his low doggerel verses are too personal for publication. This is surely contrary to fair pay, becaue^if this low fellow's doggerel verses are too personal, why publish his letter? I have a strong^ objection to such letters, and let the firsu inform yourself that I am still at large and quite harmless ; therefore, I hope your sense of justice will allow me to reply. I under stand that •' Tara-end," " Tarar*-boom-de ay," and " Tararua," is an attempt to satirize that ancient and historic spot Tara, which I am proud to re-christen the farm I occupy m this fair land. And I would be an unworthy son if my Irish heart and boul did not still predominate and pervade over such unworthy shadows that would dare sully the word Tara, The generosity, the native bravery, the innate fidelity, the enthusiastic love of whatever is great and noble— those splendid characteristics of my Irish mind is, I trust, aa the imperishable relics of my country's former greatness " Of that illustrious period when she was the light and the glory ot barbarous Europe ; when the nations around sought for instruc tion and example m her- numerous semi naries ; and when the civilisation and reli gion ot a'l Europe were preserved m her alone." Oa ! Ashburton Guardian, cease your funning, and when you allow a private man — whose character is, I trust, unsullied — be assailed under the oloak of anonimity m your columns, you will, lam Bure, think of the thrashing you and they received from Dan Brick, of Tara, who is now, as the festive season of Christmas is approaching, prepared to shake hands all round. I have, I trust, given an object lesson of what truth and right oan accomplish, and having lived m . thiß district since JB7B, it qan'b surely be Said with any degree of truthfulness that I have had a monomania for writing when I can count on the fingers of one hand all the letters I have written to Ashburton news papers up to the 28th uU, Jn wishing all then* a nierry Christmas. Let truth and right) rule day and night In our lovely Isle, And we will sing to our High King Qlad hymns the whije. -»>I am, etc , Dan Brick, Tara, December 22, 1896.

The Glenbrook Murders.

♦ _ Sydney, /December 23. Government has offered a reward for the discovery of Lesagh'a remains.

Cycling Contest.

♦ Melbourne, December 23 A contest has been arranged between Martin and Ken Lewis, cyclists, on similar terms to the match between Parsons and Martin, which was won by the latter.

A Bookmaker's Case.



Wellington, December 22. la the Supreme Court to-day Mr Justice Edwards, upon the motiou of Mr Jellicoe, counsel for Wm. Ryan, turf commission agent, who was' fined for trespass on the Peilding Racecourse dutjng the late races there, granted an order calling upon Mr Stanford, S. M., to show cause why the con viction should not be quashed, and m the alternative why a writ should not be issued prohibiting the B&id Magistrate f . om further proceedings, on the' following grounds— Eirsply, "that no offence was proved ; | secondly, that the ac,b complained ' of was committed m the exercise of a supposed right; thirdly, that Mr Sherwill, a steward of the Feilding Jockey Club, had an interest m qonviotjon, and was therefore disqualified under the J. usticps of the Peace Apt from signing an information preferred against Ryan ; and, fourthly! that the Magistrate m adjudicating on the case acted as prose- Qutor or adviser tp the prosecution, and therefore there was reasonable apprehension of bias Qn his part. The case will be argued m Iqnco after the Jong vacation,

A Hotel sale Case.

Wellington, December 22 Iv the Supreme Court, Mr Justice Edwards gave judgment iv the case Roak ruge, of Picton, v Michael Ryan, of Pnhiatua, and P. K. Watty, of Wellington, claiming £500 damages for fraudulent mis tepretentation by the defendants tf the ferminus Hotel, Picton, sold by Byan, through Watty, to the plaintift, and also for fraudulent misrepresentation of the Vhlueof tfce furniture, which was valued by Watty for Ryan. His Honor found that the letter which passed between Watty and Ryan disclosed m unmisfcakeable terms that there was a conspiracy to commit a fraud m the valuation of the furniture, and on thac head gave judgment for £66. As to the misrepresentation of the takings, his Honor held that the va ue was fraudulently misrepresented to the knowledge of boch d fendante, aud he assessed the damages on this count at £200, with costs accordioe to scale. °

Fire on Board the To Anau.

The Union Steamship Company's steamer Te Anau arrived at Lyttelton from Wei iington on Tuesday morning. She left Wei liDgt f « ab 5 p ' m * on Mond »yi »nd between 8 and 9 p.m. a man who was m charge of some horses, and was sleeping m the 'tween decks of the main hold, reported that he could smell fire. The 'tween deck hatches leading to the lower hold were lifted, when a thick volume of smoke issued therefrom, lhe fare hose was soon got out, and after some time the smoke abated. Examination Bhowed that an old trr-i"-^^/^ 1 xfo\ being used m the ' loa*Tinndfordnnn* ff ii h*A I beesiiiO'tgrmTOTjyaome-ineans, probably by spontaneous combustion, and that fortunately the fire had been discovered m its initial stage. Some cargo, including a number of bags of sugar, was destroyed by the water, but otherwise no damage was done.

Miss MoCnllook-

COMMERCIAL.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Received December 23, 11.10 a.m. _ iw y Sydney, December 23. Wheat, chick 3s 6d to 3s 9d nominal} milling, local 4s lid to ss. New Zealand oats, medium quality, 2s 3d to 2s 4d : prime feeding, 2s sd. Peas, Prussian blue, 4a 9d. Potatoes, focal, £1 10s to £1 15s. Onions. Victorian, £4 to £4 sa. Butter, dairy made. 6£d to 7d ; factory, 7±d to Bd. Cheese, prime, 4£d to 4|d. Bacon, sid to 6d. flam,- New Zealand, 9J. Melbourne, December 23 Wheat, firm, 5s 4<l ; old, 5t 10d. Oats weaker, 2s l£d to 2s sd. Potatoes, £5. Omous, £4 10a. ._,, Adelaide, December 23 Wheat, 53 6d. Oats, stout white, 3b 6d.

CABLE NEWS.

Some and Foreign.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. The Oratava Floated. London, December -21 The Oratava has been floated again. Officers and Civilians. Berlin, December 21 Tho Kaiser's rtfusal to confirm Brusewitz's sentence is regarded 85 an incentive to officers ; of the army to iliireat unarmed civilians. Italian Railways. ..;■: Kome, December 21 The. Italian Minister of Public Works reports that the railway builders, who are mostly Senators and members' of the Lower Chamber, olaimed six millions sterling above the estimates of cost made by previous Ministries. x J; Jameson's Raid Enquiry. ~ . ; Pretoria, December 22. The Rand claims to have a delegate on the Commissioa of Enquiry into Jamsson's raid. Fast Atlantic Service. Ottawa, December 22. If the Canadian revenue is buoyant the Premier will next year submit a scheme for a fast Atlantic service, otherwise the idea will be postponed. Messrs Huddart, Parkers's chance of securing the contract is regarded favourably m Ottawa.

Australian.

Railway to Circular Quay. Sydney, December 22. The Executive has appointed the Public Works Committee as a Royal Commission to enquire as to the expediency of extending the railway to -Circular Quay, and the proposed resumption of wharves m connection therewith.

The Cuban Rebellion.

■ -' ■ » Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— ■ Copyright. Washington, December 21 The Jingo senators denounce Mr Cleveland and Mr Olney as dictators who are defying Congress. When the Senate's decision reached the New York Exchange, it was an nouuced by Mr Chauncey Depew, and heavy sales followed the news. Grave statements are afloat as to leakage of the intelligence beforehand. •- " <-T December 22. A general protest from the country has compelled the Senate to postpone the discussion of the Committee's rsso< lution re Cuba for a fortnight. Financial interests are reassuied t The House refused to agree to tha Senate's amendments, m the Alien Immigrants Bill, but consented to a, Conference. Madrid, December 22. The War Office claim ability' $q mobilise a million qf jnen an 4 l^ncl half of them ia Cuba within threp months. The ofliciais regard the Spanish navy as quite a match for that of thp United 9|lrfes.

TUBES? AND THE POWERS.

: *—: r- Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Constantinople, December 29. M. Nelidoff, the Russian Envoy, has, had a Iqng interview with the Sultin, and presented him with an autograph letter from the C^.ir. An impression prevails that the Powers will resort to coercive measures unless the promised reforms, and an amnesty to the Armenians, are soon conceded. '

THE &BHJ3OKTOJS GtIAKDIAN : WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEB 23, 1896

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December — New Moon 5 5 21 a.m First Quarter ... 12 11 59 a. m Full Moon 20 3 35 p.m L\st Quarter 27 11 38 p.m



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'■ Wanted. FOIND— A sum of Money. -Apply to A. H. Williams, Bookseller and Stationer, Arcade. 12 164 WANTED a Boy to mi\\c and drive. Apply A. Orr. 12 167 TAPANESE Goods ! Japanese Goods ! ! fj Jap Jap. Jap. Christmis disp ay, chaste and beautiful. Cheaper thorn at auction prices. — W. H. Collins &Co. 12 168 OPEN Tbia Evening for Sale of Christmas and New. Year Car's and Booklets, ! oys, and Fancy Goods of various kinds. New Book', Boys' and Girls' Annuals, Sunday at Home, Leisure Hour, and other*. — Andrewj-s, Anderson, & Co. MY Premises will be open Late This Evening and To-morrow Evening, for the Sale of Christmas and New Year Curds, etc. A splendid assortment to select from. — H. M. Jongs. WANTED, Situation as Machine Driver. Used 10 general harvest work. Apply "Experb," P. 0., Ashburton. 12 152 LOST — Kicking Strap, between Mail Office and A. Orr'a private residence. Finder please return to Mail Office. nnURKBYS, Geese, Ducks, and Fowls _I_ for Christmas at Sutherland's, Tancred Street; lowest price. Order quickly !____ 13 1*0 i VTTTANTED Known— The Economic , TT Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear. — , VV. H. Collier. WANTED Known.— Feculina. Eecu. lina. Another shipment of this Celebrated Cake Flour at Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores. WANTED- everyone to kuow ' that Fletcher Bros, do a most extensive Business, acknowledged by a member of the Force here on Thursday afternoon, December 17. WANTED Known— Go to the Corner for Newest Styles m Drapery and Millinery — W. H. Collier.



f Public notices. '. THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW iiALAND /CLOTHING -pACIORY. L'ght Summer Coats from 61 61 Light Summer Suits from 10s 6d Light Wa'dhing Yeats, slightly soiled 2a 61 Light Biue Serge Suits for Summer wear 16a 6d Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Suits, all sizes 6a 9d, usua price lOd 6d. " ... FOR TRAVELLING. 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 Ashburton Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS "&~SHOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvas Shoes, best quality 5s 6d Men's Leather .Shoes 7s 6d, splendid-lvalue Men's Light' Boots for summer wear 8a 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothiug Factory. ALEX. HENDRY Manager. — — I fc h ■§ s SgO - 03 ■ * Ui '- S I w .to g £ 1.1 i. 2 0b Off (^ "^ II % & ■ ■ *« i PC Ml I—4 I 1 1% c /^S M Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. Wednesday — Choir Practice, Bpm Thursday — Church Decora 1 ion, 2 p.m. Christmas Eve— CAROL SERVICE, 8 pm (Offerings m aid of the Choir Fund). . CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES. 8.30 a.m. -^- Early Celebration of Holy Communion 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer and Holy Communion All communicants are invited to attend either the early celebration of Holy Com- munion at 8.30 a.m., or the later service. SUNDAY SERVICES. 8 30 a.m.— Holy Communion 11 a.m.— Morning Prayer 3 p.m.-BEAFIELD 6.30 p.m.— Evening Prayer. REV T. A. HAMILTON. IHE HOLIDAYS. mHE Guardian will NOT be Published on the 25th and 26th December, and The Mail will NOT be published on the 26th December, m consequence of the Christmas Holidays. Aehburton Publishing Co., December 21. Wanted. • 'V - {-y 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 WANTED Known — Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. Special display of Millinery for the Holiday Season. A late shipment of Sailor Straws to be sold cheap. — Mitchell anp Turner. STUDY Economy and patronise Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. WAN rED— Every Lady m Ashburton to see our Window of Blouse' Goods, bought at a big discount, and selling ut less than wholesale prices. — Mitchell aot Turner. WANTED Known— What the people say. That Andrew Orr has the largest and beat assorted block of Boots m Canterbury. . 11 125 WANTED Known— We have justopened a line of cheap all wool Suits and Tiousers. Good out and splendid value. Tennis and working Shirts m great) variety, Mitchell and Turner WANTED Known— Large delivery of the '* Economic " Kid Gloves, four mttonsj Is $d per »a;r. worth much more. — [ W. H. Collier. 111 — — ■■—^^^- ' ' 11 /TILLINERY — Ladies should inspect th.c IYI new Millinery, Capes, Mantles, Jackets, Blouses, French and English Corsets ; all new nod up to date, — A. Obs,



Busine s Notices GOOD WASHING PRINT, 3£d. WHITE MUSLIN, 3s lid per doz. AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 63 lid AT G. J. NEILL'S. flannelettes 3Ad yard. The Best Turkish TOWELS m Ashburton are at— G. J. NEILL'S. BOSS' 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. Ladiesj Lace Shoes, 4s lld. f Ladies' two-strap Shoes, 4a lldi AT, G. J. NEILL'S. Ladies', Maids', and Children's TAN SHOES of Every Deaoription, at Very Low Prices, ■■■•.-■ .■ • AT ■ ' G. J, NEILL'S; FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. * ■ ■ ■ KAIAPOI HOUSE. mHE. Alterations m the above Premise? bsiog so far advanced, we are enabled to make A GRAUD DISPLAY m o:r NEW CARPET SHOW ROOM OF LINOLEUMS, OILCLOTHS, TAPESTRY, AND BRUSSELS CARPETS. ALSO.— CARPET SQUARES IN GREAT VARIETY. —^M ATS, AND HEARTH R(JGS IN ALL MAKES AND SIZES. A VERY COMPLETE STOCK OF FURNISHING DRAPERY Itf ALL BRANCHES. MITCHELL & TURNER. TANCRED STREST. NEW FIRM -:- :- -:- -:- -:r -:- NEW FIRM SAVE MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB • NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOCK THAT ACCUMULATES B 7 YEARS of BUSINESS THE Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with a Gash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the groat losses that are occasioned by Bad Debts. _ MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND SELL FOR CASH, THEREFORE HEY ARE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY • OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON. —A' Few Quotations will be Convincing Brown ißibberl Pants (heavy) Is 6d —worth Ladies' Hose, fast colors, plain and ribbed, Is lid- 6d pa:r Men's Socks b\— 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 Boots 4s lid— grand value The Best Value for Flannelettes m Jseavy Shooters 9a lid— worth 12a 6d • Ashburton. L"a Tie8 r Gem Shoeß, Ppeoial, 4s lid— worth Heavy Twill, 4s lid dozen— worth 7d a yd g 3 61 A Splendid Line of Corsets,* all sizes, at Hairline Tweed Trousers 8s 6d— cheap at la lid 10, 6d The Beat Assortment of bunshaaes m towap Men'n Felt Hats from 2a 61  , J ro , m \ a „ . ■ -. We have the Choicest Assortment of Hats Ladies' Sailor Straws, all shades and shapes, m town. icom each— Pick your own shape 12yds Strong Print for 3s lid— Cheap at 6s and trimming, and have your A Beautiful Summer Tweed Is Id, double Millmery done *ree of Charge. width v, FULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MEASUJRED GARMENTS A SPECIALTY. ACka f*i\ *" ULL S^IT FROM A CkZL &T\ 4yS t>t> FQLL SLIT FROM O-D MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, . EAST 6TUEET, j