Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1897

Among the Acts passed by the British Parliament last session was one for the improvement of con " CONGESTED gestod districts in the DISTRICTS Highlands and Islands (SCOTLAND) of Scotland. It is one ACT, 1807." of the fruits of the Crofters' Commission. A Board is to be appointed consisting of the Secretary and Undersecretary for Scotland, the chairman of the Local Government Board for Scotland, the chairman of the Crofters' Commission, and three other persons to be nomi nated by the Secretary for Scotland, The Board is to be provided with a fund composed of (1) £15,000 annually under "The Agricultural Rites Con gested Districts and Burgh Land Tax, I#9JE>"; (2) any sum not exceeding £20,000 annually /rora Parliament; (3) any moneys received for |>*ycnent of interest or repayment of principal el

any loan UL«Jer the Act; and (4) any other sums applicable to the purposes of the Act. The Commissioners have power to aid and develop agriculture, provide seed, utensils, or machinery, provide land for subdivision among or for enlarging the holdings o£ crofters and cottarw, aid migration of crofters und coMura to other districts, aid and develop fishing, ptovido lighthouses, piers, or bottslips, public nmdri »md bridgon, footp iths and ' footbridge, und rural mill*), aid and 1 dtivolop spinning, weaving, und other homo induHtrieM, and, with the com ent, of the Tnmuury, n\d in the providing or improving <»f )mrhi»i>. The com isiiHitioiu-rH may givw aid by way of f^iff. tir loi>n t of by W'ty uFhiild at cot price, ay djiort Htitth nonditidiiH hu Mmy think ill,. Thnis- itiWiuiva avii to hnvn pnwer (,o tmti-r jircniiiii-H in orthtr (,o uu(!<irtntn wlirt hoc i hti i'bsiib(ainsi) giv«-n iw pro \n-r\y liikm; itilvniil,i<^*-, of. 'l'hti M'mrd ih to hiLV«* i\ni (towtir of uofjUiiiij^ lund iitiiiciiif/ il, Mini U, may u*;i;nj;t nf juiJ|jt-» fy. lir.rif.fililo or' (iiovitdU), lioaiiK fjivtin liy Iho bouifl !i|i-i \.ii hi-, Hrnllitf! by hituii tit iiha.ty« On t.lih \t<i\<\ iiif.-, und liin louii« Hit) it-.ptty iljic In hulf yuai'ly uiotuliiii'tii-, mi -ii il**> «.•- ** ** of a ptiiiiid nut i-isiibt-.ifUi^ lit t/i>/tiUia, or by a l.nnnliioblti ttiumky y*y*\,\a by half ytMiiy IridtaltiintiU- It wtf! limn I 111 iiilHl. UIM.I. IJiH t|t,Ht'll IItHS \lf.t:)l Hi l.ruhl.ml with Vt-ify wi'hv illei-icl.i»/i»i»» / piiwom, nnfl if l.bt-iKrt iii» wlbtly iinnritiand, »«i (.Imi»'*i Id <iVhi'y r«HHoii *-«; lloj>«i will l»ii Ihn (iunti, if, )b jnovi'Jtul will) ihh itifitfia of iiilovlutlUf/ a I**l- iff vii't.iiniiH uu<l miiiompliUiiing peuph', whoHii ttiill'diiiigti hufn roino front ikj fault of their own, but from public negloot of their intoreHtii

Local and General.

The (Suakdian will not bo published on Haturday u«xt (New Year's Day). The Man,, howovor, will be published und delivorod a» usual.

The members of the Ashburton Band are reminded that there will be a full practice this evening at 7.30, and a good attendance is desirable.

Some of the local tradesmen in Wellington state that this has been the best Christmas for business for some years. This is con firmed by the abnormal number of drunkards arrested, which the police authorities look upon as an unfailing index of prosperous times.

At the adjourned inquest ou the body of Robert O'Kourke, who was found dead in the Christchuroh public gardens, the analysis of the atom ich showed arsenic in sufficient quantities to cau^e death. A verdict of died from arsenic poisoning was returned, but by whom administered or where pro cured there was no evidence to show.

The Temuka Road Board yard on Friday afternoon presented a very animated ap pearance for several hours, while numbers of boys were delivering up their •• takings " of small birds' heads and eggs. The Temuka Leader says that one thousand dozen were delivered by the youngsters, and it was feared for a time that they would •• break the bank."

The master of the Old Men's Home

acknowledges the following Christmas presents for the inmates; — Mrs Willis, poultry, eggs, papers; A Friend, pudding; Mr H. M. Jones, illustrated papers and magazines ; Mr Randall, two sacks peas ; Mr G. A. M. Buckley, poultry ; Miss McFarlan*', pudding; Mr Silcock, sausages ; Mrs Alington, illustrated papers and Punch: two small boys with go-oart, in«h:ohwere a roast of beef and 50 bs potatoes - % A Young Ltdy Friend, card and handkerpinef for each inmate ; Mr Tucker, 41bs tobacco, purchased with balance of Jubilee Dinner Fund, £1.

The other day some fishermen of Pa'a' paraumu put over their "long-line" for schnapper, and awaited results. The " long-line, we may explain, has about 459 baited hooks on i", and by its meajts very good hauls are sometimes made. On the occasion in question when the line was hauled in the fishermen found, instead of schnapper, abouttwenty-five sharks attached to the hooks. The smallest of thesjo y/as not under six feet, Th 6 greatest difficulty was experienced in getting the monsters on board, and as the last was being hauled in— a large ground shark, known as the tiger shark —it bit a piece out of the boat. The fishermen then turned their attention to the " tiger," and after a Severe v s'e, managed to kiii it with their gaffs. This brute turned out bo be nearly eighteen feet long. The fishermen, who did suqh good service in killing co many of these .man-eaters, were Messrs %t. Barrety and Jacob Bell. They are anxious that bathers should take warn ing, and fire of opinion that the appearance nf so many shark? is accounted for by the prevalence of hot weather. The tiger shark which was killed is believed to be the most dapge; nous of any of the species which infest the coasts of the colony, and we should s^y that bathers would do well to keep a sharp look out during the present warm season.— N.Z. Times,

A point was raised by Mr Brodrick (says the ifyec(ator) which is a moab serious one. Are we not going too fast with our acquisitions of territory ? We say nothing of islands, be cause the navy oan look after them ; but we have added 2,600,000 square miles to our territory, as N\.t Brodrick admits, in 12 years ; we are going, it is said, to keep the Mahdi's wide dominion, including in 'he end fiiarfur; we have just ad<Jed §OQ,OQO square wiles to our African possessions—Nupe, the region ie called—and we are now engaged in Operating op the Niger, which mean, if *^v sueueed, that we are to be predominant in Zn& BQrnu, two empires as big an Germany. All tin* id addition to a proposed annexation of 120,000 square smilce upon bhe Indian frontier. If we are nob Greater Knglanders there are none, and we more- j over contend that we are bound to do our ahare in giving Africa ft chance of good go vernment : but there aro limits to every thing. It'ja not only that we are overtaxed by the necessity of holding down suob masses of territory, but that we y&nn.ob and do gob discharge our ftnso obligations to their inhabitants. There are at least 1,000 000 square miles of the Queen's domin jxms within which, if a man is murdered, or a woman ravished, or a child starved, we oan give no address. Is that right? The questions of juvenile disobedience and > the abseuce of parental control were forcibly dealt with at the annual meeting ff the Knox Church, Dunedin, by Mr G. M. Thomson. Much of the trouble, he said, aroae from <©o much going out at Dights, and he thought the church itself had too many meetings for young people, the effect bring to weaken parentol control and discipline. The Otaqp Daily Times makes the following significant comment on Mr Thomson's re maiks:—"The fact noticed by Mr Thomson has not escaped other observers, who have wondered whether certain active ministraofcs at church services knew anything of home life at all. 10 some of the churches there is positively something going on every nrghfc in the week except Saturday night, and we are convinced that many who attend them neglecfc their home duties to do so. Evening meetings for young children are to be de precated under ansr but the most exceptional circumstance*. Evan if they meet with no actual evil going or coming through tne •trertfl the effect inevitably is to create a feeling of rarest, as well as breed the idea that happiness is only found elsewhere than in the home. Many parents suppose that it their children have gone to a singing j practise, or a prayer meetiug, or a mestiug of a Band of Hope or of a Juvenile Temp'ar j lodge, that no harm can befall {hem, Iheae | do not sufficiently know huir»n *»tnK. Ther« i« no haven like the family rocf tree, and if children Qnd that they are happier ; elsewhere their degeneration is imminent and the parents are nob free from the ' responsibility. If every person swept before ' his own door, saya the Dutch proverb, there ] would be a clean street, and similarly if ( every parent kept his children off the streets ! there would be no necessity for Juvenile ' Offendey* 4fffc«." '

January 3 and 4 1898, will be special Bank holidays throughout New Zealand.

A picnic in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church will be held at Elgin on New Year's Day, patious being conveyed thither in waggons drawn by a traction engine. Tea or hot water will be provided, all for Ihe small charge of flixpence.

The friends nf Mr and Mrs Joseph Ivesa will regret to learn that (hey have lost by :leath a loved and very promising daughter in Mica Maud, who die 1 in Gbristchurcb on Tuesday. The young lady was but eighteen years of age, but has been a sufferer for some time, and her death was not un loolted for. She was very taleuted, painted well, and had a taste for literature, and was withal a general favorite among troops of ttionds. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the community in their loss.

The Press ot to-day reports :—A man, named Henry P*get, an engine driver at Mr M. P. Andrewa's Sumner roj,d quarries, yesterday morning, was oiling or feeding the ueumitriu on the shaft, when his clothes were caught on the revolving shaft and he waa I thrown round several times until his clothes, AKunpt his boots and socka, were torn from hk hody. No one saw the accident. He i wiw at>l« to walk or crawl away a little, and iimvor bcufttne unconscious. Dr. Hunt was if"ii)tt<!jktitly telephoned for and Paget was ufcuo i.ri his home. After being attended by \Ub t\ut;U>r ho was removed bo the hospital lin i.fm «m|julanoc vnn. He is in a serious I -'-j.iiiijun, and it is feared that he is injured { )fi»*s(»fiiliy. i'ageb is a married man living •<» U;q v^Uny road, and a few years ago k*i-"M in Afthburton, where he carried on a M«'.fcq;>ijMi'« ttusinesß in Burnett street. •tn&r in 'J'imh for Christmas.—ln ..»/>*,» v, kt:*)p "up-to-date" with our ! ,iUi>'i!Jy iKniviii^ing buninosß we have decided ; <-, tjjo^i, fiotiHidorablo aite-ntions to our I f.mhtUtfH, ttnd to make room for the builders wfj (iaytj M'dolvtnl to greatly reduce our •iUn,k imtotti { ;hristmas. We have therefore i.ttlti-d n, Urgo (juantity of our Tweeds and Wmuumlh, oio, to dear at the following tttdutjiiuHH : —Men's suits to measure, usual ji* iuit iXJs. now 70a ; Men's trousers, usual ■ priutt 2bn, now 15s 6d; etc. We have also pltiiMmro in notifying that we have just been appointed agents for the famous "British Lion' and "Waverley" Bicycles (both gonlB 1 and ladies'), which we are now selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at iho lowest oaHh prices, or on the most liberal lerm« to suit the convenience of our cuHl.omerH. (Every machine guaranteed).— CiuiotuuD and Bkuhyman, the leading Tailors and Outfitters.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

Asliton

A meeting of the Aahton School Com mittee took place ou Tuesday evening, 28'h inst. Present—Messrs J. Croy, J. D. Bell, J. P. Blee, D. Ryan, and T, Taylor (in the chair.) After SQme correspondence was dealt with, the Inspector's report was read and considered. Mr Croy then moved, and M r Ryan seconded, the following resolution ; —That this Committee consider the report very satisfactory, and congratulate the teachers on the good results obtained. It was also agreed t<j include the names of Messrs Benjamin and Hills for the good woik done by them during Mr Mitchell's illness. It was resolved that prizes be given to the scholars as usual.

The following is the Inspector's report o$ the school, which was e^amiqed on Novem ber 23:— Pass Subjects.

ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS. Repetition and recitation—Good, Drill and ejperpiees—Very fair. Singing—Very fair. Needlework—lncomplete; otherwise good. Comprehension of reading lessons—For most part good. Organisation.—Standards 6—3, Mr T. S. Mitchell, master; Standards 2, 1 and P classes—Mies Alice G. Banks, A.F.

General Remarks.—The upper section of this school (Standards 6—3) again submits work marked by noteworthy features of accuracy and intelligence ; the presentment in " class " and "additional" subjects being no less pleasing than the performance in the " pass" routine. In bhe lower section, Standards 2 and 1 meet with ease the ordinary tests, and are well entitled to promotion. The preparatory classes gener ally show satisfactory progress and profici ency in the work prescribed. Word-building and spelling in this group may with advantage receive further attention.— Thomas Ritchie, Inspector.

CABLE BREVITIES.

Preaa Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. London, December 27 The Standard stateg th^t the Trans- Siberian railway will enable the journey between England and Aus tralia to be shortened by ten days. The same journal advises the P. and O. Company to reduce the voyage between England and Bombay and the return journey from Australia to Colombo by six days, and suggests the construction of a railway across India as an alternative. In the action Huddart Parker r the STew Zealand Shipping Company judgment was given for £1100, the plaintiff giving security for repayment ja the event of an appeal against the judgment proving successful. A fire on board the ship Westgate^ which was loading at the West India Docks, London, for Melbourne, did great damage.

j SvdnbFj December 28 The barque Northern Chief had just reached the anchorage at Newcastle ? from Port Piri", when it was discovered that the vessel was making water j badly, and in order to prevent hepl j sinking she was beached. The origin of the leak is a njystery. I Captain Russell passed through j Sydney en route for England.

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES v VICTORIA.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Copyright,

Mblbodrnk, December 27

The cricket match New South Wales v Victoria began to-day. The latter bitted first and lost seven wickets for 276— Worrall 49, Trumble 40, Giller 45, Graham 52 and McMichael not out 28 were the chief scorers.

December 28. The Victorians are all out for 320 runs— McMichael not out 53.

To-day was very hot, and the cricketers were much affected. On returning to the pivilion at the close of the Victorian innings, Kelly fell in a fir, suffering from heat apoplexy. His condition is low. Gregory also was taken so ill that his play ing in the test match is interdicted by the doctor. It is unlikely that Kelly will be able to play. New South Wales lost nix wickets for 241. Pye (80), McKenzie (88), and Gregory (22) were the principal aoorers. In the Victorian first innings, MoKibbin took four wickets for 109, Nohie one for 59, Ferris one for 47, Pye two for 42, Donnan one for 16. 1

Received Wakapuaka Dec. 29,10 55 a.m. Guardian Office 11.46 a.m.

Melbourne December 29.

In the match Englishmen v eighteen of Bendigo, the latter in their first innings were all out for 150. Saravaas 30 was the chief scorer. In the second innings eight wickets are down for 93. McKay 20, Ste/ens 24 were the highest score*. Eng land in their first innings scored 283; Mason 120. Storer 47, and Hayward 45. Ranjit singhi was enjoying a rest.

CANTERBURY v. AUCKLAND.

Auckland, December 28,

The infcerprovincial match, Auckland v Canterbury, was resumed to-day. The pre vious day Canterbury lost four wicket* for 31 in their second innings. Reese (1) and Ridley (4), the not out men, resumed batting, and the former put on 15 more, when ha was caught by Labatt. His partner played a fine innings for 42, giving only one chance. Pearce and Wilding followed with 5 and 6 respectively, and a stand was then made by Wigley and his captain. At twenty minutes past twelve the former, by first-class cricket, had 22 opposite his name and his partner 9. This brought the total up to 133. Hay relieved at the bowling crease, but effected no change. Clark pisted Neill to the boundary twice in succession, and was making things merry. Wigley followed suit and brought 160 up en the icoring board. Hay sent down several maidens, and Neill was relieved by Kallender, whose first over produced 6 runs. Just on lunch time G. Mills relieved Hay, but the runs still came. Two overs later the players adjourned for lunch, with the score at 187—live ahead of the visitors* first innings score. Fours and threes followed the resumption of the play, and the double century wai noon displayed. Another change in the bowling was then made, but the pair had evident'y got set. They carried the total to 219, when the redoubtable Wigley was stumped by Wright after a nice innings for 73. Fowke followed, and another c.hange in the bowling took place. With the score at 236 yet another ohange was tried, but Clarke continued to play with caution. At 251 the new comer, who had got into his teens, was dismissed by Neill with a difficult and well executed c i-1 co. Clark was left not gut with a well hit 61. Auckland required 344 to win, and they were without Dr Fabst, who was indisposed. The first wicket realised only 3, the second 33, and the third fell for 53. 0. Mills and Stemson then became associated and made the stand of the match, carrying the score to 176 before Stemson was caught and bowled by Olark for 73,. M[*ny changes in the bowling vjfere tried. Labatt filled the Y&oancy, and at 6p m the score stood at 18b for four wickets. The fielding of the visitors was a treat to watch. Sgores j—

CAHTEBBUIHr, First InniDgii ... 182 Second Innings. Cobcroft, b Labatt ... ... ... 5 M. C. Ridley, run oub — ... 11 Garrard, Ibw, b R. Neilt 0 Sims, st Wright, b Neill ... ... 7 A. Ridley, st Wright, b Kelly .., 4.2. D. Reeae, c Labatt, b Stemson ... 16 Wigley, b Kelly ... . ._ 73 Pearoe, lbw, b, Stemson ... ... 5 Willing, <\ and b Kelly ... ... 6 Clarke, not out ' .. ... ... 61 Fowke, c Neill, b Kelly ... ...13 Extras... .- ... ... 12 Total 251 Bowling Analysis—-R_. Neill, 15 overs, 2 maidens, 57 runs, 2 wickets; Labatt, 20 overs, 11 m-idenß, 22 runs, 1 wicket j K^lly, 25 overs, 2 maidens, 60 runs, & wickets; Stemson, 11 overs, 11 maidens, 42 runs, 2 wickets. Hay, Ksllender, G. Mills, Lawson, aod I. Mills also bowled, bub without success. AUCKLAND. First) Innings ... ... ... 90 Second Innings. D. Hay, Ibw, b Pearce ... ... 20 I. Mills, c Wilding, b Reese ... ... 1 G. Mills, not out ... ... ... 66 J. A. Kallender, b Pearce ... ... 14 W. Stemson, c and b CUrk ... ._ 73 A, M. Labatt, not out .. ... 3 Extras,. .. ... ..2 Total for four wickets .. 185 Bqwlihg Analysis—Pearce, 18 overs, 2 maidens, 51 runs, 2 wickets; Reeae, 24 overs, 6 maidens, 89 runs, 1 wiokefc; Clark* 9 overs, 4 maidens, 16 runs, 1 wicket. Cobcroft, Gdrrard and Wilding also bowled.

Auckland, December 29>

The match was conclude 1 to-day, Auok« land resuming batting *t ten oVock with four wickers down, were all disposed of in an hour for 218. G. Mills 80 was the highest scorer, and payed a fine innings ; Labatt 10, R. Neill 1, Wright 2, Lawson 9, Fabst 5, Kelly not out 0, also batted to-day. Canterbury won by 126 runs. The visitors return home by the Mahinapua.

GAS IN A TUNNEL.

Loss of Lifg.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright.

Melbourne, Dececember 28.

Mr Mossop, inspeptatorfor the Board of Works, together w.ifh workmen named Porter, Stephens and Hoare, descended a shaft into the South Yarra tunnel. Hoare subsequently returned, stating that his companions were in danger from gas. A relief party, consisting of Mr McKenzie, onff of the contractors, Gfibson and Hoare were driven to the surface, and Gibson was overcome. The captain of the South Yarra Fire Brigade, in a smoke jacket, went down and searched the tunnel to the limits of the hose, but saw no bodies. Another attempt is being made. Received Wakapuaka Deo. 29, 10.20 a. in. Guardian Osoe, 11.1Q a. m Melbourne, December 29

The worst tears have been realised in connection with the fatality. Lite in the afternoon a party of foremen succeeded in finding the body of Qibson, lying face downwards in the §haft. He was brought to the surface, and further along the shaft the bodies of Stevens and Popter were found so tightly locked together that it was impossible to separate them in order to bring them out. It is also certain (hat Mossop is a victim of the foul air. The influx of water stopped the search, but it will bi> resumed torday, with the assistance of electric light. Mossop had only been married five months; all the others are married men with families.

MAGISTERIAL.

(Before Hon. W

ASHBU RTON— W BDNBSDA V,

J. Steward and T.

Bullock, Ebq., JVaP.)

Alleged Theft. — Wiliiain Tait was charged with stealing a gun, value £6, the property of H. B. Preston, of Newlands. Mr Cuthbertson, wh > appeared for accused, pleaded not guilty, and applied for a remand to enable the summoning of witnesses for the defence. Accused was remanded till to morrow ; bail allowed, accused in £20, and one surety in the like amount.

CALEDONIAN CONCERT.

The Ashburton Caledonian Society's annual concert was given on Boxing night to a fair but not overcrowded audience* Both parts of the programme were opened by the Orchestral Society who played Scotch muaio with acceptance. The other instrumentalist* were Mrs Donald Mac Lean, whose " Auld Robin Gray," with variations, was a finished performance, and Mr C. McGlaehan, whose solo " The Thorn," on the cornet earned for him the heartiest of recalls. In the Moond part Mrs Mao Lean played " hurricane* o' Hieland reels" to the delight of her hearers. The solo vocalists were Miss Cooper, Dunedin, who contributed several items, notably " Robin Adair " and " Tarn Glen," | the latter with delightful archness, and took i her part in the duet with Mr Jago "The Orookit Bawbee"; Mrs W. 8. Mitchell, who is still the favourite aae always has been, ! and sang as few can sing the song " Annie o' the banks o'Dee," and for one of berec cores fare " Kate O'Shane," in charming style; and Irs Bruce, than whom, in Scotch song, a superior has seldom graced the Ashbnrton stage. Mrs Brace's " Auld Scotch songs " was sang with feeling and pathos, and " My heather hills" was given with all the "vtrr 1' the Scotch like in compositions of this kind. Mr J. Jago was a host in himself, and hie numbers went far to make the programme the enjoyable one it proved to be. The Jacobite song, "The braes o' Mar" wh grandly treated. It is a song that few voices •re equal to, and it is a notable fact that northern minstrelsy contains several such, among others " The MacGregors' gathering." Mr Jago also sang " Gae bring to me a pint I o' wine," " Where has Scotland fennd her I fame," " Come sit thee dooo," and several humorous ditties with which he delighted the audience. A team of dancers also helped to keep things lively, and the first reel waa i a thing to be remembered for energy and | "hooch," Mr MoGlashan piping. Mrs . Claridge played the accompaniments with. 1 her usual taste, and a most successful and enjoyable concert closed with the National Anthem.

CORRESPONDENCE.

I (We do not hold ourselves responsible for tb« opinions expressed by oar correspondent!.;

HOW INJURIOUS INSECTS ARE DISTRIBUTED.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sm,—A year ago Itent ran • note on this ■abject, showing how waay species of pests reach different countries, and explaining the means of their dispersion. Too much stress cannot he, kid on the fact that New Zealand is annually receiving fresh additions to the already large list of introduced destructive and ruinous peste. For two seasons Mrs Randall has thoughtfully preserved and sent > me living specimens of the American cocc* roach, which arrived ab the shop in cases of bananas and oranges. On the 20th Mr Flower also sent me a large living specimen which had arrived at his shop in a banana caße along wifch others which Mr Flower kept himself. On the same date Mr Thiele, of the railway goods shed, sent me a living example which had readied the shed in some, upholstery material received from Italy* On comparing the insect with other specimen* £ find it to be the true European cookreactw It is not difficult to understand how thft insect got into the bedding material in Italy,, seeing that it is such a detested scourge in that country. The wretched dwellings of the poor people io the Campagna of Rome are, in some seasons, rendered almost un inhabitable by the presence of vast numbers of these insects. Since receiving the insect from Mr Thiele it has deposited egg* in it« cage, thm showing the urgent necessity for destroying these insects whenever they are met with, ihe American species m now unfortunately acclimatised in several countries. They are very partial to nearly all kinds of fruits, while shiploads of oranges and bananas would furnish a ready means of introducing them from infested countries. In some districts in New Zealand the house bug—commonly called the American bug is a serious pest. It would, however, prove trifling compared to either the American or European cockroaches if they are once allowed to establish their race in the colony. Fruit importers and fruit vendors should endeavour, by every possible means, to destroy these insects ana prevent them from spreading in New Zealand. I should perhaps mention that both these species of cock roaches are formidable and repulsive insect*. They measure aboub an "inch in length, are dark brown in colour, and armed with long, strong hooked claws, which enables them to cling to any object. They are very active in habits, and, like the house bug, conceal themselves during the day in the walls and crevices of houses, and come forfch to prey ah night.—l am, etc., W.W.SL

OBITUARY.

William PoUeck.

fOOSTBIBOTfiD.I

i i More than a passing word is due to the t memory of William Pollock, who, on i , Christmas Day, entered into the rest he has ; looked forward to so long. For years the i writer has known him—known him ever : since he came to Ashburton. Ashburton i , has been familiar for a long time with the burly form of the old Salvationist, who so sturdily fought the good fight in the streets of the town, instant in season and out of season proclaiming to all who had ears to hear, what Christ had done for him. Bab William Pollock was not always a Salvation ist. The time was when he and the writer have enjoyed an hour or two of solid fun over che recital of old Scotch stories told by the old man in bis broad Doric, and with much pawk.in.esi, He was not' then the staunch teetotaller nor the aggressive Christian he subsequently became, but this, need, not be dwelt upon now. What, however, is worth dwelling upqn is the fact that when he ran, across the Salvation Army and came under its influence, or rather the influence of the religion of Jesus Christ, brought to him by its means, the change that took place upon his qharaot«r was most remarkable. The grace of God seemed to look out qf the very, eve* of the old man. The old habits that had held him in bondage for yeats were thrown off; their bonds burst like the proverbial " thread of tow when it toucheth the fire,'* and he stood out a man whose changed life presented to all >vho knew him a sample of what the preacher means when he tens of the Christ who saves E[ia people from thejr sins. Qnce "saved by grace" William Pollock buckled on the arrqor qf the cau,«e he had espoused, and devoted the remainder ofr.hu life to hia seU-chosen task. Ifow be. worked in the Army alt know who knew the man. Jfor years he h.ad been a sufferer from rheumatism, and it is not very long since, the grip of the disease becoming tqo strong upon him, he had, to hand over to h\t sons the business he had so longandsuooete fully carried on, and retire, IJe worked as hard as he Could, however, in the cause of his Saviour to the last, but evidences were not wanting that the powerful phyaique of the grand old man was breaking up, and the process went an, and was finally completed on Christmss Day, and on the anniversary of his Lord's birth, the old soldier of the Cross passed away, having jutt reached the threescore and ten years allotted to man. He was buried on Monday, the officers of the Army conducting the service, and in -spite of the holiday a large number of frienda followed the remains to the gr«VQ,

1J E Af BBUItION GUAJKDIAB : WEDNESDAY, DEC&MBEK 29, 1897.



*4 t. op

. T3 I a as

"S

+3 a a> IB

& s

T3

I

I

rr mni

14 0 12 6 11 4 10 4 '8 U 7 11 )verß

>> " )t \ » p

7 6 5 4 3 2 1

2 2 7 7 S 7 3 12

2 2 6 6 6 7 3 12

_] 0 0 Q 0 0 0

2 6 6 6 7 3

'ears 1

Total

46

44

50

larks to 100)

Class

iUBJEO'

•s

Grammar History Geograpky (Standard 2 only) Science, object lessons, etc. Mental Arithmetic

60 65 70 70 60



TO 'RESIDENTS BUILDING & FUBNISHING. \TTE BEG respectfully to announce that we have received, per S.S. "lonic" and "\Laura,' very heavy shipments for our HOUSEHOLD FURNISHING Depart ment, viz :— SHEETINGS CURTAINS; CARPET SQUARES PILLOW COTTONS QUILTS HEARTH RUGS TOWELS TOILKTS OILCLOTHS T ABLINGS MUSLINS LINOLEUMS w +t,« WAVfiY DEPARTMENT we are showing a fine assortment of new SdM endl«w variety of Black and Colored Gimps. NEW SHIPMENTS OF Dresses, Straws, Mantles. * .CftSW of Samples HOSIERY, at LANDED COST. MITCHELL & TURNER. REDUCED RATES FO3 CHRISTMAS AST 8. SALEK'S, THB LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT



Largest Stock Prices CHRISTMAS_ PRESENTS. Q PECIAL LI.CB -MDgMD PMfl.^ -*- (■«,» sftj J5 Brooches (new and choice desigw) at '£»£,, ' Gold Linka at 8a 6d , 10«, and Brooches from 1. 6d ?P™f *' ve *^E'"2s 6d, 4s, and 4a 63. Pencil Ca.es (a upwards. Ladies' and Gentlemen s giver r fi large stock to««l£Ctf. r»m p \ o a n t2"6 u d al tV B aa y in Ohristchurch) from one guinea to ten stock ever seen in A-hburtoD, cquri to aoy d in d sg> ?s Mf Si^lVStlJ^S-l^d «^bto -tides at 2s 6d, sa, and 7s 61 BPfSGIAJU ATXJbSNXIOW IS CALLED TO THE STOCK OF Gold Brooches and Ladies' Rings. These two lines are Heavily Stocked.^ndj^of the Newest aad Choicest Designs. INSPECTION INVITED FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS S. SALEK'S JBWBIiLBiBY ESTABLISHMENT, J EAST STBEKT. STOCK ANO PBIOES U-NEQIJALLED IN THE DISTKIOT. HOUSE PAINTING & PAPERHANGINGL r HAVF iu.t to b« n d a .Mp»«rt «< OMJUINB WHITE LKAI. 4 PURE SLINBEBD Pm . M d..,r0«. o, ha™ B thei, M-■ - P>'»" J — Q™WNE " WHH4M * GOOD TRADESMEN are requested to call up°a P« OIL CLOTH FOR DADO.S IN STOCK. TO ARTISTS. I HAVE a Splendid lot of.Opai Glass in stock, specially prepared for Artißta' use, which omj be cat to any size required at a moderate charge. J. WILSON, CORNER OF ARCADE & BURNETT STREET^^ Telephone 65.]



CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. SERVICE PLATED WARE. Tip HAVE i«.t taaed . choice »l..ti» * *>** <*»* <* B '«» isito D '»«"' Choice Patternsj and Good Quality. THEY have been marked exceptionally low of price, and persons requiring Preaent* for their frieud, will do well to oil, i Dß pec b our ,tock, and make their -election early. i i W. H. COLLINS & CO.



John Orr & Co. I John Orr & Co. jrnHE success attending our Cheap Gash Sale I Induces us to adopt (or the future this system of doing business, And as wa purchase for Cash from the beat makers in England and America, the General Public will therefore hare the advantage of Selecting GOODS OF STERLING QUALITY at prices hitherto unheard of, CONSISTING OF IRONMONGERY, GROCERIES, OROOKERY 9 GLASSWARE, etc.,



Public INotioes. L special Discount ! FOE CHRISTMAS SEASONS j Of Is in the Pound. From this day till the end of December. \"\7"K.j ftrt) now offering hohio voiy SPECIAL LINKS IN PKKSS (IOODH. Exceptionally low priuou quoted for completed ooslninM< WtdliS WINDOW*. Tweod Oostiumosuompltittt from . 20m A (jrftml Lino of Hoy« 00!nm.4 Twti*»d Kniukor Huita, sb.au 1 to 15, tlii«« w« Mtwt from 4m 1I«I p«r HuiL WORTH I*oll Blilfi. SPKCIAL VALUK IN MHN'H TVVKISU m B U I T H. A really good «ult for ... «**** «t«l We tti-o offering noiiin Jwondorlully < <h«*i> ' linos in all Pepartmi j»ts. Ashburton Drapery Company. CLOTHING FACTORY.



BEST SNOWDROP SUGAR ... id lb TEA, BLENDED ... 101b Boxes Is lb TEA, IN HALF CHESTS, lOd lb, (strong liquor) Colonial Candles ... 4d lb per box English PwafineCandles... 6£d lb per box Kerosene, 180 test ... 6d 6d per tin ■ f| 12a 9d per case Uo'nflour - 3d per lb Essence of Lemon 4 n d, , , (l Worcester Sauce, Pints ... 9d bottle Essence of Coffee ... ... 10W Sago li£P wlb, l . Tobacco, Nubian squares... 4s 6d per lb Bran 3a 6d per bag Sharps ... 5 s Ev* 8 Oatmeal, 251b Bags ... 2s 9d bag Rollitfs Flour, 2001bs ... 2as „ lOOlbs ... 12s 6d Currants W *s(i Elema Ratlins .- ... 7d Valencia Raisins ... ... ?d Sultana Raisins ?d Sicily Almonds la 2d Figs 8d Muscatels . '"„-,* Jordan Almonds . •• 3d Mixed Peel 8d 2^lb Tins Preserved Fruit lOd Lemon Squash, English ... Is 3d Lemon Juice, Euglish ... la 3d Sardines 4Ad per tin Fresh Herrings ... ... 6£d per tin Herrings & Tomato Sauce lOd per tin Pressed Hops, per 3b .. Is 4d Fruit Salts 2s per bottle Ground Ginger Is 4d per lb Anohovy Paste 8d per tin Citrate of Magnesia ... Is per bottlo Sheeps Tongues, best ... 10d per tin CROCKERY &JGLASBWARE Dinner Sets Toil.sb Seta Tea and Breakfast Seta Vases and Ornaments Tumblers and Wino Glasses | Decanter* aas Wster Bottles Glass Dishes Jelly and Butter Dishes (GRAND VARIETY ANJ) LOWJPKICES JN ABQyE LINES.



FOE THE FRUIT SEASON. Mason's Screw-bop Porcelain Lined Jars. Pints 4b 9d, Quarts 5s 9d, | Gallon 7a doz. Kenrick's Best Enamelled Maslin Kettles. 8 Quart 63, 10 quart 7s 6d, 12 quart 8s 6d. Brass Maslin Kettles, Drop Handles. 2 Gallon 7s, 2J gallon lls 63, 3 gallon 13a 6d Steel Enamel Preserving Pans, 2s 6d, 3s, 3s 6d, 4s. FOR THE HAKVEST FIELD. WE HAVE A SPLENDID STOOK Reaper Section Reaper Chains Hay Forks Hay Rakes Oih, in 1, 2 & 4 gallons BINDER TWINE. DONAGHY'S BEST, Flax, Mixed, & Manilla. Jotm Or & Co. 1



A. Q, BARfOH, MANAGER LILLU —. - . - - - ! Church Services. ST, STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburtoc FRIDAY - (New Yearns Eve}, Watch night service, commencing at 11.30 p.m , with celebration of Holy Communion. SUNDAY .SERVICES. lj a m—Morning Prayer and Holy Com munioji 3 p.m.-GREENSTREET, Rev, T. A. Hamilton. 3 p.m.—DROMORE, Mr Gates. 6.3o—Evening Prayer. [ REV T. A. HAMILTON. \g9 not l iepersi/ac/effTo ouyanj gfffie fffl/fa/fons< it" fqs/srjfthmM:^ C£VLO/Voflß£fflMpfMS Tfiey are pure andwfaksome * T/wvesfmoney ancf experience can My largest safe wmsfra/as/a. HOLJDAY7 ~ /"\K SATURDAY, (New Years' Day) the 'JtJAitoiAN will not be published.



Hywoi'sis ok New Advkutismmknts.



Ashburton Rifles—Shooting mitch, New Year's Day. Buggy horse for sale; also Brantford Reaper and Binder. Special Bank Holiday — Monday and Tuesday next. J. Walker—Commenced business as baker D. Thomas—Horses, etc., for sale, Arcade Friday ntxt. Primitive Methodist Church—Picnic at Elgin, New Year's Day.



KeATlNg's Po^DKjt destroys bugs, fleas, moths, beetles, and aty other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating beetles the success of this powder ia extraordinary. Its is perfectly clean in application. See the article you purchase is " Keating's," as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Sold is tins, td, Is and 2s 6d each, by all obemilti*



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