The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1896.

Tins nineteenth Gentury of the Chris tian era will close and the twentieth century begiu some- CHRISTIAN ERA. where between Christmas of this year (1896) and February to April of next year (1897) This (writes th« Ilomiletic Review) has been e-.txblished by the investigations and ea'culaiions of the be^t scholarship, so that it may be said to be universal : y ' cVnow!c lged that Christ was not bor.i n > ■ "h. 's^ras m the year 754 after the founding of Rome — as Dionysius mistakenly put it m prtlring up our common ch»onolooy, and as the Romai Church endor-ed it, but m the year "50 or 749, the Utter year being far the more .probable, and 1 towards the springtime, (he more pro b.able date. This conclu-ion rests especially upon the indisputable fact that Herod the Great, iri whose reign the birth of Christ took place, died m the fourth yrar before the 03ina«ence ment of our erp, or m tho year. 4 8.C., accord ; n<? to the proper reckoning. That, will be 1900 years ago next Easter. The 1900'h anniversary of Ghrisi/s birth is not ? therefore, several years off, but just upon u<3^r-not further Myay than the close of the present year or the opening months of 1897.

Local and General.

Reading matter on fourth pag#. There is only one herb known to mankind which curea all di^asea, Ifc i 3 Thyme, Vaccination on the tip of the nose was customary m China forty years ago.' Celery coffee is a new drink, It is said tc add renewed strength to the brain and nerve. The JVnpier Mnvs states than Air Ward will resume his port folio of Coloni U Treasurer when Parliament) is again called together. Forms of application for pension certifi cates, under the^Registratfon^of Peop'es Claims Act, 1896, will shortly be issued. No less than four farthings were found m frhe i.fferjbory bagsafior service at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, Wellington, ou Suuday morning. At Auckland on Tuesday, Robert Buick, a fireman on the Star of Victoria, was fined 21s for smuggling tobacco, treble its value, or seven cays Mr J. D. Sievwright, a candidate at the repent election, was on Tuesday at Oamaru presented with a well'.jfill d pur.-c of soyereigns by his supporters. " , i)ne of the vans on Monday's excursion train from jCurisbchuch.WdS devoted . solely (o bicycles whose owners were en rouie for AehOurton, Timaru, Oami.ru and J}unecUn. Mr Knight hooked a monster trout m the Waitaki on Saturday, the fish turning the scale at 18lbs. This is the large-t fish that has been tuken out of the river this season A presentation has been made to the Hon Mr Thompson, Miniafcer of Juvice, on be iaajf pf a few friends of the ! iberal party, of a gol<j albjerfc, a sovereign purse, and a meda', aa souvenir of hjs ejection. Kverything so far promisee a real good iday's aport ab the Tinwalil Racing" Club's meeting on New gear's Day. It will be seen tlfa,t the usjjal race ball is a'so arranged j for. ' ' The confer, nee of the Friiniiiye Methodist popnejf on opens at Feilding on January Oh, Spyerai dejiegufces from the South will be m Ashburfcon to-morrow, when advantage of thtir presence will bp taken to hold a banquet in^tne local Primitive Church, when all comers will be jregajed with roast sucking pig, poultry, and acceseorieg.. The visitors will deliver addresses, and altogether a very pleasant evening may be anticipated.' Th,e .charge 1 for afjmissipu will be one shilling. J>. aeemß a certainty (aaya the /l/qnatwftp Stand I'd) that the Maori representation m the House of Representatives wjll remain unaltered, with the exception of the replace m nt of one of the most useless men who ever sat m any parliament — Ropata Te Ao — by Henare Kaihau. 'J he former was an Opposition member, if he were anything, ani we have-gopd grounds for saying that his successor will Be of th,o a^me. political persuasion. There wj \ thus bp Wi Pere and Tame Pa'ataasGovernmsnt supporters, and Hone Heke and Henare Kaihau on the Qppo»ifcio» Benpheg,

Mr S. ib'alek, the well known jeweler, cf Eaat street, notifi< s that ho wi 1 display a lot of- newly imported eleotro plaied and other gooda suitable for presentations m his wiudows to-motrow, New Yeai 's Eve. We ate requested to call attention to the facb that no bookmaker will be allowed on the course at tha Asliburton R cinq Club's Summer Mtetinu on Saturday, 2 id January. Mo belting will be permitted except through r.lie lotalisator. Algy Vensopht (throwing ilown the lele irrum) — " Aw, how provoking ? My aunt's will lv« been wead, and she h is left all her 1 inoDoy to found an asylum for incurable imbicles.'- Grimshaw— "Congratulate you Algy! I was sure that she wcukl.ee you provided for." The biidal Wieath id usually formed m Germany oi Hl3 rile branches ; iv France aid England, of Oiange-blossoms ; m I aly ami French Switzerland, if white rob.es ; m Spa : n, of red roses and pinks; m (he islands of Greece, of vine leaves ; m Bohemia, of rosemary; m German SwiU- rland, of a c.owji of artificial fljwers. A Dunedin lady is reported to have re ceived such a careful instruction from her husband as to the candidates for whom she should vote that the dutiful woman brought back m herhaudbag her ballot-p.iper, which i she had carefu'ly preserved to prove to her spouse that she had voted straight. _The Methven sports', which take place on New Year's Day, promises this year to be the best yet held there, provided always that the weather kf eps fine. An admirable programme has been arranged and m addition to the attractions provided for the day time, there is to, be a ball at nighb The train arrangements are also convenient. The young lady operators at the Welling, ton Telephone Exchange have been the re cipients of Christmas boxes from some of the busiest " numbers "on the Exchange; Ihe presents included free passes lo Picton from the Union Steamship Company, sugar, tea, lollies, cash, wine, lejnouaae "and ginger ale Accompanying each present-was a Christmas card. A very light shower of rain — the first for weeks — fell this morning. It was a mere sprinkling — not enough to lay the dust and was followed by a nor'wester. The drought is becoming very serious, v Fi'uitis dropping off the trees or being dried up, and the crops on light land are suffering severely. Prayer for rain was offered m the churches on Sunday* Mr T. W. Hungerford, who is well-known on the West Coast of the Middle Inland, g»intd an action against the New South Wales Government for breach of contract m reference to the Woolongong railway works. The Supreme Court gave a verdict m his favour for £12,800. Against this the- Go vermnent.appealed, but the Gourt of Appeal upheld the decision. ' At Dunedin on Tuesday Robert Simpson, convicted on the 18th of theft, and sentenced to six months, escaped from custody while working with o her short-sentenced men at Pelicheb Bay. He obtained leave to go into the bush, and made use uf %fc to escape. A large number of warders^nd police are out after htm, but he has not yet been captured. He can scarcely get away far. Amongst the visitors present m Auckland is M Gabrie, the newly-appointed Governor of Tahiti, who is on his way to take up the duties pertaining to his office. M. Gabrie, whoarrivtd by the Tasmania, is accompanied by his wife and private secretary. M. Lionel, President of the Superior Tribunal, and M. Tabanou, Chief -of the Police, are also m Auckland, and will accompany his Excellency when he leaves for Tahiti. Mr E. Sheen, of petone, has, after many years pf etudy, succeeded m inventing a flying machine. Mr Sheen writes to the Wellington /to/ thiut he recently., mado a trial to work this aerial ship frojn the sum: mit of the Wainui Hill, and ia highly pleased with the results. Although the machine diJ no- Lehave quite perfectly, the inventor o aims to be able to overcome the difficulty, and is perfectly confUe-it of successfully navigating the machine at no distant date. r The demolition of the block of buildings next the Bank of New Zealand on Lambton Quay, Wei ington, has brought to light au interesting relic— the bows of. .the;, ship In r constant, which came indisabjed early m the Uf ie=>, and was abandoned on the beach opposite where Barrett's Hotel stands. Mr John Himmer bought the ship, cal ! ed her Noah's Ark, and made her part of a three storey warehouse, The bows of ihe old shipj buried now under a mass of debris, seem to be as htauuqh and strong as they were fo.'ty years ago. Staunch and true, says the Nero Zealand . Times, as the man who bought them and placed them there. '1 he Appeal Coqnc 1 of the New Zealand Amateur Jlpkving Association has decided that any poqqitjon on a 'regatta programme providing that a single starter, whose entry was aooeptcd, shall not be entitled to the pr ze is a contravention of the rules fop amateur regattas, and id ultra vires. The effect 13 th it Clubs cannot make provisio for three starters or no race. ' A Press Association telegram from Wel lington states that the Telegraph Depart ment on Thursday forwarded 1997 messages, receded IQB| and transmitted' 4607,; toial, 6847^ This is the reoord for the Wellington office, and the officer m charge, Mr U. O. Robertson, reports that there was no block all day. The Postal Depaitment, on the previous day— the day of departure of the San Francisco mail — was equally busy, and handed 75,Q0Q articles. 4l telegram ipom Boston (Masi.) says s— John L- Sullivan, ex-pugulistic champion, is fclie victim of cancer. The trouble has developed m the right hand, and Dr Calvin, of the Emergency Hospital, upon whom Sullivan called for treatment, declares that it is a dangerous cancer. J)r Calvhj has operated on Sullivan's hand, and states that unless Sullivan takes great care he will lose his arm. Last evening about six o'clock the Western iire bell was rung, m consequence of a grass fire m a paddock m Wills street. The fire was beaten out, however, without any necessity for the brigade turning out. This morning, about eleven, another alarm was given, the grass on the terrace at the Old Men's Ho.me having canghfc tire, The curricle was soon on the spot 7as well as the sterner, but the latter was not required, and twenty miuutes energetic work wich the stna'ler engine mastered the fire and p; even ted furl her damage. Had the progress, of the fire not been stopped, with the north west gale then blowing, there is no saying where the flames might have travelled to, especially with so.muph tinder-dry vegeta tion about. I ."'.?' '',*.. V Fd sooner live with ttie dtvil thaii with my mother-in-law," remarked a member of the Wellington Jjeneyolent Trustees aji a recent meeting. The occasion for the re mark was an application for assistance made by a young woman whose husbind had compelled her to live with her mother-in law, which she^declined fco do any longer. Her mother-itnaw, ohe Baid, was always twitting her, and just before she (the appli cant) left tho hou?e, had added injury to insult by beating her. "But why did'nt ! you beat her back again ?" asked one of the Trustees. »'I did," blushingly replied the young hdy j aud the Trustees, vo doubb thinking she was quite ablb 'to take care of herself/ advised hor to return home to her husband and . mother-in-law. Some excellent specimens of the fibre of ihe cabbage tree, a palm which grows well m certain parts of Ifte colony, have been shown jbo tlje Weljing't.on Pose by Mr Frey berg, the Government timber expert, who is taking a keen interest m the utilisation of many of i lia colony's natural pioduots, The fibre has been converted iuto a nurketabe article by a process so simple that it can be taught to anyone m a few input s. The i strength and aofbnesg of the stiunrfs are remarkable, add the material also possesses another merit, viz ,' that it docs' npjb fray like flax. Fishing lines, cordage, and fine 1 brushes have been made from it, and there is po doubt that it will also be fouud to b,e very suHab'fl for other manufacturing pur poses. Mr Freyborg poiuts out that little or no care is required to grow the cabbage treo, and he expresses a belief that if a leaflet, giving simple directions for its pro. pagatyou, wore issued by the Government, many settlors "would be m iuced (Lq utilise poi/tlQua of thejr land fa its culture,

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves re. : pous : b c for the opinions expressed by our correspondents OUR POST OFFICE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — As a constant visitor to the Ashbur ton Post Office, I caunot understand why a long suffering public should put up wilh the wretched provision for writing telegrams. Just imagine trying to write a telegram m the Ashburton Post Office to-day ! One wruld probably b* struck on the head with abloitiugpad or ink pot. The sooner the present ornamental pile is pulled down and an up-to-date office built the bettor. — I am, etc, . Comfort. Ashburton, December 30.

A Trip to Feel Forest.

BY ONE OV THE PARTY, ' Christmas morning- dawned with all the splendour of summer. The drag and four, under the whip of Mr John Newman, were ready m good time, and we made an early s'art through the almost deserted streets of Ashburton. At Tinwald 'we took the road 011 the right, and pissed some large sheep runs, while now and again oat crops were visible, bub so dry has the weather been lately that unless much needed rain soon ! comes they will require stripping to save Ihem. About half way, v halt was made to ' rest the horses, and advantage was taken of the stoppage to have a little walking exercise until the drag caught up. Af ter agood spin, m the course of which we met; some Timaru bicyclists, we crossed the dry bed of the Hinds river, passed several plantations, and reached" the steep incline approaching the 'Rangitatt*. Here all hands ugain alighted to admire the swiftly rushing fjiff^r, orto write their autographs upon the* decking of the bridge. The rest of the journey was enlivened by singing and playing, as there was nothing to relieve the monotonous stretch of tussocks and bu-hes of sweet briar. We reached our destination m about four hours, and camped close to the river. After a good breakfast, we strolled about, and found wild goo:eberries, red currant--, and strawberries. Several camps were visited, and all seemed to have had a good time. One man'd horses went home, but he expected them to be sent back again m a couple of days. Dinner over, we all started to see the water-fall. A lot of bush work and rock climbing brought us to this bftuitiful cascade', which was "greatly admired. Another fall, a little higher up, was reached by the more venturesome of the party, who were well lepaid for their hard climbing by the lovely and * magnificent scenery that opened, to their view. Supple jick fii-1 and Te Wanahu corner were also visited, and the most striking views were photographed by « ne of the youug hdies. Several wild pigs were seen, but though they afforded a good deal of sport m chasing them they managed . to elude their pursuers and disappeared into the forest. In the evening a large camp fire was made, around which, with a number of visitors, we all gathered to listen to an excellent impromptu concert of songs and recitations, a pleasant evening being concluded wiih "Auld Lang Syne." We all retired to our camp beds, bub what with visions of imaginary green spiders and hanging watches on moth.' tails, mistaken for nails, little sleep was had that night. An early breakfast having been partaken of, we started for the top of Mount Peel. Some of our party thought it too hard work, and went iuto the bush, while a little further another couple sat on a log, with the evident intention of selectiag a piece of bush land for clearing, but as yet they have Tsepb iher intentions to them T selves. lh,e end of the road having been reached} we were directed to the south water falls. We unfortunately took the wrorg track, butreaqhed there all the same. Here a lovely sight presented itself m the form of a beautiful grotto ornamented with graaeful shrubs, ferns, moss covered trunks and boughs, and down which grotto poursd a swift torrent of silvery water. .After our names were written or cut on the trees, we ascended wilh leluctnn'ce, as the cool invigorating atmosphere about the fall was specia'ly inviting. Ooe of the highest hills wus at last reached, and a grand panorama was witnessed, the windings of the Rangitata and Oran rivers through the wide fertile plains making a splendid pictue. We here had our hats tastefully decorated with clemati 1 , githered some wild musk and forge.i-menots, and th n decended ihrougJi bush c mposed of rai'a tree', ferns, and lawyers — the latter the most troublesome by far,^our hands not h&virg yat lo9t ail traces of their acqilainianoe. Mount Peel was at last reached; not, howeVer, before we had come across a new wateifall, which was named after the fair discoverer, whose high, spirits and plucky attemptsat pioneer ing were gre*t ! y admired. A : ; start was then made for fche oamp, *md af ey a nice walk thaJugly manuka sqrub, richly dre.aed m its (^beautiful summer garments, "we arrived sifely, and were invited to a fruit garden of ripe gooseberries, currants, etc. Then we began our return journey, and arrived home early m the evening, quite refreshed, and ready on the first opportunity to go on a similar excursion*. ■

Yesterday's Heat.

The phenomenal heat of Tuesday was •violently pretty evenly distributed over Canterbury. In CfaViatchurch it was very intense, and m placea the tramway rails buckled as much as two inches from the level. At Ringiora the atmosphere was * ( lik6 anbv.eri^ md at Tlmarij and Oamaru the day W»3 the, hottest ever experienced. The intense hea£ had a most destrucWve effeofc on small fruits, the leaves on goose berry trees being burnt up so that they Crumbled to the touch, and the fruit bejng more tha_n h^lf rqagted, This Was Vso the Aahburton experience, In regvrd to the orops, we fear very light orops of everything will be the rule. In Borne parts of northern Canterbury, especi ally towa r dsrhehilb,"grasaißfaßt dryingnff, turnips are at a standstill from want of moisture, and rain would be of the utmost value to the grain crop? These must be very defcrimenta'ly affected if the much needed wet does nob oome shortly to aaaist the filling out process, aud farmers fear that ihe likelihood of a shortness of feed will m tlie near'fudare materially diminish the price of Btook." Another writer says :- — " The long drought and very hob weat'-er have m some places completely dried feed up and brought on harvest oparatiors. The oats harvest is m full swing, and the crops are m many cases unsatisfactory ; m some paddocks the straw is only a foot high, and m many other cases from 18in to 2ft Gardens have suffered, vegetables have dried off, and m. some cases fruit trers have shed their leaves, consequently fruit h r aif| dropped Towards evening on Tuesday the, tempera ture gradually fell to bearable point, though the night all through was warm. Between seven and ejght on Wednesday morning a galo that had sprang up brought with it a shower, but it did not l»st long, and when it was over the ground was as dry as ever. The gale kept on, however, and blew strongly during the forenoon, carrying with it great clou is of dusr. As a result of the gale much of the apple and plum crop has been shed.

Timabu, December 30. J The heat; yesterday exceeded any known for many yeara — $2, degrees m the perfect shade, 106 m verandahs and 'in the lee of buildings.' Small fruits were spoiled by baking on the ' bushes. Today* a strong N.W- gale «a b)owing. fh'e fyeafc and wind must do gretyt damage to cropa. < ■

SCHOOL EXAMINATION.

Creenstreet.

The folb/witig is the Inspector's report on Greeuslreet ychool, examined on November 26 : - PASS SUBJKCTS.

(Marks CLASS SUBJECTS. v —0 to 100) Grammar ... - ... 50 History 70 Geography (Standard 11. only) ... 75 Elementary Science, Object Les sons, etc. ... ... ... ... 55 Mental Aribhtr etic ... 30 ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS. Repetition'and Recitation— Children care fully instructed ; good. Drill and Exercises — Boys only ; good. SiDging— Very fair. • Needlework— Very marked progreß~Bmade ; good. Comprehension of reading lessons—Mostly satisfactory (Standard' V very poor.) P Organisation. — Standards VI, V, IV, and II. — Mr Samuel Baird, master; Standards 111, I, and P, Miss Alice J. Liisk, miatreas. General Remarks. — To the lower classes of the school from Standard 111. downwards no criticism applies. The children of Standards 111, 11, and I are well prepared m their work, and readily satisfy the demands made upon them, Standard 111. beiog particularly good. In the upper slißsea the arithmetic proves a stumbling block to a large proportion of the pupils, and the general appearance made is there fore only a fair oue. In freehand drawing the work submitted is excellent, and m the domain of " claaa " subjects the full treat?.; ment b stowed on the history and the good unswering received are very commendable. In convection with reading it would be well if more attentioir^were given to the feature of comprehension. — VV. J. Anderson, In spector. '

Ashton.

The Ashton School Committee met at the school on Fiiday, 18th inst.— Mr T. Taylor m the' chair. After some routine business the Inspector's report was read aud con sidered. Mr J. Shearer moved, and Mr J. Bell seconded, that both teachers be compli mented od the highly satisfactory results, of the late examination. It was also agreed that prizes should be given to all the children, and that Mr Shearer, Mr Bell, and the master be asked to purchase them. The Committee directed the Chairman to have the report published. The report is as follows ; —

CLASS SUBJECTS. ' ■' o*° Grammar ... 70 History . - ... .. ... 55 Geography (Standard 9 only) 80 - : Elementary Science, Object f.es sons, etc. ' ... 70 Mental Arithmetic 65 Repetition and recitation— V« ry fair. Drill and exercises— Very fair. Singing— Fair. Needlework — Very fair. Comprehension of reading lessons— Very fair. Ashton School— Examined. November 24, 1896. ' Organisation.— Scindard 111. and VI, Mr Thos. S. Mitchell, master; standard 11., 1., and P., Misg Alice Banks, mistress. General Remarks.— The school is to bs complimented tin again making a good appearance m examination, through the success of previous years makes the master's task all the harder as children moye un through the classes. Whjle no subject falls below a very fajr level, the arithmetic (in cluding mental arithmetic), grammar, geography, and science are especially worthy of favorable notice. "--Among the boys better elocution m reading, etc., might with advantage be sought. In the lower part of the school the usual subjects present fener^ly estimable, qualities, which m fcandards 11. and 1. freely entitle the children to the promotions granted. — W. J. Anderson, Inspector. - - On the 24th inst., Mr Taylor, chairman of the Committee, distributed the prizes to the children attending the school. There were fifty-three volumes altogether, costing £6 5s Bd. Mr Taylor addressed the children.,,,, pointing out that it was through regular' attendance and bard work that satisfactory results could be obtained, and' good habits formed. Two popular prizes and eeveral attendance certificates, given by the master, were handed to the successful recipients. After a tin of lollies had been shared among the children, three hearty cheers were given to the teaahers, the Committee, and the Chairman, and the school broke up for Christmas holidays.

THE COMING CONCEPT.

As will b» saen by advertisement, a grand ! oonoeit will be given m the Oddfellows' Hall Aahburtfnn, on Friday evening next, Jmuary 1, by Mrs Bowman' Fox -WeT Miss E. Rowley, of Christchuroh. .?fflier couqerb will bo divided into three parts re presenting respectively Englaud, Ireland, and Scotland, each part; to consist of the music of the country represented and to conclude with a national tableau. The people of Ashburtou have nob hitherto had the pleasure of hearing Miss Rowley, who some years ago took a very prominent place m musical matters m Christchurch but has for some time pagfc been compe led 'by iil health to retire from public tinging — how ever, her voice, a rich cootra'to of very ex tensive ompass has m no way suffered by her enforced rest, and the Ash burton public ca n be assured that a treat is m store for them. ■ Sir' Bert Hicker'ton/ of Ohristohu,rch, will ulso^be introduced to the audience on Friday evening. He is the champion club swinger of New Zealand, and wherever he appeirs always proves an immense attraction. Mr Millar, the welljcnown ChristKihurch bass will sing three songs and as an old Ashbur lon favorite 'will no. doubt be received with the applause he always merits. Mrs Fox and Miss Ei Kowley wjll also be aBB sted by Meßdinies W. 8,. Denshire, E. (3. Crisp, Donald McLean, Percy Jones, the Misses Kathleen Qrr, Emily Leahy, the Rev T. Hamilton, and Messrs L. Broad, Burgess, R. Upton, E. Mataon, Ri^aaell, and piper J. Scott. |t is to be hqped that suoh a pro gramme as presented will draw a crowded house.' '

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Official Secrets Act. London, December 28 The Official Secrets *ct is to be strictly enforced. Thia is owing to the excessive leakage m public officesr—- Tue Powers are believed to be aware of the chief British naval and military Terrible Railway Accident. Washington, December 28 The train at Birmingham, Alabama, fell a hundred feet on to the recks below. Many passengers, who were chiefly miners, were burned to death through the stoves setting the carriages alight. Thirty-five m all were killed. A rail of a bridge had been maliciously removed. Bank Suspended. The Atlas Nations 1 Bank, Chicago, has suspended, it had been discovered that large loans had been advanced to the directors and officers. Mr Cecil Rhodes.* Capetown, December 28 5 Mr Cecil Rhodes was received <m his at Kimberley with frantic enthusiasm. ...

Australian.

Robbery of a Safe. Brisbane, December 29 A safe containing £484 was stolen from the Gympie railway station, »nd was found m the busn rifled of ita contents, but £19 were found among the debris. The Tick Pest. The tick pest is again very bad at Tngham, and cattle are dying daily. The loss throughout the district is estimated at 75 per cent. Federal Enabling Bill. Sydney, December 29 The Executive has authorised the issue of a proclamation bringing the Federal Enabling Bill into operation on January 4. Reciprocity. Melbourne, December 29 Mr Turner has received a cable from Mr Seddon, agreeing, to hold the pro posed intercolonial Reciprocity Con ference at Bobart at the time of the Federal Council meeting, and fixing February 2 as the date* of the confer ence.* Besides reciprocity, other matters are likely to be discussed such ao the terms of continuarce of subsidy to the auxiliary squadron; federal defence; holding a convention m London of the representatives of the Imperial Government and those of all British colonies with a view to binding the Empire more closely and, finally, celebrating the completion of the sixtieth year of Her Majesty's reign. Bush Files. There have been destructive bush fires at Hey terbury Forest ; several selectors were burned out. Australian Rifle Team. Adelaide, December 29. The Rifle Association have decided to send two representatives iff the Australian rifle team which visits England. A Sweep Winner. Hob Art, December 23 Mr Turner, of the railway depart ment, at Newmarket, Auckland, is the winner of the s°cond priae of £1350 m Tattergal's Consultation on the Sydney Summer Oup.

TURKEY AND THE POWERS.

Oonstant?inopm2, December 28. Nelidoff, m a secret 'interview, . delivered the Czar's private message to the Sultan, who has refused to give the powers the right of control, declar ing he will not become a second Khedive. He has hastened on* the reforms m order to forestall the diplo-' mats. ""•-..

TERBIBLE CYCLONE.

A Town Destroyed. Press Association— By Electric Telegraph. Copyright, Sydney, December 29 The town of Nevertire was completely wrecked by a cyclone. Almost every building was d* stroyed. A panic took place among the residents, who sought refuge m underground tanks. Several were injured but none fatally. The town, of Nevertire, without warning, was struck by a cyclone at five o'clock last .eight. The blow lasted only ten minutes, but the force of the wind was terrific. Cloudg of dust wrapped the whole place m dark ness, and there was not a solitary building but \*as unroofed or shattered. The majority were completely wrecked. Even churches and other brick build ings were levelled to the ground. Fences and trees were overthrown m all directions. The telegraph lines were brought down for miles; conse quently, communication waa inter rupted, Horses were lifted bodily ii* the air and carried for some distance. Men and women were blown helplessly along the streets. Galvanised iron, which was torn from the shattered buildings, was flying about m aU directions. The railway buildings were partially wrecked. Loaded trucks standing on a siding were overturned and killed the horses attached <o drays loading wool. Other trucks were carried for miles along the line. Many persons were buried m the ruins of wrecked buildings^ but with few ex ceptions escaped with only slight in juries. Ihe town now, h.is an appear ance as if it had be?n struck by a violent earthquake. The track of the storm was five miles wide, and swept for miles across the country, leaving a trail cf destruction and desolation.

THE ABHBORTOJS GOAKDIAJS : WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEJR 30, 1896.



. I . t ll■£lts \-i ■ <° 1&&* | &&* * yrmon 7 2 1 — — — ' 154,, 6 4 4—2 2 13 6 „ 5 8 B—2 6 U 5 „ 4y 5 4—2 2 10 8 „ 3 8 B—l7 89 2 6 6—o 6 86 1 5 s—o 5 Over 8 P. 9 9 — — — years, — j = ■ 2 Total 47 145 — -7' 28



PASS SUBJECT 3. M i t it t *_ I * fl * * . , ym ' . Std. 7 1 1 — — _ " 13 1 „ 6 .6 6 — 0 «6 13 X  5 4 4 — 13 111 „ 4 1111 — 2 9 .10 2 „ 3 6 6 — 0 6 9 3 "2 6 6 — 06 8 0,.l 7 7 — 0 7 — P> 11 10 '— — — j Total 52 51 — 3 3? " *O\rer 8 years 0.



One Box of Qlarkk's B 41 Pmts warrau ted to cure all discharges from the Urinaty Organs, m either Bpx (acquired or cons i eutional), Gravel and Pains m the . Baok Guaranteed free from Mercury. Sold m Boxeß 4a 6d each, by all Cneraistsand Patent medicine Vendors throughout the World P nprie tors : The Lincoln and Midland . <> nwTiKs Dana CoMPAnr. ffnooln. Knffland"r" You have ruined your constitution ufficientlybydrinking inferior Tea. Recrait *>y diin&wg only JZquzTma; it is pure. The lea. iidolioiou.



«50, £10, £10, £5, given away for a single guess. Send stamp for particulars and Quculim to Box 17P» P. 0., Wellington. i



HpyLQWAY's Piias — Nervousness and waut of energy. — Wfyen firqt tho nerves fee] unstrung, and listlessnoss supplants energy, the time has come to take some such altera- tive as Ho'loway ? s Pills to restrain a dis- order from developing into a disease. These exceljent Pills correct all irregularities and weaknesses. They act so kindly, yet so energetically on jihe fuocions of digestion and assimilation, thai the vyhqle body is revived, Ifre bjood pondered pu,rfcr, Vhi.'e (;he musclee bepome firmer and strongei*, and t|io neryoiia and absorbent systeii) is invigor- ated. Those pills q,te suitable fqr all classes a^d all ugea. They have a most marvellous effect on persons who are out of condition ; (hey soon rectify whatever is m fault, restore itren^th bo the body and. conscience to, the



w antea. WANT D— A First-ckss Collar and Harness Maker. Apply— William Hatching, East street. 12202 WANTED Known— Annual Race Ball at Tiuwald 'i emperunce Hall, on New Year's Night. 12 201 WANTED Known— Our Establishment will b-. Open till nine o'clock od Thursday Evening, Now Year's J' vo. — Aahburlon D< apery Company. 12 196 WANTED— A Housekeeper, for the country. Apply between 12 ami 2 on Saturday at the Mail Office. 12 203 ORANGES, Bananas, fines, Piums, Lemons, to bo had m tiny qu;intiiy m Adams, East Street and Saundera' Buildings. . ___L 2 ?°_ 4 LOS'!— X ; eking Si rap, between Mail Office and A. Orr's private i evidence. Finder please return to AJaxl Office. Ift 07 NEW Year Cwde and lOt/ I • Booklets, Ciiristmaa Cards half price, New Books, Faucy Goods, Toys and Stationery. A largo variety of goods suitable for New Year P'esents. New lot of Foreign Stamps and packets. — Andrews, Anderson, & Co. MOTHERS and fathers who have to provide Boots and Shoes, should call at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known— looo pairs of Boots to be sold m twenty-one days at Mellor's. . DID you ever hear tlie like ? Men abe Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mellor' "ancred street IE YOU WANT the Newest and Nicest Millinery, Trilby Muslins, and Dresa Goods, go to Mrs. Alcjorn's. Dresses made on the premises. Fit guaranteed. nnHERE is no doubtv, no possible doubt JL that you get Good Value for your money afc Mellor's. - ' • .■ XXTHERE, Oh where, is that Cheap TT Boot Shop? Mellor's Zealnndia Boot Store. IHEaRD a man say that Mellor is selling Boots Wonderfully Cheap. WANTED KNOWN— Mrs Huffam having taken the premises lately occupied by Mr O. Neil], intends to open same as Ladies' Dining aud Refreshment Roon:8, where visitors will find a long felt want supplied. Meals at all hours. A few boarders will find all the comforts of a home. OWN Make m Ladies' and Children's Uuderdlothing, Aprons, and Pina- fores ; alao a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcorn s new shop, Baker's Buildings. NEW YEAR'I~DAY^ rpHE Mail will NOT be published on SATURDAY Morning, January 2



TBE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND QLOTHING "pACfOBY. L : ght Summer Coats from 6s 6.1 Light Suniuier Suifca from 10a 6d Light Wajhing Yeats, slightly soiled 2s 6d Light Blue Serge Suits for Summer wear 169 6d Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 4a 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Sui's, all sizes 6s 9d, usua price 10s 6d. PuR TRAVELLING. Portmanteaux from 10* 6d Steel Trunks from 10s 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. STRAW~HATS. Boys' Straw Hats Is, the best value m Ashburlon Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS &~SHOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvas Shoes, best quality 5s 6d Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6<l, splendid value Men's Light Boots for summer wear 8s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing- Factory. ALEX. HENDRY Manager. ■""■-■ . -<■' '■ . . . \ EH +• r\ 2 zo -^^ s Oq - co i . IS SS H • I SB 3 * S 1 « °2S | 3., Ph w a•s§ g/' § ■g pg I - fi % B kS S" &? - 55 C— i CL4 g M V *« - .PC i 9 -.ft- <.. & ■■•. M Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CQURCH, Ashburfcon, WEDNESDAY—SpeciaI Choir Practice, £ p.m. THURSDAY New Year's Eve— Watch night Service, 11.30 p m., and Celebra- tion of Holy Communion. SUNPAY SERVICES, (3rd January). 11 a. m.—rijorning Prayer and Holy JUom- munion. 3 p.m.-{9RKENSTRBBT) Rey T. A. Hmniiton. 3 p.m.— (DRO MORE), Mr W. Bowmac Fox. 6 30 — Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. Wanted. WANTED— Every Lady m Ashburton to see our Window of Bouse Goods, bought at a big di-count, and selling at lesß thao wholesale prices. — Mitcheli and Turner. WANTED Known — Alterations and Additions to our Show Rooms now completed. Special display of Millinery foi the Holiday Season. A late shipment oi Sailor Straws' to be sold cheap. — Mitchell XNP Tp.RNER. ANTED g.nown— What the people say. That A?P B P>y O R R h as the largest and besfc ass.orlt.pd stock of Boots m Canterbury. n, \l 125 WANTKD Known. — Fkculina. Ptcu- Una. Another shipment of this Celebrated Cake Flour at Fletcher Bros., Cft9h Supply Stores. MY PrewUea will be open Late This Evening an.oi To-morrow Evening, for the Sale of Christmas &nd New Year Curds, etc. A splendid assortment to eeleet from.—H, M. Jon^s - WANTED everyone to know thajt Flbtchkb Bpo^. do a most extensive Business, acknowledged by a member of the Forca here on Thursday afternoon, December 17. ANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, arid Everything m the optical at S. Salek's, OpticiaD TT7 ANTED Known-rHGo tp the Corner Vt /pr Newest Styles m Drapery pnd Millinery — W T . H. Collier. WANTED Known— We have justopened a line of cheap all wool Suits and Trousers. Good cut and splendid value. Tennis and working Shirts iv great variety. Mitchell and Tusker WANTED Known— Large delivery of the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four juttons, Is 9d per pair, worth nr.uch more. — W. H. Collier. VTTANTED Known—The Economic, 11 t Kid Glove, four buttons, Jsgdper jair, is the Glove for every day wear,?— |V. H. Collier. VTOW'S your time to Buy. There is a UN Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot jbore. A FULL assortment of new Veilings m f\ white, black, and black and while. Juy the celebrated new kid glove— The Victory — only 2a 6d. The beat glove m few Zealand for the money.»-»A. ORR- v m 2\ TUDY Economy and patronise Mellor's 3 Cheap Boot Sale. ST7""I3 lead, follow who may. Children's YV. Silppera Ib. Mellor'a Tauored breefc, . . " 1



Busine s Nonces good washing print, 3^a. WHITE MUSLIN, 3^ Ud per doz AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMEK DREjSS ¥OK 6i lkl AT G. J' NEILL'S, Flanne'cttcs 3*d yard, ahe Best Turkish TOWELS m Ashburlon are at- G. J. NEILL'S. BOVlS" Navy Blue Sai'.or Suits 4s 11 a, _ Men's Tweed Trouse^ 11,1.^ afc G. J. NEILL'S. Ladle 8j Lace Shoes, 4s Ud! Laiierf two-strap Shoes, 4 3 Ud. AT G. J. NEILL'S. Ladies', Maid^andChildWa TAN SHOES of Every Deacripbioa, at Very Low Fricea, AT ... :t; g! X NEILL'S, FRIEBLANDER'S CORNER, EAST , STRKET. KAIAPOI HOUSE. __> mHE Alterations m the above Premisea biing so far adv A nc3d, we are enabled> make, 1 A GRAISD DISPLkY ■»-,..■ IN OVR * - " • NEW CARPET SHOW KOOM OF LINOLEUMS, OILCLOTHS, TAPESTKY, AND BRUSSELS OAKBBTS. Al^O.— CARPET SQUARES IN GREAT VARIETY. MATS AND HEARTH RUUS IN ALL MAKES AND SI3ES. A VKRY COMPLETE STOCK OF FURNISHING DRAPERY IN ALL BRANCHES. MITCHELL & TURNER. --— 'TANCBED STBEBT. L . ' ■ ■ f. - , \ , .. ■ ■' NEW FIRM .-:- • :- -:- ... ... - : - NEW FIRM SAViS MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB  \ ■ ' NO BAD DEBTS. f NO OLD STOCK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS of BUSINESS rPHE Public should only consider what they c»n save by dealing with JL a oaßh 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, THBRBFOBB THEY ARE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER V THAN 1 ANY OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON. — A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Brown IRibbed Pants (heavy) Is 6d -worth Ladiea' Hose, fast colors; plain and ribbed, 1h lid od pa?r^- Trt««' D «««b- M worth Ad White and Brown Turkish Towels, only 6d Harv Jtlr Hatslid-worth Is White Calico, K rand valne, at 2s lld-12yds LS'W^^^^worth He^Twm,^ f d =^h^d fc • Hairline Tweed Troupe 8« 6<l-ch e ap at J J^ aamt of Sunahadea ia i JLvd o^ from Is width FULL RAN^JFS OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING, i MEASUBED GABMBNTS A SPECIALTY. j " 49s 6d f^l c W7rom 49s 6d } MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, I