DEATH.

Chamberlain. — At Cleve Garth, Dunedin, on the 28bh inst., Lucy, the beloved wife of Charles Chamberlain, and daughter of the late John Whitefoord, Invermay, Launceston, Tasmania, (cousin of Mrs W. J. Steward).

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1896. THE LOCAL OPTION POLL.

During the election a good deal was said and written for and against local option, or rather for and against the propriety of substituting prohibition for the pretty full form of local option which we now have. During the oon troversy a correspondent signing him sslf "Argus" was good enough to show from the figures of the local option poll that the majority of the people of New Zealand were prohi bitionists. Another correspondent signing himself "-Practical," threw amongst the figures of "Argus" certain factors that " Argus " had no! sentmg the people who cTicTnot vote at '§,11 at the local option poll referred to "'Argus'' no doubt assumed that it was safe enough to accept the j r por tion for and against of tho.i; w!.o did vpte, as representing the feeling of those who did not. If sucli was his assumption he was not alone m if, for it was evident that most of the leaders of the prohibition movement made the same mistake, and that mistake was the rock on which they made ship wreck. At any rate, just as "Practical^ 71 question as to how the apathetic voters 4id nqt vote would Vstqw their votes when they actually came to the poll, was not answered, and couM not be answered by " Argue/ whoso figures the question sadly disarranged, so whnn the aptual trial of strength came there restated what sportfng men O-ill a " boil over," and a good many more than the prohibitionists were astonished, while the prohibitionists themselves were dismayed. Within the last fortnight the Otago Daily Times has written to all its contem poraries m the colony asking for the actual figures m the recent polling, and we now fiod that the response has been both prompt and hearty. * Our Dunedin pon temporary haying beep put Jri possession of all the figures proceeds to analyse them, and says that at the lopal option poll on December 4. 253,272 persons voted. Of these, 136,675 voted m favor of continuance, and there is thus po doubt about their attitude. It will be noted, also, that this number constitutes an absolute majority of the number of votes. '1 here voted for np license 9.5,62§, and neither can there be any doubt about the attitude of these. They are probably the full strength of those who desire the summary extinction of the liquor traffic, and they stand to the whole number of voters as 2 to 2 643. For reduction 92,272 votes were cast, ft Is not pasy to determine how this ' number is constituted. are great numbers who really believe that a 1 reduction oould be advantageously effected, but who, if puti to the alter native, would vote continuance rather than no license, Those persons pro bably voted reduction only. There is also a large number of prohibitionists who conscientiously object to voting m any way but m favour of the ex tinction of licenses. Those would naturally vote for no lioense only. How then was the vote for reduction constituted ? If 253,272 persons voted, and they recorded 324,773 votes, some giving one vote and some two, a simple , calculation by algebraic methods shows that f l,sQl persons recorded two votes each, and 181,771 persons one vote each. The 71,501 persons were almost to a certainty prohibitionists, since it must be assumed that those who voted for continuance exercised only one vote, Deducting the number who recorded two votes (71,501) frqin tb^e immb.er cast for reduction (92,272) we' have 20,771 as the number of persons who voted for reduction only. And as 20,771 persons voted for reduotjon. -95,826; for no license, and i 136,67.5- fpr coQtinu^npp, these make the required total pf 253,,272 votes. Jt follows also that as 4^1,771 persons east only 0^ vptB f and. of these 136,075 voted for continuanpe ; the number of prohibitionists who declined to vote for reduction as well as prohi bition, wag 45,099. For the wh of

c'earness we shall now tabulate the \ above results ; — Number of voters ' .«. . . . . 253,272 Number whocast two votes 71,501 Number who cast one vote 181,771 253,272] Voters. Votes, t For continuance . . 136,675 136,675 For prohibition only . . 45,096 45,096 I For prohibition and re- • t ! duction .. .. 71,501 153,002 253,272 334,773 Our contemporary points out that the number of votes cast for reduction was smaller than that case for no license, and recalls to mind that before the election " strike out the top line " was the motto of the prohibitionists. This, itnppears, was on'y done m the large centres ; and even m Clutha, the whole of the prohibitionists did not vote for both reduction and no license, so that a large number of the prohibitionists must have gone m bald-beaded and without compromise for no license pure and simple. The figures of March, 1894, do no! count for much after those ' of December, 1896, but they are interesting by way of comparison, and we give them In 1894 only 106,299 votes were recorded. In 1896, 253,272 persons voted, or considerably more than double. Yet the no-license vote has not been doubled, the numbers being 48,606 as against 95,826. The -,vote. : for continuance, on the other hand, is almost trebled, "the numbers bping 41,695 and 136,675. The result is 'ah eye-opener to both sides on the liquor question, Neither side fancied the moderates would poll m anything like the strength they did, and the I figures show that there is still a long stretch of time between now and the goal the prohibitionists aim at. They show also that the attitude they took for months, aye years, before the election was premature, and that the colony cannot possibly be ripe for prohibition for many years to come. Thfiy show further that the position no longer warrants the question being allowed to* occupy the disturbing place m politics that it has held for several elections past, and that the temperance workers must go back with greater energy thaa ever to the old ground of moral suasion, and try to work out their great social reform by the aid of precept and example. When they have succeeded m extending to a far gceater degree than now exists a deep sense of the moral wrong of excess, they may have some hope of success m banishing the. use of liquor as a bever age — nob wholly, but largely j for a generation of those who brought the old habits and old associations from the Old Country with, it to this colony ha 3 yet to pass away — ?" to ripen, fall, and cease "—and a new race of people with other views must take its place before the new era c*n arrive. How long that may be we cannot say, but the figures of the last poll do not point to to-niorrow.

Local and General.

Commercial news on fourth page. . ,The annual value of the world's cocoanuta i 3 estimated at £12,000,000. The Wairarapa Star ieports that there ia . ~-»»^T~ Of*m»lf In.. — . | ■-■ |..- M . ; 'Mr'Georee Muller, of JBristpl, the philan thropist, has just entered upon his ninety second year. ' ' The number of passengers car vied by rail m the Auckland district during the Christ mas holidays breaks all previous records. The long Jump record is held by a kanga. roo. He has been known _ m Australia to spring a distance of thirty-four yards. 1 he cost of the scheme which will probably be adopted by the Government for draining the township of Rotorua will be about £10,000. Denmark promises to provide England, with milk frozen into bricks, a yy'ndieate having been formed m Copenhagen for the regular supply of milk ice. - A large eel was caught m Waihi creek last week by Me Percy Shallard, which, turned the scale at 241bs. inside the monster was found a trout more than lib m weight. Th,e friends of $fr R, Ahepne, the well, known journalist, will learn with regret of the death of his wife, whioh took place yesterday at the Medical Home, Papanui road, Ohristohuroh, under an operation. The Government have decided to take steps to prevent the introduction of the bubonic plague prevalent id India and East, and instructions will be issued to Boards ot Health and Customs Officers by way of precaution. The value of some process for the protec tion of telegraph poles embedded m the ground is best appreciated when it ia known t!|)at the telegraph poles of Europe alone are eßiimated to have cost £10,000,000, and that the Bum of £240,000 a year is expended for renewals, A northern exchange reports that — Mr H. Alley has sold his farm of 2500 acres at Hikubaia, near the Thames, for £52,500. The new owner (Mr Craig) has disposed of 1500 acres of the property, whioh is auri ferous, to the Anglo-Continental Syndicate for a large sum. The Bruce fierctld says :— x \ Here is a Post Office conundrum. Anyone can 'get a Poßt Office order for £1 for 3d, yet, by a strange anomaly, the same price has to be paid for a 10s, 12a 6d, 15a, or 17s 6d postal note. More strange still, if he wants notes for 143 he has-; to pay 4£d ; for 16s, 3£d -, for ■' 17s, 4d ; .for 18*, 4|d •;' and, for 19s, 3£d. < Why is this .thus? . presence of two lady members on the papier licensing Committee, has not \ ponduoed to the proceedings being conducted m an orderly manner. At the quarterly meeting last week Mr Sutton objected to ' Mrs Hill dictating to the Committee, or to I considering hemelf the whole Committee. I Later on Mrs Hill regretted that Mr Sutton I had been so ungentlemanly, which provoked I an expression of regret from Mr Sutton that ] Mrs Hill's remarks were so unlady-like. Mr j Came 11 (another member) : " They are more I fitted for a taproom." I The following paragraph appears m the I AVre/ Zealand limes of Thursday: — " What I a funny place to sleep," said a Benevolent I Trustee yesterday, when an applicant for relief told the meeting that he had slept for four nights m a cemetery between two graves. " Funny place ! Not at all," was the conclusive comment of another member. I " Why, J have slept out m a graveyard I many a time m B&llarat. They used to pilo the Chinamen's graves up. tg a good height,' and many a {.ime I've got a blanket and slept between two high graves there, and, man, it was quite comfortable." .'. It will be noticed by advertisement that a change has taken place m the business arrangements of Mr William Pollock, who for the la§t eight years hag parried pn very suoceeuful trade m Tanored Street as a baker. Mr Pollock is neither so young as he j has been, nor so active as he .ouce was ; j rheumatics, that enemy of many old bakers m thia colony, having stiffened his once i active Hmbe very considerably. He haa therefore hgud.6d. oyer th,e gond\;ct of the business to t'wo 1 members of his family, and i asks for th'e same liberal auppotb to them which he himself has been fortunate enough, to enjoy. As the good reputation of the house io not likely tp Buffer. under the new firm," ftiitf pQ be^irippeaspd'if anything io tiio younger bands, Mr Pollook's request will be 3 erta)» to be abundantly granted,

Friday, Saturday, and Monday will be J whole bank holidays — the two latter special. An Auckland telegram Bays : — Frederick St John, thirty-two years of age, was drowned while with a picnic party at Tamaki river. He went down the bank of the river alone to bathe, and went into a sort of whirlpool. Deceased's wife and ohidren were at the picnic. He was secretary of the Mount Eden Baptist Sunday School. The master of the Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks the following Christmas treat for the inmates : — 6. A. M. Buckley Esq., one dozen fowls ; Mrs Rollibt, a ham; Mrs Watson, a plum pudding ; Mrs Randall, a sack new peas ; Mr J. Thomas, barrel pine apple cider ; Mr Britton, barrel beer ; a friend, roast of beef ; Mrs Bowman Fox, illustrated papers. An old Scotsman, who had been henpecked a'l his life, was visited on his deathbed by a clergyman. The old man appeared very indifferent, and the clergyman tried to arouse him by talking of the King of Terrors. " Hout, tout, mon; Tin no scar't. The King o 1 Terrors ! I've been livin' sax and thirty years withe queen of them, and the king canna be muckle waur." A shearer named Marshall, working at Moirven Hills station, met his death by an accident on Chribtmas Day. He was Bitting down after bathing sharpening his shears, when one of his mates challenged him to a race. He started running, but tripped and fell. The shears, he had m his hand pierced him, and he bled to death. The deceased, who was a favorite with those m the shed, has a sister m Wellington. To-day the temperatuse was the highest that has been registered this season— 91 m the. shade, and m a draught — and the heat was simply oppressive. From 1.15 to 1.45 this afternoon the thermometer registered 100 under the verandah m East street. The asphalt footpaths were absolutely hot, and | there was; an unusual thing noticeable m connection with them. .Every spent match, discarded by the smoker, had. been melted, and a greasy margin extended to some distance round the cotton remains, thus leaving many spots to mark the otherwise clean footpath, for all moisture had been evaporated. Some of the printing rollers used at our office, suspended from the roof of the press room, were so affected by the heat that the composition ran into a shape less and, of course, for printing purposes, useless mass. A new- variety of tourist turned up at a meeting of the Dunedin Benevolent Trustees. A letter was read (says the Dunedin Evening Star) stating that a woman, whose name waa given, had been induced to come to the colony believing that she would receive a legacy which had been left to her. She had, however, been deceived about the legacy, and now wanted to return Home, if possible, .and the writer thought that the Chairman "might get some assistance granted to her or secure a passage for her by one of the steamers. The Secretary informed the Trustees that the woman hud been sent Home once before. On that occasion a gentleman who was interested m her got up a subscription and had her sent to Scotland. The Secretary also mentioned that she had no honie here, but had a regular mania for travelling. The Trustees unanimously de clined to send her Home, but decided to consider the question of relief later on. It is understood that the same woman has been sent Home no less than three times by people m different parts of the colony. A summoned meeting of the Loyal Waterton Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance. The following officers were duly installed for the ensuing term — P.P.G.M. Bro. W. T. Soal being the installing officer:- — N.G., Bro. William J Pearsft ; V.G,, Brol Thomas Ashton j E.S., Bro. George Bushel ; Warden, Bro. Charles Houlten ; Guardian, Bro. Jemmet ; Bro. E. Box, the retiring N.G., passing to the G.M.s chair. Bro. William Biddeck was appointed auditor. A Committee was ap pointed to consider the proposed new district rules and scale of contributions, and report thereon at next meeting. Two members were initiated and two candidates proposed ■ for. meirthqrßhin. An appeal from another inragor TFor aaaistan e~e~f ojr — ute wiaow~sna family of a deceased member, was liberally responded to by those present- The usual routine business was disposed of, after whioh a pleasant time waa passed with song and sentiment. Receipts for the evening, £27 ; expenditure, £4.

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES v VICTORIA.

PER PRESg AgSOQJATSQN, Melbourne, December 28. New South Wales are all out for 312. Victoria m the fhsb Innings lost three wickets for 58. Melbourne, December §8 The delegates pf the Cricket Council have arrived. ?ruce, m an interview, said that while thinking the team did wrong m not doming back by November 30, he did not think any good could be done by stirring the matter up now. He did not believe the Cricket Council would " live long as at present constituted. Evan, the Adelaide delegate, regarded the Council simply as waste money. During its existence it had 4qng nothing beyond drain the funda of the various associations. He had given notice of a motion for Tuesday's meeting that all future Australian elevens be financed by the Council.

NEW ZEALAND v QUEENSLAND.

NEW ZEALAND WINS THE MATCH. Wellington, December 28. After a long day's cricket, New Zealand I emerged victorious from their first meeting with the full strength of an Australian colony on even terms. They maintained the I upper h,and. all through, and m order to finish j -..the game was prolonged till nearly half-past six. Queensland's first innings was quickly finished off for 146. New Zea land's second innings was a reversal of their first. The early men made runs fast, bub ,the later comers did not keep it up. Cuff and Holdahip put on 74 for the first wicket, by. most vigorous hitting, and 18 were scored m the first two overs— 3s m a quarter Map hou,r. The ground was very fast, and 'boundary hits were as thick aspeaß. Cuff Was splendidly caught by Macdonald for 41, just after sendiog a ball almost out of the ground, bub Holdship kept on till J33 were reached, of which his share was 69, including ten fours and a five. His return to form was loudly ap plauded. After that the bowling improved, but runs were made pretty freely, though the. wickets fell faster, and a total of 241 was reached, every man contributing some thing.- Rinley 30, Lusk 23, Baker 19, De Majus 17, Neill 14, were the other chief scorers. Queensland thus had 305 to get, but prankish bowled remarkably well, and alsp with a good deal of luck, for two men pulled balls into the 'wicket, and- Douahoo was wrongly given caught at wickets. He had previously been missed m the same place. Mac Donald made 30 by steady play, and was top scorer. Neill went on late, and got the last three wicket?, The total was 120, and New Zealand consequently won by the respectable margin of 182. For Queens land McGlinchy secured five wickets for IJJ4 ; Frankish for New Zealand took five for 51, and Neill thrne for 17. The other Queens land soorers were McUlinchy 17, Lewis 12, Donahoo and Bradley 11 each. The team will play Hawkesßay on Thursday.

THE STORY OF THE CRICKET PITCH.

Adelaide, December 29. The Register's version of the attempt to tamper with the cricket pitch, m the recent inter-colonial match, is that at about 2 a.m. the watchman saw two men, who had climbed . the fence, stealthily {xrosa the ground, He of der§4 them os. One obeyed, fho other otriiok the watohman a severe blow on the mouth. Ths guardian of the oval retaliated, and after giving the assailanb his deserts opened the gates, and the men walked away. The visit may have been prompted fey harmless r,}6tivea, "but the watchman belivea otherwise,

SOUTH RAKAIA.

Boxing Day Races and Sports. The annua 1 sports and races were held on the DomaiD on Boxiug Day. The weather was be.iutifu , and the attendance a record oae, some £42 10s being taken at the gates. There was some good racing, although the fields were small, and most of the athletic 1 events were well contested and the finishes 1 olose. Mrs D. G. Holmes presented the amateur trophies at (he conclusion of the sports. The Burnham Band, under the conductorship of Mr (Jraze, added much bo the pleasure of the day. The want of a publican's booth was very greatly felt, buta- refreshment booth m charge of Air Morton waa well patronised. The dance m the evening was well attended, and the whole day's amusement passed off without a hitch, the officers working well for the general good. The following are the results : — HORSE RACES. Maiden Flat Race, of 10 soys; -second hdrse 1 soy from the stake ; about one mile. Mr A. N. Richards'- b h Windermere, 4yrs, list ... (G. W. Hardwick) 1 Mr R. D. Petrie's eh g Ifullerton, 4yrs, list * ... .„ (0. Inwopd) 2 Mr VV. Morton's eh g Bankrupt, 6yra, list 71b (Gordon) 3 Maiden Saddle Trot, of 10 soys; about one mile and a half. Mr R. D. Petrie's eh m Florrie, 3yrs, scratch, list ... (J. See wart) 1 Mr Hood's br g .Wenlock, syrs, list, 12see behind scratch (A. Stewart) 2 Mr W. H. Hood's br g Macaroni, 4yr«, -^ list, 6sec behind scratch (W. Hood) 3 Time — snin 2£sec. Ladies' Perse; about one mile and a half Miss Websleip'ir b h" WiMerriiere, 4yrsj : Ilst7lb. _ ;. (Hardwick) 1 Mrs Morton's oh g Bankrupt, 6yrs, list 71b .... ■";.„■ ... (A. Stewart) 2 Hanbicajp Trot ; about two miles and » quarter— saddle or harness. : Mr Hood's br g Wenlock, syrs, list, 168eq behind scratch (A. Stewart) 1 Mr R. D. Petrie's eh m Florrie, 3yrs, list lOsec behind scratch (J. Stewart) 2 Mr J. Baxter's b m Cass, aged (m harness) 20aec behind scratch ... (O vrner) 3 Time— 7miu 20aec. Farmers' Plate ; about one mile and a quarter. Mr H. J. Harrison's b g Cabin Boy, syrs, Ilst7.b ... (G. W. Hardwick) 1 Mr J. O'Reily'sb m Sweet Marie, 6yrs, list 71b .. (Owner) 2 Mr A. Gordon's b m Silverine. 4yrs, list (J. Welsh) 3 Selling Race ; about one mile. Winner to be sold by auction and anything over £10 to go to the sports fund. Mr G. W. Hardwick's bn m Tessa. 4yrs, list (Owner) 1 Mr A. Steward's eh m Collina, aged, list 71b ...... .. (K. Dunn) 2 Mr W. Morton's eh g Bankrupt, 6yrs, list 71b (J.Welsh) 3 The winner was bought m for £12 5a by the owner. Consolation Race ; about six furlongs. Mr R. D. Petrie'a eh g Fullerton, 4yrs, lOst (C. In wood) 1 Mr A. Stewart's eh m Collina, aged, lOst (G. W. Hardwick) 2 Mr A. Gordon's b m Silverine, 4yw, lOat (J. Welsh) 3

ATHLETIC EVENTS.

CASH. 100 Yards Handicap— J. Gould, 6yds, 1 ; T. Austin, scratch, 2 ; . L. Inwoori, syds, 3. 200 Yards Handicap, boys under 16 years, — M. Sheehan, 1 ; C May, 2 ; P. Cronin, 3. 440 Yards Handicap -J. Gould, 21yds, 1 ; L, Inwood, 12yd8, 2 $ P. Laraman, 7yda 3. 100 Yards Handicap, girls under 16 years— O. Oakley, 1 ; L. Shephard, 2 ; M. Kea&e, 3. ' _, Boys' 90 Yards Handicap (under 12 years) G» May 1, A- Shephard 2, D, Gordon 3 ; and G. Alexander X, M- Hunt 2, A. Shephard 3. : . 60 Yards Handicap, girls under 12 yeara i -=-.H. Santy 1, A. Samy 2, M. Dunn 3 ; and aSQ YiSras^Hindicapi— J rGSuld, 13yds, 1 ; F, B. Magaon, 17yds, 2; B. Laraman, •4ydß,-3. Consolation Race.— -Laraman 1, J. Shan non, 2. AMATEUR. Half Mile Handicap (trophies)— L. Broad, scratch, 1 ; J. Davison, 35yds, 2 ; R. A. Gray, 35yds, 3. 100 Yards Handicap (trophies)— J. Davi son, scratch, \ ; fl. R. Daviaon, 7yds, 2 ; I. A. Baigent, Syds, 3. ' 2|o Yards Handicap (tropies)— J. Davieon, 10yds, 1; L. Broad, scratch, 2; I. Af Baigent, 20yds, 3. - ' Long Jump (trophies)— R. A. Gray; 17ft Bin, 1 ; H. E. I* Gray, 17ft 6in, ,2/ I 120 Yards Hurdles Handigap, 10 flightß, 3ft 6in high (trophiea)-rR." A. Gray, syda behind SQratoh, 1 5 H. E. L. Gray, syds behind aoratoh, 2. 440 Yards Handicap {trophies) —W. Davison, 15yds, 1 ; J. Davison. 15yds. 2 ; G. Hardy, 15yds, 3. A couple of races for substantial priaea were arranged for the Burnham Band boys, and were well contested,

SPORTING.

■» : — TINWALD RACING CLUB. The following acceptances ancientries We keen, received :— ACCEPTANCES. Nbw Year's Gift, of 30 sovsj seven furlouga. 8b lb * st lb Vanilla *» 9 5 Paotolus M 7 3 Bizarre « M 8 5 Diploma »-, 610 Rustic M 7 13 Nor'-wester — 6 10 Remorse .„ 713 Lord Stansbury 6 9 Miss Orwell.. 710 "Taurima M 6 7 Annoyance ... 7 7 Admiralty , M 6 7 Bimetallism..? 7 5 Liberty .„ 6 7 Pont Race Handicap, of 20 soys ; four furlongs. Dandy ... 11 0 The Judge .„ 8 7 Corringa ... 810 Cissy... ..8 7 Minster ... 8 7 Welbeck ... 8 7 Pickles ... 8 7 Phyllin ... 712 Golden Tresses 8 7 Lucy Glitters 712 Dandyetta ... 8 7 Seabreeze ll ... 710 Loo 4-8 7 Lady Guy ... 710 RosieO'Shea 8 7 Rose Agnew... 7 7 Doubtful ._,.,.. 8 7 Bot Fly r 7 7 Nigger" r \... 8 t ■"""■ Tinwald. Cup Handicap, of 60 soys ; one mile and a quarter. Maximus .., 8 3 Nicholas ... 610 M. of Zetland 8 0 Grand Cross... 6 7 Warring ton ... 7 6 Whltbb Handicap, of 40 soys ; one mile. Vogengang ... 10 3 Tale of the War 8 4 Nicholas ... 812 Diploma ... 8 3 Pactolus ... 811 Taurima ... 8 2 Battlefield ... 810 Frying Handicap, of 40 soys ; six furlongs. Vanilla ... 9 6 Miss Orwell... 713 Warrington... 8 13 Bimetallist ... 7 8 Bizarre ... 8 7 Diploma' ... 610 Rustic ... 8 2 Field Marshal 6 10 Uemoree ... 8 2 Lord Stanebury 6 9 Tinwald Handicap .Tbot, of 3§ soys. Two milea. Sam 7sec Black Oak ... 30sec Wharfdale ... l6aec Highland Lass 30aec Toby ... 15aec Sailor Boy ... 32aec Katipo ... 16aec VVesterfield .„ 35sec Tralee ,„ 25aec Flora ». 35aec Statesman ... 25sec Big Mick tM 40sec The Nun ... 25sec ENTBIE9,. Novel Race. Moderation Mias Loohiel BUck R-LVdn Dublin Rosy Morn Rotomahana. Admiralty IStonycro.t I Evelyn

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. Warships. London, December 27 The Spectator advocates the expendi ture of fifty millions m five years on the construction of warships, m order to convince France that it is hopeless to compete with the increasing strength of the British navy. Released. Oolonel Henry White and Colonel Grey, two of JDr Jameson's party, who were sentenced m July to five months' imprisonment without bard labor, for the part they took m the raid, have been released. Rain. Calcutta, December 27. A much needed heavy rain has fallen at Oude. - ■ Excommunicated. Rome, December 27 The Holy Synod has excommuni cated Count Lyof Tolstoi) and prohi bited his writings, on the ground of heresy. • ~ Mutiny <for Arrears. Constantinople, "December 21. A regime/it of Redif* seized a transport, and haying' bound its own officers, threatened " ? toßack Mudiana, a village of Asia, on the sea of Marmora, unless arrears of pay ware forthcoming. The Vila pacing the men by paying seven hundred thousand piastres, v Eloped, New York, December 27. Princess Caraman Chinay, daughter of an American plutocrat, has eloped with a Hungarian gipsy. '' A Train Derailed. A train was derailed at Birming ham, Alabama, on a trestle bridge, and 117 persons were killed. Rising m South Africa. Capetown, December 28 The rebels made a second attack on Pokwan, but sustained heavy loss. Fighting still goes on m the hills. Buddlia's Birthplace. Calcutta; December 2§^ Buddha's birthplace has been dis« covered m the Nepaul Terai. Servian Government Resigned. Belgrade, December 28. The Servian Government has re signed. M. StambuloiFs Harder. Pophia, December 28 At the trial of the prisoners lor tbe murder of M. Stambuloff, his wife gave evidence that those m custody were innocent of the 'charge, and that the Count, prior to his death, knew who were his real assassins.

Australian.

_. -Fire. Brisbane, December 28 A fire at Barcaldine destroyed th« town hail ami a number of business premises and private houses. The xlaasuigeJsuYejcy large. . .. c ,.^v Welcome Rain, Adetaidb, 28 After a protracted, spell of intense heat a heavy general rain set m. ' The Late CoUisKjaT Sydney,. "December 28. The Marine^Board found that Cap tain Capjgißjjiof the fe*ry boat Manly, wat^responsible for the collision with ,th'e Merksworth,. and have cited him to show cause why his certificate* should not be suspended. Lord Brassey. _ Melboubne, Bwember 28 Lord Brassey haa teft m the Sun beam for New Zealand. December 29L Lady and Miss Brasaey accompany the. Governor on his trip to- New Zealand.

TURKEY AND THE POWERS.

■• ♦ . Constantinople, December 28. M. Nelidoff warned the Pocte that m the event of an encroachment on the revenue and- ceded debt, financial control was inevitable.. The Sultan has ordered the Board of Audit to be reformed, and intends to institute a Commission of control of the Public Services •

The Cuban Rebellion.

-■ . ; — . Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. London, December 28 , Mr Smalley writes that there is no official denial of M. Blowitz'a state ments, and that such- warnings -weaken Mr Cleveland's neutral policy. The Secretary of the German Embassy refuses to credit Mißlowitz's message to the Times.-

The Heat m Australia.

" ■— •■ Press Association— By Elecltto Telecraph— Copyright.

Sydney, December 28 The heat was overpowering m the city, 100 J m the shade. There is a cool change to-night, and there are signs of rain, but the heat is still intense m the country. At Ooolwan it was 116 and at Ungariel24 for the last three days. Great damage has been done to the crops,, especially the grapeß. Two severe cases of sunstroke occurred m the city, and a number were prostrated. Several deaths are reported from the country. . December 29 The weather is now cool and showery.

Tfii iSHBtJBTOfI GUARDIAN : TUESDAY, DECEMBEK 29, 1896



Holloway's Pills. — -Nervousness and want of energy. — When first the nerves fee] unstrung, and listlessness supplants energy, the time has come to take some such altera- tive as Holloway's Pills to restrain a dia- ( order from developing into a disease. These '■ excellent Pills correct all irregularities and weaknesses. They act mo kindly, yet so energetically on the functions of digestion and assimilation* that the whole body is revived, the blood rendered purer, while 'the muscled become firmer and stronger, and 1 Ihe nervous and absorbent system- is invigor- , ated. Those Pills are suitable for all classes ■ and all ages. They Kave » moot raarreltouß effect on persons who are out of oonditioQ f they aoon rectify whatever is m fault, restore strength to the body acid eoB$d«SQ« to th« wU»d«



It will be seen by a new advertisement m aqotber column that Mesws CraigUeaa and Berryman are probably now showing the largest atook of new tweeds and fashionable tailoring goods ever exhibited m A«hbu.r> ton. This speaks we\( for t^eir enterprise J and industry. You have rained your constitution I ufficienfcly by drinking inferior Tea. Reoruit »y drinking onlyVaziz Tea j id is pore. Th« to* iidelioiou



Whtfmmtmi RqrtihintT-favt Vmt» I



Wanted. I , WANTED— A girl to assist m house- work 'at a farm. Apply — Max Friedlander 12 193 LOST — Three Keys on a ring, m East street or Cameron street, West. J. Moi>on, East street. 12 190 OR SALE, CHEAP," second hand Waggonette.— Apply E. Cookson. _ 12 186 WANTED Known— The President of Conference, and representative of the English Conference will speak at the Banquet at Primitive Church, Thursday. 12 191 BANQUET ac the Primitive Church, Thursday, at 7 p.m, to welcome Conference delegates. Roast sucking pig aDd pou try. Admission— One Shilling. 12 192 1 QAIV NEW Year Cards and JLO.t7 I • Booklets, New Books, Fancy Goods, Toys and Stationery. A large variety of goods suitable for New Year presents. New lot of Foreign Stamps and. packets. — Andrews, Anderson, & Co. T OST— Kicking Strap, between Mail I 1 Office and A. Orr's private residence. Finder please return to Mail Office. MOTHERS and father who have to provide Boots and Shoes, should call ab 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 the like ? Men abe '■ Canvaß Shoes 6s 6d, at Mellor' "^ancred street WANTED KNOWN —Mrs Huffam having taken the premises lately occupied by Mr Q. Neill, intends to open same as Ladies' Dining and Refreshment Rooncs, where visitors will find a long felt want supplied. Meals at all hours. A few boarders will find all the comforts of a home. NEW YEAR'S DAY. mHE Mail will NOT be published on SATURDAY Morning, January 2.



Public notices. J THE CHRISTMAS } HOLIDAYS. NEW ZEALAND | QLOTHING Tj^ACrOEY. Light Summer Coats from 6s 6d Light Summer Suits from 10s 6d Light Wajhing Vests, slightly soiled 2s 6d Light Blue Serge Suits for Summer wear l&sOd Boys' Washing Suits, all sizes 4s 6d SPECIAL PURCHASE. Boys' Drill Suits, all sizes 6s 9d, usua price 10s 6d. FUR TRAVELLING. Portmanteaux from 10s 6d Steel Trunks from 10s 6d Gladstone Bags, Black and Nut Brown. straw"hats. Boys' Straw Hats Is, the best value m Ashburton Men's Panama Hats Is. BOOTS &~SHOES. Men's Black and Tan Canvas Shoes,' best quality 5a 6d Men's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, splendid value Men's Light Boots for summer wear 8s 6d NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory ALEX. HENDRY Manager, j _ o. 2 . \-^ J R co <^^ •v H , Ph *s % 23 ■55- B. O On -co t § 31 3rf rt | rf S|| If Ph § £ I? 1 I # § § 51S P " **■ .Eg H fi . ■ **■ S Lz •* * J /^*N °"2 J LJ of «' ' " ... *l a p rfl r-« 6« . Ph M Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. Ashburton. WEDNESDAV-Specfil Choir Practice, 8 p.m. THURSDAY. New Year's Eve— Watph- night Service, 11.30 p.m., and Celebra- tion of Holy Communion. SUNDAY SEJWJOES, (3rd January). J.l a, m.— Morning grayer ap4 Holy Com- munion. 3 p.m.— (GREENSTREET) Rev T. A. Hamilton. 3 p.m.— (DRO MORE), Mr W. Bowman Fox. 6.30 —Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. B— — i — — l^— — — — —^ 1— H iM Wanted. WANTED— Every Lady m Ashburton to see our Window of Blouse Goods, bought p,b a big discount, and selling at less than whojeoale prices.— Mitchell and Turner, 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 and Turner. TT7ANTED Known — What the people YV say. That Andrew Orr has the largest and best assorted stock of Boots m Canterbury, 11 125 ANTED Known. '~Feoulina". ' Fecur Una. Another shipment of this Celebrated Cake Flour at Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores, MY Premises will be open Late This Evening and To-morrow Evening, for the gale of Christmas and New Year Cards, etc. A splpndjd assortment to select from. — H. M. Jowiiy WANTED everyone to know that Fletcher Bros, do a most extensive Business, acknowledged by a member of the Force here on Thursday afternoon, December 17. W'ABTTED Known — Spectacles, Eye Protectors, (goggles, Folders, and Everything m the optical a£ S. Salek's, Optician WANTED Known— Go to the Corner for Newest Styles m Drapery and Millineny— W. H. Colt-ier. W" ANTED Known— We have justopened a line of .cheap all wool Suits and Trousers, Good cut and splendid value. Tennis and working Shirts m great variety. , Mitchell and Tububs WANTED Known— Large delivery of the «•« Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth xr.uch more. — W. H. Collier. . _^ i YTTANTED Known— The Economic , i T w Kid Glove, four buttons^ Is 9d per ! pair, is the Glove for every day ' wear.r-r ■ W. H. Collier. ' J NOW'S your time to Buy. There is a Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. A FULL assortment of. new Veilings m /x white, black, and black aad white. my the celebrated new kid glove— The Victory — only 2s 6d. The best glove m Jew Zealand for the money,— A. OaR. n iw • ■ ■ * '■■" — ■ — i-y • ?<TUDY Economy and patronise Mellob's Cheap Boot Sale. VtTE ls*d, follow who may. Children's W eilppero U, Mellor'a Tancred sreet»



t Busine s Notices \ W GOOD WASHING PRINT, 3£d. m WHITE MUSLIN, 3i lid por doz p ' ' AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6a lid AT G. J. NEILL'S, Flannelettes 3*d yard; The Best Turkish TOWELS m Ashbucton are at- G; J. NEILL'S. BOXS 1 Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4s lid, _".-.,. Men 8 Tweed Trousers bs lid, M ' Men's Heavy Colonial Tweed Suits 25a 6d, at G. J. NEILL'S. i" •' LadiMi Lace Shoes, 4a Ud. Ladies' two-strap Shoes, 4s lid. -■ . ' -■ • I • - AX f G. J. NEILL'S. Ladies', Maids', and Children'- TAN^HOES of Every Deßoription, ab Very Low Prices, " " ' ■',.^-'v ... AT - , ... ■ ... ,k -jf m J. NEILL'S. FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. KAIAPOI HOUSE. -mHE Alterations m the above Premises being so far advanced, we are enabled;to make 1 A GRA^D DISPLAY IN OUB. NEW CARPET SHOW ROOM OF LINOLEUMS, -—- OILCLOTHS, DAPESTRY, ANB BRUSSELS CARPETS. _ ALSO.— I CARPET SQUARES IN GREAT VARIETY. I f MATS AND HEARTH RUGS IN ALL MAKES AND SIZES. ■* A VHJRY COMPLETE STOCK OF FURNISHING DRAPERY X IN ALL BRANCHES. : L MITCHELL & TURNER. I NEW FIRM -:- .:- -:- ... ... - : - NEW FIRM BAVE MONEY BY DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOCK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS op BUSINESS I ffIHE Public should only consider what they can save by dealing with X a Cash Firm, where they do not have to pay for the great losses that 4are occasioned by Bad Debts. & BRODRIBB BUY AND SELL FOR CASH, \THEREFOBE rHEY ARE ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON. i i A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Brown IRibbed Pants (heavy) le 6d— worth Ladies' Hose, fast colors, plain and ribbed, I Is lid 6d P air I Men's Bocks 6d— worth 9d White and Brown Turkish Towelg, only 6d I r-*Harv«atpr Hata ßid— worth Is White Calico, grand value, at 28 lid— l2yds I Bluoher Boots 4s lid—grand value ' - The Best Value for Flannelettes m j Heavy Shooters 9» lid— worth 12a 6d „,.,.- A , s i lburton -  I Ladies' Gem Shoes, PpeoiaU 4b 114^-worth Heavy 1 will, 4s lid dozen— worth 7d »yd I 6s 6d A '^I'lendul Line of Corsets, all sizes, at J Hairline Tweed Troueers 8s 6d— uheap at la Ud .-„.'.. I 10s 6d The Beet Assortment of bunshades m town, I Men's Felt Hats from 2s 6d J™ m J« „ . . , f We have the Choicest Assortment of Hatß Ladiea' Sailor Straws, all shades and shapes, I m towu. from 9d each— Pick your own shape I I2yda Strong Print for 3a Ud— Cheap at 6s and. trimmingr, and have your I A Beautiful Summer Tweed U Id, double Millinery done Free of Charge. width I FULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING, h MEASURED GABMESTS A SPECIALTY. U 49s 6d 49s Qb . j MITCHELL &;B3RODRIBB,H EAST sTBBETf j Bl